Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 5, 2026, 8:31 PM ET

FIFA President Gianni Infantino Faces Scrutiny

FIFA President Infantino has apologized for errors made regarding his abandoned plan to sell stakes in the World Cup, with senior staff at a summit in Morocco reaffirming their support for him. Despite the apology, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated he no longer has confidence in Infantino, adding to the pressure on the soccer leader. The association of European soccer leagues has called for governance reform of FIFA, citing a "crisis" and mounting pressure on Infantino. Former FIFA Vice President Leonardo was accused of blackmailing Jordan over World Cup money in exchange for support for Infantino's continued presidency. Portugal great Figo has joined calls for Infantino to step down over his failed plan to sell the World Cup to private investors. FIFA president Infantino is expected to face senior leaders of football's world governing body on Wednesday to discuss these matters. Rivals are reportedly circling with the intention to unseat Gianni Infantino as FIFA president following his controversial plan to bring private equity into the World Cup.

Club Transfers and Signings

Everton has completed the signing of Denmark international Christian Nørgaard from Arsenal, as announced by both clubs on Wednesday reportedly reached a £120m agreement for Yan Diomande, while Liverpool is exploring a move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye. Aston Villa also reportedly reached an agreement to sign Matteo Ruggeri. Wrexham has signed midfielder Ben Whiteman from Preston on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee. Crystal Palace is set to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu on a free transfer after a successful trial and is considering a move for winger Solly March. Crystal Palace is also in advanced talks to sign Real Salt Lake's 19-year-old wing-back Zavier Gozo, a source confirmed to ESPN. Hull City signed Greece goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis from Olympiacos on a five-year deal for a club-record fee. Lincoln City midfielder Jack Moylan is joining Championship rivals Cardiff City after an impressive last season in League One. Celtic is reportedly pushing for a deal for Ghedjemis, while a former Celtic left-back has moved to Houston Dynamo.

Transfer Rumors and Speculation

Liverpool is reportedly looking to strengthen their attack by signing Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye, according to Transfer Talk is reportedly considering a £120m deal for Yan Diomande and has resumed contract talks with Vinicius Jr. Nottingham Forest is reportedly eyeing Tijjani Reijnders, while Spurs are interested in Savinho and Nicolas Jackson. Chelsea is reportedly set to clinch a deal for Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria for a fee of around £16.3m (€19m) plus add-ons. Bournemouth is reportedly attracting interest in a striker after impressing in pre-season. Liverpool prepared to make Bradley Barcola their third £100m signing, and there is analysis of what the France and Paris Saint-Germain winger would bring to Anfield.

Player Movements and Departures

Mohamed Salah is reportedly set to join Turkish side Trabzonspor on a free transfer after mutually agreeing to terminate his Liverpool contract a year early. Rangers have completed the signing of winger Daisuke Yokota from Hannover. Former England defender Kyle Walker stated he is "at ease" with his decision to retire from international football, hoping it could lead to an extended club career, similar to James Milner's.

Pre-Season Matches and Team News

Arsenal produced a sloppy performance and were beaten 3-1 by LaLiga side Real Betis in a pre-season friendly in Dublin. Liverpool's time in the U.S. showed that coach Iraola & Co. still have significant work to do ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, with injuries and squad depth being concerns. Enzo Maresca won his first game in charge of Manchester City with a 3-1 win over the K-League All Stars in Seoul coach Ryan Carr will not be in attendance at the Hull KR game due to personal reasons. Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors will make history in April 2027 by playing the first-ever Super League fixture in Ireland. British boxer Raven Chapman underwent emergency surgery for a bleed on her brain after collapsing during a sparring session in Denmark. Joseph Parker announced he will resume his boxing career "soon" after his suspension was lifted following a failed drug test last year.

Other Sports News

Rockets extended their lead at the top of The Hundred table with a fifth win in six games, leaving Birmingham Phoenix at the bottom. Trent Rockets also went top of The Hundred women's table after a fourth consecutive win against Birmingham Phoenix, which almost assures them a spot in the tournament's later stages. British No. 2 Cameron Norrie secured a comfortable victory at the National Bank Open in Montreal, setting up a third-round meeting with Alex De Minaur. Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open due to an ongoing wrist injury, raising concerns about his US Open title defence. Max Verstappen praised the "rock solid" performances of Kimi Antonelli, who is leading Formula 1's Drivers' Championship over the first half of the 2026 season. Slica Bay Sea Suite, and Ben Nevis are set to compete in the Brighton Mile this afternoon. Callum Walsh an unbeaten contender from Ireland, is looking to break through into the middleweight division.

Soccer Culture and League Updates

The new season of "Ted Lasso" was filmed in the U.S. at a real-life NWSL club for a cameo that serves as a key plot point of the show. The association of European soccer leagues has called for governance reform of FIFA, adding to the pressure on president Gianni Infantino. Larry Berg will succeed Don Garber as the new MLS commissioner beginning next year, and there is discussion about what he should do to improve the league. The United States men's national team will play its first fixtures after the new Pochettino deal during the September/October FIFA international window, hosting Peru, Chile, Canada, and Mexico. Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos stated that Luis Suárez cannot be replaced as the team prepares to navigate the Leagues Cup without the forward due to his lengthy suspension. The bulk of the EFL Cup's first round fixtures will take place on a weekend, despite it traditionally being a midweek competition. Long before the EAFC video game franchise was at the center of soccer culture, FIFA International Soccer was an unexpected bestseller.

International Soccer and Player News

Pakistan ended their eight-match away Test losing streak in emphatic fashion, securing an eight-wicket victory over the West Indies on Wednesday. Tomas Albornoz has been suspended for four matches after being charged with misconduct following Argentina's Nations Championship defeat against England last month. Midfielder Erica Parkinson, has been named in England's preparation squad for the Under-20 Women's World Cup in Poland. The president of Brazilian club Remo accused Santos star Neymar of provocation after Tuesday's Brazilian Cup game. While he spent most of his career with smaller clubs, Vozinha always believed he belonged on a bigger stage as a goalkeeper.

Coaching and Management Changes

Newcastle United has appointed Matthias Jaissle, as head coach, succeeding Eddie Howe. Manchester United appointed former Hearts boss Eva Olid as their new women's manager on a two-year deal, with an option for a further 12 months. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill remains in hospital after undergoing a "small procedure," the club announced.

Club-Specific Developments

Liverpool is reportedly exploring a move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye to the U.S. highlighted concerns about injuries and squad depth for coach Iraola & Co.. With Liverpool prepared to make Bradley Barcola their third £100m signing, analysis is being done on what the winger would bring to Anfield. Arsenal has agreed to a £75m fee with Newcastle for their captain Bruno Guimaraes. Marcus Rashford is expected to return to Manchester United training in the coming days, sparking debate about the implications. Chelsea is set