Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: March 28, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

International Friendlies & World Cup Build-up

The international break saw several key World Cup warm-up matches conclude, with France edging Brazil 2-1 as Kylian Mbappé scored early to near his national goal record, while Germany secured a thrilling 4-3 comeback win over Switzerland led by Florian Wirtz's four-goal contribution Wirtz masterclass leads Germany. Elsewhere, the United States faced Belgium, where Matt Turner started in goal, potentially regaining the starting job ahead of the World Cup, though the USMNT squad remains shorthanded due to groin and knee injuries sidelining Miles Robinson and Chris Richards Richards, Robinson injuries leave U.S. shorthanded. Meanwhile, Scotland fell 1-0 at home to Japan via a late Junya Ito goal in their first 2026 warm-up match Japan provide unusual test, prompting questions about the optimal central defensive pairing for coach Steve Clarke What is Scotland's first-choice defensive pairing?.

World Cup qualification drama continued with Sweden advancing to the final playoff round after Viktor Gyokeres netted a hat-trick in a 3-1 victory over Ukraine Gyokeres Sweden's hero, setting up a clash with Poland, while Italy also reached the final after goals from Tonali and Kean secured a victory over Serbia Tonali, Kean goals send Italy to WC playoff final. Elsewhere, Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson expressed "big respect" for veteran Seamus Coleman following their playoff shootout defeat to the Czech Republic, though he also saw "growth" in the squad’s performance Coleman as World Cup dream dies. In related news, Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot faced scrutiny for his role in the Uruguay friendly, where Manuel Ugarte was controversially booked twice without receiving a red card during the 1-1 draw Red card confusion & contentious calls.

Amid the international fixtures, several key squad members faced setbacks; Barcelona forward Raphinha is confirmed to be out for five weeks with a hamstring injury sustained on duty Raphinha ruled out 5 weeks, and Argentina forward Joaquín Panichelli suffered a ruptured ACL, ending his World Cup hopes Panichelli out of WC after ACL tear. In contrast, Lionel Messi came off the bench in Argentina's 2-1 friendly victory over Mauritania Argentina edge Mauritania, although his participation in the actual tournament remains unconfirmed as he has yet to decide on his future Why there is doubt about Messi playing at World Cup. Furthermore, FIFA cleared seven dual nationals, including Fulham’s Issa Diop, to play for Morocco ahead of the next tournament FIFA clears 7 dual nationals for Morocco.

England & Managerial Focus

England manager Thomas Tuchel faced scrutiny over his large squad selection during the break, while player performances in the 1-1 draw with Uruguay provided crucial World Cup auditions Were England players really 'playing for themselves'. Ben White, recalled to the squad, received support from Jordan Henderson and Tuchel himself after being booed at Wembley, with the manager urging him to "clear the air" with teammates White - Tuchel defends White after recall. While Harry Maguire impressed, Phil Foden delivered another subdued showing, leading to speculation that he may have wasted a final chance to secure his World Cup spot Foden and DCL stumble in World Cup audition. Separately, Chelsea’s Malo Gusto publicly defended manager Liam Rosenior against unspecified criticism he has faced since taking the role Gusto defends 'top coach' Liam Rosenior.

Women's Super League Title Race Heats Up

The Women's Super League title race intensified significantly as Manchester City defeated second-place Manchester United 3-0, extending their lead to 11 points and demonstrating why they are on track for the championship Man City show why they are worthy WSL title winners. The Manchester derby held extra weight this weekend, with implications not just for bragging rights but also for crucial European qualification spots Why there is more riding on Manchester WSL derby. Across town, Arsenal kept their own title hopes alive after Alessia Russo scored a quickfire first-half hat-trick in a commanding 5-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby Russo hat-trick sees off Spurs. Meanwhile, Manchester United manager Marc Skinner maintained his belief that his team could still achieve European qualification despite the heavy loss to City Skinner: Utd can qualify for UWCL.

NWSL & Global Soccer Business

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) achieved a major milestone as Denver Summit set a new league attendance record in their inaugural home match, drawing a massive crowd of 63,004 spectators against the Washington Spirit at Mile High Denver sets NWSL attendance record at Mile High. On the business side, Hibernian chief executive Dan Barnett addressed the club's financial health, stating that recent losses are "not sustainable" and that plans are underway to transition toward a more stable financial model Hibs losses not sustainable, says chief executive. Furthermore, in player transfer gossip, Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah is reportedly considering a return to Roma as he contemplates his next move in the summer, while manager Jurgen Klopp recently lauded Salah as an all-time great whose records will likely remain unmatched Salah one of the all-time greats - Klopp.

Rugby League & Domestic Cup Finals

In Rugby League action, Leigh secured a dramatic victory over Toulouse as Gareth O'Brien converted a crucial golden-point drop goal to seal a narrow 21-20 win Leigh snatch golden-point glory. In the Super League, Hull KR delivered a comprehensive 52-10 demolition of St Helens, scoring nine tries at home to improve their standing Hull KR run riot in 52-10 demolition of St Helens. Off the pitch, Southend and Wealdstone successfully navigated their respective National League North opponents to earn a spot in the prestigious FA Trophy final at Wembley Stadium Southend and Wealdstone tee up Wembley date.

Motorsport & Horse Racing

The Japanese Grand Prix qualifying session saw Kimi Antonelli claim his second consecutive pole position after capitalizing on setup struggles experienced by Mercedes' George Russell, who admitted he felt "handcuffed" by the unsuccessful changes Antonelli poves on Russell struggles. Max Verstappen expressed that he was "beyond frustrated" after suffering a shock elimination in Q2 of qualifying Verstappen 'beyond frustrated' after shock Q2 exit. In horse racing, Magnitude captured the 30th Dubai World Cup, giving trainer Steve Asmussen his second victory in the prestigious event Magnitude wins Dubai World Cup. Domestically, the Flat turf season kicked off with Jack Channon securing a significant double, highlighted by Urban Lion’s victory in the William Hill Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster Channon's Urban Lion edges out Rogue Diplomat.