Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: May 25, 2026, 5:44 PM ET

Serie A Turmoil & World Cup Shake-ups

AC Milan executed a dramatic housecleaning Monday, sacking coach Massimiliano Allegri and CEO Giorgio Furlani after the club labeled its season an "unequivocal failure" by missing the Champions League. Contradicting the purge, Zlatan Ibrahimovic retained his role as special adviser, signaling the club legend’s enduring influence. The fallout directly impacts Christian Pulisic’s future, with the U.S. star’s uncertain status emblematic of the overhaul at San Siro. Meanwhile, an improbable Serie A finale saw Cesc Fabregas’ Como clinch a stunning Champions League berth, while AC Milan’s collapse at home sealed their Europa League absence and intensified the scrutiny on the Rossoneri hierarchy.

European World Cup Squads & Injury Concerns

Spain’s World Cup squad announcement delivered a major surprise: no Real Madrid players were selected, a first in decades, with Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal earning a call-up despite injury concerns. In South America, Colombia’s James Rodriguez headlined a veteran-laden 26-man roster, joining Luis Diaz as a key figure for the Cafeteros. Injury anxiety also gripped World Cup hopefuls, as Lionel Messi limped off in Inter Miami’s 6-4 win, grabbing his left thigh—a sight that sent shivers through Argentina’s camp. Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies was included in Canada’s pre-tournament camp despite his own fitness doubts, while USMNT analysts debated historical snubs as Mauricio Pochettino finalizes his roster.

Premier League Finale: Arsenal Glory & Spurs Survival

Arsenal ended a 22-year title drought with a 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace, sparking euphoric scenes as Mikel Arteta’s side lifted the trophy. The triumph was built on a defensive masterclass, with the Gunners recording the best defensive record in Premier League history. In stark contrast, Tottenham survived a relegation scrap on the final day, a "miserable" season littered with errors that Spurs chairman Peter Charrington admitted was "not driven by football success." The dramatic escape came at the expense of West Ham, whose 14-year top-flight tenure ended, triggering immediate speculation about star exits and a managerial change as Nuno Espirito Santo met with hierarchy. Liverpool, meanwhile, secured Champions League qualification on the final day, marking a transition period after the farewell of legends Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.

Managerial Carousel & Club Transitions

The managerial merry-go-round accelerated as Antonio Conte confirmed his Napoli exit, stepping down a year after winning Serie A. At Everton, Phil Neville’s tenure ended by mutual consent after a difficult two-and-a-half years at Portland Timbers, while Neville’s struggles were mirrored in MLS as the Timbers continued their woes. In the Championship, Notts County’s promotion was sealed with a 3-0 Wembley win over Salford, a fairytale rise for the former Premier League side. The playoff final also saw David Beckham’s Salford miss out, adding another chapter to his ownership journey. In Germany, Harry Kane’s hat trick powered Bayern Munich to a 3-0 German Cup final win, securing a domestic double in his debut season.

Transfer Rumors & Summer Speculation

The summer window opened with Manchester United targeting West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes and Atalanta’s Éderson as they look to rebuild. Chelsea’s failure to qualify for Europe has sparked major squad doubts, though former striker Wayne Rooney argued it could make them "a real threat" domestically. At Milan, Zlatan’s survival provides stability, but the club’s transfer plans will be aggressive after the Champions League miss. Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, are poised for a busy summer with key players like Mohamed Salah departing, while Arsenal’s owner Stan Kroenke lifted the lid on potential incomings. In women’s soccer, Khadija Shaw signed a new four-year City deal just days after exit rumors, and Mallory Swanson scored her first goal since maternity leave for Chicago.

World Cup Logistics & Off-Field Drama

Mexico agreed to host Iran’s World Cup training camp after the U.S. withdrew, a decision President Claudia Sheinbaum said she had "no issue" with despite geopolitical tensions. The tournament’s buildup also included controversy over Spain’s squad, which featured injured Lamine Yamal but omitted all Real Madrid players, a move coach Luis de la Fuente defended. Meanwhile, USMNT analysts debated historical snubs as Pochettino’s final roster looms. Off the field, Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was involved in a heated altercation at a basketball game, and a rare Cristiano Ronaldo trading card sold for $1.35 million, highlighting the enduring market for football memorabilia.