Top games to watch this week
Friday, March 25
Congo DR vs Morocco (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Cameroon vs Algeria (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Mali vs Tunisia (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Egypt vs Senegal (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Ghana vs Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Argentina vs Venezuela (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
France vs Cote d'Ivoire (Friendly)
South Africa vs Guinea (Friendly)
Washington Spirit vs NJ/NY Gotham FC (NWSL Challenge Cup)
Saturday, March 26
Eibar vs Lugo (Spanish Segunda División)
Croatia vs Slovenia (Friendly)
Ireland Republic vs Belgium (Friendly)
England vs Switzerland (Friendly)
Qatar vs Bulgaria (Friendly)
Spain vs Albania (Friendly)
Germany vs Israel (Friendly)
Netherlands vs Denmark (Friendly)
Angel City FC vs OL Reign (NWSL Challenge Cup)
Charlotte vs Cincinnati (MLS)
Sporting KC vs Real Salt Lake (MLS)
Sunday, March 27
Canada vs Jamaica (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
El Salvador vs Costa Rica (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
USA vs Panama (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Honduras vs Mexico (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Puebla vs América (Liga MX Femenil)
Almería vs Girona (Spanish 2a División)
Portland Timbers vs Orlando City (MLS)
Monday, March 28
Montenegro vs Greece (Friendly)
Las Palmas vs Leganés (Spanish 2a División)
Tuesday, March 29
Japan vs Vietnam (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Iran vs Lebanon (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
UAE vs Korea Republic (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Senegal vs Egypt (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Nigeria vs Ghana (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Saudi Arabia vs Australia (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Algeria vs Cameroon (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Morocco vs Congo DR (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Tunisia vs Mali (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Portugal vs North Macedonia (European World Cup Playoffs Final)
Poland vs Sweden (European World Cup Playoffs Final)
Bolivia vs Brazil (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Ecuador vs Argentina (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Peru vs Paraguay (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Chile vs Uruguay (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Venezuela vs Colombia (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Croatia vs Bulgaria (Friendly)
Denmark vs Serbia (Friendly)
Switzerland vs Kosovo (Friendly)
Qatar vs Slovenia (Friendly)
Belgium vs Burkina Faso (Friendly)
England vs Cote d'Ivoire (Friendly)
Ireland Republic vs Lithuania (Friendly)
Netherlands vs Germany (Friendly)
Spain vs Iceland (Friendly)
France vs South Africa (Friendly)
Wednesday, March 30
Panama vs Canada (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Jamaica vs Honduras (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Mexico vs El Salvador (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Costa Rica vs USA (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Most-watched soccer games on U.S. TV: March 14-20, 2022
Spanish-language channel TUDN screened a Liga MX one-all draw between Atlas and Chivas on Sunday, March 20. The broadcast received a 0.15 viewership rating after an average of 467,000 watched it. Chivas were close to securing a 1-0 away win, but Atlas forward Julian Quiñones equalized in added time.
The second most-watched soccer game on U.S. television last week was a Premier League fixture broadcasted on USA Network on Sunday, March 20. The game featured London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United. Spurs forward Heung-Min Son was the star of the show, scoring the game winning goal and another one in the dying embers of the game. An average of 423,000 viewers watched the broadcast.
Another Liga MX match broadcast on TUDN cracked in the top three most-watched games on U.S TV last week. Tigres UANL defended University Stadium, taking down Monterrey 2-0 on Saturday, March 19. Frenchmen Andre-Pierre Gignac and Florian Thauvin scored Tigres' goals. The game averaged 423,000 viewers and received a 0.08 viewership rating.
What are this week's must-watch games?
Egypt vs Ghana in the CAF World Cup qualifiers live on ESPN+
In a repeat of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final, Senegal and Egypt are preparing to lock horns, with a spot at Qatar 2022 being at stake in this clash. These two continental powerhouses will face off over two legs, with the first fixture being held on Friday in Cairo ahead of the return leg on Tuesday. Last time, it was Mane and Co. who enjoyed the final laugh, beating the Pharaohs on penalties to be crowned the champions of Africa. As a result, Salah's side will be on the hunt for revenge when these two sides meet. Tune in to ESPN to catch the action live in both legs.
Portugal vs North Macedonia live this Tuesday at 2:45 p.m. ET on ESPN and fuboTV
Portugal are on the cusp of sealing their FIFA World Cup spot. After suffering defeat to Serbia on the final matchday of the group stage, thus surrendering the no.1 spot and automatic qualification to their European rivals, many began fearing for Cristiano and Co. However, having overcome Turkey in the European World Cup Playoffs semifinals, the Euro 2016 champions simply need to win the final in order to progress to Qatar 2022. Many thought Fernando Santos' men would face Italy in this round. However, North Macedonia pulled off a remarkable win over the Azzurri, scoring in stoppage time to beat Mancini's men 1-0. Do not miss their clash with Portugal.
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Poland vs Sweden live this Tuesday at 2:45 p.m. ET on ESPN+
Portugal vs. North Macedonia isn't the only European World Cup Playoff set to take place this Tuesday, with Poland preparing to lock horns with Sweden in the Path B final. Lewandowski and Co. were initially set to face Russia in the semifinals, but due to the invasion of Ukraine, the 2018 World Cup hosts were disqualified from the event, thus handing Poland a bye. The same isn't true for Sweden, who toke on the Czech Republic in the semis, with the Scandinavian giants winning the game in added time thanks to Quaison's 110th-minute goal. Which of these two sides will join the likes of Belgium, England, France, and Spain at Qatar 2022? Make sure to catch this clash live to find out that answer.
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This week in women's football, enjoy NWSL Challenge Cup, top European leagues and UEFA Women's Champions League action. Check out all the details you need to know ahead of an exciting week in the women's game.
NWSL Challenge Cup live on Paramount+
Women's Soccer fans in the USA can watch six NWSL Challenge Cup matches exclusively on Paramount+ this weekend. Two games between Racing Louisville and Houston Dash, and Washington Spirit and Gotham FC, will kick things off on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Expansion clubs Angel City FC and San Diego Wave will search for their first competitive win, having drawn 1-1 on opening weekend. Both sides have a difficult task at hand, as Angel City host OL Reign and San Diego welcome Portland Thorns on Saturday.
Friday, March 25
Racing Louisville FC vs. Houston Dash at 7:30 p.m. ET
Washington Spirit vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC at 7:30 p.m. ET
Chicago Red Stars vs. Kansas City Current at 8:30 p.m. ET
Saturday, March 26
Angel City FC vs. OL Reign at 4 p.m. ET
North Carolina Courage vs. Orlando Pride at 6 p.m. ET
San Diego Wave vs. Portland Thorns at 10 p.m. ET
Ten European league games live on ATA Football
ATA Football will exclusively stream nine games live this weekend, including a fiery Serie A Femminile clash between Juventus and Inter Milan on Sunday. Do not miss out on all the action.
Saturday, March 26
Primera Iberdrola: Madrid CFF vs. Barcelona at 7 a.m. ET
Primera Iberdrola: Real Madrid vs. Levante at 7 a.m. ET
Frauen Bundesliga: Frankfurt vs. Wolfsburg at 8 a.m. ET
Serie A: Sassuolo vs. AS Roma at 9:30 a.m. ET
Sunday, March 27
Serie A: AC Milan vs. Fiorentina at 6:30 a.m. ET
FA WSL: Manchester United vs. Everton at 7:30 a.m. ET
Serie A: Juventus vs. Inter Milan at 8:30 a.m. ET
FA WSL: Leicester City vs. Chelsea at 10 a.m. ET
Frauen Bundesliga: Bayern Munich vs. SGS Essen at 10 a.m. ET
UEFA Women's Champions League quarterfinal second legs on YouTube and DAZN
Women's football fans can watch all-four UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second legs live on YouTube and DAZN. The games will take place on Wednesday, March 30, and Thursday, March 31.
Barcelona aim to finish off Real Madrid at Camp Nou after a 3-1 away win in the first leg. Paris Saint-Germain host Bayern Munich, with hopes of maintaining or extending its lead through 90 minutes. Wolfsburg and Arsenal will scrap for a win at Volkswagen Arena in Germany. And seven-time European Champions Olympique Lyonnais will battle to overcome a 2-1 deficit at home against Juventus.
Wednesday, March 30
Barcelona (3) vs. (1) Real Madrid at 12:45 p.m. ET
Paris Saint-Germain (2) vs. (1) Bayern Munich at 3 p.m. ET
Thursday, March 31
Wolfsburg (1) vs. (1) Arsenal at 12:45 p.m. ET
Olympique Lyonnais (1) vs. (2) Juventus at 3 p.m. ET
Biggest stories of the week
TRANSFER TALK: Barcelona "reportedly" keen on bringing in Bayern ace
Two years ago, Robert Lewandowski was part of the Bayern squad who, in typically ruthless fashion, humiliated Barcelona 8-2 en route to eventually winning the 2020 UEFA Champions League.
Flash-forward to 2022 and now there are reports that the Blaugrana could be keen on trying to lure him to the Camp Nou.
Despite the Polish ace set to turn 34 this summer, he has showed no signs of slowing down. So far this season, Lewandowski has netted a whopping 45 goals in 37 appearances for Bayern across all comps. 31 of those have come in the Bundesliga, where he's a clear favorite to win what would be his fifth consecutive and seventh overall Torjägerkanone prize at the end of the season.
However, the player hasn't hid his desire for a new challenge after winning everything there is to win at the Allianz Arena.
That has put several big teams on high alert, including Liverpool, which could see him reunite with Jurgen Klopp, who coached him at Borussia Dortmund, as well as Manchester United, who have been really keen on finding a top striker for years.
But the prospect of playing in Spain could appeal to Lewandowski, who, according to reports, is hoping to raise his profile outside Germany and seek a new challenge to put him in better stead to finally win the Ballon d'Or. The 33-year-old was cruelly denied a spot on the winner's podium twice - first due to COVID-19, which saw the awards cancelled, and most recently as Lionel Messi ended up winning it for the seventh time, leading some observers to question the judging criteria for the coveted prize.
The same report also claims that from Barcelona's perspective, Lewandowski could present a more affordable and better option than Erling Haaland, whose agent, Mino Raiola, has a prickly relationship with many of Europe's top clubs due to his bare-knuckled and aggressive tactics. By contrast, Lewandowski's rep, Pini Zahavi, apparently has a better rapport with current Barcelona boss Joan Laporta.
Chelsea receive huge boost for UEFA Champions League clash vs Real Madrid as UK eases sanctions
Chelsea have received a huge boost for the remainder of their club football season. The Premier League giants had been cast into chaos after owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government due to his alleged ties with Russian president Vladimir Putin, but one crucial restriction placed on the London side has been eased.
Initially, in a move to prevent the Russian oligarch from profiting off of the Blues, the UEFA Champions League holders were prohibited from selling tickets and merchandise, with only season ticket holders being permitted to attend matches.
However, this presented them with a few problems. Number one, Tuchel's men would not have been able to play in front of a full crowd at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League as not every seat is occupied by a season ticket holder. Secondly, and more importantly, it would have left Chelsea without fans for UEFA Champions League and FA Cup games as tickets to those two competitions are sold separately.
And with Havertz and Co. taking on Real Madrid in the quarterfinals in Europe's premier club competition, the team feared having to travel to Santiago Bernabeu without away supporters and having to stage the home leg at the Bridge behind closed doors. Fortunately for Chelsea, they have now been handed a lifeline by the UK government.
The champions of Europe will be permitted to sell tickets for their quarterfinal showdown with Los Blancos, as well as every other fixture involving both the men's and women's team bar home games in the English top-flight. Away tickets for Premier League fixtures will also be available.
Additionally, fans of other clubs will be permitted to purchase seats at Stamford Bridge. However, all proceeds will go to the Premier League, not the London giants, until the departure of Roman Abramovich is completed.
North Macedonia shock the world by eliminating Italy from the FIFA World Cup
The scene seemed right to keep Italy in the run for a World Cup spot. The Azzurri side dominated ball possession for most of the game and even came close to scoring the opener, but it all came down to Aleksandar Trajkovski's accuracy in front of goal to end Italy's hopes of returning to a FIFA World Cup.
The Azzurri side entered this tie as the massive favorites, especially due to their unbeaten record in Italy that included 48 wins and eleven draws. Now, their first loss at home will be remembered as one of the major upsets in football history, while also making a dent in their successful history in the world of football.
After 90 minutes of playing time, the game between Mancini's men and North Macedonia seemed destined to reach extra time. The four-time World Cup champions wasted many chances in front of goal, especially one from Domenico Berardi that will come back to haunt the Sassuolo man for as long as he plays professional football. Then, when everyone was getting ready for thirty more minutes of football, Trajkovski controlled a ball in the final third of the pitch and drilled a right-footed shot into the lower right-hand corner of Gigi Donnarumma's net to kick off all celebrations for the Macedonian side.
That goal represented Trajkovski's 20th international success with his national team, but it also handed Italy a devastating blow, leaving them out of back-to-back World Cups for the first time in history.
Juventus chief reveals the real reason behind the collapse of Dybala's contract extension talks
Paulo Dybala is set to leave Juventus as a free agent when the season ends and the arrival of Dusan Vlahovic has been revealed as the reason for his imminent departure. The 28-year-old and his representatives were locked in negotiations with the Bianconeri for a contract extension but will now have to look elsewhere after both parties failed to reach an agreement.
With both the fans and the club's hierarchy pleased with the Argentine's service, there was general consensus that he will be offered a new deal to stay at the club beyond the seven years he has spent there. Up until now, talks had progressed smoothly although there was still a big difference between the demands by both parties.
According to Italian publication La Gazzetta, the meeting between Dybala's entourage and the Juventus representatives for his renewal lasted about two hours and no agreement was reached after the latter allegedly changed the terms of their offer. CEO of the club Maurizio Arrivabene subsequently stated on Monday night that the decision taken was due to the fact that the Argentine is not central to the club's project anymore following the arrival of Dusan Vlahovic.
"The most important change is that Juventus have not renewed Paulo Dybala's contract," he said. "With the market I reiterated this, the approach was sincere.
"With the purchases made in January, with the arrival of Vlahovic, Paulo's position was no longer at the center of the project. That's why this kind of decision was preferred.
"The parameters were different, I had already spoken about it, no one has ever questioned Paulo's ability. There were considerations to be made about appearances, length and financial considerations.
"We made our choices in January, we got here. It would have been easy for Juventus to make a low bid, but it would have been disrespectful towards Paulo. The decision is made. Today's meeting was friendly, clear and respectful."
Paulo Dybala's brother, Gustavo Dybala, later published an Instagram story with the word "Incredible!", subtly alluding to the disappointment felt by the members of their camp. The Juventus star had previously been a target for Barcelona, Manchester United, Inter Milan and Tottenham, and where he will be headed next remains to be seen.
Other key headlines from the world of football
Former Real Madrid and Arsenal star Ozil reportedly frozen out of Fenerbahce squad
Ozil's time in Turkey has been marred by injuries, as well as COVID-19, which caused him to miss significant game-time in his first season. Although he's been somewhat healthier this season, during which all of his nine goals have taken place, his fitness issues have not fully abated, as he recently missed nearly two months of action due to a recent back injury.
Recent rumors have claimed that Ozil's absences are not entirely due to injury, with the club forced to shoot down reports that the 2014 World Cup winner was refusing to play due to not being paid on time.
Still, the fact that new reports have come out that he's been frozen out of the squad means that there's something else going on behind the scenes besides the club being concerned about his frequent injuries. Fenerbahce aren't in action until April 2nd, yet he has already been removed from the first team and it will be interesting to see if he will make any other competitive appearances for his current club before the current Super Lig campaign comes to a close.
Telemundo reveals coverage plans for final rounds of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers
Telemundo Deportes will continue their coverage of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers with the most interesting games from the CONCACAF region taking place in the upcoming days. Football fans in the United States will be able to watch nine matches across the company's platforms, which include Telemundo, UNIVERSO, Peacock, TelemundoDeportes.com and the Telemundo Deportes app.
Added to the live coverage of each game, Telemundo Deportes will break down what will happen and the consequences of the end result of all games in their pre-game and post-match shows known as Rumbo al Mundial: Objetivo Qatar. Social media channels will also provide video highlights, recaps, editorial posts, live alerts, and live results for all games.
To do this, Telemundo Deportes' coverage will include their award-winning team of commentators, led by Andrés Cantor, Manuel Sol, and the legendary Carlos Hermosillo. Studio coverage will be handled by Miguel Gurwitz, Ana Jurka, Copán Alvarez, Sammy Sadovnik, Karim Mendiburu, and Eduardo Biscayart.
Real Madrid and Barcelona set to play second El Clásico in the U.S. this summer
Almost five years after their first visit to the United States to play a special edition of El Clásico, Real Madrid and Barcelona seem ready to play one more match in front of their North American supporters.
Reports by Marca state that, after a two-year wait to play in the North American country, the two Spanish giants will embark on a pre-season tour in July. Real Madrid's schedule would also include a couple more games, which would take them to visit Los Angeles and San Diego, while Barcelona's schedule is yet to be determined.
The game between the two football icons is reportedly set to take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, which would also keep the promise made by both teams to visit that venue. Back in 2020, both sides were scheduled to be part of the opening ceremony for the stadium, but those plans were scrapped due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
