Football/Soccer 8 Hours

Last updated: August 9, 2026, 9:05 AM ET

International & Governance

Algeria became the first team to reach the WAFCON semifinals, securing a historic debut Women’s World Cup berth with a 2-1 comeback win over Ivory Coast as goals from Ines Khiri and Amira Ould Braham erased Ines Konan’s opener. Meanwhile, FIFA issued a sharp rebuke against what it called “a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine” world soccer’s governing body and president Gianni Infantino, though no specific campaign was named.

Transfer Market

Forward Ferran Torres has told Barcelona he wants to join Paris Saint-Germain this summer after agreeing personal terms with the French club, a source confirmed to ESPN. Across the Premier League, Marcus Rashford is set to rejoin Manchester United’s squad at their preseason camp in Ireland to begin preparations for the new season, sources said. In north London, Cristian Romero — Tottenham Hotspur’s captain — is reportedly open to joining local rivals Arsenal, according to Transfer Talk. In Scotland, Rangers have made an improved offer for PSV Eindhoven winger Couhaib Driouech, while Alexia Putellas’ arrival at London City Lionesses was hailed as the biggest transfer in WSL history, with a deeper profile now emerging of the Spanish superstar.

Preseason and Friendlies

Martin Odegaard returned for Arsenal in their Emirates Cup clash against Borussia Dortmund, while Shaun Maloney took charge of Celtic for their Champions League qualifier at Kilmarnock. Manchester City faced Atletico Madrid in a high-profile friendly. Tempers flared in Seville as Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Antony (Real Betis) were both sent off after a confrontation during a 2-2 draw. In a somber note, Arbroath FC held a moment of silence for nine-year-old Minnie Merriman, who died after being found seriously injured, with her family saying they were “overwhelmed” by the gesture.

Club News and Tributes

Following the death of his father Jorge Messi at, Inter Miami paid tribute to their absent captain Lionel Messi during Saturday’s Leagues Cup loss to Monterrey. Inter Miami honored the star before kickoff, with Messi missing the match to be with his family in Argentina. Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold faces a defining second season at Real Madrid as he looks to prove his worth under new boss Jose Mourinho, with many expecting him to be a key figure. Fans can also vote for their favorite designs in BBC Sport’s roundup of the best new kits for the coming season.