Japan becomes the first country to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
With three games remaining in the Asian 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, Japan has secured its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first non-host team to qualify. The Samurai Blue earned their spot with a 2-0 victory over Bahrain in Saitama City on Thursday, ensuring a top two finish in Group C with three games to spare. This marks Japan’s eighth consecutive World Cup appearance since their debut in 1998. Despite a lacklustre first half, coach Hajime Moriyasu’s decision to introduce Crystal Palace’s Daichi Kamada in the 63rd minute proved pivotal. Just three minutes after coming on, Kamada finished off a well-constructed attack involving Hiroki Ito, Ayase Ueda, and Takefusa Kubo to break the deadlock. Real Sociedad’s Kubo, Japan’s standout performer, later sealed the win with a precise strike. With this victory, Japan joins co-hosts the United States, Canada, and Mexico in the expanded 48-team tournament, reaffirming its status as one of Asia’s football powerhouses.
JAPAN BECOME THE FIRST TEAM TO QUALIFY FOR THE 2026 WORLD CUP! 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/VHA8SlCzQK
— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 20, 2025
Barcelona’s clash with Osasuna to hold on March 27 as appeal is rejected.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has confirmed that the postponed La Liga match between Barcelona and Osasuna will be played on March 27. Originally set for March 8 at the Olympic Stadium, the game was called off minutes before kick-off due to the sudden passing of Barcelona’s first-team doctor, Carles Miñarro. Despite opposition from both clubs, their appeals were dismissed, with a judge ruling that the match must take place as soon as possible. Barcelona, currently level on points with Real Madrid atop La Liga, argued that the new date poses selection challenges, as six key players will be away on international duty. Among them, Raphinha and Ronald Araújo will represent Brazil and Uruguay, while several youngsters are involved with Spain’s U21 and U19 squads. Osasuna, though less affected by international absences, initially faced fixture congestion, but their March 28 clash with Athletic Club has been moved to March 31. Meanwhile, Barcelona faces a gruelling stretch of four matches in nine days following the international break.
🚨 OFFICIAL: Barcelona vs Osasuna game will be played on March 27th, as the appeal has been rejected.
Barça won’t have Araujo and Raphinha available as they will be busy with the national team. pic.twitter.com/ckj8hW3y6K
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 20, 2025
Dybala to miss the rest of the season after sustaining a muscle injury.
With Lionel Messi absent, Paulo Dybala was expected to step up for Argentina during the international break. However, a muscle injury sustained in Roma’s recent win over Cagliari has ruled him out, and he is now set to miss the rest of the season. The injury occurred just 10 minutes after Dybala came on as a substitute at the Stadio Olimpico, forcing him to leave the pitch in visible distress. Initially, Roma remained silent about the severity of the issue, and Argentina’s medical staff had not assessed him. However, the situation was far worse than a minor muscle strain. Roma confirmed early this morning that Dybala will undergo surgery for a left semitendinosus tendon injury, a decision made in consultation with the player. Dybala reassured fans, stating that while he will be sidelined, he remains supportive of Roma and Argentina. Promising a strong return, he vowed, “See you on the field! Forza Roma and Vamos Argentina!”
🚨🇦🇷 Paulo Dybala’s season, expected to be over after suffering serious muscle injury.
Dybala will undergo surgery in the next days with AS Roma staff to proceed soon. pic.twitter.com/jWMmH3at5y
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 20, 2025
Young defender, Guo Jiaxuan passes away weeks after suffering a brain haemorrhage.
Bayern Munich has confirmed the tragic passing of 18-year-old Chinese footballer Guo Jiaxuan following an accident during a training match in February. Guo, a member of Bayern’s World Squad program, suffered a fatal brain haemorrhage after colliding with an opponent’s knee during a match in Spain. Reports indicate he sustained a subarachnoid haemorrhage, a rare stroke caused by bleeding on the brain’s surface. Despite being rushed to a Madrid hospital, doctors found no remaining brain function. Nearly six weeks later, Guo’s family announced his passing, just a day before his 19th birthday. Bayern Munich expressed their condolences, highlighting his talent and role in China’s youth national teams. His former club, Beijing Guoan, also paid tribute, mourning the loss of a promising young player. They pledged ongoing support to his family during this difficult time. Guo’s tragic passing is a heartbreaking loss to both Chinese and international football.
Former Bayern World Squad player Guo Jiaxuan has sadly passed away at the age of 18.
He sustained a serious head injury following a tragic accident during a training match.
RIP. Thoughts with his loved ones. 🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/KlotHMXNfB
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) March 20, 2025
Merino grabs a last-minute equalizer for Spain against 10-man Netherlands.
Spain salvaged a 2-2 draw against 10-man Netherlands with a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer in their UEFA Nations League quarterfinal first leg on Thursday, extending their two-year unbeaten run. Substitute Mikel Merino struck three minutes into added time after Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen failed to hold a shot from Nico Williams, giving Spain the edge ahead of Sunday’s return leg in Valencia. Spain took an early lead in the ninth minute when Lamine Yamal capitalized on a Dutch defensive error, setting up Pedri, who assisted Williams for the opener. Álvaro Morata nearly doubled the lead, but his header went wide. The Netherlands responded with goals from Cody Gakpo and Tijjani Reijnders, with Jeremie Frimpong instrumental in both. However, a red card for teenage defender Jorrel Hato in the 82nd minute gave Spain the momentum to press for an equalizer. The winner of this tie will face either Croatia or France in June’s semifinals.
Spain level it in 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐏𝐏𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 ⏱️🤯 pic.twitter.com/RYXpXKwCIG
— 433 (@433) March 20, 2025