Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: August 1, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

FIFA and World Cup Controversies

FIFA president Infantino has abandoned his controversial plan to sell a stake in future World Cup profits to private equity investors after fierce opposition from football's governing bodies. The pressure is building on Gianni Infantino, and questions remain about whether he can survive as FIFA president. FIFA has started a consultation process over an expansion of the men's World Cup to 64 teams, with documents seen by ESPN aiming for a decision by August 14. Infantino's World plans never considered the impact on women's soccer. The actual presentation of FIFA's plan to part-privatise the World Cup raises many more questions than it answers. football's governing body has yet to take a side on FIFA's plan to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors, despite widespread criticism. Gianni Infantino met his Icarus moment, signifying a potential downfall after his ambitious plans.

Club Friendlies and Pre-Season Action

Manchester City 1-1 with Inter Milan in Hong Kong before losing 3-1 on penalties as Enzo Maresca took charge for the first time. Teenager Ryan impressed manager Enzo Maresca during Manchester City's penalty-shootout defeat by Inter Milan. Real Madrid 2-2 with Fiorentina in a preseason friendly, marking new coach José Mourinho's first game in charge. Endrick scored for Real Madrid in their draw against Fiorentina. Mbeumo's double earned Manchester United a 2-1 friendly victory over Atlético Madrid in Stockholm. United came from behind to beat Atlético Madrid 2-1 in Stockholm. Max Dowman with a goal and an assist as Arsenal recorded a dominant 4-1 win against Girona in their pre-season game at Montilivi in Catalonia. Arsenal's win Girona was a dominant performance. Jude Bellingham to Birmingham City to watch his former club beat Barcelona on penalties following a 2-2 draw. Birmingham Phoenix their first match in The Hundred 2026 women's competition, defeating Welsh Fire with just one ball remaining, watched by investor Jude Bellingham.

Summer Transfer Window Buzz

Arsenal manager Arteta refused to give anything away about his club's reported pursuit of Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior but said he expects more moves before the end of the summer transfer window. Real Madrid open to the possibility of Vinícius Júnior leaving the club if there's no agreement on a new contract, with no plans to increase their offer. Manchester City push ahead with a deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi regardless of doubts about Rodri's future at the Etihad Stadium. Arsenal Newcastle have agreed a fee for Bruno Guimarães, and Arsenal are increasingly confident of completing the signing. Brentford confirmed the signing of Mali midfielder Mamadou Sangare from Lens for a club record fee. Bournemouth have completed the signing of Portugal international defender Antonio Silva from Benfica. Kieron Bowie completed a loan move from Hellas Verona to Serie A side Sassuolo, with reports suggesting Sassuolo agreed to pay £10m for the player. Rangers have completed the signing of centre-back Olwethu Makhanya from Philadelphia Union in a deal worth around £3 million, and he described the move as a "dream come true."

Scottish Premiership Kicks Off

Hearts' miserable continued as they conceded two late goals to lose 2-1 to Aberdeen in their Scottish Premiership opener at Pittodrie. Aberdeen got the better of Hearts in their Scottish Premiership opener, marking a significant turnaround from the previous year. Phillips scored in each half to reward a terrific St Mirren away display with a 2-0 opening-weekend win at Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership. Rangers got the Derek McInnes era off to a stuttering start as they were forced to come from behind to earn a draw at Dundee United in the opening game of the Scottish Premiership season. Scottish Premiership is back, with Kris Doolan and Connor Sammon providing a full season preview. BBC Scotland a look at the top talking points going into the new Scottish Premiership season. Chris Cadden been sold by Hibernian to Scottish Premiership rivals Aberdeen, seeking "a fresh challenge" and "more game time."

Player News and Contract Updates

Vozinha, the breakout Cape Verde goalkeeper, will be allowed to display his nickname on his jersey when he joins Chilean football. Mohamed Salah edging towards a move to Trabzonspor. Bayern Munich keen on Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko. Man City Enzo Maresca wants to work with Chelsea winger Pedro Neto again. Mykhailo Mudryk been cleared to return to play after his doping ban was resolved, though manager Xabi Alonso stated it is "too early" to understand his capabilities. Liverpool midfielder Elliott is still unsure about his long-term future at Anfield after a "very tough" loan spell at Aston Villa. Swansea City coach Vitor Matos has agreed a new contract that ties him to the Championship club until 2030.

Other Football News

Asisat Oshoala the only goal as Nigeria beat Zambia at Wafcon 2026 to revive the West Africans' hopes of reaching the 2027 Women's World Cup. J.J. Watt boosted Burnley's profile since becoming a minority shareholder, even delivering milk around the town. Chelsea have been fined £10m and given a suspended two-window transfer ban by an independent appeal board after admitting breaches of Football Association agent rules. Former striker Forlán has been appointed head coach of Uruguay's national team on an interim basis until March 2027. James McClean Derry City's European form is not the result of a "lack of effort" but instead shows an "issue somewhere" within the club. Mullins leaves his role as Fulham Under-21 boss to become the new head coach of League Two side Newport County.

Golf and Tennis Updates

Yealimi Noh on Haeran Ryu's stumble to grab the third-round lead at the AIG Women’s Open, where Lottie Woad and Charley Hull remained in title contention. Charley Hull she "does not care" about criticism over her pre-major caddie prank and overcame limited sleep to remain in AIG Women's Open title contention. Davis Riley a seven-under 63 to reach 15 under on Saturday and take a one-shot lead going into the final round at the Rocket Classic in Detroit. World 3 Cameron Young surged into a share of the lead of the Rocket Classic after a nine-under 61 in the second round in Detroit. Rickie Fowler Patrick Cantlay are in contention after the first round of the Rocket Classic in Detroit, with leader Peter Malnati threatening a sensational sub-60 score. Cameron Norrie the Los Cabos Open as he was beaten by Denis Shapovalov, continuing his losing streak.

Other Sports News

England's netball fell to a 61-54 defeat to New Zealand in the semi-finals of the Commonwealth Games, but had previously fought back to beat South Africa 58-54 to reach the semi-finals. Boxer Tarona has won Tuvalu their first ever Commonwealth Games medal, taking bronze in the women's 75kg boxing division without winning a fight. Wolves moved up to fourth in the Betfred Super League table after a 48-18 win at Castleford Tigers. Leeds ran in eight tries in a 46-0 rout of Toulouse in Super League, while Wigan Warriors remain two points behind after their 20-8 win over Leigh Leopards. Huddersfield twice from behind to beat Hull FC 22-16 in a Betfred Super League clash. Southern Brave team are alive in The Hundred after a scramble to defend 128 against Birmingham Phoenix. Southern Brave their unbeaten record in this year's Hundred with a comfortable win over Birmingham Phoenix by 24 runs.