Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: May 16, 2026, 11:48 AM ET

WSL Title Decided as Arsenal Claim Second

Champions Manchester City closed out the Women's Super League title with a dominant 4-1 victory over West Ham, during which Bunny Shaw netted twice to finish the season with an extraordinary 21 goals. Meanwhile, Alessia Russo scored a brace as Arsenal sealed second place with a 3-1 win at Liverpool on the final day. The two results cemented City's fourth consecutive league crown and Arsenal's second-place finish, with Chelsea ending the campaign third after Sam Kerr converted a stunning late winner to defeat Manchester United 1-0 in her farewell match for the club. Kerr's departure marks the end of an era at Stamford Bridge, where interim head coach Calum McFarlane believes his team have a blueprint to replicate their strong January showing at the Etihad when they face City in Saturday's FA Cup final. Manchester City's success this season has been underpinned by the emergence of players like Jeremy Doku, who has become a key figure in Guardiola's treble-chasing side. Pep Guardiola insisted he has "one more year" remaining on his contract, dismissing rumours of an imminent exit despite growing speculation about his future.

Scottish Premiership Title Decided

Celtic claimed the Scottish Premiership crown under manager Ange Postecoglou, ending a 250-day campaign in which Hearts had threatened to disrupt the established order. Manager Jim O'Neill is credited with saving the club's season after guiding them through a difficult run-in, and Hearts coach Rob Braga named his line-up for the decisive final-day clash with Celtic fielding an unchanged squad. The tension around the title decider has placed enormous pressure on the match official, in a league long accused of favouring one of the two Glasgow giants. Hearts fans are hoping this title run is just the beginning of a new era for the club, while pundits predict Celtic will break Hearts' challenge at the season's climax. Former Celtic star Maeda has revealed ambitions to play in England, adding another layer to the transfer chatter swirling around the Scottish giants.

Man United Secures Permanent Manager

Michael Carrick agreed to a two-year deal to remain as Manchester United's permanent head coach, bringing stability to a managerial post that had seen three occupants in 18 months. The announcement came as defender Matthijs de Ligt was ruled out of the World Cup after back surgery that will keep him sidelined until the 2026-27 season, a blow for the Netherlands ahead of their summer campaign. Kobbie Mainoo opened up about a difficult period under Ruben Amorim, admitting he considered leaving Old Trafford after being frozen out by the Portuguese coach before deciding his priority was always to stay at the club.

Liverpool's European Hopes in Tatters

Aston Villa tore Liverpool apart with a 4-2 victory, all but ending Arne Slot's side's hopes of Champions League qualification. Slot admitted his team "crumbled" during the match, while Jamie Carragher said Liverpool have too many "weak" players following their "taken to the cleaners" performance. The defeat left Liverpool needing a top-five finish to salvage European football next season, with Mohamed Salah back in the squad but Alexander Isak ruled out through injury. Transfer Talk reports Liverpool are targeting RB Leipzig duo Yan Diomande and Antonio Nusa as Slot looks to reshape his squad, though Ollie Watkins has bounced back in form after his earlier dip in selection for England.

World Cup Preparations Intensify

South Korea captain Son Heung-min will lead his country at a fourth World Cup, while Romelu Lukaku has been included in Belgium's 26-man squad after recovering from injury. Tunisia left midfielder Ferjani Sassi out of their World Cup squad despite his 101 caps, and Wilfried Zaha was omitted from Ivory Coast's squad. Scotland's Group C opponents Haiti named Isidor and Bellegarde in their World Cup squad, and USWNT midfielder Sam Coffey has begun rehabilitation after knee surgery. Manuel Neuer signed a new 12-month contract with Bayern Munich at the age of, while U.S. Soccer is discussing interleague play between the NWSL and USL that could launch as early as 2028, with Mallory Swanson activated by the Chicago Stars ahead of her first NWSL appearance since 2024 following maternity leave. World Cup Power Rankings have been published alongside predicted starting lineups for the tournament, now just weeks away.