United States men’s national team manager Mauricio Pochettino faces mounting uncertainty over his 2026 World Cup squad following consecutive March international window defeats to Belgium and Portugal.
The recent window provided a final opportunity for hopefuls to impress the Argentine head coach before the official roster announcement on 26 May.
Instead of finding clarity, a combination of untimely injuries and lacklustre defensive performances has significantly complicated the selection process.
The former Chelsea boss prefers a demanding environment, actively encouraging his squad to remain comfortable with being uncomfortable on the international stage.
Goalkeeping hierarchy takes shape
New York City FC stopper Matt Freese appears to have cemented his position as the primary option between the posts.
The 27-year-old was notably rested during the comprehensive 5-2 thrashing by Belgium. He later returned with a commanding display in the subsequent 2-0 loss to the Portuguese.
Matt Turner looks poised to act as the primary deputy despite enduring a particularly difficult outing against the Belgian attack.
The on-loan Lyon keeper conceded several dangerous rebounds in that fixture, though his distribution and experience keep him firmly ahead of the chasing pack.
Defensive dilemmas emerge
Chicago Fire prospect Chris Brady has quietly progressed towards securing the third goalkeeping berth ahead of rival Patrick Schulte.
Further up the pitch, the absence of Crystal Palace stalwart Chris Richards heavily exposed the American backline against European opposition.
The 26-year-old has been a reliable defensive anchor over the past year, but a recent knee issue has raised urgent concerns regarding his match fitness.
Meanwhile, serious doubts are growing over the international longevity of veteran centre-back Tim Ream following a porous collective defensive showing.
The 38-year-old Charlotte FC captain now faces intense scrutiny as the clock ticks down towards the final tournament selection deadline.
Chelsea striker Sam Kerr has dismissed reports she has agreed to join American side Denver Summit when her current contract expires at the end of the season.
The Australia international will become a free agent this summer if no new deal is reached with the Blues.
Speculation over her future intensified on Thursday when an Australian broadcaster reported a transfer to the United States had already been finalised.
However, the prolific forward quickly took to Snapchat to categorically shut down the claims.
“Don’t believe everything you read in the media man, they know a decision before me!”
Struggle for minutes following injury return
The Australian goalscorer was considered indispensable before suffering a devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in January 2024.
Following an arduous 18-month rehabilitation period, she has found it difficult to secure regular starting opportunities under manager Sonia Bompastor.
Despite Chelsea suffering an injury crisis up front, the veteran attacker has played just 444 minutes across 15 Women’s Super League appearances this term.
She has managed to net three goals in three European starts, but the London club have ultimately crashed out of the Women’s Champions League.
Domestically, Bompastor’s side are also struggling to replicate last season’s treble-winning form and look set to miss out on the league title.
Attacking dilemmas for Bompastor
Chelsea’s forward options have been severely depleted by recent injuries to Mayra Ramirez and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The attacking ranks were further weakened when United States international Catarina Macario departed for San Diego Wave.
Former Scotland captain Rachel Corsie believes the central striking role remains a significant problem for the club.
“She’s featured in almost every league game this season but it’s only two that she has started. The number nine position has been difficult for Chelsea.”
“Lauren James has played there to allow them to get Alyssa Thompson and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd in the team, who have been in good form.”
Off-pitch changes and challenges
Away from the pitch, the former Golden Boot winner has navigated a highly scrutinised and challenging period.
She was found not guilty of causing racially aggravated harassment against a Metropolitan Police officer following a controversial court case in 2025.
The prolonged legal proceedings previously led to calls in her homeland for her to be stripped of the national team captaincy.
Alongside these challenges, she has experienced significant personal milestones over the past year.
She married former West Ham midfielder Kristie Mewis before the couple welcomed the birth of their son in May.
Robbie Keane has emerged as a leading contender to become Celtic’s next permanent manager at the end of the season.
The Glasgow club are currently identifying targets to succeed Martin O’Neill following a highly disappointing 2025-26 campaign.
Celtic currently sit third in the Scottish Premiership, six points adrift of leaders Hearts with just seven matches remaining.
The defending champions face an uphill battle to retain their trophy, having lost eight of their 31 top-flight fixtures this term while Rangers occupy second place.
Late push for the Parkhead vacancy
Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou was previously considered the firm favourite to take the reins in Glasgow.
The Danish coach has impressed at Fir Park, boasting the best defensive record in the division and guiding his side to fourth in the table.
However, former club chief executive Keith Wyness claims the dynamic of the managerial hunt is shifting rapidly.
Keane is coming with a late run and looks to be a better fit for the role.
The former Republic of Ireland international possesses valuable coaching pedigree, having previously won league titles managing Ferencvaros and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Reports suggest the prolific former striker is open to the move, especially after the vacant Tottenham Hotspur job was recently filled by Roberto De Zerbi.
International managers enter the frame
The Parkhead hierarchy are also considering candidates from the international stage ahead of a crucial summer rebuild.
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has been strongly linked with the post.
The Spaniard brings a deep connection to current Hoops coach Shaun Maloney, having worked alongside him extensively as both a player and coach.
Craig Bellamy is another international manager reportedly drawing admiration from the Celtic boardroom.
The Welshman has impressed during his national team tenure, despite the recent heartbreak of missing out on World Cup qualification following a penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Mexico have extended their unbeaten start to 2026 to five matches following consecutive draws against highly-ranked European sides Portugal and Belgium.
The North American side secured a goalless stalemate with the Portuguese before drawing 1-1 against the Belgians on Tuesday.
Javier Aguirre’s team completely controlled proceedings in their latest outing, outshooting their opponents and dominating midfield duels.
A long-range wonder-strike from Dodi Lukebakio was the only blemish on an otherwise commanding performance from the revitalised squad.
Turning the corner after a dismal winter
These resilient results mark a stark contrast to the national team’s turbulent form at the end of last year.
El Tri concluded 2025 by enduring a miserable six-game winless streak, triggering widespread domestic criticism.
Media panic had set in ahead of the upcoming World Cup, with pundits questioning the viability of the roster.
However, the momentum dramatically shifted following confidence-building victories over Panama, Bolivia and Iceland earlier this calendar year.
“The team’s attitude was very good, the camp was positive. I’m leaving satisfied.”
Javier Aguirre
Outperforming regional rivals
The significance of these European draws is amplified when compared to the recent struggles of their closest regional competitors.
The United States men’s national team suffered a heavy 5-2 defeat to the exact same Belgian outfit last week.
That comprehensive loss was immediately followed by a 2-0 defeat to Portugal, highlighting a clear gap in current form between the two Concacaf heavyweights.
Former national team coach Ricardo Ferretti publicly praised the recent turnaround under the current managerial regime.
“In the Javier Aguirre era, this is the best game that I’ve seen.”
Ricardo Ferretti
Gennaro Gattuso’s position as Italy head coach is under severe threat after the national team missed out on a third consecutive World Cup following a play-off defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Azzurri suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss in their European qualifying playoff final.
It means the four-time world champions will be absent from the upcoming tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The European heavyweight nation has remarkably not appeared at men’s football’s flagship tournament since 2014.
Short-term future confirmed
Gattuso and technical delegate Gianluigi Buffon only assumed control in June 2025 after Luciano Spalletti was dismissed.
The duo inherited a squad already trailing Norway in their qualification group but failed to successfully turn the campaign around.
Buffon confirmed the current management team will remain in place until the summer, though their long-term future is highly uncertain.
“This is a delicate moment, and we need to take the necessary time to make the right evaluations,” Buffon said.
“We’ll be here until June, then we’ll see for the rest how the whole thing is tackled.”
Political pressure mounts
The latest qualification failure has sparked widespread outrage across the nation and demands for a complete structural overhaul.
Politicians have heavily criticised Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina in the wake of the result.
The Lega party, part of Giorgia Meloni’s ruling coalition, demanded immediate resignations on social media.
“Italian football needs a complete overhaul, starting with the resignation of Gabriele Gravina.”
Italy’s sports minister Andrea Abodi echoed those sentiments, insisting the national game must be rebuilt from the ground up.
Allegri emerges as favourite
Speculation is already mounting regarding potential successors should the FIGC decide to part ways with their 46-year-old manager.
Massimiliano Allegri is reportedly the preferred choice among supporters to lead the painful rebuilding process.
The highly decorated tactician made history during his tenure at Juventus by winning four consecutive domestic doubles.
Allegri’s proven track record of domestic dominance makes him a standout candidate to guide the struggling European nation forward.
Outrage has sparked online after a video emerged showing Iraqi football fans being confronted and harassed at a Dallas airport ahead of their 2026 World Cup playoff victory over Bolivia.
The viral footage depicts an individual throwing a banner to the ground and shouting aggressively at the travelling supporters.
He can be heard telling the group not to come to America while threatening to call immigration authorities.
The incident occurred as the supporters transited through Texas to Mexico for their decisive qualification fixture.
Hosting rights questioned
The airport altercation has prompted widespread condemnation across social media platforms.
Several users have called for global governing body Fifa to strip the United States of its co-hosting rights for the upcoming tournament.
Former US ambassador Luis Moreno strongly denounced the footage of his compatriots.
“They transit our country and are met with disdain, ignorance and violence,” Moreno wrote on social media.
“I don’t recognize our nation.”
Historic qualification secured
Despite the distressing scenes, the Lions of Mesopotamia went on to secure a historic triumph at the Estadio BBVA.
Aymen Hussein scored a 53rd-minute winner in a 2-1 victory to ensure the nation’s first appearance at the finals in 40 years.
The Middle Eastern side became the 48th and final team to book their place at the expanded summer tournament.
Group I challenge awaits
A demanding campaign lies ahead for the newly qualified squad.
They have been drawn into Group I alongside European heavyweights France and Norway, as well as African powerhouses Senegal.
Manager Graham Arnold praised his squad’s resilience following the landmark victory.
“Iraq has nothing to lose,” he said.
“We must go to the World Cup with a winning mentality – that’s the only way to achieve something special.”
“Sharing the pitch with players like Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland is a great honour, but we will step onto the field to try to surprise the world.”
Manchester City will welcome Liverpool to the Etihad Stadium this Saturday in a blockbuster FA Cup quarter-final clash as both sides chase major domestic silverware.
Pep Guardiola’s side enter the early afternoon kick-off aiming to keep their hopes of a remarkable domestic cup double alive.
The current Carabao Cup holders recently secured that trophy with a hard-fought victory over Arsenal at Wembley.
In contrast, the visiting Merseyside outfit are looking to bounce back immediately following a damaging Premier League defeat to Brighton.
Injury concerns for Guardiola
The hosts are currently sweating on the fitness of key defensive duo Ruben Dias and John Stones ahead of the weekend.
Dias missed the recent cup final triumph over Arsenal due to a hamstring issue and remained absent during the international break.
Stones subsequently withdrew from the England squad with a minor knock, leaving his availability for this crucial tie in serious doubt.
However, recent defensive addition Marc Guehi is eligible to feature for the home side despite playing for Crystal Palace earlier in the competition.
Attacking boost for the Reds
The visitors could welcome back talismanic forward Mohamed Salah, who recently confirmed his intention to leave the club at the end of the season.
Swedish international Alexander Isak is also returning to training, offering a significant attacking boost for a team facing a congested fixture list.
First-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker might return between the posts, though full-back Jeremie Frimpong picked up a knock while representing the Netherlands.
A defining week approaches
This quarter-final tie marks the beginning of a season-defining ten-day period for the away side.
Following their trip to Manchester, they face a daunting Champions League double-header against French champions Paris St-Germain.
With their push for a top-four league finish stuttering, progression in the FA Cup represents a vital opportunity to ensure a successful conclusion to the campaign.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has revealed the tactical adjustments he was forced to make under manager Arne Slot during his final title-winning season at Liverpool before departing for Real Madrid.
The academy graduate spent just one campaign under the Dutch head coach before deciding he needed a new challenge in Spain.
Prior to the managerial transition, the full-back had exclusively played top-flight football under Jurgen Klopp.
The defender explained that his creative output was slightly curtailed as the new coaching staff focused heavily on improving his defensive contributions.
Adapting to a new system
Speaking to the club’s website, the England international detailed the constant adaptability required to execute the new tactical plan.
“In certain games, I’ll be inside because of the way they press. Sometimes they press differently. It all varies on how they press.”
Despite operating in a less advanced attacking role, the 27-year-old acknowledged that the strategic shifts still allowed him to dictate matches.
“The manager will dissect how they press so we can outnumber the way they press.”
Demands for defensive improvement
It remains unclear whether these restrictive positional demands influenced his ultimate decision to leave his boyhood club.
However, the Liverpool boss was previously candid about demanding more solidity from his star right-back.
“When we started to work together, I emphasised also a bit on his defensive work,” Slot told TNT Sports.
“He had to keep producing the numbers in assisting goals, but if we wanted to be a team that concedes less shots, he had to improve a bit in defending.”
Mixed fortunes in the Spanish capital
Since securing his high-profile transfer to the Bernabeu, the former Anfield favourite has experienced a turbulent debut season.
Real Madrid have already undergone a managerial change following the dismissal of head coach Xabi Alonso.
The marquee signing has also struggled to cement a regular starting position and was recently dropped to the bench after arriving late for training.
Despite these early setbacks, he recently provided a crucial assist for Vinicius Jr to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over city rivals Atletico Madrid.