Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: May 26, 2026, 2:42 AM ET

World Cup Squads Take Shape Amid Injury Concerns

Colombia finalized its 26-man World Cup roster with captain James Rodriguez and Liverpool's Luis Diaz leading the charge, though Diaz's participation remains in doubt after he exited a recent friendly with a knock. The announcement came hours after the Spanish federation revealed a surprise squad featuring teen sensation Lamine Yamal but notably omitting every single Real Madrid player, a first for La Roja in decades. Across the Atlantic, Canada's Jesse Marsch expressed confidence that injured captain Alphonso Davies will recover in time for the tournament, though the Bayern Munich star is now a doubt for the opener against Peru. The injury cloud also hangs over Lionel Messi, who left Inter Miami's 6-4 win with a thigh issue, immediately shifting focus from the victory to his fitness for Argentina's title defense.

Managerial Carousel Spins at Europe's Top Clubs

AC Milan dismissed Massimiliano Allegri and CEO Giorgio Furlani on Monday, branding the season an "unequivocal failure" after they missed the Champions League spots, though club legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic kept his advisory role. Antonio Conte confirmed his departure from Napoli just days after securing the Serie A title, ending a two-year tenure marked by a dramatic title win but a disappointing Champions League campaign. In MLS, Portland Timbers fired Phil Neville following a 2.5-year spell that saw the club consistently underperform in the Western Conference. The sackings underscore a wider trend of clubs demanding instant success, with Milan and Napoli both now hunting high-profile replacements to restore their European credentials.

Underdogs and Icons: League Dramas Unfold

Cesc Fabregas completed a stunning rise by guiding Como to a Champions League qualifying berth on the final day, simultaneously sending AC Milan—and Christian Pulisic—into the UEFA Europa League. In Scotland, St Mirren survived relegation from the Premiership on Marcus Fraser's volley, though interim boss Craig McLeish remains an outsider to get the permanent job despite the great escape. Meanwhile, Tottenham's season of turmoil ended with a final-day survival, prompting non-executive chairman Peter Charrington to admit "football success had not been driving our decisions" and vow a complete rebuild. The north London club's near-miss has intensified speculation over a summer clear-out, with reports linking them to a renewed bid for Girona's Savinho.

Transfer Market Heats Up with Star Names in Play

Manchester City striker Khadija Shaw ended months of speculation by signing a new four-year contract, just days after it appeared she would depart the Women's Super League champions. In the men's game, Liverpool's Mohamed Salah said an emotional farewell to Anfield, revealing he "cried more than in my whole life" during his final match, while questions swirl over his replacement with names like Yan Diomande surfacing on Liverpool's list. Tottenham are also exploring a swoop for Julian Alvarez, though Manchester City value the World Cup winner highly. Meanwhile, AC Milan's failure to qualify for Europe has put Christian Pulisic in the transfer spotlight, with the American forward now a prime candidate to leave the San Siro.

Other Notable Developments

A rare 2018 Panini Kaboom Cristiano Ronaldo card sold privately for $1.35 million, highlighting the booming market for unique sports memorabilia. In women's football, Mallory Swanson marked her return from 18-month maternity leave with a goal for Chicago Stars FC, providing a major boost to the NWSL's attacking talent pool. Notts County's Jodi Jones, who endured a five-year spell without a league start due to three ACL injuries, was named man of the match in the League Two play-off final, capping a remarkable personal comeback.