Lionel Messi and Argentina have been dealt a major blow with Nicolas Otamendi now suspended for their 2026 World Cup opener after picking up a red card in their final qualifying match against Ecuador. The experienced defender was sent off for a reckless tackle in the 1-0 defeat, but Argentina still finished at the top of the CONMEBOL qualifying table.
Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi was hailed as the "best team-mate" by Thomas Tuchel after his heroics for England following his failed transfer to Liverpool last week. Guehi was on the verge of securing a move to Anfield on deadline day but Palace pulled the plug on the deal in the 11th hour. Despite the disappointment, Guehi gave his best for the Three Lions and scored in their thumping 5-0 win over Serbia.
The Italian manager made numerous changes, and saw his disjointed team deservedly fall to a side that needed to win to keep their dream of playing at 2026 alive
Marc Guehi may have seen his dream transfer to Liverpool fall apart on deadline day, but the Crystal Palace captain certainly didn't let it affect his mood with England. Instead, the 25-year-old made an emphatic statement during the latest Three Lions World Cup qualifiers, emerging as one of the standout performers.
Erling Haaland turned World Cup qualifying into his personal showcase on Tuesday night, scoring five times in Norway's 11-1 demolition of Moldova in Oslo. The Manchester City striker was unplayable, ensuring Stale Solbakken's side maintained their flawless start to the campaign and stayed firmly perched at the top of Group I with 15 points from five matches.
Nottingham Forest have appointed Ange Postecoglou as their new permanent manager after sacking Nuno Espirito Santo. A breakdown in relations with club owner Evangelos Marinakis led to Nuno's exit from the City Ground on Tuesday morning, and Forest have moved quickly to replace him. Ex-Tottenham boss Postecoglou's first game back in the Premier League will come when Forest face Arsenal this weekend.