Football/Soccer 8 Hours

Last updated: July 31, 2026, 8:31 AM ET

Bundesliga and Scottish Premiership Season Previews

The Scottish Premiership is set to kick off its new season, with a preview suggesting it may return to a two-team title race between Celtic and Rangers, potentially leaving Heart of Midlothian behind. A full season preview is available for listeners. In Germany, the Bundesliga's fastest player, Bahoya, is attracting interest from the Premier League.

Premier League Transfer Activity and Team News

Premier League clubs have been strategically navigating the transfer market, with Manchester United opting for affordability while Chelsea, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur have all spent heavily all spent big. West Ham United is reportedly in talks to sign Celtic midfielder Arne Engels, and speculation continues regarding Bournemouth's pursuit of defender António Silva, who previously scored for Benfica against Juventus in the Champions League appeared an inevitability. Meanwhile, Manchester City has unveiled their new 2026-27 away kit. Cole Palmer admitted he watched England's World Cup matches but fell asleep during their game against Mexico. Liverpool's Curtis Jones was seen arguing with teammate Dominik Szoboszlai after their victory over Wrexham. Chelsea forward Aggie Beever-Jones is ready to "conquer" the new season after a challenging previous one is ready to conquer. Roberto De Zerbi shared his upbringing as an "ultra" and how those roots have influenced his coaching at Tottenham.

FIFA Governance and Controversies

FIFA is facing significant opposition to its plan to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors, with the Asian Football Confederation joining UEFA and CONCACAF in opposition stands in solidarity. FIFA has defended its proposal, stating that "nobody is selling football" and intends to continue consultations plans to continue the consultation process. Senior FIFA adviser Carlos Cordeiro has resigned in protest over the plan. Gianni Infantino, FIFA president for a decade, has faced clashes with unions and European football bodies but remains in a powerful position remains in a powerful position. Questions are being raised about Infantino's future and the potential for a UEFA boycott of the World Cup following these developments.

Player Movements and International Football

Chris Cadden has departed Hibernian for Scottish Premiership rivals Aberdeen, seeking more game time and a fresh challenge. Former striker Diego Forlán has been appointed interim head coach of Uruguay's national team until March 2027. Real Madrid has secured the signing of forward Carlos Espí from Levante on a five-year contract. Marcus Rashford has returned to Manchester United after his loan spell with Barcelona concluded. Casemiro expressed his desire to help Lionel Messi win more trophies, calling the Argentine the "god of football" since joining Inter Miami labeled Lionel Messi the god of football.

NWSL Midseason Assessment and Other Football News

The NWSL is at its halfway point, with an assessment grading each of the 16 teams. Hayden Mullins has been named the new head coach of League Two side Newport County, leaving his role at Fulham Under-21s. Arsenal is reportedly confident in securing the signing of Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United following Eddie Howe's departure.

Tributes and Tennis Updates

The football world mourns the death of legendary AC Milan and Italy defender Franco Baresi, who passed away at the age of 66. In tennis, Cameron Norrie advanced to his first semi-final of 2026 with a dominant victory over Bernard Tomic at the Los Cabos Open. Emma Raducanu has been omitted from the Great Britain squad for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in China, raising doubts about her US Open participation.

Cricket and Golf

England cricket chief Rob Key has not ruled out Ben Stokes returning from international retirement for next summer's Ashes series against Australia has left the door open. In golf, the AIG Women's Open is underway, with Hull chasing Hull to close the gap on Thitikul.