Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: May 22, 2026, 8:49 PM ET

England World Cup Squad & Managerial Shockwaves

Thomas Tuchel named his 26-man England squad for the 2026 World Cup with several high-profile omissions that sparked fierce debate. Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold did not make the cut, while Ivan Toney and John Stones earned surprise recalls left big names out. Wayne Rooney called Harry Maguire "very unlucky" to miss out on a place, saying the Chelsea centre-back was among those Tuchel got wrong Maguire unlucky. Rooney also backed the Toney selection but took issue with Tuchel's decision to leave Maguire, Foden and Palmer out Rooney disagrees. Sources confirmed Levi Colwill and Palmer will both miss the tournament, with Maguire himself acknowledging he is not part of the party Tuchel's shock cuts. Tuchel defended his picks by insisting he has "specialists" in the squad ready to form a "brotherhood" and win the tournament defends squad calls. The German coach's ruthlessness has drawn comparisons to an "anti-Southgate" approach, positioning him as willing to gamble on unorthodox selections Tuchel as anti-Southgate. The entire 26-man squad was leaked ahead of the official announcement, prompting discussion about what the episode reveals regarding England's culture squad leak raises questions.

Guardiola Exits Manchester City After Decade of Dominance

Pep Guardiola confirmed he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season, ending a near-decade tenure that transformed English football Guardiola to step down. The Spaniard told reporters he plans to "rest" and will not work again "for a while" vows to rest. Manchester City's 115 Premier League charges for alleged financial rule breaches now hang over the club's future, raising questions about how they could affect Guardiola's legacy 115 charges loom. Guardiola said City "need new energy" as he exits, and the club confirmed his departure on Friday after months of speculation needs new energy. Fellow managers Arteta and Slot have both reflected on how Guardiola's tactical innovations changed the Premier League landscape, while pundits called him the greatest coach of all time tactical transformation. The Premier League will never be the same without him, with analysts noting common schools of thought on how City might avoid a post-Pep collapse league will change. Manchester United, meanwhile, moved quickly to name Michael Carrick their permanent head coach on a two-year deal, a move the club says will revitalise their fortunes Carrick made permanent.

Championship Play-Offs & Relegation Drama

Hull City and Middlesbrough will contest the Championship play-off final at Wembley after a season upended by the "Spygate" scandal that saw Southampton accused of industrial espionage play-off final set. Boro's campaign has been overshadowed by the fallout, but Hull have defied the data to reach Wembley for the first time in their history, with fans describing the moment as something to savour Boro Spygate saga. In the Premier League, relegation beckons for either Tottenham or West Ham, with Cristian Romero expected to miss Spurs' final match against Everton after flying to Argentina Romero skips game. De Zerbi said he can "100%" understand the anger of Tottenham fans at Romero's absence, while adding that "not all leaders are the same" De Zerbi on Romero. Shekiera Martinez is set to join Spurs from West Ham as the club looks to strengthen their squad Martinez to Spurs. Across the league, West Ham, Spurs and Forest fans shared their stories of watching their teams teeter on the brink relegation battle stories, and new Huddersfield head coach Jim Lenihan admitted the task ahead as he looks to build a fresh identity Lenihan clean slate. Lens capped a dream season by winning the French Cup for the first time, beating Nice 3-1 with Florian Thauvin scoring and assisting Lens win Coupe.

USMNT World Cup Preparations & Injury Concerns

Mauricio Pochettino will announce his 26-man USMNT squad for the World Cup on Tuesday, with the tournament kicking off in three weeks Pochettino to name squad. Defender Chris Richards suffered two torn ankle ligaments but is expected to be fit for the tournament Richards injury. Meanwhile, the Congo team faces a 21-day isolation requirement amid an Ebola outbreak, with ESPN's Andrew Giuliani warning they risk being unable to enter the United States for the World Cup Congo isolation threat. In injury developments, Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, 40, has been coaxed out of retirement for the World Cup by Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann despite missing the German Cup final with a calf injury Neuer WC recall.

European Transfers & Club News

Cristiano Ronaldo won his first Saudi Pro League title with Al Nassr, scoring twice in a 4-1 victory over Damac to claim the trophy Ronaldo wins title. João Félix, who joined the Saudi league this season, was named player of the year, beating out Ronaldo and other Al Nassr stars Felix beats Ronaldo. Forbes listed Ronaldo as the highest-paid athlete again, with boxing star Canelo Alvarez second behind him Ronaldo top paid. AC Milan unveiled their new home kit for 2026-27 with Christian Pulisic front and centre, and the club will look to a masked "superhero" for their Champions League push Pulisic kit reveal. Álvaro Arbelóa confirmed he will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season Arbeloa departs. Liverpool head coach Arne Slot insisted he and Mohamed Salah want the same things for the club despite Salah's recent social media criticism, while the club reportedly reached out to Jurgen Klopp with Slot's future in balance Slot-Salah alignment. Inter Miami midfielder Telasco Segovia teased a potential Casemiro arrival, saying the Brazilian could contribute plenty to the team Segovia on Casemiro. Telasco Segovia has been appointed to oversee all sporting decisions for MLS' Columbus Crew and the forthcoming Columbus 2028 NWSL expansion Bezbatchenko returns. Yang Hyun-jun signed a new Celtic deal tying him to the club until 2030 Yang extends to 2030. Former Chelsea defender César Azpilicueta announced his retirement after a distinguished career Azpilicueta retires. The Czech club Bohemians 1905