Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: May 28, 2026, 2:47 PM ET

USMNT World Cup outlook Coach Mauricio Pochettino stuck with his preferred midfield formula in the final 26‑man roster, a decision that could trigger a domino effect on the team’s tactical balance once the tournament begins USMNT roster. The same coach was reported to have opened talks with AC Milan about their vacant head‑coach role, suggesting he may be weighing his future even as the United States prepares for its home World Cup Pochettino meets Milan. Meanwhile, Brazil’s star forward Neymar remains sidelined with a bruised calf; medical staff expect a two‑to‑three‑week recovery, meaning he will miss the upcoming friendlies against Panama and Egypt and could be unavailable for the tournament’s opening match Neymar injury.

European club movements Tottenham Hotspur are edging closer to securing Bournemouth centre‑back Marcos Senesi on a free transfer, adding depth to a back line that struggled with injuries last season Spurs target Senesi. In the same market, the North London club also advanced talks to bring Liverpool left‑back Andy Robertson on a free deal, a move that would bolster their defensive options ahead of a busy summer schedule Spurs eye Robertson. Arsenal’s owners confirmed a priority to extend manager Mikel Arteta’s contract, a signal that the club aims to maintain stability while navigating a congested Champions League and Premier League campaign Arteta contract.

World Cup preparations and legal scrutiny The 2026 tournament squad lists were published, revealing a full complement of players for every qualified nation, including South Africa’s inclusion of Burnley striker Lyle Foster as the nation returns to the finals for the first time since 2010 Foster in South Africa squad. In the United States, New York and New Jersey prosecutors issued a subpoena to FIFA over alleged ticket‑price inflation and misleading practices for the upcoming World Cup, a development that could pressure the governing body to revise its pricing model before tickets go on sale FIFA subpoena.

International incidents and disciplinary actions Costa Rica’s federation dropped three players from the squad for an upcoming friendly against England after a shooting incident, underscoring the growing emphasis on off‑field conduct in national team selections Costa Rica drops players. In Europe, the Scottish FA called for rule changes to curb pitch invasions after a series of fan‑breaks disrupted matches, highlighting safety concerns that may affect future tournament protocols Scottish pitch rules.

Upcoming marquee fixtures Arsenal host Paris Saint‑Germain in a Champions League final showdown, with analysts pointing to the French side’s 7,000‑minute cumulative experience advantage as a potential edge, while Arsenal must decide whether to reshuffle their midfield after the departure of key players PSG edge over Arsenal. The match also forces Arteta to make “big selection dilemmas” concerning his starting XI, a decision that could determine whether the Gunners break their two‑decade final drought Arteta’s dilemmas.

Technology and officiating VAR will return to centre stage for the 2026 World Cup, with new protocols aimed at reducing controversial calls; officials will have expanded access to replay angles and a shortened review window, changes intended to streamline match flow and improve accuracy VAR explained.