Football/Soccer 8 Hours

Last updated: August 2, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Managerial Moves and Club Statements

Real Madrid publicly thanked UEFA for assisting in the protection of football during a significant period. FIFA has abandoned its plans to sell stakes in a World Cup company to private investors. Madrid's draw against Fiorentina in a preseason friendly marked José Mourinho's first game as their new coach. New Chelsea Xabi Alonso stated that the "scar" from his brief tenure at Real Madrid has healed, allowing him to concentrate on the upcoming Premier League season. Alonso also his healing from the Real Madrid exit, his intuition in joining Chelsea, and why he views his new club as a promising opportunity.

Summer Transfer Window Activity

Argentina international Barco has joined Chelsea from Strasbourg, as announced by the London club. Bournemouth are finalizing an £11.1m transfer for Sevilla right-back Juanlu, nearing the completion of new manager Marco Rose's squad. Arsenal manager Arteta remained tight-lipped regarding his club's reported interest in Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior, but indicated that further signings are expected before the summer transfer window closes. Inter Miami not shown any interest in signing Colombian national team midfielder Juan Fernando Quintero, according to club sources. United pursued more affordable options in the transfer market, while Chelsea, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur all made significant expenditures.

Preseason Friendlies and Player Performances

Robert Lewandowski two goals, including the decisive strike, in his home debut for the Chicago Fire, leading his team to a 2-1 victory over Charlotte FC on Saturday. Mbeumo's brace secured a 2-1 friendly win for Manchester United against Atlético Madrid in Stockholm on Saturday. Real Madrid 2-2 with Fiorentina in a preseason friendly, which was new coach José Mourinho's first match in charge. Manchester City 1-1 with Inter Milan in Hong Kong before ultimately losing 3-1 on penalties in Enzo Maresca's first game as manager.

Cricket Action in The Hundred

Rockets maintained their top position in The Hundred table after a five-run victory over Sun Risers Leeds. A strong half-century from Ben Duckett and crucial late wickets from Mohammad Amir contributed to the Trent Rockets' deserved win. Dunkley's 56 runs off 33 balls propelled the Trent Rockets to an impressive five-run victory over Sun Risers Leeds in The Hundred at Trent Bridge. MI London without a win in the competition.

Other Football News

Real Madrid praised UEFA for helping to protect football at a "decisive moment" following FIFA's decision to abandon plans to sell stakes in a World Cup company to private investors. FIFA president Infantino's proposals to sell off World Cup stakes were described as poorly conceived from both business and political standpoints, with a history of unsuccessful gambles on questionable ideas. St Johnstone a dramatic 4-3 victory over Kilmarnock in a seven-goal thriller during their return to the Scottish Premiership. Blue Bolt its undefeated streak with a win in the Prix Rothschild at Deauville. Bournemouth is close to completing a £11.1m deal for Sevilla right-back Juanlu. Jack Draper requested patience from his supporters regarding his return to the sport following an arm injury that led to his withdrawal from the DC Open.