Italy have sensationally failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after a penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Sweden and Turkiye secured their spots for the expanded tournament.

The United States, Canada and Mexico will co-host the upcoming global showpiece, which increases from 32 to 48 participating nations across 12 groups.

The Azzurri’s agonizing loss on spot-kicks marks a devastating continuation of their recent qualification struggles on the international stage.

Gyokeres strikes late for Sweden

Sweden left it until the dying moments to book their flight to North America in a thrilling play-off tie.

Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres proved the hero, firing home the decisive goal in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Poland.

Elsewhere in the European qualifiers, Turkiye claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Kosovo to punch their ticket to the finals.

Czechia also secured their progression, requiring a tense penalty shootout to overcome Denmark following a tightly contested affair.

England preparations and final spots

England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, already know they will face Panama, Ghana and Croatia in Group L following a flawless eight-win qualification campaign.

The Three Lions have utilized the current international break for friendlies at Wembley Stadium.

A 1-1 draw with Uruguay on Friday was followed by a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Japan on Tuesday night.

Only two places remain unconfirmed in the 48-team roster ahead of the final fixtures.

DR Congo face Jamaica to determine one slot, while Iraq and Bolivia meet in the early hours of Wednesday to complete the tournament lineup.

Confirmed 2026 World Cup Groups

The draw for the tournament features 12 groups of four teams, with the majority of slots now finalised.

Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan have all qualified for the 2026 World Cup, marking their maiden appearances at the expanded tournament across North America.

The historic achievement comes following Fifa’s decision to increase the tournament’s capacity to 48 teams.

This expansion has provided a crucial pathway for developing footballing nations to reach the global showpiece.

The four newcomers will travel to the competition co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States next summer.

Historic milestones for island nations

With a population of just 525,000, Cape Verde becomes the third-smallest country by population to ever reach the global stage.

The volcanic archipelago sits just behind 2018 qualifiers Iceland and fellow 2026 debutants Curacao in that unique ranking.

The Blue Sharks secured their historic spot by winning African qualifying Group D, ultimately beating perennial heavyweights Cameroon to the summit.

A decisive 3-0 home victory over Eswatini in Praia guaranteed their progression and sparked wild celebrations across the West African nation.

Dressing room culture drives success

Music and traditional cuisine have played a central role in unifying a squad assembled from various global leagues.

“On the day of the Eswatini game I was trying to conserve energy, but my stomach was dancing with nerves.”

Cape Verde defender Roberto Lopes revealed that the pre-match tension was quickly broken by impromptu dressing-room celebrations.

“I was supposed to have a pre-game nap but then one of the other players got out the speakers and started playing music. We all started dancing.”

The squad regularly bond over Cachupa, a traditional bean and corn stew, helping to forge the unity required for a gruelling qualification campaign.

Capitalising on the expansion

While nine potential newcomers were still in contention during the recent playoffs, only four successfully navigated the final hurdles.

This influx of fresh talent falls short of the all-time record for debutants at a single modern tournament.

Six nations made their initial bows at the 2006 competition in Germany, including Angola, Ivory Coast, Ghana and Ukraine.

However, the 2026 edition promises unprecedented global representation when the group stage action begins on 11 June.

Türkiye have qualified for their first World Cup since 2002 after beating Kosovo in Tuesday’s European play-off final to secure a place in Group D.

Kerem Aktürkoglu scored the decisive goal from close range early in the second half.

The narrow victory in Pristina denied the home side a historic first appearance at a major international tournament.

The triumphant nation will now prepare for a challenging summer campaign across North America.

Group D fixtures await in North America

Their group stage journey begins against Australia in Vancouver.

Following that opening fixture, the team will travel to California to face Paraguay in Santa Clara.

The crucial final group match pits them against co-hosts the United States at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.

A long-awaited return to the global stage

It has been a lengthy absence from football’s most prestigious tournament for the visiting side.

Their last appearance at the finals came over two decades ago.

During that memorable 2002 campaign, they produced a stunning surprise run that culminated in an impressive third-place finish.

Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon has completed a $4.25bn (£3.21bn) takeover of the Portland Trail Blazers from the estate of late billionaire Paul Allen.

The landmark agreement ensures the Western Conference franchise will remain permanently rooted in Oregon.

Dundon, who already owns the National Hockey League’s Carolina outfit, will immediately assume the critical role of team governor.

All proceeds from this lucrative sale are strictly destined for philanthropic causes established by Allen prior to his death in 2018.

New era follows turbulent season

The Microsoft co-founder originally purchased the basketball team for $70m (£52.9m) in 1988 from original franchise founder Larry Weinberg.

Under Allen’s lengthy stewardship, the organisation became a staple of the Pacific Northwest sporting landscape alongside his NFL property, the Seattle Seahawks.

The incoming ownership group now inherits a roster navigating significant off-court turmoil and a transitional period on the hardwood.

“Today is the beginning of a new chapter for the Portland Trail Blazers, as we build on the legacy of this storied franchise.” Tom Dundon
“On behalf of our ownership group, my commitment to this tremendous fan base is that we are going to be relentless towards building a team that can compete at the highest level, every single season.”

Billups suspension casts shadow

The 1977 NBA champions have endured a highly challenging campaign severely overshadowed by legal allegations involving their coaching staff.

Head coach Chauncey Billups currently remains suspended indefinitely following an FBI investigation into illegal sports betting and allegedly rigged, mafia-linked poker games.

Interim coach Tiago Splitter has since taken the tactical reins during this period of unprecedented organisational disruption.

Despite the persistent off-court chaos, the resilient squad has successfully secured a berth in the post-season play-in tournament, which commences on 14 April.

Turkey Under-21 manager Egemen Korkmaz was rushed to hospital after collapsing and losing consciousness during his side’s European Championship qualifier against Croatia on Tuesday.

The 43-year-old fell to the ground in the 35th minute of the encounter at the Opus Arena in Osijek.

He appeared to slip and hit his head shortly after reacting to a refereeing decision on the touchline.

Medical staff immediately attended to the Turkish head coach after concerned players frantically signaled for assistance.

An ambulance was brought onto the pitch to provide emergency treatment before he was carried off on a stretcher.

Match suspended following medical emergency

The qualifying fixture was temporarily halted as both sets of players returned to their dressing rooms.

Play eventually resumed, with 12 minutes of stoppage time added to the end of the first half.

The Turkish Football Federation quickly released a statement to provide an update on his condition.

Korkmaz, who suffered swelling on his head due to the fall, received initial treatment from our medical team on the sidelines.

He was conscious and taken to the hospital by ambulance for further examinations.

Turkish Football Federation

Domestic rivals unite to send well wishes

Several major domestic clubs quickly set aside their rivalries to express their concern for the stricken coach.

Super Lig leaders Galatasaray issued a swift statement wishing him a speedy and full recovery.

Fenerbahce also offered their support, expressing regret over the distressing incident.

The former defender has enjoyed an outstanding unbeaten campaign while leading the national youth side.

His young squad is currently on course to qualify for the Under-21 European Championship for the first time since 2000.

Former WNBA Most Valuable Players Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne, alongside NBA stalwarts Doc Rivers and Amar’e Stoudemire, will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2026.

The formal enshrinement ceremonies are scheduled to take place this August in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Both women’s basketball icons are entering the prestigious institution following glittering careers that redefined the modern professional game.

Unprecedented success across franchises

Parker remains the only player in WNBA history to secure championships with three different organisations.

The versatile forward captured titles with the Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky and Las Vegas Aces during a remarkable career.

She also holds the unique distinction of winning both the Rookie of the Year and MVP awards in the same season after taking the league by storm in 2008.

The former Tennessee collegiate star’s dominance extended globally, earning two Olympic gold medals for the United States alongside her domestic triumphs.

A revolutionary shooting talent

Delle Donne joins her fellow two-time league MVP in Springfield after cementing her legacy as one of the most efficient scorers in basketball history.

The standout shooter became the first WNBA player to join the elite 50-40-90 club, finishing a season shooting 50% from the field, 40% from three-point range and 90% from the free-throw line.

She famously led the Washington Mystics to their maiden WNBA championship in 2019.

Coaching and hardwood legends honoured

Current Milwaukee Bucks head coach Rivers also receives the ultimate basketball accolade in recognition of his extensive sideline career.

The veteran tactician ranks eighth on the all-time NBA coaching wins list with nearly 1,200 victories.

His crowning achievement came in 2008 when he guided the Boston Celtics to an NBA championship, before later orchestrating the famous ‘Lob City’ era with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Meanwhile, Stoudemire earns his place among the greats following a spectacular 14-year playing career.

The explosive power forward made an immediate impact upon entering the NBA directly from high school, claiming the 2003 Rookie of the Year award.

He enjoyed his most iconic spell with the Phoenix Suns, forming a devastating pick-and-roll partnership with legendary point guard Steve Nash before concluding his career with stints in New York, Dallas and Miami.

Former champion Michelle Wie West is ending her three-year retirement to compete at the US Women’s Open in California this June.

The 36-year-old last featured on the LPGA Tour at the exact same major three years ago.

She intends to utilise her final year of eligibility for the prestigious tournament, which begins on 4 June at Riviera in Pacific Palisades.

Champions typically receive a 10-year exemption, but the Hawaiian-born golfer saw her stint extended until 2026 to account for maternity leave.

A fitting farewell at an iconic venue

Announcing the move on social media, the five-time tour winner expressed her profound excitement to return to competitive golf.

“With one final year of eligibility from my victory in 2014 and the championship headed to an iconic venue that means so much to me, I am excited to announce that I’ll be teeing it up at the US Women’s Open at Riviera in June.”

The celebrated former prodigy originally claimed her sole major triumph at Pinehurst in 2014.

Overcoming physical struggles

Rising to international prominence at an incredibly early age, the young star was once tipped to emulate the dominant success of 15-time major winner Tiger Woods.

She became the youngest player to win an adult USGA championship at 13, and subsequently made the cut at an LPGA major aged just 14.

However, after enduring more than two decades in the intense sporting spotlight, the mother of two stepped away from the game.

At the time of her departure, she cited that her body could no longer cope with the physical rigours of professional golf.

This major comeback follows a recent announcement that she will also participate in the inaugural women’s TGL team golf league later this year.

Manchester United and Manchester City are preparing to battle for the signature of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson as both clubs seek a major long-term addition.

The highly-rated 22-year-old has caught the eye of the Premier League champions and their cross-city rivals following a string of impressive midfield performances.

Having departed his boyhood club Newcastle United for the City Ground in a lucrative summer move, the dynamic playmaker has quickly established himself as a vital asset for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

Tonali’s future tied to European qualification

Uncertainty is also brewing at St James’ Park regarding the long-term future of Sandro Tonali.

The Italian international could reportedly assess his options if Eddie Howe’s side fail to secure Champions League football for the upcoming campaign.

Retaining key personnel remains a priority for the Magpies, but missing out on elite European competition often shifts the landscape for ambitious players.

Messi’s World Cup stance clarified

Away from domestic transfers, recent speculation regarding Lionel Messi’s potential participation in the 2026 World Cup has been significantly played down.

Headlines suggesting a shocking impending announcement from the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner have been dismissed as entirely premature.

The legendary Argentine captain is expected to simply evaluate his physical condition and motivation as the tournament in North America draws closer.