The Azzurri host Israel on Tuesday in Udine, a small city which will be the scene of a massive security operation with a pro-Palestinian demonstration set take place.

France moved three points closer to qualification for next year's World Cup.

Mbappe said he was feeling "more relaxed" in his life, having fully settled into life in the Spanish capital since joining Real from Paris Saint-Germain last season.

"The plan I had in mind for this week will ultimately change somewhat because of this," coach Ronald Koeman told a Monday press conference. "He won't start, no."

This latest setback resurrects an injury saga that has already seen Yamal miss four games this season.

Venezuela is the only side in the CONMEBOL federation never to qualify for the World Cup.

It is the first time Brazil have failed to reach 30 points since the format began in 1996.

With Lionel Messi absent and Lionel Scaloni fielding an alternative lineup, the world champions struggled for rhythm in a tense contest that saw two red cards and a decisive VAR intervention.

The Argentina captain walked out hand-in-hand with his children.

The Netherlands were held to a 1-1 draw by Poland in Rotterdam in Group G despite taking the lead in the first half through Denzel Dumfries.

Messi scored on either side of the interval, sparking emotional celebrations in front of a packed home crowd that included his family.

“It was a technical decision based on many factors,” Ancelotti explained ahead of tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier against Chile in Rio.

The 37-year-old football legend took to Instagram to share his frustration and support for his teammates.

The road to Canada, Mexico and the USA for FIFA World Cup 26 continues throughout 2025, with the first qualifiers to join the three host nations set to be confirmed in March.

Aston Villa's Martinez will return to international duty after serving a two-match ban from FIFA for "offensive behavior and violation of the principles of fair play".

Building on last week's 2-1 comeback win in Chile, Brazil looked livelier from the start and dominated possession, with late goals from Andreas Pereira and Luiz Henrique putting the gloss on an impressive performance.

Making only his second international appearance since recovering from an injury sustained at the Copa America in July, Messi capitalised on a mistake by defender Marcelo Suarez to open the scoring in the 19th minute.

Reigning world champions Argentina remain top with 19 points, holding a three-point lead over Colombia, despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Venezuela in their previous match, where Lionel Messi returned from injury.

Real's Militao, who also missed last month's international fixtures with a leg injury, had travelled to Sao Paulo after featuring as a late substitute in Real's 2-0 win over Villarreal on Saturday.

Vinicius suffered a neck injury during Real Madrid's 2-0 home win against Villarreal on Saturday, the club said.