Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: June 1, 2026, 8:41 PM ET

Coaching Changes & Club News

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert escaped dismissal despite authorizing a spying campaign against Championship rivals, with owner Dragan Solak publicly backing the coach even as WhatsApp messages revealed the extent of the surveillance operation. The controversy emerged as new Shorts videos surfaced showing how the information gathered was deemed valuable by club staff. Meanwhile, Liverpool parted ways with Arne Slot just a year after delivering Premier League glory, with the Dutchman acknowledging his emotional connection to the club "goes beyond football" in his farewell statement. Crystal Palace identified Lens boss Pierre Sage as their top candidate to replace Oliver Glasner, while Celtic prepared talks with Martin O'Neill and Robbie Keane to address their managerial vacancy. In France, Lille appointed Davide Ancelotti as head coach, setting up a father-son partnership with Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti for the World Cup. Stockport County accepted Dave Challinor's resignation after nearly five years at the helm, and Lincoln City defended their joint-head coach appointment as Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw took charge.

Player Injuries & International Call-ups

Arsenal and France defender William Saliba faces a race against time to recover from a back injury that has cast doubt over his World Cup participation, dealing a blow to both club and country preparations. Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa secured selection for a record sixth World Cup after making the 26-player roster, extending his remarkable international career. England captain Leah Williamson was ruled out of upcoming Women's World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Ukraine due to injury, forcing manager Sarina Wiegman to reshuffle defensive options. Iraq named Ali Al-Hamadi and Zidane Iqbal in their World Cup squad, while Paraguay included Omar Alderete and Diego Gomez for their tournament campaign. Scotland called up Rangers pair Laura Berry and Mia McAulay after injuries to Sophie Howard and Freya Gregory, and Sunderland's Nilson Angulo made Ecuador's final roster. Iran omitted Sardar Azmoun from their squad amid reports of disloyalty to the government, and Canada winger Marcelo Flores suffered a ruptured ACL that will sideline him for the World Cup. Spain's Lamine Yamal feared missing the tournament after his April hamstring injury, though he has since recovered.

Transfer Market Heats Up

Arsenal target Kroupi and Rogers while negotiating a new contract for manager Mikel Arteta following their Premier League triumph. The Gunners also fended off interest in Josh Acheampong, with Chelsea among clubs making approaches for the young defender whom Arsenal consider untouchable. Barcelona and Real Madrid both expressed interest in Marc Cucurella, with the Chelsea full-back emerging as a sought-after asset ahead of the summer window. Paris Saint-Germain made an offer for Julián Álvarez as the Atlético Madrid striker pushes for a Barcelona move. Chelsea completed the signing of Katie McCabe on a free transfer after her Arsenal exit, with Republic of Ireland manager Carla Ward praising her as a "good fit for any team in the world." Wolfsburg acquired Scottish striker Fraser Hornby from Darmstadt for an undisclosed fee. Hearts closed in on Falkirk winger Calvin Miller as they strengthen their squad for the new season. Both Fenerbahce presidential candidates identified Mason Greenwood as their primary transfer target following his Manchester United departure.

World Cup Preparations Intensify

Brazil continued their World Cup preparations with a 6-2 rout of Panama in Rio de Janeiro, with six different players finding the net as coach Carlo Ancelotti tested various combinations. The defending champions Argentina landed in the United States aboard a custom "1978" jet themed around their World Cup victory year, beginning preparations for their title defense opener against Algeria on June 16. Portugal will draw inspiration from Diogo Jota's memory as they prepare for their World Cup campaign under new management. Former England international James Milner announced retirement after a 24-year Premier League career that saw him make a record 634 appearances. Norway defeated Sweden 3-1 in a World Cup warm-up match, with Alexander Isak scoring for the Swedes while Erling Haaland watched from the stands. Former England and Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan revealed a stage four cancer diagnosis, with reports indicating he is responding well to treatment.

Women's Football Transfer Activity

The National Women's Soccer League saw Utah Royals maintain top spot in ESPN's power rankings despite questions about whether their early-season form could be sustained. Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps moved close to joining London City Lionesses, with Spain defender Mapi Leon also poised for the switch. Hearts appointed Andy Thomson