Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: September 26, 2026, 6:40 AM ET

Fallout from Manchester City Charges

Manchester City are expected to be found guilty on the vast majority of the 115 Premier League financial breach charges, with reports indicating an independent tribunal has reached its decision. Former City midfielder Rodri has said he “believes in the innocence” of the club and insists their success is deserved. Meanwhile, City fans are beginning to face up to the reality of a guilty verdict, while rival Premier League clubs are seeking legal advice over possible compensation. As speculation mounts over potential sanctions, a new report examines what happens next, including relegation and title stripping, and the appeals process has been explained in full. In other transfer gossip, it has been reported that Erling Haaland’s City contract contains no relegation clause.

Barcelona’s Record-Breaking Start

Barcelona have begun the season on fire, scoring 36 goals in their first eight matches—a record-breaking start that is the best in Europe’s top leagues for almost 100 years. In the race for the European Golden Shoe, Raphinha is chasing the award, but a little-known striker named Oloko currently leads by one point. Meanwhile, Barcelona sporting director Deco has denied any interest in Manchester United’s JJ Gabriel.

International Football: Nations League Action

England’s Thomas Tuchel has questioned whether Cole Palmer is desperate enough to play for England, adding that Palmer “misses too many opportunities” to represent his country. As England prepare to face Spain, analysts are debating whether they should try to emulate Spain or embrace Premier League “chaos.” Spain, meanwhile, are reigning world and European champions and appear to be just getting started with plans to win the next four tournaments. Jude Bellingham has been named England player of the year for the second time.

In other internationals, Northern Ireland secured a landmark win over Georgia with a late goal from the Charles brothers, who were described as “brilliant.” Manager Michael O’Neill was left “baffled” by the refereeing decisions in that match. Portugal edged Wales 1-0 in a frustrating night for Cristiano Ronaldo, while Erling Haaland continued his prolific form by scoring twice in Norway’s win over Denmark. Kylian Mbappé has been forced to leave the France camp after an injury suffered during Zinedine Zidane’s debut win. Returning manager Roberto Mancini accepted fans’ jeers as Italy lost 2-0 to Belgium. Switzerland lost Breel Embolo from their squad over fake COVID documents. An Israel player was sent off for his goal celebration after political messaging. The Republic of Ireland’s Jason Knight has become the first player to publicly oppose the upcoming Israel game.

USMNT and MLS

USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed regret over the Balogun controversy and its impact on the team. Pochettino also said that 16-year-old phenom Cavan Sullivan is ready for his USMNT debut. A new analysis compares Cavan Sullivan’s potential to Michael Olise. Mexico coach Rafael Márquez has defended the return of Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, calling him a “difference-maker.” Jess Fishlock has claimed the Seattle Reign’s all-time scoring record from Megan Rapinoe.

Premier League and Transfers

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has told Liverpool their £50m move for Jean-Philippe Sarr was “never going to happen.” Brentford have held contract talks with Kevin Schade as Arsenal and Liverpool track the winger. Bayern Munich are eyeing Barcelona’s World Cup-winning midfielder Dani Olmo in a January transfer move. Wycombe Wanderers have signed former England striker Danny Ings. Preston North End are closing in on the appointment of Graham Alexander. Kai Havertz will return to Arsenal for treatment after leaving the Germany camp with an injury.

Other Football News

Kieran McKenna’s Rangers have hit the 100-day mark, with an assessment of McInnes’ tenure. The MMA fighter who helps Brighton with set pieces is now filling stadiums. A new report details the computer hacker Rui Pinto, who tried to take down Man City. Scotland’s new-look squad is being previewed as manager Pocognoli decides on his starting lineup. Liverpool’s Lewis Koumas is growing with Wales and earning praise from Craig Bellamy. A controversial FA Cup tie will be replayed after a referee’s error. Southend boss Kieron Dyer says the anniversary of his liver transplant inspired his team talk. Humphrey Ker has stepped down from the Wrexham board.

Rugby League, Darts, and Other Sports

Warrington reached the Super League Grand Final after a penalty drama and a last-kick miss from Leeds, sparking debate over whether the “soft” penalty should have stood. England U21s beat Kazakhstan 4-2, with Lankshear scoring on his debut. In darts, Luke Littler faces a new challenge as a new TV major is announced alongside France landing a 2027 ranking event. Littler aims to defend his World Grand Prix title with Humphries, Price, and Smith in the mix. Celtic and Rangers have appealed stadium closure sanctions after fan trouble.

Golf, Tennis, and Motorsport

In the Presidents Cup, the Internationals stunned the USA with a session sweep to build a shock lead. Team Europe leads 3-1 after the first day of the Laver Cup, with Carlos Alcaraz and Jakub Mensik winning the doubles. Matt Fitzpatrick leads the Open de France after a bogey-free start. On the LPGA Tour, England’s Charley Hull has overcome a post-Solheim Cup illness to charge into the title mix.

In F1, George Russell claimed a dominant pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after Kimi Antonelli crashed. Antonelli admitted to an “unnecessary mistake.” Lewis Hamilton expressed frustration with Ferrari’s tactics during qualifying. Christian Horner says only a “dream” Ferrari role could tempt him back to the pit wall.

All Other Sports

Kevin Pietersen says he is a “completely different person” as he returns to an England role ahead of the Ashes. Sam Hain’s superb 142 has nudged Warwickshire closer to the County Championship title. Jos Buttler has been ruled out of England’s third ODI against Sri Lanka. Tyson Fury has called Anthony Joshua a “stepping stone” towards a trilogy with Oleksandr Usyk, while Dana White has reaffirmed his desire to promote Fury vs. Joshua. Chris Billam-Smith will fight Clarke on November 7 live on Sky Sports. Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the China Open with a knee injury.

The Bigger Picture

The top leagues in Europe have issued a joint statement demanding FIFA reform, with the Premier League leading the call for governance changes. The “Football Daily” podcast features Tuchel and Kane previewing England v Spain. The top 50 USMNT players have been ranked by club performance as the new World Cup cycle begins. Lionel Messi will wear a special jersey for his final Argentina match. A kit fit for the GOAT has been unveiled for the Monumental sendoff.