Football/Soccer 8 Hours

Last updated: August 2, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Preseason Friendlies Showcase Mixed Results for Top Clubs

Real Madrid 2-2 with Fiorentina in a preseason friendly, marking new coach José Mourinho's first game in charge. Manchester City drew 1-1 with Inter Milan in Hong Kong, ultimately losing 3-1 on penalties in Enzo Maresca's debut as manager. Bryan Mbeumo a brace to lead Manchester United to a 2-1 comeback victory over Atlético Madrid in Stockholm. Robert Lewandowski twice in his Chicago home debut, including the game-winner, to secure a 2-1 win for the Fire against Charlotte FC.

Transfer Market Buzz and Club Business

Bournemouth are nearing the completion of an £11.1m move for Sevilla right-back Juanlu as new manager Marco Rose assembles his squad. Celtic are reportedly preparing a new bid for a Serie A midfielder, while Rangers have initiated talks with a winger from a newly promoted Premier League team. Former Liverpool Mohamed Salah is rumored to be heading to Turkish club Trabzonspor. Arsenal manager Arteta remained tight-lipped regarding links to Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior but indicated that further squad movements are anticipated before the summer transfer window closes.

FIFA's World Cup Plans and Their Implications

FIFA president Infantino's proposals for selling World Cup rights have been described as ham-fisted and delusional from both a business and political standpoint, failing to consider the impact on women's soccer. The 2027 Women's World Cup was slated to be the first major tournament impacted by these controversial plans, which are seen as disrespectful to the women's game.

Other Sporting News

Dunkley's 56 off 33 balls propelled the Trent Rockets to a five-run victory over Sun Risers Leeds in The Hundred at Trent Bridge. England's netball will depart the Commonwealth Games without a medal following a decisive 68-50 defeat to Australia in Glasgow. tennis, Jack Draper has requested patience from his supporters regarding his comeback, having withdrawn from the DC Open due to an arm injury. NWSL is at its halfway point, with an assessment of all 16 teams' performances provided. ESPN Soccer introduced a new sport called Omega Ball, described as a chaotic, goal-guaranteeing game played on a round pitch with three teams.