Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 7, 2026, 6:45 PM ET

Transfers and Squad News

Real Madrid's surprise addition of World Cup star Yan Diomande has raised questions about how the club will balance an attack already featuring Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior. Vinícius ended weeks of speculation about a blockbuster move to Arsenal by signing a new six-year Real Madrid contract, with details emerging on how the deal was sealed. Meanwhile, Franco Mastantuono has joined Fiorentina on a season-long loan from Real Madrid.

Former Mexico star Hirving "Chucky" Lozano has joined the LA Galaxy on an initial loan through the 2026 season from San Diego FC. In the Premier League, Manchester City are exploring a move for Enzo Fernández as a potential replacement for Rodri. Meanwhile, Manchester United continue to explore a move for USMNT full-back Antonee Robinson. Newcastle United have rejected a Manchester United approach for Lewis Hall, with the club telling United that the full-back is not for sale. Atletico Madrid are in talks with Tottenham over signing their captain Cristian Romero.

Coventry City have completed the club-record signing of Ghana midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi. Crystal Palace have signed Japan defender Takehiro Tomiyasu following a successful pre-season trial. Hull City have signed Norwegian midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl on a five-year contract from Tromso. Notts County have signed Northampton Town midfielder Dean Campbell.

In Scotland, Celtic and Rangers have both submitted offers for wingers, while Anderlecht hold advanced talks with Dundee United over Will Ferry. Liverpool have invested £60m to bring highly-regarded French defender Jeremy Jacquet to Anfield this summer. The USMNT summer transfer window has seen several moves, with ESPN grading the biggest deals, including Arfsten's move to Middlesbrough earning a B+.

Match Reports and Results

In the Carabao Cup first round, Will Lankshear's debut strike ensured Middlesbrough beat Wrexham 1-0. The same match was also covered by Sky Sports, with Lankshear's goal seeing Boro past Wrexham. In pre-season friendlies, Bayern Munich held off a late Aston Villa fightback to win 2-1 in Hong Kong. Mikel Arteta said his Arsenal players were "fuming" after defensive errors led to a 3-1 preseason defeat to Real Betis.

In the NFL preseason, undrafted rookie quarterback Haynes King led the Carolina Panthers to a 33-30 comeback win over the Arizona Cardinals in the Hall of Fame game. Birmingham Phoenix were eliminated from The Hundred after Sun Risers Leeds won by 45 runs. Phoebe Litchfield hit the fastest fifty in women's Hundred history to seal the win for Sun Risers Leeds. New Zealand's first full-scale tour of South Africa in 30 years began with an underwhelming 38-21 win over the Stormers.

In golf, Charley Hull surged up the leaderboard with a course-record 62 at the PIF London Championship. In tennis, Britain's Cameron Norrie dumped out third seed Alex de Minaur to reach the fourth round of the National Bank Open. Jack Draper has been confirmed for next week's Cincinnati Open despite arm injury concerns.

Off-Field and Controversies

UEFA has confirmed it is aware of an allegation that European football's governing body paid off an alleged mistress of Gianni Infantino. Norway's soccer federation president has called on Infantino to resign, saying there is "no trust" in him now. Mexico and Argentina have expressed their support for the embattled FIFA president. The Norwegian Football Federation calls for Infantino to resign after he attempted to sell off stakes in the World Cup. Rivals are reportedly circling in a bid to unseat Infantino.

Barcelona cancelled a pre-season friendly in Morocco because of the ongoing border crisis in Ceuta. The Football Association has banned solid perimeter walls around pitches after a safety review following the death of former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar. Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert says he is "grateful" to owner Dragon Solak for backing him in the wake of the Spygate scandal.

England striker Ivan Toney has been charged with assault causing actual bodily harm following a nightclub incident. Five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld has been fined and suspended by the Darts Regulation Authority for inappropriate behaviour. Assistant referee Sian Massey-Ellis has retired from officiating and will take up a new role with the Football Association.

Women's Football and Youth Development

Emma Hayes urged US Soccer to prioritize the U.S. Under-20 Women's national team at this year's World Cup to help American youth players match European development. France say they are still planning to compete in the Under-20 Women's World Cup next month despite a Uefa boycott threat. Argentina will not put pressure on Lionel Messi to play at the 2028 Copa América. Spain "deserves" to host the 2030 World Cup final, according to the country's sports minister, as reported in a claim that Spain deserve the final over Morocco.

Mark Wilson believes the aim of returning Partick Thistle to the Scottish Premiership was a huge factor in Ben Stanway signing a new contract. Midfielder Mariona Caldentey explains why Arsenal, strengthened by seven new players, are talking up their chances of winning the Treble. The BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team details the key dates for the 2026-27 women's football season.

Other Football News

Leicester City are gearing up for League One but 10 years ago they were defending Premier League champions. The dream moments haven't been forgotten. The Scottish Football Association is to hold a "critically important" summit around the future of the national game. Already it is looking like the Scottish title might be won again by the best of a bad bunch, according to a preview.

The bulk of the EFL Cup's first round fixtures will take place on a weekend, despite traditionally being a midweek competition. The second-round draw takes place on Monday, with 11 Premier League teams entering. David Sullivan is expected to attend Saturday's EFL Cup tie despite safety advice to stay away.

The National League kicks off on Saturday with a lot to live up to following last season's drama. As he prepares to manage in the FA Cup for the first time, Zeph Thomas tells BBC Sport about his extraordinary career path spanning 39 moves in 18 years. Manchester United teenager JJ Gabriel has been given a trading card made with real 24-carat gold after his unofficial senior debut.

Newcastle United sporting director Ross Wilson says the club did not plan to sell Bruno Guimaraes, but their "very emotional" captain wanted to join Arsenal. Conor Gallagher is ready to show what he can do under De Zerbi at Tottenham. Myles Lewis-Skelly broke into the Arsenal first team at left-back, but the teenager's preference has always been to play in midfield.

Chelsea will be working hard to cut their 41-man senior squad, with 25 days until the transfer window closes. Mohamed Salah decided to trade the Premier League for Turkish side Trabzonspor, leaving Liverpool with questions about where his departure leaves the club. The World Cup was a great spectacle but hard work for players. As many stars return to their clubs, which clubs are battling burnout?

The long-awaited heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will take place "where the money is," says Dana White. Cherneka Johnson may be the undisputed bantamweight champion, but she admits Dina Thorslund still occupies the division's throne. Sam Hickey is a real showman and a rising Scottish middleweight star.

Martin O'Neill is out of hospital and in "good form" after a procedure. Scottish clubs had a mixed night in Europe, with supporters and former Hibs player Scott Allan reacting. The Scottish Premiership returned with a bang and there is more to look forward to this weekend. A Scottish football podcast discusses European reaction and big predictions before a massive weekend.

Liverpool have no intention of pursuing Djed Spence this summer, according to Friday's gossip roundup. Arsenal could battle Manchester United for Pio Esposito. Liverpool have yet to agree a fee for Bradley Barcola. England opener Emilio Gay suffered an injury scare on Friday, retiring hurt with a shoulder injury. Simon Francis has collected more than 80 Mitre footballs which he displays above his stairs.