Football/Soccer 3 Hours

Last updated: August 4, 2026, 2:32 PM ET

International Coaching Moves and Player Transfers

Verde's World Cup debutants coach Bubista has departed after a historic campaign, joining Moroccan club RS Berkane. Simultaneously, Ivory Coast has reappointed two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner Herve Renard as their head coach. In player news United States midfielder Gio Reyna has completed a move to Strasbourg from Borussia Mönchengladbach. Ajax has finalized the signing of Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen on a season-long loan. Real Madrid is scheduled to meet with Vinícius Júnior's representatives this week to continue contract renewal discussions. Fenerbahce is reportedly preparing an ambitious move to sign Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.

Club Season Preparations and Player Availability

Inter Miami's coach Guillermo Hoyos stated that Luis Suárez cannot be replaced as the team prepares to compete in the Leagues Cup without the forward due to a lengthy suspension. Liverpool's preseason to the U.S. revealed that coach Iraola & Co. still have significant work to do before the 2026-27 campaign. Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has downplayed any perceived conflict, stating he has cleared the air with teammates Curtis Jones and Kostas Tsimikas regarding the captain's armband. Neymar has indicated uncertainty about his future, not ruling out retirement from football after his contract with Santos concludes at the end of the year.

League and Governing Body Developments

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 being held nearby three days later. Washington's recent loss to San Diego has resulted in the Spirit surrendering the No. 1 position in ESPN's NWSL Power Rankings, with Utah now holding the top spot. In a significant administrative change, Larry Berg, a part owner of LAFC, has been named the next commissioner of Major League Soccer (MLS), succeeding Don Garber on January 1, 2027. The Jordan Football Association president has accused FIFA of "blackmailing" the nation over World Cup funding in exchange for support for Gianni Infantino's continued presidency. FIFA's chief of global football development, Arsene Wenger, has described Gianni Infantino's decision to withdraw from a plan to sell stakes in a World Cup company to private investors as "absolutely necessary".

International Fixtures and Fan Attendance

Israel supporters will be permitted to attend their nation's upcoming Nations League fixture against the Republic of Ireland next month, although no away fans will be accommodated. The United States men's national team is set to resume action for the first time since the 2026 World Cup during the September/October FIFA international window, hosting Peru, Chile, Canada, and Mexico.