Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: May 31, 2026, 5:44 AM ET

Champions League Final Aftermath

Hundreds of arrests followed PSG celebrations across France after Paris Saint-German secured back-to-back Champions League titles with a victory over Arsenal. The French champions overcame early adversity when Arsenal scored within six minutes, with Luis Enrique calling the goal "lucky" before his team responded. Arsenal's Gabriel missed the decisive penalty in the shootout, delivering heartbreak to the Gunners who celebrated their Premier League title just 24 hours earlier on an open bus parade. Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice insisted the "cruel" defeat won't define them as the team looks to use the disappointment as fuel for next season's ambitions under manager Mikel Arteta, who has urged the club to be "very ambitious" this summer.

World Cup Preparations

Scotland suffered a major blow as midfielder Billy Gilmour ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury after their 4-1 victory over 10-man Curacao in their final home match before the tournament. Canada faced injury concerns of their own as Marcelo Flores exited with an injury in the Concacaf Champions Cup final, though captain Alphonso Davies was named to the roster despite carrying a hamstring issue. The USMNT will play two friendlies before the World Cup with manager Mauricio Pochettino naming Tim Ream as captain for the 2026 tournament, while Gio Reyna expressed his "matured" approach to the upcoming competition. Mexico defeated Australia 1-0 in their final pre-World Cup friendly, with President Claudia Sheinbaum giving away her ticket to the tournament opener.

Transfer Market Activity

Liverpool are considering a U-turn for Mohamed Salah following the departure of Arne Slot, with Andoni Iraola emerging as the frontrunner to succeed him as manager. Chelsea are demanding £120 million ($161m) if Enzo Fernández attempts to force a move this summer, while Atlético Madrid accused Barcelona of a "relentless smear campaign" in their pursuit of Julián Álvarez. Rangers are tracking Dutch-based defender Widell, with Celtic linked to a Norwegian midfielder, while Oliver Glasner is being considered for the AC Milan job. Liverpool is also negotiating with Inter Milan on a price for Curtis Jones amid reported interest from the Italian club.

Domestic League News

Toluca ended a 23-year drought by defeating Tigres to win the CONCACAF Champions Cup, while Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda extended her NWSL Golden Boot lead with a two-goal performance before suffering an unspecified late injury. Portland Thorns forward Sophia Wilson scored an equalizer from the penalty spot to earn her team a 2-2 draw against the Utah Royals in a top-of-table NWSL clash. Brighton manager Dario Vidosic is hoping to honour his late father in Sunday's Women's FA Cup final against Manchester City. In rugby league, youthful Wigan has surpassed St Helens in a clear power shift, dispatching Saints in two Wembley finals after the club experienced four consecutive Challenge Cup victories between 2021 and 2024