Football/Soccer 8 Hours

Last updated: May 21, 2026, 8:45 PM ET

Transfer & Managerial Moves

Chelsea have joined Arsenal in the race for Eli Junior Kroupi as the January window heats up, while Manchester United are targeting Sandro Tonali and Ederson, and West Ham are also in the mix for at least one of their own players rival for Kroupi. Separately, Michael Carrick says "clarity is around the corner" in his bid to become Manchester United's next permanent head coach Carrick seeks clarity, and Martin O'Neill kept the door open on extending his stay at Celtic by acknowledging there is still a place in football management for "older gentlemen" O'Neill coy on future. Meanwhile, Argentine coach Matías Almeyda has returned to Liga MX to manage Monterrey Almeyda returns to Mexico, and Jens Berthel Askou has departed Motherwell after one season to take charge at Toulouse Askou moves to Toulouse.

England Squad & World Cup Fallout

Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad selection has sparked debate after Phil Foden and Harry Maguire were both left out, with Maguire describing himself as "shocked and gutted" Maguire misses World Cup. The pair join Cole Palmer in failing to secure a number 10 role under Tuchel, with the BBC reporting that Palmer and Foden "lost the ruthless battle" for the position Palmer and Foden sidelined. Martin Odegaard, meanwhile, was named Norway's captain for this summer's tournament Odegaard captaining Norway. Across the Atlantic, USMNT defender Chris Richards suffered two torn ligaments in his ankle just five days before the U.S. roster is due, dealing a significant blow to the squad Richards tears ligaments.

European Titles & Celebrations

Cristiano Ronaldo won his first league title in Saudi Arabia, scoring twice as Al Nassr beat Damac 4-1 to clinch the Saudi Pro League crown three years after joining from Europe Ronaldo wins Saudi title. The victory capped a triumphant week for the Portuguese star, who was hailed as the kingdom's football poster boy after lifting the trophy Ronaldo's Saudi triumph. Back in England, Aston Villa were greeted by a sea of claret and blue as fans flooded Birmingham to celebrate the team's Europa League win Villa welcomed as heroes.

Scottish Football & Southampton Scandal

Partick Thistle and St Mirren headed into the second leg of their Premiership play-off final on level terms after a 1-1 draw at Firhill, with the BBC predicting the tie could be decided on penalties play-off balanced. Neil Lennon, preparing to face his former club, warned Celtic that "underdogs bite" ahead of Saturday's Scottish Cup final Lennon's warning. The fallout from Southampton's "Spygate" deepened as an independent panel ruled the spying was a "contrived and determined plan from the top down," with head coach Tonda Eckert accepting responsibility for authorizing the operation Eckert accepts blame. Southampton's Championship play-off expulsion left Middlesbrough reinstated, with boss Kim Hellberg calling it "the right thing done" Boro boss relieved. Questions now surround Eckert's future at the club Eckert's job in doubt, while the Scottish FA defended referee Don Robertson's decision to end the Celtic-Hearts title decider at Parkhead Scottish FA defends ref. Celtic's Martin O'Neill refused to condemn his own fans, saying allegations of assault by Hearts players "has not been proved" O'Neill deflects allegations.

Champions League & Final-Day Drama

Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembélé has vowed to be "100% fit" for the Champions League final against Arsenal Dembélé targets fitness, while AC Milan are relying on a masked Luka Modric to help power their push for a UCL spot Modric aids Milan push. In the Premier League, relegation looms for either Tottenham or West Ham, with betting expert Jones Knows predicting Moyes will save West Ham by sending Spurs down relegation predictions. Carlo Ancelotti has picked Neymar for Brazil's World Cup squad in what could be the striker's final shot at glory Ancelotti backs Neymar.