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There really is nothing like the World Cup. Even just qualifying generates a level of nationwide excitement that the club game simply cannot match, which is why we witnessed truly joyous scenes all across the globe during the March international break, as the final six qualifiers were confirmed for this summer's festival of football in North America.

Former Liverpool and Brighton midfielder Adam Lallana has insisted there is "not even a doubt" that Roberto De Zerbi will secure Tottenham’s Premier League survival. The Italian tactician inherits a squad languishing in 17th place, just one point above the drop zone, after signing a lucrative five-year deal in north London.

Thomas Tuchel has leaped to the defence of his England side’s perceived over-reliance on Harry Kane, comparing the striker’s impact to that of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Three Lions fell to a 1-0 friendly defeat against Japan at Wembley on Tuesday, with the captain forced to watch from the sidelines after picking up a minor injury in training.

A strange move by the Manchester City goalkeeper

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has condemned the "intolerable" anti-Muslim chants that marred Spain’s goalless draw with Egypt at the RCDE Stadium. The 18-year-old, who is a practising Muslim, labelled the perpetrators "ignorant" and "racist" after local police launched a formal investigation.

Lukas Kwasniok could return to the dugout sooner than expected following his departure from 1. FC Köln.

The two finalists in the Africa Cup of Nations are celebrating a title that has not yet been officially decided

Marcus Rashford's long-term future has been plunged into fresh doubt following reports that Barcelona have allowed a crucial transfer deadline to pass. The England forward, who has spent the campaign on loan at Camp Nou, now faces the prospect of an unexpected return to Manchester United this summer.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has once again called for a radical restructuring of Italian football following the Azzurri's catastrophic failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The outspoken Partenopei owner believes the current 20-team format of Serie A is "destroying" players and leaving the Italy national team with no room to breathe.

Arsenal academy graduates Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri provided a timely reminder of their precocious talent during England Under-21s' commanding 4-1 victory over Moldova, earning special praise from manager Lee Carsley. Despite enduring contrasting seasons at club level, the Hale End duo combined spectacularly at Carrow Road as the Young Lions picked up another three points in their U21s European Championship qualifying campaign.

Two heavy blows have hit the Catalan side

Christoph Kramer saw Caspar Jander as a future international, but the highly talented midfielder has now reached a dead end at Southampton. Could a move to the Bundesliga be his way out?

Brazil starlet Endrick has opened up on the emotional turmoil he faced before coming off the bench to inspire a 3-1 victory over Croatia. The teenage sensation admitted to feeling a crushing sense of "urgency" before a timely intervention from his wife, Gabriely Miranda, changed his mindset.

Widespread condemnation by the government of the regrettable incident

Following England’s historic defeat against Japan, the domestic press has been highly critical of national manager Thomas Tuchel.

Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea are all reportedly interested in signing Jules Kounde from Barcelona this summer. The French defender is under contract at the Spotify Camp Nou until 2030, but the three Premier League giants could be prepared to test Barca's resolve when the transfer window reopens.

England's final two games on home soil before the 2026 World Cup were supposed to give Thomas Tuchel's men the perfect send-off for North America. However, instead of being waved off with flowers, the Three Lions left the Wembley pitch to the sound of boos following their 1-0 defeat to Japan on Tuesday, which followed their uninspiring draw against Uruguay four days earlier.

In light of the team’s disappointing performance this season, it appears that Eintracht Frankfurt is planning a major overhaul next summer.

Wahbi discusses the best way to prepare ahead of the clash with the Selecao

The 12 games of the Thomas Tuchel era have yielded mixed results and performances from England. They remain one of the best sides in international football, even if they haven't played particularly well for extended stretches since the Sir Gareth Southgate era. That said, they are among the favourites to win the 2026 World Cup for several reasons.

Brazil icon Ronaldinho is famously known for his samba-inspired flair on the football pitch, but the legendary playmaker is now officially bringing that rhythm to the boardroom. The former Barcelona and AC Milan star has announced the launch of a new music label, Tu Musica, with plans to release a massive project inspired by the upcoming World Cup.

Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe sparked wild celebrations in Kinshasa by scoring a dramatic 100th-minute winner to send DR Congo to the 2026 World Cup. The historic 1-0 victory over Jamaica in the intercontinental play-off final ends a 52-year absence from the global stage for the Central African nation.

Mashin's defiance threatens to bring about severe penalties

Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero has confirmed he will undergo surgery after suffering a serious injury while playing in a veterans' match in Argentina. The former striker, who was forced into early retirement from professional football in 2021, sparked major concern when he was carried off the pitch in an over-35s clash between Independiente and River Plate.

Portugal international Joao Cancelo has dropped a significant hint regarding his future, hinting he is willing to reduce his salary to secure a return to Benfica. Currently on loan at Barcelona from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, the full-back's comments have added a fresh layer of intrigue to his complex transfer situation.

After Italy once again failed to qualify for the World Cup, the president of the Italian Football Federation is facing calls for his resignation from politicians.

If Galatasaray Istanbul’s management has its way, Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann should always select Leroy Sané for the World Cup.

Tennis legend Novak Djokovic was a surprise guest in the stands as Italy suffered a historic defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina, failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The 24-time Grand Slam winner joined a raucous crowd in Zenica to witness the four-time world champions lose a tense playoff final clash on penalties.

England concluded their March international break on a disappointing note as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Japan at Wembley, with Marc Guehi making a worrying admission about the pressure of playing for the Three Lions after the final whistle. Despite dominating possession, the hosts were undone by a first-half strike from Kaoru Mitoma.