Jack Norris 
The final six places at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada will be decided this month. Four European nations have the chance to qualify via the play-offs. Northern Ireland, Wales and Republic of Ireland are all in contention to qualify.
Gerrit Cole, who missed all of last season after Tommy John surgery, made his second and final spring training appearance for the New York Yankees. Cole went 1⅔ innings against the Chicago Cubs, striking out three and allowing one run. He is expected to make his season debut in late May or early June.
Huddersfield Town boss Liam Manning has been granted compassionate leave for the remainder of the season. The League One club said the decision was made after Manning made the club aware of ongoing personal matters relating to the tragic passing of his newborn son Theo in October 2024. Coaches Martin Drury and Jon Stead have been placed in charge of the team for the remainder of the season.
Detroit Tigers phenom Kevin McGonigle will be on the Opening Day roster. The 21-year-old McGonigle was the 37th pick in the 2023 draft and has never played above the Double-A level. The Tigers open the season on the road against the San Diego Padres on Thursday.
Former Liverpool striker and manager John Toshack has been diagnosed with dementia. His son, Cameron Toshack, shared the news, mentioning that his father, now 77, has ‘good days and bad days’. Cameron is currently working as a No 2 at Buriram United in Thailand.
The MLB 2026 season is here, with the Los Angeles Dodgers seeking a historic three-peat. After an eventful offseason, the Dodgers are the team to beat. Their spending could lead to a lockout after the CBA expires.
The Red Sox and Reds are preparing to start their season. Both teams reached the postseason in 2025 but were eliminated in the first round. They are looking for a deeper run into the playoffs this season.
Fernando Alonso will not participate in the press day before the Japanese Grand Prix. Aston Martin F1 Team confirmed his absence is due to personal family reasons. Jak Crawford is set to drive the car in the first free practice session.
Predictions have been made for the Mets’ 2026 season. The team is hoping to improve after missing the playoffs last season. A third of the roster has been turned over in an attempt to cure the issues.
The University of Arizona will host the 2026 National Intercollegiate Wheelchair Basketball Tournament. The tournament will feature two divisions, with 12 men’s teams and four women’s teams competing. The U of A earned the opportunity to host when the Wildcats men’s team won the Wheelchair Basketball National Championship last year in Illinois.