Last updated: August 6, 2026, 11:44 PM ET
FIFA Leadership Crisis Deepens After Failed World Cup Stake Sale
The fallout from FIFA president Gianni Infantino's abandoned plan to sell stakes in the World Cup continued to dominate soccer headlines over the past 72 hours, with the embattled leader facing unprecedented opposition from across the sport's governing bodies. The world players' union FIFPRO has condemned Infantino's "abuse of presidential power" and called for change at the top of FIFA following his botched World Cup stake sale plans. FIFA said Wednesday it had apologized for errors made over Infantino's failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup, with senior staff in attendance at a summit held in Morocco reaffirming their support for the president. UEFA's boycott of FIFA tournaments still stands, with under-fire Infantino remaining in his position, and the FA now joining them in opposing his re-election next year. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday he no longer has confidence in Infantino, adding to growing pressure on the soccer leader after his abandoned plan to sell stakes. The association of European soccer leagues called for governance reform of FIFA on Wednesday, adding to the mounting pressure on Infantino following his failed plan.
Luís Figo has joined calls for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to step down over his failed plan to sell off the World Cup to private investors. Infantino summoned 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 Infantino held a crisis meeting with senior staff in Morocco on Wednesday. Two senior FIFA executives — coaching great Arsène Wenger and CEO-like secretary general Mattias Grafström — distanced themselves Tuesday from their boss Infantino's failed plan to sell stakes. FIFA has been accused of blackmailing Jordan over World Cup money in return for their support for Infantino to stay on as president. FIFA president Infantino faced senior leaders of football's world governing body on Wednesday, with the meeting expected to address the growing crisis. Rivals are reportedly circling in a bid to unseat Infantino as FIFA president following his disastrous plan to bring private equity into the World Cup. FIFA president Infantino gambled unsuccessfully on questionable ideas before, but his World Cup plans were ham-fisted and delusional from both a business and political perspective.
Blockbuster Transfer Moves Reshape European Landscape
The summer transfer window delivered several seismic developments, with Manchester City midfielder Rodri at the center of a two-club battle for his signature. Rodri has given Barcelona the go-ahead to begin talks with Manchester City as they try to beat Real Madrid to a deal for the midfielder, a source has told ESPN. Barcelona are set to approach Man City for midfielder Rodri and are hopeful they can beat their LaLiga rivals to the signing of the Spain captain. Midfielder Rodri may have a huge decision to make this summer on whether to join Real Madrid or Barcelona, should he decide to leave Manchester City. Barcelona are reportedly looking to sign Manchester City's Rodri ahead of Real Madrid.
Mohamed Salah decided to trade the Premier League for Turkish side Trabzonspor, with the transfer leaving Liverpool to assess their attacking options. Mohamed Salah has joined Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor on a free transfer. With time running out in the transfer window, Salah's departure leaves Liverpool needing to find a replacement for the Egyptian superstar. Liverpool are reportedly looking to strengthen their attack by signing Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye. Liverpool have explored the conditions of a deal for Paris Saint-Germain's teenage winger Ibrahim Mbaye. With Liverpool prepared to make Bradley Barcola their third £100m signing, the France and Paris St-Germain winger would bring significant firepower to Anfield.
Vinicius Junior has signed a new six-year Real Madrid contract to put an end to Arsenal's pursuit of the forward. Real Madrid are set to meet with Vinícius Júnior's representatives this week to resume contract renewal talks, sources have told ESPN. The Vinicius Junior dream is over for Arsenal, who must now look elsewhere in their bid to improve their forward line this summer. Arsenal have agreed a £75m fee with Newcastle for their captain Bruno Guimaraes. Arsenal open direct talks with Newcastle United to sign captain Bruno Guimaraes. It is easy to understand Arsenal's interest in Bruno Guimaraes, who would bring steel and creativity to the Gunners' midfield. Newcastle United manager Matthias Jaissle says a decision about Bruno Guimaraes' future was "already made" by the time he first met the club's departing captain.
Hirving "Chucky" Lozano is finalizing a deal to join the LA Galaxy on loan from San Diego FC, sources told ESPN. Real Madrid spent big to add World Cup star Yan Diomande to an attack that already features Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior. The 2026 summer transfer window is open, and Real Madrid received a B grade for the Diomande deal. Bernardo Silva said he "didn't think twice" about joining Real Madrid after completing his first training session with the club on Monday. Franco Mastantuono is set to join Fiorentina from Real Madrid on a season-long loan, sources have told ESPN. Jeremy Monga's £10m move from Leicester to Manchester City went under the radar this summer, but the teenager aims to emulate Eden Hazard. Winger Jeremy Doku is the latest Manchester City player to commit his future to the club after signing a new contract until 2031.
Preseason Friendlies and European Qualifiers Produce Drama
Mikel Arteta said his Arsenal players were "fuming" after defensive errors saw them fall to a 3-1 preseason defeat to Real Betis in Dublin on Wednesday. Arteta revealed his players were "fuming" after Arsenal produced a sloppy performance as they were beaten 3-1 by LaLiga side Real Betis in a pre-season friendly in Dublin. Arsenal's loss to Real Betis showed the Gunners' need for Bruno Guimaraes, with defensive frailties exposed throughout the match. 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. Mykhailo Mudryk could return to action following 20 months on the sidelines on Wednesday after being named in Chelsea's squad to play Juventus in a friendly in Hong Kong. Enzo Maresca won his first game in charge of Manchester City with a 3-1 win over the K-League All Stars in Seoul.
Derek McInnes says Rangers were "guilty of beating ourselves" as he bemoaned the loss of cheap goals in the Europa League qualifying first-leg defeat to Jagiellonia Bialystok in Poland. McInnes is still looking for his first win as Rangers manager after they fell to a 2-1 defeat to Jagiellonia Bialystok in Europa League qualifying. Rangers completed the signing of winger Daisuke Yokota from Hannover, with the Japanese star handed his debut against Jagiellonia Bialystok. Yokota targets "special memories" as he seals his Rangers move, with the winger eager to make an immediate impact. Hearts endured a predictably bruising evening in Lisbon as their hopes of progressing to the Europa League were all but ended by a 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Benfica. A night of European action saw Rangers and Hearts lose, Motherwell draw and Hibernian win. Rangers need a result and Hearts need a miracle in their European ties, according to BBC Scotland's preview of the Scottish clubs' continental challenges. Heart of Midlothian and Rangers start their new season in the Champions League qualifying group stage on Wednesday. With Rangers, Hearts Hibernian and Motherwell in action on Thursday, BBC Scotland has been attempting to analyse the chances of the nation's European hopefuls.
Domestic Leagues and Cups Produce Early-Season Storylines
Winger Harvey Barron scored a first senior hat-trick as Hull FC ended a seven-game losing run with a 32-18 comeback win at St Helens. Walsall shocked Bristol City in the Carabao Cup curtain raiser, with the League Two side pulling off a memorable upset. The Carabao Cup is back for the 2026/27 season, with every first-round tie available to watch live on Sky Sports. The bulk of the EFL Cup's first round fixtures will take place on a weekend, despite traditionally being a midweek cup competition. The 2026-27 Premier League season has not yet kicked off, but it has already made history for its record number of new bosses taking charge. The Premier League returns later this month, and we have picked out 20 prospects — one from each club — who will be looking to make their mark and enjoy a breakthrough season.
Leeds United have signed goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City in a club-record deal. Leeds have drawn up a shortlist for Trafford's understudy as they look to bolster their goalkeeping department. Hull City sign Greece goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis from Olympiacos on a five-year deal for a club-record fee. Birmingham City sign France youth international Chancelle Effa Effa from Le Havre for £100,000. Lyndon Dykes joins Millwall on a one-year deal following the end of his contract with Charlton Athletic. Swansea City sign free agent Ross Stewart on a three-year deal following the Scotland striker's departure from Southampton. Wrexham have signed midfielder Ben Whiteman from Preston on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee. Cardiff City sign Lincoln City midfielder Jack Moylan for an undisclosed fee on a four-year deal. Bournemouth announce the signing of right-back Juanlu Sanchez from Spanish club Sevilla in a deal worth up to £11.1m. Newly promoted Ipswich Town complete the signing of Portuguese midfielder Florentino Luis from Burnley for an undisclosed fee. Fulham midfielder Lukic is in advanced talks over a move to Ipswich. Coventry City confirm the permanent signing of 25-year-old goalkeeper Carl Rushworth from Brighton and Hove Albion.
Micky van de Ven is close to agreeing a new five-year contract with Tottenham Hotspur. Takehiro Tomiyasu is set to sign for Crystal Palace on a free transfer following a successful trial, with the club also considering a move for winger Solly March. Premier League side Crystal Palace are in advanced talks to sign Real Salt Lake's 19-year-old wing-back Zavier Gozo, a source confirmed to ESPN. 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. Everton have completed the signing of Denmark international Christian Nørgaard from Arsenal, the clubs announced Wednesday. Natalia Ramos has signed for Liverpool from CD Tenerife Femenino, subject to visa approval and international clearance. Ajax have completed the signing of Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen on a season-long loan, the two clubs have confirmed. Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen is set to seal a season-long loan to Strasbourg, part of the same ownership group as the London club.
Women's Soccer and International Football Updates
Emma Hayes urged US Soccer to prioritize the U.S. Under-20 Women's national team at this year's World Cup to help American youth players match the development of top European teams. Erica Meg Parkinson, has been named in England's preparation squad for the Under-20 Women's World Cup in Poland next month. 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. The National Women's Soccer League plans to begin its 2027 season on Feb. 11 in Los Angeles to coincide with the Super Bowl across town three days later, ESPN has confirmed. 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. Less than a month out from the WSL season, Manchester United have appointed Eva Olid to take over as manager. Eva Olid has been appointed as Manchester United's new women's manager on a two-year deal, with an option for a further 12 months. Defender Gabby George has completed a move to Brighton from Manchester United before the start of the Women's Super League season. Sacha Lewis, sister of England international Rico, signs her first professional contract with Women's Super League side Manchester City. Kerolin only joined the Women's Super League from the NWSL 18 months ago, and she now leaves as the English top-flight's most expensive export.
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. Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos said Luis Suárez cannot be replaced as the team prepares to navigate the Leagues Cup without the forward due to his lengthy suspension. Inter Miami has not expressed interest in signing Kevin De Bruyne, a club source confirmed to ESPN. MLS opened an investigation over "reported antisemitic and discriminatory language" from fans directed at New England Revolution striker Dor Turgeman during their Saturday 2-2 draw against CF Montreal. Larry Berg will succeed Don Garber as new MLS commissioner beginning next year. Mauricio Pochettino will remain U.S. men's national team coach through the 2030 World Cup. The United States men's national team returns to action for the first time since the 2026 World Cup during the September/October FIFA international window, hosting Peru, Chile, Canada and Mexico in friendly matches. Gio Reyna has completed a move to Strasbourg from Borussia Mönchengladbach. The 2026 summer transfer window is well underway, with several U.S. players finding new homes, and Max Arfsten earning a B+ grade for his Middlesbrough move.
Cape Verde coach Bubista, who led the World Cup debutants to a stellar tournament, joined Moroccan club RS Berkane on Tuesday. Head coach Bubista leaves Cape Verde after reaching the last 32 at the World Cup while Ivory Coast reappoint two-time Afcon winner Herve Renard. Although he spent most of his career with smaller clubs in lower divisions, Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha always believed he belonged on a bigger stage. The Argentine Football Association announces 15 July as National Football Teams Day to mark Argentina's 2026 World Cup semi-final victory over England. Women in the Afghanistan national team, which is recognized by FIFA, say football has given them freedom and independence after reuniting 8,000 miles from home. Israel supporters will be in attendance when their side face the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League next month but no away fans will be facilitated. Former England defender Kyle Walker says he is "at ease" with his decision to quit international football. Uganda midfielder Owori was killed by suspected robbers after resisting an attempt to rob him, police say.
Scottish Football and Other Club News
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill remains in hospital after undergoing a "small procedure", the club announce. Celtic are pushing for a deal for Fares Ghedjemis, while their former left-back moves to Houston Dynamo. Rangers reportedly agree a deal for Hannover winger Daisuke Yokota, while they and Celtic are said to be bidding for Fares Ghedjemis. Celtic win but are they ready for Europe? Dundee show promise in defeat, according to analysis of the Scottish clubs' European prospects. Four days, six matches, 18 goals, and one opening weekend full of unmissable drama from the Scottish Premiership season. The Scottish FA will no longer use a key match incident review panel. Southampton midfielder Flynn Downes says he and his team-mates have a "chip on their shoulder" he believes can help them win the Championship. Ebbsfleet United's first three National League South games of the season are suspended because of the club's financial problems. Alexandre Pato is a member of a consortium which is set to buy a majority stake in League Two club Northampton Town, BBC Sport understands. Boreham Wood reject a £1m bid for one of their forwards, with the non-league star Abdulmalik attracting significant interest. Daniel Kretinsky sells a small stake in West Ham in a move that could end Amanda Staveley's hopes of investment. The West Ham United Fan Advisory Board has called on David Sullivan not to attend the club's home matches, warning his presence could become a "distraction" and a potential security concern. Manchester United admit making mistakes in the execution of their ticket touting investigation but insist the reasons for it are valid. 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. Fenerbahce are prepared to break the bank for Marcus Rashford, according to Tuesday's gossip. JJ Gabriel has been given a trading card made with real 24-carat gold, days after making his unofficial senior debut for Manchester United. Meet Mjallby striker Jacob Bergstrom, a former sandwich maker who cycles to games and hopes to upset Yaya Toure's new club in the Champions League.
Boxing, Cricket, Tennis, and Other Sports
Henry Pollock has the superstar status to awaken the sleeping giant that is rugby union, according to Eddie Hearn, who insists the England and Lions flanker must be rewarded in line with his market value. Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua is still expected to be announced in August, even if the all-British heavyweight clash is relocated to America. Jake Paul's rematch with Tommy Fury "makes most sense" as the American star targets a return to boxing, says Most Valuable Promotions partner Nakisa Bidarian. Former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker claimed a failed drugs test that resulted in him being suspended from boxing was caused by exposure to cocaine being used by his nutritionist. Moses Itauma will fight for the vacant IBF world heavyweight title when he faces Filip Hrgovic in London on August 29. Aaron McKenna is not short of ambition, with the Irish middleweight fighting for the world title this Saturday. All you need to know ahead of Saturday's middleweight showdown between Aaron McKenna and Etinosa Oliha in Dublin. Joe Ward had the world at his feet as an amateur boxing sensation, but disaster struck repeatedly throughout his career. Raven Chapman underwent emergency surgery for a bleed on her brain after collapsing following a sparring session in Denmark. Callum Walsh doesn't shy away from danger, with the unbeaten contender from Ireland looking to break through into the highest echelons of the middleweight division.
A Sikandar Raza masterclass inspired MI London to come away with the spoils to jump up to second in the table and condemn London Spirit to an early departure from The Hundred. Melie Kerr's defiant half-century and decisive death bowling from Hayley Matthews helped MI London to a belated first win of the season against capital rivals London Spirit. Trent Rockets extended their lead at the top of The Hundred table with a near-perfect performance that secured their fifth win in six games, leaving Birmingham Phoenix rooted to the bottom. Trent Rockets went top of The Hundred women's table after a fourth win on the bounce against Birmingham Phoenix at Trent Bridge. SunRisers Leeds posted 241-2, the highest score in the history of The Hundred, before cruising to a comfortable victory over London Spirit. SunRisers Leeds kept their faint hopes of progression from The Hundred group stage alive with a hard-fought five-wicket victory over London Spirit at Headingley.
Five years on from winning his biggest title in Indian Wells, Britain's Cameron Norrie has found his form to dump out third seed Alex de Minaur and reach the fourth round of the National Bank Open. Cameron Norrie claimed a comfortable victory at the National Bank Open in Montreal to set up a third-round meeting with Katie Boulter's new husband Alex De Minaur. Jack Draper was left in tears after losing to Terence Atmane as the Brit's long-term arm injury appeared to resurface and hamper him on his return to action at the Canadian Open. Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open due to an ongoing wrist injury, increasing worries over his US Open title defence. Emma Raducanu could benefit from ending her season early to focus on recovery and secure a protected ranking before making her return in 2027, according to former British No 1 Annabel Croft. Charley Hull is buoyed by how well she has played this season but admitted injuries have prevented her from performing at her best. Dame Laura Davies has called upon Charley Hull to "step up and lead" Team Europe at the Solheim Cup in September.
Returning captain Joe Root and England have named their 16-man squad for the opening two Tests against Pakistan. Jacob Bethell will miss the entirety of England's upcoming Test series against Pakistan, while Ollie Pope and Brydon Carse have been named in the 16-man squad. Pakistan ended their eight-match away Test losing streak in emphatic fashion on Wednesday, securing an eight-wicket victory over the West Indies. Ben Stokes has said he would "absolutely" love to coach England one day, as he also suggested Brendon McCullum would still be in charge of the Test team had he not announced his own international retirement. Tomas Albornoz has been suspended for four matches after being hit with a misconduct charge following Argentina's Nations Championship defeat against England last month.
Bijan Robinson will become the highest-paid running back in NFL history after the Atlanta Falcons agreed to a three-year contract extension with him. 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. Stefano Domenicali has confirmed contingency plans are in place for the 2027 F1 calendar if the conflict in the Middle East continues next year. The Paddy Power PDC World Championship dates have been confirmed for Friday December 11 to Sunday January 3 with a record 180,000 tickets on offer. Several athletes are "unaccounted for" after the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, according to Police Scotland. Tour de France Femmes riders will be subject to extra clothing checks before Tuesday's stage following claims that some could be using extra padding in their bras to seek an aerodynamic advantage. There have always been comebacks in sport, but some are more unexpected than others, especially after a speedy and successful transition to another career, as Eve Muirhead comes out of retirement to chase another Winter Olympics gold. The qualifying process to make Luke Donald's 2027 European Ryder Cup team will start at the British Masters later this month. Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors will make history in 2027 when they play the first-ever Super League fixture to be played in Ireland. Ryan Carr will not be in attendance for Castleford Tigers' game against Hull KR due to personal reasons. South African, New Zealand, Australian and Argentina Rugby and Sky Sports have agreed a deal for international rugby rights from 2026-2030, extending an over-three-decade-long partnership.
Managerial Changes and Club News
Newcastle United CEO David Hopkinson has called new head coach Matthias Jaissle a "rock star" with "no ceiling on where his career could go." Matthias Jaissle, has been appointed as Newcastle United head coach to succeed Eddie Howe, with the German bringing a fresh approach to St James' Park. Roberto de Zerbi hopes his self-confessed love of the transfer window can guide Tottenham back up the Premier League table. The data behind Tottenham's interest in Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo and how he could fit into Roberto de Zerbi's side. Ian Rush has urged Liverpool to give new boss Andoni Iraola time to succeed at Anfield, but says he should target winning silverware in his debut campaign. Liverpool's time in the U.S. showed that coach Iraola and his staff still have a lot of work to do ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. Liverpool are short in a number of positions just three weeks out from their Premier League opener and seemingly no closer to bringing in any further additions this summer. 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. Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic says the club "count on me" despite the midfielder being linked with a move away this summer. Ceadach O'Neill has impressed Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta with his maturity and focus. 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. Retired referee Anthony Taylor is appointed as director of elite refereeing for the Turkish Football Federation. The president of Brazilian club Remo accused Santos star Neymar of provocation after Tuesday's Brazilian Cup game. Neymar has not ruled out retiring from football once his contract with Santos expires at the end of the year. The most romantic signing of the summer came early, with Raul Jimenez back at Wolves, and for the club's supporters, they are not so much welcoming back a former favourite but revisiting a chapter of their history. Chris Smalling is not your ordinary footballer, having snubbed university, used genetics testing for supplements, and counted Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho as mentors. Alex Hughes, son of Mark Hughes, was found collapsed at his home in Macclesfield, Cheshire, on 19 June by his two sons, having died of sudden adult death syndrome. Ben Arthurs is free to play for Bangor in their first game of the 2026-27 Irish Premiership season having completed a three-month anti-doping ban. Long before the EAFC video game franchise nestled itself at the epicenter of soccer culture, FIFA International Soccer was an unexpected bestseller. A decade on from Euro 2016, key figures tell BBC Sport Wales the inside story of the summer that changed Welsh football forever. During his time at Chelsea, Nicolas Jackson earned an unwanted reputation as an unusually unreliable finisher, but that doesn't mean other top clubs are making a mistake in pursuing him. Ferran Torres has come under fire from Barcelona supporters after leaving the door open to a potential move away from the club. Spain "deserves" to host the 2030 World Cup final, according to the country's sports minister Milagros Tolón. Liverpool have no intention of pursuing Djed Spence this summer, with Juventus looking to secure Joshua Zirkzee on loan and Arsenal and Manchester United sending scouts to watch Kaua Elias. The top stories and transfer rumours from Friday's newspapers include Liverpool potentially rivalling Arsenal in the chase for Ezri Konsa. The top stories and transfer rumours from Wednesday's newspapers include Chelsea eyeing a move for Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Thursday's newspapers suggest Arsenal feel Vinicius Jr is increasingly likely to stay at Real Madrid. Nottingham Forest eye Tijjani Reijnders, Spurs want Savinho and Nicolas Jackson, and Real Madrid resume Vinicius Jr contract talks, according to Wednesday's gossip. PSV Eindhoven are linked with Rangers, according to the latest gossip. Get live score updates on your lock screen with the BBC for the 2026-27 season. Clubs spend big money in the summer transfer window, trying to land the biggest stars, but is it actually worth it? Bill Connelly counts 10 things you need to know before the new European seasons kick off in mid-August. Our writers look at each WSL club's transfer business and propose a big question they should be asking themselves. BBC Sport looks back at some of the players whose standout performances at the World Cup earned a big transfer. Work out the identity of today's Premier League player in as few attempts as possible. The 2026 summer transfer window is open, and here is how we rated the biggest deals. Check out the significant signings and departures in the Premier League, Scottish Premiership, EFL and Women's Super League. Our Ask Me Anything Team explain SCR, PSR and adjusted revenue in the new financial rules Premier League clubs must stick to.