Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: August 4, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

FIFA and World Cup Developments

FIFA's chief of global football development, Arsene Wenger, stated that Gianni Infantino's decision to withdraw the plan of selling stakes in a World Cup company to private investors was "absolutely necessary." Real Madrid praised UEFA for protecting football at a decisive moment after FIFA abandoned its plans to sell stakes in a World Cup company to private investors. FIFA president Infantino's World Cup plans were described as ham-fisted and delusional from both a business and political perspective. Opponents FIFA president Gianni Infantino are threatening non-cooperation with the governing body unless he steps down. The Jordan Football Association president has accused FIFA of blackmailing Jordan over World Cup money in exchange for their support for Gianni Infantino to remain president. Pressure is building on FIFA president Gianni Infantino, and if he were to go, questions arise about who might replace him.

Club Transfers and Signings

United States Gio Reyna has completed a move to Strasbourg from Borussia Mönchengladbach. Ajax has finalized the signing of Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen on a season-long loan. Real Madrid is scheduled to meet with Vinícius Júnior's representatives this week to resume contract renewal discussions. Fenerbahçe is reportedly ready to make an ambitious move to sign Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford. direct talks with Newcastle United to sign their captain, Bruno Guimaraes. Newcastle United rejected Arsenal's initial bid for Bruno Guimaraes. Atlético Madrid is considering a move for Manchester City winger Jack Grealish. Tottenham has expressed interest in signing Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo. Manchester City is preparing a surprise move for Chelsea winger Pedro Neto. Argentina international Barco has joined Chelsea from Strasbourg. Como has agreed to a deal worth over £30 million to sign Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah. Chelsea confirmed the signing of England midfielder Jordan Henderson. Queens Park has signed Finland midfielder Glen Kamara from Rennes on a season-long loan. Bournemouth is finalizing an £11.1 million move for Sevilla right-back Juanlu. Bay FC has agreed to a deal to sign United States winger Jenna Nighswonger from Arsenal for approximately $200,000.

League and Tournament News

Washington's loss to San Diego resulted in the Spirit surrendering the No. 1 spot on ESPN's NWSL Power Rankings, with Utah now claiming the top position. The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) plans to commence its 2027 season on February 11 in Los Angeles to align with the Super Bowl held across town three days later. MLS has initiated an investigation into reported antisemitic and discriminatory language from fans directed at New England Revolution striker Dor Turgeman during their 2-2 draw against CF Montreal. Larry Berg part owner of LAFC, has been named the next commissioner of MLS and will succeed Don Garber on January 1, 2027. Celtic secured a 1-0 victory over Dundee in their Scottish Premiership title defense opener. and Kilmarnock played out a seven-goal thriller in the Scottish Premiership, with St Johnstone ultimately winning 4-3. Motherwell began their Scottish Premiership season with a victory, defeating Hibernian 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Ibrahim Said.

Preseason and Friendly Matches

Real Madrid drew 2-2 with Fiorentina in a preseason friendly, marking new coach José Mourinho's first game in charge. Manchester City drew 1-1 with Inter Milan in Hong Kong before losing 3-1 on penalties in Enzo Maresca's first match as manager. Bryan Mbeumo scored twice to lead Manchester United to a 2-1 friendly victory over Atlético Madrid in Stockholm. Wrexham concluded their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 defeat against Sunderland in Philadelphia. Liverpool finished their US tour with a 4-2 loss to Leeds, squandering a two-goal halftime lead in Chicago.

Player News and Performance

Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos stated that Luis Suárez cannot be replaced as the team prepares to compete in the Leagues Cup without the forward due to his lengthy suspension. Neymar has not ruled out retiring from football after his contract with Santos expires at the end of the year. Liverpool midfielder Szoboszlai has indicated that he has resolved any issues with teammates Curtis Jones and Kostas Tsimikas regarding the captain's armband. Mykhailo Mudryk could return to action on Wednesday after a 20-month suspension, having been named in Chelsea's squad for a friendly against Juventus in Hong Kong. Robert Lewandowski scored two goals, including the game-winner, in his home debut for the Fire, securing a 2-1 victory for Chicago over Charlotte FC. Mateo Kovacic stated that the club "count on me" despite the midfielder being linked with a summer move away from Manchester City.

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