Koné closing in on return: potential starter against Fiorentina?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, begins tonight with 48 teams competing in 104 matches over 39 days—the largest tournament in history. Six AS Roma players are competing, though Wesley has withdrawn due to injury at the last moment. The tournament features a new format: 12 groups of four teams, with the top two from each group and eight best third-place finishers advancing to a knockout stage that includes a round of 16. The final on July 19 in New York will include a 30-minute interval entertainment featuring Coldplay, Madonna, and Shakira. Two Roma players stand out as genuine contenders for silverware: Manu Koné, who will anchor France's midfield under Didier Deschamps as they seek revenge against Argentina after losing the 2022 final on penalties, and Donyell Malen, a key attacking weapon for the Netherlands under Ronald Koeman. Notably, Italy will not participate. Mile Svilar cannot represent Belgium due to diplomatic issues affecting his nation. Four additional Roma players are in the tournament: defender Evan Ndicka with Côte d'Ivoire, facing Germany, Ecuador, and Curaçao in their group; Zeki Çelik with Turkey in a group containing Australia, the United States, and Paraguay; and two Morocco-based players, El Aynaoui and Salah Eddine, competing in a group with Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland.

Walter Sabatini, former Roma sporting director, has sent a message of support to Wesley following the left-back's withdrawal from the World Cup due to injury. Sabatini posted on Instagram to address the midfielder's disappointment, saying: "Losing the World Cup is an unspeakable pain that we share with you, but your sporting life will restart in great form at Roma and with Roma." Sabatini also congratulated Ederson on his call-up as Wesley's replacement, describing him as deserving and expressing pride in the defender. Wesley sustained a muscle injury to his left adductor during Roma's match against Egypt, forcing him out of the tournament. The withdrawal has been a significant blow to both the player and the Roma environment. Upon returning from vacation, Wesley will undergo further medical examinations at Trigoria to assess the extent of the injury. Despite missing the World Cup, Wesley is expected to be available for Roma's pre-season training, which begins on 13 July. The club will monitor his recovery closely during the summer break to ensure he is fit for the start of the new season.

Irish striker Evan Ferguson has left AS Roma after a single season at the club. The 2004-born forward made 22 appearances and scored five goals in the Giallorossi shirt but was unable to establish himself, hampered by multiple injuries during his time in Serie A. Ferguson's departure marks the end of a difficult spell in Rome. Despite showing promise, recurring fitness issues prevented him from making a sustained impact at the club. His exit represents another chapter in Roma's ongoing squad evolution under current management. Ferguson addressed the Roma fanbase in a statement: "No one wants their time to be interrupted, but injuries are part of the game. Thank you to everyone at Roma and the fans for the support in recent months. I wish my teammates and everyone at the club the best for the future. Forza Roma ❤️💛." The forward departs with respect for the club and its supporters despite the injury-plagued campaign.