The United States men’s national team and Mauricio Pochettino
Wednesday

The United States have announced four home friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada during the September-October international window. The matches will begin Mauricio Pochettino’s new cycle after his contract extension through the 2030 World Cup.

The USMNT will face Peru in Orlando, Chile in St Louis, Mexico in Glendale and Canada in St Paul. Pochettino said the fixtures will test players immediately and begin the programme’s transition toward its next World Cup campaign.

Luis Suarez and Inter Miami
Tuesday

Luis Suarez will miss the entire 2026 Leagues Cup because of a six-match suspension imposed after last year’s final. The Inter Miami striker was punished for spitting at a Seattle Sounders staff member during a post-match brawl.

The suspension removes an in-form attacker who scored seven goals in four recent matches while Lionel Messi and German Berterame were unavailable. Miami must navigate group games against San Luis, Monterrey and Leon without Suarez.

Celtic, LASK and Scotland’s European representatives
Monday

Celtic have been drawn against Austrian champions LASK in the Champions League play-off round. Rangers, Hearts, Motherwell and Hibernian also learned their possible Europa League or Conference League opponents, depending on the outcomes of their current qualifying ties.

Celtic host the first leg on 18 or 19 August before travelling for the return the following week. The draw gives Martin O’Neill’s side one of the toughest available opponents, while the other Scottish clubs must first progress.

Malawi and Egypt
Saturday

Egypt were eliminated from the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after losing 3-1 to Malawi, their second consecutive Group C defeat. Rose Kadzere scored twice and Tabitha Chawinga added another before substitute Eman Kassem produced Egypt’s only goal.

Malawi protected their advantage despite Rose Alofandika’s second-half red card and moved to six points at the top of the group. Egypt remain bottom without a point after conceding nine goals and will finish their campaign against defending champions Nigeria.

FIFA, Gianni Infantino and member associations
Thursday

FIFA has begun a consultation on expanding the men’s World Cup from 48 to 64 teams starting in 2030. Documents seen by ESPN set a rapid timetable, with an initial decision targeted for 14 August.

An independent agency has been asked to assess the tournament and wider football impact, with proposals due on 7 August and full analysis in September. The compressed process could intensify opposition already surrounding Infantino’s leadership and governance approach.

WSL Football, WSL clubs and WSL 2 clubs
Tuesday

The Women’s League Cup will be renamed the Players Cup and switch to a regionalised league format for the 2026-27 season. Twenty-three clubs will compete, while Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal are excluded because of Champions League qualification.

Each team will play three home and three away matches, with drawn games decided by penalties for an extra point. The top eight advance to one-leg knockout rounds, while the neutral-venue final is scheduled for 13 or 14 March.

Sidny Lopes Cabral, Cape Verde and FIFA
Monday

Cape Verde defender Sidny Lopes Cabral has won the 2026 World Cup Goal of the Tournament award for his extra-time strike against Argentina. The 23-year-old becomes the first player representing an African nation to receive the honour.

Cabral beat Alexis Mac Allister before curling a right-footed shot into the top corner during Cape Verde’s last-32 defeat. The award adds another landmark to the country’s memorable debut tournament and Cabral’s rapid rise through European football.

CAF, Egyptian FA and Hany Abo Rida
Sunday

CAF has rejected the Egyptian Football Association’s request to increase the number of clubs in the 2026-27 CAF Champions League. The proposal had divided opinion because it would have forced changes to the tournament schedule.

Journalist Micky Junior reported that the Egyptian FA has officially received CAF’s response, with further details expected later. The decision keeps the competition format unchanged for now and avoids a rushed continental calendar reshuffle before the season.

St Mirren, Rangers and the Premier Sports Cup
Sunday

Holders St Mirren have been drawn away to Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup last 16. Celtic will visit Dundee United, while Aberdeen host Dundee in two other all-Premiership ties from the second-round draw this month.

St Mirren still topped their group on goal difference but lost seeding after a late defeat at Dunfermline. The last-16 ties will be played on the weekend of 15-16 August, with several European clubs entering.

Egyptian FA, Zamalek, Pyramids and Al Ahly
Saturday

The Egyptian Football Association has confirmed its clubs for next season’s African competitions. Zamalek and Pyramids will enter the CAF Champions League, while Al Ahly and Zed will play in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.

The decision came during an EFA board meeting that also addressed Hossam Hassan’s contract renewal and refereeing appointments. Al Ahly’s Confederation Cup placement is especially notable given their usual status in Africa’s top club competition.