Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: April 4, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

FA Cup & Premier League Turmoil

Chelsea dominated Port Vale 7-0 at Stamford Bridge, securing passage to the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley following a comprehensive quarter-final dismantling of the League One bottom club thrashed Port Vale 7-0. Meanwhile, the pressure intensified on Liverpool manager Arne Slot after Manchester City inflicted a brutal 4-0 FA Cup quarter-final defeat, with players like Dominik Szoboszlai citing a distinct lack of "fighting spirit" during the rout Szoboszlai: No 'fighting spirit'. Erling Haaland, who netted a hat-trick in that victory, admitted his own season has been "too up and down," stating that the overall campaign is "not good enough" as his City side builds momentum for the run-in Haaland: Season 'not good enough'.

Managerial & Player Future Speculation

Speculation continues to swirl around key figures, as Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola stated he would not block a potential move for midfielder Rodri to Real Madrid, though he expressed hope the Spaniard remains at the Etihad amidst suggestions unhappy stars are free to depart Pep: City wouldn't block Rodri from Madrid move. In a contrasting scenario, Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior repeatedly dismissed suggestions of friction regarding midfielder Enzo Fernández, insisting that despite dropping the player, the situation is "in a very good place" and that rumors circulating regarding the player's agent are not reflective of the reality Rosenior insists he and Enzo 'in a good place'. Elsewhere in the Premier League, veteran defender Kieran Trippier confirmed he will be leaving Newcastle United when his contract expires this summer, anticipating an "emotional" departure Trippier reveals he will leave Newcastle.

Scottish Football Title Races & Setbacks

The race for the top spot in the Scottish Premiership saw Rangers climb to the summit for the first time in two years following a hard-fought 4-2 victory over Dundee United at Ibrox Rangers go top for first time, though manager Danny Rohl indicated he will not watch title rivals, expressing confidence his team can maintain control Rohl won't watch title rivals. In the lower tiers of Scottish football, John McGlynn achieved what he termed his "greatest achievement" as Falkirk secured a top-six finish upon their return to the Premiership, culminating in a 3-2 victory over Motherwell McGlynn hails 'greatest achievement'. Meanwhile, Aberdeen suffered a setback on Stephen Robinson's return to Paisley, falling 2-0 to St Mirren in a contest that wrecked the manager's hopes of a positive homecoming Aberdeen beaten by St Mirren.

European Football & Player Retirements

Across Europe, Real Madrid suffered a late blow, conceding a stoppage-time goal in a dramatic 2-1 loss away at Mallorca, a defeat for which coach Álvaro Arbeloa took "absolutely, all mine" responsibility Arbeloa: Blame for Real Madrid loss 'all mine'. In Ligue 1, Paris Saint-Germain extended their lead atop the table to four points after Ousmane Dembélé netted twice in a 3-1 Friday win against Toulouse Dembélé stars as PSG win. On a somber note, former Chelsea and Brazil international Oscar has officially retired from professional football five months after being hospitalized with a heart issue, as confirmed by his Brazilian club São Paulo Ex-Chelsea star Oscar retires.

Rugby & Super League Action

In the European rugby union Champions Cup, Bath edged past Saracens 31-22, advancing to the quarter-finals after utilizing key England internationals to secure the victory Bath edge past Saracens. The English Super League saw a shift at the summit, as Leeds Rhinos overcame rivals Bradford Bulls 24-12 in their first meeting in 12 years to move top of the table. Warrington Wolves also asserted dominance, cruising to a 42-6 victory over Leigh Leopards to reclaim the Super League leadership during Rivals Round Warrington cruise to victory. Huddersfield secured back-to-back victories by defeating York 34-14, with Jacob Gagai contributing two tries in the second half Huddersfield continue resurgence.

International & Transfer News

to the 2026 World Cup, attention is turning to newcomers who might influence the tournament's outcome, with analysis provided on international rookies who could shape the 2026 World Cup. In transfer gossip, both Manchester United and Manchester City are reportedly accelerating efforts to sign Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson quickly Man United, Man City pushing for Anderson. Separately, Northern Ireland manager Michael McArdle addressed his side's ongoing goalscoring drought, contemplating the potential impact uncapped striker Cora Chambers could have on solving those offensive issues McArdle out to end NI's goal drought.