Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 14, 2026, 12:45 AM ET
Women's Soccer
Sophia Wilson's return from injury and Olivia Moultrie's decisive strike powered the Thorns to victory espn.com as Portland opened their NWSL season with a 2-1 win over Washington. The match marked Wilson's first appearance since her ACL tear, with her 72nd-minute goal setting up Moultrie's match-winner seven minutes later. Meanwhile, Temwa Chawinga's absence espn.com looms large over Kansas City's campaign after the two-time reigning MVP was ruled out for the season opener due to a hamstring injury, leaving the Current without their most potent attacking threat.
Men's Soccer
Wrexham extended their Championship playoff push espn.com with a 2-0 derby victory over Swansea, as Nathan Broadhead's strike and a Liam Cullen own goal secured all three points at the STōK Cae Ras. Manager Phil Parkinson praised his team's character espn.com afterward, calling it a "massive" result in their promotion chase. The match also featured an unusual broadcasting twist, with co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney making their commentary debut espn.com, offering fans a unique perspective on the all-Welsh clash.
In Spain, Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone hit back at transfer speculation espn.com surrounding star midfielder Julián Álvarez, dismissing reports linking him with a move away from the Wanda Metropolitano. Across Manchester, Pep Guardiola launched a passionate defense espn.com of his team selection following City's 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League, while also admitting the Premier League title race could be over if they fail against West Ham espn.com.
International Soccer
The United States men's national team suffered a major blow espn.com with James Sands ruled out for the remainder of the Bundesliga season due to a left ankle injury, casting serious doubt on his World Cup participation. Mexico endured an even bigger setback espn.com with midfielder Marcel Ruiz confirmed out of the 2026 World Cup after tearing his ACL, dealing a devastating blow to El Tri's midfield depth.
Premier League
Arsenal opened contract negotiations bbc.com with Declan Rice over a new long-term deal, signaling their intent to secure the England midfielder's future at the Emirates. The Gunners also settled a public dispute espn.com with Brighton's Fabian Hurzeler after the Seagulls manager reached out to clear up critical comments about Arsenal's playing style.
Chelsea's Lauren James signed a new contract skysports.com through 2030, committing her long-term future to the Blues. Head coach Liam Rosenior insisted there are "no issues" with his goalkeepers espn.com despite recent high-profile errors, including Filip Jørgensen's mistake in the 5-2 defeat to PSG. Rosenior also hinted at potential transfer strategy shifts skysports.com while maintaining his immediate focus remains on delivering results.
At Tottenham, interim manager Igor Tudor delivered a blunt message espn.com to his struggling squad, telling players they can either "cry or fight" as they prepare for Sunday's trip to Liverpool. The Croatian warned that a new coach alone won't solve their problems skysports.com, emphasizing the need for players to take responsibility. The team faces the match without key defenders Cristian Romero and João Palhinha, who were both ruled out through injury skysports.com.
Manchester United's Michael Carrick played down reports of a rift espn.com with former teammate Paul Scholes following a contentious social media post after their 2-1 defeat to Newcastle. Meanwhile, former United striker Michael Owen backed Carrick for the permanent job bbc.com, saying "everyone at Man Utd loves him" and expressing surprise at questions about his suitability.
Championship & Lower Leagues
Wrexham's derby victory strengthened their playoff position espn.com, with manager Phil Parkinson praising the character shown by his players in a crucial 2-0 win over Swansea. The result keeps the Welsh club firmly in the mix for promotion to the Premier League.
In Scotland, Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill warned his side is running out of games skysports.com in the title race after dropping points in recent fixtures. Captain Callum McGregor will miss Saturday's match against Motherwell bbc.com due to injury, though O'Neill hopes the midfielder will return next week. Rangers head coach Danny Röhl described their remaining fixtures as "nine cup finals" skysports.com in the title race, with Sunday's trip to St Mirren live on Sky Sports carrying huge significance.
Other Sports
In golf, Ludvig Åberg raced into the halfway lead skysports.com at The Players Championship as pre-tournament favorites Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy struggled to find their form skysports.com. McIlroy closed with a stunning final-hole birdie skysports.com to make the cut, setting his sights on a "respectable finish" after surviving a major scare.
In boxing, Chris Billam-Smith confirmed his return to the ring espn.com rejuvenated and targeting "the biggest names out there," while three-division world champion Mikaela Mayer signed with Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions skysports.com. Heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma looks set to challenge for a world title skysports.com in 2026, according to his promoter.
In athletics, pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis added another centimeter to his world record skysports.com, clearing 6.31 meters in Sweden to set his 15th world record. The achievement came just days after the Cheltenham Festival, where Gaelic Warrior stormed to Gold Cup glory skysports.com, though the race was overshadowed by the death of Envoi Allen, who collapsed and died after crossing the finish line.
In tennis, British No. 1 Jack Draper saw his Indian Wells title defense end in controversy skysports.com against Daniil Medvedev, with Tim Henman insisting Draper "is back" skysports.com despite the disappointing exit.