Spanish football manager and former player, City legend who has shaped modern football
Sebastien Pocognoli has been appointed Scotland’s head coach on a two-year contract, taking over from Steve Clarke. He led Union Saint-Gilloise to a Belgian title and has experience at Monaco. The SFA says he is a bright, modern coach who will bring a front-foot style as Scotland prepare for Nations League fixtures.
Arsenal have added Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier, with fitness concerns over key players and ongoing transfer speculation shaping preparations for the new season.
Manchester City have confirmed their manager will leave at season’s end after a decade in charge, with Enzo Maresca emerging as the leading candidate to succeed him. The farewell match featured emotional tributes to Bernardo Silva, John Stones, and Guardiola himself, as Villa denied City victory in the final league game.
PSG has retained the Champions League title after a 1-1 draw with Arsenal in Budapest, winning 4-3 on penalties. Ousmane Dembélé converted the decisive spot kick after Gabriel Magalhaes had missed Arsenal's final penalty. Luis Enrique has now won three European Cups as a coach, while Arsenal miss out on back-to-back European crowns.
England has to negotiate a last‑32 World Cup clash with the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Atlanta, with Jarell Quansah and Reece James sidelined and Djed Spence likely to start. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have delivered crucial goals to keep England progressing.
England suffers a 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the semi-final, with late goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez overturning an early lead from Anthony Gordon. England will play the bronze match against France; Kane contemplates the next steps in his international career as the team shifts focus to Nations League.
Argentina has advanced to the World Cup final after a gripping extra-time win. Messi has delivered decisive moments, setting up late goals and demonstrating why he is widely regarded as one of the game’s greatest. England faces a bronze final as they prepare for a different challenge.
A photo of Messi bathing infant Lamine Yamal has resurfaced as Argentina and Spain prepare for Sunday’s World Cup final in New Jersey. The image, taken in 2007 for a UNICEF charity calendar, has sparked global interest as the two icons near a clash that fans describe as destiny.
England has been knocked out of the World Cup with a 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina. Thomas Tuchel retains the FA’s backing for now, but there is renewed debate over his future and whether Pep Guardiola could be a replacement if available.
Spain has won the World Cup final 1-0 in extra time against Argentina with Ferran Torres scoring in the 106th minute. Spain controlled the game with patient build-up and defensive solidity, while Argentina failed to threaten until late. The victory follows Spain’s sustained possession-based style under coach Luis de la Fuente.
Spain defeats Argentina 1-0 in extra time to claim the 2026 World Cup. Netanyahu has publicly supported Argentina, while Spain’s Sánchez condemns Israel’s Gaza campaign. The final has become a global stage for competing political loyalties, drawing reactions from Palestinian supporters and international actors.
The Italian Football Federation has been exploring Pep Guardiola’s potential appointment as Italy head coach. While discussions have continued, officials say salary exceptions could be considered, though the final decision remains uncertain. Mancini and Pirlo are among other candidates amid Italy’s World Cup qualification crisis and short-term coaching search.
Spain has won the World Cup, a victory that Palestinians see as a symbol of solidarity amid Gaza’s war. Reports describe celebrations across Palestinian communities and in Gaza, where football remains a rare escape from conflict. The tournament underscores political divides and global advocacy around Gaza, with Spain’s stance on Palestine shaping the conversation.
Phil Foden has extended his Manchester City contract until 2030 with an option to 2031, amid a renaissance under Enzo Maresca. The winger/attacker has become City’s most decorated player, and the deal signals confidence in a new era after Pep Guardiola’s departure. Maresca is reuniting with Foden as the club plans to reclaim dominance in domestic and European competitions.
Italy has appointed Roberto Mancini as head coach after a chaotic recruitment process following World Cup qualification failure. Maldini and Leonardo have departed amid leadership shifts while the federation pursues a long-term overhaul and considers other candidates.
Elliot Anderson has joined Manchester City from Nottingham Forest for £116m, becoming one of the world’s most expensive midfielders. He signs until 2031 and is eager to prove himself under Enzo Maresca, aiming to help City continue their domestic and European success.
Manchester City’s new manager Enzo Maresca faces a midfield puzzle as Rodri undergoes back surgery, with questions over his return and possible moves in a window that also sees new signings like Elliot Anderson and cautious talk around James Trafford and Jack Grealish.
Andrea Pirlo has announced he is no longer a candidate for Italy’s national team head coach, following political concerns over his sponsorship deal with Russian bookmaker Fonbet. Maldini’s backing for Pirlo is under scrutiny as Italy’s football federation reshuffles its leadership after missing a third World Cup.
Italy has reappointed Roberto Mancini as men’s national coach and named Claudio Ranieri technical director after a chaotic selection that prompted Paolo Maldini and adviser Leonardo to resign. Mancini will lead a team still reeling from a third consecutive World Cup failure and will begin with Nations League fixtures in September.
Northern Ireland midfielder Shea Charles has joined Fulham for £30m, becoming the country’s most expensive player. Former international Stuart Dallas backs Charles and teammate Ethan Galbraith for Premier League success, while NI boss Michael O’Neill has built the side around him.
Spaniard Olid has been appointed to replace Marc Skinner as Manchester United Women’s head coach, four weeks before the 2026-27 WSL season. She arrives from Hearts, where she led the SWPL club to a first league title and domestic final. United have moved to a youth-focused recruitment strategy amid a quiet transfer window.
Inter signs England defender John Stones on a two-year deal, moving from Manchester City to Milan. The transfer follows Stones’ World Cup form and ties him to fellow defender Akanji at Inter. The deal strengthens Inter’s backline as they chase more trophies this season.
Celtic has secured a four-year deal with Haissem Hassan, a 24-year-old winger from Oviedo, with an option for a fifth year and add-ons totalling around £9m. The signing follows late-season interest and signals a broader transfer push as Mika Baur negotiations continue. Liverpool and Barca-linked moves also shape the summer, with new options for squads across the Premier League and La Liga.
Arsenal have secured Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United for £75m on a four-year deal with an option for a further year. The transfer closes a long-running saga and strengthens Arsenal’s midfield as they move to defend their title. Newcastle accept a fee around £75m as they look to replace him with younger options.
Mourinho has confirmed his return to Real Madrid for a second spell, a move that reshapes the club’s coaching dynamics and expectations after a trophy-laden first era. The Netflix documentary adds fresh context, recounting a pivotal moment when a Chelsea reunion fell through after Real Madrid’s 2010-13 dominance.
A three-part Netflix series on Jose Mourinho examines a career marked by spectacular highs and ferocious rivalries. While the director highlights personal vulnerability, reviewers say the documentary covers only part of Mourinho’s story, leaving tactical details and early life largely unexplored.
Nine Premier League clubs start the 2026-27 season with new coaches, including Manchester United’s Carrick and Tottenham’s De Zerbi. Arsenal look to defend their title under Arteta as City begin under Enzo Maresca. World Cup fatigue, transfer chatter, and European commitments shape early form and squad strategies.