Mauricio Pochettino said last month that he plans to take the U.S. national team to the semifinals of this summer’s World Cup. If that’s the case, he’d better buy tickets because there’s no way the Americans are getting to that game on the field.
In its two March friendlies, the U.S. was blitzed by Belgium 5-2 and Portugal 2-0. By way of comparison, Mexico played the same two teams, in reverse order, to draws.
But wait, it gets worse. Because from the smoldering ruins of that mess, Pochettino has less than two months to choose a roster for the World Cup, a tournament U.S. Soccer has been pointing to for eight years.
Yet the March friendlies raised more questions than they answered — and it’s too late to start over.
“Right now, it’s just not enough,” DaMarcus Beasley, a four-time World Cup player, told TNT Sports. “We want to see these players compet[ing] and creating chances and being hard to play against every single match. Right now, it’s not happening.”
Pochettino ran the March training camp like an audition rather than settling on a starting 11 and trying to win games. He experimented with Tim Weah at outside back, where he has played for his club teams, and tried unsuccessfully to shake Christian Pulisic out of a career-long scoreless streak by playing him as a striker.
But he seems unable to solve some of the core issues plaguing the team. The U.S., which hasn’t posted a clean sheet since September, has become an error-prone mess on defense, with Pochettino’s wide, attack-minded approach revealing a structural fragility that has left the Americans’ thin back line exposed.
Consider the two goals in the Portugal loss. The first came after a turnover at midfield that led to a lightning-quick counterattack and the second on a poorly defended corner in which the Americans kept seven players in the six-yard box, leaving João Félix all alone at the top of the penalty area.
Behind the defense, no one has stepped up to seize the starting job in goal. Matt Turner, so spectacular four years ago in Qatar, gave up as many goals as he made saves against Belgium. And while Matt Freese was markedly better against Portugal, that was just his 14th international start.
Those are just the lowlights of the myriad issues facing Pochettino’s team.
Pulisic, the talisman who was supposed to carry the U.S., has gone cold. He hasn’t scored for the U.S. since November 2024 and hasn’t scored for his club team, AC Milan, this year. So Pochettino used him as a No. 9 against Portugal, a role Pulisic has made clear he does not like.
Christian Pulisic, left, controls the ball during an international friendly against Portugal on March 31.
(Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images)
It didn’t work, with Pulisic extending his goal-less streak to 15 games for club and country.
Tyler Adams, the captain in Qatar, has been saddled by injury and hasn’t played for the national team since September; right back Sergiño Dest, who started all four games in Qatar, is also hurt; center back Tim Ream, at 38, suddenly looks his age; and Gio Reyna, who has been unable to win a starting job on three teams in two countries since Qatar, nonetheless keeps getting called to the national team with little affect.
In the middle of it all is Pochettino, the highest-paid coach in U.S. Soccer history, who, despite a stellar resume as a club coach, has failed to find a consistent winning formula on the international level. In its 18 months under Pochettino, the national team has gone 11-2-1 against teams outside the FIFA top 25 and just 2-7-1 against teams ranked 25th or higher, according to ESPN. It has also lost eight consecutive games to European rivals.
Guess which kinds of teams the U.S. will have to beat to get to the semifinals of the World Cup?
It wasn’t supposed to be this way, of course. After failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, the U.S. team was ripped down to its foundation and built anew. Interim manager Dave Sarachan was tasked with reconstructing a roster that had grown old and stagnant, and in his 12 months in charge he gave a record 23 players — including nine who made the team for the last World Cup — their international debuts. With an average age of 25, the squad in Qatar was the second-youngest World Cup team in U.S. history.
But Qatar was just a trial run. The real goal was to have a mature, experienced team ready for this summer when the World Cup would be played at home. A deep run could fuel the kind of transformation the 1994 tournament in the U.S. achieved.
Instead, the U.S. team has regressed.
“It feels like four years have gone down the drain,” said ESPN’s Herculez Gomez, another former World Cup player.
Fortunately, the U.S. was drawn into a soft group for the World Cup. And because the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams means just 16 countries will be eliminated in the first round, even a poorly built American team should advance.
But the semifinals? Not this team and not in this tournament. To do that the U.S. would have to be better than at least four teams on a list that includes England, France, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Morocco, Brazil and the Netherlands. We already know it’s not better than Belgium or Portugal.
It might not even win its group now that Turkey, a top 25 team which beat the U.S. 2-1 last June, has qualified. And a stumble early in the tournament would make the kind of deep run Pochettino promised that much more difficult.
“We are so close to the World Cup,” Pochettino said after the Portugal loss. “But I think we are intelligent enough to know what we need to do.”
Buy tickets was not supposed to be the answer.
⚽ You have read the latest installment of On Soccer with Kevin Baxter. The weekly column takes you behind the scenes and shines a spotlight on unique stories. Listen to Baxter on this week’s episode of the “Corner of the Galaxy” podcast.
In March, Bad Bunny performed his first-ever concert in Asia when he played in from of 2,300 fans in Tokyo as part of Spotify’s Billions Club Live series.
Starting April 8, a filmed version of that performance will be available on Spotify for the “Nuevayol” artist’s millions and millions of fans not in attendance.
The show, officially titled “Billions Club Live With Bad Bunny: A Concert Film,” was billed as a special stop in the Grammy-winning performer’s “Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour” — which kicked off with a November concert in the Dominican Republic and has since sold out stadiums across Latin America and Australia. He notably didn’t include dates in the United States as part of the tour.
Footage of the Japan concert swept social media, as it showed Bad Bunny doing a never-before-seen salsa rendition of his 2018 collaboration with Drake. He also notably sang his 2021 single “Yonaguni,” which features lyrics in Japanese.
Bad Bunny’s generational run looks to have no immediate end in sight, as he will kick off the European leg of his world tour with a May performance in Portugal before making stops in Spain, England, Sweden, France, Poland and Italy.
But the “Dakiti” artist’s newsworthy year hasn’t been limited to the music world.
In February, it was announced that Bad Bunny will star — alongside Academy Award-winning actor Javier Bardem and multiple-time nominees Edward Norton and Viggo Mortensen — in Puerto Rican rapper Residente’s directorial debut, “Porto Rico.” The film, which has yet to announce a release date, will explore the complicated colonial history of Puerto Rico through Western/historical drama storytelling devices.
FROM rooftop bars in South Africa to swimming pools in Marrakech and sundrenched terraces in Madrid – Sun Travel has found of the most affordable spots in the world’s best cities.
These 10 stays are the perfect places to rest your head while travelling around the world and they start from just £6 per night.
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Never@Home Green Point in Cape Town has a rooftop poolCredit: UnknownThe Amsterdam hostel has a bar in a former lecture hallCredit: Unknown
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is the sixth best city in the world according to Time Out.
It has beautiful beaches and buzzy neighbourhoods, all set against the backdrop of the enormous Table Mountain.
When it comes to affordable places to stay check out Never@Home Green Point near Cape Town Stadium.
Along with private rooms and shared ones (including female-only), the hostel has a rooftop swimming pool, bar and chill-out lounge.
A stay at Never@Home Green Point starts from £20 per night.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam sits at number 34 in the list of the world’s best cities with pretty canals and gabled buildings.
There are plenty of attractions to explore as well as lots of busy bars and cafes to explore.
Anyone heading to the city should take a look at Generator Amsterdam which is inside a former university building overlooking Oosterpark.
One of its most impressive rooms is the bar inside a former lecture theatre.
A bed in one of the dorm rooms starts from £15 per night.
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
With its enormous hilltop castle, winding Royal Mile lined with plenty of shops and of course, pubs – Edinburgh has been announced as the third best city in the world.
It’s easy to walk about on foot and those brave enough should hike up to Arthur’s Seat.
When it comes to where to stay, consider the Castle Rock Hostel which is right next to Edinburgh Castle with easy access to the Old Town.
It has plenty of communal spaces and is a perfect budget stay for Edinburgh explorers – a night in one of the dorms at the Castle Rock Hostel starts from £15 per night.
Osaka, Japan
Travelling to Japan is on the rise, and while flights there are likely to be expensive, staying there doesn’t have to be.
Time Out, which named Osaka as the 39th best city in the world, also said it’s the “undisputed street food capital of Japan“.
When looking for a base to explore and fill your stomach with delicious takoyaki and yakitori, check out Hotel Toyo Hostel.
It’s basic but offers private rooms and is in the heart of the city with stays from £10 per night.
Kraków, Poland
Nicknamed the ‘jewel of the Baltics’, Kraków is said to be ‘fairytale-like’ with its colourful buildings and grand squares.
The pretty city is filled with pretty gardens, parks, and for beer fans, you can get a pint for as little as £1.50.
Any guest that checks into Greg & Tom Beer House Hostel gets free breakfast, dinner and there’s even free beer hour starting from 9pm.
The hostel is three-minutes from the Main Square and rooms start from £10 per night.
Generator Amsterdam has spacious rooms inside a former university buildingCredit: UnknownThis hostel in Marrakech has a pretty courtyard and a swimming poolCredit: Unknown
Marrakech, Morocco
The 24th world’s best city is Morocco’s vibrant Marrakech where you can haggle in busy souks, take in history at the medinas and stop in traditional tearooms.
To get into the spirit of Marrakech, all the while saving pennies, check into the Equity Point Marrakech.
It’s a unique spa hostel with a swimming pool and even offers hammam and massages to guests.
It also has a relaxing courtyard area and a rooftop bar with views across the city.
One visitor wrote in their review: “The Pool, rooftop terrace, and rooms are amazing. I wish we stayed longer and i would definitely recommend it to anyone who is visiting Marrakesh.”
A stay here starts from £8 per night.
Dublin, Ireland
Closer to home is vibrant Dublin a city known for its charm, old boozers, and friendly locals.
The hostel that has a mix of private rooms and shared dorms is near the Jameson Distillery and the famous Temple Bar.
Rooms start from £25 per night.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is hard to beat with the best of both worlds; coast and city.
Some of the most famous attractions include the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower and with it being so hilly, taking the tram is a popular transport choice.
There are plenty of tascas too where you can dig into bacalhau (salted cod) and sip on sangria.
A stay here starts from £20 per night (a two-night minimum stay is required).
Buenos Aires, Argentina
There’s so much to do in the capital of Argentina from eating its world-class food to exploring the city’s vibrant culture.
Stewart Jackson, the Sun’s UK Digital Editor, who visited the city described it as a “brag-to-your-friendscity breakthat is achingly cool and, once you’re there, incredibly cheap.”
Cocktails can be picked up from £4 and a 30-minute taxi journey can be as little as £3.
Affordability doesn’t stop with places to stay either – First Stop Buenos Aires Hostel is a budget-friendly hostel in the heart of the city.
The hostel offers a variation of rooms – some are private with adjoining ensuites.
A one night stay starts from £20 per night.
Generator Madrid a huge rooftop terrace with a bar, sunloungers and hot tubsCredit: Unknown
Madrid, Spain
Food, nightlife, culture – and just over two hours from the UK, Madrid should be top of your list for a city break.
She said: “It feels more livable than other more tourist destinations, with an amazing food and drink scene.
“I mingled with the locals at Pez, where the only thing on the menu is huge sloppy pieces of tortilla chased with a cana (small beer) or tinto de verano for €2.50 (£2.16).”
Generator Madrid is just off of Gran Vía known as ‘Spanish Broadway’ and is a top pick thanks to its rooftop terrace with a bar, sunloungers and hot tubs.
The hostel holds social events too like yoga and DJ sessions and a night in one of the dorms starts from £6 per night.
A new ranking compares international tourist numbers to locals in European cities – and one tops the list with a staggering 16,250 visitors for every 100 residents
These destinations are the most crowded in Europe(Image: Alexander Spatari via Getty Images)
Summer is on the horizon, and folks are starting to map out their holiday plans. Being based in the UK, we’re fortunate to have some of the world’s most stunning destinations within easy reach, with iconic cities just a short flight away.
However, many of these sought-after spots are now swamped with tourists – in fact, some now host more visitors than locals. DiscoverCars.com has compiled a new ranking that contrasts the number of international tourists with the local population in European cities. Five of the top holiday hotspots now boast more tourists than residents.
Topping the list is Dubrovnik in Croatia. This breathtaking historical city gained even more fame after serving as the backdrop for King’s Landing in the HBO series Game of Thrones.
Last year, this fortified city welcomed 6.5 million tourists – an astounding figure compared to its 40,000 inhabitants. That equates to 16,250 tourists for every 100 locals.
Taking second place is Reykjavik in Iceland, reports the Express. This Arctic city attracted even more tourists than Dubrovnik, with 7.4 million visitors compared to its 140,000 residents, resulting in 5,286 tourists per every 100 locals.
The city is renowned for its Blue Lagoon thermal baths and, of course, the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights illuminating the sky.
Securing third place is the floating city of Venice in Italy. Arguably one of the most famous cities globally, Venice played host to 10.6 million tourists last year.
Compared to its population of 250,000, that’s a whopping 4,240 international visitors per 100 residents. The city is a hit with tourists for its stunning architecture and the opportunity to glide along its canal streets by gondola.
Switzerland’s Geneva secured fourth place on the list, welcoming 7.8 million tourists in 2025. With a local population of 200,000, this equates to 3,900 visitors per 100 residents.
Renowned for its breathtaking views of the Alps, Geneva serves as an excellent base for day trips into the mountains and exploring the picturesque villages scattered throughout them.
Porto in Portugal claimed fifth place. The city attracted seven million international tourists in 2025, against its population of 250,000.
With 2,800 tourists for every 100 residents, it’s a highly sought-after destination. The narrow streets are adorned with beautiful architecture and striking Portuguese tiles, providing a perfect backdrop for photos.
With the river slicing through the city, you can discover both sides of the city in a day – just remember to bring your walking shoes.
The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Brits heading to Portugal ahead of the school holidays, with warnings around new rules on how long you can stay
Brits heading to Portugal should take note of the fresh advice(Image: Getty Images)
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued advice for Brits travelling to Portugal.
To ensure that Brits are aware of any warnings, entry requirements, security, safety, or health risks before travelling to destinations across the globe, the Foreign Office is constantly updating its travel advice. The advice can change rapidly, or remain the same for months, but just last week, a change was made for those visiting Portugal.
In an update on Friday, 20 March, which is still current as of 25 March, the FCDO updated the entry requirements for Brits heading to the popular European destination, which offers sprawling beaches and vibrant cities. The government stated that if you’re staying for longer than 90 days, within a 180-day period, and need to extend in “exceptional circumstances”, you must take action.
The FCDO website stated: “If you’re visiting Portugal and need to extend your visa-free stay for exceptional reasons, such as a medical emergency, you must apply to AIMA using their contact form (access is only available to users in Portugal). If you’re in Portugal with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
“If you’re in Portugal with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.”
As it stands, UK residents with a British passport can travel to Portugal without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you are a tourist, visiting friends or family, attending a business meeting, cultural or sports events, or visiting for short-term studies or training.
This also applies to Brits visiting the Schengen area, which comprises 29 European countries, who can travel without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Countries in the Schengen area include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
However, the FCDO outlined: “If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.”
Additionally, from 10 April 2026, the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is expected to be fully rolled out. This means that when travelling into the Schengen area for short stays, you may be required to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, which is done at the border on arrival for free.
Brits travelling to the Schengen area must also be aware of the passport requirements. The government states that the passport must:
Have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
Have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue)
If your passport does not meet the requirements above, you may be denied entry to the country and turned away at the airport. You can renew or replace your passport online through the government website.
Brits are advised to renew or replace their passports as soon as possible, as processing can take around three weeks and sometimes longer during the peak travel season. For more information on Portugal’s entry requirements, visit the government’s foreign travel advice page.
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
Rio Ferdinand and wife Kate have re-located to Portugal after fleeing their new home in DubaiThe couple re-located to the UAE last yearCredit: InstagramThey made the big move last year with their kids Cree, five, and Shae, two, and Rio’s 14-year-old daughter, Tia, from his first marriageCredit: InstagramIran previously launched a barrage of rockets at nations across the Middle EastCredit: AFP
In the terrifying situation, which is still ongoing, Iran vowed revenge for the US and Israel’s huge blitz on the regime.
Now the celebrity couple and their children Cree, five, and Shae, two, and Rio’s 14-year-old daughter, Tia, from his first marriage, have headed to their European retreat.
Former Manchester United player Rio has uploaded a snap showing him swigging a Super Bock beer in the surroundings of their Portugal home.
In his caption he referred to the weekend’s football scores and wrote: “That feeling when Liverpool + Chelsea drop points in the race for the top 4!
“Happy Saturday People!”
He sat against the white walled terrace of the stunning villa in the Algarve near Quinta do Lago, with bright sunshine and trees in the background.
Liverpool had lost at Brighton 2-1 while Chelsea suffered a 3-0 hammering at Everton.
Kate has not addressed the location change on her social media, with the most recent upload being a clip from her Blended podcast.
Previously, on her show, she had opened up on the family’s actions amid the missile strikes.
As the United Arab Emirate’s top holiday hot spot, Dubai has become a sought after travel destination for celebrities and influencers.
Kate previously told her fans they spent “a very scary night” sleeping in their basement.
“Thank you for all of your messages and sorry for the silence, I haven’t wanted to worry you all I just haven’t been able to find the words. We are safe,” she said on Instagram.
“The government are doing an amazing job of keeping it that way and despite my nerves I feel we are in very safe hands.”
She added: “We are hoping for a calmer evening tonight, last night was very scary. Although Cree and Shae loved it as they couldn’t believe we all got a sleepover in the basement.
“Thank you for all of your prayers, this whole experience is very eye-opening and I am praying for anyone affected. Lots of love to everyone.”
Rio’s sons Lorenz, 19, and Tate, 17, did not move over when they relocated from the UK last year to focus on their football careers.
Speaking on his show Rio Ferdinand Presents, the former Manchester United and England defender said: “Been a different week for me, not going to lie.
“Firstly, I’m in great condition this morning as the whole family did a workout.
“A bit like in Covid, the whole family is doing things we wouldn’t usually be doing together.
“Home-schooling a bit today.
“It’s frightening when you hear missiles, planes and fighter jets – I don’t know what it is – going above us, and you’re hearing big bombs, and what that is we don’t know as we don’t know the details of what they are.
“It’s telling your kids what it is and helping them navigate through this moment, which is important especially as the dad of the house.
“You want to try and remain calm and keep everybody as calm as possible.”
Ferdinand added: “I’ve got to be honest guys, it’s been a bit of a scary situation.”
Kate previously told how the family had been forced to sleep in the basementCredit: InstagramFormer footballer Rio also admitted he had been ‘scared’Credit: InstagramKate previously told how the kids loved their ‘fresh start’ in the UAECredit: Instagram
More than 2.5million Brits visited Portugal last year, and it could be even more popular in 2026 due to the Iran conflict
13:08, 20 Mar 2026Updated 13:08, 20 Mar 2026
Bookings to Portugal have surged since strikes on Iran began
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued updated travel guidance for those heading to Portugal. The update was released today (March 20).
Fresh information has been provided for individuals seeking to remain in Portugal beyond 90 days under exceptional circumstances. The updated guidance states: “If you’re visiting Portugal and need to extend your visa-free stay for exceptional reasons, such as a medical emergency, you must apply to AIMA using their contact form (access is only available to users in Portugal). If you’re in Portugal with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.”
It adds: “If you’re in Portugal with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.”
For British passport holders, visas aren’t required for short visits to EU nations or Schengen zone countries provided both conditions are met:
Your combined stay within the Schengen zone must not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period. The number of countries visited is irrelevant. The 180-day timeframe continuously ‘rolls over’, reports the Liverpool Echo.
EES
Since October 2025, the European Union has implemented the Entry/Exit System (EES), requiring travellers to provide fingerprints and photographs upon initial entry to or departure from the Schengen zone. It is scheduled to be fully operational by 10 April. However, the system has been plagued by teething problems, resulting in many travellers waiting for hours at airports. Because the system requires non-EU visitors – including Brits – to register their fingerprints and take a photo in person at the border, the additional registration time is already causing massive queues for non-European passengers at airports across the region.
It has caused such disruption that some locations have temporarily suspended its use. The European Commission has suggested that border authorities may pause the new system for up to six hours during peak travel times until September to help ease congestion.
More and more Brits are booking flights to Portugal as the conflict in the Middle East continues. Destinations like Cyprus, Turkey, Greece, Egypt, and Dubai are being viewed as increasingly risky, so travellers are opting for safer alternatives like Portugal and Spain.
Bookings to Portugal had increased by 42% over the two weeks to 13 March, according to Thomas Cook – the largest rise in any of the countries they arrange holidays to. It was followed by the Balearic Islands (40 per cent) and the Canary Islands (16 per cent).
TravelSupermarket shared data on online search interest, which it said demonstrates a “clear surge” for European and Atlantic destinations and away from the Middle East.
