Last updated: August 7, 2026, 9:18 PM ET
Top Story
Emma Hayes said she is "delighted" that Mauricio Pochettino has signed a new deal to remain the U.S. men's team coach for another four years, adding that his stay can help "raise" the level of soccer in the country. Meanwhile, Hayes urged US Soccer to prioritize the U.S. Under-20 Women's national team at this year's World Cup, warning she is "worried" about youth development and the need to match the development of top European teams. France confirmed they still plan to compete in the U-20 Women's World Cup next month despite a threat from Uefa to boycott Fifa competitions.
Transfer Window Roundup
Liverpool have agreed a surprise deal to sign defender Ronald Araújo on a season-long loan from Barcelona, sources told ESPN, with the move described as a key addition for the Reds' backline. Sky Sports confirmed the deal, noting that Liverpool have secured the Uruguay international for the campaign. In other moves, Franco Mastantuono has joined Fiorentina on a season-long loan from Real Madrid, the clubs confirmed on Friday. Real Madrid also spent big to sign World Cup star Yan Diomande, adding him to a forward line that already features Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior; the club explained why they made that investment. Meanwhile, Vinícius Júnior ended weeks of speculation by signing a new six-year Real Madrid contract; an inside look reveals how the deal played out.
Manchester City are reportedly exploring a move for Enzo Fernández as a Rodri replacement, while Arsenal and Manchester United are both looking to sign Shakhtar Donetsk forward Kauã Elias, according to Transfer Talk's latest. The BBC's Saturday gossip roundup adds that Arsenal could battle Manchester United for Pio Esposito and that Liverpool have yet to agree a fee for Bradley Barcola, with more rumors detailed. Sky Sports also reports that Arsenal could hijack Liverpool's move for Barcola, citing Saturday's newspaper stories. Atletico Madrid are in talks with Tottenham over signing captain Cristian Romero, with negotiations ongoing. Manchester United continue to explore a move for USMNT left-back Antonee Robinson, per Transfer Talk.
Newcastle United have told Manchester United that full-back Lewis Hall is not for sale after rejecting an initial enquiry. The Magpies also sold captain Bruno Guimarães to Arsenal in an emotional move; sporting director Ross Wilson said the club did not plan to sell but their "very emotional" captain wanted to join Arsenal. Liverpool have invested £60m to bring highly-regarded young central defender Jeremy Jacquet to Anfield, and they are ready to put their faith in the "real deal" despite an injury disrupting his pre-season — the Frenchman is expected to make an early debut.
Coventry City completed the club-record signing of Ghana midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi, with the deal worth a reported £26m; Sky Sports notes that the Premier League newcomers have strengthened their midfield. Hull City signed Norwegian midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl on a five-year contract from Tromso, calling it his "biggest challenge" yet. Notts County signed Northampton Town midfielder Dean Campbell, as confirmed by the club. Former Mexico star Hirving "Chucky" Lozano joined the LA Galaxy on an initial loan deal through the rest of the 2026 season from San Diego FC, with the clubs announcing the move. Crystal Palace completed the signing of Japan defender Takehiro Tomiyasu following a successful pre-season trial, as reported by BBC Sport.
The USMNT summer transfer window is well underway, with several U.S. players finding new homes; an assessment of moves includes Arfsten getting a B+ for his Boro move. The 2026 summer transfer window also features a full list of all done deals in August, covering the Premier League, Scottish Premiership, EFL and Women's Super League, available here. Mohamed Salah decided to trade the Premier League for Turkish side Trabzonspor, leaving Liverpool with a gap to fill; an analysis examines why he left for Türkiye's fourth-most popular club. Meanwhile, Liverpool are not pursuing a move for Djed Spence this summer, according to Friday's gossip. Chelsea will be working hard to cut their 41-man senior squad before the window closes, with speculation on who could exit.
Carabao Cup Action
Will Lankshear's debut strike ensured Middlesbrough made a winning start to the season as they beat Wrexham 1-0 in the Carabao Cup first round; Gregg Berhalter's Boro side overcame the Welsh opponents in a tight encounter. Sky Sports also covered the match, highlighting that Lankshear's goal saw Boro past Wrexham while Wolves and Stevenage also progressed. The bulk of the EFL Cup's first-round fixtures are taking place on a weekend despite traditionally being a midweek competition, with an explanation of why that is. The second-round draw takes place on Monday, with 11 Premier League teams entering the competition; details on when and how to follow. David Sullivan is expected to attend West Ham's EFL Cup tie against Portsmouth despite being advised to stay away from home matches, as BBC Sport reports.
Premier League & EFL
Fulham's new signings made losing debuts in a defeat to Crystal Palace, with the match also featuring a Lukic injury and a Wilson transfer standoff; Sky Sports provides the latest from Craven Cottage. Mikel Arteta said his Arsenal players were "fuming" after defensive errors saw them fall to a 3-1 preseason defeat to Real Betis in Dublin; the manager was critical of the performance. Bayern Munich held off a late fightback from Aston Villa to secure a 2-1 victory in Hong Kong, bringing the pre-season tours of Asia for both sides to a close; match details. Barcelona canceled a pre-season friendly in Morocco because of the ongoing border crisis in Ceuta, as confirmed by the club.
Myles Lewis-Skelly broke into the Arsenal first team at left-back, but the teenager's preference has always been to play in midfield; his chance to threaten Arsenal's big-name midfielders is examined. Conor Gallagher is ready to show what he can do under De Zerbi at Tottenham, with timing in sport often defining a career — a look at his move. England striker Ivan Toney has been charged with assault causing actual bodily harm following a nightclub incident in December 2025; the charges were confirmed. The Football Association has banned solid perimeter walls around pitches after a safety review following the death of former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar; the new rule was announced. Assistant referee Sian Massey-Ellis has retired from officiating and will take up a new role with the Football Association as head of women's referees. Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert says he is "grateful" to owner Dragon Solak for backing him in the wake of the Spygate scandal, claiming the image of the affair is far from the truth.
The National League kicks off on Saturday with a lot to live up to following the most dramatic end to the 2025-26 campaign; a preview asks how it can live up to last season's drama. San Jose Earthquakes hired former Portland executive Gavin Wilkinson as a consultant; Wilkinson was fired by Portland in 2022 after the Yates Report detailed systemic abuse in the NWSL, the club confirmed. Leicester City are gearing up for League One but 10 years ago they were defending Premier League champions; a feature recalls the secret invite and other "pinch-me" moments before Leicester woke up. Manchester United teenager JJ Gabriel has been given a trading card made with real 24-carat gold, days after making his unofficial senior debut for the club; the golden moment was captured. As Zeph Thomas prepares to manage in the FA Cup for the first time, he tells BBC Sport about his extraordinary career path spanning 39 moves in 18 years — the story of football's ultimate journeyman.
Scottish Football
Leeds underlined their Super League title credentials as Chris Hankinson's converted try capped a thrilling comeback 24-22 win over Wakefield in a packed-out stadium; match report. Already it is looking like the Scottish title might be won again by the best of a bad bunch, with a preview of what to look forward to this weekend. The Scottish Football Association is to hold a "critically important" summit around the future of the national game, as announced. Scottish clubs had a mixed night in Europe, with supporters and former Hibs player Scott Allan reacting to the continued summer malaise. Stuttering starts, goals in every match and plenty of excitement — the Scottish Premiership returned with a bang, and more is expected this weekend. Celtic and Rangers have submitted offers for wingers, while Anderlecht hold advanced talks with Dundee United over Will Ferry, according to the latest gossip. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill is out of hospital and in "good form" after a procedure, Shaun Maloney revealed; the update was given. Mark Wilson believes the aim of returning Partick Thistle to the Scottish Premiership was a huge factor in Ben Stanway signing a surprise new contract, as Livingston visit in a live BBC Scotland match; Stanway boosts Thistle promotion bid. The Scottish football podcast previews the weekend with European reaction and big predictions, featuring Charlotte Cohen, Scott Allan and Cammy Kerr.
Women's Football
Midfielder Mariona Caldentey explains why Arsenal, strengthened by seven new players, are talking up their chances of winning the Treble this season; she embraces the "cool" pressure as Arsenal target a historic campaign. BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team details the key dates for the 2026-27 women's football season, including important fixtures and deadlines. A masterclass from Phoebe Litchfield, who hit the fastest fifty in the history of The Hundred women's competition, headlined Sun Risers Leeds' straightforward chase of Birmingham Phoenix's total, eliminating the Phoenix. In the men's Hundred, Birmingham Phoenix were also knocked out by Sun Risers Leeds after a 45-run win, just as with their women's team.
International & FIFA
UEFA has confirmed it is aware of an allegation that European football's governing body paid off an alleged mistress of Gianni Infantino while he worked for them; the body acknowledged the claim. The Norwegian Football Federation has called for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign after he attempted to sell off stakes in the World Cup; Norway says there is "no trust" in him now, while Mexico and Argentina have expressed their support, per ESPN. The BBC also reports that Norway calls on Infantino to resign but two countries back the FIFA president, with Mexico supporting him. Rivals are reportedly circling in a bid to unseat Gianni Infantino as FIFA president following his plan to bring private equity into the World Cup; an analysis examines who could challenge him.
Argentina will not put pressure on Lionel Messi to play at the 2028 Copa América but will continue to let their superstar decide when he wants to compete, the federation stated. Spain "deserves" to host the 2030 World Cup final, according to the country's sports minister Milagros Tolón, who argued that Spain should be the venue.
Other News
The World Cup was a great spectacle but also hard work for the players; as many stars return to their clubs to prepare for the 2026-27 season, an analysis examines which elite clubs are struggling with burnout, including Arsenal, Liverpool and Bayern. For those keen to extend their soccer love after the World Cup, a 10-step guide to European soccer provides all the need-to-know details, from Bill Connelly. The most-viral goalkeeper from the World Cup, Vozinha, and Africa's most storied player, Mohamed Salah, have had amazing transfer unveilings that captured the imagination — a closer look. Why can't the Premier League attract the world's best players? A feature explores why top footballers leave the Premier League, citing Vinícius Jr's decision to stay at Real Madrid as a case study — the question is examined. Simon Francis has collected more than 80 Mitre footballs which he displays above his stairs; meet the man with a museum of footballs in this BBC Sport profile.