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Italy avoid old tormentors: the draw for the European play-offs
Italy will face Northern Ireland in the semi-finals of the European play-offs for the four remaining World Cup spots. This was determined by Thursday afternoon’s draw.
Antony, the 2026 World Cup and turning down Bayern
The Brazilian winger confirmed that he was contacted by Bayern on the last day of the summer transfer window, but he couldn’t go back on the promise he had made to return to Betis after half a season on loan.
Remarkable request: Lewandowski was told by Barça not to score anymore
A book about Robert Lewandowski has caused quite a stir in Spain and Poland. In the book Lewandowski: The Real One, it emerges that the Polish striker had to stop scoring for Barcelona in the 2022/23 season, because otherwise the club would have had to pay extra money to Bayern Munich.
Grote Ivan gets his way: Gattuso and his frightened followers have fallen
Because of the trouble with Gennaro Gattuso, Ivan Perisic’s (international) career was in danger of fading away. The 36-year-old forward refused to accept that. Perisic got back up, played his 150th international match on Monday, and now stands on the verge of his fourth World Cup. And we’re going to make ourselves seen.
Mbappé on Upamecano: There are better clubs than Bayern
Kylian Mbappé is not surprised that Dayot Upamecano is being courted by top clubs. On Wednesday he voiced his high regard for the Bayern defender and joked.
Jamaica head coach resigns after failing to secure direct qualification
Jamaica head coach Steve McClaren resigned after a 0–0 draw against Curaçao cost the team direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Despite dominating and needing a win to go through automatically, Jamaica were held to a draw and must now try to reach the tournament via intercontinental play-offs in March. The federation will appoint a new coach to lead the team into these crucial games.«
English media are annoyed with Bellingham: Stop with this kind of nonsense
Jude Bellingham has been criticized in the English media because of his behavior when he was substituted in the World Cup qualifier against Albania. Former England international Ian Wright is actually defending the Real Madrid midfielder.
Huijsen asks for advice
After a blistering start at the Bernabéu, Dean Huijsen has hit his first rough patch amid a broader team dip. How simplification, stable partnerships, tactical tweaks, veteran guidance and repetition can help the 20 year old centre back reset and reclaim his early season form.
To win a World Cup, our defensive process will be fundamental
Portugal head coach Bino Maçães urges calm and defensive solidity ahead of the World Cup quarter final with Switzerland, stressing that staying true to the team’s identity will be key.
Two Dortmund players ruled out in Luxembourg
Julian Nagelsmann still faces uncertainty over Nico Schlotterbeck’s availability ahead of the World Cup qualifier in Luxembourg. A second Dortmund player is definitely out.