🚨 BREAKING: For the FIRST time EVER, the World Cup will feature two guaranteed hydration breaks in EVERY game.

Two 3 minute breaks will be called by the referee in each half, REGARDLESS of weather conditions.

Broadcasters WILL be allowed to play ads. @TheAthleticFC pic.twitter.com/VmkRNsUo4a

— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) March 5, 2026

🚨🇲🇦 Walid Regragui leaves Morocco head coach role with immediate effect.

Decision made ahead of the World Cup with Mohamed Ouahbi favorite to take over.

Official announcement to follow in a press conference tonight, as @Santi_J_FM reported. pic.twitter.com/fAninh4oH7

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 5, 2026

The FA Spokesperson’s official X account, @FAspokesperson, posted a cryptic message on March 5, 2026, featuring only a link to an image. The post, which is embedded below, has left followers speculating about its meaning.

pic.twitter.com/zvlzXNYVS2

— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) March 5, 2026

Xavi Hernandez has declined an offer to manage Morocco at the 2026 World Cup due to disagreements over his coaching staff and a preference for club football.

Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has turned down an offer to lead the Moroccan national team following the resignation of Walid Regragui.

Despite being back on the market since last summer, Xavi reportedly prioritized a return to club football, specifically eyeing the Premier League.

The 46-year-old remains selective about his next project after a high-pressure stint at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Negotiations between Xavi and the Moroccan Football Federation stalled over the composition of his coaching staff.

While Xavi insisted on bringing his own assistant, analyst, and physical trainer, the Federation reportedly demanded he “arrive alone.”

Consequently, the Spanish tactician passed on the opportunity, preferring to wait until the summer when significant club positions are expected to become available across Europe’s top leagues.

Iraq’s national team faces critical travel and visa obstacles ahead of their World Cup playoff in Mexico due to regional instability and coach Graham Arnold being stranded in the UAE.

Iraq’s World Cup qualification efforts are in jeopardy as the conflict in Iran causes severe logistical disruptions.

Head coach Graham Arnold is currently stranded in the United Arab Emirates due to regional airspace closures, while several key players remain without Mexican visas.

The Iraqi federation stated, “In addition, several embassies remain closed… preventing several professional players, technical and medical staff members from obtaining entry visas.”

Mexico’s foreign ministry is working to expedite the process through European embassies, but the clock is ticking before the March 31 playoff in Monterrey.

Arnold emphasized the gravity of the situation, having previously noted, “the most important thing is that we get things right with ourselves.”

If issues persist, Iraq’s first potential World Cup appearance since 1986 could be decided by FIFA’s administrative intervention.

Renowned German goalkeeper Georg Koch has died at 54 after battling pancreatic cancer, years after an infamous firework incident forced his early retirement from professional football.

Former professional goalkeeper Georg Koch has died at the age of 54 following a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Koch, who enjoyed a distinguished career across Europe with clubs like PSV Eindhoven and Fortuna Dusseldorf, was diagnosed with the incurable disease in May 2024.

At the time, he stoically remarked, “The disease is incurable, I will die. But God hasn’t decided when He’ll take me yet.”

Koch’s top-flight career famously ended prematurely after a firework exploded near his ear during a 2008 Vienna derby, causing permanent hearing and balance damage.

Reflecting on the incident that forced his retirement, Koch stated, “Two idiots are responsible for my retirement,” adding that “such an act should have consequences.”

Arsenal legend Jens Lehmann led tributes to the shot-stopper, who made over 370 professional appearances.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has been disqualified from driving for six months after admitting to speeding in a 20mph zone, an offence that triggered an automatic ban due to existing penalty points.

​Oliver Glasner has been banned from the road for six months after being caught speeding in Bermondsey last July.

The 51-year-old Austrian, who led Crystal Palace to FA Cup glory in 2025, pleaded guilty to driving his BMW at 29mph in a 20mph zone.

Because the manager already had prior offences on his record, the additional points resulted in a mandatory disqualification at Willesden Magistrates’ Court.

​The Premier League boss accepted full responsibility in a handwritten note to the court. “I fully accept responsibility for my actions and understand the seriousness of this matter,” Glasner wrote.

“I have taken steps to ensure it will not happen again.“ Alongside the ban, he was ordered to pay a £660 fine plus costs, just days before a crucial relegation clash against Tottenham Hotspur.

Michael Carrick’s unbeaten start as Manchester United manager came to a crashing halt at St. James’ Park, where a late Will Osula strike secured a 2-1 win for a Newcastle side that played the entire second half with ten men.  

​The Red Devils tasted defeat for the first time under Carrick’s stewardship in a night of missed opportunities and defensive lapses.

Despite a numerical advantage following Jacob Ramsey’s dismissal for simulation, United failed to break down a resilient Magpies defense.

While Casemiro’s header briefly restored parity following Anthony Gordon’s penalty, Osula’s solo brilliance in the dying moments ensured the points stayed on Tyneside.

​Manchester United Player Ratings

​Senne Lammens: 7/10

The young Belgian continues to grow in stature despite the result. While he wasn’t called upon to make a flurry of acrobatic saves, his command of the penalty area was authoritative. His distribution remains a key asset, and he handled the high-pressure atmosphere of St. James’ Park with notable maturity.

​Noussair Mazraoui: 6/10

Handed a starting role, the fullback was a steadying presence on the right side of the defense. He carried out his defensive duties with minimal fuss but lacked the overlapping ambition to trouble Newcastle’s backline, eventually departing late with a knock.

​Leny Yoro: 6/10

It was a steep learning curve for the teenager against a physical Newcastle front line. After some early positioning jitters, he grew into the game and was denied a goal of his own by a spectacular Ramsdale save. He remains a work in progress but showed glimpses of his high ceiling.

​Harry Maguire: 6/10

The veteran defender was dominant in the air, winning several crucial headers to clear the danger. While he was largely composed against Newcastle’s pace, he will be disappointed not to have stepped out quicker to block Osula’s match-winning effort in the final minute.

​Luke Shaw: 6/10

Shaw endured a bruising encounter, including a heavy collision with Dan Burn, but remained a gritty competitor. He offered some support in the buildup before being substituted at the hour mark as United looked to freshen up their defensive options.

​Casemiro: 6/10

The Brazilian experienced a game of two halves. He showcased his elite vision with pinpoint passing in the first period and scored a vital equalizer with a clinical header. However, the relentless intensity of the Newcastle midfield eventually took its toll on his legs.

​Kobbie Mainoo: 4/10

A difficult evening for the academy graduate, who struggled to cope with the physical intensity of the Magpies’ press. He was dispossessed in dangerous areas several times during the first half and, despite more space after the red card, failed to dictate the tempo as usual.

​Bruno Fernandes: 6/10

The captain’s night was a mix of frustration and productivity. He conceded a clumsy penalty after a foul on Gordon but quickly made amends with a perfectly weighted free-kick for the equalizer. He probed for an opening late on but couldn’t find the decisive final ball.

​Bryan Mbeumo: 3/10

A night to forget for the winger, whose performance was characterized by a lack of clinical edge. Missing a glaring opportunity with the goal at his mercy in the first half proved costly, and he struggled to find any meaningful rhythm before being hooked.

​Benjamin Sesko: 5/10

While his hold-up play and link-up touches showed flashes of quality, the striker was largely starved of clear-cut chances. After a prolific run of form, he found himself well-shackled by the Newcastle center-backs and was unable to test Ramsdale.

​Matheus Cunha: 5/10

Cunha worked hard to find pockets of space but lacked the final product to hurt the hosts. He forced a save in the first half but faded as the match progressed, failing to provide the creative spark needed to break down ten men.

​Substitutes & Manager

​Manuel Ugarte: 6/10

Brought on to add bite to the midfield, he threw himself into the physical fray. He added energy and nearly found a winner with a header that sailed just over the crossbar.

​Joshua Zirkzee: 6/10

Replacing the ineffective Mbeumo, the forward looked sharp and eager to influence the result. He drew a fantastic late save from Ramsdale and offered a more dynamic threat in the final third.

​Michael Carrick: 5/10

Carrick will rue a missed opportunity to consolidate United’s position. While his initial setup was reasonable, he was slow to introduce attacking reinforcements despite his side holding a man advantage for over 45 minutes of play.

Manchester United suffered their first defeat under Michael Carrick as a late William Osula wonder-goal secured a 2-1 win for 10-man Newcastle, seemingly vindicating Paul Scholes’ pre-match criticisms of United’s recent form.

The honeymoon period for Michael Carrick ended in dramatic fashion on Wednesday night as ten-man Newcastle United snatched a 2-1 victory.

Despite playing with a numerical advantage for the entire second half following Jacob Ramsey’s controversial dismissal for simulation, United failed to capitalize.

Anthony Gordon’s penalty and a late, solo masterpiece from William Osula bookended a Casemiro equalizer, leaving United’s top-four aspirations under renewed threat from a surging Chelsea side.

Club legend Paul Scholes appeared to foresee the struggle, taking to social media mid-match to voice his frustration.

Scholes noted that “United have been c**p last 4 games” despite their previous results, a sentiment that echoed loudly as the visitors lacked clarity in the final third.

He further fueled transfer speculation by posting a loveheart emoji alongside the name of Sandro Tonali, whom he has previously hailed as “better than Rice” and the ideal anchor for United’s midfield.

League leaders Arsenal face fresh defensive concerns after Mikel Arteta confirmed that William Saliba missed the Brighton clash due to an ankle injury sustained against Chelsea.

​Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that star defender William Saliba was sidelined for the Gunners’ trip to Brighton following an ankle injury.

The Frenchman reportedly rolled his ankle during the previous match against Chelsea.

Despite the blow, Arsenal remains five points clear at the top of the table, though the loss of Saliba adds to a growing list of defensive injuries this season.

​Arteta explained the defender’s absence before kick-off, highlighting the player’s resilience in their previous outing.

“He turned his ankle against Chelsea. He managed to finish the game somehow, but he was too sore to play today,” Arteta told Sky Sports.

In Saliba’s absence, Cristhian Mosquera was handed a start at center-back, with the manager adding, “Cristhian’s showed that we can fully trust him.”

Arsenal won the match 1-0 thanks to Bukayo Saka’s early goal to go seven points clear of Manchester City, who was held at home by Nottingham Forest.