Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: May 27, 2026, 2:49 AM ET

European Football

Crystal Palace preparing for first European trophy as they face Wednesday's Conference League final, with US defender Chris Richards' fitness still uncertain for the decisive match. The club's journey to the final has been described as "the longest season in Crystal Palace's history" culminating in their Leipzig showdown. Meanwhile, Tottenham launching review focusing on the "unusual" spate of anterior cruciate ligament injuries, with the club conducting major investigation into whether their retractable pitch is contributing to the astronomical injury problems that threatened their Premier League status.

World Cup Preparations

The 2026 World Cup squad announcements continued as US coach Mauricio Pochettino named 26-man roster with Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, and Weston McKennie headlining the USMNT contingent. Pochettino stayed true to himself by including Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams and Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson, calling Gio Reyna an "amazing talent" who could be key for the US. Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi was named in Atlas Lions squad despite the injury he sustained in Champions League semi-finals, while Ghana included former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey in their preliminary squad.

Manager Changes

Frank Lampard claimed manager of the year after guiding Coventry back to the Premier League, with Mikel Arteta named Premier League Manager of the Season for his championship-winning campaign. Pep Guardiola's farewell party attended by Michael Jordan as the Manchester City boss completed his 10-season tenure, bringing his total to 18 full campaigns across three major clubs. Canadian coach Jesse Marsch signed new four-year deal just over two weeks before the 2026 World Cup gets underway, while in Germany, Christian Eriksen-led Wolfsburg suffered relegation from the Bundesliga after losing the playoff.

Transfer News

Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas announced Barcelona exit after 14 years, with London City Lionesses pursuing signature in what could be the WSL's biggest transfer. Rangers close to finalizing deal for Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland, who described joining his "boyhood club" as fulfilling his "dream" amid speculation he could become Scotland's main striker at the World Cup. Arsenal targeting Morgan Rogers as they plan squad changes, while Manchester City leading race to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, with the player preferring a move to Etihad Stadium over Manchester United.

Injury Concerns

The USMNT shrugged off pre-tournament jibes as several Socceroos players relish facing the co-hosts on home soil, though Lionel Messi's physical condition commanding attention with fans on tenterhooks after he appeared to injure his leg. England's Alex Mitchell emerged as doubt for the Nations Championship after sustaining a hamstring injury during training camp, while Southampton paid tribute to former academy player Victor Udoh who died at age.

League Standings

Tottenham confirmed Premier League survival but faces a "big summer rebuild" after narrowly avoiding relegation, while Liverpool assessed impact of their record £415m summer spending that brought six new signings. Over 200 managers and coaches lost jobs last season in English football, with League Manager's Association chief Richard Bevan criticizing the "hire and fire culture" that "undermines the profession." Norwich defender Jose Cordoba named in Panama squad as the only UK-based player in their 2026 World Cup contingent.

Women's Football

Utah Royals soared to top of the NWSL standings and power rankings, while there are set to be more big moves in the WSL this summer with Chelsea and Arsenal aiming to improve. London City pursuing Putellas after confirming they're looking to make the "WSL's biggest transfer" by signing Barcelona's captain, with the transfer market seeing significant movement across women's football.