Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 6, 2026, 8:31 AM ET

Transfer Window Buzz and Club Signings

Manchester United has appointed Eva Olid as their new women's manager, signing her to a two-year deal with an option for a further 12 months less than a month before the Women's Super League season begins, raising questions about why the club has shifted direction. Defender Gabby George has also completed a move to Brighton from Manchester United ahead of the WSL season. Crystal Palace is poised to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu on a free transfer after a successful trial and is contemplating a move for winger Solly March. Wrexham has secured the signing of midfielder Ben Whiteman from Preston, agreeing to a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee. Everton has finalized the signing of Denmark international Christian Nørgaard from Arsenal brought in Lincoln midfielder Jack Moylan for an undisclosed fee, signing him to a four-year deal.

Player Movements and Speculation

Midfielder Rodri has a significant decision to make this summer regarding a potential move to either Real Madrid or Barcelona if he opts to leave Manchester City. Talks between Real Madrid and Rodri have reportedly stalled, with Barcelona monitoring the situation and considering a move for the player. Liverpool has been presented with an opportunity to address their defensive depth issues, while Manchester United is reportedly eyeing USMNT's Antonee Robinson. Liverpool is also said to be exploring a move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye, as Transfer Talk provides the latest updates. Real Madrid reached an agreement worth £120 million for Yan Diomande, and Aston Villa has agreed to terms for Matteo Ruggeri. Liverpool is reportedly interested in signing Cody Gakpo from Manchester United, evaluating how he would fit into Roberto de Zerbi’s system at Tottenham. Monga's £10 million transfer from Leicester to Manchester City might have gone unnoticed, but the young player aims to emulate Eden Hazard. Franco Mastantuono is expected to join Fiorentina from Real Madrid on a season-long loan.

Club News and Preseason Results

Arsenal manager Arteta stated his players were "fuming" after defensive errors contributed to a 3-1 preseason defeat against Real Betis in Dublin in the U.S. highlighted areas for coach Iraola & Co. to address before the 2026-27 campaign. Enzo Maresca secured his first victory as Manchester City manager with a 3-1 win over the K-League All Stars in Seoul. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill is in the hospital following a "small procedure," as announced by the club. Liverpool legend Ian Rush believes new manager Andoni Iraola should be given time to succeed, but also urged him to target winning silverware in his first season.

International Football and Governing Bodies

Spain's sports minister Milagros Tolón asserts that Spain "deserves" to host the 2030 World Cup final. The Argentine Football Association has designated July 15th as National Football Teams Day to commemorate Argentina's 2026 World Cup semi-final victory over England. FIFA has stated that it apologized for errors made concerning Gianni Infantino's abandoned plan to sell stakes in the World Cup, with senior staff at a summit in Morocco reaffirming their support. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed a loss of confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino, citing his "fatal" call regarding the World Cup and adding to the pressure on the soccer leader. The association of European soccer leagues has called for governance reform within FIFA, amplifying the pressure on president Gianni Infantino following his failed plan. Portugal great Luís Figo has joined the growing chorus calling for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to step down due to his unsuccessful proposal to sell World Cup rights to private investors. The identity of potential rivals seeking to challenge Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency is emerging, with the president facing pressure after his failed plan to bring private equity into the World Cup.

Player Bans and Disciplinary Actions

Bangor striker Ben Arthurs has completed a three-month anti-doping ban and is eligible to play in his club's opening match of the 2026-27 Irish Premiership season. Ebbsfleet United's first three National League South games of the season have been suspended due to the club's financial difficulties. Tomas Albornoz has been suspended for four matches following a misconduct charge related to incidents during Argentina's Nations Championship defeat against England last month.

Boxing and Combat Sports

Paul's team is targeting a return to boxing by January, with a rematch against Tommy Fury being the preferred option, according to Most Valuable Promotions partner Nakisa Bidarian. Middleweight boxer Aaron McKenna is preparing to fight for a world title this Saturday, with ambitions of unifying the 160lb division and potentially moving up to heavyweight. Joseph Parker is "relieved" and "excited" after a ban was lifted for a failed drug test, and he is scheduled to return to the ring this year, according to his manager David Higgins. Joe Ward a promising amateur boxer, has faced repeated setbacks throughout his career.

Other Sports News

The Trent Rockets extended their lead at the top of The Hundred table with their fifth win in six games, leaving the Birmingham Phoenix at the bottom of the standings. In The Hundred women's competition, Trent Rockets secured their spot in the latter stages of the tournament with a fourth consecutive win against Birmingham Phoenix. Jacob Bethell will miss England's upcoming Test series against Pakistan, while Ollie Pope and Brydon Carse have been included in the 16-man squad. Pakistan ended an eight-match away Test losing streak with an eight-wicket victory over the West Indies. British No. 2 Cameron Norrie advanced to the third round of the National Bank Open in Montreal with a win, where he will face Alex De Minaur. Former England defender Kyle Walker is content with his decision to retire from international football and hopes it will prolong his club career, drawing parallels with James Milner. The new season of "Ted Lasso" featured a cameo filmed at a real NWSL club, serving as a key plot point in the show. Curler Eve Muirhead is coming out of retirement in pursuit of another Winter Olympics gold medal, marking an unexpected return after a successful career transition. Rugby league teams Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors are scheduled to play in Dublin in April 2027, marking the first Super League fixture to be held in Ireland.

Tragic Incidents and Player Losses

Uganda international Mike Egwanga Owori, aged, was tragically killed by suspected robbers after resisting an attempted robbery. Alex Hughes son of former footballer Mark Hughes, was found collapsed at his home and died of sudden adult death syndrome.