Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: May 13, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

2026 World Cup Contenders & Roster News

With the 2026 World Cup now just one month away, major contenders are solidifying their projected starting XIs, even as injury concerns continue to plague several top nations Predicted XIs. Sweden has named a 26-man roster featuring star forwards Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres Isak headlines Sweden's roster, while Argentina included 42-year-old superstar Lionel Messi in their preliminary 55-man squad Messi in Argentina squad. However, Brazil faces setbacks, leaving injured Chelsea forward Estêvão off their provisional list despite including Neymar Estêvão misses Brazil squad, and England faces significant worry as Ben White’s medial ligament injury makes him a major doubt for the tournament White highly doubtful. Furthermore, Qatar’s 42-year-old forward Sebastián Soria has a chance to become the oldest outfield player in World Cup history after making the preliminary roster World Cup age record looms.

European Club Turmoil & Management Changes

Club management instability continues across Europe following disappointing seasons, with Real Madrid spiraling into infighting after another trophyless year, prompting furious club president Florentino Perez to demand elections during a tense press conference Perez calls for elections. Meanwhile, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has agreed to a contract extension after securing the LaLiga title in El Clásico Flick extends Barcelona contract, although he stated that star player Lamine Yamal was old enough to make his own decision regarding waving a Palestinian flag during celebrations Flick on Yamal's flag decision; Flick is reportedly delaying decisions on keeping Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski for the next campaign Barça delays Rashford, Lewandowski decisions. At Tottenham, James Maddison is focused on finishing a "season to forget" with Premier League safety after overcoming a lengthy layoff Maddison focuses on finishing strong, while Manchester United continues to navigate managerial uncertainty, despite Darren Fletcher noting that the presence of interim manager Michael Carrick is inspiring the youth setup Carrick inspires Man Utd kids.

Managerial Merry-Go-Round & Transfer Speculation

The search for permanent managers continues, with Xabi Alonso facing a major decision between accepting the Chelsea role or waiting for the "dream" Liverpool job Alonso's big dilemma, while sources indicate that Alonso and Andoni Iraola are prominent names on Chelsea's shortlist Alonso, Iraola eyed by Chelsea. In England, there are mixed reports surrounding Manchester United’s next permanent appointment, with some suggesting Michael Carrick is the favored choice, though others caution against hiring him Man United hiring Carrick questioned. Across the continent, Rangers head coach Danny Rohl has received assurances from the Ibrox board regarding his position despite fan anger over the post-split collapse Rohl backed by Rangers board, even as he faces links to German clubs Rangers coach linked to Germany. Transfer rumors suggest Manchester United is monitoring Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde, while Paris Saint-Germain is targeting Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez Man United monitors Valverde.

Domestic League Battles & Relegation Drama

The Scottish Premiership title race has reached a fever pitch, with Hearts leading Celtic by just one point heading into the final two matches, putting the possibility of a first Hearts championship in 66 years within reach Hearts eyes historic title. Elsewhere in Scotland, fans are voicing their opinions on the pressure mounting on both Hearts and Celtic as the conclusion nears Fan perspective on title race. In England’s Championship, Southampton advanced to the play-off final after a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Middlesbrough, despite the ongoing fallout from the 'Spygate' allegations that have deeply upset Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg Southampton reaches final amid Spygate. Further drama unfolded as Southampton faces the possibility of being thrown out of the play-offs entirely if an independent commission upholds the spying charge Southampton faces potential expulsion.

MLS & Historic Football Recognition

In Major League Soccer, Lionel Messi maintains his status as the league's highest earner for the third consecutive year, receiving a significant raise to bring his annual salary to $28M Messi remains top MLS earner, while NYCFC saw a major bump in the latest MLS Power Rankings following a stellar performance from Wolf NYCFC soars in rankings. Off the pitch, football history was recognized as the world’s first international stadium, Hampden Park, was officially designated as a scheduled monument Hampden Park gains protection. Meanwhile, there is an unusual crossover as "Ted Lasso" actor Cristo Fernández has signed a professional contract with USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive after a successful trial period Ted Lasso star signs professionally.

VAR, Refereeing, and On-Field Decisions

Recent controversial officiating decisions continue to spark debate regarding the implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Referees’ chief Howard Webb affirmed that Sunday's decision to disallow a late West Ham equalizer against Arsenal was correct based on the rules concerning penalty-area grappling Webb defends disallowed equalizer, though Webb also admitted that VAR could not overturn Benjamin Sesko's handball goal against Liverpool due to insufficient visual evidence Webb on Sesko handball ruling. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed his historical distrust of officiating, claiming he has "never trusted anything" with referees and VAR after pivotal calls affected the Premier League title race Guardiola criticizes refs & VAR.