Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: July 28, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

USMNT Coaching Search and Player Departures

The United States men's national team is in a state of flux, with the lingering question of Mauricio Pochettino's status as head coach. Goalkeeper Matt Freese admitted he's still grappling with the team's World Cup exit following a 4-1 loss to Belgium. Advanced statistics reveal a pattern of disappointment in recent World Cup appearances, prompting a deeper look into the team's tournament history since 1990 to get the real story. Meanwhile, Mexico's all-time leading goal scorer, Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, is reportedly signing with USL Championship expansion team Atletico Dallas a source told ESPN.

International Football Transfers and Club News

Chelsea is reportedly set to sign Italian attacking midfielder Giulia Dragoni from Barcelona. In other transfer news, Juventus has expressed interest in Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee. Vinicius Junior is expected to remain at Real Madrid this summer, despite speculation linking him with Arsenal. Manchester City is bracing for a bid from Real Madrid for Rodri papers report, while Leeds is poised to sign James Trafford for £40 million.

European Club Updates and Managerial Changes

Xabi Alonso's first match as Chelsea manager featured four strikers, with one scoring a hat-trick and another potentially leaving. Alonso has requested patience as his coaching era at Chelsea begins in Sydney ESPN Soccer. Meanwhile, Roberto Mancini is set to return as the head coach of Italy, following Paolo Maldini's departure from his technical director role after just 16 days. In Scotland, Derek McInnes is expected to be in the dugout for Rangers' season opener against Dundee United, despite an SFA ban.

FIFA and UEFA Clash Over World Cup Investment

UEFA has strongly criticized a FIFA proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, calling it "a line that football's governing institutions should never cross" and stating the World Cup is "not FIFA's to sell" ESPN Soccer. This stance was reiterated by UEFA, which hit out at FIFA's plans to sell stakes linked to the World Cup. FIFA president Gianni Infantino, however, has launched a scathing attack on critics of the 2026 World Cup, accusing them of being "consumed by hate" ESPN Soccer.

Player Performances and Individual Accolades

Smriti Mandhana delivered an exceptional 88 not out performance, leading Manchester Super Giants to a four-wicket victory over Sun Risers Leeds at Headingley. Ronnie O'Sullivan was eliminated from the Shanghai Masters in the second round after a 6-4 defeat to Kyren Wilson. In horse racing, Scandinavia defended its Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup title, proving superior to Trawlerman.

World Cup Reflections and Controversies

Kylian Mbappé expressed his disappointment following France's World Cup final loss, stating that the outcome "hurts, and will hurt for a while" ESPN Soccer. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni defended his players, referring to them as "warriors" in the aftermath of their World Cup final defeat to Spain ESPN Soccer. Dani Olmo has rejected an apology from Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala for their confrontation after Spain's World Cup final victory ESPN Soccer. The IFAB clarified its guidance to referees, confirming that Switzerland forward Breel Embolo should not have been sent off in a World Cup quarterfinal match against Argentina ESPN Soccer.

Other Football News and Developments

Kazuyoshi Miura, the world's oldest professional footballer, scored his first goal since 2022 at the age of 59 for Japanese third-tier side Fukushima United. A female referee was injured and had to leave the pitch after being knocked down during a friendly match. English football is set to implement a trial aimed at eradicating the goalkeeper tactical timeout this season.

Tennis and Golf Updates

Katie Boulter was eliminated from the DC Open in the first round, suffering a 3-6 6-2 6-2 defeat to Ashlyn Krueger. Jack Draper has withdrawn from the DC Open due to a left arm injury. In golf, Nelly Korda and Charley Hull are among the contenders eyeing victory at the AIG Women's Open.

Boxing and Combat Sports

Mikaela Mayer has declared her world super welterweight title unification bout against Chantelle Cameron will be "the female fight of the year". Edgar Berlanga secured a victory, climbing off the canvas to stop Steven Butler in the seventh round of their super-middleweight contest. Hamzah Sheeraz narrowly won his bout, while Josh Kelly overcame a significant facial injury on the undercard of the Anthony Joshua vs Kristian Prenga event.

Motorsport News

George Russell expressed frustration with his season, stating he has "never" experienced such misfortune after an engine issue impacted his performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff criticized what he called "Teletubbies engineers" following a blue flag system failure, while Oscar Piastri labeled backmarkers as "unacceptable" after contact with Carlos Sainz at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Cricket and Other Sports

A North Yorkshire cricket team is under investigation following accusations of cheating against a player for allegedly attempting to deceive umpires. Craig Overton emerged victorious in his contest against his twin brother Jamie as Trent Rockets defeated London Spirit by four wickets in The Hundred. South African all-rounders Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk were instrumental in London Spirit Women securing their first win of The Hundred season.

Darts and Snooker Updates

Luke Littler has reiterated his ambition to become the "greatest darts player ever" following his dominant Betfred World Matchplay title defense. Ronnie O'Sullivan has set a deadline of 2028 to win a record eighth World Snooker Championship and indicated he will retire if required to play qualifying matches Sky Sports Champions Leaguequalifying matches.

Horse Racing

Amazonian Dream is aiming to win its second consecutive race at Windsor. Sunray Shadow and Imperial Alex are set to compete at Uttoxeter.