Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: May 13, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

European Club Management & Transfers

Manchester United executives are reportedly preparing formal discussions with Michael Carrick regarding his permanent appointment as head coach, a sentiment echoed by sources indicating senior figures will recommend him to Sir Jim Ratcliffe following promising interim results. However, some analysts suggest this consensus overlooks key considerations, advising the club to think twice before solidifying Carrick's tenure, even as Darren Fletcher notes the current manager’s presence is highly inspiring for the youth setup, especially ahead of the FA Youth Cup final against Manchester City which the BBC will stream. Meanwhile, the Red Devils are also reportedly keeping tabs on Real Madrid's Federico Valverde as part of broader summer plotting, while PSG targets Atlético Madrid's Julián Álvarez making him a primary focus.

The situation at Real Madrid remains turbulent following a trophyless season, prompting President Florentino Pérez to call for immediate elections amid internal strife, despite coach Álvaro Arbeloa publicly backing Pérez's continued leadership as the club faces internal discord, though Jose Mourinho is increasingly viewed as the likely successor to the head coach role amid the ongoing power struggle. In Spain, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has agreed to a contract extension after successfully navigating the team to a 29th LaLiga title, a feat achieved despite his father's recent passing, for which Flick expressed gratitude for the club’s support, and he is currently delaying decisions on the futures of Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski despite their contributions to the title win. Elsewhere in LaLiga, Real Betis celebrated securing a Champions League return after a lengthy 20-year absence by defeating Elche to cement fifth place.

Speculation continues around managerial openings, with Xabi Alonso facing a significant decision between accepting the job at Chelsea or holding out for the "dream" Liverpool position, while the Stamford Bridge shortlist also features the highly-rated Vincente Iraloa as Chelsea owners weigh up their next move. Across Germany, RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande confirmed his commitment to the club as they aim for Champions League qualification next season, though the defender is aware of the substantial interest from other major clubs confirming his commitment to Leipzig. In Scotland, the intense Premiership title race reached its climax with Hearts and Celtic separated by only one point heading into the final two matches after an epic season-long battle, while Rangers coach Danny Rohl received assurances from the board regarding his future following a late-season collapse that saw them finish third despite fan anger over the capitulation.

Championship Play-Offs & VAR Controversy

The Championship play-off drama concluded with Southampton securing promotion after defeating Middlesbrough 2-1 in extra time in a tight semi-final clash; however, the victory remains overshadowed by the 'Spygate' scandal, which Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg slammed as "disgraceful" breaking his heart over the saga. Southampton has since requested additional time to complete an internal review into the spying allegations against Boro, facing potential expulsion from the play-offs if the independent commission finds them guilty of the charge denying them a chance at Premier League advancement. Hull City now awaits in the final, having clinically dispatched Millwall 2-0 in their second-leg tie to book their trip to Wembley.

Refereeing decisions dominated headlines in the Premier League, as football's referees' chief Howard Webb defended the decision to disallow West Ham's late equalizer against Arsenal, citing a "clear and obvious offence" against David Raya confirming the correct application of VAR. Webb also addressed another contentious moment, stating that while Benjamin Sesko appeared to handle the ball in Manchester United's goal versus Liverpool, VAR could not intervene due to insufficient evidence preventing the goal's disallowance. Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta embraced Raya following the dramatic win over West Ham, a result that edged Arsenal closer to their first title in 22 years following a hectic sequence of events.

International Football & World Cup Preparations

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Mexico unveiled a stylish third alternate kit, one of several nations benefiting from a new FIFA rule allowing for three official kits displaying their updated wardrobe plans, while international managers finalize their rosters; Sweden’s Graham Potter selected Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres to headline the 26-man squad. Mexico’s provisional squad selection surprisingly omitted key players like Hirving 'Chucky' Lozano and Rodrigo Huescas as coach Javier Aguirre submitted his list, contrasting with Brazil, where Carlo Ancelotti suggested Neymar is "improving a lot" but has not confirmed his inclusion pending final selection. Furthermore, Qatar’s 42-year-old forward Sebastián Soria has a chance to break the World Cup age record after being named in the preliminary squad joining Edin Dzeko as potential 40-year-olds in the tournament.

Player Milestones & Off-Pitch News

Actor Cristo Fernández, widely known for portraying Dani Rojas in Ted Lasso, has officially transitioned to professional soccer, signing with USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive after a successful trial period fulfilling his real-life soccer ambitions. Elsewhere in American soccer, Lionel Messi remains the highest-paid player in MLS for the third consecutive year, earning a substantial $28M salary more than double the next highest earner. In off-field administrative news, Japan's head coach Eddie Jones received a six-week ban and a salary deduction for directing "verbal abuse" toward officials during a recent U23 tour resulting in disciplinary action. Finally, Hampden Park, recognized as the world's first international football stadium, has been granted scheduled monument status acknowledging its historical significance.