The NWSL is reportedly planning to begin its 2027 season on Feb. 11, the earliest opening day in league history, before pausing for the World Cup in Brazil, according to The Athletic. Teams would begin preseason in January, while the playoffs and championship would remain in November, with the altered calendar designed to accommodate the June 24-July 25 tournament in South America.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has abandoned his controversial proposal to sell a stake in the commercial operation of the World Cup and other tournaments to private investors after a fierce global backlash, a threatened UEFA boycott and open revolt from senior officials inside the governing body. His own future is now reportedly in serious doubt.
Mykhailo Mudryk, Chelsea's mercurial winger, has been allowed to return to the club after seeing his case for doping resolved. The Ukrainian forward was handed a four-year ban by the FA in June 2025, but after appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport has seen the suspension ended early. He will join the club's preseason camp as they revamp under Xabi Alonso.