Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: May 27, 2026, 8:53 AM ET

WORLD CUP 2026 PREPARATIONS

The United States enters the World Cup with Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, and Weston McKennie leading a 26-man roster announced by Mauricio Pochettino, who also included Bournemouth's Tyler Adams and Fulham's Antonee Robinson. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente named a 26-man squad featuring Lamine Yamal but surprisingly omitted all Real Madrid players, while Colombia's James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz headlined their 26-player group following captain James's recovery from illness. Meanwhile, Argentina fans remain anxious after Lionel Messi appeared to injure his leg in Sunday's MLS match, though Messi downplayed concerns about his calf injury ahead of the tournament.

TRANSFER ACTIVITY & RUMORS

Barcelona have joined Bayern Munich in the race to sign Newcastle's Anthony Gordon, as Manchester United close in on Atalanta's Ederson and look to prioritize Elliot Anderson over Enzo Fernandez with the Nottingham Forest midfielder preferring a move to the Etihad Stadium. Juventus are eyeing a free transfer move for Mohamed Salah, while Arsenal target Villa's Morgan Rogers as Paris St-Germain prepare to rival Liverpool for Yan Diomande. The NWSL's business expansion continues to create tension between longtime fans and newcomers, with the league's awkward deals drawing criticism from hardcore supporters.

MANAGERIAL MOVES & CONTRACTUAL UPDATES

Manchester City's succession planning moved closer with ongoing talks for Enzo Maresca to succeed Pep Guardiola, whose farewell party saw Michael Jordan lead star tributes following his 10-year City tenure. Nuno Espirito Santo will remain West Ham manager despite relegation to the Championship, while Frank Lampard earned LMA manager of the year recognition for guiding Coventry back to the Premier League. Rangers completed the signing of Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland from Scottish Premiership rivals, with Graeme Shinnie departing Aberdeen to join Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

INJURY ASSESSMENTS & FITNESS UPDATES

Tottenham have conducted a major review addressing what they describe as "astronomical" injury problems, including an investigation into whether their retractable pitch contributes to ACL injuries. Crystal Palace's Chris Richards faces a Wednesday decision on his fitness for the UEFA Conference League final, while Kasper Schmeichel retires at 39 after the Celtic and Denmark goalkeeper couldn't recover from a serious shoulder injury. Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi was named in the Atlas Lions' World Cup squad despite sustaining an injury in the Champions League semi-finals.

RETIRements & LEADERSHIP CHANGES

Former Leicester and Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel announced retirement at, with former Sunderland striker Jamie Vardy also departing Cremonese. Northern Ireland's Michael O'Neill signs four-year extension to remain until 2032, while Northampton Town's Nicky Clark begins his managerial career at Queen of the South with his father Sandy as assistant. The League Managers Association reports over 200 managerial changes in a "hire and fire culture" that undermines the profession.