Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: May 31, 2026, 11:48 PM ET

Champions League & Club News

Paris Saint-Germain secured back-to-back Champions League titles after defeating Arsenal in the final, with Luis Enrique admitting that Arsenal's "lucky" sixth-minute goal made it the toughest possible challenge for his team. Meanwhile, Liverpool fired Arne Slot just a year after making them Premier League champions, with Jamie Carragher shocked by the decision but suggesting an elite manager would have fixed Liverpool's issues. The Merseyside club will open formal talks with Andoni Iraola to become their new head coach, while defender Ibrahima Konate expressed sadness over his exit, citing "highs and lows" during his time at Anfield.

World Cup Preparations

Reigning champions Argentina arrived in the U.S. on a custom '1978' jet to begin their title defense, with Lionel Messi leading an experienced squad that has changed little since their dramatic triumph in Qatar 2022. Brazil routed Panama 6-2 with six different scorers in their World Cup preparations, while coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed no plans to replace injured Neymar in his squad. In Uruguay, coach Marcelo Bielsa omitted Luis Suárez from the World Cup squad, while Mexico defeated Australia 1-0 in their final pre-tournament friendly. The U.S. men's national team kicked off preparations with a 3-2 win over Senegal, with Christian Pulisic earning an 8/10 rating as the team's best player after breaking his scoring drought.

Transfers & Squad News

Arsenal are battling PSG for Aston Villa winger Morgan Rogers, while Liverpool are set to open talks with Andoni Iraola to become their new head coach. Chelsea are set to sign Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe following her exit from Arsenal, while teenage Leeds United left-back Jayden Lienou received his first senior Wales call-up. In Algeria, Luca Zidane - son of France legend Zinedine - was named in the squad for the upcoming World Cup. Canada suffered a blow when winger Marcelo Flores ruptured his ACL and will miss the tournament, while South Africa's World Cup arrival was delayed by visa issues.

Rule Changes & Preparations

The International Football Association Board announced several rule changes for the World Cup, including expanded powers for VAR and a ban on goalkeeper tactical timeouts. England head coach Thomas Tuchel advised his players to holiday in the U.S. before the tournament to adapt to the weather and time zones, while Scotland set off for the World Cup with Steve Clarke's squad heading to America. Wales boss Rhian Wilkinson stated she extended her spell as head coach due to "unfinished business," and Brighton manager Dario Vidosic hopes to honour his late father in the Women's FA Cup final against Manchester City.

Transfer Gossip & Domestic Action

Chelsea are considering how to help new manager Xabi Alonso navigate a squad with "question marks nearly everywhere else," while Atlético Madrid's Julián Álvarez still has his heart set on joining Barcelona. Rangers are tracking defender Widell with Celtic linked to a Norwegian midfielder. In domestic action, Arsenal celebrated their first title in 22 years with an "incredible bus parade through north London," while Manchester City completed a domestic double with Khadija Shaw at the center of their hopes for a successful period. Brighton fans flocked to Wembley for the Women's FA Cup final as they faced Manchester City.