Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing – Mar 20, 2026

75 articles summarized · Last updated: March 20, 2026 at 4:30 PM ET v620

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Last updated: March 20, 2026, 4:30 PM ET

Managerial Movements & International Setbacks

The managerial merry-go-round continued across Europe, with Athletic Club coach Ernesto Valverde announcing espn.com his departure at the end of the season, marking a significant change in LaLiga. Meanwhile, in Scotland, Aberdeen confirmed the exit of Peter Leven following his third stint as caretaker manager after three caretaker stints bbc.com, while St Mirren's chief executive Keith Lasley is seeking a new boss to "galvanise" the squad for their coming challenges St Mirren want next boss to 'galvanise' team bbc.com, with Neil Lennon reportedly being interviewed St Mirren want to interview Dunfermline's Lennon bbc.com. On the international stage, Canada head coach Jesse Marsch expressed that he was left "devastated and angry" following the USMNT's decision to pass him over for the role in 2023, although he is now content in his current post Marsch: USMNT U-turn left me 'devastated, angry' espn.com.

Liverpool faces a significant blow espn.com as star forward Mohamed Salah is confirmed out until after the international break due to a muscle injury, putting his availability for the FA Cup quarterfinal against Manchester City in doubt, while goalkeeper Alisson Becker is also sidelined, forcing him to withdraw from the upcoming Brazil friendlies Alisson out of Brazil squad and will miss Brighton bbc.com. Adding to the injury list, Tottenham's Guglielmo Vicario is scheduled for hernia surgery following Sunday's clash with Nottingham Forest, which could see Antonin Kinsky return between the sticks Vicario to have hernia surgery after Forest game skysports.com. Amidst the fitness concerns, Manchester United is reportedly close to securing contract extensions for both Harry Maguire and rising star Kobbie Mainoo Man Utd close in on contract extensions for Maguire and Mainoo skysports.com.

The scrutiny intensified around Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior, whose decision not to establish a clear first-choice goalkeeper is drawing heavy criticism, with pundit Paul Merson advising him to cease offering tactical notes when the team is already down by a wide margin Merson tells Rosenior: Respect the ball? Just don't say it skysports.com. In the Carabao Cup final buildup, Pep Guardiola confirmed that James Trafford will start against Arsenal, though the door remains open for the goalkeeper's potential exit from the club Trafford to start final, but Man City exit door open espn.com, a match where Erling Haaland's inclusion has been debated despite Manchester City's creative struggles this term Does Haaland deserve to start for Man City against Arsenal? skysports.com. Furthermore, Liverpool issued a statement expressing that they are "appalled and disgusted" by the racist abuse directed toward defender Ibrahima Konate on social media Liverpool 'disgusted' by racist abuse towards Konate bbc.com.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's continued omission from Thomas Tuchel's latest England squad casts considerable doubt over his World Cup prospects, marking another setback in his stop-start international career No contact, no World Cup place? What went wrong for Alexander-Arnold? bbc.com, while Cristiano Ronaldo has been left out of Portugal's roster for friendlies against the U.S. and Mexico Ronaldo to miss Portugal games vs. U.S., Mexico espn.com. Italy has recalled Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa for the first time in nearly two years as the Azzurri face critical World Cup playoffs Italy call up Chiesa for crucial World Cup playoffs espn.com, and Northern Ireland manager Michael McArdle instilled belief by stating his side "should always dream and strive" for qualification in the 2027 Women's World Cup Northern Ireland 'should dream' of World Cup - McArdle bbc.com. Mexico’s manager Javier Aguirre also named his 26-man squad for warm-ups, featuring the return of veteran Guillermo Ochoa Ochoa, Fidalgo lead Mexico's list for WC warm-ups espn.com.

The governing bodies faced financial penalties and governance reviews, as FIFA fined the Israeli Football Association 150,000 Swiss Francs—equivalent to approximately £141,700—following an investigation into an "alleged offence of discrimination" involving the Palestine FA Israel FA fined for 'discrimination and racist abuse' bbc.com, though FIFA ultimately decided against suspending the Israeli membership despite formal complaints FIFA clears Israeli settlement clubs but fines IFA espn.com. In league structural news, the BBC is analyzing whether the Women's Super League is prepared to meet FIFA’s forthcoming requirements concerning the appointment of female coaches Would WSL meet Fifa's new female coach rules? bbc.com, while new legislation in England and Wales will make entering a match without a ticket a criminal offense Tailgating at matches to become criminal offence bbc.com.

Speculation continues over the future of Pep Guardiola, with Girona coach Michel Sánchez putting himself forward, asserting that he is ready to take the helm at Manchester City should the opportunity arise Girona boss 'ready' to succeed Guardiola at City espn.com. In the transfer rumor mill, Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes is reportedly attracting interest from both Manchester United and Real Madrid Man Utd & Real Madrid want Guimaraes - Friday's gossip bbc.com, while Chelsea is looking to make Enzo Fernández their highest earner amid interest from PSG and Madrid Transfer rumors, news: Chelsea want to extend Fernández espn.com. Beyond the pitch, a curious trend emerged as various athletes, including Erling Haaland and Victor Wembanyama, are revealed to be dedicated chess enthusiasts Why are sportspeople obsessed with chess? bbc.com.