José Mourinho has shifted Jude Bellingham into a number 10 role, freeing the English midfielder from extensive defensive duties to maximize his impact near the opponent’s penalty box. The tactical adjustment has yielded three goals and three assists early this season, prompting Mourinho to signal that the player can contend again for the Ballon d’Or.

Mourinho Unlocks Bellingham at Valdebebas

Working at the Valdebebas training ground, Mourinho and Bellingham have established a strong working connection. The coaching staff decided to push the midfielder higher up the pitch, reducing the defensive tracking back that frequently pulled him away from the attacking third over recent seasons. This structural shift allows Bellingham to engage in build-up play while retaining a heavy presence inside the final 30 meters of the field.

Fernandez Details Argentina’s Physical Fatigue

Shifting focus to international football, Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez addressed his squad’s physical condition during their recent campaign against Spain. Fernandez acknowledged that the Albiceleste entered the fixture significantly depleted after enduring multiple extra-time matches, including a grueling knockout encounter against Cape Verde in Miami amid extreme heat and humidity. The last few weeks were exhausting, Fernandez said, noting that roughly half the squad battled physical ailments. Despite the fatigue, the midfielder declined to use the circumstances as an excuse, offering full credit to Spain for their victory.

French Federation Eyes 2038 World Cup Bid

The French Football Federation (FFF) has turned its long-term focus toward hosting a future FIFA World Cup, with Philippe Diallo confirming ambitions for the 2038 tournament. With the World Cup expanding to 48 teams, tournament requirements mandate at least 16 major stadiums, a logistical threshold that will require France to co-host with one or more other countries. In the nearer term, the FFF also intends to bid for the next UEFA Nations League Final Four if the French team secures qualification, targeting venues in Lyon and Saint-Étienne, with the final potentially staged at Groupama Stadium.