Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 4, 2026, 5:31 PM ET

FIFA and Governance

FIFA President Infantino has summoned senior leaders to an urgent meeting on Wednesday amidst mounting criticism of his proposed plan to sell off the organization's commercial and event operations. The meeting is described as a "crisis meeting" with senior FIFA staff taking place in Morocco. Infantino has faced fierce criticism for his intentions regarding the sale of these significant FIFA assets. Arsene Wenger chief of global football development, has stated that Infantino's decision to withdraw from a plan to sell stakes in a World Cup company to private investors was "absolutely necessary". Infantino's prior gambles on questionable ideas and his recent World Cup plans have been described as ham-fisted and delusional from both a business and political perspective. The Jordan FA president has accused FIFA of blackmail, claiming the organization pressured Jordan for World Cup money in exchange for their support for Infantino's continued presidency.

Club Transfers and Signings

Nottingham Forest reportedly interested in signing Tijjani Reijnders. Tottenham Hotspur looking to acquire Savinho and Nicolas Jackson. Real Madrid resuming contract talks with Vinícius Júnior, with representatives set to meet this week. Barcelona is reportedly aiming to sign Rodri from Manchester City, ahead of Real Madrid's interest. Manchester United nearing the appointment of former Hearts boss Eva Olid as their new women's manager, replacing Marc Skinner. Ipswich Town completed the signing of Portuguese midfielder Florentino Luis from Burnley for an undisclosed fee. United States Gio Reyna has finalized a move to Strasbourg from Borussia Mönchengladbach. Chelsea goalkeeper Jorgensen is reportedly set to join Strasbourg on a season-long loan, as part of the same ownership group. Ajax has secured the signing of Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen on a season-long loan. Fenerbahce is reportedly preparing a substantial offer for Manchester United's Marcus Rashford. Arsenal has opened direct talks with Newcastle United to sign their captain, Bruno Guimaraes. United defender Gabby George is reportedly close to a move to Brighton before the Women's Super League season begins. Coventry City confirmed the permanent signing of goalkeeper Carl Rushworth from Brighton and Hove Albion for an undisclosed fee.

League and Team News

The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) is planning to commence its 2027 season on February 11 in Los Angeles, aligning with the Super Bowl taking place nearby three days later. Washington's loss to San Diego has seen the Spirit relinquish the No. 1 spot in ESPN's NWSL Power Rankings, with Utah now holding the top position. Miami's coach Guillermo Hoyos stated that Luis Suárez cannot be replaced as the team prepares to compete in the Leagues Cup without the suspended forward. Inter Miami not expressed interest in signing Kevin De Bruyne, according to a club source. MLS initiated an investigation into alleged antisemitic and discriminatory language directed at New England Revolution striker Dor Turgeman by fans during their recent 2-2 draw against CF Montreal. Larry Berg succeed Don Garber as the new MLS commissioner starting next year. Liverpool's preseason in the United States highlighted areas for improvement for coach Iraola & Co. ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. Liverpool midfielder Szoboszlai has indicated that the situation with teammates Curtis Jones and Kostas Tsimikas regarding the captain's armband has been resolved. City's Mateo Kovacic stated that the club "count on me" despite speculation linking the midfielder with a summer departure. Southampton midfielder Downes expressed that his team has a "chip on their shoulder" which he believes will contribute to winning the Championship. promoted Ipswich Town complete the signing of Portuguese midfielder Florentino Luis from Burnley for an undisclosed fee. United admitted to making errors in their ticket touting investigation but maintained the investigation's underlying reasons are valid.

Player Movements and Contract Updates

Real Madrid set to meet with Vinícius Júnior's representatives this week to continue contract renewal discussions. Bernardo Silva that he "didn't think twice" about joining Real Madrid after his initial training session with the club on Monday. Neymar has not ruled out the possibility of retiring from football after his contract with Santos concludes at the end of the year. Cape Verde Bubista, who guided the team to a historic World Cup campaign, has joined Moroccan club RS Berkane. Bubista has since resigned as Cape Verde coach, while Ivory Coast has reappointed Herve Renard.

International and Other Football News

The United States men's national team is scheduled to play their first matches since the 2026 World Cup during the September/October FIFA international window, hosting Peru, Chile, Canada, and Mexico. Mauricio Pochettino continue as the U.S. men's national team coach through the 2030 World Cup, with questions remaining about his future should a major club offer arise before then. supporters will be permitted to attend their upcoming Nations League fixture against the Republic of Ireland next month, though away fans will not be allowed. Arsenal has released their new third kit for the 2026-27 season, which bears a resemblance to a previous design. EAFC video game franchise has become a central part of soccer culture, building on the unexpected success of the earlier FIFA International Soccer game. Hansi Flick indicated that Barcelona must address their need for a striker in the transfer market as they continue their search for a replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

Scottish Football

Heart Midlothian and Rangers are set to begin their new season in the Champions League qualifying group stage on Wednesday, with questions surrounding their preparedness. BBC Scotland analyzing the prospects of Scotland's European hopefuls, including Hearts, Rangers, Hibernian, and Motherwell, who are all in action on Thursday. Celtic secured a victory, and Kieran Tierney's impact was highlighted in their opening match of the Scottish Premiership season against Dundee. Extended highlights of the Celtic vs. Dundee match are available on Sportscene. opening weekend of the Scottish Premiership season saw four days of action, six matches, 18 goals, and considerable drama. Celtic's win is noted as their title defense begins, with analysis of Kieran Tierney's contribution. BBC Scotland examining which Scottish club faces the most challenging path to the European group stage, with Celtic's readiness for Europe also questioned, alongside Dundee's promising performance in defeat. Mjallby striker Bergstrom, a former sandwich maker who cycles to games, hopes to challenge Yaya Toure's new club in the Champions League. Rangers have reportedly agreed on a fee for Hannover winger Daisuke Yokota and are competing with Celtic for Fares Ghedjemis.

Other Sports

The Atlanta Falcons have reached a three-year contract extension agreement with Bijan Robinson, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. Moses Itauma challenge for the vacant IBF world heavyweight title against Filip Hrgovic in London on August 29. McKenna's middleweight bout against Etinosa Oliha in Dublin on Saturday will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Riders in the Tour de France Femmes will undergo additional clothing checks before Tuesday's stage due to claims of riders using extra padding in their bras for aerodynamic advantage. Formula 1