Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: June 4, 2026, 11:46 AM ET

WORLD CUP PREPARATIONS & SQUADS

The expanded 48-team World Cup promises to rewrite records this summer in North America, with squad rankings now finalized for all participating nations. Japan benefited from new substitution rules during pre-tournament preparation, scoring while opponents Iceland had only 10 players on the pitch due to time-limited substitutions implemented by IFAB. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente expects Lamine Yamal to be fit for their opener after the 18-year-old dismissed Messi comparisons, while Argentina's Emiliano Martínez assures fans he will recover from a finger injury in time for their June 16 match against Algeria. Uzbekistan named Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov in their World Cup squad, led by former World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro.

INTERNATIONAL MATCHES & RIVALRIES

England reignite their rivalry with Spain in a crucial World Cup qualifier with Lauren James fit to play after recovering from injury. The Lionesses battle for a World Cup 2027 spot as Jordan Henderson urges players to acclimatize to Florida's intense heat, which mirrors conditions expected at this summer's tournament. Wales salvaged a 1-1 draw with World Cup-bound Ghana through Lewis Koumas' first international goal, while Scotland prepare to return to World Cup action after years of absence, though fans have noted a "notable absence" of LGBTQ supporters from the games in America.

TRANSFER NEWS & MANAGERIAL CHANGES

Manchester City threaten legal action after Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme promised to sign Erling Haaland if elected, with the club dismissing the suggestion that their striker will move to Spain. The transfer market continues to heat up with Tottenham expected to increase their offer for Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke after an initial £70m bid was rejected, while AC Milan compete with Premier League sides for West Ham's Crysencio Summerville. In managerial changes, Marco Silva set to take over at Benfica after his Fulham exit was confirmed, while Celtic hold talks with potential candidates for their managerial vacancy following Stephen Welsh's potential departure.

INJURIES & FITNESS CONCERNS

Brazil's hopes have been dealt a blow as Neymar will not travel with the squad for their final pre-World Cup friendly against Egypt, raising concerns about his fitness for the tournament. Similarly, Ella Toone revealed she learned a "massive lesson" from her recent hip injury setback as she prepares to return to action for England. Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate opened up on depression following the deaths of teammate Diogo Jota and his father, while Argentina star Lionel Messi trained on his own during the team's first US practice session as he continues recovering from a hamstring