Sam Brookes

Micky van de Ven has been appointed Tottenham Hotspur’s new captain by Roberto De Zerbi after Cristian Romero moved to Atlético Madrid. Van de Ven leads a five-player group that also includes Pedro Porro, Ben Davies, James Maddison and Archie Gray; Gray may wear the armband against Brentford because Van de Ven and Porro are not ready to start. Romero left after five seasons, thanking the club and supporters while acknowledging that his time in north London was not perfect.

Fantasy Premier League is introducing several changes before the new season, including assisted squad selection, player price-change tracking, revised bonus-point calculations, improved prospects for goalkeepers, full-backs and attacking players, and a later gameweek scoring lock at 9am the following morning. Managers will also be able to switch between new squad-view pages to access player information more easily.

Rory McIlroy says LIV Golf players seeking to return to the PGA Tour face a difficult path and are unlikely to receive terms as favorable as those offered to Brooks Koepka. His comments come as Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund withdraws financial support for LIV Golf, Jon Rahm is reportedly considering leaving, and the league cancels its season-ending team championship. McIlroy reiterates his opposition to LIV, while acknowledging that the PGA Tour could have responded more effectively to the rival circuit.

LIV Golf chief executive Scott O'Neil says the league is working against a compressed timeline to secure a new lead investor after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund withdrew its backing. A proposed deal involving BC Partners remains dependent on retaining a critical mass of leading players for 2027 and beyond. The league has cancelled its Michigan team championship amid financial pressure, while suppliers and players reportedly await unpaid sums. O'Neil said LIV is cutting costs and developing a sustainable business model, while Bryson DeChambeau remains committed to its survival and Jon Rahm is reportedly considering a return to the PGA Tour.

Tijjani Reijnders has completed a permanent move from Manchester City to Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah for about £51 million after one season at the Etihad, where he made 50 appearances and scored seven goals. His exit follows a major Manchester City summer reshuffle, while the club considers further midfield reinforcements and prepares for the new Premier League campaign.

Aston Villa have signed Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for a deal worth up to €35 million, intensifying uncertainty over Emiliano Martinez’s future. Martinez has attracted interest from Juventus and was omitted from Villa’s UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, although Juventus now appear set to pursue Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario instead. Villa have also signed Italian left-back Matteo Ruggeri from Atlético Madrid following Lucas Digne’s departure, but have lost several important players ahead of their Premier League and Champions League campaigns.

Bayern Munich winger Jamal Musiala says he has been diagnosed with brief, treatable absence seizures caused by a neurological dysfunction after collapsing during matches against RB Leipzig and FC Heidenheim. He says he is receiving medical care, has been cleared by neurologists to continue playing, and faces no further health risk, while asking that the matter remain largely private.

A male was found dead at Charlton Athletic’s The Valley stadium after an incident in the early hours of Monday. Police are investigating and have asked anyone with information to contact them. Charlton Athletic said it was assisting authorities, expressed condolences to the deceased’s loved ones, and stressed that there was no suggestion of wrongdoing by the club. The club also relocated an under-21 fixture from the stadium to its training ground.

A sharp increase in acute diarrhoea cases has led to 182 admissions at Yangon General Hospital over four days, with 93 patients testing positive for pathogens and one reported death. Officials linked many cases in downtown Yangon’s Chinatown district to contaminated water and food sold by street vendors, ordered some high-risk vendors to close temporarily, and said case numbers were beginning to decline. The outbreak adds to the pressure on communities already affected by monsoon flooding and Myanmar’s prolonged civil war; WHO data recorded more than 2,200 acute watery diarrhoea hospitalisations and 15 deaths in Yangon in 2024.

Tottenham have been linked with a potential £65 million move for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, who spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich. Tottenham sources have reportedly distanced the club from the transfer, while the club is also considering alternatives including Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and Manchester City’s Savinho. Jackson has made 65 Premier League appearances for Chelsea since joining in 2023.

Vinicius Jr says Jose Mourinho has encouraged him to remain happy and expressive as he returns to Real Madrid training. The forward is entering the final year of his contract, and uncertainty over a renewal has prompted transfer speculation, with Arsenal reportedly exploring a major move. Vinicius enjoyed a highly successful spell at Real Madrid, scoring 22 goals last season and winning multiple domestic and European honours, but is reportedly open to a move to north London. Arsenal are also continuing to pursue Atlético Madrid forward Julian Alvarez.

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson has reportedly agreed to a three-year contract extension worth up to $75 million, including $51 million guaranteed and a $37 million signing bonus. The deal would make him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. Robinson, the eighth overall pick in the 2023 draft, is coming off a 2,298-yard, 11-touchdown season and had been sitting out training-camp practices while negotiations continued. The extension follows long-term commitments to several other Falcons starters, while the team has added Brian Robinson and Tyler Goodson after Tyler Allgeier's departure.

Bijan Robinson has reportedly agreed to a three-year Atlanta Falcons extension worth up to $75 million, including $51 million guaranteed and a $37 million signing bonus. The deal would make him the highest-paid running back in NFL history and ends his training-camp hold-in. Robinson, the eighth overall pick in the 2023 draft, is coming off a 2,298-yard, 11-touchdown season and first-team All-Pro honors. The Falcons have also extended several other core players and added running backs Brian Robinson and Tyler Goodson after Tyler Allgeier's departure.

Lionel Messi donated €80,000, approximately £68,500, to help restore Madrid’s Sierra Oeste region after wildfires caused extensive damage and forced evacuations. Community of Madrid president Isabel Díaz Ayuso confirmed the contribution and thanked Messi publicly. The donation is consistent with Messi’s longstanding philanthropic work through the Leo Messi Foundation.

Lionel Messi has donated €80,000 to help reconstruct Madrid’s Sierra Oeste region after wildfires caused extensive damage and forced evacuations. Community of Madrid president Isabel Díaz Ayuso thanked him publicly. The report also highlights Messi’s charitable foundation and provides extensive context about his recent return to Inter Miami, Argentina’s World Cup campaign and controversies surrounding the final.

Coventry City have permanently signed goalkeeper Carl Rushworth from Brighton & Hove Albion for a reported £22 million, a club-record fee. Rushworth, who played every Championship match during his loan spell as Coventry won promotion under Frank Lampard, expressed his excitement at returning. He is expected to make his Premier League debut against Arsenal on 21 August.

Aston Villa won its appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport against FIFA’s restrictions on registering minors, allowing the club to register 17-year-old Brian Madjo. Madjo joined Villa from French club Metz in January but had been unable to play because of FIFA’s international transfer rules for underage players. He is now eligible for official matches in the forthcoming season.

The Metropolitan Police has released images of people they want to identify following several unrelated incidents during Arsenal’s Premier League title parade in Islington on 31 May. The incidents included a racially aggravated assault, criminal damage to a car, an assault on a woman and a serious assault at the Kings Head pub. Police said 29 arrests had already been made, with 12 people charged with offences including attempted murder, grievous bodily harm, assault on an emergency worker and sexual assault. More than 500 officers were deployed, and detectives are appealing for information through the police or Crimestoppers.

A survey of 100 UK yoga teachers commissioned by Insure4Sport found that roughly one-third lack dedicated insurance, including those relying on employers’ or studios’ policies that may not cover freelance work. Nearly four in 10 had taught without cover, while 14% reported a student injury or near-injury and 30% lacked confidence they would be financially protected against a claim. The findings highlight gaps in training about insurance and liability and call for venues, training providers and industry bodies to make coverage a standard part of professional practice.

Cameron Norrie defeated Argentina’s Camilo Ugo Carabelli 7-6, 6-4 to reach the second round of the National Bank Open in Montreal, following his semifinal run in Los Cabos. Rain prevented Jack Draper and Jacob Fearnley from starting their matches, which were rescheduled for Tuesday.

Leeds United defeated Liverpool 4-2 in a pre-season friendly in Chicago after Liverpool took a two-goal first-half lead through Luke Chambers and Florian Wirtz. Leeds mounted a second-half comeback after Liverpool made changes, with goals from Brenden Aaronson, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Sean Longstaff, followed by another Calvert-Lewin strike. Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola said the club needs more signings with the Premier League season less than three weeks away.

The Football Association of Wales has become the first national football association to withdraw support for Gianni Infantino’s FIFA re-election campaign, citing failures in governance, leadership, communication, stakeholder management and judgment. The decision follows Infantino’s controversial, subsequently shelved proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. UEFA has also declared a loss of confidence in FIFA’s leadership, while the English FA is seeking a full review and Andy Burnham has said Infantino is the wrong person to lead the organization.

The Football Association of Wales has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s re-election as FIFA president, becoming the first national association to do so. The decision follows criticism of his proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise, which would have involved selling stakes in World Cup-related assets to private investors, although the plan was later shelved. England and CONCACAF have also expressed opposition or called for a leadership review, while UEFA is considering legal action and has raised the possibility of a no-confidence vote. Several African and Asian associations continue to support Infantino, and CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani is reportedly open to challenging him.

The Washington DC Open women’s final between Alexandra Eala and Jessica Pegula was suspended because of rain and lightning. Pegula won the opening set 6-4, while Eala led 2-1 on serve in the second set when play stopped. The match is scheduled to resume Monday at 12:00 ET, followed by the men’s final between Taylor Fritz and Rafael Jodar at 13:00 ET, weather permitting.

CBS Sports has placed lead NFL analyst and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo on indefinite leave after his 23 July arrest in Wisconsin on suspicion of operating while intoxicated. Sheriff’s records say Romo performed poorly on sobriety tests, had red, glassy eyes and an odor of alcohol, and had an open alcohol bottle in his vehicle. He is due in court on 21 September. JJ Watt will replace him alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson, with Romo’s regular-season return not scheduled until 13 September.

Charley Hull has refused to apologise for tricking her caddie, Adam Woodward, with a fake scratchcard that appeared to win £100,000. After Laura Davies and online critics condemned the prank as cruel, Hull told them to loosen up and said she would do it again.

LeBron James and ESPN are reportedly nearing a deal for a comprehensive documentary series modeled on The Last Dance. The project would follow James during what is expected to be the final chapter of his NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers and include previously unseen footage from his 22-year career. James has reportedly signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Sixers and is pursuing a fifth NBA championship.

Former Green Bay Packers running back Ahman Green, 49, has revealed that he was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease last year. He described symptoms including foot twitching during sleep, sleepwalking and short-term memory problems, but said he remains optimistic and is managing his condition through regular exercise and a healthy diet. Green plans to connect with former Packers teammate Brett Favre, who disclosed his own Parkinson’s diagnosis two years earlier.

LeBron James and ESPN are reportedly close to finalizing a documentary following the basketball star’s expected final career chapter with the Philadelphia 76ers. Designed to resemble The Last Dance, the project would document his pursuit of a fifth NBA championship while also drawing on previously unseen footage from his 22-time All-Star career. James has signed a reported two-year, $8 million deal with Philadelphia, whose leadership hopes his arrival can turn the team into a championship contender.

Former Green Bay Packers running back Ahman Green has revealed that he was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease at age 49. He described sleep-related foot twitching, sleepwalking and short-term memory problems, while maintaining an optimistic outlook through regular exercise and a strict diet. Green remains the Packers’ all-time leading rusher, with 9,205 career rushing yards and 60 touchdowns, and plans to reconnect with former teammate Brett Favre, who has also disclosed a Parkinson’s diagnosis.

The Women's Super League has released its 2026-27 fixtures, with the expanded 14-team competition starting on 4 September. Defending champions Manchester City will host newly promoted Birmingham City, while Mary Earps will face former club Manchester United in her first league match for London City Lionesses after returning from Paris Saint-Germain. London City have also signed two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas; Chelsea will host Aston Villa, and Tottenham will meet West Ham in an opening-day London derby.

Harvey Elliott wants a second chance to establish himself at Liverpool after making only nine appearances during a difficult loan spell at Aston Villa. A tenth appearance would have triggered a £35 million permanent-transfer clause. After returning in Liverpool’s 1–0 pre-season win over Wrexham, Elliott said representing Liverpool remains a childhood dream, while acknowledging he must decide whether to compete for a place under new manager Andoni Iraola or pursue a move amid interest from Leeds, Sunderland and RB Leipzig.

Harvey Elliott hopes the arrival of manager Andoni Iraola and a new coaching staff will give him a second chance to secure a role at Liverpool after a frustrating loan spell at Aston Villa. He played only nine matches and 277 minutes because a tenth appearance would have triggered a £35 million permanent-transfer obligation. Elliott remains open to staying and competing for a place or moving elsewhere, while stressing his strong connection to Liverpool and desire to play regularly and enjoy his football.

Saltburn Cricket Club’s second team conceded a cup match against Marton’s second XI, citing a lack of available players during the holiday season. The decision came days after footage appeared to show Saltburn fielder Brian Devine clicking his fingers to imitate the sound of a ball nicking the bat, allegedly attempting to influence the umpire’s decision. The incident went viral, was dubbed “Clicky Ponting,” and is being investigated by the league.

Tottenham Hotspur defeated Sydney FC 4-2 on penalties after their pre-season friendly ended 1-1 in the Sydney Super Cup. Mathys Tel gave Tottenham the lead with a free-kick before Takehiro Sekine equalised. Sandro Tonali and Andy Robertson converted for Tottenham in the shootout, while Dane Scarlett scored the decisive penalty and Jamie Donley was the only Spurs player to miss.

Former Australia coach Justin Langer has acknowledged the prestige of England’s vacant Test coaching role and indicated potential interest, although he has not been formally approached. He suggested that a collaborative arrangement with England limited-overs coach Brendon McCullum could work under the right conditions. The vacancy followed McCullum’s dismissal as Test coach, while early candidate Andy Flower withdrew from consideration. Langer also discussed the possibility of Ben Stokes returning for next year’s Ashes, saying Australia would hope the all-rounder does not reverse his retirement decision.

Justin Langer has acknowledged the prestige of England’s vacant Test coaching position and suggested he would consider opportunities, though he says he has not been approached. The new coach would need to work alongside Brendon McCullum, who remains in charge of England’s limited-overs teams. Australia coach Andrew McDonald and Langer also discussed the possibility of Ben Stokes reversing his retirement before the next Ashes series, with both acknowledging that the decision ultimately rests with Stokes.

Marc Cucurella has fulfilled his promise to get a tattoo of Spain manager Luis de la Fuente after Spain won the World Cup. He revealed the tattoo on Instagram with the message “promise fulfilled,” showing de la Fuente alongside the trophy. Spain defeated Argentina 1–0 in the final through Ferran Torres’s extra-time goal, after also winning Euro 2024 against England.

Conor McGregor has proposed a 2027 rematch with Max Holloway as the final fight of his current UFC contract, calling it “The Last Dance.” Holloway recently stopped McGregor in 69 seconds at UFC 329 after McGregor suffered a knee injury, and McGregor is expected to miss about a year while recovering from a torn ACL. The bout marked his return after a five-year absence and extended a difficult run in which he has lost his last three fights and four of his past five.

Conor McGregor has proposed facing Max Holloway in a rematch during International Fight Week in 2027, intending it to be the final fight of his UFC contract. The plan follows his 69-second TKO defeat by Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, during which McGregor suffered a torn ACL. UFC president Dana White expects McGregor to miss about a year, while McGregor's recent record reflects three consecutive losses and prolonged inactivity caused by injuries.

English football is reportedly preparing to trial a rule designed to prevent goalkeepers from using apparent injuries to create tactical stoppages. Under the proposed measure, if a goalkeeper receives treatment on the pitch, the manager would have 10 seconds to nominate an outfield player to leave the field for one minute. The trial is expected to apply next season across the Premier League, EFL, National League and Women’s Super League, following criticism that these stoppages allow teams to disrupt opponents’ momentum and receive managerial instructions.

Team England sprinter Louie Hinchcliffe has withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow before the men's 100m competition, following the earlier withdrawal of 400m runner Charlie Dobson and other high-profile athletes including Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Dina Asher-Smith. Hinchcliffe, coached by Carl Lewis and an Olympic relay bronze medallist from Paris 2024, is expected to be replaced in the event by Elliot Jones, who would become England's only men's 100m representative.

Manchester United have signed 20-year-old Welsh goalkeeper Kit Margetson from Swansea City after agreeing a compensation package. Margetson made no senior appearances for Swansea but impressed during a loan spell at Connah’s Quay Nomads, helping the club qualify for European competition. His arrival follows the signing of Karl Darlow, while Andre Onana has returned to Trabzonspor on loan.

Andrea Pirlo withdrew from consideration to coach Italy after politicians objected to his ambassadorial contract with Russian betting company Fonbet, arguing it conflicted with Italy's support for Ukraine. Pirlo said the arrangement was purely commercial and did not represent his political beliefs. With Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola unavailable and Pirlo's previous coaching failures weakening his candidacy, attention has returned to former Italy managers Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini. Italy remains without a permanent coach after Gennaro Gattuso's departure following a World Cup qualifying-playoff loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Andrea Pirlo withdrew from consideration to become Italy’s national football coach after Italian politicians criticized his sponsorship deal with Russian betting company Fonbet amid Italy’s support for Ukraine. Pirlo defended the agreement as a commercial and sporting arrangement linked to his UAE work, without political significance. His previous unsuccessful coaching spells at Juventus and Sampdoria had already weakened his candidacy. Following Gennaro Gattuso’s departure after Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup, attention has shifted back to former Italy coaches Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini.

Lucas Herbert shot a remarkable 62 at Royal Birkdale during the 154th Open Championship, taking the lead after an outstanding six-under 28 on the front nine and narrowly missing a historic 59 because of a closing bogey. His score was only the sixth 62 in major championship history and was later matched by Sam Burns, while Jackson Suber remained an early challenger. The performance marked a major turnaround for Herbert, who joined LIV Golf in 2024 and had struggled to make an impact at majors since the 2022 Open.

Turkish authorities detained 17 football club officials in raids across Istanbul and nine other provinces as part of an expanding investigation into alleged illegal betting and match-fixing. Data from legal betting platforms reportedly indicated that some suspects placed bets while holding official positions, including executives from Galatasaray and Beşiktaş. The investigation began with referees in October and has expanded to players, club officials and other football figures, following earlier detentions and disciplinary referrals. Justice Minister Akın Gürlek pledged a determined crackdown, while the scandal threatens to overshadow Turkey’s recent World Cup qualification and its plans to co-host the 2032 European Championship with Italy.

England will face France in the World Cup third-place play-off in Miami after losing their semi-final to Argentina and France losing to Spain. It will be England’s third appearance in the bronze-final match, following defeats by Italy in 1990 and Belgium in 2018. Thomas Tuchel’s team will seek to end the tournament with a win.

The 154th Open Championship is being held at Royal Birkdale in Southport, Merseyside, with Scottie Scheffler seeking to defend the title he won the previous year. The venue is hosting The Open for the 11th time and has also hosted the Ryder Cup twice and the Women’s British Open six times.

Marcus Rashford’s reported £40 million exit clause at Manchester United expired on 15 July. The clause had excluded Liverpool and Manchester City, while Barcelona declined its €30 million option to sign Rashford permanently after his loan spell. Rashford is expected to return to Manchester United training, but his long-term future remains unresolved and any subsequent transfer would require fresh negotiations.

Spain has won the FIFA World Cup once, defeating the Netherlands 1–0 in extra time in the 2010 final through a goal by Andrés Iniesta. After beating France 2–0 in the semi-final, Spain reached only the second World Cup final in its history and faced defending champions Argentina, who defeated England 2–1 and had previously won three of their six finals.

Argentina defeated England 2–1 in a World Cup semi-final despite England taking an early second-half lead. After the final whistle, Jude Bellingham appeared to slap Argentina’s Valentin Barco, who had celebrated near the England player. Barco, 21, had made one substitute appearance at the tournament and is known to English football fans from a brief Brighton spell; after loans at Sevilla and Strasbourg, he joined Chelsea’s sister club and is expected to move to Chelsea.

Goals scored in the World Cup third-place play-off will count toward the Golden Boot standings. Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé lead with eight goals each, while Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have six and remain contenders alongside eliminated Norway striker Erling Haaland. Rotation could affect whether England and France field their star players in the play-off, while Messi will have the final against Spain to claim the award.

Argentina defeated England 2–1 in Atlanta to reach the World Cup final and preserve its perfect record in official World Cup semi-finals. The team had previously won semi-finals in 1978, 1986, 1990, 2014 and 2022, and is scheduled to face Spain in the 2026 final.

Morgan Rogers is set to start on the right wing for England against Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, with Thomas Tuchel selecting him ahead of Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke. Declan Rice has been declared fit, while Reece James and Djed Spence replace Ezri Konsa and Nico O'Reilly in the full-back positions. England's announced XI is Pickford, James, Stones, Guehi, Spence, Anderson, Rice, Bellingham, Rogers, Gordon and Kane.

Milan prosecutors dismissed the sports fraud case against former Serie A referee chief Gianluca Rocchi and his deputy Andrea Gervasoni, finding no evidence of an organized system to manipulate referee appointments or VAR decisions. Rocchi had been accused of changing an official assigned to an Inter Milan match and of interfering with VAR procedures during Udinese’s match against Parma. The latter incident was referred to prosecutors in Monza because the VAR operations room falls under their jurisdiction. Rocchi resigned during the investigation, while his lawyer welcomed the dismissal and said the alleged VAR intervention was intended to correct a refereeing error rather than influence the result.

An attempted burglary at Lamine Yamal’s home was stopped by security guards hours after he helped Spain reach the World Cup final with a 2-0 win over France. Two masked individuals reportedly attempted to enter the property before fleeing when confronted. Yamal, a central figure in Spain’s campaign, is set to play in the final against either England or Argentina as Spain pursue their second World Cup title.

England face Argentina in a World Cup semi-final with several records at stake. Harry Kane is set to earn his 121st international cap, surpassing Wayne Rooney as England’s most-capped outfield player, while Lionel Messi could become Argentina’s outright leading World Cup scorer by adding to his eight goals in the tournament. Argentina have won or drawn all five of their previous World Cup semi-finals, whereas England are seeking their first final appearance since 1966. Kane and Jude Bellingham could also become the first England players to score seven or more goals in a single World Cup.

Lionel Messi is set to face England for the first time when Argentina meet the Three Lions in the World Cup semi-final. Argentina and England have not played each other since November 2005, when Messi missed Argentina’s 3–2 defeat in Geneva while serving a suspension for an earlier red card against Hungary. Michael Owen scored two late goals in that match.

Brighton have signed 19-year-old Croatian defender Luka Vuskovic from Tottenham for an initial club-record £46 million. The five-year deal includes up to £4 million in add-ons and a 20% sell-on clause. Vuskovic, who joined Tottenham from Hajduk Split in 2025 and spent last season at Hamburg, chose a permanent move to secure first-team football. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler praised his potential while acknowledging that he will need time to adapt to the Premier League. The transfer is Tottenham's first major sale following substantial recruitment, while Brighton continue rebuilding ahead of their return to European competition in the Conference League.

Manchester United have signed 35-year-old Wales international goalkeeper Karl Darlow from Leeds United on a free transfer. He has agreed to a two-year contract with an option for a further year and is expected to provide cover for Senne Lammens. The move follows Andre Onana's loan transfer to Trabzonspor, the expected departure of Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton's contract extension. Darlow has Premier League experience with Leeds and Newcastle and has won 15 international caps.

Manchester United have signed 35-year-old Wales international goalkeeper Karl Darlow from Leeds United on a two-year contract with an option for another season. Darlow is expected to serve as backup to Senne Lammens, while Altay Bayindir may leave and Andre Onana has been loaned to Trabzonspor. The transfer follows Darlow’s two seasons at Leeds, where he made 38 appearances, and comes amid wider squad changes at United, including the signing of Andrey Santos and a prospective move for Youri Tielemans.

Conor McGregor suffered a serious knee injury seconds into his UFC 329 comeback fight against Max Holloway in Las Vegas and will require surgery. Despite the setback, frustration and a fourth defeat in five UFC fights since 2016, McGregor says he plans to undergo rehabilitation and return to martial arts. His future is uncertain with one fight remaining on his UFC contract, although UFC CEO Dana White has indicated support for another comeback.

Conor McGregor faces surgery after suffering a knee injury within seconds of his UFC 329 fight against Max Holloway in Las Vegas, derailing his planned comeback. Despite the setback, he pledged to return and complete the final fight on his UFC contract. UFC CEO Dana White signaled openness to another comeback. The injury adds to McGregor’s history of significant physical setbacks, contributing to a career trajectory marked by long absences and recent losses, leaving his future uncertain.

Slaven Bilic has returned as Croatia manager nearly 20 years after leading the team to a famous Wembley victory over England. He replaces Zlatko Dalic, who resigned after Croatia’s World Cup achievements. Bilic says he is a more mature and experienced coach but retains the motivation to maintain Croatia’s status in international football. His immediate task is to rebuild the team after its controversial 2-1 World Cup defeat by Portugal and prepare for Euro 2028, co-hosted by the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Slaven Bilic has returned as Croatia’s national football manager, succeeding Zlatko Dalic after Croatia’s World Cup round‑of‑32 exit to Portugal. Dalic stepped down following a successful nine‑year tenure that included a World Cup final in 2018 and third place in 2022. Bilic, who first managed Croatia from 2006 to 2012, expressed strong motivation and confidence upon his return. His recent coaching role ended with Saudi club Al Fateh, and he now aims to guide Croatia toward Euro 2028 in the UK and Ireland.

England will wear their all-white home kit against Argentina in the World Cup semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday. Argentina will wear a navy-blue away shirt with black shorts and socks. The match is scheduled to begin at 8pm BST and will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Cristo Fernandez, known for playing Danny Rojas in Ted Lasso, made his professional football debut for El Paso Locomotive FC in a USL Cup match against New Mexico United. El Paso lost 2–0, and Fernandez received a yellow card after entering as a substitute. After injuries ended his youth career with Tecos FC, he pursued acting before returning to football through a tryout with the Chicago Fire’s reserve squad and eventually signing with El Paso. He described the debut as the fulfilment of a lifelong dream.

England will face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final at Atlanta Stadium, where the roof and air-conditioning are expected to reduce the effects of heat and humidity. Although temperatures reached 33°C during England’s quarter-final in Miami, weather is unlikely to disrupt the Atlanta match because forecast thunderstorms should pass before kick-off.

England’s Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Marc Guehi and Nico O’Reilly avoided yellow cards in the quarter-final against Norway and remain available for the semi-final against Argentina. Argentina’s Gonzalo Montiel also avoided a booking against Switzerland. FIFA rules wipe out accumulated yellow cards after the quarter-finals, so a booking in the semi-final will not rule a player out of the final. However, a player sent off in the semi-final would be suspended for Sunday’s final in New Jersey.

England and Argentina have met five times at the World Cup, with England leading 3–2 ahead of their semi-final in Atlanta. England won in 1962, 1966 and 2002, while Argentina prevailed in 1986 through Diego Maradona’s famous goals and in 1998 on penalties after David Beckham was sent off.

Cristo Fernández, known for playing soccer star Danny Rojas on Ted Lasso, made his professional soccer debut for El Paso Locomotive in a USL Cup match against New Mexico United. The 35-year-old entered in the 79th minute during a 2–0 defeat and received a yellow card. A former youth player whose career was redirected by injuries, Fernández returned to competitive soccer through tryouts with Chicago Fire’s reserve squad and El Paso, fulfilling a long-held ambition. He is expected to return for Ted Lasso’s fourth season and has also appeared in a State Farm commercial and Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois left the World Cup quarter-final against Spain in tears after suffering a leg injury. His replacement, Senne Lammens, made a late error that allowed Mikel Merino to score the decisive goal, giving Spain a 2-1 victory and a place in the semi-finals.

FIFA unexpectedly released nearly 1,200 Category 2 tickets for the World Cup final at $7,380 each, alongside premium tickets costing up to $32,970 and hospitality packages priced above $32,000. The governing body did not immediately explain the additional availability. Resale prices were listed as high as $11.5 million. Quarterfinal tickets for Argentina versus Switzerland were also available, while France advanced to the semifinals after beating Morocco 2-0 and awaits Spain or Belgium.

FIFA unexpectedly released nearly 1,200 additional tickets for the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The tickets included Category 2 seats priced at $7,380, premium Category 1 seats costing up to $32,970, and hospitality packages priced above $32,000. Resale listings on FIFA’s marketplace ranged from about $7,440 to nearly $11.5 million.

Jorge Jesus has been appointed manager of Portugal after Roberto Martinez's departure following the team's 1–0 World Cup round-of-16 defeat to Spain. The experienced former Benfica and Sporting Lisbon manager most recently coached Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr. His appointment comes as Ronaldo considers whether to continue playing internationally after suggesting the latest World Cup was his final tournament.

Wolfsburg announced that Christian Eriksen will begin an individual rehabilitation programme in Denmark after briefly losing consciousness during a June friendly between Denmark and Ukraine. The incident revived concerns following his 2021 cardiac arrest, though Eriksen clarified that the recent event was different and that his ICD device functioned as intended. He expressed gratitude to medical staff and supporters and said he is focusing on recovery and time with family. The update also revisits his earlier health crisis, subsequent pacemaker fitting and career moves leading to his current club.

Lionel Messi leads the 29-player MLS All-Star Game roster set to face the Liga MX All-Stars on July 29 in Charlotte. Fan voting, coach selections, and commissioner picks determined the squad, which includes standout performers such as Hugo Cuypers and Son Heung-Min, as well as several U.S. national team players. The roster reflects a mix of top scorers, emerging young talent, and veteran stars across MLS.

Marshawn Kneeland, a former Dallas Cowboys defensive end who died by suicide in 2025, was posthumously diagnosed with Stage 1 chronic traumatic encephalopathy following analysis by Boston University’s CTE Center and the Concussion & CTE Foundation. His family shared the results to highlight challenges faced by athletes in high‑contact sports and to encourage greater awareness. Dr. Ann McKee noted that early-stage CTE is common among young athletes studied and emphasized the importance of advancing diagnosis and treatment. Kneeland had played seven games for the Cowboys during the 2024 season before his death following a police pursuit in Texas.

Record-breaking U.S. viewership for the World Cup knockout win over Bosnia reached over 24 million on average, peaking at nearly 32 million during prime time on Fox Sports. The 2–0 victory, with goals from Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman, marked the team’s first knockout-stage success since 2002 and set up a match against Belgium. Despite strong ratings, polling shows limited broader growth in soccer interest among U.S. adults, with enthusiasm concentrated among existing soccer fans.

Santi Cazorla announced his retirement at 41 after a 20‑year career that included major spells at Villarreal and Arsenal and winning two European Championships with Spain. His later years were marked by a return to Oviedo, whom he helped win promotion before their subsequent relegation. The article recounts his severe injury struggles, including infections, multiple surgeries and a near‑amputation in 2017, before ultimately extending his career for nearly another decade.

Germany’s early World Cup exit prompted Manuel Neuer to retire from international football for a second time after returning for the tournament despite a prior retirement. Germany were eliminated by Paraguay on penalties after a controversial VAR decision ruled out a potential winner in extra time. Neuer, the last remaining member of Germany’s 2014 World Cup–winning squad, ends his international career with 128 caps but will continue playing for Bayern Munich.

Antonin Kinsky signed a new Tottenham contract after recovering from a difficult Champions League performance against Atletico Madrid. Following Roberto De Zerbi’s arrival, he established himself as a leading contender for the starting goalkeeper role, playing the final seven matches and helping secure Premier League survival. With Guglielmo Vicario expected to leave, Kinsky is positioned to become first choice, supported by new signing Martin Dubravka. De Zerbi praised Kinsky’s performances, professionalism and potential.

Ireland’s Nations League match against Israel will be played without spectators in Serbia after Uefa approved relocation due to operational and security concerns. The move follows fan protests and calls for a boycott over Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The FAI insisted participating was necessary to avoid risking Euro 2028 qualification and noted it had previously asked Uefa to suspend Israel. Ireland’s away match against Israel will be held in Hungary, and neither team qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

West Ham United has begun a supporter-led process to redesign the club crest ahead of the 2028–29 season, with interim CEO Karim Virani emphasizing the importance of fan involvement and honoring club heritage. The move follows a decade since the team relocated from Upton Park to London Stadium and comes as the club prepares for life in the Championship after relegation. Transfer interest surrounds key players Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville, while World Cup performances and upcoming international fixtures involving the Netherlands, Morocco and Canada are also highlighted.