Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: March 31, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

2026 World Cup Qualification & Preparations

The path to the 2026 World Cup saw several key developments, with Türkiye defeating Kosovo in the European playoff final to secure their spot and placement in Group D alongside co-hosts the United States. The tournament draw is beginning to take shape, featuring several debutants; experts are introducing newcomers such as Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan as qualification concludes. Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino reiterated that Iran will play their World Cup matches in the United States, confirming there is "No Plan B" despite ongoing political tensions with the co-host nation Iran will play World Cup games in US - Infantino. However, human rights concerns persist, as Amnesty warned the 2026 tournament risks becoming a stage for repression and a platform for authoritarian practices. In Africa, Eritrea advanced to the Afcon 2027 group stage, marking their first participation in the qualification process since 2007 following a nineteen-year absence.

International Friendlies & Squad News

England used their recent friendlies to simulate World Cup conditions, with water breaks included during the match against Japan to mirror the expected heat, though manager Thomas Tuchel was reportedly not displeased when several players withdrew from the squad. Key players like John Stones are being given every chance to recover for the tournament, with Tuchel stating the defender has 'credit in the bank' to make it into England's World Cup squad. In other international action, the England U21s secured an emphatic 4-1 home victory over Moldova, propelled by a brace from Ethan Nwaneri at Carrow Road. Conversely, Scotland suffered a 1-0 friendly defeat against Ivory Coast in Liverpool, prompting reflection on lessons learned from their previous loss to Japan What lessons can Scots learn. In a major blow for the Black Stars, Ghana sacked coach Otto Addo just 72 days before their World Cup opener against Panama following four successive friendly losses.

Managerial Turmoil & Transfer Speculation

Tottenham Hotspur moved swiftly to stabilize their bench, announcing Roberto De Zerbi as their third head coach of the season Tottenham hire De Zerbi, agreeing to the framework of a five-year contract Sources: Spurs to announce Roberto De Zerbi. This rapid appointment followed the "disastrous" six-week tenure of Igor Tudor Tudor's disastrous six-week stint. The move, however, has drawn criticism from the Tottenham Supporters' Trust due to De Zerbi's previous public support for Mason Greenwood Supporters' Trust criticises De Zerbi appointment, with some fans threatening to cease attendance Tottenham fan threatened to stop attending matches. Elsewhere in the Premier League, Newcastle United announced record revenues of £335.3 million for the fiscal year ending June 2025, yet CEO David Hopkinson confirmed they are "not looking to make a change at the moment" regarding Eddie Howe's future Newcastle announce record revenues. Transfer gossip indicates Manchester City currently lead Manchester United in the pursuit of Elliot Anderson, while Liverpool is reportedly seeking Francisco Conceicao as a replacement for Mohamed Salah.

Player Movements & Discipline

Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella fueled speculation regarding a potential return to Spain, admitting a move to Barcelona would be "difficult to reject". Disciplinary issues surfaced at Napoli, where striker Romelu Lukaku is facing action after failing to return to the club for training following a request Lukaku in hot water. In a less dramatic move, Wales winger Rabbi Matondo completed a permanent transfer from Rangers to Norwegian side SK Brann. Meanwhile, Jermain Defoe has embarked on his first full-time managerial role, taking the head coach position at National League side Woking Defoe named manager.

England Women's Team & Youth Call-Ups

England Women's manager Sarina Wiegman made several intriguing selections for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers against Spain and Iceland, notably including 17-year-old Erica Meg Parkinson in the 23-player squad Wiegman calls up 17-year-old Parkinson. Parkinson's inclusion follows the return of established figures Leah Williamson and Beth Mead Williamson, Mead and 17-year-old Parkinson included. On a personal note, England international Missy Bo Kearns shared the difficult news that she has suffered a miscarriage in recent weeks England's Kearns reveals she has had a miscarriage.

Off-Field & Rule Changes

FIFA is set to trial a radical change to the offside law, proposing a 'daylight offside' rule that heavily favors the attacking team, with initial tests commencing in the Canadian Premier League FIFA to trial 'daylight offside' law. This move comes despite European soccer officials failing to lend their support to the proposal Why innovative Canadian league is trialling rule. In a separate administrative matter, the CAF general secretary, Veron Mosengo-Omba, resigned his post amid ongoing turbulence following controversies surrounding the recent AFCON final.

Other Sports Briefing Notes

In European darts competition, Wessel Nijman secured his third ranking title of 2026 by clinching Players Championship Eight in Leicester, while Ryan Searle captured his eighth PDC ranking title at Players Championship Seven Searle wins Players Championship title. In golf, several PGA Tour stars are competing at the Valero Texas Open this week, utilizing it as final preparation or a last-ditch effort to secure a late Masters invite. Separately, in boxing news, Sky Sports announced a major multi-year deal to become the home of Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions’ new women’s platform, MVPW, in the UK and Ireland Sky Sports and Jake Paul’s MVP agree deal, with Jake Paul promising to buy Ellie Scotney a car if she wins her bout this weekend Jake Paul tells Scotney: If you win, I'll buy you a car!.