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Wayne Rooney Overlooks France, Tips Two Teams for World Cup Final Spot

Ex-England captain leaves out France as he reveals his top picks to reach the tournament’s last stage

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2 hours ago

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Ex-England captain leaves out France as he reveals his top picks to reach the tournament’s last stage

Wayne Rooney has made a bold World Cup prediction, picking two teams he believes will reach the final while notably leaving out France. The former Manchester United and England striker shared his views ahead of the global showpiece, but the specific teams he tipped were not disclosed in available reports.

Rooney’s omission of France, the defending champions, is already causing a stir among fans and pundits who expected Les Bleus to be favourites once again. While details about which countries Rooney did select are missing, his choice signals belief in other contenders to rise above the likes of Kylian Mbappé and his French teammates.

For Nigerian football fans, Rooney’s predictions offer fresh talking points as the countdown to the World Cup continues. With Super Eagles supporters always tracking global opinion on possible winners and dark horses, any shake-up in the usual power rankings draws attention—especially when it comes from a respected figure like Rooney.

Neither Wayne Rooney himself nor any representatives from the French Football Federation had issued further comments at press time. No quotes from Super Eagles coaches or players have been reported regarding these predictions.

Attention now shifts to pre-tournament friendlies and squad announcements, with all eyes on which teams will justify their hype when the World Cup kicks off. Nigerian fans will be watching closely to see if Rooney’s picks can deliver—and whether France can prove him wrong on football’s biggest stage.

Source: https://www.pulsesports.ng/story/wayne-rooney-snubs-france-names-2-teams-to-reach-world-cup-final-2026061811594147818

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Nigeria Sport (Soft click)

Messi and Mbappe Lead the Line as Biggest Stars Dominate World Cup Group Stage Best XI

No Nigerian player made the cut as global icons headline the standout team from opening round in 2026.

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15 minutes ago

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June 18, 2026

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No Nigerian player made the cut as global icons headline the standout team from opening round in 2026.

The opening round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage has produced its first Best XI, with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe named among the headline stars. The official list features some of football’s most recognisable names, but no Nigerian player was included in this initial selection.

Details on how each player performed, their goals, assists, or minutes played were not provided in available reports. Only the presence of Messi and Mbappe in the Best XI is confirmed, with no further breakdown of positions or team representation published at press time.

For Super Eagles fans hoping for Nigerian representation after a promising qualifying campaign, this omission will sting. The focus now shifts to whether any Nigerian star can break into future Best XI lists with big performances in the remaining group matches.

Neither FIFA nor any Super Eagles coaching staff member had issued a statement regarding selections or omissions at press time.

The next round of group stage matches is set to continue later this week, offering fresh opportunities for players to impress and possibly earn a spot in subsequent Best XI announcements.

FIFA WORLD CUP PREVIEW: WHAT YOU SHOULD BE EXPECTING #viral #football #fypシ #worldcup #fifa #


Source: https://www.pulsesports.ng/story/2026-world-cup-messi-mbappe-headline-best-xi-of-group-stage-round-1-2026061813571347546

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Nigeria Sport (Soft click)

Portugal Manager Defends Ronaldo Selection Against DR Congo Amid Criticism

Coach insists keeping Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch was justified, but match score and key details were not reported at press time

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3 hours ago

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June 18, 2026

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Coach insists keeping Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch was justified, but match score and key details were not reported at press time

Portugal manager has come under fire for his decision to leave Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch during their recent fixture against DR Congo. The specific outcome of the match, including the final score and goalscorers, was not confirmed in available reports. This omission has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike, with many questioning whether the Portuguese star should have been substituted earlier.

While critics voiced concerns about Ronaldo’s continued presence in the game, the Portugal coach stood by his choice. He stated that removing Ronaldo ‘makes no sense’, suggesting that his experience and leadership were vital for the team’s strategy against DR Congo. However, without concrete match details such as goals or key moments, it remains unclear how this decision influenced the final result.

For Super Eagles fans watching from Nigeria, this development is a reminder of how much attention Ronaldo still commands on the international stage. With Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers approaching, Nigerian supporters will be eager to see how their own stars are managed in similar high-pressure situations.

At press time, neither the Super Eagles coaching staff nor officials from the Nigerian Football Federation had issued any statement regarding Portugal’s approach or its implications for African opposition. No direct quotes from players or coaches involved in the Portugal–DR Congo match were available in source reports.

Portugal’s next fixture and venue were not specified in current reports. Nigerian fans will now turn their attention to upcoming AFCON qualifiers, hoping for clarity and inspiration from their own technical bench.

FIFA WORLD CUP PREVIEW: WHAT YOU SHOULD BE EXPECTING #viral #football #fypシ #worldcup #fifa #


Source: https://www.pulsesports.ng/story/it-makes-no-sense-portugal-manager-defends-leaving-ronaldo-on-the-pitch-against-dr-congo-2026061810513211077

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Tuchel Voices Concern Over Declan Rice Injury as Midfielder Faces Uncertain Spell

No official word yet on the severity of Rice’s knock, with fans awaiting updates from club medics

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4 hours ago

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June 18, 2026

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No official word yet on the severity of Rice’s knock, with fans awaiting updates from club medics

There was fresh worry for fans as Declan Rice picked up an injury, with manager Thomas Tuchel admitting he is not sure how serious the setback is. The final score, opponent, and match details were not reported at press time, but all eyes are now on the midfielder’s fitness for upcoming fixtures.

The incident unfolded during a recent match, though neither the minute nor the nature of Rice’s injury was confirmed in available reports. Tuchel, visibly concerned after the game, said he hopes the problem is ‘nothing more,’ but no specific timeline or diagnosis has been provided by the club medical staff yet.

For supporters of both club and country, Rice’s absence could be a big blow if he is sidelined for any length of time. With key matches ahead in both domestic and international competitions, his availability will be crucial to maintaining squad momentum and stability in midfield.

Thomas Tuchel was the only figure to speak on Rice’s condition so far, sharing his hope that the injury is not serious. No further comments have been released by team doctors or other coaching staff at press time.

Fans now await official updates from the club regarding Rice’s status and possible return date. The next scheduled fixture and venue were not specified in available reports.

FIFA WORLD CUP PREVIEW: WHAT YOU SHOULD BE EXPECTING #viral #football #fypシ #worldcup #fifa #


Source: https://www.pulsesports.ng/story/i-hope-its-nothing-more-tuchel-gives-update-on-rices-injury-concern-2026061810405854665

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