Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: August 11, 2026, 3:19 PM ET

Injuries & Setbacks

The injury list continues to grow across the women's and men's game. Portland Thorns and USWNT midfielder Olivia Moultrie will miss the rest of the 2026 NWSL season after suffering an ACL injury. Barcelona forward Roony Bardghji has also torn his ACL, scuppering plans for a summer transfer. Rangers striker Youssef Chermiti is facing a "significant period" out after suffering an ACL injury in Sunday's defeat to Hibernian, with the club now seeking a replacement. Meanwhile, an unbeaten racehorse Bow Echo has been retired after a training setback.

Transfer Window Activity

The summer window remains frantic. Wrexham have signed Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson in a deal that could break the club's transfer record. Nottingham Forest have completed a £34m deal for Sporting defender Ousmane Diomande. Everton have signed Brennan Johnson from Crystal Palace in a swap deal that sends Dwight McNeil to Selhurst Park. West Ham have completed the signing of winger Manor Solomon from Tottenham on a three-year contract. Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven has signed a new long-term deal, expressing confidence in the club's direction. Crystal Palace are finalising a deal for USMNT prospect Zavier Gozo from Real Salt Lake.

In other deals, Barcelona have rejected a €40m offer from PSG for Ferran Torres. Chelsea have made an enquiry about Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly and are exploring a loan move for Mykhailo Mudryk. Liverpool have signed Barcelona captain Ronald Araújo on loan with an option to buy, a deal seemingly announced prematurely by former striker Darwin Núñez. Aston Villa are in talks for Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha and are interested in a loan for Real Madrid's Endrick. Inter Milan are in talks with Tottenham over Djed Spence. Rangers are closing in on a £6.5m deal for PSV winger Couhaib Driouech. Liverpool target Bradley Barcola is in PSG's Super Cup squad. Celtic target Haissem Hassan is poised for a move from Egypt. Sevilla have signed Scottish striker Robbie Ure for £5.5m.

Pre-Season Friendlies & Results

Several high-profile friendlies took place. Liverpool threw away another 2-0 lead, losing 3-2 to Monaco in Andoni Iraola's first Anfield defeat, prompting the manager to say his side cannot sustain their desired level for 90 minutes. Arsenal suffered a second straight pre-season defeat, losing 3-2 to Borussia Dortmund at the Emirates, with Mikel Arteta admitting they conceded "poor goals." Newcastle began the Matthias Jaissle era with a 2-1 comeback win over 10-man Valencia, courtesy of a Yoane Wissa double. Udinese beat Barcelona and Nottingham Forest to win the Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup. In a friendly brawl, Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Real Betis' Antony were both sent off.

Women's Football & International

Nigeria were knocked out of WAFCON in a shock 1-0 loss to Cameroon, with the Indomitable Lionesses securing their Women's World Cup spot. Algeria qualified for the Women's World Cup for the first time, joining Morocco, Cameroon and Malawi after reaching WAFCON semi-finals. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy argued women's footballers should not be penalised by a potential UEFA boycott of the U20 Women's World Cup. Chelsea will face Real Sociedad in Women's Champions League qualifying. Jordan Nobbs says helping Newcastle gain promotion to the WSL would be "job done." In the NWSL, Gotham FC are the new leaders in the Power Rankings. Alexia Putellas' arrival at London City Lionesses has been explored in depth, unmasking the Spanish superstar.

Carabao Cup Draw & Competitions

The Carabao Cup second-round draw has been made. Chelsea will host Luton Town, Tottenham will host Charlton Athletic, and Nottingham Forest face Leeds in the only all-Premier League tie. The Championship play-offs will expand to a six-team format this season. Sky Sports' supercomputer predicts the Premier League table for 2026-27, with Arsenal retaining the title. Floodlights will be on throughout The Hundred matches on Wednesday due to the solar eclipse.

Manager & Club News

New Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca discussed replacing Pep Guardiola, a captaincy dilemma and his interest in AI. Jose Mourinho revealed he agreed to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. He also criticised Bernardo Silva's fitness at Real Madrid. Matthias Jaissle said he won't change his "emotional" touchline style despite fearing how referees will react. Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is suing Crystal Palace over a defamatory banner. Derby County's takeover by Turki Alalshikh has collapsed. Ex-Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is vying with the Lewis family to buy NBA Europe's London team. Liverpool could receive investment from a group including Jeff Bezos, but it would not drastically change spending power.

FIFA & Governance

The fallout over Gianni Infantino's leadership continues. UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC have signed a joint letter slamming "deception" over Infantino's World Cup stake sale plans. LaLiga president Javier Tebas declared the "Infantino era is over." US President Donald Trump warned FIFA would make a "terrible mistake" if it replaced Infantino. A map shows the world's division over Infantino's reelection. PFA has started legal proceedings against the EFL over League One salary caps. UEFA refs' chief Roberto Rosetti said some VAR reviews were "not connected with football."

Other Notable Stories

Pep Guardiola came "close" to taking the Italy job, with Paolo Maldini revealing he even scribbled lineups. New Uruguay boss Diego Forlán has alluded to a possible return for Luis Suárez. Mexico beat the United States 2-0 in the Concacaf U20 final after a controversial red card. False reports of Cristiano Ronaldo's wedding sent hundreds of fans to another couple's big day. Somali World Cup referee Omar Artan, barred from the US, is grateful for a Super Cup opportunity. Brazilian player Jacy fell down a tunnel hole while celebrating a goal. Inter Miami paid tribute to Lionel Messi after his father Jorge Messi died at. LA Galaxy have signed former Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto.