Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 28, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

USMNT Coaching Carousel and Player Movements

The United States men's national team faces a crucial decision regarding its next coach, with Mauricio Pochettino's status remaining a lingering question for U.S. Soccer needs answering. Meanwhile, midfielder Sebastian Berhalter has made a move to English Championship side Middlesbrough from the Vancouver Whitecaps announced Tuesday. Despite a disappointing World Cup exit, including a round of 16 loss to Belgium, goalkeeper Matt Freese remains focused on future challenges following the loss. Advanced statistics from the USMNT's World Cup games since 1990 into their tournament performances.

European Club Transfers and Preseason Buzz

Manchester United's preseason tour is underway, but the club still has significant work to address before the new season commences well underway. Liverpool's new manager, Andoni Iraola, is implementing changes, as revealed by Milos Kerkez, who expressed surprise at Arne Slot's departure from the club is making. In transfer news, PSG's Bradley Barcola has verbally agreed to join Liverpool, though the clubs are apart on valuation agrees to join. Juventus has registered interest in Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee told ESPN.

Continental Governance and Discrimination Concerns

UEFA is preparing for an emergency meeting to discuss plans, including a potential World Cup boycott, in opposition to a FIFA proposal to raise $20 billion through equity sales. This move comes as FIFA president Gianni Infantino's legacy after a decade in charge is being closely examined taking over from the disgraced Sepp Blatter. Separately, anti-discrimination body Kick It Out has reported a record high of 1,744 incidents of discrimination during the 2025/26 season, calling for tougher sanctions.

Scottish Football Transfers and Managerial Outlooks

The Scottish Premiership is gearing up for a new season with significant transfer activity. Celtic has broken their transfer record to sign Danish striker Kasper Hogh from Bodo/Glimt on a four-year contract. Rangers are nearing a deal for Makhanya close in on latest signings, and manager Derek McInnes is set to be in the dugout for the season opener despite an SFA ban. Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson is drawing inspiration from Hearts' recent success.

International Coaching Appointments and VAR Clarifications

Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the new coach of France, marking his return to management after his last role at Real Madrid ended in 2021. In Italian football, Roberto Mancini has been reappointed as the national team manager following a period of turmoil that saw Paolo Maldini and Leonardo resign. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has clarified its guidance on VAR, stating that it should only be used for "blatantly incorrect" decisions or clear missed incidents clarified its guidance to referees.

Player Transfers and Club Business

Xabi Alonso's first match as Chelsea manager featured a striking lineup, with one player scoring a hat-trick and another potentially leaving. Chelsea is also reportedly set to sign Italian attacking midfielder Giulia Dragoni from Barcelona. Manchester City is preparing for a bid for Rodri from Real Madrid. Newcastle United has confirmed the signing of Republic of Ireland forward Leanne Kiernan from Liverpool confirm the signing of Republic of Ireland forward.

Other Sporting Headlines

In boxing, former world champion Joe Cordina has pleaded not guilty to assault charges. The world super welterweight title unification bout between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron is being billed as "the female fight of the year". Lewis Hamilton has received an unusually high number of penalties in recent Formula 1 race weekends. Darts phenom Luke Littler's success is being examined, with the science behind his achievements.