Luis Suárez, Marcelo Bielsa, Uruguay
31 May 2026

Luis Suárez was left out of Uruguay’s World Cup squad despite scoring regularly for Inter Miami this season. Marcelo Bielsa selected Darwin Núñez and Rodrigo Aguirre among his forwards, leaving out the country’s record scorer.

Suárez has not played for Uruguay since 2024, and Bielsa chose to move forward without his 143-cap veteran. Fernando Muslera made the squad, while Nahitan Nández was another notable omission from the final group.

Dario Vidosic, Brighton, Manchester City
Ahead of 31 May 2026

Brighton will face Manchester City in the Women’s FA Cup final while chasing their first major trophy. The match carries extra emotion for manager Dario Vidosic after the death of his father and club coaching figure Rado Vidosic.

Brighton reached Wembley after a strong finish under Vidosic, who returned from compassionate leave in February. Fran Kirby, Chiamaka Nnadozie and Kiko Seike have helped raise standards, while City arrive as WSL champions chasing a domestic Double.

Josh O’Dwyer, Republic of Ireland, Shamrock Rovers
30 May 2026

Josh O’Dwyer was added to the Republic of Ireland squad as a training player for the friendly against Canada in Montreal. The 16-year-old joins fellow first-time call-ups Matt Healy and Kian Leavy in the senior setup.

The Shamrock Rovers teenager will gain experience with Heimir Hallgrimsson’s squad before joining Ireland’s under-17s next week. Mark Travers, Conor Coventry and Dawson Devoy have also joined the travelling group for the Canada match.

Tim Ream, USMNT, Mauricio Pochettino
30 May 2026

Tim Ream was named USMNT captain for the World Cup by Mauricio Pochettino. The 38-year-old defender is set to become the oldest player to represent the United States at a men’s World Cup.

Pochettino said Ream’s leadership off the pitch was as important as his role on it. Tyler Adams and Christian Pulisic remain senior voices, but Ream will wear the armband as the United States opens against Paraguay.

Emily Cassap, Northern Ireland, Michael McArdle
29 May 2026

Emily Cassap received her first senior Northern Ireland call-up for World Cup qualifiers against Turkey and Switzerland. The Sunderland player changed allegiance earlier this year after previously representing England at youth level.

Cassap is one of five squad changes, with Fi Morgan, Mia Moore, Maddy Harvey-Clifford and Kelsie Burrows also included. Injuries to Caragh Hamilton and Laura Rafferty opened room as Northern Ireland continue their transition.

Cristian Volpato, Australia, Italy, Sassuolo
29 May 2026

Cristian Volpato is switching international allegiance from Italy to Australia before the Socceroos name their World Cup squad. The Sassuolo midfielder has joined the preliminary camp while Football Australia waits for FIFA approval.

Volpato previously turned down Australia before the 2022 World Cup because he felt the decision was too early. With Italy missing another tournament, he has now accepted Tony Popovic’s approach and entered the squad race.

Franco Mastantuono, Argentina, Real Madrid
28 May 2026

Franco Mastantuono is at risk of missing Argentina’s final World Cup squad despite reporting to camp in strong physical condition. The Real Madrid teenager could be left out because of tactical choices rather than injury concerns.

Lionel Scaloni said final decisions will depend on performance and condition before the squad deadline. Mastantuono’s hopes may hinge on fitness checks for Nahuel Molina, Nico Gonzalez and Gonzalo Montiel, who could open late roster space.

Spain, Luis de la Fuente, Real Madrid, Lamine Yamal
25 May 2026

Spain named their 26-man World Cup squad without a single Real Madrid player for the first time in the country’s tournament history. Lamine Yamal was included, while Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal missed out on selection.

Luis de la Fuente selected eight Barcelona players and said club origin did not influence his choices. Madrid’s Spanish core has struggled this season, while Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and several Premier League clubs supplied key names.

James Rodriguez, Luis Diaz, Colombia
25 May 2026

James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz were named in Colombia’s final World Cup squad as the team returns to the tournament after missing 2022. Daniel Munoz, Jefferson Lerma and David Ospina were also included in Nestor Lorenzo’s group.

Rodriguez made the squad despite limited minutes at Minnesota United and a March illness scare. Colombia will prepare with friendlies against Costa Rica and Jordan before facing Uzbekistan, DR Congo and Portugal in Group K.

Hearts, Eva Olid, Hibernian, Georgia Timms
24 May 2026

Hearts won the SWPL title for the first time in their history, completing a stunning transformation under Eva Olid. The triumph also secured the club’s first run in European football after years of rapid progress.

Olid announced weeks earlier that she would leave at the end of the season, making the title a huge farewell statement. Hearts held off better-funded rivals after a strong post-split run and a fearless late-season push.