Bayern Munich stunned the Bernabeu by taking a two-goal lead 20 seconds into the second half of T...

Bayern Munich stunned the Bernabeu by taking a two-goal lead 20 seconds into the second half of Tuesday's Champions League quarterfinal bout with Real Madrid.Vincent Kompany's side got its reward for a strong first-half display against Real Madrid when Luis Diaz finished an excellent team move shortly before the break. Then, almost immediately after the interval, Harry Kane swept the ball home from the edge of the area.For Bayern's second goal, Aleksandar Pavlovic robbed possession from Alvaro Carreras and played the ball forward into Michael Olise's path. Olise teased some opposing players before squaring a simple pass to Kane, who picked out the bottom corner with ease.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>(Available to view in U.S. only)<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
HARRY KANE STUNNER! 🤯 His first-ever goal at the Santiago Bernabéu doubles Bayern Munich’s lead🔥 <a href="https://t.co/5Q2Aom3plF">pic.twitter.com/5Q2Aom3plF</a>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/2041610509410021797?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>(Available to view in Canada only)<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
IT ONLY TOOK 20 SECONDS INTO THE SECOND HALF FOR HARRY KANE TO LEAVE HIS MARK! ⚡⚽🔥 Bayern now lead by 2. 🔴 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/8g99c0TCK2">pic.twitter.com/8g99c0TCK2</a>— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/DAZNFootball/status/2041610135424909499?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Bayern will take a one-goal advantage back to Germany for the second leg after Kylian Mbappe scored for the hosts in the 74th minute.

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 07: Harry Kane of FC Bayern Munich celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final First Leg match between Real Madrid CF and FC Bayern München at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 07, 2026 in Madrid, Spain.

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Watch: Kane catches Real Madrid napping 20 seconds into 2nd half

The Canadian Soccer Association's offer for fans to swap their Italy shirts for a new Canada jers...

The Canadian Soccer Association's offer for fans to swap their Italy shirts for a new Canada jersey appeared popular in Toronto on Saturday.The Canada merchandise was "gone within minutes" after "hundreds" lined up to take advantage of the initiative held at Cafe Diplomatico in the city's Little Italy neighborhood, according to <a href="https://x.com/TSNScianitti/status/2040446597469700298">TSN's Matthew Scianitti</a>.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Hundreds of people lined up for the Italy-for-Canada jersey swap at Cafe Diplomatico in Toronto! Canada Soccer didn’t actually collect the jerseys, they just handed out their 2026 kits and posters to fans 🍁<a href="https://twitter.com/CanadaSoccerEN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CanadaSoccerEN</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/CANMNT_Official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CANMNT_Official</a> <a href="https://t.co/Yo6crN2WS9">pic.twitter.com/Yo6crN2WS9</a>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/2040455963405148314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Employees working on behalf of Canada Soccer reportedly didn't take the Italy jerseys from supporters.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>There are around 1.5 million Canadians with either full or partial Italian ancestry, and almost a third of them live in Toronto and its surrounding areas, according to 2021 census results relayed by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/04/world-cup-2026-canada-offer-italy-fans-free-shirt-swap">The Guardian</a>.Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive men's World Cup after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3512009" href="https://thescore.com/news/3512009">losing</a> on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European playoff finals Tuesday. Canada would've hosted Italy at Toronto's BMO Field on June 12, but the Azzurri's failure to beat Bosnia meant the Balkan nation instead earned a place in Group B with the tournament co-host, along with Switzerland and Qatar.Group B fixtures<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Fixture</th>
<th> City</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>June 12</td>
<td>Canada vs. Bosnia</td>
<td>Toronto</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>June 13</td>
<td>Qatar vs. Switzerland</td>
<td>Santa Clara</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>June 18</td>
<td> Switzerland vs. Bosnia</td>
<td>Inglewood</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>June 18</td>
<td>Canada vs. Qatar</td>
<td>Vancouver</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>June 24</td>
<td>Switzerland vs. Canada</td>
<td> Vancouver</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>June 24</td>
<td>Bosnia vs. Qatar</td>
<td>Seattle</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>Four-time World Cup winner Italy's latest qualification collapse triggered the departures of Italy federation president Gabriele Gravina, delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon, and head coach Gennaro Gattuso.

TORONTO, ON- MARCH 28 - Fans raise flags during anthems as Canada and Iceland draw 2-2- in a FIFA International Men's Friendly at BMO Field in Toronto. March 28, 2026. Steve Russell/Toronto Star (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

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Watch: Hundreds of Italy fans line up in Toronto for free Canada shirt swap

TORONTO - Jesse Marsch knew that Canada's friendlies during the March international window would ...

TORONTO - Jesse Marsch knew that Canada's friendlies during the March international window would serve as a critical fact-finding mission ahead of the World Cup. It was a time to solve the riddles in his squad, to find solutions where there were once problems. Except the draws against Iceland and Tunisia at BMO Field perhaps didn't provide as many answers as the head coach had hoped."I've got some tough decisions to make, I know that," Marsch said after Tuesday's goalless draw with Tunisia. "With a heavy heart, I'm going to make some people disappointed to not be in the World Cup, but the competition in the squad is strong as it's ever been here in Canada."Marsch says he and his staff are "zoned in" on how the 26-man group will look if everybody's fit, but there can be no doubt that the job of picking his strongest XI got much harder during the team's final camp before the World Cup roster is announced in May.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>The worries</h3>The biggest problem during these friendlies was Marsch missing what he calculated as "eight to 10 players" from his squad. Comfortably under half of the personnel in the two lineups to face Iceland and Tunisia had a clear pathway to being starters at the World Cup, and it's fanciful to think the injury bug can be fully remedied before the big kickoff against Bosnia and Herzegovina - yes, Italy <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3512009" href="https://thescore.com/news/3512009">missed another World Cup</a> - on June 12.An ACL tear and a series of hamstring injuries means it will be 434 days that captain Alphonso Davies hasn't played for Canada on the eve of its next friendly against Uzbekistan on June 1. Moise Bombito and Alistair Johnston were part of this latest camp but unavailable as they work their way back from long-term injuries. Luc de Fougerolles, who was selected in the squad, remained on the bench after he partially tore an ankle ligament in early March.Stephen Eustaquio is cruelly sidelined with a blood clot after a promising start to life at Los Angeles FC, and his club colleague Jacob Shaffelburg is dealing with a troublesome groin injury. Promise David, a revelation for Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise, was a legitimate contender for Tani Oluwaseyi's place up front alongside undisputed starter Jonathan David, but he's in a race to be fit for the tournament following hip surgery. Alfie Jones, who surely has a place in the final squad locked down, was also unavailable, along with two players who were battling to make the final roster, Zorhan Bassong and Jamie Knight-Lebel.Such a litany of injuries meant there were places in the squad and even significant minutes for players who, barring a similarly long list of absences at the end of May, are unlikely to be part of Marsch's World Cup plans. The fact that forward Aribim Pepple remains uncapped, watching both friendly matches from the bench while Canada failed to score from open play for the sixth time in the last seven games, doesn't say a lot for his prospects.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829037/cropped_GettyImages-2269126296.jpg?ts=1775065961" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829037/w220xh124_GettyImages-2269126296.jpg?ts=1775065961 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829037/w320xh180_GettyImages-2269126296.jpg?ts=1775065961 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829037/w640xh360_GettyImages-2269126296.jpg?ts=1775065961 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829037/w768xh432_GettyImages-2269126296.jpg?ts=1775065961 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829037/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2269126296.jpg?ts=1775065961 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Vaughn Ridley / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Kamal Miller struggled in the 2-2 draw with Iceland, playing a limp back pass that created the European side's opening goal. Nevertheless, the defender - who's suffered a considerable fall since his standout displays at the 2022 World Cup - replaced the injured Ralph Priso in the 26th minute Tuesday against Tunisia. It felt like an undeserved second audition for Miller, one that was only afforded due to Priso's unfortunate setback and Derek Cornelius still working his way back to full fitness after his own muscle injury in November. Miller didn't improve his international chances, either, with a couple of misplaced passes putting his team under pressure and a clumsy challenge that only avoided red-card scrutiny because Liam Millar's heroic block (more on that later) denied Tunisia what looked like a sure goal seconds later.Junior Hoilett, a superb servant for Canada with 69 caps, was also given some minutes against Tunisia. But now 35 and barely playing at Swindon Town in England's fourth tier, the popular veteran's cumbersome cameo could be his final international outing. The injury list would need to be enormous - well, just as it is right now - for Hoilett to be in the final World Cup squad.There is also a scarcity of club minutes and form among Marsch's likeliest starters. In some cases, this won't influence the head coach's plans. Jonathan David could be pushed out of the first-team picture at Juventus for the rest of the season now that Dusan Vlahovic and Arkadiusz Milik are both fit again. Still, he'll feature from the first whistle against Bosnia unless he's out of commission. The confidence and fitness of Cornelius - another player with a seemingly strong grip on a starting berth - could be a growing concern given he's fallen out of favor at Rangers.The list of Canadians who are fit and performing well while playing regularly for their clubs isn't as long as you'd like with the World Cup so close. Could Marsch use their displays over the next two months to inform his final selection decisions? Jones was one of promotion-chasing Middlesbrough's most reliable players before his injury, so if he hits the ground running when he returns to duty in England's Championship, why can't he push to start over Cornelius if his status at Rangers is unchanged? Club form could also be used to make the final call on whether Dayne St. Clair (the likely favorite) or Maxime Crepeau should be Canada's starting goalkeeper, and neither has started the MLS campaign strongly."I'm not sure," Marsch admitted about his choice between St. Clair and Crepeau. "I'll be honest, I think it's as close as it's always been."I know I can't make a wrong decision - that's a beautiful thing to know."<h3>Biggest winners of the window</h3>Marsch's difficult choices were further complicated by the impressive performances from some players who went into the March camp on the fringes of a starting spot. It's a good kind of problem to have, but it doesn't make the coach's life any easier.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829038/cropped_GettyImages-2268727334.jpg?ts=1775066058" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829038/w220xh124_GettyImages-2268727334.jpg?ts=1775066058 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829038/w320xh180_GettyImages-2268727334.jpg?ts=1775066058 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829038/w640xh360_GettyImages-2268727334.jpg?ts=1775066058 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829038/w768xh432_GettyImages-2268727334.jpg?ts=1775066058 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829038/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2268727334.jpg?ts=1775066058 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Vaughn Ridley / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Richie Laryea, for example, has now started in each of Canada's last 11 matches, but Marsch answered questions on his prospects of being a World Cup starter ahead of the Iceland and Tunisia friendlies. It wasn't overly positive. The American tactician indicated Ali Ahmed had possession of the left-wing spot, presumably leaving first-choice roles at left-back and right-back (Laryea's natural spot) to Davies and Johnston, respectively.That may have changed.Laryea often plays as if he models his game on the aphorism, "a rising tide lifts all boats." He takes it upon himself to control the ebbs and flows of Marsch's Canada. Within the first 10 minutes of Saturday's second half against Iceland, when Canada was 2-0 down, he was pushing forward from his left-back position to offer the verticality that was sorely missed before the break. He also pushed away an Icelander who was idling over a Canadian free-kick. His impact was less pronounced against Tunisia, but he still retained possession well with a 90% pass success rate despite his willingness to trigger attacks from full-back. His role as the unelected moral arbiter of Tunisian conduct, showing little sensitivity as he screamed for fallen opponents to get up, also made for entertaining viewing.When Laryea exhibits this drive and aggression, he raises his teammates around him. He should now be undroppable. He might lead by example better than anybody else in Marsch's ensemble, and he's certainly one of the players who best embodies the coach's philosophy.The outlook for Canada's wingers has changed, too. Millar and Marcelo Flores should be practically assured of a place in the squad, and perhaps even be pushing for starting contention once the friendlies against Uzbekistan and Ireland are over in early June. The pair both offered something different for Marsch.Millar was direct, and his snappy deliveries from out wide were problematic for Tunisia. He also claimed the match's finest moment. Canada lost possession in Tunisia's box and the visiting team raced upfield, bypassing the midfield and easily getting beyond center-backs Joel Waterman and Miller. In around 10 seconds, Tunisia's Sayfallah Ltaief was squaring the ball for Elias Saad to score into a gaping net.But in that time, Millar had also sprinted from the edge of Tunisia's six-yard box to the equivalent part of Canada's danger area, to slide and block a sure-fire goal. He roared at the Canadian crowd as his "adrenaline kicked in," he said after the match.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829051/cropped_GettyImages-2268719478.jpg?ts=1775068382" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829051/w220xh124_GettyImages-2268719478.jpg?ts=1775068382 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829051/w320xh180_GettyImages-2268719478.jpg?ts=1775068382 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829051/w640xh360_GettyImages-2268719478.jpg?ts=1775068382 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829051/w768xh432_GettyImages-2268719478.jpg?ts=1775068382 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829051/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2268719478.jpg?ts=1775068382 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Vaughn Ridley / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>"I knew Liam was fast but I didn't know he was that fast," midfielder Ismael Kone admitted following the game. "I'm super proud of him."Yet Flores is the biggest winner of all during this international window. The Ontario-born winger recently switched allegiance from Mexico to Canada and made his debut as a substitute against Iceland before facing Tunisia from the start. He made an instant impression.He has a rubberiness that allows him to bounce off players in tight areas and a technical ability that helps him continue to progress play. He sometimes intentionally decides against winning a free-kick for his team, instead maintaining the tempo with a sensible pass to a teammate in space or executing an unpredictable twist to lose his man - or men, giving the attention he was drawing from opponents - and carve out an opening. And he's very much of the Marsch ilk with his industry off the ball as he puts defenders under pressure but still displayed the awareness to drop back in coverage when Laryea was committed higher up the pitch."We have a lot of guys that are athletic and play with power, and he has a little something different. He's clever, he's quick, he moves around in the game, he can help see final plays," Marsch explained of Flores' qualities.The main challenge is getting the 22-year-old acclimated to the squad's approach and his teammates as quickly as possible."We've got to continue to work with his ability to understand how to see and play with the guys around him, and how the guys can now help him make last plays and be available," Marsch said.Marsch has an unenviable task of putting all of this together - and he can't please everybody with his selections for Canada's World Cup opener against Bosnia. But it's possible to build something that can deliver a series of historic moments for the men's team. A first World Cup win is certainly an attainable goal, and from there a roadmap could be drawn for the unchartered territory of the knockout rounds.Canada should aim to outperform its co-hosts, Mexico and the United States, this summer with its aggressive pressing, continued defensive solidity, and - with a little fine-tuning and reinstalled belief over the pre-tournament friendlies - a return to goal-scoring form."I know we have the firepower on this team, and I know that part's going to come together, and I want us to continue to be a disciplined, sound, organized, savvy, intelligent, experienced team," Marsch said of his vision. "And I think through that we can make some waves in the World Cup because we have talent and now we have a real, clear identity."

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Analyzing Canada's biggest squad dilemmas going into World Cup

Tottenham Hotspur want to convince Roberto de Zerbi to become their third head coach of the seaso...

Tottenham Hotspur want to convince Roberto de Zerbi to become their third head coach of the season, according to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cq59wed70v5o">BBC Sport's Sami Mokbel</a>.Spurs announced Sunday that Igor Tudor had relinquished the reins after just 44 days in the role on an interim basis. The club <a href="https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/2026/march/club-statement-igor-tudor/">said</a> Tudor's exit was "mutually agreed" between the two parties.Ex-Brighton &amp; Hove Albion boss De Zerbi left Marseille in February and is open to taking over at Tottenham, Mokbel understands. However, he would reportedly prefer to wait until the end of the season when he knows whether the club managed to preserve its Premier League status.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Spurs are in 17th place and just one point above the drop. The club's first relegation from England's top flight since 1977 is a distinct possibility.Relegation battle with 7 matches left<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>#</th>
<th>Club</th>
<th>GD</th>
<th>Points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td>Leeds United</td>
<td>-11</td>
<td>33</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16</td>
<td>Nottingham Forest</td>
<td>-12</td>
<td>32</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td>Tottenham Hotspur</td>
<td>-10</td>
<td>30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18</td>
<td>West Ham United</td>
<td>-21</td>
<td>29</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19</td>
<td>Burnley</td>
<td>-28</td>
<td>20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20</td>
<td>Wolves</td>
<td>-30</td>
<td>17</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>Popular former head coach Mauricio Pochettino is also on Tottenham's radar, <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/48120237/tottenham-igor-tudor-part-ways-club-deep-relegation-mire">ESPN's James Olley</a> reports, but the Argentine tactician is committed to leading the United States men's national team at this summer's World Cup. Pochettino was in charge of Spurs between 2014 and 2019, guiding them to runner-up finishes in the League Cup and Champions League during that spell.Tudor's final match at the helm was last Sunday's 3-0 home defeat to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest. A 1-1 draw at Liverpool marked the only point he took from his five Premier League matches in charge.The Croatian also oversaw two Champions League games against Atletico Madrid that culminated in a 7-5 aggregate defeat and elimination from the last 16.Tottenham won the Europa League under Ange Postecoglou last season, but decided a change was needed in the dugout after a woeful 17th-placed finish in the Premier League. The club tempted Thomas Frank from Brentford, but he was sacked in February with the team in 16th spot, five points above the relegation zone following a winless run of eight matches.But the subsequent appointment of Tudor, who had forged a reputation on the continent for quickly reversing the fortunes of ailing teams, failed miserably.Tottenham sent their support to Tudor following the death of his father. He learned the news after the Forest loss.Goalkeeping coach Tomislav Rogic and physical coach Riccardo Ragnacci also left Tottenham. The club promised an update on a new head coach "in due course."

Marseille's Italian head coach Roberto De Zerbi gives instructions to his players during the UEFA Champions League, league phase day 8, football match between Club Brugge KV and Olympique de Marseille, at the Jan Breydel Stadium in Bruges on January 28, 2026.

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Report: Spurs want to hire De Zerbi after parting with Tudor

The World Cup countdown is gathering pace, but it appears Lionel Messi is in no rush to confirm h...

The World Cup countdown is gathering pace, but it appears Lionel Messi is in no rush to confirm his involvement in the tournament in North America."I want him to be there. It's up to him to decide. He's earned the right to make that decision with peace of mind," Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/48319761/lionel-messi-undecided-will-play-2026-world-cup-lionel-scaloni">ESPN's Adriana Garcia</a>."We're in no rush about it. We know whatever he decides will be best for the team and for him. We hope he will be there."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Messi captained Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 and picked up the Golden Ball award as the tournament's top player, eight years after he won the same prize after La Albiceleste lost to Germany in the final. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is his country's all-time top scorer with 115 goals and has won the Copa America twice.The 38-year-old Inter Miami playmaker is expected to play in his country's friendlies against Mauritania (Friday) and Zambia (Tuesday) at Boca Juniors' La Bombonera stadium as Argentina steps up its preparations for this summer's World Cup. However, Argentina was denied another piece of its attacking weaponry for those matches after Strasbourg's Joaquin Panichelli, the top scorer in France's Ligue 1 with 16 goals, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3508940" href="https://thescore.com/news/3508940">suffered a suspected torn ACL</a>."As far as I'm concerned, you already know where I stand," Scaloni said of Messi's potential participation at the World Cup. "I'll do everything I can to make sure he's there. I believe that, for the sake of football, he has to be there. It's not me who decides. It's up to him, his state of mind, his physical condition."He added, "It's difficult because it is not just the Argentinians who want to see him, everyone wants to see him."Scaloni also indicated there's still time for players to break into his squad for Argentina's World Cup title defense. Uncapped duo Tomas Palacios of Estudiantes and Racing Club left-back Gabriel Rojas were included in the 30-man squad for this international window."We're eternally grateful to those who've helped us win, but we've got another World Cup to face, and we need players who are fit and capable, and that's what we'll be looking for when we decide on the squad," Scaloni said.

Argentina's forward Lionel Messi smiles during a training session in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires province, Argentina on March 25, 2026. Argentina will play a friendly match against Mauritania on March 27 at the La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires.

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Argentina boss says Messi still undecided over World Cup involvement

Twenty-two teams entered European and intercontinental playoffs to determine which six nations wi...

Twenty-two teams entered European and intercontinental playoffs to determine which six nations will clinch the last remaining 2026 World Cup berths. Below, we run through all of Thursday's playoff action.Jump to: <a href="#European">European playoffs</a> | <a href="#Intercontinental">Intercontinental playoffs</a><h2><a id="European" name="European">European playoffs</a></h2>Sixteen European teams started the day with dreams of reaching this summer's World Cup. That group was trimmed down to eight remaining hopefuls following an impassioned slate of semifinal matches.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Path A</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828159/cropped_GettyImages-2268513951.jpg?ts=1774561710" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828159/w220xh124_GettyImages-2268513951.jpg?ts=1774561710 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828159/w320xh180_GettyImages-2268513951.jpg?ts=1774561710 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828159/w640xh360_GettyImages-2268513951.jpg?ts=1774561710 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828159/w768xh432_GettyImages-2268513951.jpg?ts=1774561710 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828159/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2268513951.jpg?ts=1774561710 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Image Photo Agency / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Italy 2, Northern Ireland 0 Wales 1, Bosnia and Herzegovina 1 (Bosnia wins 4-2 on penalties)It was a nervy 90 minutes in Bergamo, but Sandro Tonali's edge-of-the-box smash and Moise Kean's precise finish kept Italy's hopes of reaching its first World Cup since 2014 alive."We had to work hard because it was not easy tonight," manager Gennaro Gattuso told reporters after the tense win over Northern Ireland. "We knew this game would be tough, all we can do now is try to recharge the batteries."The Azzurri will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the playoff final. Bosnian icon Edin Dzeko's 86th-minute header forced his team's semifinal against Wales into extra time in Cardiff. It eventually went to a shootout, where Brennan Johnson blazed his effort over the bar and Neco Williams' attempt was saved before 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic struck Bosnia's winner."We're lost for words. We prepared as well as we could have and I thought we played well," Wales captain Ethan Ampadu told the BBC after the crushing result. "We can hold our heads up high because we fought for everything, sometimes in life things don't go your way."Bosnia will host the Path A final on March 31.<h3>Path B</h3>Ukraine 1, Sweden 3 Poland 2, Albania 1After going goalless in his last four competitive outings for Sweden, Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres rediscovered his scoring boots at the perfect time, smashing a hat-trick past Ukraine to send his country into the playoff final."We fought together, it was great. Gyokeres was incredible," Sweden boss Graham Potter said after the match.Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski scored the equalizer and Piotr Zielinski bagged the winner as Poland battled back to beat Albania and set up an intriguing clash with the Swedes that could very well be decided by the two star strikers on display. Gyokeres is yet to play in the World Cup, while the 37-year-old Lewandowski is trying to reach the tournament one final time.Sweden, which only qualified for the UEFA playoffs thanks to its Nations League performances, will host the Path B final on March 31.<h3>Path C</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828160/cropped_GettyImages-2267959177.jpg?ts=1774561757" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828160/w220xh124_GettyImages-2267959177.jpg?ts=1774561757 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828160/w320xh180_GettyImages-2267959177.jpg?ts=1774561757 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828160/w640xh360_GettyImages-2267959177.jpg?ts=1774561757 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828160/w768xh432_GettyImages-2267959177.jpg?ts=1774561757 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828160/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2267959177.jpg?ts=1774561757 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> JOE KLAMAR / AFP / Getty</figcaption></figure>Turkey 1, Romania 0 Slovakia 3, Kosovo 4Turkey's win over Romania wasn't awash with quality. Real Madrid's Arda Guler unsurprisingly produced the match's standout moment with a stunning, sweeping pass for Ferdi Kadioglu's decisive goal in front of a raucous crowd."We knew it would be a tough match," said Turkey captain Hakan Calhanoglu. "In the first half, we could have made better runs in behind. In the second half, Ferdi scored with a ball in behind ... From then, it was ours."Kosovo is one victory away from its first-ever World Cup appearance after roaring back to engineer a famous win in a seven-goal thriller in Slovakia. The host nation led 2-1 in Bratislava, but second-half goals from Fisnik Asllani, Florent Muslija, and Kreshnik Hajrizi turned the contest around before Kosovo held off Slovakia's late push.Kosovo, admitted to UEFA and FIFA competitions only a decade ago, will host the Path C final on March 31.<h3>Path D</h3>Denmark 4, North Macedonia 0 Czechia 2, Ireland 2 (Czechia wins 4-3 on penalties)Denmark moved closer to its third straight appearance at a World Cup - and its fifth out of the last seven editions - by thumping North Macedonia, with Lazio's Gustav Isaksen weighing in with two goals.Ladislav Krejci nodded home in the 86th minute to send Czechia's clash with Ireland into extra time, and then opened his country's scoring in the penalty shootout. Caoimhin Kelleher saved Mojmir Chytil's effort, but failed attempts from Finn Azaz and Alan Browne meant Ireland's wait to play at a World Cup extends to at least 28 years."I just feel pain," said Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson. "I feel pride for the performance of the players, they gave it all. I feel gratitude towards the supporters that showed up and supported us the whole game, even after the loss. I feel pride being a part of that group."Czechia will host the Path D final on March 31.<h2><a id="Intercontinental" name="Intercontinental">Intercontinental playoffs</a></h2><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828181/cropped_GettyImages-2268527829.jpg?ts=1774569803" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828181/w220xh124_GettyImages-2268527829.jpg?ts=1774569803 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828181/w320xh180_GettyImages-2268527829.jpg?ts=1774569803 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828181/w640xh360_GettyImages-2268527829.jpg?ts=1774569803 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828181/w768xh432_GettyImages-2268527829.jpg?ts=1774569803 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828181/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2268527829.jpg?ts=1774569803 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Hector Vivas - FIFA / FIFA / Getty</figcaption></figure>Six teams from around the globe entered the mix for two World Cup berths via FIFA's intercontinental playoff route.Bolivia 2, Suriname 1Bolivia fought back from a goal down against Suriname - positioned 117th in FIFA's men's rankings - to remain on course for its fourth World Cup appearance. Goals from youngsters Moises Paniagua and Miguel Terceros, who have a combined age of just 39, turned the fixture around after Liam van Gelderen gave Suriname a surprise lead in Guadalupe, Mexico.Bolivia will face Graham Arnold's Iraq on Tuesday to determine which nation competes in North America.Jamaica 1, New Caledonia 0Wrexham striker Bailey Cadamarteri scored the lone goal in the 18th minute, and goalkeeper Andre Blake made a key save in the 88th minute, to send Jamaica to a playoff final against DR Congo on Tuesday. The Reggae Boyz are looking to make only their second World Cup appearance and first since 1998.Like Iraq in the other path, Sebastien Desabre's DR Congo got a bye to the final as one of the top-ranked teams involved in the intercontinental playoffs.

VALENCIA, SPAIN - MARCH 26: Viktor Gyokeres of Sweden reacts whilst holding the match ball after his hat-trick and after the team's victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Ukraine and Sweden at Ciutat de Valencia on March 26, 2026 in Valencia, Spain.

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Ashley Cole took over Cesena for his first job as a head coach Sunday.  The 45-year-old's contrac...

Ashley Cole took over Cesena for his first job as a head coach Sunday.The 45-year-old's contract runs only until the end of the season, but there's an option to renew "upon the fulfillment of certain conditions," the Serie B club <a href="https://cesenafc.com/en/news/2026/3/15/welcome-ashley-cole">said</a>.The former Arsenal and Chelsea left-back succeeds Michele Mignani in northern Italy. Mignani was dismissed following Saturday's 2-2 home draw with Frosinone.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Cesena are eighth in Italy's second tier but could drop to ninth by the end of the weekend.Cole was part of Frank Lampard's coaching staff at Derby County, Chelsea, and Everton, and he's worked with England's Under-21 and senior teams. He also served as a first-team coach at Birmingham City.The 107-time England international won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, and many other major honors over his spells with Arsenal and Chelsea. He represented Roma, the LA Galaxy, and Derby later in his playing career.

DERBY, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 13: Ashley Cole, assistant head coach / manager of England during the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifier at Pride Park between England U21 and Andorra U21 on October 13, 2025 in Derby, England.

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Federico Valverde single-handedly dominated Manchester City in Real Madrid's 3-0 win in the openi...

Federico Valverde single-handedly dominated Manchester City in Real Madrid's 3-0 win in the opening leg of the teams' last-16 meeting.The reliable Uruguayan midfielder scored a devastating hat-trick in the first half at the Bernabeu on Wednesday, quickly putting the visitors at serious risk of Champions League elimination with three-quarters of the tie left to play.Valverde completed his treble in stunning fashion. In such tight quarters, he seemed to have all the time in the world, flicking the ball over Marc Guehi's head before poking the ball into the bottom corner.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>(Available to view in U.S. only)<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
FEDE VALVERDE WITH AN INSANE TOUCH AND FINISH 🤯😮‍💨 HE HAS HIS FIRST HALF HAT-TRICK 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/sqXhfKh4Dy">pic.twitter.com/sqXhfKh4Dy</a>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/2031835084135735770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>(Available to view in Canada only)<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
NO WAY! IT'S A HAT TRICK FOR VALVERDE! A GOLAZO! 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/XNX55N6y1Q">pic.twitter.com/XNX55N6y1Q</a>— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/DAZNFootball/status/2031834583541428524?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>

Real Madrid's Uruguayan midfielder #08 Federico Valverde (2L) celebrates his third goal during the UEFA Champions League last 16 first leg football match between Real Madrid CF and Manchester City at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on March 11, 2026.

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Alphonso Davies is dealing with another worrisome injury in the lead-up to the World Cup.  The Ca...

Alphonso Davies is dealing with another worrisome injury in the lead-up to the World Cup.The Canadian full-back "suffered a muscle strain in his right hamstring" during Tuesday's 6-1 Champions League rout of Atalanta, Bayern Munich <a href="https://fcbayern.com/en/news/2026/03/alphonso-davies-jonas-urbig-jamal-musiala-injury-update">said</a> in a statement Wednesday. The club offered no timeline for his absence.Davies was brought on as a halftime substitute, but his appearance was cut short after around 25 minutes due to the issue. The 25-year-old was visibly distraught, and Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany and substitute Tom Bischof consoled Davies as he left the pitch.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Davies provided an assist for Michael Olise before he exited the game.The former Vancouver Whitecaps player has dealt with numerous injury setbacks over the past two seasons. He returned to Bayern's squad in December after tearing his ACL on Canada duty in March 2025. The trip to Atalanta marked another comeback for Davies after he suffered a hamstring problem in a Bundesliga match in February, but he now faces another spell on the sidelines.Davies made his Canada debut at 16 and has since gone on to earn 58 caps and captain his country. Canada is a co-host of the 2026 World Cup with the United States and Mexico.

Alphonso Davies of FC Bayern Munchen in action during the serie UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 match between Atalanta BC and FC Bayern Munchen at Gewiss Stadium on March 10, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy

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Things couldn't have gone much worse for Tottenham Hotspur and Antonin Kinsky in Tuesday's 5-2 de...

Things couldn't have gone much worse for Tottenham Hotspur and Antonin Kinsky in Tuesday's 5-2 defeat at Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.The tie quickly appeared unsalvageable when Spurs conceded four goals within the opening 22 minutes of the first half. And unfortunately for Kinsky, who was surprisingly picked ahead of usual first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, it could be a match that defines his career for all the wrong reasons.Kinsky lasted just 17 minutes before he was substituted and headed straight down the tunnel. The 22-year-old had already conceded three times in his first Champions League start - and two of those goals were entirely his fault.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
14:59 - Atlético de Madrid's three goals against Tottenham Hotspur is the earliest a side has ever been three goals ahead in a UEFA Champions League knockout stage match. Demoralised. <a href="https://t.co/ZUN4s5tqjO">pic.twitter.com/ZUN4s5tqjO</a>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/2031466425689178223?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Tottenham attempted to play it out of the back just after five minutes and it backfired spectacularly when Kinsky's unfortunate slip gifted possession to Ademola Lookman in his own area. Julian Alvarez received a pass and played it on to Marcos Llorente to finish.Atletico's second goal was generously assisted by Micky van de Ven's slip under a bouncing back pass from Pape Sarr. Antoine Griezmann latched onto the loose ball before sliding it past Kinsky.Kinsky's night was over after Atleti's third. Just over 90 seconds after Griezmann's finish, Van de Ven played a harmless pass back to Kinsky. However, the young Czech goalkeeper's attempted first-time ball to Kevin Danso was a mess. He kicked it against his standing foot, presenting it to Alvarez in front of an open goal.Interim manager Igor Tudor didn't acknowledge Kinsky as he came off the pitch upon being replaced by Vicario."It was necessary to preserve the guy, preserve the team," Tudor <a href="https://x.com/SkySportsNews/status/2031502530195169777">explained</a> of Kinsky's substitution post-match.It didn't take long for Atletico Madrid to score past Vicario when he took Kinsky's place, either. The Italian made a good save to prevent an own goal, but Robin Le Normand pounced on the rebound to make it 4-0.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825653/cropped_GettyImages-2265835440.jpg?ts=1773183469" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825653/w220xh124_GettyImages-2265835440.jpg?ts=1773183469 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825653/w320xh180_GettyImages-2265835440.jpg?ts=1773183469 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825653/w640xh360_GettyImages-2265835440.jpg?ts=1773183469 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825653/w768xh432_GettyImages-2265835440.jpg?ts=1773183469 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825653/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2265835440.jpg?ts=1773183469 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Quality Sport Images / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Pedro Porro found the bottom corner in the 26th minute for Spurs.Richarlison forced an excellent save from Jan Oblak in the 55th minute to almost put Tottenham within two goals of the hosts, but Atletico immediately unleashed a devastating counter-attack after the Brazilian's chance. Griezmann initiated the surge upfield with a gorgeous touch to Alvarez, and the Argentine attacker sprinted almost three-quarters the length of the pitch before netting with a cool finish.Oblak, playing at the same end of the ground where Kinsky endured his miserable evening, made his own mistake to give Spurs the faintest sliver of hope. His wayward pass rolled to Porro around 30 yards from goal, and he passed forward to Dominic Solanke in space. Solanke turned and smashed a shot into the roof of the net.The result marked the first-ever time Spurs have ever lost six consecutive matches in all competitions. They travel to Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday before the return leg against Atletico Madrid in north London next Wednesday."We apologize to the fans and to everyone," Tudor told TNT Sports, according to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/live/cj4z5vpj7q2t?post=asset%3A324cc71b-258b-47c0-9e7c-9b26ca4ea751#post">BBC Sport</a>. "It's a difficult moment. Everything looks like (it's) going wrong. Small mistakes, we pay. Everything, unbelievable."

Tottenham Hotspur's Argentinian defender #17 Cristian Romero conforts Tottenham Hotspur's Czech goalkeeper #31 Antonin Kinsky after his substitution during the UEFA Champions League last 16 first leg football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur at Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on March 10, 2026.

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Manchester City will host Liverpool in the indisputable standout tie of the FA Cup quarterfinals....

Manchester City will host Liverpool in the indisputable standout tie of the FA Cup quarterfinals.Pep Guardiola's side has already beaten Liverpool twice in the Premier League this season - a 3-0 home win and a fiercely contested 2-1 away victory - but lost 3-2 to the Merseyside club in the FA Cup semifinals in 2022.Bottom-place League One outfit Port Vale, the lowest-ranked team left in the competition, was handed a trip to Chelsea in Monday's draw after dismissing Sunderland in the previous round. Chelsea narrowly beat Wrexham on Saturday to reach this stage and will play Port Vale for the first time since they met in the Second Division in April 1929.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Second-tier Southampton will welcome record 14-time winners Arsenal to the south coast after beating Fulham with a late penalty Sunday. Arsenal had to dig deep to beat Mansfield Town in the fifth round.West Ham United will take on Leeds United after the Hammers outlasted Brentford on penalties in Monday's final match. Leeds will feature in the FA Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2003.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
3 - Arsenal have gone on to win the FA Cup in three of the previous five seasons they have faced Southampton (1978-79, 2002-03 and 2016-17). Positives. <a href="https://t.co/WOH0Jcp8Vh">pic.twitter.com/WOH0Jcp8Vh</a>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/2031086159003013592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><ul>
<li>Southampton vs. Arsenal</li>
<li>Chelsea vs. Port Vale</li>
<li>Manchester City vs. Liverpool</li>
<li>West Ham United vs. Leeds United</li>
</ul>The matches will be played the weekend of April 4-5.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Mohamed Salah of Liverpool controls the ball whilst under pressure from Marc Guehi of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield on February 08, 2026 in Liverpool, England.

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Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas revealed this week that Lionel Messi earns between $70 million and $8...

Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas revealed this week that Lionel Messi earns between $70 million and $80 million a year from the MLS franchise through his regular salary and ownership stake in the team.Mas credited lucrative sponsorship deals as crucial to bankrolling Inter Miami's sizeable wage bill, saying they account for 55% of total club revenue. By comparison, media rights, usually a major income stream for large sports franchises, contribute just 2% to Inter Miami's revenue."The reason that I need to have sponsors and for them to be world class is because players are expensive," Mas told <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-06/messi-is-paid-up-to-80-million-a-year-by-inter-miami-mas-says">Bloomberg's Daniel Cancel</a>. "I pay Messi - worth every penny - but it's $70 to $80 million a year. Across everything."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The MLS Players Association's salary guide released last fall noted that Messi earned an annual base salary of $12 million and guaranteed compensation of almost $20.5 million as of Oct. 1, 2025.However, the 38-year-old signed a contract later that month that extended his stay with Inter Miami until the end of the 2028-29 MLS season. The new terms included an ownership stake in the club, but the percentage handed to the Argentine attacker remains undisclosed.In addition to funding Messi's wages, Inter Miami also paid Spanish duo Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba handsomely before the pair retired following the club's win in the 2025 MLS Cup final in December. Veteran Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, Messi's Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul, and Mexican international German Berterame are part of Inter Miami's 2026 roster.Messi is expected to be a partial club owner at Inter Miami once he stops playing. The current owners are Mas, his brother Jose Mas, and English soccer icon David Beckham.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 06: José Mas, Jorge Mas and Sir David Beckham, co-owners of Inter Miami CF pose with the Champion's trophy next to Lionel Messi #10 after winning the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Final match between Inter Miami CF and Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Chase Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

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World Cup broadcasters have been granted permission to cut away to show commercials during in-gam...

World Cup broadcasters have been granted permission to cut away to show commercials during in-game hydration breaks this summer, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7081341/2026/03/05/world-cup-hydration-breaks-tv-commercials-ads/">The Athletic's Henry Bushnell</a>.FIFA <a href="https://inside.fifa.com/organisation/news/hydration-breaks-world-cup-2026-player-welfare">announced</a> in December that that every World Cup match would feature three-minute breaks midway through each half as part of the organization's "commitment to player welfare."Broadcasters have now been allowed two minutes and 10 seconds of this window to potentially show commercials, which can begin 20 seconds after the referee has blown his whistle to signal the hydration break, according to guidelines shared with Bushnell. The match feed must return more than 30 seconds before play resumes.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Broadcasters aren't obliged to flip to commercials, so they could instead use the time for in-studio analysis or just stick with the match feed. The latter could still involve advertisements on part of the screen, but these spots can only be sold to FIFA sponsors. The major global partners for the tournament include Saudi Arabia's state-owned oil and gas company Aramco and other companies long associated with major soccer events like Adidas, Coca-Cola, and Visa.The sale of cut-away commercials will reportedly be an open process.FIFA will control the in-stadium branding of the breaks. At last summer's Club World Cup in the United States, they were called "Powerade hydration breaks" on the video boards. Powerade is a Coca-Cola product.South American confederation CONMEBOL added mandatory 90-second hydration breaks to the Copa Libertadores, its flagship continental club competition, in February. The coverage doesn't cut to advertisements during this time.

ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 4: Xavi Simons of the Netherlands, Denzel Dumfries of the Netherlands, Frenkie de Jong of the Netherlands during a drinking break, Head Coach Ronald Koeman of the Netherlands gestures during the UEFA World Cup Qualification match between Netherlands and Poland at Stadion Feijenoord on September 4, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

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Rodrygo is expected to miss Brazil's upcoming World Cup campaign after he suffered a serious knee...

Rodrygo is expected to miss Brazil's upcoming World Cup campaign after he suffered a serious knee injury during Real Madrid's surprise 1-0 home defeat to Getafe on Monday."Following tests carried out today on our player Rodrygo by the Real Madrid medical services, he has been diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament and a torn lateral meniscus in his right leg," Real Madrid <a href="https://www.realmadrid.com/en-US/news/football/first-team/latest-news/parte-medico-de-rodrygo-03-03-2026">said</a> in a statement Tuesday.The injury will sideline Rodrygo for around eight months, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/48089822/real-madrid-rodrygo-torn-acl-season-miss-world-cup">ESPN</a>. Brazil's opening match at the World Cup is against Morocco on June 13.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Brazilian federation <a href="https://x.com/CBF_Futebol/status/2028858590757265434?s=20">wished</a> the 25-year-old winger "a speedy recovery and that he returns to the pitch as soon as possible."Rodrygo has scored nine goals in 37 caps for Brazil. He appeared in all five of his country's matches at the 2022 World Cup, starting once.

MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 02: Rodrygo Goes of Real Madrid gestures during the La Liga week 26 football match between Real Madrid and Getafe at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain on March 02, 2026.

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Rodrygo likely to miss World Cup for Brazil with severe knee injury

Toronto FC signed American striker Josh Sargent on Friday after a drawn-out transfer saga with No...

Toronto FC signed American striker Josh Sargent on Friday after a drawn-out transfer saga with Norwich City.The cost of the deal is approximately $22 million and could climb to $27 million with add-ons, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7036805/2026/02/20/josh-sargent-transfer-toronto-fc-norwich-city-usmnt/">Tom Bogert of The Athletic</a>. Sargent joins as a Designated Player on a contract until 2031.The reported fee makes Sargent the most expensive recruit in Toronto's history. The previous club-record arrival was attacking midfielder Alejandro Pozuelo, who joined for just under $11 million USD (€9.1 million) from Genk in 2019, according to <a href="https://www.transfermarkt.us/toronto-fc/transferrekorde/verein/11141">Transfermarkt</a>. South Korea star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/12696" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/12696">Son Heung-min</a> currently holds the league record from when he switched Tottenham Hotspur for Los Angeles FC last August for a reported $26.5-million fee, meaning the amount of Sargent's transfer could eventually surpass that sum.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Sargent moved to Norwich in August 2021 ahead of the club's return to the Premier League. The forward scored four times in 29 appearances across all competitions that season, but the club was relegated back to the Championship following a last-place finish.Over four seasons in England's second tier, Sargent's netted 51 goals with 12 assists across 121 Championship matches. However, the 26-year-old missed Norwich's last 10 matches after asking to be left out of an FA Cup third-round visit from Walsall amid Toronto's reported interest. He was subsequently banished to train with the club's under-21 squad while the club dug in its heels over a transfer. Eventually, the Canaries approved the $27-million overall package offered by the MLS franchise."I get the fans' frustration completely," Norwich captain Kenny McLean told <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0n2j7qk">BBC Radio Norfolk</a> last Saturday about Sargent's situation with the club. "A couple of months ago, we were talking about having the best player in the Championship."Norwich City have risen from 22nd to 17th place in the Championship since Sargent was frozen out. Former Toronto FC player Ali Ahmed has been among the key figures behind Norwich's upturn in fortunes.As part of Sargent's move to Toronto FC, his new club has sent $500,000 in general allocation money to St. Louis City SC, who owned the right of first refusal for Sargent. St. Louis could receive another $225,000 in GAM depending on add-ons.Sargent has scored five times in 29 appearances for the United States men's national team, but he's never played in the country's top domestic league. The Missouri native joined Germany's Werder Bremen as a youth player in January 2018 before making his first senior appearance in December of that year. He was relegated with Werder Bremen in 2021 after notching 11 goals in 70 Bundesliga appearances."He is a proven goalscorer, with a winning mentality and the intelligence that will lead our attack for years to come," Toronto FC general manager Jason Hernandez said in a statement.Toronto FC were in search of an experienced attacker after cutting ties with Italian duo Federico Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Insigne in July. Robin Fraser's incoming transfers since those high-profile departures include a host of experienced MLS players, such as Djordje Mihailovic and Walker Zimmerman, who have a combined 56 caps for the USMNT; former Sporting Kansas City winger Daniel Salloi; and Raheem Edwards.

Josh Sargent of Norwich City applauds after the Sky Bet Championship match between Norwich City and Queens Park Rangers at Carrow Road in Norwich, England, on November 29, 2025.

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Toronto FC sign USMNT's Sargent in reported club-record $27M deal

The Champions League returned this week with the knockout playoffs. Check out our key takeaways f...

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Analysis from Champions League knockout playoffs

Vitor Pereira is making a swift return to the Premier League as Sean Dyche's successor at Notting...

Vitor Pereira is making a swift return to the Premier League as Sean Dyche's successor at Nottingham Forest.The nomadic Portuguese coach, who was sacked by Wolverhampton Wanderers last November, was officially appointed as the new Forest boss Sunday on an 18-month contract.The East Midlands outfit is the first club in Premier League history to have four different permanent head coaches in the same season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3477152" href="https://thescore.com/news/3477152">axed</a> Dyche on Wednesday shortly after his team drew 0-0 with Wolves despite having 35 shots at the City Ground. Dyche lasted less than four months and his predecessor, Ange Postecoglou, spent only 39 days at the helm. Nuno Espirito Santo secured a place in the Europa League last season, but he was sacked just three matches into the 2025-26 campaign due to a fallout with Marinakis over the club's transfer activity.Pereira worked under Marinakis when he was in charge of Olympiacos in 2015. He'll be tasked with keeping relegation-threatened Forest in the Premier League this season.The bottom eight<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>#</th>
<th>Club</th>
<th>GD</th>
<th>Points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td>Crystal Palace</td>
<td>-4</td>
<td>32</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14</td>
<td>Brighton</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>31</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td>Leeds United</td>
<td>-9</td>
<td>30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16</td>
<td>Tottenham Hotspur</td>
<td>-1</td>
<td>29</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td>Nottingham Forest</td>
<td>-13</td>
<td>27</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>⬇️</td>
<td>West Ham United</td>
<td>-17</td>
<td>24</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>⬇️</td>
<td>Burnley</td>
<td>-23</td>
<td>18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>⬇️</td>
<td>Wolves</td>
<td>-32</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>Since the turn of the year, Nottingham Forest have beaten West Ham United and Brentford and also earned a respectable draw against Arsenal. However, a wretched festive spell of four straight defeats and their recent run of one point from matches against Crystal Palace, Leeds United, and Wolves have put Forest at serious risk of dropping into the Championship.Forest return to action for the opening leg of their Europa League knockout-round playoff with Fenerbahce on Feb. 19. The team then turns its attention back to Premier League survival with a visit from Liverpool on Feb. 22.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 01: Vitor Pereira, Manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers, reacts on the touchline during the Premier League match between Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Craven Cottage on November 01, 2025 in London, England.

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Chelsea's push for Champions League qualification took a hit Tuesday after Liam Rosenior's side s...

Chelsea's push for Champions League qualification took a hit Tuesday after Liam Rosenior's side surrendered a two-goal advantage in a 2-2 home draw with Leeds United.Joao Pedro's cool finish and a Cole Palmer penalty gave the Blues a considerable advantage at Stamford Bridge, but they couldn't secure a fifth-straight Premier League win under head coach Rosenior.Moises Caicedo conceded a penalty when he brought down Jayden Bogle, and Lukas Nmecha sent Robert Sanchez the wrong way from 12 yards. Noah Okafor equalized in the 73rd minute for Leeds after an error-strewn passage of play from Chelsea's defense.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Chelsea should've won the match right at the death. Malo Gusto deftly flicked the ball down the flank for Caicedo and the Ecuadorian pinged an inviting cross across the face of goal. Palmer met the ball from around three yards out, but somehow lifted his effort high over the bar.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
📸 | COLE PALMER WITH A LAST MINUTE 0.91(xG) MISS! <a href="https://t.co/ZUzTBOr4AB">pic.twitter.com/ZUzTBOr4AB</a>— The xG Philosophy (@xGPhilosophy) <a href="https://twitter.com/xGPhilosophy/status/2021336991502303604?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Chelsea remain one point behind fourth-placed Manchester United after they <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3476277" href="https://thescore.com/news/3476277">drew at West Ham United</a> on Tuesday.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: Cole Palmer of Chelsea misses a chance at an open goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on February 10, 2026 in London, England.

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The vice president of Lionel Messi's boyhood club Newell's Old Boys has revealed a plan to bring ...

The vice president of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1126" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1126">Lionel Messi</a>'s boyhood club Newell's Old Boys has revealed a plan to bring the superstar back home."We are working on Leo playing for Newell's in the first half of 2027," Juan Manuel Medina told Argentine publication <a href="https://tn.com.ar/deportes/futbol/2026/02/03/bomba-en-el-futbol-argentino-revelaron-el-proyecto-para-que-lionel-messi-juegue-en-newells-en-2027/">TN</a> on Tuesday, as reported by <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7020697/2026/02/04/lionel-messi-newells-old-boys-return/">The Athletic's Jessica Hopkins</a>.He confirmed that nothing has been finalized over Messi's potential return, but said the idea originated in 2024. Newell's have held informal talks with Messi's representatives, <a href="https://as.com/futbol/internacional/newells-ofrece-un-megaproyecto-a-messi-f202602-n/">AS' Hector Perez</a> reports.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It's a project that goes beyond Newell's. It's a project for the city of Rosario, the province, and Argentine football," Medina explained. "It all depends on what we can offer in terms of infrastructure and a competitive sports program."Messi joined Inter Miami in July 2023 and renewed his contract last October until the end of the 2028 MLS season. Messi played for Newell's youth teams before he famously moved to Barcelona at 13, but his affection for the Rosario-based club remains. The iconic attacker told TyC Sports in 2017 - while still playing for Barca - that it was his "dream to play at Newell's," according to <a href="https://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2017/12/06/5a2848d6468aeb741f8b45b3.html">Marca</a>.The Argentine club's stadium, the Estadio Marcelo Bielsa, has a stand named after Messi.Messi, who turns 39 in June, is expected to captain reigning champion Argentina at this summer's World Cup, though he hasn't yet confirmed his participation in the tournament.He's carried his success from Europe into his stint in North America with Inter Miami, winning the 2023 Leagues Cup, the 2024 Supporters' Shield, and the 2025 MLS Cup, while becoming the first player in Major League Soccer history to collect back-to-back MVP awards.

Inter Miami F.C's Argentinian soccer player Lionel Messi at the Atanasio Girardot stadium moments prior to the Inter Miami F.C friendly match against Atletico Nacional in Medellin Colombia, January 31, 2026. (Photo by: Camilo Moreno/Long Visual Press/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

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Newell's Old Boys working to bring Messi back to club in 2027

The clubs from Europe's top leagues wrapped up their business for the 2025-26 season as the Janua...

The clubs from Europe's top leagues wrapped up their business for the 2025-26 season as the January transfer window closed Monday. We're picking out the biggest winners and losers from the winter signing period.👉 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3461026" href="https://thescore.com/news/3461026">Deadline day analysis</a><h3>Winners: Manchester City</h3>The latest incarnation of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City still feels like a work in progress. Their ongoing defensive frailties and failure to see out wins over Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur within the past month attest to that. Right now, they don't feel like genuine Premier League title challengers.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Still, City can build toward their next era with victories in the transfer market - and they certainly did that in January. Marc Guehi's introduction to the backline has brought brawn, confidence, and elite decision-making that was sorely missed during crucial junctures of the campaign. He could've joined for nothing when his Crystal Palace contract expired in the summer, but City were proactive to acquire an elite defender for just £20 million, beating out numerous European rivals in the process. It's excellent business.Antoine Semenyo also turned up at just the right time. His four goals in five appearances have helped offset Erling Haaland's unexpected struggles and Jeremy Doku's injury problems. Semenyo's versatility and single-mindedness have instantly enhanced City's attack.<h3>Losers: Crystal Palace</h3>There's been an exodus of Crystal Palace's 2025 FA Cup winners. Eberechi Eze, who scored the only goal against Manchester City in the FA Cup final, joined Arsenal last summer, and long-serving defender Joel Ward also left following the expiration of his contract. In mid-January, manager Oliver Glasner revealed he would call it quits at Selhurst Park in the summer, and days later Guehi relinquished the captaincy to move to Manchester City.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820194/cropped_GettyImages-2215595779.jpg?ts=1770065453" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820194/w220xh124_GettyImages-2215595779.jpg?ts=1770065453 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820194/w320xh180_GettyImages-2215595779.jpg?ts=1770065453 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820194/w640xh360_GettyImages-2215595779.jpg?ts=1770065453 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820194/w768xh432_GettyImages-2215595779.jpg?ts=1770065453 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820194/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2215595779.jpg?ts=1770065453 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jan Kruger - The FA / The FA Collection / Getty</figcaption></figure>Jean-Philippe Mateta stuck around after his deadline-day transfer to AC Milan <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3469942" href="https://thescore.com/news/3469942">fell through</a>, but whether that's a good thing or not remains to be seen. He's scored just once in his past 12 outings, with Palace winning only the first two matches of Mateta's miserable run, and a troublesome knee issue was apparently flagged in his failed medical with Milan.Perhaps concern over Mateta's fitness and form encouraged Palace to rubber-stamp the signing of Jorgen Strand Larsen. But how much impact can a striker with one goal in 22 Premier League appearances this season be expected to have on a team completely drained of confidence? There's incentive for Strand Larsen to prove himself at Palace, especially with Norway's World Cup campaign on the horizon, but he's only scored against West Ham United, Burnley, and Shrewsbury Town this season. He's broken. And yet, Palace paid almost £50 million to acquire him.Brennan Johnson signed for Crystal Palace earlier in January. The Welsh international carefully built his reputation at Nottingham Forest before his 2023 transfer to Tottenham, but, at £35 million, his signing marks another expensive gamble for the Eagles.<h3>Winners: Chelsea</h3>The relationship between Chelsea and Strasbourg under the BlueCo investment group works just fine for the Premier League club. Rather than take risks in west London, Chelsea use the smaller Ligue 1 side as a testing ground for young talent and simply take their pick of the best Strasbourg players in each transfer window.The one-sided arrangement appeared to reach its nadir for Strasbourg when Emmanuel Emegha was unveiled as a Chelsea player in September 2025, despite the move not going through until the following summer. Chelsea announcing yet another transfer seemingly took priority over everything else, including Strasbourg's preparations for a match two days later and their fans' increasing frustration with their club being geared toward fostering Chelsea's success.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820159/cropped_GettyImages-2152118674.jpg?ts=1770050676" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820159/w220xh124_GettyImages-2152118674.jpg?ts=1770050676 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820159/w320xh180_GettyImages-2152118674.jpg?ts=1770050676 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820159/w640xh360_GettyImages-2152118674.jpg?ts=1770050676 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820159/w768xh432_GettyImages-2152118674.jpg?ts=1770050676 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820159/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2152118674.jpg?ts=1770050676 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> ABDESSLAM MIRDASS / AFP / Getty</figcaption></figure>The unfair alliance got even worse this winter. Chelsea pinched Liam Rosenior from Strasbourg to replace Enzo Maresca as head coach. Then, in the final hours of the transfer window, Chelsea turned to Strasbourg yet again after missing out on other defensive targets. Highly-rated defender Mamadou Sarr was recalled from his loan deal in France after captaining Strasbourg against Paris Saint-Germain the previous day, and Aaron Anselmino - who started just four league matches while he spent the first half of the season with Borussia Dortmund - was apologetically sent the other way.The way BlueCo treats Strasbourg is deeply unsavoury, but Chelsea aren't complaining.<h3>Losers: Napoli</h3>Napoli's Serie A title defense is on life support - and their transfer dealings over the past two windows must take some of the blame.The injuries to Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Frank Anguissa, and David Neres - among others - are unfortunate and have contributed to the nine-point gap behind league leaders Inter Milan. Captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo was also ruled out after suffering a knee sprain over the weekend.But there's been so little quality in reserve.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806893/cropped_GettyImages-2242076381.jpg?ts=1761237040" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806893/w220xh124_GettyImages-2242076381.jpg?ts=1761237040 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806893/w320xh180_GettyImages-2242076381.jpg?ts=1761237040 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806893/w640xh360_GettyImages-2242076381.jpg?ts=1761237040 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806893/w768xh432_GettyImages-2242076381.jpg?ts=1761237040 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806893/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2242076381.jpg?ts=1761237040 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> BSR Agency / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Noa Lang, Lorenzo Lucca, and Luca Marianucci were all signed over the summer before being offloaded in January after making minimal impact in Campania. And the incoming winter deals for Alisson Santos (Sporting CP) and Giovane (Hellas Verona) - basically gambles on raw, young talent - aren't going to be much use to Antonio Conte right now.Napoli crashed out of the opening phase of the Champions League. They're at serious risk of elimination from the Coppa Italia quarterfinals against in-form Como next week. A season that promised so much could turn into nothing more than a desperate cling to a top-four finish in Serie A.<h3>Winner: Christian Norgaard (maybe)</h3>Christian Norgaard has played 33 minutes of Premier League football since he joined Arsenal from Brentford last summer. Mikel Arteta recently <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cp37rdx13nro">suggested</a> England's top flight should allow for bigger squads so there's room for Norgaard on his bench, which isn't the greatest endorsement for the former Brentford captain.But Mikel Merino's foot operation could finally open the door for Norgaard. Arteta <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3470004" href="https://thescore.com/news/3470004">stated</a> the club was "actively looking" to find a replacement for Merino during his absence but nothing materialized, leaving Martin Zubimendi as the only regular starter who plays at the base of midfield. Declan Rice can also fill the Merino void, but most of his success at Arsenal has been in a more marauding role."He is a leader, and a player with high tactical intelligence and versatility who will have a very positive impact to the squad," Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berti <a href="https://www.arsenal.com/news/christian-norgaard-signs-arsenal">said</a> when Norgaard was unveiled last July.Well, it might just be time for the Dane to shine.<h3>Loser: The loan market</h3>So many teams rely on their on-loan players for the full season, but parent clubs seem more willing than ever to break agreements for short-term fixes or to help them conduct business elsewhere. Trust in the system must be eroding.Chelsea recalling Anselmino and using him as a pawn to swipe Sarr from Strasbourg is just one of many examples. Watford have slipped six places down the Championship table and been eliminated from the FA Cup since Manchester City ended Max Alleyne's loan to cover an injury crisis. Alleyne has already lost his spot in Guardiola's starting lineup following Guehi's arrival, and he'll disappear completely from view when Ruben Dias, John Stones, and Josko Gvardiol are fit again.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820165/cropped_GettyImages-2256290794.jpg?ts=1770054984" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820165/w220xh124_GettyImages-2256290794.jpg?ts=1770054984 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820165/w320xh180_GettyImages-2256290794.jpg?ts=1770054984 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820165/w640xh360_GettyImages-2256290794.jpg?ts=1770054984 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820165/w768xh432_GettyImages-2256290794.jpg?ts=1770054984 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820165/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2256290794.jpg?ts=1770054984 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Simon Stacpoole/Offside / Offside / Getty</figcaption></figure>West Bromwich Albion are at risk of being relegated from the Championship, but weakening them further didn't matter to Manchester United. They took Toby Collyer back from the Baggies before sending him to Hull City, who are in much better shape in third place of England's second tier.Sunderland almost lost Lutsharel Geertruida when Liverpool had the audacity to ask RB Leipzig to cancel his loan so he could join them instead. Liverpool only opted out of the deal because it was too complicated to broker with so little time left in the transfer window, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7013309/2026/02/01/liverpool-transfer-news-geertruida/">The Athletic's David Ornstein</a>.There's already evidence that smaller clubs are moving on from the insecurity of the loan market. Lincoln City, one of the better-run clubs in the EFL, helped improve the likes of Morgan Rogers and then-Forest youngster Brennan Johnson on loan deals in recent years, but they're now surpassing expectations with a strong bid for promotion to the Championship. The difference? They predominantly lean on players on long-term contracts rather than run the risk of borrowing from bigger clubs.<h3>Other winners and losers</h3>Winners: Schalke fans are starting to believe there are brighter times ahead for their club. Miron Muslic's side is in first place in the Bundesliga 2 and should improve after a strong winter recruitment drive. Edin Dzeko, Adil Aouchiche, and Dejan Ljubicic joined the promotion push.Losers: Leading figures at Barcelona were furious after losing one of their top prospects to Paris Saint-Germain for just €8 million. Dro Fernandez, 18, was being carefully integrated into the first team and already had a big fan in head coach Hansi Flick, but PSG triggered his release clause - while paying a little extra to maintain a good relationship with Barca - to bring him to the French capital. This transfer could sting Barcelona for years.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819221/cropped_GettyImages-2247985145.jpg?ts=1769468664" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819221/w220xh124_GettyImages-2247985145.jpg?ts=1769468664 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819221/w320xh180_GettyImages-2247985145.jpg?ts=1769468664 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819221/w640xh360_GettyImages-2247985145.jpg?ts=1769468664 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819221/w768xh432_GettyImages-2247985145.jpg?ts=1769468664 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819221/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2247985145.jpg?ts=1769468664 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Pedro Salado / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Winners: Fans of throwbacks and reclamation projects should have a soft spot for Sheffield United in the Championship. Kalvin Phillips moved to Bramall Lane on loan from Manchester City on deadline day, joining a sizeable group of fallen stars and Premier League veterans playing under Chris Wilder, including Danny Ings, Patrick Bamford, Tom Davies, Ben Mee, Jairo Riedewald, and Japhet Tanganga.Losers: Al-Nassr. The Saudi Pro League club's relationship with its prized asset, Cristiano Ronaldo, has apparently soured due to his anger over the club's lack of transfer activity. Portuguese reports cited by <a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronaldo-na-nassr-soccer-transfers-d583d1300ea32184a792a72711720c85">The Associated Press</a> claimed Ronaldo missed Monday's match against Al-Riyadh because he was on strike. This isn't a good look for a country that's aggressively pursuing a place at soccer's top table.

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Biggest winners and losers from January transfer window

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Jonathan Soveta

News Editor

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