Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: April 7, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

European Competition & Domestic Strife

The Champions League quarterfinal draw sets up high-stakes clashes, with Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane practicing Monday and expected to be available for the first leg against Real Madrid, while Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa pushed back on suggestions that Kylian Mbappé's impending return could cause friction. Elsewhere in the competition, Barcelona's push is being powered by their academy, having achieved a historic 7-2 second-leg victory over Newcastle in the round of 16 as they prepare for Atletico Madrid. Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Arne Slot faces an immediate reckoning, as a heavy FA Cup defeat compounds existing issues, making Wednesday’s trip to face PSG a potential season-defining moment requiring fixes to defensive lapses.

Premier League Giants & Contract News

Manchester United secured defender Harry Maguire, confirming he signed a new one-year deal with an option for an additional 12 months at Old Trafford, even as speculation swirls regarding other key players; reports suggest United are competing with Liverpool to acquire AS Monaco forward Maghnes Akliouche amid transfer rumors. In a separate Old Trafford matter, the debate continues over extending Bruno Fernandes' contract, despite his status as the team's MVP this season, drawing parallels to the situation Liverpool faced with Mo Salah regarding aging superstars. On the pitch, Manchester City inflicted further pain on Liverpool with a rout in the FA Cup as Barcelona moved closer to LaLiga.

Championship Promotion & Relegation Scrapes

The battle for promotion in the Sky Bet Championship intensified, with Ipswich Town fighting back to secure a 2-1 victory over Birmingham, boosting their immediate Premier League aims, while Coventry City moved a point closer to the top flight after a goalless draw at Hull amid general league talking points. Middlesbrough missed an opportunity to reclaim second place after being held to a 2-2 draw by Swansea, where a second-half penalty conversion leveled the score to keep Boro just behind the leaders. At the other end of the table, Leicester endured a setback when a late goal denied Sheffield Wednesday a home win, leaving Leicester trapped in the relegation zone after a 1-1 draw as desperation mounts across the SPFL.

Player Status & International Breaks

USMNT forward Patrick Agyemang faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines, after suffering a "serious" Achilles tendon injury during Derby's victory over Stoke, ruling him out of the upcoming home World Cup forcing a squad change for the USA. In positive news for Manchester United, Lisandro Martínez and Patrick Dorgu have both been named in the travelling squad for a training camp in Ireland offering Carrick a welcome boost. Separately, Santos coach Cuca confirmed that Neymar underwent a knee procedure during the international break, intended to ensure the star is fully prepared and "raring to go" for the World Cup in June following his recovery timeline.

Retirements & Off-Field Incidents

Former Arsenal and Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey officially announced his retirement from professional football, concluding a two-decade playing career bringing the curtain down on his time. Meanwhile, former player Joey Barton has repeatedly denied allegations of assault outside a golf club, facing accusations stemming from his time at clubs including Manchester City and Rangers as the ex-footballer contests the charges. In other non-match news, Bay FC forward Keira Barry earned her first call-up to the England squad for World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Iceland, while Rangers midfielder Jodi McLeary replaced Celtic's Maria McAneny in the Scotland setup following necessary squad adjustments.

Global Football & Other Sports Notes

In MLS, Minnesota United FC has publicly denied rumors suggesting that James Rodríguez is suffering from a rare, life-threatening muscle-wasting condition, following his recent hospitalization for severe dehydration as he works toward game readiness dispelling health concerns. In other competition news, Weston McKennie scored for Juventus in their 2-0 victory over Genoa, earning man of the match honors as he matched a career best goal tally. Outside of football, Michal Szubarczyk made history by becoming the youngest winner of a World Snooker Championship match in the first qualifying round setting a new age record.