Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: April 7, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

UEFA Champions League & European Fixtures

As the Champions League quarter-finals loom, Paris Saint-Germain managers have publicly resisted labeling themselves as favorites against a struggling Liverpool side, even as the English club faces internal pressure, with speculation suggesting that another heavy defeat could effectively end manager Arne Slot’s tenure. Slot must urgently address "pressing, profligacy and defensive lapses" ahead of the Paris trip, though there is a minor boost as Alexander Isak returns to the squad after a 15-week absence. Elsewhere in the competition, Harry Kane starts for Bayern Munich against Real Madrid, where his performance could prove decisive in his bid for the Ballon d'Or, while Jude Bellingham starts on the bench for the Spanish side.

Domestic Football & Managerial News

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire confirmed the signing of a new contract extension, reportedly adding one year with an option for a further 12 months, a deal which some observers view as underlining a revival under interim boss Michael Carrick. This sentiment is echoed by winger Amad Diallo, who stated that Carrick is "the right man" to secure the permanent head coach position. Meanwhile, in the Scottish Premiership, the post-split fixtures reveal that Celtic will host Hearts on the final match day in a fixture that could serve as a title decider, while at the grassroots level, Glasgow's Pollok United has been recognized as the best in Europe for their community work.

Player Updates & International Duty

The international window has brought significant injury news, with USMNT forward Patrick Agyemang ruled out of the upcoming home World Cup after suffering a "serious" Achilles tendon tear. Wales also faces a setback as Ceri Holland is unavailable for their World Cup qualifying double-header against Albania, contrasting with positive news for the Republic of Ireland, which handed Maria Reynolds her first senior call-up. In retirement news, former Arsenal and Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey has officially announced the end of his professional playing career, concluding a career defined by overcoming "shattering setbacks". Additionally, Santos coach Cuca confirmed that Neymar underwent a knee procedure during the break to ensure he is fully prepared for the World Cup in June.

Disciplinary Matters & Ownership Changes

FIFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following documented Islamophobic chants heard during a friendly match against Egypt last week. In off-field developments, the multi-club ownership organization Bay Collective has successfully acquired a majority stake in Sunderland Women, signaling further investment into the women's game. Former Manchester City player Joey Barton has denied an alleged assault outside a golf club, with the case proceeding through the legal system.

Other Sports Notes (Golf, Tennis, Boxing)

The golf world shifts focus to Augusta National, where groupings for the 90th Masters were released, pairing Rory McIlroy with Cameron Young and amateur Mason Howell for the opening rounds, as Bryson DeChambeau arrives as the form player challenging McIlroy's title defence. McIlroy, who previously called winning a major the "final piece of the puzzle," is set to host the traditional Masters Champions Dinner. In tennis, Jannik Sinner is applying pressure on Carlos Alcaraz at the Monte-Carlo Masters, prompting Alcaraz to admit he risks losing the world No. 1 ranking this week. Meanwhile, boxing promoter Frank Warren suggested that Katie Taylor may have her "last dance" against Caroline Dubois, as Dubois stated she "wouldn't hesitate" to take that bout.