The expansion of this summer’s 48-team tournament mean Tuesday’s games will be the best we see until the round of 16 Sign up for Soccer with Jonathan Wilson here Live in a World Cup host city? Tell us your stories There is always a slightly odd rhythm to the World Cup. The final round of qualifying games is almost invariably more exciting than the early games at the tournament itself, and now with 32 teams making it through the group stage and into the knockout rounds, that is likely to be even more true for the 2026 edition. Those final qualifiers in November were thrilling and meaningful – Troy Parrott’s hat-trick! Scotland scoring two absurdly good goals in the same game! DR Congo beating Nigeria on penalties as bottles rained down from the stands! Honduras failing to score against Costa Rica! – and Tuesday will be too as 12 teams battle for the six remaining slots. But for those not involved in World Cup playoffs, there is an unsatisfying phoniness to the friendlies they must play instead, with experimental line-ups and weary players going through glorified training exercises. While it’s never good to be letting in five goals, neither the USA nor Ghana should be too concerned about the defeats to Belgium or Austria.

Gary and John return to wrap up the group stages of the 1986 World Cup. Ian St John has a meltdown watching Scotland somehow managing to miss out against the "scum of world football". West Germany are the latest to be put to the sword by Denmark but end up on the better side of the draw as a result and there is quite the debut for a young Brazilian right back by the name of Josimar. Brazil v Northern Ireland - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mY7bZlV0-s4 Algeria v Spain - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFLa77Xo_zk Scotland v Uruguay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgJPjmKy7c8&t=104s Ian St John during the match - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUgd2Stcpuo Ian St John post match - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m36pjGbJwSk Denmark v West Germany - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh9AxJCLIFc If you want weekly exclusive bonus shows, join our Nessun Dorma community chat, want your episodes without ads and a couple of days earlier or just want to support the podcast, then head over to ⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/NessunDormaPodcast⁠⁠⁠ where you can subscribe for only $3.99 a month (less than 75p a week!). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Round 2 of the Hana Bank K League 1 season, unbeaten Gwangju FC take on yet-to-win Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, unbeaten Bucheon FC 1995 host a returning-to-action Ulsan HD, yet-to-win but still unbeaten Daejeon Hana Citizen entertain Gimcheon Sangmu, while Pohang Steelers welcome Incheon United to the Steel Yard for their home opener in what will be seen as the pick of the action. Match of the Round: Unbeaten Start vs. Yet to Win Gwangju FC vs. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors In Round 3, unbeaten Gwangju FC will face Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, who are still looking for their first win of the season. In the last five meetings between the two teams, though, Jeonbuk hold the advantage with two wins, two draws, and one loss. Home side Gwangju currently have a record of one win and one draw. In Round 1 against Jeju SK, they failed to secure victory despite having a man advantage after Italo's red card. However, in Round 2 against Incheon United, they found the back of the net three times, first through Choi Kyung-rok, followed by and a brace from Shin Chang-mu. Thanks to a penalty save by goalkeeper Kim Kyeong-min just before the final whistle and deep into added time, Gwangju secured a 3–2 win. Shin Chang-mu has been particularly impressive this season, recording two goals and five key passes and playing a central role in the team’s attack under new head coach Lee Jung-kyu. Gwangju will be aiming to maintain their early momentum, despite hosting last season's champions. Jeonbuk, on the other hand, have had a somewhat sluggish start to the season. They lost 3-2 at home to Bucheon FC 1995 in Round 1 and drew 1-1 with Gimcheon Sangmu in Round 2, meaning they are still searching for their first win of the season. Having conceded goals in both matches, defensive stability seems to be an issue following key departures from the back line. On a positive note, Lee Dong-jun has scored two goals this season, starting the new season as he ended the last. Midfielder Maeng Seong-ung has also been active on both ends of the pitch, recording a 93.9% pass success rate and 13 successful tackles. Jeonbuk will be looking to turn their early-season form around by claiming their first victory of the season. Both teams began the new season under new head coaches, making this the first meeting between Gwangju’s Lee Jung-kyu and Jeonbuk’s Chung Jung-yong. Watch live with English commentary: here Team of the Round: Rebellious Bucheon Bucheon FC 1995 drew 1–1 with Daejeon Hana Citizen in Round 2. After defeating defending champions Jeonbuk 3-2 on their K League 1 bow, they followed it up with apoint against last season’s runners-up Daejeon. Bucheon have been steadily collecting points with impressive performances early in their first season after promotion. The player leading Bucheon’s rise is Jefferson Galego. After registering two goals and one assist in the opening match, Galego also converted a penalty against Daejeon, bringing his tally to three goals and one assist in just two games. Last season, he scored six and assisted four in 28 K League 2 matches, including the promotion playoffs. This season in K League 1, he has shown even sharper attacking ability, raising expectations for a career-best year. Defensively, veteran Baek Dong-gyu anchors the back line, forming a compact defensive block with Hong Sung-wook and Patrick William, demonstrating solid organization. Veteran midfielder Yoon Bit-garam, who joined Bucheon this season, has also quickly integrated into the team and is contributing both offensively and defensively. With a strong team structure early in the season, Bucheon are determined to continue their unbeaten run in this round as well. This weekend they host Ulsan HD. Watch live with English commentary: here Player of the Round: Debut Goal Tranziska Pohang Steelers earned a point with a 1-1 draw against Gimcheon in the season opener. In that match, Jakob Tranziska stood out by scoring on his K League debut, signaling a promising season ahead. Tranziska is a forward standing at 189 cm tall, and despite being only 23 years old, he has experience of playing several European leagues, including Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic, before joining Pohang this season. Coming on as a substitute in the second half against Gimcheon, Tranziska energized Pohang's attack with his work rate and link-up play, and scored a point-securing equalizer in the 55th minute. Tranziska is a versatile attacker capable of playing both as a central striker and as a winger. With Jorge Teixeira sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Tranziska’s quick adaptation has become a major boost for manager Park Tae-ha. Strong in duels and with bold dribbling, Tranziska will be one to watch this weekend. Watch live with English commentary: here 2026 K League 1 Round 3 Fixtures Gwangju FC vs. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors - Saturday, March 14, 2:00 PM [ENG] Daejeon Hana Citizen vs. Gimcheon Sangmu - Saturday, March 14, 4:30 PM [ENG] Bucheon FC 1995 vs. Ulsan HD - Sunday, March 15, 2:00 PM [ENG] Jeju SK vs. FC Seoul - Sunday, March 15, 2:00 PM Gangwon FC vs. FC Anyang - Sunday, March 15, 4:30 PM Pohang Steelers vs. Incheon United - Sunday, March 15, 4:30 PM [ENG] via K League press release Where to Watch Watch live on TV.KLeague.com, English commentary provided where indicated. View this post on Instagram A post shared by K LEAGUE International (@kleagueintl.official)

Aidan Williams returns as England's tournament goes from bad to worse in Monterrey, lightning doesn't strike twice for Northern Ireland, the World Cup's poster boy has a major misstep, the greatest clearance of all time and much more. Hungary v Canda - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohDvj08eybk Brazil v Algeria - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3qnpl9AB3c England v Morocco - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBFyPcB3sT4 Mexico v Paraguay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9XcaTTa1Ho Spain v Northern Ireland - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNU0VVCUPlI Poland v Portugal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBWVDbtlzQM If you want weekly exclusive bonus shows, join our Nessun Dorma community chat, want your episodes without ads and a couple of days earlier or just want to support the podcast, then head over to ⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/NessunDormaPodcast⁠⁠⁠ where you can subscribe for only $3.99 a month (less than 75p a week!). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Football Predictions and Results For Feb 20 2026 Footiehound See our major predictions for the day and final results in the table below LEAGUE GAME TIP RESULT FEB 20 TIPS Algeria CR Belouizadad vs El Bayadh 1 0-0 Cyprus Paralimni vs AEL Limassol 2 0-2 Denmark… The post Football Predictions and Results For Feb 20 2026 appeared first on Footiehound. Written By Ken Anucha

On Friday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you the latest from the Ireland-Israel debacle plus the weather lays waste to games across the country in the League of Ireland. Republic of Ireland learn their fate in the UEFA Nations League B3, drawn alongside Austria, Kosovo and Israel, with fixtures now confirmed. The Boys in Green begin with a September away double-header in Kosovo and Israel, before October clashes at the Aviva Stadium. Boycott calls grow louder as former Ireland international Eoin Doyle urges action over the Israel fixtures. Bohemians COO Daniel Lambert says the Football Association of Ireland, fans and players should not be put in this position. The42’s Gavin Cooney explains why UEFA ultimately hold the financial power in the debate. Stormy conditions threaten another chaotic night in the League of Ireland, with multiple pitch inspections across the country. Drogheda United host Waterford at Sullivan & Lambe Park after late drama on opening weekend. Dundalk could debut Tyreke Wilson against Derry City, as James McClean continues his return to domestic action. First Division focus as Wexford FC, UCD and Cobh Ramblers aim to get their campaigns up and running despite the weather. Cork City begin life back in the second tier with a Munster derby against Treaty United, as Seani Maguire targets promotion. Arsenal drop points in the Premier League title race after a 1-1 draw at Brentford, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side four clear of Manchester City. Keith Andrews’ Brentford remain in the European hunt and are boosted by Igor Thiago signing a new long-term deal. Glen Whelan prepares to lead Wigan Athletic into the FA Cup spotlight against Arsenal at the Emirates. Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill is set for a dual role at Blackburn Rovers, while Dean Brennan receives a nine-game ban and Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior prepares for an emotional return to Hull. Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Mike and Martyn get set to devour a feast of World Cup action over these two days. We have Maradona and Passarella clashing over drugs and affairs before South Korea took turns in having a kick without any serious sanction, Hungary being smashed by the USSR, an early victory for the hosts amidst political turbulence and an arachnid taking over the Azteca, Northern Ireland and Algeria failing to live up to their previous exploits and missing the opportunity to get that much needed win and Bobby Robson arrives in Monterrey and selects a starting XI against Portugal who have never played together before. What could possibly go wrong? Argentina v South Korea - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBjRKVZb4z4 USSR v Hungary - https://youtu.be/KMtBKLEkLq0?si=PTcNz_A_lAL8SwrT Poland v Morocco - https://youtu.be/q27qUuCfMng?si=n8XXVU6kY6Esm9vP Mexico v Belgium - https://youtu.be/lwWBEG3qxtU?si=W60__dS443ngNDtx Northern Ireland v Algeria - https://youtu.be/m6Le-ZVjNho?si=HJ8dypMGjGhQzScX England v Portugal - https://youtu.be/Q96knGZ3Of4?si=tz7OMcJ1hz4l_P8q If you want weekly exclusive bonus shows, join our Nessun Dorma community chat, want your episodes without ads and a couple of days earlier or just want to support the podcast, then head over to ⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/NessunDormaPodcast⁠⁠⁠ where you can subscribe for only $3.99 a month (less than 75p a week!). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Cooligans break down a messy AFCON final, iShowSpeed’s eye-opening encounter with Algerian ultras, Shawn Francis’ evolving views on MLS and the World Cup in America, and whether Pep Guardiola can fix Manchester City’s current slump.

Rulani & Alger enjoy '24 hour' celebration after first trophy Kick Off

Jimbo is joined in the Athletic studios by Charlie Eccleshare and Tom Williams to discuss Arsenal Liverpool, plus Jay Harris joins from Morocco to preview the AFCON quarter finals. Arsenal and Liverpool finished goalless at the Emirates as the Gunners failed to capitalise on Man City dropping points on Wednesday. Last season's champions frustrated this year's title hopefuls with the two teams generating one of the lowest XG games of the season (1.02) in the driving North London rain. Jay Harris drops in from Morocco to preview the 4 mouthwatering AFCON quarter finals with Mali v Senegal, the hosts Morocco v Cameroon, Nigeria v Algeria and Ivory Coast v Egypt. Plus 'On This Day' Julio Baptista scored 4 & Rafa Benitez's 'Facts'. Produced by Charlie Jones and Jesse Howard. RUNNING ORDER: • PART 1a: Jimbo and Charlie clear up their 90’s music fact from yesterdays pod (00.40) • PART 1b: Arsenal v Liverpool (3.00) • PART 2a: On This Day - Baptista scores 4 (16.20) • PART 2b: On This Day - Rafa’s facts (19.20) • PART 3a: AFCON quarter final previews (25.15) • PART 3b: Trophee Des Champions in Kuwait (36.25) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.