Football/Soccer 8 Hours

Last updated: August 4, 2026, 11:32 AM ET

USMNT and Managerial Moves

Mauricio Pochettino has signed a new contract to continue as manager of the U.S. men's national team (USMNT). With four years to plan for another World Cup, the demands on Pochettino will be entirely different than what he has encountered so far. Pochettino will remain USMNT coach through the 2030 World Cup, but questions remain about what happens if a big club comes calling before then.

Club Signings and Transfers

Gio Reyna has completed a move to Strasbourg from Borussia Mönchengladbach. Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen is set to seal a season-long loan to Strasbourg, which is part of the same ownership group as the London club. Ajax has completed the signing of Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen on a season-long loan, with both clubs confirming the move. Arsenal has opened direct talks with Newcastle United to sign captain Bruno Guimaraes. United defender Gabby George is closing in on a move to Brighton before the start of the Women's Super League season. Coventry City has confirmed the permanent signing of 25-year-old goalkeeper Carl Rushworth from Brighton and Hove Albion. Rangers' £8 million bid for a Serie A winger has been rejected, as Yokota nears a move to Ibrox. Fenerbahce is ready to make an ambitious move to sign Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, according to transfer rumors and news.

Contract Renewals and Player Status

Real Madrid is set to meet with Vinícius Júnior's representatives this week to resume contract renewal talks. Neymar has not ruled out retiring from football once his contract with Santos expires at the end of the year. Bernardo Silva said he "didn't think twice" about joining Real Madrid after completing his first training session with the club on Monday. Inter Miami has not expressed interest in signing Kevin De Bruyne, a club source confirmed to ESPN.

Managerial Departures and Club News

Head coach Bubista is leaving Cape Verde after reaching the last 32 at the World Cup to join Moroccan club RS Berkane. United midfielder Ella Toone says she will always be "grateful" to former manager Marc Skinner after he helped her through the death of her father. West Ham co-chair Daniel Kretinsky is selling a small stake in the club, a move that could end Amanda Staveley's hopes of investment.

League and Competition News

The qualifying process to make Luke Donald's 2027 European Ryder Cup team will start at the British Masters later this month. Four days six matches, 18 goals, and one opening weekend full of unmissable drama have been observed in the Scottish Premiership. Southampton midfielder Flynn Downes says he and his team-mates have a "chip on their shoulder" he believes can help them win the Championship. MLS has opened an investigation into "reported antisemitic and discriminatory language" from fans directed at New England Revolution striker Dor Turgeman during their Saturday 2-2 draw against CF Montreal. Larry Berg part owner of LAFC, has been named the next commissioner of MLS and will take over for Don Garber on January 1, 2027.

Financial and Regulatory Matters

New financial rules, including SCR and PSR, and adjusted revenue are being explained by the Ask Me Anything Team for Premier League clubs. FIFA's chief of global football development Arsene Wenger stated that FIFA president Gianni Infantino's decision to withdraw from a plan to sell stakes in a World Cup company to private investors was "absolutely necessary". It is argued that FIFA president Gianni Infantino's plans to sell off the World Cup made no sense, being described as ham-fisted and delusional from both a business and political perspective.

Player News and Suspensions

Mykhailo Mudryk could return to action on Wednesday following 20 months on the sidelines, after being named in Chelsea's squad to play Juventus in a friendly in Hong Kong. Retired referee Anthony Taylor has been appointed as director of elite refereeing for the Turkish Football Federation.

Preseason and Team Performance

Liverpool's time in the U.S. showed that coach Iraola & Co. still have a lot of work to do ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, with injuries and squad depth being concerns. United opted for affordable options in the transfer window, while Chelsea, Man City, and Spurs all spent big, with the thinking behind the summer's transfer action so far being examined. It is suggested that clubs spending millions of dollars in the summer transfer window trying to scoop up all the biggest stars may not actually be worth it.

Boxing and Other Sports

Moses Itauma will fight for the vacant IBF world heavyweight title when he faces Filip Hrgovic in London on August 29. Ben Stokes has stated he would "absolutely" love to coach England one day, while also suggesting Brendon McCullum would still be in charge of the Test team had he not announced his own international retirement.

Media and Broadcasting Deals

South African New Zealand, Australian, and Argentina Rugby (SANZAAR) and Sky Sports have agreed a deal for international rugby rights from 2026-2030, extending an over-three-decade-long partnership. Live score updates for your football team on your lock screen for the 2026-27 season will be available through the BBC.

Kit Releases and Video Games

Arsenal has rolled out its new third kit for the 2026-27 season, which bears a resemblance to previous designs. A ranking of every jersey released for the 2026-27 Premier League season is available, with many top clubs having already unveiled their new kits. Long before the EAFC video game franchise nestled itself at the epicenter of soccer culture, FIFA International Soccer was an unexpected bestseller, highlighting how EA Sports made a video game the epicenter of soccer culture.

Controversies and Investigations

Riders at the Tour de France Femmes will be subject to extra clothing checks before Tuesday’s stage following claims that some could be using extra padding in their bras to seek an aerodynamic advantage.

Historical Figures and Events

Thousands gathered on the streets of Milan for the funeral of legendary former AC Milan and Italy defender Franco Baresi.