World Cup primer: Favourites, darkhorses and other stuff to know

• European football clubs are racing to finalize player transfers as the 2026 Summer Transfer Window reaches its final "Deadline Day." • Key movements include a playmaker returning to Everton after recording six assists last season and a season-long loan for a player who has not played competitively since 2024.

• Football clubs are engaging in a flurry of transfer activity as the deadline day window closes. • Key movements include 1. FC Köln working on a deal for Crystal Palace's Borna Sosa, according to Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg.

• India defeated Thailand by 94 runs in a Women's Asia Cup 2026 group stage match, despite an early collapse of their opening batters. • Deepti Sharma and Nandani Sharma led the bowling attack, each claiming three wickets to bowl Thailand out for a total of 65.

• Tournament organizers have released the sports calendar for the first week of September 2026, featuring a dense schedule of international and domestic fixtures. • The slate includes a mix of league games, cup matches, and qualifying events across multiple sporting disciplines.

• Several high-profile transfer deals involving players like Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Folarin Balogun may be resolved on the final day of the transfer window. • Monaco has reportedly agreed to a deal worth approximately £40 million with Everton for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, with personal terms currently being finalized.

• Soccer's transfer window reaches its conclusion this Tuesday, with high-profile players like Enzo Fernandez, Julián Alvarez, and Lamine Camara potentially making major moves. • Fans in the United States can stream Sky Sports’ comprehensive Transfer Deadline Day coverage live via Peacock starting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

• Arsenal is exploring a potential transfer for Lyon winger Malick Fofana, according to reports from RMC Sport. • The move comes as the club evaluates its options and navigates various transfer rumors involving Julian Alvarez and Barcelona.

• Europe's top five leagues—the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, and Serie A—have opened their men's summer 2026 transfer window. • Key movements include a former Espanyol left-back returning to Spain and a 24-year-old Moroccan full-back moving to Germany to wear the No 7 shirt.

• Newcastle United has completed the signing of Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille for an initial fee of £51.4 million. • Manchester City is currently in final negotiations to secure a deal for midfielder Enzo Fernandez as the transfer window closes.

• The Premier League transfer window is closing, with English clubs adhering to a deadline of 7pm BST. • Major European leagues in Germany, France, and Italy have aligned their schedules to close at 8pm local time.

• Liverpool have completed a major signing by acquiring Barcola from PSG as the football transfer deadline approaches. • Chelsea are actively targeting Koné, while Everton and Newcastle are focused on reshaping their attacking lineups.

• The Sporting News is providing live coverage of the 2026 summer transfer window as it reaches its final deadline. • Major English clubs including Tottenham, Everton, Chelsea, and Arsenal are actively pursuing players before the registration period expires.