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.

Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham, Everton
Ahead of 24 May 2026

Roberto De Zerbi said Tottenham’s final-day relegation decider against Everton is more important than last season’s Europa League final. The Spurs manager warned that the club’s pride, history and dignity are now at stake with survival still unresolved.

Tottenham remain two points above West Ham and need a result against Everton to secure survival. De Zerbi framed the match as a defining test, saying staying in the Premier League matters more than any trophy.

Manuel Neuer, Germany, Julian Nagelsmann
20 May 2026

Manuel Neuer is set to return to Germany’s World Cup squad two years after retiring from international football. The Bayern Munich goalkeeper could play at his fifth World Cup if Julian Nagelsmann includes him in the final squad.

Neuer previously ruled out a comeback, but his strong Bayern season and renewed contract have changed the picture. If he plays at the tournament, he would become the oldest player ever to represent Germany at senior level.

Max Dowman, Arsenal
20 May 2026

Max Dowman became the youngest player to win the Premier League after Arsenal secured the title following Manchester City’s draw at Bournemouth. The teenager qualifies for a medal after making five substitute appearances this season.

Dowman, who is 16 years and 144 days old on the final day, takes the record from Phil Foden. His title medal adds to a record-breaking campaign that already included youngest Premier League player and scorer marks.

Granit Xhaka, Switzerland, Murat Yakin
20 May 2026

Granit Xhaka was named in Switzerland’s World Cup squad and is set to play at the tournament for a fourth time. The Sunderland captain remains Switzerland’s most capped player and will lead an experienced 26-man group.

Murat Yakin selected Xhaka alongside Premier League players Dan Ndoye, Noah Okafor and Zeki Amdouni for the final tournament squad. Switzerland will prepare with friendlies against Jordan and Australia before group matches against Qatar, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Canada.

Niclas Füllkrug, Germany, Julian Nagelsmann
19 May 2026

Niclas Füllkrug is expected to miss Germany’s World Cup squad after Julian Nagelsmann reportedly informed him of the decision. The striker had hoped his aerial threat would still earn him a place despite a difficult club season.

Füllkrug struggled with injuries and poor form after moving to AC Milan on loan from West Ham. Reports say Nagelsmann chose to move on after the 33-year-old scored only once in Serie A.

Said El Mala, Lennart Karl, Julian Nagelsmann
19 May 2026

Said El Mala and Lennart Karl are reportedly set to make Germany’s World Cup squad despite limited senior international experience. Julian Nagelsmann has informed El Mala of his inclusion before the official squad announcement.

El Mala forced his way into contention with a strong Bundesliga finish for Cologne, while Karl had already impressed Nagelsmann. The decision marks a major turnaround after El Mala was previously criticised for limited playing time and defensive work.

Bournemouth, Manchester City, Junior Kroupi
19 May 2026

Bournemouth secured European football for the first time after drawing 1-1 with Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium. The result guaranteed at least a Europa League place while keeping a slim Champions League route open.

Junior Kroupi put Bournemouth ahead before Erling Haaland rescued a late point for City. The draw ended City’s title challenge, confirmed Arsenal as champions and left Bournemouth chasing final-day permutations for an even bigger European reward.