Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 28, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

USMNT Coaching Carousel and World Cup Reflections

The United States men's national team is in a state of flux, with the lingering question of Mauricio Pochettino's coaching status for the USMNT creating uncertainty. Goalkeeper Matt Freese admitted he's still processing the team's following a 4-1 round of 16 loss to Belgium. Advanced statistics offer a nuanced perspective on the USMNT's World Cup performances since 1990, suggesting their latest exit might not be as dire as it seems. Meanwhile, the debate continues on whether the U.S. could win World if its top athletes prioritized soccer.

European Club Signings and Transfer Buzz

Chelsea is reportedly Italy attacking midfielder Giulia Dragoni from Barcelona, while also targeting experienced players like Maxence Lacroix, Jordan Henderson, and Danny Welbeck. Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee is attracting interest from Juventus, with the English club. In other transfer news, Real Madrid expects to finalize a deal for Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig in a move reportedly worth $154 million according to sources, and they also remain confident Vinícius Júnior will stay at the club. Liverpool and Arsenal are both Bradley Barcola, who could be the most expensive transfer of the summer.

Continental Competitions and Managerial Appointments

UEFA has strongly to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, deeming it a "line that football's governing institutions should never cross" and stating the World Cup is "not FIFA's to sell" as per reports. In Italy, Roberto Mancini has been as the national team manager for a second time, following a period of chaos that saw Paolo Maldini and Leonardo resign amidst the search for a coach as detailed by BBC Sport. Meanwhile, Motherwell boss Alfred Johansson is preparing for a challenging Conference League qualifier against HB Torshavn, describing the expected reception as needing to "eat barbed wire".

Scottish Football Previews and Managerial Movements

Derek McInnes is poised to take charge of Rangers for their season opener against Dundee United, live on Sky Sports, despite an SFA ban. Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson is drawing inspiration from Hearts' recent success as he aims to guide his team back into the top six of the Scottish Premiership. Jim Goodwin is encouraging his Dundee United players to approach their match against Rangers with "no fear" as they look to make a statement. The upcoming Scottish Premiership season is being billed as potentially the best in decades, following a highly consequential fixture at Celtic Park last term as noted by Sky Sports.

International Football and Player Moves

Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the new France coach, marking his return to management after a five-year hiatus since his last role at Real Madrid. Smriti Mandhana's imperious 88no led Manchester Super Giants to a four-wicket victory over Sun Risers Leeds in a Champions League match. James Trafford's potential big-money move to Leeds is being examined for its impact on his England chances. Cape Verde's World Cup success continues as Sidny Lopes Cabral's goal for goal of the tournament.

Other Sports News and Updates

In boxing, former world champion Joe Cordina has to assault charges. Ronnie O’Sullivan was of the Shanghai Masters in the second round by Kyren Wilson. Katie Boulter was eliminated from the DC Open after a first-round defeat, while Jack Draper withdrew from the same tournament with an arm injury as reported by Sky Sports. Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron are set for a world super welterweight title unification bout, with Mayer promising "fireworks".