Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 9, 2026, 12:06 AM ET

Mourning in Miami

Inter Miami paid tribute to their absent captain Lionel Messi in Saturday's Leagues Cup loss to Monterrey, following the death of his father Jorge Messi at age 68 in Rosario, Argentina.

Transfer Window Roundup

The biggest completed deal of the weekend saw Bruno Guimarães complete his £75m move from Newcastle to Arsenal, with analysis examining where he fits in Mikel Arteta's midfield. Meanwhile, Vinícius Júnior ended speculation of a move to Arsenal by signing a new six-year Real Madrid contract. Ferran Torres has told Barcelona he wants to join Paris Saint-Germain after agreeing personal terms, while Ronald Araujo is set for a medical ahead of a surprise loan move to Liverpool. Manchester City agreed a deal to sign Argentina goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli from Marseille for €17m and have valued Rodri at more than €70m amid interest from Barcelona, who increased their bid for the midfielder. Ipswich Town signed Serbia midfielder Sasa Lukic from Fulham, Aberdeen bought Belgian forward Mitchy Ntelo, and Middlesbrough signed Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek. LA Galaxy confirmed the signing of former Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto. PSV rejected an improved Rangers offer for winger Couhaib Driouech. Atlético Madrid remain firm on Julián Álvarez despite Barcelona's interest. Inter Milan striker Pio Esposito is wanted by Arsenal and Manchester United, while Cristian Romero is open to joining Arsenal but Tottenham resist. Marcus Rashford is set to rejoin Manchester United's preseason camp in Ireland.

Preseason Friendlies

Newcastle United lifted a trophy under new head coach Matthias Jaissle, who was handed debuts to Hornicek and Bamba as they faced Valencia. Yoane Wissa's double secured a winning start for Jaissle despite a Valencia red card. Manchester United drew 1-1 with Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg, with Youri Tielemans impressing on his debut and Bryan Mbeumo scoring the equalizer. Udinese beat Barcelona and Nottingham Forest to win the Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup. In a legends exhibition, Luis García said he hopes Xabi Alonso's Chelsea finish second to Liverpool.

Carabao Cup First Round

In the EFL Cup, Burnley edged Notts County 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, while Middlesbrough beat Wrexham 1-0 thanks to Will Lankshear's debut goal. Southampton took a late lead in their tie, and West Ham advanced. A look back at wildest scores in EFL Cup history marked the competition's return.

Scottish Premiership

St Mirren continued their surprise start with two wins from two, going top of the table after Killian Phillips scored again in a 1-0 win over St Johnstone. Joe Bevan dazzled with a double as Dundee beat Aberdeen 2-0. The Scottish FA has called a "critically important" summit on the future of Scottish football and is closing in on a new head coach to replace Steve Clarke.

International Football

Algeria became the first team to reach the WAFCON semifinals and qualified for the Women's World Cup for the first time with a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast.

Off-Field and Governance

FIFA hit out at what it called a campaign to undermine president Gianni Infantino, while Norway's federation called on Infantino to resign, though Mexico and Argentina expressed support. Emma Hayes said she is delighted that Mauricio Pochettino signed a new four-year deal to remain U.S. men's coach. San Jose hired former Portland executive Gavin Wilkinson as a consultant. Wolves legend Phil Parkes died at age.

World Cup Fallout and Other Stories

The World Cup burnout is affecting clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich as stars return for preseason. Tech investors showed interest in the World Cup, raising the question of whether football is AI-proof. The transfer window's impact on families was explored in a feature on life as a Wag. Mohamed Salah and Vozinha were highlighted for their transfer unveilings.