Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 11, 2026, 12:18 AM ET

Women's World Cup & International Football

The 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil is drawing closer, with everything you need to know about the expanded format and qualified teams now available. Nigeria still hold hope for a spot after their worst-ever WAFCON performance, losing 1-0 to Cameroon in a shock quarterfinal exit. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie said the team must go "back to the drawing board." Meanwhile, Mexico won the CONCACAF U20 championship, beating the United States 2-0 at Estadio Azteca in a final marred by a suspect red card. Somali World Cup referee Omar Artan, barred from entering the U.S. last year, expressed gratitude for a chance to officiate the Super Cup. A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake in western Colombia has forced the postponement of Copa Libertadores, Sudamericana and domestic league matches, as matches are postponed.

Transfer Window Roundup

Crystal Palace is finalizing the transfer of Real Salt Lake winger Zavier Gozo, a source confirmed to ESPN. Palace is also close to signing Union SG midfielder Anan Khalaili and has agreed an unusual swap deal with Everton: Dwight McNeil heads to Selhurst Park while Brennan Johnson moves to Goodison Park. The swap deal is a rare practice in the Premier League, and the rules governing such exchanges have been explained. West Ham signed Manor Solomon from Tottenham on a three-year contract. Tottenham also extended Micky van de Ven's long-term deal, with the defender praising the club's direction. Liverpool are set to sign Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo on loan with a €55m option, a deal prematurely revealed by former striker Darwin Núñez, who appeared to let slip the news. A detailed analysis of why Liverpool signed Araújo examines the fit. Meanwhile, Victor Munoz is seen as a symbol of change under Andoni Iraola's high-press plan, with Munoz fueling Liverpool's new approach. Manchester City are in talks with Lille for Ayyoub Bouaddi, with ongoing talks reported. City are also monitoring Enzo Fernandez as an alternative. Aston Villa are in talks to sign Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha and are interested in a loan for Endrick. Liverpool's Cody Gakpo could depart to Tottenham, according to transfer rumors. Arsenal missed out on Vinícius Jr., and Mikel Arteta is still trying to add players; BBC Sport looks at who they could sign. Ipswich Town's global transfer gamble is analyzed as they prepare for the Premier League. Wrexham are closing in on Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson for a reported £8m, as the switch nears completion. Sunderland's injury crisis is detailed separately. Heart of Midlothian sold Greece winger Alexandros Kyziridis to Turkish club Corum for around £1.7m, as Kyziridis exits. Rangers reportedly agreed a £4.5m transfer of Mohamed Diomande to Corum and are linked with Aston Villa's Kosta Nedeljkovic; gossip also includes interest in a Pope. Derby County's takeover by Turki Alalshikh has collapsed, leaving the club off the market. Everton remain keen on Palace's Daniel Munoz, per latest news. The Rodri saga continues: Barcelona lead the race for the World Cup winner, as Rodri's future is debated, but Enzo Maresca expects him back at Manchester City next week. Maresca says Rodri is due. Meanwhile, City's Rodri to Barcelona talks are currently inactive. Harry Kane is a target for both Barcelona and Tottenham, per Tuesday's gossip. Rangers chairman expects up to five more signings, with frustration over the start to the season.

Carabao Cup Draw

The Carabao Cup second-round draw has produced standout fixtures: Chelsea will host Jack Wilshere's Luton Town, Tottenham host Charlton Athletic in a London derby, and Nottingham Forest face Leeds United in the only all-Premier League tie. The draw details were confirmed. The full second-round draw is available, with 11 Premier League teams entering the competition. The draw took place on Monday, with coverage detailing opponents. Specifically, Chelsea get Luton, Spurs host Charlton, and Newcastle discover their fate. Ties confirmed.

Club News & Preseason

Andoni Iraola's Liverpool are showing signs of his high-press style, but Iraola said his side lack energy for 90 minutes after a 3-2 defeat to Monaco. Iraola's comments raised questions for Liverpool fans; BBC Sport explores whether they should be worried. How Liverpool are shaping up under Iraola is analyzed. Arsenal's pre-season has revealed a surprise weakness: they have conceded seven goals in three games. Has their greatest strength become a weakness? Analysis examines the issue. Real Madrid's new coach Jose Mourinho criticized summer signing Bernardo Silva's fitness, saying he needs to improve after returning out of shape. Mourinho unimpressed. Rangers chairman Andrew Cavanagh addressed club culture in a Q&A, admitting failure had "seeped through" the club, and expects up to five more signings. The Q&A also compared Derek McInnes to Jurgen Klopp. Rangers frustrations continued with a loss to Hibs, while Celtic's Kasper Hogh silenced critics and Hearts won under Wouter Vrancken. Weekend review covers the Scottish Premiership action. Celtic hit Kilmarnock for five in a match that raised concerns at Rangers. Podcast discusses the fallout. The SWPL player drain is debated as either positive or problematic, with managing director Fiona McIntyre insisting it can benefit Scottish women's football. McIntyre weighs in. A summit aims to encourage Scottish clubs to give youth a chance, with a focus on balancing national and club interests. Forum urges.

Gossip & Off-field Stories

Cristiano Ronaldo laughed at false wedding reports that caused fan chaos in Funchal, with hundreds flocking to a cathedral for a different couple. False reports sparked the confusion. A Brazilian player, Jacy, fell down a tunnel during a goal celebration in a match between Coritiba and Chapecoense, saying he "got carried away." Jacy's fall. Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is suing Crystal Palace over a ban depicting him holding a gun to Morgan Gibbs-White's head. Lawsuit. UEFA's referees chief Roberto Rosetti said some VAR reviews "were not connected with football." Rosetti's comments. UEFA also joined a joint letter slamming "deception" in the Gianni Infantino fallout over the World Cup stake sale. UEFA slams Infantino. LaLiga president Javier Tebas claimed Infantino is "destroying the very essence of football" and his era is over. Tebas declares. A Cymru Premier broadcast deal with BBC Wales will show live games for the next three years. BBC Wales deal. The Football Daily podcast debates Iraola fitness, Rashford's return, and a Bezos Liverpool bid. Football Daily. And the 'Who am I?' quiz challenges fans to guess Premier League star No. 21. Guess the player.

Women's Football

Gotham FC are new leaders in ESPN's NWSL Power Rankings as their unbeaten streak continues. Gotham FC top. England Under-20 player Erica Meg Parkinson withdrew from the training camp before the U20 Women's World Cup in Poland. Parkinson withdraws. Jordan Nobbs said helping Newcastle United gain promotion to the Women's Super League would be "job done" in her career. Nobbs on promotion. The BBC Women's Football Weekly podcast features interviews with Georgia Stanway, Ona Batlle, and others. Podcast.

Other Sporting News

In The Hundred, Trent Rockets rely on a favour from Manchester Super Giants to avoid the Eliminator after their winning run was ended by Southern Brave. Rockets rely. Nat Sciver-Brunt led Trent Rockets Women into the final with a blistering 32 off 19 balls, securing a seventh successive victory. Sciver-Brunt. In golf, Frankie Harris shot a 12-under 59 in the final round to win the Korn Ferry Tour's Pinnacle Bank Championship in a play-off. Harris wins. The Sky Sports Golf Podcast delivers the latest news and analysis, focusing on young talent and the looming PGA Tour playoffs. Golf Podcast. In boxing, Caroline Dubois is tipped to succeed Katie Taylor as one of the biggest stars in women's boxing, according to Most Valuable Promotions. Dubois tipped. Jarrell "Big Baby" Miller could receive a WBA world heavyweight title shot against Murat Gassiev. Miller shot. In cricket, Scotland and the Netherlands criticised the restructuring of next year's 50-over World Cup, saying the changes risk weakening the integrity of the sport. Criticism. Super League's Final Charge sees seven teams battling for play-off spots with just five rounds left. Super League. McLaren boss Andrea Stella warned rivals after Lando Norris's win, expressing confidence in the team's momentum. Stella warns. In horse racing, Badri chases a four-timer at Windsor in a six-race Flat meeting live on Sky Sports Racing. Racing.