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USA president Donald Trump will serve as the chair of a dedicated White House task force for the 2026 World Cup and is relishing the task despite repeatedly antagonising co-hosts Canada and Mexico.

The US won the right to jointly host the upcoming World Cup with its neighbours to the north and south during Trump’s first term. Back in the Oval Office after outstripping Democrat candidate Kamala Harris in November’s election, Trump has wasted little time riling Canada and Mexico (among many other nations).

Canada’s foreign minister Melanie Joly took a particularly firm position on Trump’s jibe that he would make the nation America’s “51st state”. Joly warned: “We’re insulted. We’re mad. We’re angry.”

Just last month, Mexico president Claudia Sheinbaum vehemently refuted Trump’s allegation that her country’s “narco-government” acted as a safe haven for “dangerous cartels”.

Trump has not limited himself to verbal barbs. The 45th president has imposed steep tariffs on trade with Canada and Mexico, taxing goods imported from each country by as much as 25%.

When asked whether the heated political climate would complicate the staging of football’s biggest tournament, Trump strongly disagreed. “I think it’s gonna make it more exciting,” he insisted. “Tension is a good thing.”

FIFA president Gianni Infantino, hailed by Trump as the “king of soccer”, revelled in the increased influence of the US government. “It’s important that everyone who comes to America feels safe and feels welcome and that’s why it’s important that the government brings together this White House task force chaired by the president himself, it shows the importance of the FIFA World Cups,” he beamed.

The task force will “co-ordinate with federal agencies in planning, organising and executing”. Vice-president JD Vance will act as vice-chair while an unnamed executive director will deal with the day-to-day demands.

Infantino added: “We have ten million tickets for sale – it’s like three Super Bowls every day for one month.” Trump lapped it up: “I love what he said – three Super Bowls a day for a month. That’s what it is. It’s amazing when you think about it, I’d never heard that expression. That’s a lot.”

The US will host the majority of the 104 matches at the largest iteration of the World Cup, including the final at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. Mexico boast three host cities while Canada’s Toronto and Vancouver will also stage games.

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Barcelona have the opportunity to extend their lead at the summit of La Liga on Saturday evening when they host mid-table Osasuna.

With title rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid not in action until Sunday, the Catalan giants are able to pile on the pressure with victory at home the previous day. They are currently three points ahead of Los Blancos and just one above Atleti as they aim to reclaim their La Liga crown during Hansi Flick’s first season at the helm.

Naturally, La Blaugrana will have one side-eye on Tuesday’s Champions League last 16 second leg with Benfica after triumphing in the first meeting several days ago. Despite Pau Cubarsi’s early red card, some inspired goalkeeping from Wojciech Szczesny and Raphinha’s second-half strike handed them a narrow 1-0 victory.

Osasuna have been draw specialists in La Liga this season with 12 from 26 outings and they would be thrilled with sharing the points in Catalonia this weekend. Their 4-2 win over Barcelona back in September will offer them belief, even if they remain significant underdogs given they’re 16th in the standings based on away form this term.

Here is 90min’s guide to an important clash for Barcelona.

Barcelona vs Osasuna head-to-head record (last five games)

Current form (all competitions)

Barcelona will be hopeful of Gavi’s return on Saturday night, with the Spaniard having missed victories over Real Sociedad and Benfica with illness – although he was an unused substitute in the former. Dani Olmo, who was sacrificed early against Benfica midweek following Cubarsi’s dismissal, is likely to feature in attacking midfield regardless.

Cubarsi will be in the Barcelona squad this weekend, with his suspension limited to the Champions League. He should start given he’s unavailable midweek.

However, Barcelona will be without the injured trio of Marc Bernal, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Andreas Christensen.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Osasuna (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Kounde, Garcia, Cubarsi, Martin; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski.

Osasuna have just one absentee for the trip to Catalonia but it’s a notable one, with the influential Aimar Oroz missing with a hamstring injury sustained against Valencia last time out. The 23-year-old scored twice in the 3-3 draw before being withdrawn before the hour mark.

He was the only member of Osasuna’s squad missing from their penultimate training session ahead of the weekend clash, giving Vicente Moreno plenty of options to choose from as his side look to upset the odds.

Osasuna predicted lineup vs Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Herrera; Areso, Boyomo, Catena, Cruz; Moncayola, Torro; Ruben Garcia, Barja, Zaragoza; Budimir.

Osasuna have shown their ability to cause the division’s top dogs issues this season but their struggles on the road could haunt them once more against Barcelona. Saturday’s hosts are unbeaten in 2025 and have banished their shaky home form since the turn of the year.

Moreno will be hoping that his opposite number rotates his preferred starting lineup this weekend but Barcelona should go strong with a one-goal cushion to protect at home to Benfica midweek. Their usual attacking stars will likely fire them to victory.

Prediction: Barcelona 2-0 Osasuna

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Wolverhampton Wanderers hope to pull further clear of the relegation zone when they host a resurgent Everton in Saturday’s late game.

The Old Gold are five points clear of 18th-placed Ipswich Town heading into Gameweek 28 but that gap could be slashed to two points by the time they kick off at Goodison Park. While Wolves are expected to avoid demotion to the Championship, they must secure their safety as quickly as possible to avoid a nervy conclusion to the campaign.

Everton have eliminated themselves from relegation talk since David Moyes’ return to the dugout, with the Scot having guided the Toffees to four wins and three draws in their last seven Premier League encounters. They have moved 15 points clear of the drop as a result and could finish the weekend as high as 13th should they win at Molineux and results elsewhere go in their favour.

Here is 90min’s guide to the game.

Wolves vs Everton head-to-head record (last five games)

Current form (all competitions)

Matheus Cunha has proven Wolves’ saviour this season but his melee with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez in the FA Cup last weekend earned him a red card and three-match suspension – which could yet be extended. He will be a glaring absence in the forward line.

Cunha’s suspension has been somewhat mitigated by some encouraging injury news for Vitor Pereira. The Wolves boss has revealed that Emmanuel Agbadou, Goncalo Guedes and Joao Gomes should be available despite recent fitness issues.

However, Sasa Kalajdzic, Leon Chiwome, Enso Gonzalez and Yerson Mosquera are still absent.

Wolves predicted lineup vs Everton (3-4-2-1): Sa; Doherty, Bueno, Toti; Semedo, Andre, J. Gomes, Ait-Nouri; Bellegarde, Strand Larsen, Sarabia.

Moyes has revealed the influential forward trio of Iliman Ndiaye, Dwight McNeil and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are all still unavailable, claiming none of them are even close to making their returns.

Youssef Chermiti, Armando Broja and Orel Mangala are all still absent with long-term issues – the latter out for the rest of the season – but Seamus Coleman could feature in some capacity at the weekend as he nears full fitness.

Moyes has a big decision to make between Abdoulaye Doucoure and winter recruit Carlos Alcaraz in attacking midfield, with both having impressed with goals in recent outings.

Everton predicted lineup vs Wolves (4-2-3-1): Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Garner; Lindstrom, Doucoure, Harrison; Beto.

Wolves have been incredibly reliant on the individual genius of talisman Cunha this term and they will find it difficult to replace his attacking output and creativity against Everton. The Brazilian’s suspension could prove costly over the coming weeks.

Everton are the side in stronger form and have increased their goal returns since Moyes took charge. They have a centre-forward in excellent shape and Beto could be the difference-maker in a tight affair at Molineux.

Prediction: Wolves 1-2 Everton

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Sandwiched in between their Champions League round of 16 tie with Club Brugge, Aston Villa visit Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

The Villans were inferior for much of Tuesday’s first leg in Bruges, but an unfortunate own goal and a late Marco Asensio penalty means they’ll take a 3-1 advantage with them to Villa Park on Wednesday night. PSG or Liverpool await in the last eight.

While Europe is Unai Emery’s priority down the stretch, Villa must also make a push for a continental position via the Premier League. Defeat at Crystal Palace last time out in this competition leaves them in tenth but only a point adrift of Bournemouth in seventh. Chelsea are only four points better off in fifth.

However, another away domestic defeat will see 11th-place Brentford close the gap on Saturday’s visitors to a point. The West Midlanders have also played a game more than their rivals.

The Bees are unbeaten in three since losing at home to Spurs, but much of their success in recent months has arrived away from the Gtech Community Stadium. They haven’t won at home since 7 December.

Here is 90min’s guide to Saturday’s televised Premier League clash.

Brentford vs Aston Villa head-to-head record (last five games)

Current form (all competitions)

Brentford have been dealing with a number of absences throughout 2025 and were without eight players for their 1-1 draw with Everton last time out.

However, Thomas Frank could welcome back Danish midfielders Mathias Jensen and Christian Norgaard to the fold on Saturday. While Jensen is aiming to shake off a groin injury, Norgaard is likely to have recovered from a concussion.

Rico Henry and Sepp van den Berg could make their respective comebacks later this month, but the likes of Aaron Hickey, Igor Thiago, and Josh Dasilva are out of action for the foreseeable future.

Brentford predicted lineup vs Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Flekken; Ajer, Collins, Pinnock, Lewis-Potter; Janelt, Norgaard; Mbeumo, Damsgaard, Schade; Wissa.

It’s been a busy few weeks for Villa, and Emery will undoubtedly prioritise Wednesday’s return leg against Club Brugge despite their two goal advantage.

With that in mind, Pau Torres could make his long-awaited return from injury, while Jacob Ramsey, Marco Asensio, Ian Maatsen, and Matty Cash are all in contention to make the starting XI. Boubacar Kamara will be eased back in after recovering from a muscle injury.

Donyell Malen is a doubt due to illness. Ross Barkley and Amadou Onana are both out injured.

Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Brentford (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; McGinn, Tielemans; Asensio, Rogers, Ramsey; Watkins.

Brentford haven’t won at home in 2025, but Villa are one of the poorest performing away teams in the Premier League this season. They’ve lost seven of their 13 away league games, and were thrashed 4-1 by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park last time out.

Villa often look stuck in the build-up in the absence of lynchpin Boubacar Kamara, and there’s no guarantee that he’ll start on Saturday. Frank should prey upon the visitors’ vulnerability and press Villa high up the pitch.

Brentford may not have been particularly productive at home as of late, but they remain a nuisance to play against. They should have success in wide areas and through their direct approach, especially in the middle of the park. With Villa’s eye wandering, the hosts could claim a long overdue home win.

Prediction: Brentford 2-1 Aston Villa

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Crystal Palace are aiming to pile more misery on relegation-threatened Ipswich Town this Saturday when they welcome the Tractor Boys to Selhurst Park.

The Eagles have won eight of their last ten matches in all competitions as they continue their recovery from a slow start to the campaign, even reaching the FA Cup quarter-finals last weekend following victory over London rivals Millwall.

Oliver Glasner’s side will be strong favourites for Saturday’s clash with struggling Ipswich but their disappointing home record gives the Tractor Boys a glimmer of hope. Palace are fourth in the table based on their away record this season but are slumped in 16th when it comes to home results, with just three wins in 14 Premier League duels.

Ipswich are looking to exploit any uncertainty but have shown few signs suggesting they’re capable of staging a surprise triumph on Saturday. They have won just twice away from home in the league and have now been cut five points adrift from safety after six defeats from their last seven in the competition.

Here is 90min’s guide to the clash in south London.

Crystal Palace vs Ipswich head-to-head record (last five games)

Current form (all competitions)

Jean-Philippe Mateta will be absent for the weekend after suffering a nasty head injury during the clash with Millwall. Goalkeeper Liam Roberts collided with the striker at full tilt, forcing him to be taken to hospital to receive 25 stitches on his left ear.

Glasner is hopeful that the French forward, who has scored 12 Premier League goals this term, will have recovered by the time the March international break concludes.

Will Hughes is another influential absentee for Ipswich’s visit after accumulating ten yellow cards in the league this season. He will be suspended for the next two matches as a result.

Cheick Doucoure and Chadi Riad are sidelined for the remainder of the campaign, while Joel Ward is still injured.

Palace predicted lineup vs Ipswich (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Lerma, Wharton, Mitchell; Sarr, Eze; Nketiah.

Ipswich’s extensive injury list will not aid their bid to beat the drop, with fitness problems impacting team selection across the pitch.

Axel Tuanzebe is absent after being withdrawn during the FA Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest last time out, while Cameron Burges, who was also substituted early, will be assessed closer to kick-off. Wes Burns is joined on the sidelines by Conor Chaplin and Sammie Szmodics as well, with the latter having undergone an ankle operation.

Julio Enciso and Omari Hutchinson are edging closer to returns and could feature in the squad this weekend. Kalvin Phillips is another that will force a late decision regarding his fitness, but Christian Walton will return to the fold on Saturday.

Walton’s return is timely given Arijanet Muric is likely missing with a shoulder problem.

Ipswich predicted lineup vs Palace (4-2-3-1): Palmer; Johnson, O’Shea, Greaves, Davis; Morsy, Cajuste; Philogene, Broadhead, Clarke; Delap.

Ipswich will have few expectations heading to the capital given their recent form and mounting injury crisis. Even Palace’s iffy home record in the league is unlikely to offer them the sufficient confidence boost required to upset the odds.

Palace will be without top scorer Mateta but Eddie Nketiah has found some goalscoring form in recent games and should fill the void. Palace have been largely solid at the back this term and are unlikely to be troubled by Ipswich’s injury-stricken front line.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-0 Ipswich

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