Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: August 2, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

FIFA President Gianni Infantino Faces Scrutiny Over World Cup Plans

FIFA president Infantino's controversial plans to sell off stakes in World Cup profits have been abandoned following intense opposition from football's governing bodies. UEFA has declared no confidence in Infantino, and pressure is building on him to survive as FIFA president. Infantino's proposals aimed to expand the men's World Cup to 64 teams, were described as ham-fisted and delusional from both a business and political perspective, and never considered the impact on women's soccer. The plan to part-privatise the World Cup raised numerous questions and was seen as an "Icarus moment" for Infantino. Despite controversy FIFA has started a consultation process for the 64-team World Cup expansion, with a decision targeted for August 14. The body running African football has yet to take a side on FIFA's plan to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors, despite widespread criticism.

Preseason Friendlies Showcase Mixed Fortunes for Top Clubs

Maresca's first match in charge of Manchester City resulted in a 1-1 draw against Inter Milan in Hong Kong, followed by a 3-1 penalty shootout loss. Defender Josko believes new manager Enzo Maresca is a "perfect one" for Manchester City. Teenage prospect McAidoo impressed manager Maresca despite Manchester City's penalty shootout defeat. Manchester City unveiled their new 2026-27 away kit, with midfielder Phil Foden aiming to repay the club's faith in him for a fresh start under Maresca. Manchester City also reportedly looking to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, and may push ahead with the deal regardless of Rodri's future. Real Madrid 2-2 with Fiorentina in a preseason friendly, marking new coach José Mourinho's first game at the helm. Real Madrid signed forward Carlos Espí from Levante on a five-year contract. Bryan Mbeumo twice to lead Manchester United to a 2-1 victory over Atlético Madrid in Stockholm. Manchester United also considering a move for Arsenal's Lewis-Skelly, and Senne Lammens has cut his holiday short to return to training with the club. Arsenal manager Arteta refused to comment on links to Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior but expects more transfer activity. Real Madrid reportedly open to Vinícius Júnior leaving if a new contract agreement isn't reached. Arsenal has agreed a fee for Newcastle's Bruno Guimarães and is confident of signing him.

Transfer Market Buzzes with Activity and Rumors

Bournemouth is finalizing an £11.1m move for Sevilla right-back Juanlu and has completed the signing of Portugal international defender Antonio Silva from Benfica. Bournemouth is also reportedly linked with a move for USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams, who is also being monitored by Newcastle United. Former Liverpool Mohamed Salah is reportedly set to move to Turkish club Trabzonspor. Celtic is reportedly increasing their offer for Serie A midfielder and opening talks for a winger from a newly-promoted Premier League team. West Ham in talks with Celtic for midfielder Arne Engels, with Celtic holding out for a fee around £25m. Brentford has confirmed the signing of Mali midfielder Mamadou Sangare from Lens for a club record fee. Chelsea has been fined £10m and given a suspended two-window transfer ban after admitting breaches of FA agent rules. Chelsea winger Mudryk has been cleared to play after his doping ban was resolved. Tottenham Hotspur looking to complete "another bomba" transfer, according to head coach Roberto De Zerbi. Club-record £100m Sandro Tonali took "10 minutes" to decide to join Tottenham after meeting manager Roberto de Zerbi.

Scottish Premiership Kicks Off with Key Results and Transfers

Aberdeen secured a 2-1 victory over Hearts in their Scottish Premiership opener at Pittodrie, with Hearts conceding two late goals. This marks a turnaround for Aberdeen compared to the previous year, with Níisbet leading the line. Scottish Premiership season has begun, with St Mirren achieving a 2-0 away win at Falkirk thanks to two goals from Killian Phillips. Rangers began season with a stuttering draw at Dundee United, coming from behind to secure a point. Hibernian progressed in European qualifiers, and David Gray expressed relief after a previous booing incident turned into cheers following a strong second-leg display. Chris Cadden moved from Hibernian to Scottish Premiership rivals Aberdeen seeking more game time.

Other Sports News and Notable Events

England's netball will leave the Commonwealth Games without a medal after a 68-50 defeat to Australia in the bronze-medal match. England had previously fallen to New Zealand in the semi-finals, losing 61-54. golf, Yealimi Noh held the third-round lead at the AIG Women's Open, with Lottie Woad and Charley Hull remaining in contention. Davis Riley the Rocket Classic by one shot after a 63 on Saturday. Rickie Fowler Patrick Cantlay are contenders at the Rocket Classic, where Peter Malnati threatened a sub-60 round. boxing, Pierce O'Leary suffered his first professional defeat when stopped by Mark Chamberlain in Dublin. Boxer Tarona won Tuvalu's first Commonwealth Games medal, a bronze in the women's 75kg division, without winning a fight.