Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: June 4, 2026, 8:48 PM ET

World Cup Preparations

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be the most ambitious tournament in history, with 48 teams ranked by ESPN Soccer as the final squad selections were confirmed. The event will pose unprecedented security challenges according to Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House, who described it as "unprecedented" due to its size and scope. Switzerland striker Breel Embolo finally received his US visa after a two-day delay, allowing him to join his national team in the United States. Meanwhile, Colombian pop star Shakira will perform at the competition's opening ceremony in Mexico with her official World Cup song. Japan has changed practice venues in Monterrey after players encountered an uneven pitch at their original training ground, while ticket prices have soared into four to six figures on FIFA's resale marketplace, with dozens of Scotland tickets already appearing on third-party sites.

Managerial Changes

Portuguese powerhouse Benfica are set to replace José Mourinho with Marco Silva as head coach after reaching an agreement with the former Everton manager. Real Madrid presidential candidate Florentino Pérez promised a $174M Galactico bid if elected, while his club would face paying Benfica €15 million to sign Mourinho if he returns. At Anfield, Liverpool have confirmed the appointment of Andoni Iraola as their new head coach after Arne Slot's sudden departure, with the Basque coach signing a two-year contract amid questions about the short-term deal. The appointment has prompted concerns about his ability to step up at a "big-six" club, with reports suggesting he faces a "completely different" challenge at Liverpool compared to his previous success on the south coast. In Scotland, dozens of Celtic supporters clubs have opposed the potential appointment of Robbie Keane as manager over his previous role with Maccabi Tel Aviv, while St Mirn have opted to keep Craig McLeish as head coach after retaining their Scottish Premiership status.

Transfer News

Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada has stated the club will not bow to pressure and overpay in the summer transfer window, hinting they will again target players with Premier League experience after signing Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. Liverpool have made contact with RB Leipzig over the potential signing of winger Yan Diomande, who has expressed admiration for Paris Saint-Germain, saying it would be "a pleasure" to play in France. Brighton are expecting a second bid from Tottenham after rejecting an initial £70m offer for Netherlands defender Jan Paul van Hecke, with Spurs in talks with Brighton over the transfer. Manchester City are considering legal action after Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme promised to sign Erling Haaland if elected, with City threatening to take legal steps over what they consider an inappropriate approach. In women's football, Aston Villa forward Kirsty Hanson is set to join Tottenham following an impressive season in the Women's Super League, while Hearts have defended their decision to allow Rangers-bound striker Lawrence Shankland a break clause.

International Football

Warm-up matches provided intriguing previews of World Cup form, with Manchester United forward Amad scoring a late winner to give Ivory Coast a shock 2-1 victory over a much-changed France in Nantes. Spain, missing Lamine Yamal, were left frustrated in their first World Cup warm-up match as they labored to a 1-1 draw with Iraq at the Estadio de Riazor. Northern Ireland, fielding a record youthful side, showed resilience beyond their years in a 1-0 friendly win over Guinea in Spain, with manager Michael O'Neill praising the team's character after Tom Atcheson's red card "killed the game". England reignited their rivalry with Spain in a World Cup qualifier with Lauren James fit to play after recovering from injury. Scotland's World Cup preparations continue with Craig Gordon set to be the oldest player at the tournament this summer, while Jordan's Rennes forward Mousa Al-Tamari features in their final 26-man squad for their World Cup debut. In squad news, England's squad numbers for the World Cup have been announced with Harry Kane setting his sights on the Ballon d'Or while hoping to help England to World Cup glory.

Other Football Developments

France head coach Didier Deschamps has eased fears surrounding the fitness of centre-back William Saliba ahead of the FIFA World Cup, while Spain coach Luis de la Fuente expects Lamine Yamal to be fit for their World Cup opener. Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has revealed his depression after the deaths of team-mate Diogo Jota and his father during his final season at the club. In boxing, Chris Billam-Smith faces Ryan Rozicki in a must-win cruiserweight showdown in Bournemouth, with Billam-Smith feeling the pressure of a hometown return. The Women's Super League continues to attract Europe's best players according to England defender Lucy Bronze, who says it has "the edge" to improve each year. As the international break approaches, Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott is poised to make his England debut in the forthcoming World Cup warm-up games in the United States.