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Women's European World Cup Qualifiers
Republic of Ireland 1 - 2 France FT
Substitute Melvine Malard scored twice as France came from behind to defeat the Republic of Ireland 2-1 in their opening Women's World Cup qualifier in Dublin.
McCabe netted in the 12th minute to give Carla Ward's side the perfect start as France struggled to contain the hosts.
Captain McCabe, who is expected to leave Arsenal at the end of the season, raced on to Emily Murphy's pass to fire into the bottom corner.
The organised Irish defence frustrated France, but the introduction of Malard sparked a comeback at Tallaght Stadium.
The Manchester United forward netted two minutes after coming on to bring France level, and she struck the winner with 11 minutes left after the Republic of Ireland failed to deal with a corner.
Denise O'Sullivan thought she had struck an injury-time equaliser but Marie-Antoinette Katoto's superb header off the line sealed the win for France.
It was a disappointing result for Ward's side in League A2 despite a strong performance, and they will now look to bounce back in the Netherlands on Saturday in their bid to repeat their historic qualification for the 2023 finals.
The Dutch were held to a surprise 2-2 draw in Poland in their opener, and both sides will be under pressure to kick-start their respective campaigns.
Republic of Ireland fade after McCabe opener
It was a superb first-half performance from the Republic of Ireland, who put France under pressure from the early stages.
Megan Connolly's free-kick forced Constance Picaud into a strong save, and Anna Patten should have opened the scoring when she headed straight at the French goalkeeper from the resulting corner.
Murphy also had a great opportunity for an early opener when she brought down Aoife Mannion's long ball with a superb touch but her finish lacked power and Picaud easily saved.
McCabe's opener was well deserved as she won possession in her own half and found Murphy, who raced forwards with the ball.
The Irish captain continued her run into the area and Murphy found her with a neat reverse pass, and McCabe fired low into the net to spark wild celebrations.
At the other end, France were limited going forward as Clara Meto and Sakina Karchaoui fired well wide in the visitor's best chances.
The pattern continued after the restart as the Irish defence stifled France, who were limited to half opportunities, including an effort from Sandy Baltimore that flew way over the bar.
Patten's header from a McCabe free-kick was clawed away by Picaud, and O'Sullivan nearly scored a superb goal as her flicked effort fell just short of beating the French goalkeeper.
But France equalised when Malard danced inside McCabe and slotted into the bottom corner past Courtney Brosnan.
The Republic responded well and Murphy almost got on the end of McCabe's ball into the area and, at the other end, Chloe Mustaki had to be alert to cut out a dangerous cross.
However, Malard struck the decisive goal after a scramble when the Republic failed to deal with a corner.
O'Sullivan almost grabbed a dramatic equaliser when she fired towards goal after a goalmouth scramble, but substitute Katoto headed off the line, before she was mobbed by her team-mates for the intervention.
Analysis - Irish show they belong in top tier
When the Republic of Ireland were last in League A for Euro 2025 qualifying, the highlight was their 3-1 victory over France in Cork - the only win of that campaign.
For large parts of their World Cup qualifying opener, it looked like they would repeat that historic win as they frustrated and, at times, dominated France.
There may be doubts over her club future, but McCabe's important for the Irish cannot be understated and her opener set the tone in a blistering start.
However, Ward's side tired in the closing stages and the ultimate lack of strength in depth compared to France proved costly, as Malard showed.
There were concerns over knocks to O'Sullivan and McCabe, who also picked up her first yellow card of the campaign, but both players played the full 90 minutes.
But the Republic are on the right track and, after becoming the first League B side to win promotion with a play-off victory over a top tier side in Belgium last year, there are plenty of positives to take from their opener.
They were left without anything to show for their efforts, but Ward's side have shown they belong in the top tier and will look to back that performance up in the Netherlands on Saturday.
Kyler Murray could do one-year, $1.3 million deal (with Cardinals paying him $36.7 million)
Regular visitors to PFT shrugged at the news that the Cardinals will release quarterback Kyler Murray, the first overall pick in the 2019 draft. It was a move that was coming for months.
They'll also shrug when Murray makes his likely next move — a one-year deal for $1.3 million.
With the Cardinals owing Murray $38 million, fully guaranteed, for 2026, Murray can do what Russell Wilson did in 2024. Take a one-year minimum deal, and stick the Cardinals for the balance.
There's no reason not to do it. Murray would still have massive financial security for 2026, with maximum flexibility for 2027. With the Cardinals entitled to a dollar-for-dollar offset, the fewer dollars Murray takes, the more cap dollars his new team will have.
And if (unlike Wilson) multiple teams clamor for his services, Murray should ask for one other thing: A no-trade, no-tag clause.
The no-trade clause is important, because if Murray is anything but the unquestioned starter for his next team, he becomes a potential target for another team that is willing to give real value for the balance of a bargain-basement contract. (In hindsight, the Steelers should have traded Wilson at or before the deadline, and they should have stuck with Justin Fields for the rest of 2024.)
The no-tag clause would ensure a straight shot to free agency in 2027, with no Daniel Jones-style impediments.
Jones Set for UFC White House Event
Despite Dana White previously stating the odds were 'billion-to-one' that Jon Jones would be on the UFC's White House card, it now appears Jones will indeed compete at the event. The former heavyweight champion is in negotiations to face Alex Pereira, who vacated the light heavyweight title this past weekend.
The fight could potentially be for the interim heavyweight title, given the uncertainty surrounding Tom Aspinall's return. Jones, who retired in June before unretiring upon learning of the White House event, is positioned as the only American fighter with sufficient star power to headline what's being billed as a celebration of American independence.
Andy’s Player Ratings: Leeds United 0 – 1 Sunderland – Diarra Wins It From The Spot
Melker Ellborg: 8/10
A couple of nervy moments with his kicking early on but then settled down and looked very comfortable. Wasn’t troubled from set pieces, made some good punches out and made some decent saves, one from a free kick and then a near post effort with his arm late on.
Luke O’Nien (C): 8/10
Had a little trouble early on, but with the help of Angulo, saw out the danger and grew into the game. Often used his strength and reading of the game to see the ball out of the play when Leeds threatened down that side.
Dan Ballard: 9/10
Was so good in the air all night, throwing himself at so many crosses and comfortably coming out on top in the battle with Calvert Lewin.
Omar Alderete: 8/10
Like his centre half partner, he was a wall at the back. Constantly in the way at set pieces and cross. Some dodgy moments when he got himself out position or turned into trouble but still a colossal effort.
Trai Hume: 9/10
Hume was so good defensively tonight, not giving Leeds any room to manoeuvre down his side of the pitch. Quick to close down and put a tackle in.
Lutsharel Geertruida: 6/10
Protected the defence well enough in the middle of the pitch but didn’t have much influence on the game, steady on the ball at least.
Noah Sadiki: 7/10
Got around the pitch as usual but was a little subdued on the ball, plenty of effort though. Got a bit lucky when he gave the ball away cheaply near our own corner flag in the first half.
Habib Diarra: 7/10
Like Sadiki, he struggled to impose himself on the ball but was always closing down at pace when Leeds had possession. Stepped up when it mattered to convert the penalty.
Enzo Le Fee: 7/10
Worked so hard off the ball to help out Hume and the midfielders, .
Nilson Angulo: 8/10
He was positive on the ball all night, looking dangerous whenever he had it, but put in a great effort defensively to help out O’Nien. Constantly tracking back and using his pace to nullify Gudmunsson.
Eliezer Mayenda: 5/10
Barely involved tonight, was offside too often and his only real opportunity was barely a half chance following Ballard’s header from a set piece.
Substitutes
Granit Xhaka: 7/10
Helped us over the line with his clever first time passing and getting into the right position to block a pass.
Wilson Isidor: 6/10
Had a part in winning the penalty when his effort was eventually handled by Ampadu.
Bertrand Traore: N/A
Only had a couple of minutes on the pitch, gave the ball away cheaply but then did great to recover and prevent a counter attack, seemingly injured himself as a result.
Chris Rigg: 6/10
A late change for Traore, helped us see out of the game.
Man of the Match: Dan Ballard
Lots of really good defensive performances tonight and a great clean sheet for Ellborg on his debut, my man of the match was Dan Ballard though who showed how well deserved the new contract was. An absolute brick wall at the back, got the better of Calvert Lewin time and time again and was dominant in the air from start to finish.
Who will start at QB for the Arizona Cardinals following Kyler Murray’s release?
GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals didn’t just release Kyler Murray; they reset their identity. Moving on from a former No. 1 overall pick signals more than frustration; it signals a philosophical pivot. The question now isn’t who starts Week 1. It’s whether Arizona prioritizes stability, upside, or patience.
September 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
The first option is the pragmatic route, and using Jacoby Brissett as a bridge. Brissett has been a stable veteran in the NFL, though he has never been an elite QB and struggled mightily at times in Arizona. In a league where turnover margin correlates strongly with wins, that matters. A steady veteran, though, would have Arizona evaluate its roster, preserve draft capital, and position itself for what scouts already believe is a deeper quarterback class next year. It’s not flashy, but it’s strategic.
Aug 2, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) and Jacoby Brissett (7) during the Red and White practice in training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Another route Arizona could lean towards swings for upside. Malik Willis, reportedly seeking $30 million annually, is a gamble. His athletic traits are undeniable, yet his career completion percentage and processing metrics suggest projection over production. If Arizona believes its coaching staff can unlock him, the move signals belief in development. If not, it risks cap inflexibility during a rebuild.
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Finally, the Cardinals could blend patience and ambition by drafting QB help now and developing deliberately. A prospect like Carson Beck learning behind Brissett, or even if a new veteran comes in like Jimmy Garoppolo, would create a QB competition. Historically, quarterbacks who sit at least half a season show improved decision-making metrics in Year 2. That developmental runway could align with Arizona’s roster timeline.
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck (11) reacts after the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
For Arizona fans, this isn’t just about replacing Murray. It’s about avoiding quarterback purgatory. The Cardinals must decide whether to compete cautiously, bet on upside, or build methodically. The wrong answer delays relevance. The right one could reshape the NFC West conversation for years.