Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: September 28, 2026, 2:05 PM ET

International Football

Spain completed a breathtaking 3-2 comeback at Wembley to end England's 39-game unbeaten run, with Luis de la Fuente's side extending their own unbeaten streak to 39 matches. The result exposed England's shortcomings against elite opposition, with Spain showing the quality that earned them the 2026 World Cup trophy. Elsewhere, Erling Haaland scored his record-extending 22nd UEFA Nations League goal, but a Ronaldo-less Portugal topped Norway 2-1. Jürgen Klopp's homecoming fell flat as Greece stunned Germany 1-0, marking the nation's first-ever loss to the Greeks and leaving Klopp winless in his first two matches in charge; the former Liverpool boss called it "part of the process." The Republic of Ireland beat Israel 3-0 after wearing black armbands and skipping the traditional prematch handshakes. Craig Bellamy said he is hurting after Denmark outclassed Wales 2-0, while the FAI is investigating alleged racist abuse of Adam Idah, and FAI president Paul Cooke admitted the Republic could have faced undetermined sanctions had they refused to play. Bolton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu confirmed he refused to participate in the Israel fixtures.

USMNT & International Youth

Mauricio Pochettino unveiled a new-look USMNT in a 4-1 rout of Peru, with Justin Ellis earning a 9 and Sebastian Berhalter a 10 in player ratings. Pochettino said he was so proud as eight teenagers made their debuts, while 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan became the youngest player to start for the US since Freddy Adu in 2006. There is a palpable sense of excitement surrounding the young guns ahead of the 2030 World Cup. Spain won the U20 Women's World Cup in a penalty shootout in Poland, beating defending champions Japan to continue their global dominance. Lamine Yamal revealed he thanked Lionel Messi after the World Cup final, while Lexi Potter is being tipped as England's next breakthrough star ahead of Sarina Wiegman's squad announcement.

Premier League & Man City Charges

Manchester City's long-running financial case is finally reaching a verdict, with ESPN reporting the club is expected to be found guilty of almost all 115 charges — a result that will leave a stain on the Premier League era. Sky Sports' Kaveh Solhekol has answered the big questions surrounding the case, while the BBC explains how CAS works and why City cannot appeal to it. The case could drag on for years even after a verdict, and the BBC outlines four scenarios for what happens next. Roberto Mancini brushed off reports of a guilty verdict, saying it's "not my concern," while also addressing the alleged "double contract" during his tenure. The uncertainty has Real Madrid and Barcelona monitoring Erling Haaland, while ESPN takes a deep dive into the charges themselves. Meanwhile, only 36% of teams with more than 60% possession have won this season, raising questions about whether possession football is on the way out.

Transfer News & Injuries

The New York Giants are trading for Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy after a Dart injury. Barcelona are monitoring Chelsea's Estevao as the Brazilian grows impatient with his role, with the gossip also linking Haaland and João Félix to moves. The international break has taken its toll: Bruno Fernandes, Cody Gakpo and Patrick Dorgu all joined the injury list, with Gakpo withdrawing from the Netherlands squad. Liverpool await news on Gakpo's ankle, while Alexander Isak is returning to Liverpool with a minor injury. Patrick Dorgu has returned to Manchester United for assessment after a hamstring issue. Jos Buttler has been ruled out of England's white-ball tour of Pakistan with a hamstring injury. JJ Gabriel's Manchester United exit has sparked a Premier League academy talent war, with clubs battling for the best young players.

Women's Football

Chelsea ended Arsenal's 20-game unbeaten run in the Women's Super League with a Thompson goal, and Sonia Bompastor praised Katie McCabe for her composure after facing Arsenal boos. The result has left Arsenal's title hopes looking doomed, while Chelsea have restored their resilience and emerged as title contenders again. Medina starred for Manchester United in the weekend's WSL action. Mexx Meerdink scored twice as the Netherlands beat Serbia 2-1 away for Xavi's first Netherlands win. England Women head coach Stuart Barrow has named his 23-player squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, while York Valkyrie won the Women's Super League Grand Final, beating Wigan Warriors 8-6. Atlanta City FC has been unveiled as the name of Atlanta's forthcoming NWSL expansion team, with new colors revealed.

MLS & NWSL

Jamal Thiaré scored in the eighth minute of second-half stoppage time to give Columbus Crew a stunning 2-1 win over Inter Miami, overcoming a Messi free-kick golazo. LAFC fired first-year head coach Marc Dos Santos on Sunday night after a disappointing start. Philadelphia surged in the MLS Power Rankings despite losing three star youngsters to international duty. Angel City's win over Washington has them rising in ESPN's NWSL Power Rankings ahead of their meeting with Gotham.

International Qualifiers & Nations League

Ezri Konsa and Nico O'Reilly are both doubts for England's Nations League match against the Czech Republic. Northern Ireland relish their Windsor Park return against Hungary in the Nations League. Craig Bellamy expects Norway to be a force for years but insists Wales have earned their place at this level. Sebastien Pocognoli faces questions over what he would change for Switzerland, with a podcast examining what has changed for Scotland under the new boss. Thomas Tuchel believes a "bit of rage" gets the best out of Jude Bellingham, saying the midfielder plays better with that edge.

Darts & Other Sports

Luke Littler faces unfair treatment from sections of the crowd, says Adrian Lewis, ahead of night one of the World Grand Prix in Leicester where Littler is in action. Ronnie O'Sullivan's career hit another setback as he crashed out of the Shenzhen Open. Bo Nix led a thrilling Broncos comeback over the Rams, scoring a touchdown with 47 seconds left for a 30-26 win, while the Ravens stunned the Cowboys 34-31 in Rio de Janeiro with a seven-second miracle. Lando Norris apologised to Franco Colapinto following their Baku crash, while Frederic Vasseur dismissed Christian Horner's Ferrari "dream," saying "everybody knows he's looking for a job." Conor Benn will never box at welterweight again, says trainer Tony Sims.

Golf & Other Sports

The United States snatched an 11th consecutive Presidents Cup victory with a remarkable 17-13 comeback win over the Internationals, and Brandel Chamblee declared Team USA's singles performance the best ever, including the Ryder Cup. Scottie Scheffler was praised for his sportsmanship after a heckler incident, while the dominance raises questions about whether the format needs changing. Danehill Star chases a hat-trick at Brighton in Monday's racing action. Warrington Wolves and Wakefield Trinity meet in the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford. Leicestershire have had eight points reinstated from their 27-point deduction for breaching pitch regulations. Kevin Pietersen has promised to challenge Brendon McCullum as England push to be the world's best. Antigua and Barbuda players were red-carded for pulling Anguilla player Aedan Scantlebury's dreadlocks in a bizarre incident.

Club News & Managerial Moves

Preston North End have appointed Bradford City boss Graham Alexander as their new manager, while Robbie Savage has been given permission to speak to Peterborough United, with the EFL confirming the moves. Parma have parted ways with coach Carlos Cuesta after winning only one of their opening matches. Lewis Ferguson says "nothing was ever that close" on a move away from Bologna, with the Rangers dream always in the back of his mind. Vitor Matos discusses Swansea's fast start and his time working with Klopp at Liverpool, with Swansea top of the Championship after eight games. Aaron Ramsdale's fall from award-winner to fourth choice at Southampton is examined, while Everton's 31-year trophy drought raises questions about whether fans can still celebrate. Rangers summer signing Makhanya's price tag has soared after his move.

World Cup & FIFA News

Gianni Infantino is inching toward another term as FIFA president despite criticism from UEFA, with a confident U20 World Cup cameo suggesting he faces no real challenge. The 2026 World Cup was the first to feature 48 teams, and 2030 could see the field expand to 64 teams — here's how that would work. Barcelona have begun the season on fire, scoring 36 goals in their first eight matches — the best start in Europe's top leagues for almost 100 years. Raphinha may have started the season on fire, but a little-known striker named Oloko leads him by one point in the European Golden Shoe race. Cape Verde's World Cup hero Vozinha says he craves the "peace and tranquillity" of his old life, admitting he's struggling with newfound fame and would choose the life he had before. Jürgen Klopp has defended under-fire Florian Wirtz amid the midfielder's Liverpool struggles.