Addo out as Ghana's coach 72 days before World Cup

Ghana have parted ways with coach Otto Addo, with 72 days remaining until the kickoff of the 2026 World Cup, the country's football association (GFA) announced on Tuesday, Reuters reported. 

The decision came a few hours following a 2-1 defeat by Germany in Stuttgart during their preparation for the tournament which will be held in North America next summer. Ghana also lost 5-1 in Austria on Friday.

"The Ghana Football Association (GFA) have parted ways with the Head Coach of the senior men’s national team (Black Stars), Otto Addo effective immediately," it said in a statement.

Ancelotti says Danilo certain to be part of Brazil World Cup squad

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has backed veteran defender Danilo to be part of his final 26-man squad for this year's World Cup in North America, adding that his squad is largely settled, Reuters reported. 

Brazil have been drawn in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland for the June 11 to July 19 tournament, with Ancelotti set to announce his final squad by May 18.

"Danilo is a very important player, not only on the pitch but also off it," Ancelotti told reporters on Monday in Orlando, ahead of his side's warm-up friendly game against Croatia.

Germany to make changes against Ghana after hard-earned win in Switzerland, says coach

Germany will make a number of changes to their line-up for Monday's friendly against Ghana as some players need to be rested ​following their draining win over Switzerland earlier this week, coach Julian said, Reuters reported. 

The Germans twice came from a goal down before beating the Swiss 4-3 in a pulsating friendly on Friday.

Nagelsmann said Stuttgart keeper Alexander Nuebel would be starting with club ​teammate and forward Deniz Undav also being guaranteed playing time, according to Reuters. 

Italy and Bosnia chase World Cup return in history-laden playoff

Bosnia and Italy meet in a World Cup playoff on Tuesday with both sides aiming to end a 12-year finals absence and erase memories of playoff heartbreak, in a fixture that rekindles memories of Bosnia's first international win, Reuters reported. 

The possibility of ​four-time champions Italy missing a third consecutive World Cup has already grabbed the headlines, and their last participation ‌in 2014 coincided with Bosnia's sole appearance on football's biggest stage.

Italy fell at the playoff hurdle for both the 2018 and 2022 editions, while Bosnia's record is equally bleak. They lost at this stage for the 2010 World Cup and have missed out in the playoffs for the last four European Championships.