North America’s top pro soccer league, expanding the sport across the US and Canada.
England captain Harry Kane has hinted at exploring an NFL kicker career while at Bayern Munich, with plans contingent on his form over the next five to six years. He also says a future MLS move could connect football and American football, though his Bayern contract remains the immediate focus.
Bad Bunny has taken Tottenham’s stadium by storm across two nights, delivering a bilingual, genre-blending spectacle rooted in Puerto Rican culture. The gigs are a landmark for UK Latino visibility, with La Casita staging and a community-led build underscoring the scale and significance of Latin music here.
TikTok is expanding beyond social video to include shopping, travel bookings, and payments, signaling a move toward a “super app” model. Separate microdrama deals show investors betting on AI-assisted, mobile-first storytelling as a growing entertainment niche, while studios and networks explore vertical formats and creator-owned IP.
Gotham FC has moved closer to its Queens home, with Sam Kerr returning to Gotham in a 1-0 win at Citi Field last night. The event marks a milestone as Gotham prepares to share Etihad Park with NYCFC in 2028 and aims to break attendance records for a women’s game in New York.
World Cup events have brought unprecedented attention to Kansas City, with 344,135 spectators at venues and 310,000 visitors to FIFA’s fan festival, highlighting the city’s growing role in global soccer culture.
Ismail Elfath has been named the referee for England v Argentina in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage. The US official has previously refereed at Qatar 2022 and is one of a record eight US referees at the tournament.
Manchester United have secured Youri Tielemans on a four-year deal after activating a release clause; Andrey Santos has joined from Chelsea in a deal around £48m. Ederson’s move from Atalanta has stalled after a medical, prompting a shift toward younger targets as United recalibrate amid a crowded market.
The former New York representative has been announced as a contestant on Fox’s fifth season of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, set to air in September. The show will test participants with extreme military-style challenges in a Malaysian jungle, pitting Santos against other celebrities and athletes. Santos has faced criminal charges and was expelled from Congress after fabricating parts of his life story.
Wildfire smoke from Canada and the Midwest has pushed air quality to dangerous levels across the U.S., prompting health warnings. Officials urge residents to stay indoors and mask up as a split doubleheader is rescheduled with revised start times.
United have already signed two midfielders this window and face injuries and departures that heighten the need for further reinforcements. Several targets are in play, with attention turning to a potential homegrown option as pre-season shows rising balance in midfield.
MLS is riding momentum from the World Cup as ratings rise, fans are being drawn by star players and new campaigns. The league plans a summer-to-spring schedule in 2027 and is investing in youth development as it seeks to become an elite global league.
A wave of data from the Home Office and football bodies shows rising incidents at matches, with officials arguing current policing funding—with taxpayers shouldering about £70m annually—cannot continue. The debate centers on safety, policing costs, and the future role of clubs in funding security outside stadiums.
Spain has beaten Argentina 1-0 in extra time in the New Jersey final and the match has drawn record U.S. audiences: Fox's English broadcast has averaged about 38.9 million viewers and Telemundo/Peacock has added roughly 23.9 million, a combined total that far exceeds the 22.3 million U.S. viewers for the 2022 final.
Casemiro has joined Inter Miami on a contract through 2027 with an option to extend to 2029. MLS is reviewing a tampering allegation related to discovery rights involving Inter Miami and LA Galaxy. The deal pairs Casemiro with Lionel Messi as Inter Miami defends its 2025 MLS Cup title.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is underway in Morocco with 16 teams, 34 matches, and a new qualification tie to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Morocco hosts; Nigeria defends the title as several debutants join the field. Kick-off times start at 17:00 GMT across venues, with the final on Aug. 16.
Messi has returned to the field for Inter Miami amid weather delays, scoring and assisting in a Leagues Cup clash. The club remains unbeaten in eight matches, with Messi’s form continuing after the World Cup final. Other MLS actions see Suarez and Mendez scoring in Columbus’ draw as the league contends with scheduling and player welfare.
MLS has named Larry Berg as the league’s next commissioner, with Don Garber transitioning to a chairman role by 2027. Berg will divest from LAFC and lead the league into a new calendar and media rights era following the 2026 World Cup boost.
Jorge Messi has died in Rosario at 68 after a long illness, the family and Newell's Old Boys have announced. Inter Miami, Barcelona and national football bodies have paid tribute; Lionel Messi has returned to Argentina and missed Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match while teammates and clubs held moments of silence and wore black armbands.
Celtic has moved ahead in their Champions League play-off after a 3-0 first leg in Glasgow, with Nygren and Durán scoring and Duran adding a third. LASK created chances; Celtic are in a strong position for the return leg in Linz.
The SPFL has launched a new live domestic streaming service, SPFL Player, allowing fans to watch William Hill Championship, League 1 and 2 matches outside blocked hours on a pay-per-view basis. Subscriptions and single-match passes are available, with revenue returning to clubs. The rollout begins with all League 1 and 2 matches on 15 August and will extend to eligible Championship games later.
Paris Saint-Germain has beaten Aston Villa 2-1 in the 2026 UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia opened, Villa teenager Brian Madjo levelled, and Desire Doue scored the winner after a VAR review awarded the goal. Somali referee Omar Artan, controversially denied a US World Cup visa, officiated the match.
Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has returned to the field after his father Jorge’s funeral as he contemplates retirement. His father, who served as his agent, has died aged 68. Messi has expressed uncertainty about continuing to play, while teammates and opponents offer support as Miami exits the Leagues Cup group stage.
Lionel Messi has publicly mourned the loss of his father Jorge, who served as his agent and business manager. The Argentina great has hinted at possible retirement and is dealing with personal tragedy while continuing his MLS commitments.
Inter Miami's Lionel Messi has been fined by MLS for a hands-to-face incident in the 101st minute of the draw with the Philadelphia Union. The match finished 2-2, with two red cards in stoppage time. Messi scored, and the league also fined Ian Fray for a separate clash. Sullivan's red card was rescinded on review; Cavan Sullivan remains suspended but its outcome was revised.
A raft of moves in MLS and NWSL, including Esther Gonze1lez 's Saudi signing and Julian Hall 's MLS extension, have reshaped careers and raised questions about professionalism, pay, and league dynamics.
Transfer deadline day has arrived as clubs across Europe rush to finalize deals. Chelsea and Arsenal are eyeing changes, while City, Liverpool and United are weighing late moves. MLS also aligns with European timings, boosting chances to scoop top international talent as deadlines loom.
Messi has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team after the World Cup final loss to Spain. The 39-year-old, who captained Argentina to 2022 World Cup glory, has said the time has come to step away from international football while continuing with Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team in a handwritten Instagram statement published on 31 August 2026. The 39-year-old has said he has "nothing left to give" after leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup and to the 2026 final. Tributes and plans for a farewell match are under way; Argentina will meet friendly opponents in September.
A provocative Novig ad featuring Sydney Sweeney in minimal clothing has drawn strong criticism from female athletes and commentators. Novig’s equity partnership with Sweeney is aimed at boosting brand visibility ahead of football season, but observers warn the stunt risks credibility and backlash alongside growing interest in sports-prediction markets.
Lionel Messi has helped Inter Miami win the Campeones Cup with a 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul, sealing the club’s first Campeones Cup trophy and adding another trophy to Messi’s MLS era. Casemiro’s late header secures the win after Messi’s early headed goal; the ceremony also marks new coach Cristian Gonzalez’s first game in charge.
A derby week collision has NYCFC facing Red Bulls after a key win. Ferne1ndez Mercau has chosen to stay with NYCFC as he pursues his next goal: a spot with the Argentina national team. Tottenham, meanwhile, are navigating Richarlisons uncertain future as he remains sidelined amid contract talks and failed moves. Nygren insists he will stay at Celtic as interest cools.
Sports leagues have pressed regulators to permanently revoke betting privileges for anyone who threatens or harasses athletes, coaches or staff. The initiative seeks uniform rules across states to curb harassment as legal sports betting expands.