World Cup - News - SPORT.TV

Foreign media's latest Ballon d'Or probability prediction: Kane leads significantly with 59%, based on his 61 goals in 51 games for Bayern Munich and efficient World Cup performance; Yamal is second with 17%, Mbappe third with 8%. Although Kane is favored, the Spanish team's collective achievement and the uncertainty of journalist voting still leave suspense, and the official result will be announced in October.

Spanish midfielder Rodri's summer transfer is causing a stir in the market. Barcelona has taken the lead, reaching a personal agreement with the player, and only needs to agree on a potential €70 million fee with Manchester City. Real Madrid has stepped back due to various doubts, while Manchester City awaits offers, deciding whether to sell based on the price.

Manchester City manager Maresca has confirmed that Spanish midfielder Rodri will return to the club on August 14 as planned. Despite interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid, City rejected a €50 million offer and will only consider a bid close to €80 million. Rodri is recovering from back surgery and may miss the start of the season. City beat Atletico Madrid 3-1 in a Seoul friendly and are set to enter the post-Guardiola era.

Barcelona striker Ferran Torres' transfer suspense narrows: PSG has reached an agreement in principle on personal terms but has not submitted an official offer. Barcelona's asking price is no less than 50 million euros, and the two sides could reach a deal as early as midweek. The battle between Barcelona's renewal retention and PSG's high-salary offer continues, with public opinion favoring PSG, but Barcelona holds the contractual trump card.

Arsenal have signed Bruno Guimaraes for £75 million, with the Brazilian midfielder regarded as one of the Premier League's elite. He is better suited to a box-to-box No.8 role, offering defensive aggression and progressive ability, having scored nine goals last season — a career high. Mikel Arteta plans to use his press resistance and rhythm control to inject a different tempo into the 4-2-3-1 formation, forming unpredictable combinations with Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.

FIFA issued a statement strongly condemning coordinated efforts to undermine its reputation and that of President Gianni Infantino, who has denied allegations. FIFA called the claims false and aimed at removing him outside democratic procedures. The World Cup profit plan was rejected by three continents, with UEFA threatening a boycott, while South America, Africa, and Mexico expressed support, and CONCACAF criticized and called for a review.

The Women's Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals are set, with four matches directly deciding who claims the four tickets to the 2027 Brazil World Cup. Ivory Coast, Algeria, Morocco, South Africa, Nigeria, Cameroon, Malawi, and Ghana battle for semifinal spots. Ivory Coast and Malawi have emerged as dark horses, while traditional powers Nigeria and Morocco face stern tests. Predictions favor Ivory Coast, Morocco, Nigeria, and Malawi to advance.

Barcelona's opening €50 million bid for Rodri was rejected by Manchester City, but both sides still plan to continue negotiations. Barcelona has reached a personal agreement with the player, and given that his contract expires next year, Barcelona is optimistic that City will soften their stance. Real Madrid has not withdrawn, but Rodri's first choice is Barcelona. Barcelona has already signed several new signings and continues to pursue Alvarez.

USWNT head coach Emma Hayes expressed delight at Mauricio Pochettino's four-year contract extension with U.S. Soccer, saying both can now focus on long-term planning. She emphasized the critical importance of youth development pathways and plans to apply lessons from the 2026 Men's World Cup to preparations for the 2027 Women's World Cup. The two coaches will collaborate deeply on player development and youth systems, while Hayes has also requested VAR usage in upcoming friendlies to improve team adaptability.

Pochettino has signed an extension with US Soccer through 2030, but beneath the surface-level progress lie deep challenges: a dismal record against strong opponents, an aging roster lacking a controlling midfielder, and a scarcity of competitive matches. Despite an impressive World Cup showing, the team's overall Elo rating remains unchanged, making squad renewal and breaking through the ceiling the critical tests ahead.

The Women's Africa Cup of Nations group stage concluded. Ghana drew 1-1 with Mali, securing a quarterfinal spot and will face Malawi. Cape Verde, in their debut, drew 1-1 with Cameroon to earn their first point in history, though they were eliminated. Cameroon topped the group and will face Nigeria. Quarterfinal winners directly qualify for the World Cup, while losers enter playoffs.

Real Madrid have officially signed 19-year-old Ivorian forward Diomande from RB Leipzig for a base fee of €125 million plus add-ons that could take the total to €140 million, setting a new club record. He recorded 12 goals and 8 assists in the Bundesliga last season, winning the Best Young Player award, and helped Cote d'Ivoire reach the World Cup Round of 32. With several new signings this summer, Real Madrid aim to reclaim the La Liga title under new coach Mourinho.

Manchester United Women have parted ways with coach Marc Skinner through mutual agreement, appointing former Hearts coach Eva Olid as the new manager, ushering in a long-term strategy focused on youth development. The club plans to reduce transfer spending and prioritize nurturing young players, but faces challenges of squad depth and a highly competitive environment. Whether the new coach can quickly implement this transformation in the top flight remains to be seen.

Messi scored twice and provided an assist in his first start since the World Cup, leading Inter Miami to a 4-2 comeback victory over Atletico de San Luis in their 2026 Leagues Cup opener. He now leads the tournament's all-time scoring chart with 14 goals, while teammate Noah Allen recorded an assist hat-trick. Luis Suarez missed the match due to suspension. Inter Miami will next face Monterrey.

FIFA President Infantino apologized for errors in the World Cup share sale plan, receiving Council support, but Canadian Prime Minister, European leagues, and Figo called for his resignation. Internal turmoil persists, with UEFA pressure, Wenger distancing himself, and Infantino's re-election prospects under question.

US international Reyna has officially transferred to Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, signing a five-year deal and ending his seven-year Bundesliga career. He previously played for Dortmund (147 apps, 19 goals, 18 assists) and Monchengladbach, with a loan spell at Nottingham Forest in 2024-25 that didn't work out. He has 10 goals in 43 caps for the US. Monchengladbach's sporting director wished him success in his new challenge.

Inter Miami head coach Ojos admits Suarez cannot be replaced after a six-match Leagues Cup ban. The 39-year-old Uruguayan striker was punished for spitting in last year's final and will miss the entire 2026 tournament. He has been in fine form recently, scoring 7 goals in 4 games, and the team will rely on its current squad to navigate the group stage.

The 40-year-old Bosnian veteran Dzeko has renewed with Schalke 04 for one year and will play in the Bundesliga next season. Since joining in the winter, he has contributed 6 goals and 3 assists in 11 matches, helping the team return to the top flight and becoming one of eight players over 40 at the 2026 World Cup. Dzeko said promotion to the Bundesliga was a career highlight, and Schalke's management praised his role as a model, believing he can still shine in the Bundesliga.

Barcelona boss Flick says the club must act in the transfer market to find Lewandowski's successor. Ferran Torres' future remains uncertain, Alvarez is still the priority target but talks are stalled, and Flick believes Gordon, Adeyemi and Yamal can play centrally as other options are explored. Kroupi stays due to injury. The season opener is away to Elche on August 23.

Real Madrid have resumed contract renewal talks with Vinicius Junior after the World Cup, offering a new deal worth an annual salary of €22 million, up from his current €17.5 million but still short of the €30 million demanded by the player's camp. The length of the contract was not disclosed. If an agreement is not reached, Vinicius could leave on a free transfer in January next year, and Real Madrid are reportedly open to his departure this summer. The player believes 26 will be a crucial contract window.