Soccer – Winnipeg Free Press

England manager Sarina Wiegman stands on the touchline during the FIFA Women's World Cup UEFA Qualifier match between England and Iceland at the City Ground, in Nottingham, England, Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Bradley Collyer/PA via AP)

FIFA creates rule requiring female coaches at women’s tournaments

The Associated Press 1 minute read 5:34 PM CDT

ZURICH (AP) — Female soccer coaches will get more chances to work at the Women’s World Cup and other tournaments after FIFA passed a new rule Thursday.

FIFA said it will require at its women’s tournaments that “at least one female must be a head coach or assistant coach” of each team.

Just 10 of 32 teams at the 2023 Women’s World Cup had a female head coach, including Sarina Wiegman of beaten finalist England.

“We must do more to accelerate change by creating clearer pathways, expanding opportunities, and increasing the visibility for women on our sidelines,” FIFA’s Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis said in a statement.

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FIFA details Infantino’s $6M pay deal with 33% increase in bonus after 2025 Club World Cup

Graham Dunbar, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

FIFA details Infantino’s $6M pay deal with 33% increase in bonus after 2025 Club World Cup

Graham Dunbar, The Associated Press 2 minute read 3:04 PM CDT

GENEVA (AP) — FIFA President Gianni Infantino got a 33% increase in his annual bonus last year as part of a $6 million pay package detailed Thursday by soccer’s world body.

Infantino’s basic annual salary was unchanged at 2.6 million Swiss francs ($3.3 million) and his bonus rose by 550,000 Swiss francs ($695,000) to 2.2 million Swiss francs ($2.78 million) in 2025, when FIFA organized its first monthlong men’s Club World Cup in the United States.

In each of the prior two years, Infantino’s annual bonus had been 1.65 Swiss francs ($2 million).

It was unclear if the FIFA leader is entitled to further payments including for keeping homes in his native Switzerland and Florida, where FIFA has a base in Coral Gables organizing the 2026 World Cup across North America.

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3:04 PM CDT

Giovanni Vincenzo Infantino, president of FIFA, tries out a USA hat during a Board of Peace meeting at the U.S. Institute of Peace, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Bournemouth confirms Tyler Adams to miss game against Man United

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

Bournemouth confirms Tyler Adams to miss game against Man United

The Associated Press 1 minute read 1:41 PM CDT

Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams will miss Friday's Premier League game against Manchester United, manager Andoni Iraola confirmed after the U.S. international sustained a quadriceps injury.

“Tyler is not going to be available,” Iraola said Thursday.

Adams, the U.S. captain at the 2022 World Cup, missed Bournemouth’s match against Burnley last Saturday.

On Tuesday, U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino didn't select Adams for upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Portugal. He said the midfielder would be sidelined for two to three weeks with a quadriceps injury.

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1:41 PM CDT

Brentford's Nathan Collins, left, and Bournemouth's Tyler Adams battle for the ball during an English Premier League soccer match in Bournemouth, England, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)

FIFA fines Israel, denies key Palestinian complaint and urges Iran to fulfill World Cup schedule

Graham Dunbar, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

FIFA fines Israel, denies key Palestinian complaint and urges Iran to fulfill World Cup schedule

Graham Dunbar, The Associated Press 5 minute read Updated: 5:22 PM CDT

GENEVA (AP) — FIFA fined the Israeli soccer federation for breaching anti-discrimination regulations but took no action Thursday on a Palestinian request to suspend Israel from global soccer for allowing clubs based in West Bank settlements.

Also, FIFA President Gianni Infantino further dampened Iran’s attempts to move its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, saying global soccer’s governing body wants the tournament “to go ahead as scheduled.”

Two separate Palestinian soccer federation petitions were addressed in Thursday's announcement.

FIFA fined the Israel Football Association 150,000 Swiss francs ($190,000) on disciplinary charges relating to “discrimination and racist abuse,” plus “offensive behavior and violations of the principles of fair play.”

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Updated: 5:22 PM CDT

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during a Board of Peace meeting at the U.S. Institute of Peace, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

MLS will play a 2027 ‘sprint season’ before resetting its calendar for the global game

Anne M. Peterson, The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:04 PM CDT

Major League Soccer will play a shortened 14-game regular season in early 2027 before the league switches to a schedule that better aligns with those of its international counterparts.

The league said Thursday that the so-called “sprint season” will run from February to May 2027, with each of the league’s 30 teams playing 14 games — seven at home and seven on the road — solely against conference opponents.

The top eight teams from each conference will advance to the single-elimination MLS Cup playoffs, culminating with a championship game between the Eastern and Western Conference champions. Five teams will qualify for the 2028 CONCACAF Champions Cup and 18 teams, nine from each conference, will qualify for the 2028 Leagues Cup based on performance during the sprint season.

The league will then turn to a 2027-28 season that kicks off in July 2027. The playoffs and league championship will be played in May 2028.

Major League Soccer announces plans for transitional 2027 ‘sprint season’

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Major League Soccer announces plans for transitional 2027 ‘sprint season’

The Canadian Press 2 minute read 1:00 PM CDT

NEW YORK - Major League Soccer has unveiled plans for the truncated season that will transition the league to a permanent summer-spring schedule, starting in July 2027.

The "sprint season" will see each of the league's 30 teams play 14 regular-season games between February and April 2027, with seven matches at home and seven away.

Each club will face its 14 conference opponents once and, at the end of the regular season, the top eight teams in each conference will qualify for playoffs. A single-elimination bracket will determine the Eastern and Western Conference champions who'll then meet in the MLS Cup.

Results of the "sprint season" will determine which five teams will get berths in the 2028 CONCACAF Champions Cup, and which 18 will qualify for the 2028 Leagues Cup.

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1:00 PM CDT

Inter Milan eyes a lift as Lautaro Martínez nears return against Fiorentina

Daniella Matar, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Inter Milan eyes a lift as Lautaro Martínez nears return against Fiorentina

Daniella Matar, The Associated Press 3 minute read 12:40 PM CDT

MILAN (AP) — Inter Milan has clearly missed Lautaro Martínez. But the Argentine World Cup winner could return this weekend to boost the Nerazzurri’s title charge.

Lautaro was back training this week as he recovers from a calf injury sustained in the first leg of Inter’s Champions League playoff exit to Bodø/Glimt.

In the absence of its talismanic captain and record goalscorer, Inter has won just two of its six matches.

The Nerazzurri are also winless in their past three games and are looking for a confidence boost at a resurgent Fiorentina on Sunday.

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12:40 PM CDT

Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez, centre right, reacts after the Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Inter Milan, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, March 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

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Ireland coach Hallgrímsson contracted before World Cup playoffs and co-hosting Euro 2028

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Ireland coach Hallgrímsson contracted before World Cup playoffs and co-hosting Euro 2028

The Associated Press 2 minute read 11:01 AM CDT

DUBLIN (AP) — Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrímsson signed a new contract on Thursday ahead of the World Cup qualifying playoffs and kept him through the 2028 European Championship where Dublin is a host city.

Hallgrímsson, who led Iceland at its first World Cup in 2018, said there was “big pressure” from the Irish soccer federation to sign before the playoff games.

Ireland plays at the Czech Republic next Thursday with the winner advancing to host Denmark or North Macedonia five days later. The winner on March 31 advances to a World Cup group with co-host Mexico, South Korea and South Africa.

Hallgrímsson guided Ireland to the playoffs with remarkable back-to-back wins last November in a qualifying group that looked lost.

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11:01 AM CDT

FILE - Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson stands near the bench before the World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Hungary and Ireland in Budapest, Hungary, Nov. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos, File)

Deschamps picks Chevalier for France’s US friendlies despite not playing since January

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Deschamps picks Chevalier for France’s US friendlies despite not playing since January

The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: 10:35 AM CDT

PARIS (AP) — France coach Didier Deschamps stayed faithful to Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier for friendlies in the United States next week even though he hasn't played since the end of January.

Chevalier lost his starting spot to Matvey Safonov but was included on Thursday in Deschamps' 26-man squad.

France plays Brazil on March 26 in Foxborough and Colombia on March 29 in Landover.

Deschamps said Chevalier's situation was not “ideal” and that he picked him as a third-choice goalkeeper alongside Mike Maignan and Brice Samba because he believes he has not lost his value.

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Updated: 10:35 AM CDT

Tottenham's Randal Kolo Muani controls the ball during the Champions League round of 16, second leg soccer match between Tottenham and Atletico Madrid in London, England, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Asian Cup hosting bids for 2031, 2035 scrapped to meet FIFA changes to soccer calendar

Graham Dunbar, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Asian Cup hosting bids for 2031, 2035 scrapped to meet FIFA changes to soccer calendar

Graham Dunbar, The Associated Press 2 minute read Updated: 10:01 AM CDT

GENEVA (AP) — Asia’s soccer body halted bidding to host its men’s Asian Cup in 2031 and 2035, telling member federations on Thursday it was asked by FIFA to move the tournament to even-numbered years.

The Asian Football Confederation’s letter to members seen by the Associated Press came just six weeks after announcing a list of interested candidates, including Australia, Kuwait and South Korea who each wanted to host either tournament. Japan wanted the 2035 edition.

The letter said FIFA recently told Asian soccer leaders of planned changes to the international match calendar, and that the world body wants the AFC to stage its marquee men’s event in even-numbered years.

The AFC told member federations “following careful consideration” it agreed to align with FIFA’s request — likely pushing the Asian Cup to 2032 and 2036, the same years UEFA's European Championship and South America’s Copa America will be played.

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Updated: 10:01 AM CDT

FILE - The Qatar team poses with the trophy at the end of the Asian Cup final soccer match between Qatar and Jordan at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Feb. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis, File)

David headlines Canada soccer roster with Davies unavailable for Toronto friendlies

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

David headlines Canada soccer roster with Davies unavailable for Toronto friendlies

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Updated: 5:20 PM CDT

A spate of injuries to some of the country's top men's soccer players has Canada's head coach rejigging his preparation for this summer's World Cup.

Jesse Marsch expected to bring the core of the national team together for a pair of friendlies in Toronto this month. Then the ailments started piling up.

Star left back Alphonso Davies went down with a hamstring strain after returning from a torn knee ligament.

Striker Promise David suffered a hip muscle injury that required surgery. A recovery deep-tissue massage gave midfielder Stephen Eustáquio a hematoma.

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Updated: 5:20 PM CDT

Canada's Jonathan David (10) shoots on Australian goalkeeper Paul Izzo (12) during an international men's soccer friendly in Montreal on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

Canada Soccer’s 26-player men’s roster for March international friendlies

The Canadian Press 2 minute read 9:00 AM CDT

TORONTO - Canada Soccer’s 26-player roster for March friendlies against Iceland and Tunisia, with age, hometown and notable Canadian youth club:

Ali Ahmed, 25, Toronto, Ont., North Toronto SC

Moïse Bombito, 25, Montréal, CS St-Laurent

Tajon Buchanan, 27, Brampton, Ont., Brampton YSC

Real Madrid faces Atletico in key La Liga derby as it tries to catch Barcelona

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Real Madrid faces Atletico in key La Liga derby as it tries to catch Barcelona

The Associated Press 3 minute read 8:16 AM CDT

MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid’s bid to catch Barcelona and win La Liga faces a critical test in the Spanish capital derby this weekend.

Real Madrid hosts Atletico Madrid on Sunday trailing Barcelona by four points with 10 rounds remaining.

A win ensures Real stays close to Barcelona or even gains ground on the front-runner if Hansi Flick's side were to stumble against Rayo Vallecano earlier on the same day.

But a Real loss combined with a Barcelona victory would put Barcelona in a strong position to successfully defend its crown.

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8:16 AM CDT

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior celebrates after the Champions League round of 16 second leg soccer match between Manchester City and Real Madrid in Manchester, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

Bayern teenager Lennart Karl set for Germany debut and Rüdiger returns to squad

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Bayern teenager Lennart Karl set for Germany debut and Rüdiger returns to squad

The Associated Press 2 minute read 8:02 AM CDT

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Bayern Munich teenager Lennart Karl earned a first Germany call-up on Thursday ahead of the World Cup for his eye-catching Champions League goals. Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger was recalled.

The summons came a day after 18-year-old Karl set up one goal and scored another for Bayern against Atalanta. That took Karl to four goals and two assists from his first seven Champions League games. He became Bayern's youngest goal-scorer in the competition on his first start in October.

Also in line for a potential international debut was Karl's Bayern teammate Jonas Urbig, who has been in goal while Manuel Neuer struggles with calf injuries. Urbig recovered from a concussion to play the second leg of Bayern's 10-2 aggregate win over Atalanta on Wednesday and avert an injury crisis.

Rüdiger is back in Julian Nagelsmann's squad for the first time since September after a hamstring injury forced him to miss much of the first half of the season, including Germany's last four games in World Cup qualifying.

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8:02 AM CDT

Real Madrid's Antonio Rudiger attends a press conference in Manchester, England, Monday March 16, 2026. (Martin Rickett/PA via AP)

Arsenal vs. Man City is about so much more than the English League Cup final

James Robson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Arsenal vs. Man City is about so much more than the English League Cup final

James Robson, The Associated Press 4 minute read 7:46 AM CDT

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — When Arsenal and Manchester City lock horns in the English League Cup final on Sunday there will be more at stake than the first domestic silverware of the season.

The trophy is the tangible reward. The intangibles could ripple further, especially on the Premier League title race.

With all due respect, the League Cup would have ranked at the bottom of the priority list for Arsenal and City when the season began. The Premier League and the Champions League would rank at the top and the FA Cup somewhere in between.

The League Cup, however, has taken on greater significance given both finalists' rivalry in the context of the season.

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7:46 AM CDT

Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta gives instructions to his players during the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 soccer match between Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen, in London, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)

Dutch youth internationals cleared to play for Suriname in World Cup qualifying playoffs

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Dutch youth internationals cleared to play for Suriname in World Cup qualifying playoffs

The Associated Press 2 minute read Updated: 7:47 AM CDT

ZURICH (AP) — Ahead of World Cup qualifying playoffs next week, Leeds forward Joël Piroe has been cleared by FIFA to play for Suriname.

Piroe and Melayro Bogarde, a defender with Austrian club LASK, are Netherlands youth internationals with family ties to Suriname, which plays Bolivia on March 26.

FIFA published its approval late Wednesday for both players to change national team eligibility to represent the nation that got independence from the Netherlands in 1975. Suriname shares a border with Brazil on the northern tip of South America though plays in the CONCACAF soccer region that includes the Caribbean and central America.

Suriname faces Bolivia next Thursday in Monterrey, Mexico, in an intercontinental playoffs bracket to qualify for the World Cup. The winner plays Iraq five days later with a World Cup place at stake.

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Updated: 7:47 AM CDT

March 19, 2026

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