Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: August 6, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

FIFA Governance and Leadership

FIFA President Infantino is facing significant criticism and calls for his resignation following his abandoned plan to sell stakes in the World Cup. The association of European soccer leagues has called for governance reform within FIFA, adding to the pressure on Infantino. Two senior executives, Arsène Wenger and Mattias Grafström, have distanced themselves from Infantino's failed plan. Infantino has scheduled a crisis meeting with senior staff in Morocco to address the mounting criticism. He will face senior leaders of the world governing body in a meeting on Wednesday. There are reports of rivals circling who aim to unseat Infantino as FIFA president. FIFA has apologized for errors made concerning Infantino's World Cup plan. The Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has stated he no longer has confidence in Infantino. A former FIFA Vice President has accused Infantino of blackmailing Jordan over World Cup money in exchange for support. Infantino's plans sell off World Cup operations are being described as ham-fisted and delusional from both business and political perspectives.

Club Transfers and Signings

Liverpool has been offered a way to address their defensive depth issues, with a Real Madrid center-back reportedly made available. Manchester United is reportedly looking at signing USMNT defender Antonee Robinson. Mohamed Salah made a surprising move from Liverpool to Turkish side Trabzonspor, leaving Liverpool to assess his departure. Trabzonspor has received an A grade for the signing of Salah. Liverpool is also exploring a deal for Paris Saint-Germain's teenage winger Ibrahim Mbaye. Real Madrid reached a £120 million agreement for Yan Diomande. Aston Villa reached an agreement to sign Matteo Ruggeri. Tottenham is reportedly interested in signing USMNT star Folarin Balogun, as well as Victor Osimhen and Nicolas Jackson. Spurs are also looking at Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo. Liverpool is prepared to make Bradley Barcola their third £100 million signing. Real Madrid set to resume contract renewal talks with Vinícius Júnior. Bernardo Silva he "didn't think twice" about joining Real Madrid after his first training session. Franco Mastantuono set to join Fiorentina from Real Madrid on a season-long loan. Barcelona goalkeeper ter Stegen has joined Ajax on a season-long loan. Chelsea is reportedly eyeing a move for Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Chelsea is poised to secure a deal for Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria for approximately £16.3 million plus add-ons. Crystal Palace in advanced talks to sign Real Salt Lake's 19-year-old wing-back Zavier Gozo. Crystal Palace also set to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu on a free transfer and is considering a move for winger Solly March. Wrexham has signed midfielder Ben Whiteman from Preston on a three-year contract. Everton has completed the signing of Denmark international Christian Nørgaard from Arsenal. Ipswich Town completed the signing of Portuguese midfielder Florentino Luis from Burnley. Cardiff City signed Lincoln City midfielder Jack Moylan on a four-year deal. Coventry City confirmed the permanent signing of goalkeeper Carl Rushworth from Brighton and Hove Albion. Hull City signed Greece goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis from Olympiacos on a five-year deal for a club-record fee. Arsenal has agreed to a £75 million fee with Newcastle for their captain Bruno Guimaraes. Arsenal has opened direct talks with Newcastle United to sign Bruno Guimaraes. Fenerbahce is reportedly preparing a significant offer for Marcus Rashford. United defender Gabby George is nearing a move to Brighton.

Team News and Pre-Season Friendlies

Arsenal players "fuming" after a 3-1 preseason defeat to Real Betis in Dublin, with Mikel Arteta highlighting defensive errors. Chelsea suffered a 1-0 loss to Juventus in a lackluster friendly in Hong Kong, with Edon Zhegrova scoring the decisive goal. Manchester City, under Enzo Maresca, secured a 3-1 victory over the K-League All Stars in Seoul. Liverpool's U.S. trip revealed that coach Iraola & Co. have significant work to do before the 2026-27 campaign, with squad depth and injuries being concerns. Manchester United appointed Eva Olid as their new women's manager on a two-year deal, with an option for a further 12 months. Manchester United captain Bruno Guimaraes is reportedly becoming increasingly likely to stay at Real Madrid, according to newspaper reports. United manager Erik ten Hag has admitted to making mistakes in their ticket touting investigation, but insists the underlying reasons for it are valid. Celtic manager O'Neill is in the hospital after undergoing a "small procedure."

Player Performances and News

Lionel Messi scored two goals to lead his team to a 4-2 victory over Atlético de San Luis in their opening Leagues Cup match. Miami's head coach Guillermo Hoyos stated that Luis Suárez cannot be replaced as the team prepares to compete in the Leagues Cup without the suspended forward. Inter Miami not expressed interest in signing Kevin De Bruyne, according to a club source. United States midfielder Gio Reyna has completed a move to Strasbourg from Borussia Mönchengladbach. Former England Kyle Walker is at ease with his decision to retire from international football, hoping it will lead to an extended club career. Marcus Rashford expected to return to Manchester United training in the coming days. Mykhailo Mudryk could return to action for Chelsea on Wednesday after a 20-month suspension, having been named in the squad to play Juventus. Cape Verde Bubista, who led the team to the last 32 at the World Cup, has resigned and joined Moroccan club RS Berkane. Ivory Coast has reappointed Hervé Renard as their head coach. Liverpool midfielder Szoboszlai has downplayed any team conflict, stating the situation with teammates Curtis Jones and Kostas Tsimikas over the captain's armband has been cleared. Neymar has not ruled out retiring from football after his contract with Santos expires at the end of the year. The president of Brazilian club Remo accused Santos star Neymar of provocation after a recent game. Former England Chris Smalling has been involved in discussions about his future, with links to Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho.

Leagues and Competitions

The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) plans to start its 2027 season on February 11 in Los Angeles, coinciding with the Super Bowl. Washington's loss to San Diego has seen the Spirit surrender the No. 1 spot in ESPN's NWSL Power Rankings, with Utah now leading the league. Larry Berg succeed Don Garber as the new MLS commissioner next year, with a focus on improving the league. MLS has launched an investigation into reported antisemitic and discriminatory language from fans directed at New England Revolution striker Dor Turgeman during a match against CF Montreal. The bulk of the EFL Cup's first-round fixtures will be played on a weekend, deviating from its traditional midweek schedule. 2026-27 Premier League season is set to make history with a record number of new managers. Premier League must adhere to new financial rules, including SCR and PSR. The association of European soccer leagues is advocating for governance reform within FIFA. Women in the Afghan national team, recognized by FIFA, have found freedom and independence through football, despite being banned from playing at home. new season of "Ted Lasso" was filmed at a real-life NWSL club in the U.S.

International Football and Federations

The United States men's national team will play its first matches since the 2026 World Cup during the September/October FIFA international window, hosting Peru, Chile, Canada, and Mexico. Mauricio Pochettino continue as the U.S. men's national team coach through the 2030 World Cup. Uganda midfielder Owori, aged, was tragically murdered by suspected robbers after resisting a street robbery. supporters will be permitted to attend their side's Nations League fixture against the Republic of Ireland, but no away fans will be accommodated.

Other Sports News

The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to a contract extension with Bijan Robinson, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. Max Verstappen praised Kimi Antonelli's consistent performances in the first half of the 2026 Formula 1 season. British boxer Chapman underwent emergency surgery for a brain bleed after collapsing during a sparring session. Moses Itauma fight for the vacant IBF world heavyweight title against Filip Hrgovic in London on August 29. Joseph Parker set to resume his boxing career soon after his suspension was lifted following a failed drug test. British boxer Walsh is aiming to break through into the middleweight division. Unbeaten Irish contender Callum Walsh is looking to advance his career. Aaron McKenna fight for a world title against Etinosa Oliha in Dublin on Saturday. Sacha Lewis of Rico Lewis, has signed her first professional contract with Manchester City. The qualifying process for Luke Donald's 2027 European Ryder Cup team begins this month at the British Masters. Charley Hull encouraged by her performance this season but acknowledges injuries have hindered her best play. Dame Laura has urged Charley Hull to lead Team Europe at the Solheim Cup in September. Carlos Alcaraz withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open due to a wrist injury, raising concerns about his US Open title defense. Emma Raducanu might benefit from ending her season early to focus on recovery and securing a protected ranking for her 2027 return. Jack Draper visibly upset after losing to Terence Atmane at the Canadian Open, with his long-term arm injury appearing to resurface. Joe Ward amateur boxing sensation, has faced repeated setbacks throughout his career. Ben Stokes expressed interest in coaching England one day and questioned the decision to overlook Brook for captaincy.