Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: May 13, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

European Club Management & Sanctions

The management carousel at major European clubs saw significant movement, with Jose Mourinho expected to return to Real Madrid as manager, a move Spanish football expert Guillem Balague detailed as an "iron fist joining a broken club". This coaching instability mirrors ongoing boardroom issues at the Bernabéu, where coach Álvaro Arbeloa backed president Pérez as elections were called amid internal strife. Separately, Real Madrid's rivals Barcelona celebrated sealing the LaLiga title after winning El Clásico, contrasting sharply with Madrid's trophy-less campaign, while Barça coach Hansi Flick agreed a contract extension following the 29th league triumph. Meanwhile, in disciplinary matters, Real Madrid lost its appeal at the highest court regarding a fine imposed by UEFA due to fans singing an anti-gay chant directed at Pep Guardiola during a Manchester City fixture.

Managerial Moves & Contract News

Michael Carrick is reportedly on the verge of securing the permanent manager role at Manchester United, with senior club executives set to recommend him to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and sources indicate formal talks are planned. However, not everyone supports this direction, as some analysis suggests Man Utd should think twice before appointing Carrick permanently, despite his inspiring presence for the academy players. Elsewhere, in Scotland, Rangers coach Danny Röhl received assurances from the Ibrox board regarding his future despite fan anger over post-split performance, while the club reportedly targets AEK Athens left-back James Penrice this summer. In Ligue, Ousmane Dembélé gained the player of the year award despite starting only nine matches, and Motherwell are insisting they received no approach for manager Jens Berthel Askou amid links to Toulouse.

World Cup Preparations & Roster News

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, several nations finalized provisional rosters and addressed administrative issues. Lionel Messi was included in Argentina's 55-man preliminary squad, though Brazil's roster omitted the injured Chelsea forward Estêvão while including Neymar, whose improvement coach Carlo Ancelotti noted. Mexico unveiled a rare third alternate kit, and the US team awaits final decisions, with Giovanni Reyna expressing happiness over ending a drought as he seeks selection. Administrative issues surrounding fan experience saw the price of shuttle buses cut to New Jersey stadiums following fan outcry, and the Trump administration suspended visa bonds for confirmed ticket holders from certain countries. Furthermore, Curaçao has re-hired Dick Advocaat, who will become the oldest World Cup coach, though the nation's president denied friction involving Fred Rutten's exit.

Championship Play-Off Scrutiny & Disciplinary Action

The Championship play-offs were overshadowed by the persistent "Spygate" allegations, as Southampton edged Middlesbrough 2-1 in extra time to secure a spot in the final against Hull. Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg slammed Southampton's actions as "disgraceful" and stated the saga "breaks my heart", while Southampton has requested more time to complete their internal review. West Bromwich Albion, meanwhile, decided against appealing a two-point deduction for breaching financial rules, stating an appeal was not in their best interests. In youth football, the FA Youth Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United will be streamed by BBC Sport, offering a glimpse into the next generation, with United's academy chief noting the positive influence of Carrick on youngsters like JJ Gabriel.

Premier League Relegation & VAR Debates

Tottenham Hotspur's battle to avoid relegation continued dramatically, as a 1-1 draw with Leeds left them only two points clear of danger, with former chairman Daniel Levy admitting he never envisioned being in a survival fight. Goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky made a vital save in the draw, described as "one of saves of the season", while manager Roberto De Zerbi suggested the referee was "not calm" due to external pressure. Arsenal's late win over West Ham moved them closer to the Premier League title, a victory that hinged on a controversial VAR decision where referees' chief Howard Webb confirmed the call to disallow West Ham's equalizer for a "clear foul" on David Raya was correct. West Ham plans to formally contact the match officials' body regarding the disallowed goal, prompting pundit Jamie Carragher to state only non-Arsenal supporters would disagree with the VAR ruling.

Player Movements & League News

In the US leagues, Inter Miami star Lionel Messi retains his status as MLS's highest-paid player, earning $28M, more than double the next highest earner. Adding an unusual career chapter, "Ted Lasso" actor Cristo Fernández has officially signed for USL side El Paso Locomotive after a successful trial period. In Europe, forward Beth Mead confirmed she will depart Arsenal when her contract expires, a decision she admitted "breaks her heart". Meanwhile, RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande stated his commitment to the club amidst interest from several sides, including reports of Liverpool monitoring. In LaLiga, Real Betis secured a UCL return for the first time in two decades by clinching fifth place.

International Football & Other Sports Notes

The international scene sees Caf president Patrice Motsepe admit to "deficiencies" following the chaotic Afcon final between Morocco and Senegal, while Scotland awaits fitness news on Tommy Conway before naming their World Cup squad on Tuesday. Elsewhere, the RFU is seeking approval to increase the number of non-sporting events held at the Allianz Stadium from three to 15 annually. In golf, Scottie Scheffler downplayed the importance of a rivalry with Rory McIlroy ahead of the PGA Championship, a tournament where McIlroy feels he has a 'clear road ahead' for more major wins.