Michael Emons

Tony Mowbray says he is excited to return as Blackburn Rovers head coach after recovering from bowel cancer and rejecting several other managerial offers. He previously led Blackburn from relegation to promotion and later an eighth-place Championship finish. Returning to a side that narrowly avoided relegation in 2025-26, he identifies the need for more goals, creativity and squad depth, while using Hull City’s rapid rise as evidence that a major improvement is possible. Mowbray says his cancer experience has changed his outlook and that he intends to approach life and football with greater urgency.

Burnley defender Kyle Walker says the club must quickly move on from relegation and avoid complacency as they begin their Championship campaign against West Ham. Burnley, relegated after winning only four Premier League matches and finishing 19th, have previously returned to the top flight at the first attempt after relegations in 2022 and 2024. Walker believes the team’s young players can learn from last season, meet the Championship’s expectations and secure promotion, while he hopes to experience a full-season promotion campaign and celebrations with Burnley.

Algeria, Cameroon, Malawi and Morocco have qualified for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil by reaching the semifinals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Algeria defeated Côte d’Ivoire 2–1, Morocco beat South Africa 2–1, Cameroon overcame Nigeria 1–0 and Malawi came from behind to defeat Ghana 2–1. The four quarter-final losers retain a route to qualification through intercontinental playoffs, while five British and Irish teams continue their campaigns in European playoffs. Eighteen of the 32 World Cup places are now filled, with the tournament scheduled for 24 June to 25 July 2027.

Seventeen-year-old Canadian Anna Huang won the PIF London Championship at Centurion Club by two shots after eagling the final hole. England's Charley Hull, who had taken a one-shot lead with birdies late in the round, four-putted the par-three 17th for a double bogey and finished second on 20 under. Huang finished on 22 under for her fourth Ladies' European Tour victory, while Singapore's Shannon Tan and Thailand's Patty Tavatanakit placed third and fourth.

World number one Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open because of a right-knee injury but expects to be fit for the US Open later in August. Sinner, who won his fifth Grand Slam title by defeating Alexander Zverev at Wimbledon, has not played since. Carlos Alcaraz will also miss Cincinnati while recovering from a wrist injury, leaving Zverev and Novak Djokovic among the leading players expected to compete.

Everton and Crystal Palace have agreed a swap deal in which Dwight McNeil will join Palace and Wales winger Brennan Johnson will move to Everton. Both players are expected to complete medicals before signing initial four-year contracts. The agreement revives McNeil’s previously failed move to Palace, while Johnson leaves after scoring no goals in 26 appearances. The deal comes as Everton and Palace prepare for the 2026-27 Premier League season, with Palace also entering the Europa League after winning the Conference League.

World number one Judd Trump defeated Kyren Wilson 11-6 to win the Shanghai Masters for the second time, having previously claimed the title in 2024. Trump led 7-3 after the opening session and controlled the second session despite Wilson making century breaks of 103 and 134. The non-ranking event earned Trump £210,000 and Wilson £105,000. Trump’s victory follows wins over Barry Hawkins, John Higgins and reigning world champion Wu Yize, giving him a strong start to the 2026-27 season. The China Open in Taiyuan is next, returning to the calendar after a six-year absence.

Argentina’s 2026 World Cup campaign ended in a contentious final defeat to Spain, prompting player dismissals, post-match altercations, and a FIFA investigation. Enzo Fernandez defended the team’s conduct despite his red card, while scrutiny grew over dressing-room events and Lionel Messi’s future with the national side. Former players criticised Argentina’s on‑field behaviour, and manager Lionel Scaloni urged dignity in defeat amid speculation about his tenure. The team returned to a massive reception in Buenos Aires, though Messi returned directly to Miami.

Pep Guardiola has reportedly held talks with the Italian Football Federation about becoming Italy’s head coach, with Paolo Maldini and Leonardo meeting him in Barcelona. Italy are seeking a replacement for Gennaro Gattuso after missing out on World Cup qualification. The report prompts speculation over whether England might also pursue Guardiola despite Thomas Tuchel retaining FA backing following England’s third-place World Cup finish. Guardiola recently ended his decade-long tenure at Manchester City and indicated he needed rest from club football, but international management may offer a less intense return. Italy’s immediate challenges include Nations League matches against Belgium, Turkey and France as they aim to recover from recent setbacks and qualify for Euro 2028.

England’s 2026 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina prompted emotional reactions from players including Dan Burn and Harry Kane, who described deep disappointment after conceding two late goals despite leading in the second half. Thomas Tuchel expressed surprise at his team’s inability to maintain control after scoring, citing a loss of physicality and momentum. England now prepare for the third-place match against France while reflecting on recurring failures to finish major tournaments strongly, despite standout performances from key players such as Kane and Jude Bellingham.

Harry Kane says England still have a higher level to reach despite advancing to the World Cup semi‑finals after a narrow extra‑time win over Norway. Thomas Tuchel criticised the team’s performance, while Jude Bellingham defended the squad, highlighting the difficulty of the match. England prepare to face Argentina as they continue their push to win their first World Cup since 1966, with Kane emphasising the team’s progress and determination during a successful era for the national side.

France reaches the 2026 World Cup semifinals after a dominant 2-0 win over Morocco, strengthening its status as the tournament favorite. With prolific scorers Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé leading an exceptionally deep attacking lineup, analysts argue this squad could be the strongest in French football history, especially if it wins the title on 19 July. Didier Deschamps, coaching his final tournament, is widely expected to guide France to a third consecutive final, though commentators caution against overconfidence. Strong performances across the tournament, combined with defensive solidity and abundant offensive options, leave France two wins away from a potential third World Cup triumph.

France enter the 2026 World Cup semi-finals as strong favourites after a 2-0 win over Morocco, driven by goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele. Analysts including Patrick Vieira, Ian Wright and Roy Keane praise France’s depth, attacking power and strong defensive record, suggesting they are on course for a third world title. Didier Deschamps, managing his final tournament, is credited with building a squad viewed as stronger than previous iterations. Observers warn only complacency appears capable of stopping France as they await their next opponent.

High scoring averages, dramatic late goals and competitive matches have positioned the 2026 World Cup as one of the strongest editions in history. Attendance remains near record levels despite high ticket prices and logistical challenges. Standout performances from top players and surprising results from underdog teams add to the tournament’s appeal. Controversies include scheduling strain, hydration breaks, refereeing quality and a disciplinary decision involving U.S. player Folarin Balogun that drew widespread criticism. With top-ranked teams still competing, the quality of the final stages will shape lasting perceptions of the tournament.

The 2026 World Cup has delivered high-scoring matches, dramatic comebacks and record-setting late goals, contributing to one of the most exciting tournaments in decades. Attendance has been strong despite high costs, and leading players including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane are driving an intense Golden Boot race. Underdog stories from nations like Curacao, Qatar and Cape Verde have added to the tournament’s appeal. Concerns persist over ticket prices, tournament length, refereeing standards, player welfare and allegations of political interference involving the United States. With top-ranked teams still in contention, the concluding stages may determine whether this becomes regarded as the greatest World Cup in history.

Germany exit the 2026 World Cup after a penalty shootout loss to Paraguay, intensifying pressure on head coach Julian Nagelsmann. Despite dominating possession, Germany struggled to break down Paraguay and missed three penalties, prompting criticism from former players and pundits. Calls for Nagelsmann’s dismissal have grown, though he insists he will remain if supported by the German FA. Analysts cite deeper issues in Germany’s football identity and player development, as the team suffers a third consecutive early exit from a major tournament.