A Survival Guide to "Post-World Cup Depression": An Opportunity for Mohamed Salah Fans, Lionel Messi's Journey Continues, and a Major Tournament About to Begin

That's when clubs cram in several friendlies before the new season (2026-27) kicks off. But Arsenal stage a special tournament every year, and this one is worth following: they go into it as English Premier League champions.

Arsenal host Germany's Borussia Dortmund on 9 August at four o'clock in the afternoon Mecca and Cairo time, as part of the 2026 Emirates Cup.

You might not care much for the qualifying rounds of the Champions League and the Europa League. The teams at that stage rarely set the pulse racing.

The 2026 picture looks a little different, though, and Europa League qualifying is worth a watch if you follow Egyptian star Mohamed Salah.

Besiktas, the club on the verge of signing the Egyptian Pharaoh this summer, are in the Europa League qualifiers. They face Denmark's Midtjylland tomorrow, Thursday, at nine o'clock in the evening, Mecca and Cairo time, in the first leg of the second round.

Here's your chance to get a look at the Turkish side and the squad Mo may line up alongside next season (2026-27).

Do you want to know how Lionel Messi will return to the pitch after losing the 2026 World Cup? Well, his Major League Soccer campaign continues!

Inter Miami have a date with Chicago in the early hours of tomorrow morning, Thursday, Makkah time. Montreal follow on 26 July, then Columbus on 2 August.

Miami have not confirmed an official date for the Argentine star's return, but Leo refused to head back to Argentina and chose to stay in the United States after losing the final to Spain (1-0). Some press reports claim his comeback will not be delayed beyond the start of August.

Before we close the chapter on football and move on to other sports, let us round off this section with a film about one of management's true legends: the Portuguese Jose Mourinho.

Netflix will air the documentary about "The Special One" on 11 August. Three parts cover his private life and his career in football.

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