North America’s top pro soccer league, expanding the sport across the US and Canada.
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.
Manchester United have added two midfielders, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, to their squad this window to address Casemiro’s departure and ongoing injuries. The club is active in the transfer market amid a busy pre-season, with further reinforcements anticipated.
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, to broadcast William Hill Championship, League One and League Two matches outside blocked hours on a pay-per-view basis. The rollout begins with all League 1 and 2 matches on 15 August, with revenue distributed back to clubs. Further dates and details will follow as the season progresses.
Paris Saint-Germain have retained the UEFA Super Cup after Déziré Doué's 61st-minute strike, awarded following a VAR review, beat Aston Villa 2-1 in Salzburg. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia opened the scoring before 17-year-old Brian Madjo levelled for Villa on his competitive debut, becoming the youngest scorer in the fixture's history.
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 has drawn 2-2 with Philadelphia Union. Lionel Messi has moved to second in MLS scoring with 13 goals. His father Jorge Messi, aged 68, has died. Daniel Pinter scored for Miami, while Indiana Vassilev and Neil Pierre found the net for the Union. The result comes amid Messi’s lighter form since returning from Argentina following his father’s death.
Esther González has joined Al Qadsiah after mutual termination with Gotham FC, prompting debate over messaging, safety, and the ethics of moves to Saudi football. The transfer follows her departure from Gotham in July for personal reasons, with Al Qadsiah signing her amid criticism from fans and LGBTQ+ advocates. NYC and Gotham FC face questions about transfer fees and career pathways for players.
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.
LeBron James has teased a collaboration with Polymarket, with a 14-second video showing the NBA star at Polymarket HQ. CNBC reports the partnership focuses on football, with more details expected next week. The deal marks James’ latest step into prediction markets, joining a cadre of athletes and leagues expanding in this space.
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.
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.
The U.S. has defeated Mexico 3-0 at State Farm Stadium, with Julian Hall and Cavan Sullivan scoring early in the second half and Malik Tillman sealing the win. Sullivan has become the youngest goalscorer in the program’s history, while Raul Rangel’s error helped spark the lopsided result. Tim Ream has announced his international retirement.
The United States has defeated Peru 2-1 in an international friendly at Inter.com Stadium. Trusty, 28, has faced scrutiny after a prior Rangers loss but shows solidity alongside a new defensive lineup as the U.S. returns to action following a World Cup exit. Late goals from Tillman and Hall secure the win as Peru equalises briefly before the U.S. pulls ahead.
Lionel Messi has delivered a final international performance for Argentina, guiding his side to a 3-0 win over Benin in Buenos Aires in what is being hailed as his last tango with the national team. He has provided an assist, scored from the spot, and bid emotional thanks to fans, teammates, and family before stepping away from international football.
The NFL is urging the Supreme Court to allow states to regulate sports-prediction markets, arguing these contracts are gambling rather than financial swaps. The league cites $1.8 billion in first-weekend activity and calls for safeguards including a 21-year age minimum for bettors, while defending the CFTC’s federal oversight and highlighting integrity concerns.