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Countdown to the UEFA Play-off Finals: Who Will Join the 2026 World Cup?

The UEFA Play-off Finals for the 2026 World Cup are upon us, ticking down to kickoff on this electric March 31 evening, where four nail-biting clashes will crown Europe's final four qualifiers to join the global party in North America. As a passionate football blogger from Vijayawada, India, who's lived and breathed every dramatic turn in these qualifiers, I can feel the pulse of the continent racing—underdogs roaring, giants stumbling, and dreams hanging by a thread. Path A Showdown: Bosnia's Fire vs Italy's Steel Picture this: the misty hills of Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina's Bilino Polje stadium transformed into a fortress of fervor. Bosnia host Italy in Path A final, after scraping past Wales on penalties in the semis—a 1-1 thriller that went to the wire, Sead Kolašinac's cool head sealing their spot. Italy, meanwhile, dismissed Northern Ireland 2-0 with clinical precision, Mateo Retegui's brace reminding everyone why the Azzurri are perennial contende...
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Van Nistelrooy has agreed to become the new manager of Leicester.

Ruud van Nistelrooy is likely to become Leicester City's new manager, succeeding Steve Cooper.


Van Nistelrooy has agreed to take over at the King Power Stadium following Cooper's dismissal this week.

Leicester are 16th in the Premier League rankings, having won only twice since their promotion back to the top division. The Foxes have now turned to Van Nistelrooy, who has been looking for work in England since leaving Manchester United.

The 48-year-old returned to Manchester United this summer as Erik ten Hag's assistant. He was recruited back to work with his compatriot at Old Trafford after scoring 150 goals in 219 games for the Red Devils during his five-season playing career.

Following Ten Hag's dismissal last month, Van Nistelrooy took over on an interim basis and guided the team to a four-game winning streak. His tenure as interim manager featured victories over Leicester in the Carabao Cup and Premier League.

However, it was determined that he would quit his position with the arrival of Ruben Amorim from Sporting Lisbon and his coaching team.

Leicester are now set to give Van Nistelrooy a chance to return to senior management in the Premier League. The Dutchman formerly coached PSV Eindhoven in the 2022/23 season, winning the KNVB Cup and Johan Cruyff Shield. He departed PSV before the end of his first season as manager, alleging a lack of board support.
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