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World Cup 2026

Ailing Italy at new low after missing out on yet another World Cup

Italy's goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma reacting after the 4-1 penalty shoot-out defeat by Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Bilino-Polje stadium in Zenica on March 31, 2026. The match ended 1-1 after extra time.
Italy's goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma reacting after the 4-1 penalty shoot-out defeat by Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Bilino-Polje stadium in Zenica on March 31, 2026. The match ended 1-1 after extra time.

World Cup play-offs round-up

Marko Farji celebrating after Iraq qualify for 2026 World Cup with a 2-1 win over Bolivia in an intercontinental play-off at the Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico, on March 31, 2026.
Marko Farji celebrating after Iraq qualify for 2026 World Cup with a 2-1 win over Bolivia in an intercontinental play-off at the Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico, on March 31, 2026.

Australia savour goal glut before World Cup but squad depth questions remain

Lucas Herrington of Australia heads the ball in the FIFA Series 2026 match between the against Curacao at AAMI Park in Melbourne on March 31, 2026.
Lucas Herrington of Australia heads the ball in the FIFA Series 2026 match between the against Curacao at AAMI Park in Melbourne on March 31, 2026.

Japan high on confidence ahead of World Cup after beating England 1-0

Kaoru Mitoma trying to evade the attentions of England's Kobbie Mainoo (right) and Cole Palmer during the 1-0 friendly win over England at Wembley on March 31, 2026, in London.
Kaoru Mitoma trying to evade the attentions of England's Kobbie Mainoo (right) and Cole Palmer during the 1-0 friendly win over England at Wembley on March 31, 2026, in London.

FIFA chief Infantino says Iran will play their World Cup matches in the US as planned

The first vice-president of the Iran football federation Mehdi Mohammad Nabi (right) greeting Fifa president Gianni Infantino before Iran's friendly with Costa Rica in Antalya, Turkey, on March 31, 2026.
The first vice-president of the Iran football federation Mehdi Mohammad Nabi (right) greeting Fifa president Gianni Infantino before Iran's friendly with Costa Rica in Antalya, Turkey, on March 31, 2026.

Italy pushing youth reform as ailing football nation eyes World Cup return

Italy's Sandro Tonali celebrates scoring against Northern Ireland in their World Cup play-off semi-final.
Italy's Sandro Tonali celebrates scoring against Northern Ireland in their World Cup play-off semi-final.

‘Amazing opportunity’ as Sweden still have World Cup chance despite woeful qualifying campaign

Swedish national tam head coach Graham Potter and his captain Victor Lindelof at a press conference in Stockholm on March 30, 2026. Sweden will face Poland in the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off on March 31.
Swedish national tam head coach Graham Potter and his captain Victor Lindelof at a press conference in Stockholm on March 30, 2026. Sweden will face Poland in the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off on March 31.

World Cup risks being ‘stage for repression’: Amnesty International

Police officers, including mounted police, stand guard near posters of missing people as relatives of victims of forced disappearance protest outside Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
Police officers, including mounted police, stand guard near posters of missing people as relatives of victims of forced disappearance protest outside Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.

Italy chase World Cup spot as Kosovo bid to make debut

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso during the World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland.
Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso during the World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland.

US thrashed 5-2 by Belgium in reality check for World Cup hosts

The thrashing comes as a wake-up call just 75 days before the tournament for the Americans.
The thrashing comes as a wake-up call just 75 days before the tournament for the Americans.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.