Football/Soccer 3 Days

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

International Soccer News

Hansi Flick stated that Barcelona understand the necessity of making a move in the transfer market for a striker to replace Robert Lewandowski. Bay FC has reached an agreement to acquire United States winger Jenna Nighswonger from Arsenal for approximately $200,000. Fenerbahce is reportedly preparing a substantial offer for Marcus Rashford, while RB Leipzig is holding firm in negotiations with Real Madrid regarding Yan Diomande. Mauricio Pochettino signed a new contract to continue as the manager of the U.S. men's national team through the 2030 World Cup. Inter Miami has not expressed any interest in signing Kevin De Bruyne, according to a club source. Similarly, Inter has not pursued Colombian national team midfielder Juan Fernando Quintero. Real Madrid has commended UEFA for its role in protecting football during a critical juncture, following FIFA's decision to abandon plans for private investment in a World Cup company. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has gambled unsuccessfully on questionable ideas previously, but his World Cup plans were poorly conceived and delusional from both a business and political standpoint. UEFA has threatened legal action against FIFA regarding Gianni Infantino's plan to sell World Cup stakes. The 2027 Women's World Cup was slated to be the first major tournament impacted by FIFA's highly controversial plans, which are considered disrespectful to the women's game. Pressure is mounting on FIFA president Gianni Infantino, with opponents threatening non-cooperation with the governing body unless he resigns. FIFA has initiated a consultation process for expanding the men's World Cup to 64 teams, aiming for a decision by August 14.

Club Soccer Transfers and Rumors

Como has agreed to a deal worth over £30 million to sign Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah. Bosnia Herzegovina captain Edin Dzeko, aged, has signed a one-year contract extension with newly promoted Bundesliga side Schalke. Chelsea has confirmed the signing of England midfielder Jordan Henderson. Xabi Alonso stated that the "scar" from his brief tenure at Real Madrid has healed, allowing him to fully concentrate on the upcoming Premier League season with Chelsea. Argentina international Valentín Barco has joined Chelsea from Strasbourg. Manchester City is preparing a surprise move for Chelsea winger Pedro Neto. Manchester City will proceed with a deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi, irrespective of any uncertainties surrounding Rodri's future at the club. Tottenham has reportedly made an approach for Victor Osimhen, while Atletico Madrid is considering a move for Manchester City winger Jack Grealish. Tottenham is also interested in signing Cody Gakpo from Liverpool. Newcastle United signed goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek from Braga for £25.7 million. Bournemouth is finalizing an £11.1 million move for Sevilla right-back Juanlu. Bournemouth has completed the signing of Portugal international defender Antonio Silva from Benfica. Former Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah is reportedly set to join Turkish club Trabzonspor. Mohamed Salah is nearing a move to Trabzonspor, and Bayern Munich is interested in Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko. Celtic is reportedly increasing their offer for a Serie A midfielder, while Rangers are in talks for a winger from a newly promoted Premier League team. Celtic and Rangers are both pursuing winger Ghedjemis, with a German midfielder reportedly set on a move to Celtic. Crystal Palace, a newly promoted Women's Super League club, has signed Tottenham defender Molly Bartrip for an undisclosed fee.

Domestic League Action

Celtic secured a winning start to their Scottish Premiership title defense with a 1-0 victory over Dundee. Celtic will play Austrian champions LASK in the Champions League play-off round, while Brighton will play against CFR Cluj or Tromso in the Conference League play-off round. Motherwell and St Johnstone both began their seasons with victories. St Johnstone made their top-flight return with a goal-filled win against Kilmarnock on the opening weekend of the Premiership. St Johnstone twice surrendered a lead before fighting back to win a seven-goal thriller against Kilmarnock. Ibrahim Said scored a late winner as Motherwell defeated Hibernian 2-1 in their Scottish Premiership opener. Aberdeen secured a 2-1 victory over Hearts, who conceded two late goals. Killian Phillips scored twice to lead St Mirren to a 2-0 opening-weekend win at Falkirk. Wrexham concluded their preseason campaign with a 1-0 loss to Sunderland. Welsh Fire defeated Southern Brave in a last-ball thriller in The Hundred. Ben Duckett's half-century and Mohammad Amir's crucial late wickets helped Trent Rockets secure a five-run win over Sun Risers Leeds. Sophia Dunkley scored 56 off 33 balls to guide Trent Rockets to an impressive five-run victory over Sun Risers Leeds in The Hundred. Birmingham Phoenix secured their first win in The Hundred women's competition by defeating Welsh Fire with one ball remaining. Warrington Wolves moved to fourth in the Betfred Super League table after a 48-18 win against Castleford Tigers.

Player Performances and Team News

Robert Lewandowski scored twice, including the game-winner, in his home debut for the Fire, securing a 2-1 victory over Charlotte FC. Bryan Mbeumo scored two goals to help Manchester United come from behind to defeat Atlético Madrid 2-1 in Stockholm. Manchester City drew 1-1 with Inter Milan in Hong Kong before losing 3-1 on penalties in Enzo Maresca's first match in charge. Real Madrid drew 2-2 with Fiorentina in a preseason friendly, marking new coach José Mourinho's first game. Liverpool suffered a 4-2 defeat against Leeds in their final pre-season match in the United States, having led 2-0 at halftime. Jude Bellingham returned to Birmingham City to watch his former club defeat Barcelona 2-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Max Dowman scored a goal and an assist as Arsenal secured a dominant 4-1 victory over Girona. Christos Tzolis scored for Arsenal in their 4-1 pre-season win against Girona. Josko Gvardiol stated new manager Enzo Maresca is a "perfect one" for Manchester City. Ryan McAidoo impressed manager Enzo Maresca during Manchester City's penalty shootout defeat to Inter Milan. Xabi Alonso expressed his happiness at welcoming Mykhailo Mudryk back into his Chelsea squad, but noted it was too early to assess his potential impact.

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