Football/Soccer 8 Hours

Last updated: August 5, 2026, 2:32 PM ET

European Leagues and FIFA Governance

The association of European soccer leagues has called for governance reform of FIFA, adding pressure on president Gianni Infantino following his failed plan. Portugal great Luís Figo has also joined calls for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to step down over his failed plan to sell the World Cup to private investors.

Women's Super League and Club Questions

With less than a month before the new WSL season begins, writers are looking at each team's transfer business and proposing a big question they should be asking themselves. Erica Meg Parkinson, an 18-year-old midfielder, has been named in England's preparation squad for the Under-20 Women's World Cup in Poland next month.

Transfer Window Speculation and Moves

AS Monaco and USMNT striker Folarin Balogun has been offered to Tottenham Hotspur. Crystal Palace is set to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu on a free transfer following a successful trial and is considering a move for winger Solly March. Lincoln City midfielder Jack Moylan joins Championship rivals Cardiff City after an impressive last season in League One. Hull City has signed Greece goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis from Olympiacos on a five-year deal for a club-record fee. Monga's £10m move from Leicester to Manchester City may have gone under the radar this summer, but the teenager's own career is not expected to go in quite the same manner as he aims to emulate his idols. Franco Mastantuono is set to join Fiorentina from Real Madrid on a season-long loan, sources have told ESPN.

Club Pre-Season and Managerial News

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 appearing to be concerns. Chelsea failed to ramp up their pre-season preparations as Xabi Alonso's side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Juventus in Hong Kong thanks to Edon Zhegrova's stunning second-half strike. Enzo Maresca won his first game in charge of Manchester City with a 3-1 win over the K-League All Stars in Seoul, with Reijnders and Semenyo shining in his tactical set-up. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill remains in hospital after undergoing a "small procedure", the club announced. Manchester United has appointed former Hearts boss Eva Olid as their new women's manager on a two-year deal, with an option for a further 12 months. his self-confessed love of the transfer window, Tottenham boss Roberto de Zerbi hopes he can guide his club back up the Premier League table.

Player News and Suspensions

Argentina fly-half Tomas Albornoz has been suspended for four matches after being hit with a misconduct charge following Argentina's Nations Championship defeat against England last month. The president of Brazilian club Remo accused Santos star Neymar of provocation after Tuesday's Brazilian Cup game, calling him "a lowlife". Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha always believed he belonged on a bigger stage, despite spending most of his career with smaller clubs in lower divisions.

Rugby and Other Sports

Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors will make history in 2027 when they play the first-ever Super League fixture to be played in Ireland, in Dublin. Rockets went top of The Hundred women's table after a fourth win on the bounce against Birmingham Phoenix at Trent Bridge, which all but assures them a spot in the latter stages of the tournament. British boxer Raven Chapman underwent emergency surgery for a bleed on her brain after collapsing following a sparring session in Denmark.

Extending Soccer Knowledge and League Structures

If you enjoyed the World Cup, you might be keen to extend your soccer love into the club game. Bill Connelly counts 10 things you need to know before the new European seasons kick off in mid-August. The bulk of the EFL Cup's first-round fixtures will take place on a weekend, despite traditionally being a midweek cup competition. The new season of "Ted Lasso" was filmed in the U.S. at a real-life NWSL club for a cameo that serves as a key plot point of the show.

MLS Leadership and Future

Larry Berg will succeed Don Garber as the new MLS commissioner beginning next year, and questions arise about what he should do to improve the league. Mauricio Pochettino will remain as coach through the 2030 World Cup, but the question of what happens if a big club comes calling remains.