Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: June 8, 2026, 8:43 PM ET

World Cup Squad Updates & Injuries

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni confirmed Messi will feature in Tuesday's friendly against Iceland in Auburn, Alabama, carefully managing the superstar's return from injury. Nico Paz completed his first training session with Argentina's national team on Sunday after recovering from a knee injury, adding depth to the squad. Brazil's World Cup hopes received a boost with medical scans showing Neymar making "good progress" in his recovery from a calf injury. However, Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber ruled out of Netherlands' campaign with a groin injury, while Portugal's Rafael Leão was sent off for punching an opponent during Saturday's 2-0 win over Chile, raising disciplinary concerns ahead of the tournament.

Administrative Issues & Referee Controversy

Somali referee Omar Artan has been denied entry to the United States, preventing him from becoming the first official from his country to officiate at the World Cup finals. FIFA confirmed the denial after Artan was refused entry to the USA. In a separate development, FIFA president Gianni Infantino was targeted with a revived criminal complaint in France by his former boss Michel Platini, who had been implicated in a financial scandal that derailed his own FIFA presidency.

Transfer Market Developments

Tottenham are in talks over an $80M deal to sign Manchester City winger Savinho, with negotiations progressing as the Premier League side looks to strengthen their squad. Manchester United are reportedly confident of beating their city rivals for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson according to newspapers. Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has told Real Madrid that his club will not listen to offers for Michael Olise this summer, despite transfer interest from top European clubs. Manchester City and Chelsea remain in talks over appointing Enzo Maresca as their new manager, with negotiations continuing between the Premier League clubs.

International Team News & Coaching Changes

Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill praised outgoing French boss Didier Deschamps as a "fantastic national team manager" ahead of his final match in charge. Crystal Palace hold talks with Lens manager Pierre Sage about becoming their new head coach, seeking a replacement for their former manager. Wolves are in talks to re-sign former striker Raul Jimenez, who is set to leave Fulham and become a free agent this summer. Scot Ian Cathro appointed head coach of Ligue 2 club Saint-Etienne after two successful years in Portugal with Estoril.

Women's Football Developments

Scotland's Claire Emslie returned to playing just five months after giving birth and is now targeting next year's World Cup finals in Brazil. Wales revealed their team plane was struck by lightning en route to Montenegro for a World Cup qualifier, forcing the squad to return home for Tuesday's qualifier against Czech Republic. Sarina Wiegman says her "hurt" England women's side need setbacks like their humbling defeat by Spain in order to improve before major tournaments. Republic of Ireland boss Carla Ward says beating France to qualify would be one of football's biggest stories REF: