Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 28, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

USMNT Coaching Carousel and Player Movement

The U.S. Men's National Team coaching situation remains uncertain as Mauricio Pochettino's status hangs in the balance, prompting a need for swift resolution from U.S. Soccer needs answering. In player news, midfielder Sebastian Berhalter has transferred to English Championship side Middlesbrough from the Vancouver Whitecaps has joined Middlesbrough. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Matt Freese expressed his lingering disappointment over the USMNT's World Cup exit, particularly the 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16. Advanced statistics offer a different perspective on the USMNT's World Cup performances since 1990, suggesting their recent exit might not be as bleak as it appears look at the numbers. Amidst these developments, the question of whether the U.S. could win a World Cup if its best athletes played soccer is debated, with analysis suggesting it's an unlikely scenario.

European Club Transfers and Preseason Buzz

Manchester United's preseason tour is underway, but significant work remains before the new season kicks off plenty of work to be done. Tottenham is reportedly interested in Manchester City winger Savinho, who is open to a move to the Premier League club open to leaving the club. Leicester City is nearing a deal for Swansea City striker Liam Cullen closing in on striker. Chelsea is also poised to sign Italian attacking midfielder Giulia Dragoni from Barcelona. Real Madrid expects to finalize a €154 million deal for Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, and the club is confident Vinícius Júnior will remain with them this summer, while Liverpool is interested in Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa will be staying. Juventus has expressed interest in Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee, with United reportedly open to offers. PSG forward Bradley Barcola is attracting attention from Liverpool and Arsenal, potentially becoming the summer's most expensive transfer. Chelsea is targeting experienced players like Maxence Lacroix, Jordan Henderson, and Danny Welbeck targeting deals for.

Club Management and League Updates

Barcelona president Joan Laporta is recovering from a heart problem after being hospitalized. Xabi Alonso's first match as Chelsea manager featured a tale of four strikers, including one who scored a hat-trick and another who might depart. Motherwell manager Alfred Johansson anticipates a challenging Conference League qualifier against HB Torshavn bracing himself for. Derek McInnes is expected to be in the dugout for Rangers' season opener against Dundee United, despite an SFA ban, and the club has few excuses for success in the upcoming season. Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson is drawing inspiration from Hearts' title push as he aims to return his team to the top six. The Scottish Premiership season is poised to be one of the best in decades, with Celtic Park having hosted a significant league fixture recently. Falkirk's McGlynn is aiming high for the new season despite a summer of change. The Players Cup, formerly the League Cup, will feature a 23-team league phase with penalty shootouts to decide draws after 90 minutes. A potential football derby in Wales could be the closest in history, with Cwmbran Celtic and Cwmbran Town separated by just 40 metres.

International Football and Governance

UEFA has strongly rejected FIFA's proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, calling it a "line that football's governing institutions should never cross" and stating the World Cup is "not FIFA's to sell". This plan has sparked outrage, with European nations considering discussions about a potential boycott. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) clarified its guidance on VAR, confirming that Switzerland forward Breel Embolo should not have been sent off in the World Cup quarter-finals against Argentina. Referee chiefs have stated that VAR should only be used for "blatantly incorrect" decisions and clear missed incidents. Italian football is seeking a reset after a period of chaos, including the resignations of Paolo Maldini and Leonardo, with Roberto Mancini reappointed as manager for a second time. Cape Verde's Sidny Lopes Cabral won the public vote for goal of the tournament at the World Cup, and the nation's women's team is set for their Wafcon debut, with warnings not to underestimate them. Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the new coach of France, marking his return to management after leaving Real Madrid in 2021.

Other Sports and Player News

Sunrisers Leeds secured an eight-wicket victory over Manchester Super Giants thanks to strong top-order batting performances. Ekaterina Alexandrova collapsed on court during a WTA Tour match in Memphis. Henry Coates, sensationally won his maiden PDC title at Players Championship 25 in Germany. Niall Horan hopes his upcoming world tour will provide more opportunities for golf, despite his handicap taking a hit. A horse named Opera Ballo is considered the main danger to Bow Echo at the Glorious Goodwood Festival, while Scandinavia defended its Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup title. James Trafford's potential big-money move to Leeds could impact his chances of challenging for an England keeper spot. Ronnie O’Sullivan was eliminated from the Shanghai Masters in the second round after a 6-4 defeat to Kyren Wilson. Charley Hull has downplayed her rivalry with Nelly Korda ahead of the AIG Women’s Open and admitted near-misses in majors have "hurt", with Korda aiming to match major history at the tournament. Mikaela Mayer has promised fireworks in her world super welterweight title unification bout against Chantelle Cameron, calling it "the female fight of the year". Skye Nicolson has signed with Most Valuable Promotions joins MVP. Caroline Dubois has parted ways with trainer Shane McGuigan before her title defense. Lewis Hamilton has received an unusually high number of penalties across recent Formula 1 race weekends. England No 1 goalkeeper Hannah Hampton has signed a new two-year deal with Chelsea, keeping her at the club until 2028. Katie Boulter was knocked out of the DC Open in the first round, while Cameron Norrie ended a losing streak. George Russell described his season as one of continuous misfortune, citing an engine issue that led to a disastrous start at the Hungarian Grand Prix. A North Yorkshire cricket team is under investigation following accusations of cheating involving alleged finger-clicking to trick umpires. Joe Cordina has pleaded not guilty to assault charges.

MLS and North American Soccer

Robert Lewandowski has yet to secure a win in his first two MLS games with the Chicago Fire, impacting their position in the MLS Power Rankings. Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, Mexico's all-time leading scorer, is reportedly signing with USL Championship expansion team Atletico Dallas. Gotham FC and Esther González have mutually agreed to terminate their contract. Police are investigating allegations of misconduct by players at Austin FC's developmental youth academy, which led to expulsions and suspensions.