Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: March 30, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

International Friendlies & Tournament Preparations

The international break continues to shape national team rosters, with Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni confirming that superstar Lionel Messi will start Tuesday's friendly against Zambia at La Bombonera as they fine-tune ahead of major competition. Meanwhile, Scotland's John McGinn expressed a pragmatic view on pre-tournament fixtures, stating he would happily forfeit friendlies for a decade if it guaranteed qualification for every major tournament, having recently overcome an injury scare that left him feeling "petrified" of missing the World Cup after a decade-long international career. Elsewhere, France swept Colombia aside 3-1 thanks to a Désiré Doué double in Maryland, while Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti offered high praise for former Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric ahead of their friendly clash with Croatia as the Seleção seek to gel their attack.

Managerial Uncertainty & Club Moves

Tottenham Hotspur remains deeply engaged in securing their next manager, with reports indicating the club is pushing aggressively to convince Roberto De Zerbi to take the helm immediately*, a move some pundits believe will be the best investment the club ever makes if he successfully keeps them in the Premier League as analyzed by Paul Merson. De Zerbi is apparently open to the role right away, even as the fallout continues from Spurs' previous short-lived managerial stint under Igor Tudor, whose six weeks were described as using gasoline instead of water in a disastrous attempt to stabilize the team. In other management news, former Celtic and Scotland midfielder Scott Brown stood down from Ayr United by mutual consent,* while former West Brom goalkeeper Tony Godden passed away at the age of 70 confirming the sad news.

Legal Rulings and Financial Fallout

Cardiff City saw its substantial legal battle over the tragic death of player Emiliano Sala formally dismissed by a commercial court in France, resulting in the Welsh club's claims for compensation—which sources indicate exceeded £100 million or £104m in one filing—being thrown out, leaving the club liable for approximately £400,000 in costs. Separately, the Football Supporters' Association released survey data showing that *three-quarters of Premier League matchgoing fans oppose the use of VAR, citing that the technology has ruined goal celebrations and failed to improve the game since its implementation. This contrasts with broader club news, as Manchester United are reportedly *nearing a contract extension with defender Harry Maguire, while Celtic confirmed paying a five-figure settlement to a sexual abuse victim stemming from an incident in 1989 prompting legal action.

Player Commitments & Squad Dynamics

As nations prepare for the final stages of World Cup qualification, the DR Congo faces Jamaica hoping to end a 52-year absence from the tournament finals, while Republic of Ireland defender Dara O'Shea confirmed the squad has found "closure" following their penalty shootout exit against the Czech Republic. England manager Thomas Tuchel stated he was not angered by players withdrawing from the squad for the Japan friendly, though he confirmed he would give injury-hit John Stones every opportunity to make the World Cup roster, calling him a "key player" despite recent fitness concerns. Meanwhile, Wales boss Craig Bellamy underlined his dedication to the national team, calling his role the "best job in the world" as he commits to remaining coach, while a teenage Bohemians midfielder, Aoibhe Brennan, received her first senior call-up for the Republic of Ireland ahead of April's qualifiers.*

Other Sports Briefings

In boxing, Claressa Shields backed Caroline Dubois to achieve multi-weight world champion status, asserting that Dubois "can put people's lights out" ahead of her fight this weekend, a bout where promoter Jake Paul promised to *buy Dubois a car if she secures the victory*. In golf, Tiger Woods faces "much bigger challenges" than competing at The Masters following his recent car crash, according to Paul McGinley casting doubt on his Augusta return, while golfer Gary Woodland offered an inspirational message to fans after his PTSD diagnosis, urging them to "just keep fighting" after his struggles. Finally, in F1, Mercedes chief Toto Wolff denied trying to block Christian Horner's return to the paddock, though he suggested Horner could face "repercussions" for causing internal disruption.