Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 5, 2026, 5:31 AM ET

European Transfers and Club Business

Arsenal has agreed to a £75 million fee with Newcastle for their captain, Bruno Guimaraes, and are set to complete the protracted move. The Gunners have opened direct talks with Newcastle United to sign the Brazilian midfielder. It is easy to understand Arsenal's interest in Bruno Guimaraes. Meanwhile, USMNT Folarin Balogun has been offered to Tottenham Hotspur by AS Monaco. Chelsea is nearing an agreement with Rayo Vallecano for defender Pep Chavarria. The Blues also reportedly eyeing a move for Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Crystal Palace is in advanced talks to sign 19-year-old Real Salt Lake wing-back Zavier Gozo. Mohamed Salah is in discussions to join Trabzonspor following his departure from Liverpool. Ipswich Town completed the signing of Portuguese midfielder Florentino Luis from Burnley for an undisclosed fee. Ajax has finalized the signing of Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen on a season-long loan. Chelsea goalkeeper Jorgensen is expected to complete a season-long loan move to Strasbourg, which is part of the same ownership group as the London club. United States midfielder Gio Reyna has finalized a move to Strasbourg from Borussia Mönchengladbach.

NWSL and North American Soccer

The new season of "Ted Lasso" featured a cameo from a real-life NWSL club, filmed in the U.S. Washington's loss to San Diego caused the Spirit to surrender the No. 1 spot on ESPN's NWSL Power Rankings, with Utah now claiming the top position in the league. The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) plans to commence its 2027 season on February 11 in Los Angeles to align with the Super Bowl happening across town three days later. Larry Berg will succeed Don Garber as the new MLS commissioner starting next year. Guillermo Hoyos Miami's head coach, stated that Luis Suárez cannot be replaced as the team prepares to compete in the Leagues Cup without the forward due to his extended suspension.

FIFA and International Football Politics

FIFA has been accused of blackmailing Jordan over World Cup funds in exchange for their support for Gianni Infantino to remain president. Two senior FIFA executives, Arsène Wenger and Mattias Grafström, have distanced themselves from their boss Gianni Infantino's failed plan to sell stakes in the organization's commercial and event operations. Gianni Infantino summoned senior leaders to a meeting on Wednesday following increased criticism of his withdrawn plan to divest FIFA's commercial and event operations. Under-pressure FIFA president Gianni Infantino will convene a crisis meeting with senior staff in Morocco on Wednesday.

Other Football News and Updates

The United States men's national team will play their first matches since the 2026 World Cup during the September/October FIFA international window, hosting Peru, Chile, Canada, and Mexico. Mauricio Pochettino is set to remain as head coach through the 2030 World Cup. Cape Verde coach Bubista, who led the team to a successful World Cup debut, has joined Moroccan club RS Berkane. Ivory Coast has reappointed two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner Hervé Renard as their head coach. Barcelona is reportedly interested in signing Manchester City's Rodri, ahead of Real Madrid. Real Madrid is scheduled to meet with Vinícius Júnior's representatives this week to continue contract renewal discussions. Marcus Rashford is expected to return to Manchester United training in the coming days, amidst ongoing debate about the implications. Fenerbahce is reportedly preparing a significant offer for Marcus Rashford. Manchester United is expected to appoint former Hearts boss Eva Olid as their women's manager, replacing Marc Skinner. Heart Midlothian and Rangers are set to begin their new season in the Champions League qualifying group stage on Wednesday. Rangers have reportedly agreed a deal for Hannover winger Daisuke Yokota and are competing with Celtic for Fares Ghedjemis. Celtic are also reportedly pursuing a deal for Fares Ghedjemis, while Rangers are in a race for Daisuke Yokota. Arsenal has unveiled their new third kit for the 2026-27 season, which resembles a recent past design. Retired referee Taylor has been appointed as the director of elite refereeing for the Turkish Football Federation. Boreham Wood rejected a £1 million bid for one of their forwards, whose identity has not been revealed. Sacha Lewis sister of Rico Lewis, has signed her first professional contract with Women's Super League side Manchester City. Coventry City confirmed the permanent signing of 25-year-old goalkeeper Carl Rushworth from Brighton and Hove Albion.

Other Sports News

SunRisers Leeds posted a record score of 241-2 in The Hundred, before convincingly defeating London Spirit. SunRisers Leeds kept their slim hopes of advancing from The Hundred group stage with a hard-fought five-wicket victory over London Spirit at Headingley. The qualifying process to make Luke Donald's 2027 European Ryder Cup team commences this month at the British Masters. Max Verstappen praised Kimi Antonelli's consistently strong performances, which have propelled him to the top of the Formula 1 Drivers' Championship halfway through the 2026 season. Riders in the Tour de France Femmes will undergo additional clothing checks before Tuesday's stage due to allegations that some participants may be using extra padding in their bras for aerodynamic advantage. Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open because of a persistent wrist injury, raising concerns about his US Open title defense, which begins on August 30. Jack Draper was visibly emotional after his loss to Terence Atmane, as his long-standing arm injury appeared to resurface and hinder him during his return at the Canadian Open. Emma Raducanu could benefit from concluding her season after the US Open to concentrate on recovery and secure a protected ranking before her return in 2027. The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to a three-year contract extension with Bijan Robinson, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. South African New Zealand, Australian and Argentina Rugby (SANZAAR) and Sky Sports have finalized a deal for international rugby rights from 2026-2030, extending a partnership of over three decades. Police Scotland reported that several athletes are "unaccounted for" following the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.