Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Crystal Palace
24 May 2026

Arsenal lifted the Premier League trophy after beating Crystal Palace 2-1 on the final day, ending a 22-year wait for the title. Mikel Arteta’s side now turn toward the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Arteta said the title changes what the Arsenal shirt represents and raises expectations for more trophies. The club are also preparing contract talks with him and further summer backing after last year’s heavy squad investment.

Leicester City, Charlton Athletic, Rick Passmoor
24 May 2026

Leicester City’s five-year stay in the Women’s Super League is over after a penalty shootout defeat to Charlton Athletic in the relegation play-off. The result completes a bleak season for the club’s women’s side.

Leicester finished bottom of the WSL with just two wins and a heavy negative goal difference before losing their final lifeline. The drop brings questions over budgets, contracts, King Power Stadium use and Rick Passmoor’s future.

Notts County, Salford City, Martin Paterson, Karl Robinson
Ahead of 25 May 2026

Notts County and Salford City will meet in the League Two play-off final at Wembley, with both clubs chasing promotion to League One. Only one place and one point separated them in the regular-season table.

Salford are trying to reach the third tier for the first time under their high-profile ownership group, while Notts are chasing a return after 11 years. Both arrive with clear history, pressure and promotion stakes.

Girona, Mallorca, Elche, Real Oviedo
23 May 2026

Girona were relegated from La Liga after a 1-1 draw with Elche left them short of safety, only two years after finishing third. Mallorca also went down despite beating Real Oviedo 3-0 on the final day.

Mallorca finished level on points with Osasuna and Levante but dropped because of the head-to-head tiebreaker. Celta Vigo secured Europa League qualification, while Getafe took the Conference League spot after beating Osasuna.

Iran, FIFA, Mehdi Taj
24 May 2026

Iran will move their World Cup training base from Tucson to Tijuana after FIFA approved the late switch. Federation president Mehdi Taj said the new Mexico base better suits security, logistics and visa concerns before group matches.

Iran will still play scheduled games in California and Seattle, but the team now plans to prepare across the border. The move follows months of tension over visas, security arrangements and concerns linked to the U.S.-Iran conflict.

Kamal Miller, Theo Bair, Canada, Jesse Marsch
24 May 2026

Kamal Miller and Theo Bair have reportedly been told they will not make Canada’s World Cup squad. The decision removes two bubble players, including Miller, who started all three of Canada’s matches at the 2022 tournament.

Bair’s injury-hit second half of the season weakened his case, while Miller’s lack of pace became a concern in Canada’s high-line system. Their omissions may point to better fitness news for Promise David, Alfie Jones or Moise Bombito.

Stockport County, Bolton Wanderers, Dave Challinor, Steven Schumacher
Ahead of 24 May 2026

Stockport County and Bolton Wanderers are set to meet in the League One play-off final, with both clubs chasing a return to the Championship. Dave Challinor is aiming to complete Stockport’s long climb back from non-league football.

Stockport enter with recent Wembley experience after their Vertu Trophy final defeat, while Bolton are trying to erase last season’s play-off final pain. Bolton will be without captain Eoin Toal after a significant hamstring tear.

Gio Reyna, Diego Luna, USMNT, Mauricio Pochettino
23 May 2026

Gio Reyna has reportedly been selected for the USMNT World Cup squad, while Diego Luna was told he will miss out. Brenden Aaronson, Mark McKenzie, Matt Turner and Sebastian Berhalter are also said to have made the roster.

Reyna’s call-up comes despite limited club minutes, with Mauricio Pochettino treating him as a special situation because of his attacking quality. Luna’s omission is notable after his strong 2025 role and recent return from a muscle issue.

Germany, Manuel Neuer, Kai Havertz, Serge Gnabry
21 May 2026

Germany named their World Cup squad with Manuel Neuer returning from international retirement as first-choice goalkeeper. Kai Havertz was included, while Serge Gnabry missed out as Julian Nagelsmann settled his final tournament group.

Neuer’s return gives Germany an experienced No. 1 for the summer, while the attacking selection leaves no room for Gnabry. Nagelsmann’s squad choice points to a mix of senior reliability and current form before the tournament starts.

Martin Odegaard, Norway, Erling Haaland
21 May 2026

Martin Odegaard was named captain of Norway’s 26-man World Cup squad, with Erling Haaland, Alexander Sorloth and Jorgen Strand Larsen included in attack. Uncapped goalkeeper Sander Tangvik also made the squad after an injury issue.

Norway announced the group through a pre-recorded video from the King of Norway. They open against Iraq in Boston on 16 June before facing Senegal and France in a tough World Cup group with little room for mistakes.