Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: May 21, 2026, 11:50 PM ET

European Trophies and Title Races

Aston Villa capped a remarkable season with a dominant 3-0 victory over SC Freiburg in Istanbul to claim their first trophy in 30 years, with midfielder Morgan Rogers named Europa League Player of the Season for his contributions throughout the campaign won Europa League. Emiliano Martinez revealed he broke his finger during warm-ups for the final but played through the pain, cementing his status as one of the tournament's most resilient performers broke finger. The triumph keeps alive the Premier League's slim hopes of securing a sixth Champions League spot next season, as Villa's qualification could push English representatives to historic levels kept English hopes alive. Meanwhile, Arsenal's Premier League title was confirmed with Mikel Arteta admitting he did not watch the decisive match because he was barbecuing in his garden, while his son cried with joy upon learning the result Arteta didn't watch title clincher. Players celebrated into the early hours at the Emirates, and Paul Merson credited Arteta's work for transforming a squad that had finished second three consecutive seasons celebrated at 5am.

England World Cup Squad Dilemmas

Thomas Tuchel is set to name his 26-man England squad on Friday, but several high-profile omissions have already been confirmed. Harry Maguire described himself as "shocked and gutted" to miss out on his fourth World Cup, while Chelsea's Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill are also set to be left out alongside Phil Foden, who two years ago was regarded as England's future Maguire shocked to miss WC. The dual absence of Foden and Palmer reflects a fierce internal battle for the number 10 role that Tuchel appears to have resolved in favor of other options lost Tuchel's battle for number 10. In contrast, 40-year-old Manuel Neuer has reversed his retirement to become Germany's first-choice goalkeeper for the tournament, with manager Julian Nagelsmann confirming the veteran earned his place Neuer comes out of retirement. Sadio Mane has been included in Senegal's 28-man squad, while Mohamed Salah is set to captain Egypt Mane in Senegal squad. Neymar made Brazil's World Cup squad despite a calf injury that sidelined him for Santos' recent matches, and he has publicly admitted to crying for hours after learning the news Neymar in Brazil squad.

Saudi Pro League and Emerging Markets

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Al Nassr defeated Damac 4-1 to claim his first Saudi Pro League title since joining the league in January 2023, fulfilling what head coach Jorge Jesus described as the sole reason for taking the job Ronaldo wins first Saudi title. Ronaldo's triumph makes him Saudi Arabia's undisputed football poster boy and adds a major trophy to his collection in the league. The victory also positions Al Nassr's campaign as a blueprint for the domestic game's commercial ambitions. Elsewhere, Matías Almeyda has returned to Liga MX as Monterrey's new coach, signaling continued investment in the region's football infrastructure Almeyda back managing Monterrey.

Southampton Spygate Fallout

Southampton's "contrived and determined" spying operation on three Championship rivals has triggered a cascade of consequences. The club's appeal against expulsion from the play-off final was dismissed, paving the way for Middlesbrough to face Hull City in the Championship showpiece lost appeal over expulsion. Head coach Tonda Eckert accepted responsibility for authorizing the scheme, which the EFL described as "deplorable" and a plan executed from the top down Eckert accepts responsibility. The FA has launched its own investigation into the club's conduct, and Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg called the past fortnight "weird and crazy" after his side's reinstatement FA launches investigation. Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic complained that the EFL's decision to switch play-off opponents left his preparations in limbo, while Boro's Kim Hellberg expressed relief that the "right thing" was done Hull collateral damage.

Relegation and Survival Battles

Tottenham face a final-day showdown for Premier League survival, with Roberto de Zerbi calling Sunday's match against Everton a bigger game than last season's Europa League final Spurs' dignity on line. Betting expert Jones Knows predicts West Ham will escape the drop while Spurs are relegated, citing Moyes' ability to keep his squad together under pressure Moyes to save West Ham. Middlesbrough's reinstatement for the Championship play-off final came after Southampton's expulsion, leaving the Boro faithful "in a dream" ahead of their Wembley trip Boro fans gear up for Wembley. In Scotland, Partick Thistle and St Mirren are locked at 1-1 from the first leg of their Premiership play-off final, with the second leg poised to go to penalties play-off in balance.

USMNT Injury Concerns

Chris Richards has suffered two torn ligaments in his ankle but is expected to be fit for the World Cup in three weeks, offering a measure of relief for the USMNT defense Richards tears ankle ligaments. ESPN's Player Performance Index has ranked the top 50 American players by club form heading into squad selection, providing a data-driven framework for Tuchel's World Cup picks top 50 USMNT players ranked. Meanwhile, Tanner Tessmann could leave Lyon this summer if the right offer arrives, with teams in Germany, Italy, and MLS monitoring his situation Lyon taking offers for Tessmann.

Scottish Cup Final and Domestic Tensions

Neil Lennon has warned former club Celtic that "underdogs bite" as his Dunfermline Athletic side prepare to cause an upset in Saturday's Scottish Cup final Lennon warns Celtic. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has refused to condemn Hearts fans following a pitch invasion at Parkhead, stating that allegations of player assault "has not been proved" assault claims not proven. The Scottish FA backed referee Don Robertson's decision to end the Hearts-Celtic title decider, while Steve Clarke praised the Tartan Army as the "acceptable face" of Scottish supporters despite separate pitch invasions at club level referee took correct action. Hearts duo James Wilson and Liam McFarlane, along with Dundee defender Luke Graham and Manchester United midfielder Tyler Fletcher, have been called up for Scotland's pre-World Cup training camp Scotland call up young quartet.