Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: March 29, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

International Soccer Friendlies & World Cup Qualifiers

The international break saw several major nations testing their squads ahead of the World Cup, with mixed results across the board. In North America, the USMNT suffered a heavy defeat against Belgium, where several players, including Christian Pulisic, cited jersey color confusion as a complicating factor in communication; post-match player ratings indicated that Tim Weah made a particularly poor impact. To compound matters for the Americans, injuries sidelined key figures, as Miles Robinson and Chris Richards were ruled out of upcoming matches against Belgium and Portugal, though Pulisic maintained he could handle the pressure of the approaching home World Cup he admitted feeling. Meanwhile, European giants France edged Brazil 2-1 in a tuneup, powered by a goal from Kylian Mbappé who nears a national record Mbappé leads France, while Germany secured a thrilling 4-3 comeback win Wirtz masterclass leads over Switzerland, highlighted by Florian Wirtz’s dominant performance of two goals and two assists in the first half.

The qualification picture remained complex for several European hopefuls following weekend fixtures. Scotland's 1-0 friendly loss Clarke disappointed as to Japan at Hampden Park drew criticism, with manager Steve Clarke expressing surprise after hearing sections of the crowd booing Clarke disappointed as; pundit Tom English noted that Scotland looked "too flat and timid" against the Japanese side, who set the standard they must now strive for Japan showed standard. Elsewhere, the Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson expressed "big respect" for veteran defender Seamus Coleman following his commitment as their World Cup dream ended Big respect for Coleman, though he remains optimistic about the future despite the play-off shootout defeat Growth for Republic to the Czech Republic. In the World Cup play-off finals, Sweden secured their spot Gyokeres scores hat-trick by defeating Ukraine 3-1, thanks to a Viktor Gyokeres hat-trick, setting up a final against Poland, while Argentina narrowly defeated Argentina edge Mauritania Mauritania 2-1 with Lionel Messi coming off the bench.

Managerial and administrative news continues to dominate headlines outside the immediate action. Australia coach Graham Arnold faces what he described as "the toughest job in the world" as he attempts to guide Iraq to their first World Cup in four decades Arnold: Iraq's WCQ, while FIFA cleared seven dual nationals FIFA clears 7 for Morocco ahead of the next cycle. In club news concerning player futures, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp stated that Mohamed Salah, who is reportedly considering a return to Roma after his tenure ends, is an "all-time great" whose records will be unmatched, with Klopp suggesting Salah could conceivably play until age 40 could play for seven. Separately, Manchester United’s Casemiro has dismissed any speculation regarding a reversal of his decision to depart the club Casemiro: Man Utd decision at the close of the season.

Women's Super League & Domestic Football

The Women's Super League title race intensified dramatically over the weekend, with Manchester City showcasing their dominance by thashing second-place Man United Man City show why 3-0, extending their lead to an insurmountable 11 points and moving within touching distance of the championship Man City within five. The significance of the Manchester derby was magnified by the fact that it was not just about bragging rights, but also the pursuit of European qualification spots Why there is more. In the North London derby, England striker Alessia Russo was in sensational form, netting a quickfire first-half hat-trick Quickfire Russo hat-trick to power Arsenal past Tottenham Hotspur 5-2, keeping their own WSL title hopes alive. Meanwhile, Liverpool secured a vital 3-2 victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby, a result that lifted the ten-player Reds eight points clear of the relegation zone 10-player Liverpool edge.

The NWSL set a new standard for attendance, as the Denver Summit’s inaugural home match Denver Summit's record welcomed a massive crowd of 63,004 fans, setting a benchmark that is unlikely to be surpassed this season but signals immense potential for future growth record crowd sets. On managerial and transfer fronts, Chelsea’s Malo Gusto offered a defense of manager Liam Rosenior against recent criticism Gusto defends 'top coach', while Tottenham manager Martin Ho received a long-term contract extension ahead of their crucial derby clash Ho signs new deal. In news from the Championship, Roy Hodgson, age, has made a surprise return to management as the interim boss of Bristol City following the sacking of Gerhard Struber Hodgson, 78, takes over.

Boxing, Golf, & Motorsports

In boxing news, Tommy Fury has confirmed his return to the ring on June 13 in Manchester, where he is scheduled to face former World's Strongest Man Eddie Hall Tommy Fury to return, while Jake Paul is targeting a boxing comeback later this year, contingent upon recovering fully from a broken jaw, though he remains serious about a potential MMA bout with Usyk Paul eyes boxing return. On the links, Gary Woodland maintained a narrow one-shot lead over Nicolai Hojgaard heading into the final round of the Texas Children's Houston Open, with both players vying to secure a spot at The Masters Woodland in pole position, though England's Paul Waring had caused an earlier shock by claiming the opening round lead Waring stuns PGA Tour. In motorsports, Max Verstappen expressed that he was "beyond frustrated" after an unexpected elimination in Q2 qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix, a session where Kimi Antonelli secured pole position Antonelli pounces on by capitalizing on setup struggles experienced by Mercedes' George Russell Russell 'handcuffed' for.

Other Sports & Financial Briefings

In boxing, Sebastian Fundora successfully retained his WBC super-welterweight title by demolishing Keith Thurman Fundora bulldozes Thurman, handing Thurman the first stoppage defeat of his professional career inside six rounds. Tennis saw Aryna Sabalenka defeat Coco Gauff Sabalenka beats Gauff in the Miami Open final, completing the coveted 'Sunshine Double'—a feat Jannik Sinner was also attempting on the men’s side Sinner closing in—while Emma Raducanu is slated to return to action in Linz after withdrawing from Miami Raducanu set to return. Financially, Leicester City reported a substantial pre-tax loss of £71.1 million stemming from their recent season in the Premier League Leicester lost £71.1m, contrasting with Wrexham's release of accounts showing record revenue Wrexham's finances analysed. Finally, in Rugby League, Leigh secured a dramatic 21-20 victory Leigh snatch golden-point over Toulouse thanks to a golden-point drop goal from Gareth O'Brien.