Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: March 28, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

USMNT Friendlies & Player Issues

The U.S. men's national team suffered a heavy defeat against Belgium in a friendly where several players, including Christian Pulisic, expressed being "shocked" by the similarly colored jerseys that made distinguishing teammates difficult. Following the challenging fixture, Tim Weah received poor player ratings for struggling to generate positive influence. The squad depth remains a talking point, as this appears to be one of the deepest USMNT assemblies ever, though questions persist about whether the bench quality is sufficient for a record World Cup result. Injury issues also cropped up, with Miles Robinson missing both the Belgium and Portugal friendlies due to a groin problem, and Chris Richards likely sitting out both matches with a knee issue.

Despite the loss, attacker Giovanni Reyna stated he felt "fortunate" and honored to receive his latest call-up, given his recent lack of minutes at his club. Elsewhere, Christian Pulisic acknowledged feeling the pressure ahead of the home World Cup but insisted he is capable of handling the expectations. Goalkeeper Matt Turner started against Belgium, presenting an opportunity for him to potentially reclaim the starting job from Matt Freese ahead of the tournament.

European International Break & World Cup Prep

International friendlies saw mixed results for European sides, with Germany securing a thrilling 4-3 comeback victory over Switzerland, powered by Florian Wirtz who tallied two goals and two assists. Meanwhile, France bested Brazil 2-1 in their tune-up, with Kylian Mbappé scoring to move closer to the national goalscoring record. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti refused to comment on the crowd chanting against Neymar during the match in Foxborough. In contrast, Scotland’s 1-0 loss to Japan at Hampden left manager Steve Clarke disappointed after hearing boos directed at the team, noting Japan demonstrated the standard Scotland must strive for, 12.

Scotland captain Andy Robertson admitted the high of World Cup qualification had sustained him through a difficult season at Liverpool. For Wales, their World Cup qualification dream ended despite a "full gas" effort against Bosnia, which saw Edin Dzeko, now, play a role in their victory, 138. Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, while disappointed following a playoff shootout loss to the Czech Republic, expressed optimism for the future, though former player Chris Brunt criticized the subsequent friendly against Wales as a "complete dead rubber" 25.

WSL Title Race Heats Up & Transfer Talk

The Women's Super League title race intensified over the weekend, primarily due to Manchester City comprehensively defeating second-place Manchester United 3-0, putting City 11 points clear and showing why they are the presumptive champions, 116. Arsenal remains in the hunt after Alessia Russo delivered a quickfire first-half hat-trick in their 5-2 derby win over Tottenham, keeping their Champions League chase alive, 11. Russo's timely form, including a 22-minute hat-trick against Spurs, is proving vital as Arsenal pushes for European spots. Liverpool also secured a vital result, edging Everton 3-2 in the Merseyside derby despite playing with ten players, which moved them eight points clear of the relegation zone.

In managerial and transfer gossip, reports suggested that Chelsea’s Cole Palmer is growing disillusioned amid interest from Manchester United, while Manchester United are reportedly preparing a summer approach for Sandro Tonali. Newcastle remains keen on Manchester City’s James Trafford, and Real Madrid are among those tracking Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, who reportedly desires a summer exit from Palace, 67. Bayern Munich has dismissed rumors linking them to a £170 million bid for Michael Olise, asserting their desire to keep the player amid Liverpool interest.

England Camp & Managerial Moves

England manager Thomas Tuchel faced scrutiny regarding his large squad selection following the 1-1 draw with Uruguay, with some players like Phil Foden failing to make a strong case for World Cup inclusion, 63. Defender Ben White, recalled to the squad, received support from Jordan Henderson and Tuchel, who urged fans to back him after he was booed at Wembley, 149. The match itself was marred by controversial VAR decisions, including Manuel Ugarte seemingly receiving two yellow cards without being sent off, leading to claims the referee "made it up as he went along" 64, 70. Harry Maguire impressed in the draw, but questions remain over his standing, as Tuchel appears to rank four other centre-backs ahead of him in the current pecking order, 14.

Elsewhere in coaching news, Roy Hodgson aged, made a surprise return to management as the interim boss of Bristol City following the sacking of Gerhard Struber. In Scotland, Craig McLeish was confirmed to continue as St Mirren's interim manager until the conclusion of the season.

NWSL & Global Football Milestones

The National Women's Soccer League set a new benchmark for attendance as the Denver Summit hosted its first home game in front of a record crowd of 63,004 spectators. While this number is unlikely to be replicated this season, it establishes a new standard for both future NWSL clubs and international fixtures held in the US. In international duty, Argentina defeated Mauritania 2-1, with Lionel Messi coming off the bench in the second half, though his participation in the upcoming World Cup remains undecided. Morocco received positive news as FIFA cleared seven dual nationals, including Fulham's Issa Diop, to play for the nation ahead of the next tournament. Tragically, Argentinian forward Joaquín Panichelli's World Cup hopes were dashed by a ruptured ACL in his right knee.

Golf & Other Sports

In golf, Gary Woodland maintained a narrow one-shot lead over Nicolai Hojgaard heading into the final round of the Texas Children's Houston Open in Austin, both aiming to secure Masters spots, 38. Woodland shot a composed five-under 65 to reach 18 under par. In contrast, England’s Paul Waring unexpectedly snatched an early lead in the opening round of the same PGA Tour event. On the tennis circuit, Aryna Sabalenka successfully defended her Miami Open title by defeating Coco Gauff, thereby completing the coveted 'Sunshine Double' 10. Jannik Sinner was also poised to achieve the feat, needing one more victory after reaching the final.

In horse racing, Magnitude claimed victory in the 30th Dubai World Cup, providing trainer Steve Asmussen his second win in the event. Meanwhile, the Flat turf season commenced with Jack Channon securing a major double, highlighted by Urban Lion winning the William Hill Lincoln at Doncaster, 109.