Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: August 6, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Leagues Cup Action and Transfer Buzz

Lionel Messi scored a stellar pair of goals to guide his team to a come-from-behind 4-2 rout of Atlético de San Luis in its first game of the 2026 Leagues Cup. Wrexham have signed midfielder Ben Whiteman from Preston on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee. Liverpool are reportedly looking to strengthen their attack by signing Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye. Real Madrid reached a £120m agreement for Yan Diomande, while Aston Villa reached an agreement to sign Matteo Ruggeri.

European Club Signings and Rumors

Everton have completed the signing of Denmark international Christian Nørgaard from Arsenal. Real Madrid are resuming contract talks with Vinícius Júnior. Bernardo Silva said he "didn't think twice" about joining Real Madrid after completing his first training session with the club. Liverpool are prepared to make Bradley Barcola their third £100m signing, with speculation surrounding what the France and Paris St-Germain winger would bring to Anfield. The association of European soccer leagues called for governance reform of FIFA, adding to the mounting pressure on president Gianni Infantino following his failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup.

FIFA President Under Scrutiny

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing increased pressure and calls for reform from European soccer leagues following his failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup. Infantino has apologized for errors made over his failed plan to sell World Cup stakes, and senior staff in attendance at a summit held in Morocco have reaffirmed their support. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he no longer has confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino, adding to growing pressure on the soccer leader after his abandoned plan to sell stakes was called a "fatal" decision. Portugal great Luís Figo has joined calls for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to step down over his failed plan to sell of the World Cup to private investors. Gianni Infantino summons senior leaders to a meeting on Wednesday, after facing more fierce criticism of his scrapped plan to sell off Fifa's commercial and event operations. Under-pressure FIFA president Gianni Infantino will hold a crisis meeting with senior staff in Morocco on Wednesday.

Club Kit Releases and Pre-Season Friendlies

Arsenal have rolled out their new third kit for the 2026-27 season, but we would forgive you for thinking that you have seen it before. It's still a few weeks before the new Premier League season begins, but plenty of top clubs have already released some of their 2026-27 kits. Arsenal produced a sloppy performance as they were beaten 3-1 by LaLiga side Real Betis in a pre-season friendly in Dublin. Chelsea failed to ramp up their pre-season preparations as Xabi Alonso's side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Juventus in Hong Kong thanks to Edon Zhegrova's stunning second-half strike. Manchester City secured a 3-1 victory over the K-League All Stars in Seoul, marking their first win under new coach Enzo Maresca.

Transfer Window Activity and Player Movements

Crystal Palace are in advanced talks to sign Real Salt Lake's 19-year-old wing-back Zavier Gozo. Crystal Palace are set to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu on a free transfer following a successful trial and are considering a move for winger Solly March. Chelsea are set to clinch a deal to sign Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria for a fee of around £16.3m (€19m) plus add-ons. Mohamed Salah is set to join Turkish side Trabzonspor on a free transfer after mutually agreeing to terminate his Liverpool contract a year early. United States midfielder Gio Reyna has completed a move to Strasbourg from Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Player News and Potential Moves

Liverpool have explored the conditions of a deal for Paris Saint-Germain's teenage winger Ibrahim Mbaye. Former England defender Kyle Walker says he is "at ease" with his decision to quit international football and hoped it could lead to an extended club career. Marcus Rashford is expected to return to Manchester United training in the coming days as debate continues over whether that is a good thing or not. Fenerbahçe prepared to break the bank for Marcus Rashford. Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai says he has "cleared" the situation with team-mates Curtis Jones and Kostas Tsimikas after they seemingly argued over the captain's armband.

Club Management and Coaching Changes

Newcastle United appoint Matthias Jaissle, as head coach to succeed Eddie Howe. Manchester United appoint former Hearts boss Eva Olid as their new women's manager on a two-year deal, with an option for a further 12 months. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill remains in hospital after undergoing a "small procedure", the club announce.

Boxing and Other Sports News

Joe Ward an amateur boxing sensation, had the world at his feet with a golden future laid out before him until disaster struck, over and over again. British boxer Raven Chapman underwent emergency surgery for a bleed on her brain after collapsing following a sparring session in Denmark. Moses Itauma will fight for the vacant IBF world heavyweight title when he faces Filip Hrgovic in London on August 29. Joseph Parker has announced he will continue his boxing career "soon" after confirmation his suspension has been lifted following a failed drug test last year. Callum Walsh the unbeaten contender from Ireland, is looking to break through into the highest echelons of the middleweight division and does not shy away from danger.

Formula 1 and Other Racing News

Max Verstappen has praised the "rock solid" performances that have taken Kimi Antonelli to the top of Formula 1's Drivers' Championship over the first half of the 2026 season. Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali has confirmed contingency plans are in place for the 2027 F1 calendar should the conflict in the Middle East continue next year.

NWSL and Women's Football Updates

The new season of "Ted Lasso" was filmed in the U.S. at a real-life NWSL club for a cameo that serves as a key plot point of the show. Washington's loss to San Diego saw the Spirit surrender the No. 1 spot on ESPN's NWSL Power Rankings, with Utah laying claim to best in the league. The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) plans to begin its 2027 season on Feb. 11 in Los Angeles to coincide with the Super Bowl across town three days later. Sacha Lewis sister of England international Rico, signs her first professional contract with Women's Super League side Manchester City.

Other Notable Sports News

The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to a three-year contract extension with Bijan Robinson that will make him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. Pakistan ended their eight-match away Test losing streak in emphatic fashion on Wednesday, securing an eight-wicket victory over the West Indies. British No. 2 Cameron Norrie claimed a comfortable victory at the National Bank Open in Montreal to set up a third-round meeting with Alex De Minaur. Jack Draper