Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: May 22, 2026, 2:42 PM ET

Premier League & Managerial Changes

Pep Guardiola confirmed his departure from Manchester City after a decade of unprecedented success, with the club announcing his exit this summer. Guardiola revealed plans to "rest" after stepping down and insisted he won't work again "for a while." Meanwhile, Manchester United appointed Michael Carrick as their permanent head coach on a two-year deal, ending speculation about his future after a successful interim spell. The Red Devils confirmed the appointment with Carrick set to lead the team into next season.

England World Cup Squad

Thomas Tuchel named his 26-man England squad for the World Cup with several notable omissions including Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Ivan Toney earned a shock recall to the squad, while Harry Maguire was "very unlucky" to miss out according to former England captain Wayne Rooney who criticized Tuchel's decisions. Tuchel's selections have been described as "ruthless" and positioning him as the "anti-Southgate" due to his willingness to make tough calls. The whole world knew the squad before it was officially announced, raising questions about England's team culture.

Transfer News

Tottenham Hotspur agreed to sign Germany forward Shekiera Martinez from West Ham, adding to their attacking options. AC Milan unveiled their new home kit for the 2026-27 season with Christian Pulisic front and center as the Serie A giants push for Champions League qualification. Meanwhile, former Chelsea defender César Azpilicueta announced his retirement from football after a distinguished career. Manchester United are eyeing transfers with Newcastle's Sandro Tonali and Atalanta's Éderson being lined up as potential targets.

Domestic League Finals & Play-offs

Hull City and Middlesbrough are set for a unique Championship play-off final after the build-up was dominated by Southampton's "Spygate" scandal. The Championship play-offs have evolved into "the richest game in world football today" from crowds of 15,000 watching 40 years ago. Notts County goalkeeper James Belshaw said Monday's League Two play-off final is something to "savour" given the club's "chequered history". In Scotland, Martin O'Neill's Celtic and Neil Lennon's Dunfermline Athletic go head-to-head in Saturday's Scottish Cup final, with Lennon warning that "underdogs bite".

International Football

Congo must isolate for 21 days or risk the ability to enter the U.S. for the World Cup as the country deals with an Ebola outbreak, according to Andrew Giuliani. Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson signed a contract extension that will keep her in the role until 2029. USMNT defender Chris Richards suffered two torn ligaments in his ankle but is expected to be fit for the World Cup. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann coaxed veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer out of retirement for the World Cup at age. Norway named Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard as their captain for this summer's World Cup.

Player News & Stories

Mohamed Salah appeared to criticize Liverpool head coach Arne Slot in a social media post, though Slot insists both "want the same things for Liverpool". Slot refused to confirm whether Salah will play a part at Anfield on Sunday in