With the 2026/27 campaigns set to officially get underway next month, there are plenty of attractive betting promotions available.

Competition: Brazil Serie B

Market: Both teams to score – No

Odds: 19/20 1xBet

Starting with the hosts, while Nautico might have only made their Serie B return this season, it is no secret that Guilherme dos Anjos’ camp are almost universally regarded as a standout relegation candidate this time around. Despite signing off May in the midst of a real flurry, the Pernambuco-based outfit have come crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion. Opening the midweek fixtures holding just a two-point buffer over the drop zone, the Timbu have the feel of a squad seeking an essential boost. Including a routine 2-0 loss at the hands of Avai earlier in the month, Nautico have now registered just a sole point from any of their last five straight Serie B showdowns. In fact, Thursday’s hosts have failed to win any of their previous eight straight outings (six defeats, two draws). It should also be highlighted, dos Anjos’ camp have notched just a single strike in their last four Seire B appearances.

As for the visitors, also making their Serie B return this season, Londrina find themselves in an almost identical position to Thursday’s opponents. Travelling to Pernambuco in midweek holding just a one-point buffer over the drop zone, Allan Aai’s side are desperate to widen their buffer over the chasing pack. Despite their nightmare start to the 2026 campaign, the Sharks have shown some real signs of resolve over the past month. While Londrina might have been last seen settling for an uneventful 0-0 stalemate at home against Botafogo SP, Aai’s men are unbeaten in their previous six straight outings (three wins, three draws). Getting July underway with a sensational display as they cruised their way to a 5-0 romp against CRB, they have also shown some major defensive grit. In fact, Londrina have shipped just a sole strike in almost 300 minutes of action.

Bet: Both teams *not* to score at Nautico vs Londrina 19/20 for Thursday’s Brazil Serie B battle @ 1xBet

The post Bitesize Prediction: Nautico vs Londrina – 23/07/26 appeared first on SoccerNews.

Fatawu was part of the Leicester team that suffered back-to-back relegations from the Premier League to League One between 2024-25 and 2025-26.

He joined the Foxes, initially on loan, ahead of their promotion-winning 2023-24 campaign. The Ghana international made 100 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring 16 goals and supplying 22 assists.

Fatawu was restricted to just 13 appearances in the Premier League in 2024-25 after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury, though he appeared in all but two of their Championship matches last season, scoring nine goals and seven assists.

After Fatawu penned a five-year deal at Portman Road, head coach Gary O'Neil told the club's website: "Abdul is a young player who has already gained good experience in the game and we're excited to have him with us. 

"He has strong physical and technical attributes, is comfortable on the ball and can test the opposition in one-on-one situations, so he will provide us with good options within the squad. 

"Having represented his country at the World Cup this summer, I know he is now looking forward to getting to work ahead of the Premier League season."

Fatawu came off the bench in all four of Ghana's games at the World Cup, playing 129 minutes as the Black Stars progressed from Group L before losing to Colombia in the last 32.

The 22-year-old became Ipswich's second signing in the space of a few hours on Tuesday, following the arrival of goalkeeper Kayne van Oevelen from Volendam.

They have also completed deals to bring in Emersonn, Chuba Akpom and Cedric Kipre.

Meanwhile, it has been reported Ipswich have struck a £10m deal with Celtic to sign Japan forward Daizen Maeda.

Ipswich face Sunderland in their Premier League opener on August 22. 

The post Ipswich continue Premier League spending with £20m Fatawu move appeared first on SoccerNews.

Argentina went down with a whimper at New York New Jersey Stadium, where Ferran Torres proved to be Spain's World Cup hero.

His extra-time strike sealed a 1-0 win for La Roja, who were dominant throughout.

Argentina became the first team to fail to have a single shot through regulation time of a World Cup final, and they managed just two attempts in total, with their first coming from Lionel Messi in the 117th minute.

Scaloni's players felt aggrieved when referee Slavko Vincic sent Enzo Fernandez off late in the second half of normal time, but Scaloni insisted the referee was not to blame for the loss.

"Was the officiating unfair?" No, we lost because Spain were better than us," Scaloni told reporters upon his return to Argentina.

"We've got to admit it, they played better. [Admitting that] will make us better in the long run."

Argentina committed 25 fouls against Spain, the most in a World Cup game since …

Argentina (26) against France in the 2022 World Cup final. pic.twitter.com/9zqUss33sq

— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) July 19, 2026

Scaloni also suggested fatigue played its part in Argentina's underwhelming display.

"We probably arrived at the final running on empty, that’s the reality," he said.

Argentina's cause was not helped by an injury to Lisandro Martinez, who had to be substituted off.

"We faced adversity, achieved what once seemed impossible, and never looked for excuses, we only found reasons to keep going," the Manchester United defender wrote in a social media post.

"We defended our colors far beyond the pitch, and shared unforgettable moments with the national team, alongside our families and with the unconditional support of every Argentine. It will always be an immense honour to represent you."

The post Scaloni refuses to blame officiating for Argentina’s World Cup final defeat appeared first on SoccerNews.

Dike has re-joined Orlando after he left West Brom as a free agent.

The 26-year-old left Orlando for England in 2021, having had a superb stint on loan at Barnsley.

After scoring 11 goals in 19 games for Orlando, Dike joined West Brom, but had an injury-hit five years at The Hawthorns. He has made just 22 starts in the Championship for the Baggies, playing 64 times in the competition in total and netting 10 goals.

Now, Dike is relishing getting back into MLS action.

Ahead of Orlando travelling to face the San Jose Earthquakes, he told OrlandoCitySC.com: "I'm super happy to be here.

"It's where it all started. It's where they first gave me the chance to play, and I'm happy to be back.

"It felt like home when I was here, and coming back, it still feels like home. Driving around here, it still feels like home. So, I'm happy to be home.

"The first bit of my career was just a whirlwind. I think coming in, getting drafted, you're always very confident in yourself, but you realise how big of a challenge it's going to be, and luckily because of the people around me, because of the opportunities I was given, I was I was able to hit a groove.

"Everything just kind of moved really quickly. Football in the span of a year and a half, two years, everything was just quick, quick, and lots of change. But I really did enjoy it."

Reflecting on his injury struggles, Dike said: "When I kept getting injuries, it's very easy to think negatively. Very easy to think, 'Am I always going to be like this? Why me?'

"But turning back to my family, thinking it's only a step, and it'll pass. I think I'm so fortunate to have tons of people who support me, fans, friends, everyone around who support me, and I think that's something that helps encourage you to go and be the best, and to make sure that you get better, not only for yourself, but for the people who believe in you. I'm thankful for everybody who has believed in me throughout that tough experience.

"And even then, as I've been growing, I owe it to a lot of them. I owe it to my family. I owe it to my friends, my fans, because if I was trying to be successful on my own, I really wouldn't be."

Dike will be hoping to feature against San Jose, though Antoine Griezmann could certainly be in line to make his MLS debut, following his move to Orlando during the World Cup break.

We are so back

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) July 21, 2026

PLAYERS TO WATCH

San Jose Earthquakes – Preston Judd

San Jose have not played since May, when they beat the Portland Timbers 3-1.

Judd scored twice in that game, taking his tally for the season to 11 goals in MLS. Five of those have been scored in the first 13 minutes of a game.

That is the most such goals scored in a single season by an Earthquakes player, besting the four by Chris Wondolowski in 2011 and Jeremy Ebobisse in 2023.

Orlando City – Martin Ojeda

Ojeda scored both of Orlando's goals in their last match entering the break, bringing his goal total for the season to 11.

That accounts for 47.8% of Orlando's total goals in MLS play this season, with only Hugo Cuypers (48.1%) having a higher percentage of his team’s goals in 2026.

MATCH PREDICTION: SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES WIN

Orlando were hammered 6-2 by FC Cincinnati in their last outing, and Opta's model predicts a San Jose win here.

Dating back to the last match of last season, Orlando have conceded 35 goals in its last nine regular-season away matches, allowing five goals twice and six goals twice. No team has conceded more goals in a span of nine away matches in MLS history.

San Jose's win over Portland, meanwhile, ended a five-match winless run. The Earthquakes had shipped just two goals in their first eight matches in all competitions this season but have not kept a clean sheet in the nine matches since (16 goals allowed).

However, Orlando have lost only one of seven all-time meetings with San Jose (W3 D3), a 3-0 road defeat in August 2019. Orlando have won the last two meetings between the sides by a combined score of 6-0.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

San Jose Earthquakes – 51.1%

Orlando City – 24.1%

Draw – 24.8%

The post Orlando striker Dike thrilled to be back ‘where it all started’ appeared first on SoccerNews.

Rogers, fresh from helping England finish third at the World Cup this summer, has put pen to paper on a seven-year deal at Stamford Bridge. 

The 23-year-old's record-breaking switch sees him eclipse the £116m Manchester City paid Nottingham Forest for fellow England international Elliot Anderson earlier this summer.

He is also Chelsea's most expensive arrival, overtaking Moises Caicedo, who joined the Blues from Brighton for £115m three years ago.

Arsenal had been heavily linked with signing Rogers, but Chelsea pipped their London rivals to the post.

And Rogers feels he is joining the capital's biggest club.

"I'm so excited," said Rogers. "For me, Chelsea are the biggest club in London and a club I've always admired since I was a kid.

"I'm really excited about the project with the new manager, the players we've got and where the club is heading. That's why I'm here and I can't wait to get started."

He chose Chelsea. pic.twitter.com/V6NrGsuZH9

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 21, 2026

Rogers joined Villa from Middlesbrough in January 2024 and went on to become a key part of Unai Emery's side, making 125 appearances across all competitions. 

He registered 56 goal involvements (31 goals, 25 assists) for Villa, a total only Ollie Watkins (74 – 50 goals, 24 assists) can beat for the Villans since Rogers' arrival.

In fact, his goal contribution tally is only bettered by Watkins, Cole Palmer (67) and Jarrod Bowen (57) among English players from the Premier League since his debut. 

Rogers scored as Villa beat Freiburg 3-0 in the Europa League final in May to end their 44-year wait for a European title.

Rogers' 58th-minute strike in that contest saw him become the youngest Englishman (23 years, 298 days) to score in a major European showpiece since Steven Gerrard for Liverpool vs Alaves in the 2001 UEFA Cup final (20 years, 351 days).

During the 2025-26 campaign, Rogers managed 14 goals and 11 assists in 55 appearances across all competitions. 

He started in three of England's matches at the World Cup.

Rogers became the first Villa player to score or assist a goal for England in the World Cup since James Milner in 2010 (assist for Jermain Defoe against Slovenia) when he teed up Anthony Gordon in the Three Lions' 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the semi-finals. 

The attacker becomes Chelsea's third signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Marco Palestra and Geovany Quenda. 

Villa, meanwhile, are reportedly in talks to sign Alejandro Garnacho from the Blues.

Chelsea begin their Premier League campaign on August 24 away to London rivals Fulham, which will see Alonso square off against Alvaro Arbeloa, the man who succeeded him at Real Madrid. 

The post Rogers completes record-breaking Chelsea transfer appeared first on SoccerNews.

Colorado host San Diego FC on Wednesday in what will be their first game back following the World Cup break.

During the hiatus, 18-year-old centre-back Herrington helped Australia qualify for the knockout stages of FIFA's flagship tournament. 

He started two of the Socceroos' four matches at the World Cup, and despite his limited game time, he ranked fourth in their squad for successful passes (107), joint-fifth for aerial duels won (five) and joint-sixth for clearances (eight).

He also became the youngest-ever MLS player to start a game at the World Cup.

However, the teenager missed a penalty in Australia's shoot-out loss to Egypt in the round of 32, with many pundits suggesting afterwards that his more senior team-mates should not have allowed him to take a spot-kick.

But that miss has not stopped the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Barcelona from being linked with him. 

Colorado boss Matt Wells, however, is simply delighted to have him back, telling reporters: "Lucas is here. Lucas is our player. 

"There's a reason that we went through a very stringent process to identify the best young centre-back out there.

"We happened to find one in Australia, and we brought him here. We thought he'd be a perfect fit for this style of play that I was bringing to the club.

"So I think, less time spent on speculation, more time on praise for the club in terms of the process they do. It's not easy to ID a player of that age, on the other side of the world.

So PROUD of Lucas Herrington’s performance on the world’s biggest stage.

The youngest MLS player ever to appear in a FIFA World Cup, representing Australia, the Colorado Rapids, and our community with pride.

At 18, this is just the beginning. pic.twitter.com/qDElc7OuVr

— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) July 3, 2026

"And then you see the player that he has become in such a short space of time… I think the club deserve a huge amount of credit for that process. 

"There are no timelines on anything other than, can I get him fit for San Diego? Because he's been away for a long time. We're delighted to have him back and let's get him ready for Wednesday."

While Colorado are 13th in the Western Conference, they are only a point and a place behind San Diego, whose head coach Mikey Varas believes the extended break has been beneficial. 

"I feel really good about it, about the effort and the detail that went into everything," Varas said. "Now it's about how much we can take advantage of it.

"The second half of the season will be the only indicator that will tell us that. From a process standpoint, I know that we went into the details and we put a lot of effort into it."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Colorado Rapids – Paxten Aaronson 

Aaronson scored the Rapids' only goal in their last game prior to the break, a 2-1 defeat to FC Dallas, giving him a goal contribution in three straight MLS matches. 

That is the longest such streak of Aaronson's MLS career, as half of his four career assists have come during the streak.

San Diego FC – Anders Dreyer

Since the beginning of May, San Diego have scored 13 goals in MLS, with all 13 of those having an assist attached to them. 

Dreyer teed up five of those goals, with only Lionel Messi (eight) boasting more assists in MLS play since May 1.

MATCH PREDICTION: COLORADO RAPIDS WIN

San Diego won only one of their final 13 matches before the World Cup break (D5 L7), after opening the season with five wins in six. 

Their only road win of the year to date was a 1-0 victory at Sporting Kansas City in early March, managing two draws and four losses in six away from home since then.

But Colorado have also wobbled at home lately. After an eight-match unbeaten run at home in league play from July 2025 to April 2026, the Rapids have lost three straight regular-season home matches for the first time in three years. 

Nevertheless, the Opta supercomputer is siding with Colorado, with the home team having won both matches between these teams last season (3-2 to the Rapids in April, 2-0 to San Diego in May).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Colorado Rapids – 46.3%

San Diego FC – 30.1%

Draw – 23.6%

The post ​Colorado not entertaining interest in Liverpool, Man Utd and Barcelona target Herrington appeared first on SoccerNews.

Otamendi had already confirmed in March that he would retire from international football after the World Cup, which was his fourth representing the Albiceleste.

Even though the 38-year-old only started one of Argentina's eight games, he made seven appearances, including replacing the injured Lisandro Martinez in the first half of Sunday's final versus Spain.

Otamendi was part of a stubborn rearguard action as Argentina became the first team in World Cup final history to not have a single shot in regulation time, but Ferran Torres came off the bench to score an extra-time winner for La Roja.

Argentina have now finished as World Cup runners-up on four occasions, also doing so in 1930, 1990 and 2014, the joint-most of any nation alongside Germany/West Germany. Otamendi was left out of their final squad for the 2014 tournament.

And in an emotional farewell post on Instagram, the Benfica defender wrote: "It wasn't the ending we dreamed of, and the truth is that it hurts a lot. 

"Because behind these 50 days there were sacrifices, hugs, tears, hope and a group that gave everything for this jersey. 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Twitter Oficial: @Notamendi30 (@nicolasotamendi30)

"But if there is something that I will carry forever, it is the pride of having shared this path with a group of extraordinary people, who never stopped believing, who fought until the last second and who defended these colours with their hearts. 

"Thank you to my comrades for every battle, and for never giving up. And thank you to all the Argentinian people. Thank you for believing, for accompanying us and for making us feel your affection in every corner of the world. 

"Today we have to come back with a broken heart, but with the tranquillity of having given everything. 

"Finals are won or lost, but there are jerseys that defend themselves for life. And this one, we defended until our last breath. Argentina always!"

Otamendi will now return to his home country to represent River Plate, having penned a one-year deal with the Buenos Aires giants in May after his departure from Benfica.

The post Otamendi content Argentina gave everything at his final World Cup appeared first on SoccerNews.

Cifuentes was dismissed by Leicester City in January. He previously managed Queens Park Rangers.

The Spaniard has now signed on at Portland, who were on the hunt for a new coach after they sacked Neville in May.

Portland resumed their MLS campaign in style last week, with interim coach Jack Cassidy overseeing a thumping 5-1 win over the Seattle Sounders.

Cifuentes was officially appointed on Tuesday, though Cassidy will remain in charge until Portland's new boss finalises his visa process.

"I am incredibly excited to become the next head coach of this club," said Cifuentes.

"My conversations with Merritt and Ned were truly inspiring, and their vision aligns perfectly with what I want to be part of. I have always followed MLS, and it has long been an ambition of mine to experience this league.

"To have the chance to do so at a club like Portland, with such an incredible fanbase and an exciting group of players, is truly special.

"I know how passionate this city is about soccer, and the connection between the club and the city is what makes this opportunity so meaningful.

"We want to build a team with a clear identity, strong ambition, and a real sense of togetherness, one that represents this city and makes our supporters proud.

"Soccer in the U.S. is entering a new era, with the country hosting the World Cup and the sport continuing to grow in so many ways. To be part of that journey and contribute to the next chapter of the game here is a privilege."

Portland host FC Dallas on Wednesday. The Timbers sit 11th in the Western Conference, while Dallas are fifth.

De La Roja a las Rosas

Martí is bringing a strong foundation and invaluable experience to Portland pic.twitter.com/WafwK2h08s

— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) July 21, 2026

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Portland Timbers – ​Kevin Kelsy

Kelsy scored two of Portland's five goals against the Sounders, meaning he has netted five goals over his last five games.

His five league goals since May 9 are tied with the Philadelphia Union's Milan Iloski for the most by any MLS player in that time.

FC Dallas – Petar Musa

Dallas have a World Cup goalscorer set to lead their line.

Musa netted for Croatia against England, in Dallas, last month. He became the first Dallas player to score in the World Cup.

He is one of three players to score for a European nation at the World Cup while playing for an MLS side (Gareth Bale and Xherdan Shaqiri in 2022).

MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW

Dallas have equalled a club record with three consecutive regular-season away wins, the first time they have done so since May 2005.

Their only string of four straight road wins in all competitions came in July-August 1997, when they won five in a row on the road across the regular season and US Open Cup.

However, Portland have lost only one of 17 all-time home matches against Dallas in all competitions (W9 D7), though the last two meetings at Providence Park have ended in draws.

The Timbers are unbeaten in nine straight at home against Dallas (W4 D5) since a 3-1 loss in April 2016.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Portland Timbers – 39.9%

FC Dallas – 33.5%

Draw – 26.6%

The post Cifuentes thrilled to take over at Timbers appeared first on SoccerNews.

The Loons have not played since a 1-1 draw with Real Salt Lake on May 22, with Wednesday's trip to Sporting Kansas City getting their season back up and running.

The hiatus may have come at a good time for Knowles' team, too, as they were on a four-match winless run and had dropped out of the Western Conference's automatic playoff spots.

They occupy the first wild-card place ahead of their visit to Sporting Park, but Knowles feels the opportunity to spend quality time on the training ground may now come to their advantage.

"It's been an interesting one for us, because we've never had so much time in the summer," he said of the break.

"So for guys to get that time to reset is good for us, because when we left, the games were coming thick and fast, and you didn't get all that time on the training pitch.

"So for them to have that time to have a mental and physical reset was good, and we're ready for the back half of the season." 

Sporting KC have already played their first game since the break, and they remain rooted to the bottom of the West after losing 3-2 to rivals St. Louis City SC last week.

A midweek return to MLS action

Preview » https://t.co/HWN1GlV0OK pic.twitter.com/uDXxXz3SoK

— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) July 18, 2026

Or Blorian and Emir Karic made their Kansas City debuts in that match, and midfielder Manu Garcia is optimistic about the impact they could make over the coming months.

"The guys that are new, that are coming from other leagues, they've already got those types of experiences. They were ready for this," Garcia said after the St. Louis game. 

"Of course, MLS is completely different to other leagues, so they need time to get used to it, but I think I've seen them doing well. Also, they are really good guys.

"They are going to connect really well with the team, and they are also very loud players. For sure, the team will only get better."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Sporting Kansas City – Dejan Joveljic

Last time out against St. Louis, Joveljic scored his 25th MLS goal with Sporting KC. 

That is 18 more than any of his team-mates since the beginning of last season, and Joveljic has tallied 43.1% of the MLS goals scored by Sporting KC players over the last two seasons (25/58, excluding own goals).

Minnesota United – Mauricio Gonzalez

Gonzalez scored his first MLS goal with a stoppage-time equaliser for the Loons in their final match prior to the World Cup break, a 1-1 draw with RSL.

That goal came after 92 minutes and 53 seconds, making it the latest scored by Minnesota this season.

MATCH PREDICTION – MINNESOTA UNITED WIN

Minnesota failed to win any of their last four matches before the World Cup hiatus (D2 L2), their longest winless run in regular-season play in the last two years.

However, the Opta supercomputer believes their slump will end on Wednesday.

The Loons have won four of their last five regular-season meetings with Sporting KC (D1) after winning only four of the team's first 19 league meetings (D4 L11). They have scored nearly as many goals in the last five meetings (13) as they managed in the first 19 (15).

In addition, Sporting KC have conceded at least one goal in all 16 matches they have played in all competitions this year, making them the only MLS team without a clean sheet. 

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Sporting Kansas City – 25.8%

Minnesota United – 50.8%

Draw – 23.4%  

The post Knowles says World Cup break provided welcome ‘reset’ for Minnesota United appeared first on SoccerNews.

Anderson has joined the eight-time Premier League champions in a deal reportedly worth £116m, following a two-year spell at Forest.

During his time at the City Ground, he helped Forest finish seventh in the Premier League in 2024-25 and reach the semi-finals of the 2025-26 Europa League, losing to eventual winners Aston Villa.

Forest were embroiled in a relegation fight in the Premier League last term, but Anderson was a key part of ensuring they remained in the top flight.

He had the most touches (3,300), won possession the most times (306), won the most duels (297) and drew the most fouls (80) of any player in the Premier League.

His 430 ground duels contested were also a league-high figure, and he won 231 of those, a total not bettered by any other player.

"Firstly, I am so grateful for the love and support you have shown me over the last two years, especially towards the end of this season. From the minute I walked through the door, I fell in love with this club," Anderson said in a social media post.

"I want to thank all the staff and players for welcoming me and making my time here so enjoyable. This club gave me the opportunity to grow as a player and a person.

Forest family,

Firstly I am so grateful for the love and support you have shown me over the last 2 years especially towards the end of this season. From the minute I walked through the door i fell in love with this club.

I want to thank all the staff and players for welcoming… pic.twitter.com/ycW28mNATI

— Elliot Anderson (@elljanderson) July 21, 2026

"Bringing the club European football again after 29 years is what all of you fans deserved, and to be a helping hand in that was so special.

"Nottingham Forest will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you for all the unforgettable memories."

Anderson also played a crucial role for England at the World Cup, as the Three Lions finished third to record their best finish since winning the trophy in 1966.

It was also their best-ever performance in the tournament on foreign soil, with Anderson nailing down a regular starting spot alongside Declan Rice in midfield.

He was one of three players to feature in all eight of England's matches at the World Cup, with only Marc Guehi (607) having more touches than him for the Three Lions (574).

Among England players, Anderson topped the charts for duels won (50), tackles (21), tackles won (18), interceptions (eight) and possession regains (42). 

The post ‘Nottingham Forest will always have a special place in my heart’ – Anderson bids farewell appeared first on SoccerNews.