FOOTBALL

Italy Sound Out Guardiola

Pep Guardiola, Italy and the FIGC
Monday

Italy have sounded out Pep Guardiola about becoming their next national-team coach after missing the World Cup. Reports said senior Italian football figures approached him, though ESPN said his camp still expects at least a one-year break.

Italy are searching for a replacement after Gennaro Gattuso’s exit and a third straight World Cup absence. Guardiola’s availability is also being watched by other national teams, including England, despite the FA backing Thomas Tuchel.

Garcia Leaves Belgium Role

Rudi Garcia and Belgium
Monday

Rudi Garcia has left his role as Belgium head coach after their World Cup quarter-final exit. He guided Belgium past Senegal and the United States before a 2-1 defeat by eventual champions Spain.

Garcia was appointed in February 2025 on a deal running through the World Cup cycle. Belgium improved after a slow group stage, but the federation has now decided to move on before the next international cycle.

Kevin Keegan Dies Aged 75

Kevin Keegan, his family and English football
Monday

Kevin Keegan has died aged 75 after battling cancer, his family announced. The former England captain, Liverpool icon and Newcastle manager was one of British football’s most celebrated figures and a two-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Keegan won major trophies with Liverpool, starred for Hamburg and later managed Newcastle, England, Fulham and Manchester City. Tributes from across football reflected his impact as both an elite player and charismatic manager.

Spurs Reject Bergvall Bid

Tottenham, Newcastle United and Lucas Bergvall
Monday

Tottenham have rejected a £46m offer from Newcastle for Sweden midfielder Lucas Bergvall. The 20-year-old has raised concerns about game time, but Spurs have not held major talks with him over his future.

Tottenham’s midfield spending on Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes has increased competition for Bergvall, yet rejecting Newcastle’s bid shows they still value him. Nottingham Forest have also registered interest in the midfielder.

Hearts Agree Mendy Deal

Hearts, Forest Green Rovers and Laurent Mendy
Monday

Hearts have agreed a deal to sign Forest Green Rovers captain Laurent Mendy. The 29-year-old midfielder has been a long-term Tynecastle target and is set to become the club’s 10th summer signing.

Hearts had a January bid rejected but have now struck an agreement, with personal terms still being discussed. The move comes as they prepare for Champions League qualifying against Sturm Graz on Tuesday.

Chelsea Sign Melvine Malard

Chelsea Women, Manchester United and Melvine Malard
Monday

Chelsea have signed France forward Melvine Malard from Manchester United in a deal described as a club-record sale for United. The 26-year-old joins on a four-year contract after working previously with Sonia Bompastor at Lyon.

The fee is reported to be at least £750,000 and could rise higher, making it one of the most expensive women’s transfers. Chelsea strengthen their attack after missing other major forward targets this summer.

Messi and De Paul Rest

Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Inter Miami
Monday

Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will miss Inter Miami’s next two MLS matches after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat. ESPN reported both players will sit out games against Chicago Fire and CF Montréal.

Messi played all 120 minutes of the final and started every Argentina match at the tournament. Their rest follows wider player-welfare guidance recommending at least 21 days off after a demanding season.

Klopp Nears Germany Job

Jurgen Klopp, Germany and Red Bull
Monday

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed he is close to becoming Germany head coach after reaching an exit arrangement with the Red Bull group. Only formal discussions with the German Football Association remain before a possible announcement.

Klopp said nothing is final but talks are moving in the right direction, clearing the biggest obstacle to his return to management. The move would mark his first coaching role since leaving Liverpool in 2024.

Spain Break Unbeaten Record

Spain and Luis de la Fuente
After Sunday’s World Cup final

Spain set an all-time international football unbeaten record after beating Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final. La Roja extended their run to 38 matches without defeat, surpassing Italy’s previous mark of 37.

Spain’s streak began after a friendly defeat to Colombia in early 2024 and now includes Euro 2024 and World Cup triumphs. Their final win also made them the first World Cup winners to concede only once.

Beckham Fronts World Cup Brands

David Beckham, MLS and World Cup sponsors
During the 2026 World Cup

David Beckham became one of the tournament’s most visible commercial figures in the United States, fronting campaigns for 11 brands including McDonald’s, MLS, Stella Artois, Home Depot and Bank of America.

Beckham’s US appeal links football, celebrity, fashion and business, helping brands sell the World Cup to casual audiences. His role also reflects MLS history, from his LA Galaxy move to helping bring Lionel Messi to Inter Miami.