Top games to watch this week
Friday, March 22
Nigeria vs. Ghana (Friendly)
Norway vs. Czech Republic (Friendly)
Netherlands vs. Scotland (Friendly)
Hungary vs. Turkey (Friendly)
Spain vs. Colombia (Friendly)
Argentina vs. El Salvador (Friendly)
Peru vs. Nicaragua (Friendly)
Saturday, March 23
Canada vs. Trinidad & Tobago (Concacaf Nations League play-in)
Costa Rica vs. Honduras (Concacaf Nations League play-in)
Ireland vs. Belgium (Friendly)
Slovakia vs. Austria (Friendly)
England vs. Brazil (Friendly)
Denmark vs. Switzerland (Friendly)
France vs. Germany (Friendly)
Tunisia vs. Croatia (Friendly)
New York RB vs. Inter Miami (MLS)
Charlotte vs. Columbus Crew (MLS)
Cincinnati vs. New York City (MLS)
Sunday, March 24
Panama vs. Jamaica (Concacaf Nations League - 3rd place game)
USMNT vs. Mexico (Concacaf Nations League final)
Ecuador vs Italy (Friendly)
Monday, March 25
Cyprus vs. Serbia (Friendly)
Russia vs. Paraguay (Friendly)
Sweden vs. Albania (Friendly)
Bolivia vs. Andorra (Friendly)
Tuesday, March 26
Wales vs. Poland (UEFA Euro Qualifying)
Ukraine vs. Iceland (UEFA Euro Qualifying)
Georgia vs. Greece (UEFA Euro Qualifying)
Korea DPR vs. Japan (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Lebanon vs. Australia (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Thailand vs. Korea Republic (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Tajikistan vs. Saudi Arabia (WC Qualifying)
Kuwait vs. Qatar (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Norway vs. Slovakia (Friendly)
Colombia vs. Romania (Friendly)
Cote d'Ivoire vs. Uruguay (Friendly)
England vs. Belgium (Friendly)
Germany vs. Netherlands (Friendly)
Ireland vs. Switzerland (Friendly)
Slovenia vs. Portugal (Friendly)
France vs. Chile (Friendly)
Spain vs. Brazil (Friendly)
Peru vs. Dominican Republic (Friendly)
Argentina vs Costa Rica (Friendly)
Wednesday, March 27
Lyon vs. Benfica (Women's Champions League)
Chelsea vs. Ajax (Women's Champions League)
Thursday, March 28
Barcelona vs. Brann (Women's Champions League)
PSG vs. Hacken (Women's Champions League)
Most-watched soccer games in the USA: March 11-17, 2024
The viewership numbers for soccer games aired in the USA from March 11 to March 17, 2024, are in, with El Súper Clásico unsurprisingly taking the number one spot. This fixture, a showdown between Liga MX's two biggest teams Guadalajara and Club America, took place on Saturday and racked in fantastic viewership for Telemundo.
NBCUniversal's Spanish-language network garnered over a million average viewers — 1,338,000, to be precise — and a rating of 0.53. Unfortunately, it was not the most exciting edition of this derby, with the showdown ending in a goalless draw, leaving Chivas mid-table as a result while the Eagles lost ground on Liga MX leaders Monterrey.
This was not the only Mexican top-flight fixture to make the list, with Tigres UANL's 5-1 thrashing of Mazatlan coming in at second. This game was aired live on Univision, earning TelevisaUnivision's Spanish-language channel just over 700,000 average viewers.
Wrapping the top three is KC Current's nine-goal thriller against Portland Thorns, with the latter losing 5-4 at CPKC Stadium. Just over 600,000 average viewers tuned in to ABC to catch this showdown in what was the opening round of the new NWSL season.
Inter Miami also made the cut, albeit not the top three, thanks to their 3-1 victory over Nashville in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The Herons progressed to the quarterfinals thanks to this result, with 159,000 average viewers catching Lionel Messi grab a goal and an assist on FS1.
For a full breakdown of last week's most-watched soccer games in the USA, click here.
What are this week's must-watch games?
England vs. Brazil live this Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on ViX, Fox Network, and the Fox App
Five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil return to Wembley this Saturday for a highly-anticipated friendly as England look to add to their amazing 20-game unbeaten run on home soil. Both nations are gearing up for a major summer tournament, with the Three Lions being one of the favorites for Euro 2024 while the Selecao aim to dethrone Argentina in the 2024 Copa America. Unfortunately, Brazil are both plagued with injuries and on a three-game losing streak.
France vs. Germany live this Saturday at 4 p.m. ET on ViX
From one exciting weekend friendly to another, Euro 2024 hosts Germany take to the field for the first of two exciting showdowns in this March international break. Their opponent will be France, everyone's favorite to win this summer's European Championship following another strong showing at the FIFA World Cup. Interestingly, only one team managed to beat Les Bleus in 2023 and that was Germany. Will Mbappe and Co. get revenge? Don't miss this clash.
New York RB vs. Inter Miami live this Saturday at 2 p.m. ET exclusively on MLS Season Pass
While most major leagues have paused due to the international break, this is not the case with the MLS. Inter Miami will be in action this weekend, taking on the New York Red Bulls with the goal of staying top of the Eastern Conference. The Herons bounced back from the recent defeat to Montreal, beating Nashville and D.C. United in back-to-back ties, but will be in for a tough test at the Red Bull Arena.
USMNT vs. Mexico live this Sunday at 9:15 p.m. ET on Paramount+, TUDN USA, and UniMás
The CONCACAF Nations League final is — finally — here! To no one's surprise, CONCACAF giants USMNT and Mexico will battle it out for the trophy, with the Stars and Stripes aiming to successfully defend their crown once again. Pulisic and Co. overcame Jamaica in the semifinals, with Berhalter's men needing a stoppage-time equalizer to take this tie into extra time before winning it during the additional 30 minutes. El Tri, meanwhile, dispatched Panama with ease in the penultimate round, scoring twice in the first half, and will be hoping for something similar in the final.
Germany vs. Netherlands live this Tuesday at 3:45 p.m. ET on FS2 and ViX
The Netherlands reignite their rivalry with Germany this midweek as these two continental powerhouses face off in preparation for Euro 2024. The Dutch enter this tie with form, having lost only once in their last six games. Unfortunately for the four-time FIFA World Cup winners, the same cannot be said for them, losing their last three games in a row. Victory over the Netherlands could spark a turnaround from the Euro 2024 hosts, however.
Spain vs. Brazil live this Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. ET on ViX
And finally, we have Spain vs. Brazil as these two FIFA World Cup winners face off this Tuesday in an interesting friendly. The Selecao have not been in great form recently, with interim boss Fernando Diniz later being sacked. La Furia Roja, on the other hand, are on an eight-game winning streak following their unexpected defeat away to Scotland in the Euro qualifiers and will fight tooth and nail to keep this form running ahead of Euro 2024.
The 2024 NWSL season is in full swing, and after an exciting matchday one, fans will surely be looking forward to more of the same on matchday two. Meanwhile, the UEFA Women's Champions League will have another round of games coming up, with some of the ties not fully decided after the quarterfinals first leg.
Here's all you need to know ahead of another week in women's soccer.
What to watch in women's football: March 22 to March 24
NWSL
Another round of NWSL games is coming up this week, with Friday featuring a doubleheader. First up on the docket is Orlando Pride vs. Angel City. The hosts come into this game having drawn 2-2 to Racing Louisville in their season opener, while the visitors were beaten 1-0 by Bay in an all-California clash last weekend. After that, Utah Royals, who lost their season opener 2-0 to Chicago Red Stars, will welcome a North Carolina Courage side who cruised to a 5-1 victory over Houston Dash.
Saturday will feature four games, including the San Diego Wave making their official NWSL start when they host Kansas City Current. On Sunday, NY/NJ Gotham, who faced the Wave in the NWSL Challenge Cup earlier this month, will likewise get their regular campaign fully underway on the road against Portland Thorns.
WSL
Several big games will be taking place in the WSL this weekend. On Saturday, it's another installment of the Manchester Derby as Manchester City, who are in the hunt for the WSL title this season, host fourth-placed Manchester United. A win for City would help them to temporarily take over top spot before Chelsea's match against West Ham on Sunday.
Sunday's games include another edition of the Merseyside Derby and struggling Everton will face a stern challenge against a Liverpool side who have won three on the spin as they hope to work their way up the table steadily. Other matches taking place on Sunday include West Ham vs Chelsea and Aston Villa vs Arsenal.
What to watch in women's soccer: March 25 to March 28
UEFA Women's Champions League
The second leg of the quarterfinals in the 2023/24 UEFA Women's Champions League begins on Wednesday, March 27th. Benfica, who are featuring at this stage for the first time in club history, will have some work to do after losing the first leg against tournament heavyweights Lyon; however, the Eagles put up a good fight (despite losing 2-1) and will naturally be determined to try to keep their fairytale story in this competition going. Given that Benfica managed to nick a point off Barcelona in a highly entertaining 4-4 thriller during the group stages, they just may have a huge surprise in store for a Lyon side who did not look totally in control during the first leg.
Wednesday's other fixture will see Chelsea, who have one foot already into the semi-finals after a comfortable 3-0 win over Ajax, aim to get the job done to set up a likely and mouth-watering clash with Barcelona in the semi-finals.
Thursday's games start with reigning champions Barcelona welcoming Norwegian side Brann for part two of their two-legged tie and conclude with what looks set to be a very intriguing clash starring PSG and Swedish team Häcken.
Top news from women's soccer
Fans treated to a real spectacle on matchday one of 2024 NWSL season
Many fans were eagerly awaiting the start of the 2024 NWSL season, and matchday one certainly did not disappoint. A whopping 23 goals were scored in the six games played (which is a bit under four per match), including nine, yes nine, in the opening and historic match starring Kansas City and Portland Thorns. In fact, only two games - Seattle Reign vs. Washington Spirit and Angel City vs. Bay - finished with less than two goals scored between both teams.
Asisat Oshoala makes history in NWSL
Last weekend saw Bay FC make its official debut as the team faced fellow California-based side Angel City. There has been a lot of buzz about Bay, especially due to its signing of some big-name players such as Barcelona's Asisat Oshoala, among others.
Osahoala, who has widely been described as not just one of Nigeria's best female players, but among the top female talents in Africa, took less than 20 minutes to write her name in the history books. As it turned out, her 17th-minute goal was the first ever scored for Bay in the NWSL and was enough to give Albertin Montoya's team a confidence-boosting win to kick off their debut season on a high note.
Didn't find your favorite women's league on this list? No worries, as this is just a highlight of some of the exciting games coming up this week. Make sure to check out our special women's soccer page here at LiveSoccerTV.com for full broadcast info, match updates, news, and more.
Biggest stories
Sir Jim Ratcliffe identifies unpopular manager as the no.1 choice to replace Ten Hag at Man Utd
Erik ten Hag's future at Manchester United has been scrutinized since Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed his partial Manchester United takeover. The reason is simple: with a new owner — a minority stakeholder but with control over football operations — comes the desire to bring his own guy, and with the Dutchman struggling this season, this was inevitable.
Julian Nagelsmann and Graham Potter have been heavily suggested while Inter Milan's Simone Inzaghi is a popular name amongst fans despite the Nerazzurri's recent UEFA Champions League round of 16 elimination. However, despite this, one unexpected candidate has reportedly emerged as the favorite and is an unpopular choice.
That man is Gareth Southgate, the polarizing England national team boss who is seen as a fantastic man-manager by some and a tactically lacking manager by his critics. Read more…
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp storms out of interview following dramatic FA Cup quarterfinal defeat vs. Man Utd
Liverpool saw their quadruple hopes go up in flames on Sunday, with the Merseyside giant suffering an unforgettable FA Cup defeat away to bitter rivals Manchester United.
These two English powerhouses locked horns at Old Trafford in the quarterfinals, with Salaha and Co. coming back from one-nil to go 2-1 up by halftime before squandering several opportunities to kill off the game, conceding an 87th-minute equalizer, and letting in another two goals in extra time.
And to no one's surprise, Klopp was upset at seeing his team crash out of the competition and miss out on another trip to Wembley in his final season in charge at Anfield. However, the German boss let his anger get the better of him during his post-match interview, taking his frustration out on Viaplay Sports reporter before storming out of the interview.
The reporter quizzed the Liverpool boss on his team's intensity, or lack thereof, which is unusual for Liverpool. Klopp hit back, pointing to their injuries and the number of games they have played. The reporter pressed Klopp on this subject, which irked Jurgen even further. The manager accused the interviewer of "not being in the best state before ending it abruptly and walking off. Check out this incident in the clip below. Read more…
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, and Man City to participate in this summer's Soccer Champions Tour in the USA
Some of the biggest clubs in world football will return to the USA this summer, including continental giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, to participate in the upcoming edition of the Soccer Champions Tour.
This event will take place from July 27 to August 6. Five teams will take part in this preseason event, which includes Manchester City, Chelsea, and AC Milan alongside the previously mentioned Spanish powerhouses.
A total of six matches will be played across six different cities, with the venues being the Yankee Stadium in New York, Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Soldier Field in Chicago, MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, and the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
Barcelona, Real Madrid, and AC Milan will all play three matches each, which includes a juicy El Clasico showdown at MetLife Stadium on August 3. Meanwhile, Premier League heavyweights Man City will be involved in two fixtures while Chelsea will participate in only one. Read more…
Fenerbahce considering withdrawing from Super Lig after players were attacked in 3-2 win vs. Trabzonspor
In yet another shocking and controversial chapter in Turkish football, top-flight heavyweights Fenerbahce have announced they are considering withdrawing from the Super Lig after their players were attacked in Sunday's trip to Trabzonspor.
The Yellow Canaries, who are second in the table, visited Papara Park on Sunday and came away with a 3-2 victory thanks to a brace from Fred and an 87th-minute winner from Michy Batshuayi. However, violence sadly erupted following the final whistle as several Trabzonspor fans stormed the pitch to attack the away players.
The home supporters clashed with the traveling side and stewards in an incident that sparked worldwide condemnation, ranging from Fenerbahce head coach İsmail Kartal to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Fenerbahce's Board of Directors has since announced an Extraordinary General Assembly Meeting on April 2, with one of the key agendas being evaluating the actions taken in response to Sunday's controversy. Read more…
Hosts France favorites after kind men's Olympic football draw
Thierry Henry's France side are firm favorites to progress following a kind group draw for men's football at the 2024 Olympic Games on Wednesday, as the hosts wait to see if Kylian Mbappe will be made available.
Les Bleus are in Group A of the 16-team tournament with New Zealand, USA, and the winners of the AFC-CAF play-off.
Spain, the silver medallists in Tokyo, will feature in Group C against Egypt, the Dominican Republic, and the second qualifier from the AFC.
Group D will include Paraguay, Israel, Mali, and the first qualifier from the AFC. Read more…
Germany football teams to swap Adidas for Nike kit from 2027
Germany's national football teams will wear jerseys made by US sportswear giant Nike from 2027, the German Football Association (DFB) said Thursday, ending a decades-long kit partnership with domestic outfitter Adidas.
The deal with Nike, which will run through 2034, was "by far the best financial offer" on the table, association CEO Holger Blask said in a statement.
The US group made a "clear commitment to the promotion of amateur sport, as well as the sustainable development of women's football in Germany", Blask said.
The announcement, just months before the Euro 2024 championships in Germany, was within the "usual" timeframe, Blask said. Read more…
Police search Spanish football federation offices over alleged corruption
Spanish police searched the Spanish football federation (RFEF) headquarters and its former president Luis Rubiales' house among other locations as part of an investigation into alleged corruption and other crimes, judicial sources said Wednesday.
According to Spanish media, the operation is part of a court investigation into contracts signed by former federation chief Rubiales to take the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia.
The contracts signed are worth 40 million euros a year ($43.3 million) and were arranged with former footballer Gerard Pique's company Kosmos acting as an intermediary.
The operation involved searches of various locations across Spain as well as the RFEF's base in Las Rozas, on the edge of Madrid, and Rubiales' property in Granada, although the 46-year-old is currently outside of Spain. Read more…
Other key headlines from the world of soccer
Saka withdraws from England squad for Brazil, Belgium friendlies
Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka has pulled out of the England squad for their forthcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium. Saka has established himself as a key figure in Gareth Southgate's England team, but he will miss the Euro 2024 warm-up matches due to an unspecified injury. Continue reading…
Leicester charged by Premier League over alleged financial breach
Championship club Leicester have been referred to an independent commission by the Premier League for an alleged breach of profitability and sustainability rules during their last three seasons in the top flight.
Currently second in the Championship as they chase an immediate return to the Premier League after last season's relegation, Leicester could be hit by a points deduction if they are found to have broken the financial regulations. Continue reading…
