Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: May 18, 2026, 2:49 AM ET

WSL Season Wrap & Manchester City's Dominance

Manchester City won the Women's Super League title with ease after a dominant 2025-26 campaign, with Bunny Shaw scoring twice in a 2-0 victory over West Ham to seal the championship. City's January signings, Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi, proved decisive in the FA Cup final win over Chelsea, earning top player ratings on what was arguably the biggest day of the season. The comprehensive campaign saw City awarded an A-grade by ESPN, while Chelsea finished third despite a turbulent year that included the departure of two managers and a fanbase in open revolt. Arsenal and Chelsea battled for second place in the final-day drama, and the WSL's 2025-26 season delivered a compelling slate of stories around scheduling, spectacle, and star power, with former England goalkeeper Mary Earps also closing in on a return to the league after her exit from Paris St-Germain. Meanwhile, Sam Kerr bid farewell to Chelsea with a stunning winner in a 1-0 victory over Manchester United, adding emotional resonance to a title-deciding weekend.

Celtic Crowned Scottish Champions

Celtic clinched their fifth successive Scottish Premiership title in dramatic fashion, chasing Hearts for eight months, 32 games, and 2,880 on-field minutes before a 3-1 final-day victory sealed the crown. Martin O'Neill, who masterminded the title win after a career revival, said Celtic had given him "reasons to live" but remained uncertain whether he would stay beyond the season. The celebrations turned volatile, however, as riot police had to clear Glasgow streets after thousands of fans gathered, resulting in two seriously injured officers and 14 arrests. O'Neill insisted everybody wanted Hearts to win going into the decider, yet his side's relentless pursuit across the full campaign saw them time their run perfectly to catch Hearts by 48 hours. The triumph capped a remarkable season for the 74-year-old manager, who was enjoying retirement just months ago.

Premier League European Race & Relegation Drama

The Premier League's final weekend produced chaos on multiple fronts. Sunderland staged a second-half fightback to beat Everton 3-1, climbing to ninth and keeping faint European hopes alive. Brentford twice came from behind to rescue a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace, with Dango Ouattara making two crucial saves to keep their European dream intact. Brighton's hopes crashed after a late Dominic Calvert-Lewin strike gave Leeds a 1-0 win, while Fulham's 1-1 draw with already-relegated Wolves all but ended their European ambitions. The European scramble now involves nine teams fighting for four spots, and with the FA Cup win, Manchester City elevated their domestic trophy haul and strengthened their qualification position. In contrast, West Ham saw relegation fears deepen after a 3-1 loss at Newcastle, with Tottenham needing just a point from their final two matches to send the Hammers down. Roy Keane slammed West Ham for lacking intensity and desire, and Wayne Rooney warned that Salah's "selfish" criticism of Liverpool could warrant dropping him from the Anfield finale, a remark that drew Gary Neville's ire.

Man United's Emotional Farewell & Carrick's Future

Manchester United paid tribute to Casemiro in his final Old Trafford appearance against Nottingham Forest, the Brazilian turning his career around after a difficult first season. Bruno Fernandes tied the Premier League assist record with Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry in the 3-2 win, earning a 9/10 rating. Rasmus Højlund described his "weird" goodbye to United as emotional after confirming a permanent move to Napoli, while Gary Neville flagged replacing Casemiro as one of United's biggest summer challenges. Michael Carrick is in talks over a two-year permanent contract and has secured third place, with the job now his to shape. Meanwhile, Liverpool's 4-2 loss to Aston Villa left them sweating for Champions League qualification, with Jamie Carragher claiming the club has too many "weak" players after being "taken to the cleaners" on Friday Night Football.

Transfer Window & Managerial Moves

Chelsea moved swiftly to appoint Xabi Alonso on a four-year deal, with the former Real Madrid boss bringing tactical control to a club that had endured managerial upheaval. José Mourinho is pursuing a return to Real Madrid, with his agent Jorge Mendes already in contact with the Spanish giants, while Mourinho's unbeaten Benfica side missed out on the Champions League. Liverpool and Manchester United are both eyeing Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga, and José Mourinho is pushing for Manchester City's Rodri as a potential first signing at Real Madrid. Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers has attracted Chelsea interest, while Juventus are hoping to beat rivals to sign Manchester City's Bernardo Silva. Newcastle held firm on Anthony Gordon's valuation, and Barcelona met with Joao Pedro's agent over a potential move.

World Cup Preparations & Squad Announcements

Thomas Tuchel is set to name his England World Cup squad on Friday, with Ollie Watkins bouncing back into form after missing March friendlies and South Korea's Son Heung-min selected to captain his fourth World Cup. Romelu Lukaku has been included in Belgium's squad despite injury concerns, while Wilfried Zaha was omitted from Ivory Coast's World Cup party. Mallory Swanson returned to the field for the first time in over 18 months after giving birth, and early injury concerns loom for several key World Cup hopefuls. The tournament's official song, "Dai Dai," features Shakira and Burna Boy, and Shakira and Burna Boy have been confirmed as the official World Cup artists.