Scotland achieved a remarkable victory by defeating Denmark 4-2 at Hampden Park, earning their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1998. The dramatic match saw Scott McTominay scoring a stunning bicycle kick in the early minutes, followed by a decisive long-range strike from Kieran Tierney and a lob by Kenny McLean in stoppage time. Captain Andy Robertson dedicated this qualification to his Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota, expressing the emotional significance of this achievement for both nations now heading to the tournament . La Dépêche The Guardian So foot So foot

The Caribbean island nation of Curaçao has qualified for the World Cup for the first time, becoming the smallest country ever to participate, with a population of approximately 150,000. Under Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, Curaçao remained unbeaten throughout the qualification process, showcasing resilience in their final match against Jamaica. This milestone marks an extraordinary moment in Concacaf history, with the team joining Panama and Haiti as the region's qualifiers . Al Jazeera (english) Midi Libre La Dépêche Eurosport So foot

The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) ended their year with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Uruguay in Tampa, Florida. Under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, the team exhibited a dynamic performance, including standout goals by Sebastian Berhalter and Tanner Tessmann. This result highlights the team's progress after a challenging year and secures optimism ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host . ESPN L'Equipe L'Equipe

Legendary tennis player Roger Federer has been elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. The 20-time Grand Slam champion was recognized alongside journalist Mary Carillo, with the induction ceremony set for August 2026. Federer's achievements, including a record 310 weeks as world No. 1, solidify his legacy as one of the sport's greatest figures . bostonglobe.com

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has confirmed that neck guards will be mandatory for all players at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. This decision follows the tragic death of Adam Johnson in 2023 and reflects broader safety measures being implemented across the sport . BBC Sport BBC Sport

The New Orleans Saints are pushing for a potential NFL game in Paris, with discussions reportedly focused on holding the event at the Stade de France. The league has identified France as a key market, with the Saints leveraging their established presence in the country. This move could mark the NFL's first major event in France, expanding its international footprint . L'Equipe

The inaugural Women's Pro Baseball League (WPBL) draft will take place on Thursday, with 120 players set to be selected for the league's debut season in Springfield, Illinois, in 2026. Among the prospects are college athletes Katherine Murphy and Katie Reynolds, who represent the growing momentum for women's baseball in the U.S. . bostonglobe.com

Haley Winn, the second overall pick in the PWHL Draft, has made a seamless transition to the professional ranks with the Boston Fleet, impressing teammates and coaches alike with her on-ice maturity. Winn, who has represented Team USA in international tournaments, is poised to become a central figure in her team’s defensive lineup . bostonglobe.com

The NFL faced backlash after labeling Jameis Winston a "national treasure" in a promotional video. Critics highlighted Winston's controversial past, including allegations of misconduct, questioning the league's decision to celebrate him in this way. The debate underscores the ongoing scrutiny of the NFL's public narratives around its players . The Guardian

LeBron James, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, announced he will not participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, citing his age. Meanwhile, Stephen Curry expressed uncertainty about his participation, reflecting a generational shift in U.S. basketball leadership . LVDN Eurosport