Thomas Tuchel, England, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Harry Maguire
21 May 2026

Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Harry Maguire are set to miss England’s 26-man World Cup squad, with Thomas Tuchel leaning on form and balance before Friday’s announcement. Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins and Kobbie Mainoo are expected to make the cut.

Maguire said he was shocked and gutted, while Foden and Palmer paid for uneven club seasons. Tuchel is expected to choose fresh attacking options, defensive flexibility and penalty depth before England start their World Cup campaign against Croatia on 17 June.

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 before the summer campaign.

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 signals a blend 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 final group after an injury issue.

Norway announced the squad 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 demanding World Cup group that leaves little room for errors.

Thomas Tuchel, England, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Harry Maguire
21 May 2026

Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Harry Maguire are set to miss England’s 26-man World Cup squad, with Thomas Tuchel leaning on form and balance before Friday’s announcement. Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins and Kobbie Mainoo are expected to make the cut.

Maguire reacted by saying he was shocked and gutted, while Foden and Palmer paid for uneven club seasons. Tuchel is expected to choose fresh attacking options, defensive versatility and penalty depth before England open against Croatia on 17 June.

FIFA, Gianni Infantino, CONMEBOL
21 May 2026

FIFA is reportedly considering a proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to 66 teams, just as the 2026 tournament prepares to debut its 48-team format. The idea has gained fresh attention inside football’s governing circles.

CONMEBOL previously pushed the concept to widen access, and FIFA officials are said to be discussing whether a larger event fits the tournament’s global direction. Supporters see more opportunity, while critics will question format and quality.

Sadio Mané, Senegal, Pape Thiaw
21 May 2026

Sadio Mané was named in Senegal’s provisional World Cup squad after missing the 2022 tournament through injury. Pape Thiaw selected a 28-man group, which must be trimmed to 26 before the final FIFA deadline on 2 June.

Mané joins Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr in attack, while Idrissa Gueye, Habib Diarra and Pape Matar Sarr strengthen midfield. Senegal will face France, Norway and Iraq in the group stage this summer.

Luis Enrique, PSG, Arsenal
Ahead of 30 May 2026

Luis Enrique praised Arsenal as the world’s best team without the ball before PSG face them in the Champions League final. The PSG manager warned his players that Arsenal can create scoring chances quickly through pressure.

Enrique said Mikel Arteta’s side deserve respect after winning the Premier League and reaching Budapest. PSG are preparing for a tactical test against a team that can defend aggressively and still attack with numbers.

DR Congo, FIFA, World Cup
20 May 2026

DR Congo cancelled their pre-World Cup training camp after an Ebola outbreak disrupted tournament preparations. FIFA is monitoring the situation as the team adjust their build-up before travelling for this summer’s competition.

The cancellation affects squad planning, medical arrangements and warm-up preparation before the World Cup. Officials will now need to manage player safety, travel logistics and public health guidance while keeping the national team ready for the tournament.

Partick Thistle, St Mirren
Ahead of 21 May 2026

Partick Thistle and St Mirren are preparing for a two-legged Scottish Premiership play-off final, with promotion and survival at stake. Thistle are chasing a top-flight return, while St Mirren are trying to avoid relegation.

The first leg will be played at Firhill before the return match at SMISA Stadium on 25 May. Thistle reached the final after beating Dunfermline, while St Mirren fell into the play-off after a poor league finish.

Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Brighton
20 May 2026

Aston Villa’s Europa League triumph kept alive the Premier League’s chance of sending six clubs into next season’s Champions League. Bournemouth and Brighton could still benefit if Villa finish fifth after already qualifying as Europa League winners.

If Villa lose to Manchester City and Liverpool beat Brentford, Villa would finish fifth and use their Europa League winner route. The extra European Performance Spot would then move to sixth place, helping Bournemouth or Brighton.