Marie Mahé, Media365: published on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 08:40
Find the main sports news from March 31, 2026, including Italy’s new elimination in the World Cup playoffs.
Football – Italy will not be at the World Cup
2018, 2022, and now 2026. Italy will officially miss a men’s football World Cup for the third consecutive time. The Italians fell in the playoff final against Bosnia-Herzegovina, after a penalty shootout (1-1, 4-1 pen). The Italians will now have to wait until 2030 to see if they will finally return to a World Cup they have won four times in the past.
Football – Last tickets for the World Cup awarded
Other teams, on different continents, have also secured their qualification for the 2026 World Cup. In Europe, Turkey, the Czech Republic, and Sweden eliminated Kosovo, Denmark, and Poland, respectively. DR Congo also secured their ticket by defeating Jamaica. Finally, Iraq also made it through, defeating Bolivia.
Football – De Zerbi joins a new club
After leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement on February 11, Roberto De Zerbi wasted no time in officially finding a new club. Tottenham announced his arrival, replacing Igor Tudor. The Italian coach arrives after signing a long-term contract. His main mission will be to keep the club in the top tier.
Tennis – Tough blow for Gracheva
Ranked 59th in the world and the 2nd best French player, Varvara Gracheva is likely to have already bid farewell to the remainder of her 2026 season. The French player announced on her official social media accounts that she is suffering from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee. The injury occurred during a training session last week. The Frenchwoman had suffered two early exits at Indian Wells and Miami.
Basketball – Bourg-en-Bresse sees finals slipping away
Engaged in the Eurocup basketball semi-finals, Bourg-en-Bresse did not fare well in their first leg match. Playing at home, the French club was crushed by Turk Telekom from Ankara, Turkey (71-99). Frédéric Fauthoux’s team likely played their worst match of the 2025-2026 season. The qualification for the grand final now seems to be far out of reach.
