New Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has jokingly expressed his desire for his players to lose at the 2026 World Cup, so they can return home for pre-season club duties earlier. Mourinho made this statement on the Beast Mode On Podcast with retired English striker Adebayo Akinfenwa.
He explained that he wants the players to lose and go on holiday because he wants them back in pre-season six days before the World Cup final on July 19. Players progressing further in the competition will be granted additional recovery leave, which Mourinho will want to avoid.
Currently, 13 Real Madrid players are in North America for the summer, and only Arda Güler has not qualified for the knockout fixtures. The other ten players are either confirmed or likely to feature in the Round of 32.
Mourinho will be tuning in to watch the matches, but admitted he hasn't enjoyed the World Cup thus far and is looking forward to quality matches in the knockouts.
