Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: August 3, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

FIFA and Infantino Under Scrutiny

FIFA president Gianni Infantino's controversial plans to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investors have faced significant backlash and legal threats. UEFA has threatened legal action over these scrapped plans, and the Football Association is set to withdraw its support for Infantino. Wales has become the first nation to publicly withdraw its backing for Infantino's bid to continue his leadership of FIFA. These plans were criticized as ham-fisted and delusional from both a business and political perspective, and they never considered the impact on women's soccer. The 2027 Women's World Cup was set to be the first major tournament affected by these plans.

Pressure is mounting on Gianni Infantino as his controversial World Cup investment plan implodes. He has gambled unsuccessfully on questionable ideas before, but this latest move has put him in a precarious position. The implosion of the plan has raised questions about his survival as FIFA president. FIFA has also started a consultation process over an expansion of the men's World Cup to 64 teams, with documents aiming for a decision by August 14.

Premier League Transfer Activity

The summer transfer window is officially open and busy. Premier League have already spent over £1bn in the transfer window and are expected to become even more active. Newcastle United signed goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek from Braga for £25.7m. Bournemouth is finalizing an £11.1m move for Sevilla right-back Juanlu as new manager Marco Rose's squad nears completion. Brentford has confirmed the signing of Mali midfielder Mamadou Sangare from Lens for a club record fee. Chelsea has signed Italy attacking midfielder Giulia Dragoni from Barcelona on a four-year contract. Chelsea also been fined £10m and given a suspended two-window transfer ban by an independent appeal board after admitting breaches of Football Association agent rules.

Arsenal is reportedly pursuing Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior, with manager Mikel Arteta refusing to comment directly but indicating he expects more moves. Arsenal is also increasingly confident of signing Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United following Eddie Howe's exit. Tottenham has made an approach for Victor Osimhen, while Atletico Madrid is considering a move for Manchester City winger Jack Grealish. Liverpool forward Gakpo has had positive talks with Spurs. Former Liverpool Mohamed Salah is reportedly set to move to Turkish club Trabzonspor.

Manchester City preparing a surprise move for Chelsea winger Pedro Neto. Manchester City will push ahead with a deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi regardless of doubts about Rodri's future at the Etihad Stadium. United opted for affordable options in the transfer market, while Chelsea, Man City, and Spurs have all spent significantly. Manchester United reportedly edging closer to winning the race for Hall.

Women's Football and Club News

United manager Marc Skinner has stepped down from his position before the start of the Women's Super League season. Asisat Oshoala the only goal as Nigeria beat Zambia at Wafcon 2026, reviving their hopes of reaching the 2027 Women's World Cup. signed Italy attacking midfielder Giulia Dragoni from Barcelona on a four-year contract. Chelsea winger Mudryk has been cleared to return to play after his doping ban was resolved.

Scottish Premiership and Other Leagues

Newly-promoted St made a thrilling return to the top flight, beating Kilmarnock in a seven-goal thriller on the opening weekend of the Scottish Premiership. St Johnstone surrendered a lead before storming back to secure the victory at home. Motherwell also their season with a win, with Ibrahim Said netting a late winner against Hibernian. St Mirren secured a 2-0 opening-weekend win at Falkirk, thanks to a brace from Killian Phillips. Aberdeen secured a dramatic late win over Hearts, with Hearts conceding two goals in quick succession to lose 2-1 at Pittodrie. Rangers began the Derek McInnes era with a stuttering start, earning a draw at Dundee United after coming from behind.

Golf and Other Sports

Shiho Kuwaki a dramatic play-off victory over Esther Henseleit at the AIG Women’s Open after an extraordinary finish. Charley Hull Lottie Woad will be left regretting a "missed opportunity" to claim a maiden major win. Yealimi Noh on Haeran Ryu's stumble to grab the third-round lead, with Woad and Hull remaining in contention. Charley Hull she "does not care" about criticism over a pre-major caddie prank, overcoming limited sleep to stay in title contention. An emotional Chiara Tamburlini faces a nervous wait to see if she has qualified for Team Europe’s Solheim Cup side after missing the cut.

In professional boxing Pierce O'Leary suffered his first professional defeat when he was stopped by Mark Chamberlain in a thrilling fight in Dublin. Etinosa Oliha that Aaron McKenna cannot offer "anything new" in their world title fight and vowed to inflict a punishing defeat.

Formula speculation around the driver market is officially underway during the sport's summer break, with questions arising about whether Verstappen and Alonso will trigger "silly season" chaos.

golf, Davis Riley shot a seven-under 63 to take a one-shot lead into the final round of the Rocket Classic in Detroit. World 3 Cameron Young surged into a share of the lead after a nine-under 61 in the second round.

In horse racing Blue Bolt continued its faultless campaign with a victory in the Prix Rothschild at Deauville. American Affair back to form to claim top honours in the King George Qatar Stakes at Goodwood. Evening Saigon victory in the Coral Stewards' Cup at Goodwood. Jim Crowley called time on his riding career after failing to recover sufficiently from a serious injury.

netball, England will leave the Commonwealth Games without a medal after a comprehensive 68-50 defeat to Australia in the bronze-medal match. England's netball had previously fallen to a 61-54 defeat to New Zealand in the semi-finals. Boxer Tarona won Tuvalu their first ever Commonwealth Games medal by securing bronze in the women's 75kg boxing division.

Pre-Season Friendlies and Club Matches

Real Madrid 2-2 with Fiorentina in a preseason friendly, marking new coach José Mourinho's first game in charge. 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. Bryan Mbeumo twice as Manchester United came from behind to beat Atlético Madrid 2-1 in Stockholm. Liverpool concluded their pre-season US tour with a 4-2 defeat against Leeds, having held a two-goal half-time lead in Chicago. Robert Lewandowski two goals, including the winner, in his home debut for the Fire, helping Chicago beat Charlotte FC 2-1. Jude Bellingham to Birmingham City to watch his former club beat Barcelona on penalties following a 2-2 draw. Arsenal recorded a dominant 4-1 win against Girona in their pre-season game at Montilivi in Catalonia. ended their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland in Philadelphia.