World Cup 2026: El Aynaoui to start for Morocco against Brazil

AS Roma continues its summer transfer activity with attacking reinforcements as the primary focus. The club has identified Summerville of West Ham and Greenwood as key targets, with vice-president Ryan Friedkin personally engaging with West Ham over the Dutch winger. Roma currently values Summerville at approximately €30 million, while West Ham seeks €40 million given competitive interest. Greenwood remains a priority, with Roma exploring a loan with obligation-to-buy structure valued around €45 million after Marseille's initial €50 million asking price. Christian Pulisic of AC Milan has also emerged as a left-wing option, with the American reportedly seeking an exit from Milan after repeatedly declining renewal offers. Roma views Pulisic as a potential fit to operate in his natural position and contribute goals and assists to the attack. On the contract front, negotiations have progressed on multiple fronts. A revised offer for Gianluca Mancini's renewal has improved, with agreement now described as close. Paulo Dybala's situation remains complex, with Boca Juniors continuing to pursue the Argentine midfielder, though the decision ultimately rests with the player regarding whether to extend his Roma contract.

Roma have improved their contract renewal proposal to defender Gianluca Mancini as the club shapes its future squad. Beyond exploring the Mason Greenwood transfer option, the Giallorossi are reviewing their renewal strategy with key players. Mancini, a cornerstone of the Roma defence, is now receiving an enhanced offer as the club seeks to secure the services of established squad members. Details of the improved terms remain unclear, but the move reflects Roma's prioritization of retaining important players during the ongoing transfer window.

AS Roma has improved its contract proposal for defender Gianluca Mancini, bringing a renewal agreement closer following a strong season that helped secure Champions League qualification for the first time in seven years. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini considers Mancini untouchable in his plans, and the club prioritises his renewal alongside Paulo Dybala as central to the team's future direction. Mancini's improved offer reportedly includes a contract extension through 2029, with an optional additional year, at approximately €3.5 million per season. The former Atalanta defender played consistently at a high level throughout the campaign and is viewed as essential to Gasperini's project at Roma. Tony D'Amico, the newly appointed sporting director, is actively working to finalise the deal, with ongoing negotiations expected to accelerate the process in the coming days. An agreement is anticipated soon, with both club and player motivated to complete the renewal. Gasperini has made clear that Mancini's future remains firmly at Roma, with no consideration given to moves elsewhere, including to Inter.

A Roma midfielder has rallied his Morocco squad ahead of their World Cup group match against Brazil on the same evening that teammate Donyell Malen prepares for the Netherlands against Japan. The Roma player addressed the team after training, expressing confidence in their tactical preparation. He stated: "We have worked well these days on Brazil's team. We have seen their weak points and will try to exploit them. It will be a great match. We are determined. The staff has worked very well analysing Brazil's recent matches." The midfielder also highlighted the importance of Morocco's home support, drawing parallels to their recent Africa Cup of Nations triumph. He noted: "Morocco's public is incredible. We already saw it during preparation in the match against Norway: it seemed like we were at home." This World Cup campaign marks another significant test for Morocco, who reached the semi-finals at Qatar 2022 and won the continental title earlier this year. The evening's fixture pits Morocco against Brazil, with both nations eyeing progression from their group. Roma's involvement in international football remains prominent, with multiple squad members competing at the World Cup across different confederations.

Donyell Malen will start as centre-forward for the Netherlands in tomorrow's World Cup match against Japan (10 p.m.), with winger Summerville also in the starting lineup. The selection resolves final formation doubts for coach Koeman, who has chosen Malen as the primary striker ahead of Depay, who will be on the bench. Gakpo completes the attacking trident on the left wing. Malen aims to move past recent criticism following two unconvincing friendly performances last week. The Roma winger, who recently secured his permanent transfer to the club, is eager to perform as a protagonist during the tournament. Gasperini is reportedly interested in bringing Summerville to Roma as well, though any move would be discussed after the World Cup concludes. In a separate fixture, El Aynaoui will face Ancelotti's Brazil at midnight.

Younès El Aynaoui, a former professional tennis player, has spoken about his son Neil's development in an interview with Belgian broadcaster RTBF. The father discussed Neil's ambitions and his move to Roma, noting that his son was keen to find playing space at a major club. Details of Neil's specific role at Roma remain unclear from the available information.