Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 21, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

World Cup Aftermath and Player Futures

Following their World Cup triumph, Spain's triumphant squad through Madrid, celebrating with thousands of fans. Midfielder Enzo Fernandez, stating they represented their nation "in the best possible way" amid lingering questions about Lionel Messi's future. Messi himself arrived in Rosario for a brief rest and later to Argentina supporters after their final loss. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez is reportedly after the heartbreaking defeat. Despite a disappointing performance in the final, Lionel Messi's legacy is expected to overshadow any individual game, as bookmakers already for the 2030 World Cup.

Transfer Market Buzz

The transfer window is heating up as clubs prepare for the new season. Chelsea have reportedly for Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa. In a significant move, young striker Jhon Durán has joined Benfica on loan from Al Nassr, marking his seventh club at the age of. Nottingham Forest have reportedly made an enquiry for Sporting's Ousmane Diomande, while Middlesbrough have agreed a deal that could reach a club-record £20m for Tottenham striker Will Lankshear BBC Sport Football. Ipswich Town have finalized a £20m signing of Ghana winger Abdul Fatawu BBC Sport Football, and Aston Villa are in talks to sign Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho on loan with a potential buy obligation BBC Sport Football. West Ham have reached an agreement with Al Hilal for the sale of Crysencio Summerville Sky Sports Champions League.

Managerial Changes and Club News

The Portland Timbers have appointed Martí Cifuentes, formerly of Leicester City, as their new head coach ESPN Soccer. Chelsea have also unveiled their new away kit for the 2026-27 season, pledging to "unleash the lion" ESPN Soccer. Newcastle United supporters are set to vote on a new club badge, the first potential change since 1988 BBC Sport Football. Meanwhile, La Liga president Javier Tebas has called for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign, claiming the governing body is "destroying the football industry" BBC Sport Football.

Other Sporting Headlines

In cricket, Australia's bowling attack has been bolstered by the, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood for their Test series against Bangladesh. In darts, Cameron Menzies produced a major upset at the World Matchplay 10-7. In golf, Jon Rahm remained tight-lipped about his LIV Golf future for 2027. In boxing, sparring partner Brandon Moore believes Kristian Prenga can upset Anthony Joshua Sky Sports Champions League. In tennis, Arthur Fery will head into the American hard-court swing with areas for improvement ahead of the US Open, which Tim Henman described as "exciting" Sky Sports Champions League.