Sports 24-Hour Briefing
×Formula 1
Last updated: October 4, 2026, 2:03 PM ET
Formula 1
Max Verstappen won autosport.com a chaotic Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, beating Andrea Kimi Antonelli as George Russell retired late on. The race descended into disorder autosport.com after a red flag triggered by multiple car failures, while the start was delayed autosport.com by thunderstorms at Sepang. A software bug autosport.com in the FIA’s systems caused additional confusion during the wet-weather race, requiring an emergency fix to restore order.
Football/Soccer
Last updated: October 4, 2026, 2:03 PM ET
International Friendly: Argentina 7-0 Burkina Faso
Argentina produced a ruthless display espn.com in Buenos Aires, putting seven goals past a makeshift Burkina Faso side in a one-sided friendly.
Nations League: England 7-0 Croatia
England delivered a statement performance espn.com in the Nations League, thrashing Croatia 7-0 to put their World Cup heartbreak firmly behind them. Jude Bellingham unlocked a new level bbc.co.uk and showed potential to be "one of the greatest," according to Roy Keane skysports.com. Croatia captain Luka Modric said he was "ashamed" after his side's catastrophic night bbc.co.uk, calling it the nation's biggest-ever loss. The "complete" England display has reinvigorated faith skysports.com in the Thomas Tuchel project, at least for now.
Nations League: Scotland 2-0 North Macedonia
Scotland marked Andy Robertson's 100th cap with a 2-0 win skysports.com away to North Macedonia, giving Sebastien Pocognoli his first victory at the third time of asking. The Tartan Army gave a mixed reaction to the Skopje win, with opinions ranging from "promising start" to "shocking" display bbc.co.uk. The numbers behind Robertson's 100-cap career bbc.co.uk were highlighted, while Kieron Bowie seized his Scotland shot bbc.co.uk after World Cup disappointment.
Nations League: USMNT 3-0 Mexico
Cavan Sullivan, aged, became the youngest USMNT scorer with a stunner espn.com in a 3-0 win over Mexico. Sullivan and Julian Hall earned 9/10 in player ratings espn.com, with the phenom's goal capping a memorable win espn.com. Mexico coach Rafael Márquez bemoaned "terrible mistakes espn.com" as his side were humbled.
Nations League: Other Results & News
France head coach Zinedine Zidane said he will make "smart changes espn.com" for their match against Belgium. Wales are aiming bbc.co.uk to prove they can thrive at the top level. Ireland's pre-Israel press conference was abruptly ended espn.com after a racism allegation. Bruno Fernandes defended Cristiano Ronaldo as the "greatest symbol bbc.co.uk" of Portugal.
Domestic Football: Gateshead, League Two
Gateshead have sacked bbc.co.uk manager Lee Cattermole after a poor start to the season.
Domestic Football: Scottish Premiership
Former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has "nothing but respect" for current manager Derek McInnes bbc.co.uk. Celtic have condemned bbc.co.uk a fan protest targeting majority shareholder Dermot Desmond at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
Domestic Football: WSL
Chelsea went top skysports.com of the WSL table as London City thrashed Tottenham Hotspur. In the NWSL, Brecken Mozingo scored late to pull the Utah Royals into a 1-1 draw, while Debinha hit a hat trick espn.com and USWNT's Wilson saw red.
Transfers & Rumours
Arsenal, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are all chasing Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz espn.com. Arsenal are also leading the race for winger Antonio Nusa skysports.com. Manchester United and Arsenal are eyeing Freiburg striker Igor Matanovic bbc.co.uk. The top 10 Premier League summer transfers have been ranked espn.com.
Ballon d'Or & Awards
Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane are the three favorites to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or, according to a whittling down espn.com of the 30-man shortlist.
Rugby League: NRL Grand Final
The Sydney Roosters held on to break skysports.com Newcastle hearts in the NRL Grand Final, with Hull FC-bound Daly Cherry-Evans kicking the crucial drop goal. The Roosters also crushed skysports.com the Brisbane Broncos 30-6 to win their third NRLW premiership.
Rugby League: Super League Grand Final
Wakefield Trinity's "red, white and blue army" roared skysports.com them onto Grand Final history. Lachlan Walmsley lived out his Grand Final dream skysports.com but uncertainty lies ahead. Coach Daryl Powell revealed members of his squad "can't believe" their phenomenal title run skysports.com.
Rugby League: England Squad
Jake Connor has been left out skysports.com of England's 23-player squad for the Rugby League World Cup.
Rugby Union: Premiership
Louis Rees-Zammit scored skysports.com two tries as Bristol beat champions Northampton.
Cricket: Australia Warm-Up
Marnus Labuschagne hit a timely century skysports.com as Australia warmed up for their Test series against South Africa.
Golf: Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
Adrian Meronk outlasted skysports.com Casey Jarvis to win the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews. Casey Jarvis sought victory skysports.com at St Andrews with Matt Fitzpatrick among the chasing pack.
Horse Racing: Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
Daryz retained skysports.com the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe crown with a dazzling display, becoming the first colt to do so since 1978. Amusingly triumphed skysports.com in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere.
Boxing: Fury vs Joshua
There is no rematch clause skysports.com in the deal for Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury's December 11 fight.
Darts: World Grand Prix
Luke Humphries will face Gerwyn Price in the World Grand Prix final in a 2023 repeat skysports.com. Humphries insists reaching the final "doesn't mean anything" without beating Price skysports.com. A "brilliant final" is on our hands skysports.com as the trophy battle looms.
Tennis: China Open
Novak Djokovic created more history skysports.com with an epic win over Alexander Zverev to reach the China Open semi-finals. Aryna Sabalenka followed skysports.com Elena Rybakina out of the tournament after a shock defeat.
Formula 1: Bahrain Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton revealed skysports.com a debate over Ferrari's disastrous tyre choice at the Bahrain Grand Prix, saying "I said it was wet!" George Russell was "beyond disappointment" as Toto Wolff was "massively annoyed" by an engine failure skysports.com. Max Verstappen and Hamilton formed the front row skysports.com for the race.
Scottish Football Podcast
The Scottish Football Podcast discussed bbc.co.uk who caught the eye in Pocognoli's first win.
Cesar Azpilicueta Retirement
Cesar Azpilicueta said he "clawed" his way to the top but needs a break bbc.co.uk as he moves to a different stage of life.
NBA Basketball
Last updated: October 4, 2026, 2:04 PM ET
NBA Expansion Update
The NBA’s expansion timeline is crystallizing espn.com around the 2026-27 season, with Las Vegas emerging as the frontrunner for a franchise while Seattle’s bid remains on hold pending arena negotiations. League sources indicate the Board of Governors could vote on the two new markets as early as next year.
Roster Moves & Contracts
The Pistons and center Jalen Duren finally ended espn.com their lengthy contract standoff, agreeing to a five-year, $200 million fully guaranteed extension. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies waived espn.com guard Jordan Hawkins just three weeks after acquiring him in a trade with New Orleans.
Off-Court Storylines
Trail Blazers management fired espn.com newly hired play-by-play announcer Braiden Bell on the same day they hired him, after old social media posts from 2012-13 resurfaced. The Miami Heat are partnering espn.com with Rockstar Games for a Grand Theft Auto VI promotional event themed "A Night in Vice City" ahead of the game's Nov. 19 release.
Player Moments
Nets forward Ziaire Williams proposed espn.com to girlfriend Paris Timan on stage during a Bruno Mars concert in Inglewood, with the singer pausing to congratulate the couple. LeBron James and Jaylen Brown drew espn.com massive crowds at a 76ers scrimmage, with fans waiting in lines more than 10-deep for a first look at the stars.
NFL Football
Last updated: October 4, 2026, 2:04 PM ET
Injury Report & Inactives
The NFL’s Week 4 injury report is headlined by a series of significant absences. Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson espn.com is a surprise inactive due to personal reasons. The Rams will be without defensive tackle Aaron Donald espn.com but expect receiver Puka Nacua to play, with the team not intending to limit his workload. The Bears placed left tackle Braxton Jones espn.com on injured reserve, with Theo Benedet set to start. The Seahawks placed running back Jadarian Price espn.com on IR with a chest injury. The Saints have ruled out linebacker Kaden Elliss espn.com and edge rusher Carl Granderson. The Colts will be without veteran receiver Keenan Allen espn.com for their London game due to a groin injury. The Commanders’ Terry McLaurin espn.com will not play against the Colts. The Panthers placed first-round pick Xavier Legette espn.com on IR. Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon espn.com is expected to miss multiple weeks with a foot injury. A full inactives watch espn.com also lists DeVonta Smith and others as out or questionable.
Quarterback Shakeups
The quarterback landscape is shifting dramatically. Baker Mayfield is expected to miss three to six weeks espn.com with a dislocated thumb, depending on when he can grip the football. The Commanders, after Marcus Mariota left Sunday’s game with a knee injury, will turn to seventh-round rookie Kaliakmanis espn.com at quarterback. The Bears are expected to start Tyson Bagent espn.com against the Jets.
Game Previews & Predictions
A comprehensive guide espn.com to every Week 4 game includes matchups like Trevor Lawrence vs. Joe Burrow. A separate set of 15 predictions espn.com highlights potential touchdowns for Lamar Jackson and Jameson Williams, plus a Cowboys upset. For Sunday Night Football, detailed betting analysis espn.com is available for the Lions-Panthers game.
Team & Player News
Commanders owner Josh Harris covered a $50,000 tab espn.com for approximately 3,000 fans at a London bar. The Lions and star tight end Sam LaPorta have broken off contract talks espn.com. The 49ers have suspended owner Jed York espn.com for six games and fined him $500,000 for a personal conduct violation. The Patriots are preaching patience espn.com with receiver Romeo Doubs’ modest start to 2026. A feature on Jets rookie tight end Sadiq espn.com describes him as “uncoverable” and a necessity. ESPN has named all-time rosters espn.com for 23 teams with multiple Super Bowls, with 13 players making more than one roster. A list of the 10 biggest upsets espn.com in Super Bowl history is also available.
Fantasy & Betting Insights
For fantasy managers, three hot starters espn.com to believe in are highlighted, along with a player expected to break out in Week.
MLB Baseball
Last updated: October 4, 2026, 2:04 PM ET
NLDS Game 1: Brewers, Dodgers, White Sox Earn Wins
The Milwaukee Brewers escaped Game 1 of the NLDS after a potential go-ahead home run by the Padres hit the roof espn.com at American Family Field and fell for an out, preserving a narrow victory. Tarik Skubal was as advertised espn.com in a brilliant opener for the Dodgers, allowing one run over six dominant innings to stake Los Angeles to a 1-0 series lead over the Braves. The White Sox shut down espn.com the Guardians 3-0 to win Game 1 of their ALDS, powered by a strong pitching performance. Complete takeaways and analysis from all four division series games are available in the Day 1 recap espn.com.
ALDS: Yankees vs. Rays; Judge Out
The Rays' Drew Rasmussen swept aside espn.com Yankees lefties in a near-perfect Game, combining with Bryan Baker on a one-hitter as Tampa Bay took an early series lead. Aaron Judge is not on the roster espn.com for the ALDS against the Rays, leaving New York to rely on a pitching-first plan espn.com and their 6-foot-7 MVP hopefuls.
Brewers' Playoff Outlook; Cubs' Offseason Plans
Analysts are examining whether Milwaukee's year espn.com has finally arrived, questioning if the Brewers' regular-season dominance can translate against the Dodgers' power. Meanwhile, Cubs president Jed Hoyer identified pitching quality espn.com as the top offseason priority for Chicago, signaling a major overhaul this winter.
NHL Hockey
Last updated: October 4, 2026, 2:04 PM ET
NHL Hockey
The Sabres got a dramatic boost as forward Jiri Kulich, returning after nearly a year of recovery from blood clot issues espn.com, scored the game-winning goal. In a sobering development, Arizona State has enlisted a former state supreme court justice to lead an independent review espn.com of the on-ice collapse of hockey player Adam Mayich.
Injury & Roster Moves
Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov, who missed the entire 2025-26 season, has been placed on long-term injured reserve espn.com after playing just two games. Meanwhile, the Red Wings placed Dylan Larkin on IR amid his ongoing trade request espn.com; he was booed by the home crowd before Detroit’s opening-night loss.
Obituary
Former Canadiens defenseman Lyle Odelein, a two-time Stanley Cup winner, has died espn.com at age.
Game Previews
Sunday’s slate features a key interconference clash between the Mammoth and the Rangers espn.com, among five games on the schedule.
General Sports
Last updated: October 4, 2026, 2:05 PM ET
College Football
Week 5 saw Alabama espn.com restore order with a dominant performance, while Ohio State’s espn.com Jeremiah Smith delivered a record-setting day, prompting LeBron James espn.com to react on social media. Smith, who declared himself the best player in the country, is now the Heisman front-runner espn.com. Miami espn.com handed Clemson its second-worst home loss under Dabo Swinney, winning 41-13. Colorado’s Deion Sanders espn.com will reevaluate his quarterbacks after a blowout loss to Texas Tech, while Alabama trolled Mississippi State with a "Not enough cowbells" espn.com social media post. For the best moments and reactions from the week, check out the live coverage espn.com. Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. espn.com and his wife announced they are expecting their first child.
NFL
The Los Angeles Chargers are spiraling at 0-3 after a troubling start to the 2026 season, raising questions about whether Justin Herbert espn.com and Jim Harbaugh can salvage the campaign.
UFC
UFC 332 espn.com smashed records with nine first-round knockouts and 11 total finishes. Natalia Silva espn.com validated her top billing by winning the women’s flyweight title, being crowned the new queen bbc.co.uk after a unanimous decision over Wang Cong. Payton Talbott also impressed, finishing former champion Deiveson Figueiredo.
Boxing
British light-heavyweight Ben Whittaker bbc.co.uk survived a dramatic late onslaught to secure a points win.
Moto GP
Defending champion Marc Marquez bbc.co.uk won a sprint-race double at the Japanese Grand Prix, cutting Jorge Martin’s championship lead to just two points.
Tennis
At the China Open, Novak Djokovic bbc.co.uk beat Alexander Zverev to reach the semifinals, while world number two Aryna Sabalenka bbc.co.uk was stunned by Bartunkova.
Snooker
Wu Yize bbc.co.uk won his first ranking title since becoming world champion, a result that marks a new high for Chinese snooker.
Darts
World number two Luke Humphries bbc.co.uk clinched his spot in the World Grand Prix final, where he will face Gerwyn Price.
Rugby Union
In the Premiership, Gloucester bbc.co.uk thrashed Harlequins 48-0 to go top of the table. Leicester bbc.co.uk held off Newcastle for their first win of the season, while Sale bbc.co.uk overcame a red card to beat Saracens 21-17. In the URC, Glasgow bbc.co.uk and Ulster played out a thrilling 33-33 draw. For URC talking points and Welsh hopefuls, see the analysis bbc.co.uk. Colorado State fired espn.com defensive coordinator Tyson Summers after a 56-26 loss to Oregon State.
Rugby League
Sam Burgess bbc.co.uk says he plans to stay at Warrington for 2027 despite their Grand Final loss.
Curling
Vicky Drummond bbc.co.uk marked her return to competitive curling by winning the Scottish mixed doubles title.
Ultramarathon
Sir Kevin Sinfield bbc.co.uk completed his final ultramarathon challenge, crossing the finish line at Old Trafford after seven ultramarathons for MND charity.
Formula 1
After the Bahrain Grand Prix, driver ratings bbc.co.uk highlighted a dominant Max Verstappen and a superb recovery drive from Lewis Hamilton.
WNBA
The WNBA semifinals begin Sunday, with keys to matchups between the Aces and Valkyries espn.com and the Liberty and Dream.
MLB
The MLB divisional round schedule and odds espn.com for every game in each series are now available.