Leicester City icon Kasper Schmeichel has officially announced his retirement from professional football following a devastating shoulder injury. The 39-year-old, who currently plays for Scottish giants Celtic, confirmed that medical experts have advised him that a return to top-level competition is no longer feasible.
Arsenal midfielder Christian Norgaard has confirmed his retirement from international football with Denmark. The 32-year-old ends his national team career after the country failed to qualify for the upcoming World Cup. He revealed family priorities and the emergence of new talent influenced his decision.
We are now just over two months out from the 2026 World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with all 48 teams now locked in following the culmination of the various play-offs during the March international break. All of the pre-tournament favourites made it safely through qualifying, including Spain, Brazil, England, France and defending champions Argentina.
The Czech Republic went to a penalty shoot-out twice – and both times the team kept their nerve. After two real nail-biters, the team has now qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 20 years.