Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: July 30, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Club Transfers and Managerial Moves Dominate Headlines

AS Monaco have signed Matthis Abline from Nantes, potentially forming a potent forward partnership with Folarin Balogun. Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly close to completing "another bomba" transfer, according to head coach Roberto De Zerbi. Chelsea have finalized the £51 million acquisition of Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace completed the signing, with reports also indicating a £52 million move for the French defender. Jordan Henderson has departed Brentford and is expected to sign with Chelsea. In other transfer news, Everton are reportedly interested in Celtic's Alistair Johnston, with Nathan Patterson tipped for an exit linked with interest. Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare has joined Ajax on a season-long loan, with an option for a permanent deal. Burnley winger Luca Koleosho is set to sign for Ligue 1 club Paris FC. Nottingham Forest are reportedly nearing a deal for Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande close to completing a deal.

Eddie Howe is poised to leave his position as Newcastle United head coach after five years in charge, with Matthias Jaissle emerging as the favorite to replace him. Jaissle, known for his attacking style and trophy-winning record, has managed in Austria and Saudi Arabia. In a significant managerial shift, Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the new head coach of France. Roberto Mancini has been reappointed as the Italy manager for a second spell, following a period of turmoil that saw technical director Paolo Maldini resign and Andrea Pirlo rule himself out of contention. Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed he turned down the opportunity to coach Italy, stating his commitment to leading Brazil. Stephen Fleming is the frontrunner to be appointed as the new head coach of the England men's Test team.

UEFA and FIFA Face Off Over World Cup Plans

UEFA is convening an emergency meeting of its 55 member nations on Thursday to discuss a coordinated response to FIFA's proposals, which could include a potential World Cup boycott. FIFA is reportedly offering $40 million to member associations that back its controversial funding plan, with a deadline of September 19 set for nations to access the funds. European football's governing body is also planning to sell stakes in its competitions, a move that has raised questions about FIFA's financial strategies. FIFA has also opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina concerning alleged breaches of regulations during the World Cup and for behavior displayed after the World Cup final.

League and Cup Action Across Europe and Beyond

In Scotland, St Mirren manager Craig McLeish faces a disciplinary hearing and has been charged by the Scottish FA for comments made about referee Sean Murdoch. Celtic captain Callum McGregor has expressed his desire to win the league "in a bit more style" this term and is committed to the club. Simo Valakari is urging his St Johnstone players to be "solid and streetwise" as they prepare for their return to the Scottish Premiership. Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson is drawing inspiration from Hearts' previous title challenge as he aims to guide his team back into the top six.

The Women's Super League fixtures for the 2026/27 season have been announced, with Manchester City beginning their title defense against newly-promoted Birmingham City. London City Lionesses will open the season against Manchester United, and have also signed Spanish youth international Daniela Arques. Tottenham's transfer activity indicates significant ambitions for their Women's Super League campaign. Newcastle United's WSL 2 side has signed Scotland forward Martha Thomas. Southampton director of women's football Marieanne Spacey-Cale will step down this year.

In Spain, La Liga side Rayo Vallecano has been barred from playing at their home stadium due to the risk of Legionnaires' disease just weeks before the new season commences. Barcelona president Joan Laporta is recovering from a heart issue that led to his hospitalization.

Player News and Individual Performances

Lionel Messi has returned to Inter Miami following Argentina's World Cup final loss to Spain. Marc Cucurella has fulfilled a promise by getting a tattoo of Spain coach Luis de la Fuente after their World Cup triumph. Cape Verde's Sidny Lopes Cabral won the public vote for goal of the World Cup tournament. IFAB has clarified that the VAR decision to issue a red card to Switzerland's Breel Embolo during the World Cup quarter-final against Argentina was incorrect.

In tennis, Cameron Norrie advanced to the quarter-finals of the Los Cabos Open, while Naomi Osaka progressed in Washington. Jack Draper has received a wild card for the National Bank Open in Montreal. Ekaterina Alexandrova collapsed on court during a WTA Tour match in Memphis.

In darts, teenage sensation Luke Littler's dominance has led to questions about whether any other player can match him after winning the World Matchplay Darts. Sebastian Bialecki secured his second PDC ranking title at Players Championship 26, and Henry Coates won his maiden PDC title at Players Championship 25.

In boxing, former world champion Joe Cordina has pleaded not guilty to assault charges, and Mikaela Mayer has promised an exciting bout against Chantelle Cameron in their world super welterweight title unification fight.

Other Sporting News

The MLS All-Stars defeated LIGA MX All-Stars 4-3 in the MLS All-Star Game, with Son Heung-min scoring two goals in quick succession. United States midfielder Sebastian Berhalter has joined English Championship side Middlesbrough from the Vancouver Whitecaps. Goalkeeper Matt Freese admitted he is still processing the USMNT's World Cup exit after a round of 16 loss to Belgium. Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez is reportedly set to join USL Championship expansion team Atletico Dallas.

Liverpool continued their perfect pre-season under Andoni Iraola, defeating Wrexham 1-0. Milos Kerkez spoke about the changes new manager Andoni Iraola is implementing at Liverpool. Liverpool CEO Billy Hogan discussed investment, transition, and the club's future with FSG. Liverpool are also reportedly set to open talks with PSG regarding a potential deal for Bradley Barcola.

Arsenal have unveiled their 2026-27 away kit, which features a design inspired by their iconic "Bruised Banana" jersey from the early 1990s. Liverpool's 2026-27 away kit also draws inspiration from their 1980s glory days back to the glory days.

In cricket, a North Yorkshire team is under investigation following accusations of cheating related to alleged "finger-clicking" tactics by a player. The cricketer at the center of the 'Clicky Ponting' cheating allegations has been suspended suspended.

In Formula, the 2026 season may conclude in Europe if the final races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi need to be relocated due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Lando Norris is still capable of retaining his F1 title, according to Sky Sports F1's David Croft. Formula 1's 2026 season is shaping up to be fascinating, with Kimi Antonelli aiming to become the youngest world champion.

In horse racing, Bow Echo won the Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes, and Scandinavia defended its Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup title.

In rugby league, St Helens prop George Delaney has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2026 season.

In golf, Nelly Korda believes a victory for Charley Hull at the AIG Women’s Open would be "great for golf". Lydia Ko aims to "channel her inner Foxy" and push for more major success at the AIG Women's Open. The race for Solheim Cup selection is heating up at the AIG Women’s Open.

In Commonwealth Games action, England dominated Tonga 94-32 in a must-win Pool A game.

In The Hundred cricket competition, Trent Rockets handed Welsh Fire their first defeat of the season, and Rockets beat Fire by eight wickets in Cardiff.

In a disciplinary matter, Brazil's sports court has suspended Víctor Gabriel until Cruzeiro forward Gabriel Pec returns to training following a foul.

The anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out reported a record 1,744 instances of discrimination during the 2025/26 season.