Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: March 27, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

World Cup Qualifying & International Friendlies

The World Cup qualification playoffs delivered high drama, with Sweden achieving a decisive 3-1 victory over Ukraine, propelled by a stunning hat trick from Viktor Gyökeres, securing their spot in a final playoff against Poland, as manager Serhiy Rebrov praised the striker's European quality. Elsewhere in the playoffs, Italy narrowly advanced after a tense match where they came from behind against Republic of Ireland, with goals from Tonali & Kean securing a 2-1 win before they face Northern Ireland, who endured heartbreak after Sammie Szmodics suffered a collision that left him unconscious during their loss, and the subsequent penalty shootout defeat to Czech Republic dashed Irish hopes. Bosnia-Herzegovina, meanwhile, advanced past Wales, thanks in part to a goal from 40-year-old Edin Dzeko, who is now positioning himself to be among the oldest players in World Cup history; Wales' manager acknowledged their "full gas" effort was ultimately insufficient to save their dream, while Bosnia's coach refused to apologize after accusing an opponent's manager of sabotaging Welsh bid.

In high-profile friendlies, a Kylian Mbappé-led France defeated Brazil 2-1 in Foxborough, with Mbappé netting the opener in the tune-up match leading France past Brazil, though Brazil's Vinícius Júnior later insisted his side does not deserve the favorite tag heading into the tournament Brazil can't be favorites, while Mbappé expressed his inability to imagine a World Cup without Neymar playing. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti faced questions following the loss regarding fan chants directed at Neymar at Gillette Stadium, but he declined to comment on the incident focus on who's here, as the USMNT prepares for their own friendlies; US attacker Giovanni Reyna admitted he felt "fortunate" to receive his call-up given his lack of recent club minutes felt fortunate to get call, while midfielder Cristian Roldan noted the "huge gap" left in the midfield due to Tyler Adams' absence huge gap without Adams.

Several nations are grappling with internal or external pressures ahead of the final qualifying push; Iran has implemented a new travel restriction, banning sports teams from traveling to nations deemed "hostile," a move announced ahead of Tractor FC's scheduled match in Saudi Arabia Iran bans travel, while FIFA has opened an investigation into the president of the Congolese FA, who is currently on the run after being sentenced to life imprisonment for embezzling $1.1 million in funds Fifa investigates Congolese boss. Meanwhile, European fans have formally lodged a complaint with the European Commission fans file complaint directed at FIFA regarding the escalating cost of World Cup tickets, an issue compounded by the environmental impact analysis suggesting the 48-team format will be the most polluting World Cup yet numbers behind polluting WC; in ticketing news, FIFA confirmed that over one million tickets were already sold, with the final sales phase commencing April 1 Fifa details final phase.

Club News & Transfer Rumblings

The transfer rumor mill remains active, with several top clubs reportedly targeting elite midfielders this summer, as Manchester United are linked with USMNT left-back Antonee Robinson USMNT's Robinson on radar, and are also reportedly relaxed about Marcus Rashford's situation amid interest from Barcelona Utd relaxed on Rashford; United are also monitoring players like Iliman Ndiaye, Yan Diomande, and Lewis Hall as they plan their summer overhaul New transfer targets revealed, while Harry Maguire confirmed he is in contract talks Maguire confirms talks and also praised former interim manager Ruben Amorim's "great ideas" Maguire praises Amorim. Elsewhere, Arsenal is reportedly scouting for a left-winger, monitoring PSG's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia Arsenal in for PSG star, who is also cited as a target alongside Anthony Gordon Kvaratskhelia & Gordon targets; meanwhile, Bayern Munich has dismissed interest in Michael Olise, intending to keep the player despite a reported £170 million bid Bayern dismiss £170m Olise link, a player Liverpool is also reportedly eyeing as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah Liverpool eye Olise.

The looming departure of Mohamed Salah from Liverpool continues to spark speculation about his next destination, with MLS Commissioner Don Garber stating he would "love to see Salah in MLS" MLS commish Garber would love, while Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad has rekindled their pursuit Al-Ittihad resume pursuit, as sources indicate they have resumed work on a deal for the forward Sources: Al Ittihad resume; Jamie Carragher suggested Salah will leave Anfield as one of the all-time greats, placing him just behind Thierry Henry among overseas Premier League players Salah ahead of Ronaldo, a sentiment echoed by former manager Jurgen Klopp who called him "one of the all-time greats" Salah one of greats. In managerial movements, Roberto De Zerbi is not expected to take a new job De Zerbi expected to delay until the summer despite reported interest from Tottenham, while Crawley Town named former forward Colin Kazim-Richards as their new head coach Crawley name Kazim-Richards.

On the Pitch & Administrative Matters

In the Women's Champions League quarterfinals, Arsenal secured a commanding advantage over Chelsea in the first leg, winning 3-1 due to clinical finishing Arsenal teach Chelsea lesson, though Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor lamented the need for "more respect" for the women's game following a controversially disallowed goal Women's game needs more respect. In domestic league matters, Arsenal captain Kim Little, 35, committed to a one-year extension Arsenal captain Little signs, while Motherwell midfielder Callum Slattery received a four-game ban for simulation Slattery gets four-game ban after his actions led to an opponent's sending off. On a managerial note, Huddersfield Town boss Liam Manning has been granted compassionate leave Huddersfield boss Manning takes for the remainder of the season, and Borussia Mönchengladbach's Sabrina Wittmann is making history as the first woman coach Germany's first woman coach at the men's professional level.

In administrative disciplinary actions, UEFA levied a fine against Benfica due to racist abuse from fans directed at Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League match Benfica fined for abuse, while separately, a man who sent abusive messages to England defender Lotte Wälti during the 2025 Women's Euros was sentenced to probation Man who racially abused. Meanwhile, Senegal plans to parade their stripped Afcon trophy Senegal to parade Afcon trophy before their friendly against Peru in Paris, with the federation boss calling the decision to award the title to Morocco a "robbery." A sad note emerged from Welsh football as Liverpool and Wales legend John Toshack was diagnosed with dementia Liverpool & Wales great.