Football/Soccer 3 Days

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

Premier League Title Race & European Dominance

The Premier League title fight remains razor-thin as Manchester City continues to pressure Arsenal, with Pep Guardiola stating his side will be "there just in case" the Gunners falter, despite having to rest key attackers like Haaland and Doku in a recent crucial fixture. Phil Foden echoed this sentiment, asserting that City is "keeping Arsenal on their toes" because "anything can happen on the final day" Foden insists. Meanwhile, in France, Paris Saint-Germain clinched their fifth consecutive Ligue 1 title after defeating Lens 2-0 in a top-of-the-table clash, extending their domestic run. Across Italy, Inter Milan secured the domestic double for the first time since 2010 by triumphing in the Coppa Italia, cementing their authority in Italian soccer.

Managerial Merry-Go-Round & Club Futures

At Old Trafford, the interim situation may be nearing an end, as Manchester United executives are reportedly recommending Michael Carrick for the permanent managerial position, prompting talks to commence over his extended contract Man Utd prepares. However, the club is also being linked with potential high-profile signings, reportedly monitoring Federico Valverde and Ederson. The future at the Santiago Bernabéu is also being shaped, with Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez praising coaching candidate Jose Mourinho Perez praises Mourinho while coach Álvaro Arbeloa publicly backed Pérez following the announcement of club elections Arbeloa backs election. Elsewhere, Chelsea has begun contacting prospective coaches, listing Andoni Iraola and Xabi Alonso among the candidates Chelsea contacts prospects, though Alonso reportedly faces a dilemma weighing the Chelsea offer against a potential "dream" job at Liverpool Alonso weighs Chelsea.

Scottish & English Playoff Drama

The Scottish Premiership title race will be decided on the final day following an extremely dramatic finish in which Celtic secured a 3-2 victory over Motherwell via a controversial 100th-minute penalty, prompting Hearts manager Derek McInnes to rage at the "disgusting" award Hearts boss rages. Hearts, who had earlier defeated Falkirk Hearts win continues wait, stand only one point behind Celtic as they chase their first championship in 66 years Immortality beckons. In England's Championship playoffs, Southampton edged Middlesbrough 2-1 in extra time to reach the final against Hull City, though the Saints' participation remains clouded by the ongoing 'Spygate' investigation; if found guilty, they could face expulsion from the playoffs Southampton fate hangs. Hull City advanced after a clinical 2-0 aggregate victory over Millwall, whose season ended with defeat Hull sinks Millwall.

NWSL & International Soccer Developments

In the NWSL, the San Diego Wave ascended to the top spot in the latest power rankings, although the Washington Spirit maintained their upward momentum with a consistent run of victories. Ownership changes may be on the horizon for Racing Louisville FC, as sources indicate the club's group is exploring options for a partial sale. On the international stage, Mexico unveiled an unusual third alternate kit for the upcoming World Cup, a move facilitated by a recent FIFA rule change allowing teams to carry three uniforms Mexico unveils third kit. Argentina included 55 players in their preliminary World Cup squad, with superstar Lionel Messi confirmed among the selections Messi named preliminarily, though there was speculation about his international future years ago, potentially having represented Spain instead Messi's Argentina path.

Player Transfers, Performance, and League Governance

Reports suggest that RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande remains committed to the club despite awareness of interest from numerous European sides, including Liverpool Diomande aware of interest. Meanwhile, news concerning the USMNT is positive, as Christian Pulisic is expected to recover from a lower back ailment in time for AC Milan's next league match Pulisic injury update. In Major League Soccer, Lionel Messi remains the league's highest earner, drawing a substantial salary of $28M, more than double the compensation of the next highest player Messi tops MLS earners. On the governance front, the NCAA announced that the Division I men's soccer season will shift to a fall-spring split, with the national tournament moving to the spring starting in the 2027-28 academic year NCAA splits season.

Controversy, Discipline, and Youth Development

VAR remains a contentious issue, as exemplified by a recent decision where Howard Webb stated that while a ball did strike Benjamin Sesko's hand in a Manchester United game, VAR could not correctly disallow the goal due to insufficient evidence Webb critiques VAR call. In disciplinary news, Japan head coach Eddie Jones received a six-week ban and a salary docking for "verbal abuse" directed at officials during an U23 tour Japan coach disciplined, while Slavia Prague was fined 10m Czech crowns (£357,000) and ordered to play four games behind closed doors after their derby against Sparta Prague was abandoned Slavia Prague fined heavily. the FA Youth Cup final between Manchester United and Manchester City, which will be streamed by BBC Sport BBC streams Youth Cup, serves as a valuable indicator of future talent, with high hopes placed on Manchester United's JJ Gabriel Man Utd youth focus.