FOOTBALL

Iniesta Begins Coaching Career With Gulf United

Andres Iniesta, Gulf United, Barcelona
1 June 2026

Andres Iniesta has taken his first coaching role with Gulf United in the UAE’s second tier. The Barcelona legend has completed his A coaching licence and will gain practical experience while studying for his Pro licence.

Iniesta said Gulf United offers the right place to begin a new chapter focused on youth development. The move starts his coaching pathway after a trophy-filled playing career and could eventually lead toward a Barcelona return.

Cremaschi Set for Permanent Parma Stay After Buy Option Trigger

Benjamin Cremaschi, Parma, Inter Miami
1 June 2026

Benjamin Cremaschi is reportedly set to make his Parma move permanent after the Serie A club activated a buy option worth just under $5 million. The midfielder had joined on loan from Inter Miami in 2025.

Cremaschi made only nine appearances before a meniscus injury ended his season, but Parma still decided to keep him. The move frees roster space for Inter Miami after their midfield was reshaped by Rodrigo De Paul’s arrival.

Keane Holds Celtic Talks as O’Neill Decision Nears

Robbie Keane, Celtic, Martin O’Neill
1 June 2026

Robbie Keane has held formal talks with Celtic over becoming their next manager. The former Liverpool striker has pitched a long-term project while the club decide whether to move on from Martin O’Neill.

Keane met Celtic officials in London and wants to add former club figures to his staff if appointed. O’Neill steadied the side and won the title, but his long-term future remains under discussion.

Scotland Hand Rangers Teenagers Late World Cup Qualifier Call-Ups

Laura Berry, Mia McAulay, Scotland, Rangers
1 June 2026

Rangers teenagers Laura Berry and Mia McAulay were called into Scotland’s squad for Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Israel. They replace Sophie Howard and Freya Gregory after both players withdrew from Melissa Andreatta’s group before the double-header.

The call-ups come just after Rangers lost the Women’s Scottish Cup final to Celtic. Scotland lead Group B4 on goal difference from Belgium, with the top three still moving into play-offs for the 2027 World Cup.

Abdulhamid Stands Alone as Saudi Arabia’s Only Overseas Pick

Saud Abdulhamid, Saudi Arabia, Georgios Donis
1 June 2026

Saud Abdulhamid was named as the only overseas-based player in Saudi Arabia’s World Cup squad for this summer’s tournament. The Roma defender spent last season on loan at Lens, while Salem Al Dawsari will captain the group.

Georgios Donis selected the rest of his squad from Saudi Pro League clubs, leaning heavily on Al Hilal, Al Nassr and Al Qadsiah players. Saudi Arabia open against Uruguay before facing Spain and Cape Verde.

Palace Turn to Sage Talks After Iraola Slips Toward Liverpool

Pierre Sage, Crystal Palace, Andoni Iraola, Oliver Glasner
1 June 2026

Crystal Palace are expected to hold talks with Lens boss Pierre Sage as they search for Oliver Glasner’s replacement. Their pursuit shifted after Andoni Iraola moved closer to the Liverpool job following Arne Slot’s dismissal.

Sage led Lens to second in Ligue 1 and a Coupe de France win, making him one of Palace’s stronger options. Frank Lampard, Kieran McKenna, Dino Toppmoller, Thomas Frank and Sean Dyche are also being assessed.

Caicedo and Hincapie Lead Ecuador World Cup Squad

Ecuador, Moises Caicedo, Piero Hincapie, Enner Valencia
1 June 2026

Ecuador named their World Cup squad with Moises Caicedo, Piero Hincapie and Enner Valencia included among the headline names. Sunderland forward Nilson Angulo also made the group and is set for his first appearance at the tournament.

Valencia captains the squad as Ecuador’s all-time leading scorer, while Kendry Paez and Pervis Estupinan add further high-profile names. Ecuador open Group E against Ivory Coast before facing Curacao and Germany later in June group play.

United Step Up Fernandes Talks as West Ham Rebuild Looms

Mateus Fernandes, Manchester United, West Ham United
1 June 2026

Manchester United have reportedly accelerated talks for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes as they plan a midfield rebuild after returning to the Champions League. Arsenal, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Inter, Juventus and Napoli are also monitoring the 21-year-old.

West Ham’s relegation has increased the chances of a sale, even though Fernandes is under contract until 2030 and has no release clause. United see him as a long-term option beside Bruno Fernandes and are trying to move early.

Ochoa Chases Sixth World Cup After Mexico Squad Call

Guillermo Ochoa, Mexico, Javier Aguirre
1 June 2026

Guillermo Ochoa was named in Mexico’s World Cup squad and could play at a record sixth tournament this summer for the co-hosts. The 40-year-old joins Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo among players selected for six World Cups.

Javier Aguirre also included Raul Jimenez, Edson Alvarez, Gilberto Mora and Armando Gonzalez for the co-hosts. Mexico face South Africa in the opener at Estadio Azteca before group matches against South Korea and Czech Republic.

Azteca Seat Holders Force FIFA Into World Cup Ticket Climbdown

FIFA, Estadio Azteca, AMTPP, Mexico
1 June 2026

Around 14,000 Estadio Azteca seat holders are set to attend World Cup matches for free after defending historic access rights. Their association says FIFA and stadium operator Ollamani must honour agreements dating back to the 1960s.

The dispute centres on box and grandstand seats sold before the stadium opened, with access guaranteed until 2065. Legal action preserved those rights before the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, leaving FIFA with limited room to manoeuvre.