Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: June 3, 2026, 2:43 PM ET

WORLD CUP PREPARATIONS INTENSIFY AS SQUADS FINALIZE

Switzerland forward Breel Embolo applied for an urgent visa at the United States embassy in Bern on Wednesday, one day after being denied boarding the team's flight to the World Cup due to document issues, forcing the player to delay travel. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente expects Lamine Yamal to be fit for the team's World Cup opener, while Argentina's Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez confirmed his fitness for the national team's June 16 match against Algeria. England's Harry Kane has set his sights on the Ballon d'Or as captain of the Three Lions, who face Croatia, Ghana and Panama in Group D according to the tournament's official group guide.

MANAGERIAL TRANSITIONS AND COACHING CHANGES

Liverpool have begun talks with Andoni Iraola to succeed Arne Slot, who was fired after winning the title in a dramatic turn of events just one year after making the Reds Premier League champions again. The Bournemouth coach is expected to bring his "magic" to Anfield, where he will face a "completely different" challenge compared to his previous role. Marco Silva is set to take over at Benfica after confirming his exit from Fulham, while Lille appointed Davide Ancelotti as head coach, positioning him to assist his father Carlo at the World Cup in Qatar.

TRANSFER ACTIVITY ACCELERATES AHEAD OF SUMMER WINDOW

Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign midfielder Ederson from Atalanta, with sources confirming the transfer as the Red Devils continue rebuilding under new ownership. The player joins a squad where Marcus Rashford's future remains uncertain with Barcelona reportedly interested in the forward. Chelsea have signed Katie McCabe from Arsenal on a free transfer while rejecting multiple approaches for Josh Acheampong, who the club considers among their 'untouchables'. Real Madrid are eyeing a move for Marc Cucurella alongside interest in Julián Álvarez from Atlético Madrid, according to Tuesday's transfer gossip.

PLAYER FITNESS AND INTERNATIONAL DUTIES

Lionel Messi trained solo in Argentina's first practice session during the United States as he continues recovering from a hamstring problem, while Scotland's Craig Gordon will be the oldest player at the World Cup despite not receiving the number one shirt. Wales forward Lewis Koumas scored his maiden international goal in a 1-1 draw against Ghana, with captain Gareth Bale's future uncertain as Craig Bellamy commits to the Dragons. The Scotland squad numbers have been revealed with Ben White assigned the number one jersey, and players confirm they have not discussed boycotting Israel in upcoming qualifiers.

WOMEN'S FOOTBALL AND NWSL DEVELOPMENTS

Audi Field in Washington, D.C. will host the 2026 NWSL Championship on November 21, the league announced Wednesday. Aston Villa's top scorer Kirsty Hanson is set to join Tottenham following an impressive Women's Super League season, while Chelsea prepare for an active transfer window with multiple targets identified. The Utah Royals maintain their NWSL Power Rankings lead despite Portland Thorns struggling to keep pace with the league's top teams.

HEALTH AND CONTROVERSY UPDATES

Sir Kenny Dalglish has revealed he is undergoing cancer treatment, while FIFA faces a lawsuit over a Dallas mural with an artist claiming $25 million after the federation painted over the artwork without consent. Southampton's Spygate scandal continues to unfold with WhatsApp messages revealing how the club orchestrated a spying campaign against Championship rivals, though the owner vows not to sack the coach. The delayed offside flag may become obsolete with FIFA introducing new technology for the World Cup.

YOUNG PLAYERS AND FUTURE STARS

ESPN ranks the 21 best U21 players who could impact the 2026 World Cup, with more than 200 UK-based players heading to the tournament. Wales defender Stephen Welsh is expected to leave Parkhead in the Scottish transfer market, while Celtic considers Martin O'Neill and Robbie Keane as potential managerial candidates amid their search for a successor. The Scottish Premiership transfer window opens June 15 with several confirmed deals already completed across the league.

EUROPEAN COMPETITIONS AND STRUCTURE

The new World Cup substitution rule benefits Japan after they scored while opponents Iceland had only 10 players on the pitch. Group H features Spain as favorites against Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, while Group I includes 2022 runners-up France facing Senegal, Iraq and Norway. Group F sees the Netherlands begin against Japan before meeting Sweden and Tunisia, with three-time runners-up seeking redemption. The World Cup's new rules include VAR for corners and other innovations explained by the International Football Association Board.