Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: March 31, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

International Football: World Cup Qualification & Friendlies

The final international window before the 2026 World Cup saw several major nations face setbacks, fueling concern over readiness. England suffered a grim 1-0 defeat to Japan at Wembley, a result that confirmed manager Thomas Tuchel's worries that injuries are making the coming months "scary" for top teams Tuchel: England injuries make next months 'scary'. Specifically, Tuchel admitted that Phil Foden and Cole Palmer struggled to make a difference during the performance, leading to analysis that the team has failed to beat a top-20 ranked side under Tuchel's tenure Three top-20 teams played, no wins. The grim display also underscored the team's dependence on captain Harry Kane, as the failure to secure a win without him only proved how important he is. Meanwhile, Italy's campaign ended in heartbreak as the ten-man Azzurri squad missed out on qualification for a third consecutive World Cup after losing a tense playoff final to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout Italy miss out on 3rd straight WC.

The qualification picture in Europe was finalized with Türkiye securing a major berth, joining the USMNT in Group D after defeating Kosovo in the playoff final Türkiye to face USMNT at WCup. This sets up a potentially challenging group stage for the Americans, as experts suggest Türkiye will be the USMNT's stiffest test, potentially positioning them as Group D favorites over the US. Elsewhere, the Republic of Ireland’s hopes were dashed in a frustrating stalemate against North Macedonia, where Troy Parrott had two goals disallowed in the match. On the coaching front, FIFA President Gianni Infantino continued his diplomatic tour, meeting with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to assess preparations for the North American co-hosted tournament Infantino touts World Cup 'success', while also promising continued support for Iran's participation Infantino: Iran will play in WC.

National Team Turmoil & Managerial Futures

Scotland manager Steve Clarke faces internal pressure despite guiding his team to the finals, with a segment of supporters booing the team Scotland fans can fret, though captain Andy Robertson urged fans to maintain perspective following friendly losses to Japan and Ivory Coast Robertson on Scotland defeats. Clarke himself remains unconcerned about extending his contract, stating he is "not bothered" about sorting his future Clarke 'not bothered' about sorting own Scotland future before the tournament begins, even as the team prepares to use Charlotte FC as their World Cup base camp How Scotland found their base camp. In contrast, the Ghana Football Association made a drastic move, dismissing head coach Otto Addo just 72 days before their opening match against Panama following four consecutive friendly losses Ghana fire coach Addo. Separately, the Spanish Football Federation was forced to publicly condemn racist chants directed at visiting fans during a friendly against Egypt in Barcelona, warning against xenophobic singing.

Player Dynamics & Transfer Rumors

The final pre-tournament squad decisions are forcing difficult choices for managers, with analysis suggesting that Elliot Anderson has emerged as a 'winner' from the recent England camp, potentially forcing Phil Foden to reconsider his starting prospects Winners and losers: Anderson nails down WC spot. In the transfer market, Manchester City appears to be leading Manchester United in the pursuit of Newcastle midfielder Elliot Anderson Man City lead Man Utd in Anderson race, while United is simultaneously grappling with a wage dilemma concerning goalkeeper Andre Onana, whose earnings are scheduled to spike upon European qualification Sources: Man United have Onana wage dilemma. Adding to the managerial uncertainty, Newcastle United announced record revenues of £335.3 million for the fiscal year ending June 2025, yet CEO David Hopkinson maintained that the club is "not looking to make a change at the moment" regarding head coach Eddie Howe’s position Newcastle announce record revenues. Meanwhile, Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella acknowledged that a potential return to his former club, Barcelona, would be "hard to turn down" Barcelona move difficult to turn down.

Off-Pitch Incidents & Rules Changes

The soccer world is also preparing for potential rule adjustments as FIFA moves to trial Arsene Wenger's proposed 'daylight offside' law in the Canadian Premier League this weekend FIFA to trial 'daylight offside' law, a move intended to heavily favor attacking play, even though European officials did not immediately back the overhaul Why innovative Canadian league is trialling rule. In disciplinary news, Napoli has warned striker Romelu Lukaku that he could face punishment after he failed to return to training following the international break Napoli warn they could punish Lukaku. In the golfing world, Tiger Woods confirmed he will be stepping away for a period to seek treatment following his recent car crash arrest in Florida.