Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 1, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Preseason Friendlies and Managerial Debuts

Maresca's first match as Manchester City manager resulted in a 1-1 draw against Inter Milan, followed by a 3-1 penalty shootout loss in Hong Kong . Teenager Ryan impressed Maresca during the match, seizing the opportunity to showcase his abilities . Meanwhile, José debut as Real Madrid's new coach saw his team draw 2-2 with Fiorentina in a preseason friendly . Jude Bellingham present to watch his former club, Birmingham City, defeat Barcelona 2-2 on penalties . Bryan Mbeumo twice to lead Manchester United to a 2-1 comeback victory over Atlético Madrid in Stockholm .

Transfer Market Buzz and Club Activity

Mohamed Salah reportedly nearing a move to Trabzonspor . Bayern Munich showing interest in Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko, potentially as a replacement for Harry Kane . Manchester City reportedly pursuing a deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi, irrespective of Rodri's future at the club . Chelsea winger Neto is a target for new Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca, who previously worked with him . Real Madrid reportedly open to Vinícius Júnior's departure if a contract agreement cannot be reached, and they do not plan to increase their offer . Bournemouth has completed the signing of Portuguese international defender Antonio Silva from Benfica . Brentford has secured the signing of Mali midfielder Mamadou Sangare from Lens for a club-record fee . Arsenal Newcastle United have reportedly agreed on a fee for Bruno Guimarães . Inter Milan reportedly increased their bid for Curtis Jones . Cristian Romero exploring a potential move to Spain .

Scottish Premiership Kicks Off

Aberdeen secured a late 2-1 victory over Hearts in their Scottish Premiership opener at Pittodrie, with Hearts conceding two goals in the closing stages . St Mirren their season with a 2-0 away win at Falkirk, thanks to Killian Phillips scoring in each half .

FIFA World Cup Expansion and Governance

FIFA has initiated a consultation process for expanding the men's World Cup to 64 teams, with a decision targeted for August 14 . FIFA president Infantino has abandoned his controversial plan to sell stakes in future World Cup profits following significant opposition from governing bodies . This decision comes after UEFA declared no confidence in Infantino . Infantino's plans the World Cup had not considered the impact on women's soccer . The presentation of FIFA's plan to partially privatize the World Cup has raised numerous questions . Infantino has faced clashes with unions and European football during his tenure .

Other Football News and Transfer Gossip

Mudryk's return to Chelsea will take time, according to Xabi Alonso, who expressed happiness at welcoming him back but noted it's too early to assess his impact . Tottenham's Richarlison's at the club is uncertain, with manager Roberto De Zerbi stating that the player "sometimes" wants to leave . Tottenham secured a 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the Sydney Super Cup, with Richarlison scoring the late winner despite Kevin Danso's second-half red card . Manchester United reportedly interested in signing youngster Wheatley from Everton . Shea Lacey Tyler Fletcher are identified as the Manchester United academy players most likely to break into the senior squad this season . J.J. Watt minority shareholder at Burnley, was involved in delivering the club's new kit . Premier League have begun releasing their 2026-27 kits .

Other Sports News

Cameron Norrie eliminated from the Los Cabos Open after losing to Denis Shapovalov, extending his losing streak . golf, Yealimi Noh took the third-round lead at the AIG Women's Open, with Lottie Woad and Charley Hull remaining in contention . Cameron Young tied for the lead at the Rocket Classic after a second-round 61 . cricket, Welsh Fire defeated Birmingham Phoenix by seven wickets in The Hundred competition . Birmingham Phoenix their first win in the women's competition, beating Welsh Fire with one ball remaining . boxing, Tarona Taafaki won Tuvalu's first Commonwealth Games medal, a bronze in the women's 75kg division . England's netball lost 61-54 to New Zealand in the Commonwealth Games semi-finals and will compete for bronze . Jockey Jim is retiring from riding to start training after failing to recover from a serious injury .