Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: July 22, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Spain Clinch Historic World Cup Double, Lewandowski Reflects on Yamal

Spain's men's and women's national teams have achieved a historic feat by holding both World Cups simultaneously, a testament to a generation of development. The nation celebrated their World Cup triumph with a parade in Madrid, and midfielder Gavi urged FIFA not to punish Argentina for post-final actions urged FIFA not to punish. Barcelona's Lamine Yamal received encouragement from Lionel Messi to "go his own way" after the final received encouragement, though Robert Lewandowski noted Yamal wasn't playing his best football during the tournament due to injury. Despite the loss, Argentina's Enzo Fernández expressed pride and humility, vowing to continue giving his all for the team. The World Cup final itself was a massive draw, attracting a peak audience of 15.8 million viewers on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK and over 60 million in North America. Sportsbooks in the US also reported record handles for the tournament. Spain is already installed as the favorite to repeat at the 2030 World Cup installed as the favorite.

MLS Action and Transfer Rumors Swirl

In Major League Soccer, Inter Miami CF secured a 3-2 victory over Chicago, spoiling Robert Lewandowski's debut with two goals from Luis Suárez and a late strike from Preston Plambeck. However, Inter Miami is now facing an MLS investigation over a tampering allegation concerning the signing of Casemiro, who joined the club on a free transfer after leaving Manchester United. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will take time off before rejoining Inter Miami for the MLS season following their World Cup commitments. In other transfer news, Arsenal has been linked with a move for Real Madrid goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez linked with a move, while Aston Villa has agreed on a deal to sign Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea agreed on a deal. Liverpool is reportedly confident of signing Bradley Barcola and has made an initial approach for Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche. Manchester United is exploring the possibility of signing Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga exploring the possibility and is considering a bid for PSG's Xavi Simons considering a bid. Chelsea has also been linked with Alex Scott, who rejected a new contract at Bournemouth.

Club Signings and Pre-Season Updates

Premier League clubs are actively shaping their squads for the upcoming season. Ipswich Town has completed the signings of Issa Diop from Fulham for £8.5m completed the signings and Abdul Fatawu for £20m. Middlesbrough has signed Tottenham striker Will Lankshear in a deal that could rise to a club-record £20m. Everton has confirmed the signing of Finland international Jutta Rantala from Leicester City confirmed the signing. In pre-season action, Tottenham secured a 1-0 victory over MK Dons, with a notable volleyed screamer from Rodrigo Bentancur. Aston Villa's new signing João Gomes made his debut in a 5-0 preseason win at Walsall. In Scotland, Hearts are preparing for their Champions League qualifying campaign, with manager Wouter Vrancken promising an attacking approach. Rangers continue their rebuild, with reports suggesting Daizen Maeda is nearing an exit.

Player News and Injury Concerns

Arsenal has confirmed that defender William Saliba will be out for an extended period due to a back injury. Newcastle United is reportedly frustrated with Arsenal's pursuit of Bruno Guimarães and will only consider selling him for upwards of £80m. Phil Foden has signed a new contract with Manchester City. Meanwhile, former Mexico great Guillermo Ochoa announced his retirement after a distinguished 22-year career.

Other Football News

The transfer window continues to be a focal point, with reports indicating that the average cost of top-tier signings in the Premier League is soaring, making £100m-plus players increasingly commonplace. The Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Wafcon 2026, is set to begin on July 26th in Morocco set to begin. In a surprising move, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have submitted a joint bid to host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations. La Liga president Javier Tebas has called for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign, claiming the governing body is "destroying the football industry" called for FIFA president to resign.

Other Sports News

In boxing, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have traded insults, casting fresh doubts over their potential fight traded insults. Kristian Prenga has been backed to upset Anthony Joshua in their upcoming bout backed to upset. In darts, Luke Littler produced a sensational nine-darter on his way to an epic World Matchplay win over Nathan Aspinall. Cameron Menzies was forced to withdraw from the World Matchplay due to illness forced to withdraw. In Formula, championship leader Kimi Antonelli will miss the first practice session for the Hungarian Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton expects Ferrari to be competitive at the Hungarian Grand Prix expects Ferrari to be competitive.