Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 21, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

World Cup Aftermath and Player Futures

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez is contemplating his international future following the team's World Cup final defeat. Lionel Messi has returned to Rosario, Argentina, for a brief rest after the World Cup final loss, and will also take time before rejoining Inter Miami CF for the MLS season. Teammate Enzo Fernández has expressed that wearing Argentina's shirt is the "greatest honour" and pledged continued commitment to the team, while also defending the team's performance in the final. Spain's World Cup-winning squad returned home for a celebratory parade and met with royal and political figures. Real Madrid had the most goal scorers in the World Cup, effectively "winning" the tournament in that regard, while Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal will be featured on a special trading card from Topps. The 2026 World Cup garnered record viewership in North America, with over 60 million tuning in for Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final.

Club Transfers and Preseason Action

Aston Villa has reportedly submitted a loan bid for Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho, with an option to buy. New signing João Gomes made his debut for Aston Villa in their preseason opener, a 5-0 win against Walsall. Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has identified "obvious" transfer needs for the club as he prepares for the new season, and also expressed his desire for Alexis Mac Allister and Alisson to remain with the club. Chelsea has completed the signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa in a record-breaking £117m deal. Paris FC has significantly boosted their squad by signing Mali forward Lassine Sinayoko, with their offseason transfer spending exceeding €65 million ($74m). Middlesbrough has agreed on a fee for Tottenham striker Will Lankshear, which could reach a club-record £20m. West Ham has reached an agreement with Al Hilal for the sale of Crysencio Summerville. Ipswich Town has finalized the £20m signing of Abdul Fatawu, who played in all four of Ghana's World Cup matches. Everton has agreed to a deal to sign Finnish international Jutta Rantala from Leicester City. The Portland Timbers have appointed Martí Cifuentes as their new head coach. Tottenham has signed French international Alice Sombath from Lyon for a club-record fee. Everton has also signed Australian striker Holly McNamara on a free transfer from Melbourne City. Japan goalkeeper Akane Okuma has signed for Aston Villa.

Other Football News and Notes

Guillermo Ochoa, widely regarded as one of Mexico's greatest goalkeepers, has announced his retirement after a 22-year professional career. Chelsea has unveiled its new away kit for the 2026-27 season, pledging to "unleash the lion". AC Milan has released its new away kit, which pays homage to their Champions League finals against Liverpool in 2005 and 2007. The independent review into crowd disorder at the Old Firm Scottish Cup quarter-final has been released, with authorities expected to respond. La Liga president Javier Tebas has called for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign, stating the governing body is "destroying the football industry". Counterfeit football shirts valued at over £18m were seized in the UK due to safety concerns during the World Cup. Nauru remains the only nation that has never played an official international football match. The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is set to begin on July 26th.