Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 1, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

FIFA and World Cup Developments

FIFA president Infantino has abandoned his controversial plan to sell a stake in future World Cup profits to private equity investors after fierce opposition from football's governing bodies. FIFA has started a consultation process over an expansion of the men's World Cup to 64 teams, with documents seen by ESPN aiming for a decision by Aug. 14. The pressure is building on Gianni Infantino, and questions are being raised about whether he can survive as FIFA president. Infantino's World plans never considered the impact on women's soccer. The actual presentation of FIFA's plan to part-privatise the World Cup raises many more questions than it answers. Infantino has clashed with unions and European football, but after 10 years as FIFA president he remains in a powerful position. ends plan to sell off World Cup stake as UEFA declares no confidence in Infantino.

Club Friendlies and Pre-Season Action

Manchester City 1-1 with Inter Milan in Hong Kong before losing 3-1 on penalties as Enzo Maresca took charge for the first time. Despite Manchester penalty-shootout defeat by Inter Milan, teenager Ryan McAidoo grabbed the opportunity to show manager Enzo Maresca what he can do. Manchester City push ahead with a deal with Ayyoub Bouaddi regardless of doubts about Rodri's future at the Etihad Stadium, sources have told ESPN. Manchester City Phil Foden is aiming to "repay" the faith shown to him by the club as he looks forward to a "fresh start" under new boss Enzo Maresca. Real Madrid 2-2 with Fiorentina in a preseason friendly on Saturday, in new coach José Mourinho's first game in charge. Mbeumo's double earned Manchester United a 2-1 friendly victory over Atlético Madrid in Stockholm on Saturday. Bryan Mbeumo twice as Manchester United came from behind to beat Atlético Madrid 2-1 in Stockholm. All key moments from Man Utd's pre-season win over Atletico Madrid are detailed. Arsenal recorded a dominant 4-1 win against Girona in their pre-season game at Montilivi in Catalonia, with Max Dowman dazzling with a goal and an assist. Real Madrid England star Jude Bellingham returned to Birmingham City to watch his former club beat Barcelona on penalties following a 2-2 draw.

Transfer News and Rumors

Arsenal manager Arteta refused to give anything away about his club's reported pursuit of Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior but said he expects more moves before the end of the summer transfer window. Real Madrid open to the possibility of Vinícius Júnior leaving the club if there's no agreement on a new contract for the player, sources have told ESPN, with Madrid having no plans to increase their offer. Mohamed Salah edging towards a move to Trabzonspor, Bayern Munich is keen on Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko, and Man City boss Enzo Maresca wants to work with Chelsea winger Pedro Neto again. Bayern Munich eyeing Manchester United's Sesko to replace Kane. Bournemouth USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams is reportedly linked with a move to Newcastle United. United opted for affordable options, while Chelsea, Man City and Spurs all spent big. Brentford confirmed the signing of Mali midfielder Mamadou Sangare from Lens for a club record fee. Bournemouth have completed the signing of Portugal international defender Antonio Silva from Benfica. Shea Lacey Tyler Fletcher are the Manchester United academy players most likely to break into the senior set-up this season. Old Firm Celtic and Rangers are in a chase for Italy-based winger Ghedjemis, with a German midfielder set on a move to Celtic.

Domestic Leagues and Cup Competitions

Hearts’ miserable continued as they conceded two late goals to lose 2-1 to Aberdeen in their Scottish Premiership opener at Pittodrie. Aberdeen got the better of Hearts, with Nisbet leading from the front as Aberdeen turned the tables on their rivals. Phillips scored in each half to reward a terrific St Mirren away display with a 2-0 opening-weekend win at Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership. Reaction to big wins for St Mirren away to Falkirk and Aberdeen's dramatic late show was heard on a podcast covering the Premiership opening weekend. Wolves moved up to fourth in the Betfred Super League table after recovering from a lacklustre start to claim a comprehensive 48-18 win at Castleford Tigers.

Women's Football and International Competitions

Asisat Oshoala the only goal as Nigeria beat Zambia at Wafcon 2026 to revive the West Africans' hopes of reaching the 2027 Women's World Cup. Vozinha, the breakout Cape Verde goalkeeper who rose to global fame during the World Cup, will be allowed to display his nickname on his jersey when he joins Chilean football. England's netball fell to a 61-54 defeat to New Zealand in the semi-finals of the Commonwealth Games, and have to settle for a bronze medal battle after a disappointing semi-final. Boxer Tarona has won Tuvalu their first ever Commonwealth Games medal as she took bronze in the women's 75kg boxing division.

Golf and Other Sports

Davis Riley a seven-under 63 to reach 15 under on Saturday and take a one-shot lead going into the final round at the Rocket Classic in Detroit. Yealimi Noh on Haeran Ryu's stumble to grab the third-round lead at the AIG Women’s Open, where Lottie Woad and Charley Hull stayed in title contention. Pairings tee times for the final round of the 50th AIG Women's Open, held at Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club in Lancashire, were announced. Welsh Fire back on the winning trail after a commanding performance against a misfiring Birmingham Phoenix, whose familiar failings with the bat have put them all but out of contention for the latest stages. Jude Bellingham on as Birmingham Phoenix won their first match in The Hundred 2026 women's competition in dramatic fashion, defeating Welsh Fire with just one ball remaining. Cameron Norrie the Los Cabos Open in the early hours of Saturday morning as he was beaten by Denis Shapovalov.

Horse Racing and Boxing

James Doyle the right one from three choices as his bosses at Wathnan Racing topped an amazing week at Glorious Goodwood with victory in the Coral Stewards' Cup with Evening Saigon. We have a busy day's racing on Saturday with flat action from Doncaster and Lingfield Park live on Sky Sports Racing. Jim Crowley called time on his illustrious riding career having failed to recover sufficiently from a serious injury he suffered in a fall at York in September. Wardley's manager Mike Ofo has launched a scathing response after Daniel Dubois' advisor Sam Jones raised doubts about the heavyweight rematch.

Other Football News

J.J. Watt boosted Burnley's profile since he became a minority shareholder in the English soccer team, but even he can't have imagined he'd end up delivering milk around the town. Vanessa Gold confirmed she has agreed to sell her stake in West Ham to a consortium led by former Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley. Xabi Alonso he is "very happy" to be welcoming Mykhailo Mudryk back into his Chelsea squad, but it is "too early" to understand what he can do. Roberto de says Tottenham "don't know" whether Richarlison will stay or leave, as he "sometimes" wants to leave. Richarlison scored a 92nd-minute winner for Tottenham as they beat Chelsea 2-1 to win the Sydney Super Cup despite Kevin Danso being sent off in the second half. Spurs only avoided Premier League relegation last season, but off the pitch they are thriving.