Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: August 6, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

European Transfer Window Buzz and Moves

Real Madrid been busy in the transfer market, reportedly spending big to add World Cup star Yan Diomande to an already formidable attack featuring Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior. Talks between Madrid and Rodri have stalled, with Barcelona monitoring the situation and considering a move for the midfielder. Real Madrid also set to meet with Vinícius Júnior's representatives this week to resume contract renewal talks. Liverpool has been offered a potential solution to their defensive depth issues, while Manchester United is reportedly looking at USMNT's Antonee Robinson. Liverpool has also explored the possibility of a deal for Paris Saint-Germain's teenage winger Ibrahim Mbaye. Bournemouth has announced the signing of right-back Juanlu Sanchez from Sevilla for a deal worth up to £11.1m. Swansea City signed free agent Ross Stewart on a three-year deal after his departure from Southampton. Crystal Palace set to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu on a free transfer following a successful trial and is considering a move for winger Solly March. Everton has completed the signing of Denmark international Christian Nørgaard from Arsenal. Ipswich Town completed the signing of Portuguese midfielder Florentino Luis from Burnley for an undisclosed fee. Chelsea is reportedly set to clinch a deal to sign Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria for around £16.3m plus add-ons. Arsenal has agreed to a £75m fee with Newcastle for their captain Bruno Guimaraes. Arsenal has also opened direct talks with Newcastle United to sign Bruno Guimaraes. Fenerbahce is reportedly preparing a significant offer for Marcus Rashford. RB Leipzig holding firm on their valuation of Yan Diomande in negotiations with Real Madrid.

Club News and Pre-Season Matches

Mikel Arteta his Arsenal players were "fuming" after defensive errors contributed to a 3-1 preseason defeat against Real Betis in Dublin. Liverpool's U.S. tour highlighted that coach Iraola & Co. still have considerable work to do before the 2026-27 campaign. Liverpool legend Rush believes new boss Andoni Iraola deserves time to succeed but should aim for silverware in his debut season. Liverpool's squad is showing a lack of depth, and it remains unclear which areas coach Iraola needs to strengthen. Real Madrid sent Franco Mastantuono to Fiorentina on a season-long loan. Ajax has completed the signing of Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen on a season-long loan. Chelsea suffered a 1-0 defeat to Juventus in a lackluster friendly in Hong Kong, with Edon Zhegrova scoring the decisive goal. Mykhailo Mudryk potentially return to action on Wednesday after a 20-month suspension, having been named in Chelsea's squad to face Juventus. Manchester United admitted to making errors in the execution of their ticket touting investigation, though they maintain the reasons for it are valid. Celtic manager O'Neill is in the hospital after undergoing a "small procedure".

International Football and FIFA Matters

FIFA has apologized for errors made concerning Gianni Infantino's failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup, with senior staff at a summit in Morocco reaffirming their support. UEFA's boycott of FIFA tournaments remains in effect, and under-fire FIFA president Gianni Infantino is continuing in his position. Canadian Prime Mark Carney has expressed a loss of confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino, citing his abandoned plan to sell World Cup stakes. Portugal great Figo has joined the chorus calling for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to step down over his failed World Cup sale plan. ESPN reports that rivals are reportedly circling to unseat Gianni Infantino as FIFA president following his disastrous plan to introduce private equity into the World Cup. Two senior executives, Arsène Wenger and Mattias Grafström, have distanced themselves from their boss Gianni Infantino's failed plan to sell stakes in the organization. FIFA president Infantino is scheduled to face senior leaders of the world governing body on Wednesday, with expectations surrounding the meeting. Gianni Infantino summoned senior leaders to a meeting on Wednesday amidst mounting criticism of his scrapped plan to sell off FIFA's commercial and event operations. Gianni Infantino hold a crisis meeting with senior staff in Morocco on Wednesday as he faces intense pressure. The association of European soccer leagues has called for governance reform within FIFA, adding to the pressure on president Gianni Infantino. Spain's sports Milagros Tolón believes the country "deserves" to host the 2030 World Cup final. The Argentine Football Association has designated July 15 as National Football Teams Day to commemorate Argentina's 2026 World Cup semi-final victory over England. Cape Verde Bubista, who guided the team to their World Cup debut, has joined Moroccan club RS Berkane. Bubista has resigned as Cape Verde head coach after they reached the last 32 at the World Cup, while Ivory Coast has reappointed Herve Renard.

Women's Football and League Updates

new season of "Ted Lasso" featured filming at a real-life NWSL club, with the cameo playing a significant role in the show's plot. Washington's loss to San Diego has resulted in the Spirit surrendering the No. 1 spot in ESPN's NWSL Power Rankings, with Utah now holding the top position. The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) is planning to commence its 2027 season on February 11 in Los Angeles, aligning with the Super Bowl held nearby three days later. Liverpool has signed Spanish midfielder Natalia Ramos from CD Tenerife Femenino, pending visa approval and international clearance. Manchester United appointed Eva Olid as their new women's manager on a two-year deal with an option for a further 12 months, despite her lack of WSL experience. Defender Gabby has completed a move to Brighton from Manchester United ahead of the Women's Super League season. Sacha Lewis of England international Rico, has signed her first professional contract with Women's Super League side Manchester City. Barcelona broken transfer records to sign Kerolin, who leaves the Women's Super League as the English top-flight's most expensive export after 18 months.

Boxing and Other Sports News

Former heavyweight champion Joseph Parker has claimed that a failed drugs test was a result of exposure to cocaine being used by his nutritionist. Paul's rematch with Tommy Fury is considered the most logical next step for the American star's return to boxing, according to MVP partner Nakisa Bidarian. British boxer Chapman underwent emergency surgery for a bleed on her brain after collapsing during a sparring session in Denmark. Aaron McKenna targeting a world title fight this Saturday and has ambitions of eventually fighting at heavyweight. Max Verstappen praised Kimi Antonelli's "rock solid" performances that have propelled him to the top of the Formula 1 Drivers' Championship. Callum Walsh undefeated contender from Ireland, is aiming to break into the middleweight division's elite. Jack Draper visibly upset after losing to Terence Atmane at the Canadian Open, with his long-standing arm injury appearing to resurface. Carlos Alcaraz withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open due to a wrist injury, raising concerns about his US Open title defense. Emma Raducanu potentially benefit from ending her season early to focus on recovery and secure a protected ranking for her 2027 return, according to Annabel Croft. The qualifying process to make Luke Donald's 2027 European Ryder Cup team begins this month at the British Masters.

Domestic League and Cup Competitions

Carabao Cup is back for the 2026/27 season, with all first-round ties available to watch live on Sky Sports. United's first three National League South games of the season have been suspended due to the club's financial difficulties. Bangor striker Arthurs is eligible to play in his club's opening match of the 2026-27 Irish Premiership season after completing a three-month anti-doping ban. Former AC and Brazil forward Alexandre Pato is part of a consortium poised to acquire a majority stake in League Two club Northampton Town. Rangers have completed the signing of winger Daisuke Yokota from Hannover. Rangers reportedly a deal for Hannover winger Daisuke Yokota and are also competing with Celtic for Fares Ghedjemis. Rangers Hearts are set to face challenging opponents in the Champions League qualifying group stage. Rangers need a result, while Hearts require a miracle in their upcoming European tests. opening weekend of the Scottish Premiership season provided four days of drama with 18 goals across six matches. Coventry City confirmed the permanent signing of goalkeeper Carl Rushworth from Brighton and Hove Albion. Lincoln City Jack Moylan has joined Championship rivals Cardiff City on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Cricket and Other Team Sports

Rockets extended their lead at the top of The Hundred table with a dominant win, leaving Birmingham Phoenix at the bottom. SunRisers Leeds a record total of 241-2 in The Hundred before securing a comfortable victory over London Spirit. SunRisers Leeds their slim hopes of progressing in The Hundred group stage with a hard-fought five-wicket win against London Spirit. Trent Rockets virtually qualified for the next stage of The Hundred after their win against Birmingham Phoenix. Warrington Wolves Wigan Warriors are scheduled to play the first-ever Super League fixture in Ireland in April 2027. Atlanta Falcons agreed to a three-year contract extension with Bijan Robinson, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. Zealand's tour of South Africa will be broadcast live on Sky Sports as part of a new broadcasting deal.