Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: May 22, 2026, 11:37 PM ET

World Cup Preparations & Squad News

Thomas Tuchel confirmed his England squad for this summer's World Cup, with notable omissions for Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, while Ivan Toney received a shock recall despite limited minutes under the German manager. The USMNT faces injury concerns heading into the 2026 tournament, with Pochettino set to announce his squad on Tuesday, while Wayne Rooney expressed surprise at Harry Maguire's omission, calling the defender "very unlucky." Meanwhile, Congo faces a potential World Cup crisis as Andrew Giuliani revealed the team must isolate for 21 days due to an Ebola outbreak, risking their ability to enter the United States for the tournament.

Manager Departures & Club Changes

Manchester City confirmed Pep Guardiola's exit after nearly a decade of excellence, with the Premier League facing an uncertain future as the club navigates 115 financial charges that could impact his legacy. Álvaro Arbeloa will also leave Real Madrid at season's end, while Michael Carrick has taken charge at Manchester United, raising questions about whether he deserves the job long-term. Liverpool refused to confirm Mohamed Salah's involvement in his final appearance at Anfield, with reports suggesting the club has reached out to Jürgen Klopp as Arne Slot's future remains in balance.

European Cup Finals & Domestic Cups

Lens captured their first French Cup with Florian Thauvin starring in a 3-1 victory over Nice, capping what manager Franck Haise described as a "dream season." Celtic's title hopes suffered a setback after the Scottish FA ruled they should not have been awarded a match-winning penalty against Motherwell, with the SPFL now investigating two Celtic games as a result. Barcelona prepare to face OL Lyonnes in the Women's Champions League final, where tactical focus will be on blocking Barcelona's midfield while the Catalans aim to stop forward Melchie Dumornay. Elsewhere, Hull City defied all data and logic to reach the Championship play-off final, amid the "Spygate" saga involving Middlesbrough.

Transfer News & Player Movements

AC Milan unveiled their new home kit with Christian Pulisic front and center as the Serie A giants push for Champions League qualification. João Félix claimed the Saudi Pro League's top honor, beating Cristiano Ronaldo to be named player of the season despite Ronaldo's Al Nassr form. Tottenham agreed to sign Germany forward Shekiera Martinez from West Ham, while Inter Miami teased a potential move for Casemiro this summer. Liverpool confirmed Andy Robertson's departure after nine years on Merseyside, with the Scotland defender leaving as "The People's Champion," and Bayern Munich ruled out Manuel Neuer for the German Cup final though his World Cup place remains safe.

Financial Developments & Endorsements

Cristiano Ronaldo maintains his top position on Forbes' highest-paid athletes list, with boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez in second place despite Ronaldo's Portuguese teammate João Félix winning the Saudi Pro League award. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a $50 World Cup ticket lottery for city residents, fueling debate over access to the tournament in a city of over 8 million people. Former Chelsea captain César Azpilicueta has announced his retirement from football, bringing an end to a decorated career that included multiple Premier League titles and Champions League triumphs.

Relegation Battles & League Matters

Tottenham and West Ham face potential relegation in a dramatic Premier League conclusion, with Chris Sutton making his predictions for the final round of fixtures. Hearts' title hopes were affected by the Celtic penalty decision, which has now been officially ruled incorrect by the Scottish FA's KMI panel. Notts County goalkeeper James Belshaw shared the emotional journey of a lifelong fan leading his team to the League Two play-off final, describing it as something to "savour" after the club's chequered history. Elsewhere, Hull City and Middlesbrough prepare for a Championship play-off final that has been overshadowed by the "Spygate" controversy, with the Tigers having defied all data and logic to reach Wembley.