Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: May 13, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Premier League Title Race Heats Up

Manchester City continues to apply intense pressure on league leaders Arsenal, ensuring the Premier League trophy race will extend to the final matchday, as manager Pep Guardiola stated his side will be "there just in case" the Gunners slip up. Phil Foden was instrumental in City's latest victory, providing a mesmerising first-half assist during a comfortable 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace, a result that moved them back within two points of the summit. Foden acknowledged that his team is actively "keeping Arsenal on their toes," emphasizing that "anything can happen on the final day". Meanwhile, Arsenal managed their own late drama, securing a narrow 1-0 Women's Super League win over Everton via a controversial stoppage-time winner, though questions persist about why Renee Slegers' side has failed to capture major silverware this season.

English Football Controversy & Play-Off Drama

The fallout from controversial officiating continued in England, with referees’ chief Howard Webb defending the decision to disallow a West Ham equalizer against Arsenal, citing a "clear foul" on keeper David Raya, a call which Jamie Carragher asserted only those opposed to Arsenal's title hopes would dispute. Further set-piece chaos defined Tottenham Hotspur's 1-1 draw with Leeds United, where manager Roberto De Zerbi suggested the referee was "not calm" amid intense pressure following the VAR controversy, despite Spurs clinging on to survival hopes after a goalkeeper's save of the season. In the Championship, Southampton edged Middlesbrough 2-1 in extra time to reach the play-off final, though the victory was overshadowed by the ongoing "Spygate" allegations, leading Boro boss Kim Hellberg to slam Saints for their "disgraceful" actions, prompting Southampton to request more time for an internal review.

Scottish Premiership Title Decider

The Scottish Premiership title race will be decided on the final day after a dramatic sequence of results, culminating in Celtic securing a 3-2 victory over Motherwell via a highly contentious penalty awarded in the 100th minute. Hearts head coach Derek McInnes furiously labeled the late penalty decision "disgusting", stating his team is "up against everybody" as the title race heads to a final-day showdown. Despite Hearts beating Falkirk, the wait for their first championship in 66 years continues, while McInnes and Celtic’s Brendan Rodgers are attempting to remain composed amid the escalating tension.

European Giants Navigating Turbulence

While Paris Saint-Germain clinched their fifth consecutive Ligue 1 title after defeating Lens 2-0 in a top-of-the-table clash, and Inter Milan secured the Italian domestic double for the first time since 2010 with a Coppa Italia triumph, Real Madrid continues to grapple with internal strife. Madrid President Florentino Pérez, who recently accused the media of running a "campaign" against him, looked to the future by publicly praising top coaching candidate Jose Mourinho, while coach Álvaro Arbeloa also offered his support for Pérez following the call for club elections. Furthermore, Real Madrid lost its appeal to CAS regarding a fine for anti-gay chants directed at Pep Guardiola during a Champions League fixture.

International Squad Announcements & World Cup Preparations

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, preliminary squad announcements are providing clarity on major contenders, though injury concerns persist. Lionel Messi was included in Argentina's provisional 55-man roster, while Brazil also named a 55-man list, notably excluding injured Chelsea forward Estêvão but including Neymar. Sweden, managed by Graham Potter, included Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres in their 26-man selection, and veteran striker Sebastián Soria, aged, has a chance to become the oldest outfield player at the tournament after Qatar included him in their preliminary squad. On the logistical front, following fan backlash over high costs, the price of shuttle buses and trains to World Cup venues in New Jersey has been slashed by organizers.

Transfer Market & Coaching Moves

The transfer rumor mill remains active, with reports suggesting Bayern Munich has reached an agreement to sign Anthony Gordon, while Manchester United is reportedly planning formal talks with Michael Carrick about taking the permanent manager role following positive internal recommendations, ,. However, some executives urge caution regarding Carrick's appointment. Elsewhere, RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande confirmed his commitment to the club for their Champions League return but acknowledged interest from numerous clubs, including Liverpool. Mexico unveiled a rare third alternate kit for their World Cup wardrobe, and in the USL Championship, actor Cristo Fernández, known for Ted Lasso, has formalized his move to El Paso Locomotive after a trial period.

Youth Football & Institutional Changes

Manchester United's academy, previously criticized by Sir Jim Ratcliffe for having "slipped," will see their FA Youth Cup final against Manchester City streamed by BBC Sport, with Darren Fletcher noting that Carrick’s presence inspires the young players. In collegiate soccer, the NCAA approved a significant structural change, mandating that the Division I men's soccer season will be split between fall and spring semesters, with the national tournament moving to the spring starting in the 2027-28 academic year.