Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: September 18, 2026, 10:06 PM ET

Premier League

Manchester City made it six wins from six under Enzo Maresca, despite fielding an alternative XI in their latest outing. The champions' rotation has not disrupted their momentum, and the Italian's squad management is drawing praise. At the other end of the spectrum, Manchester United have hit crisis point after a Carabao Cup collapse against Brighton & Hove Albion, deepening the gloom around Michael Carrick's tenure. Carrick himself has rejected pressure claims, insisting it is "ridiculous" to think his job is under threat, while a second report noted he sees no point wasting energy on job fears. A third take framed the recent struggles as "not a catastrophe," and a fourth analysis examined whether he can navigate the choppy waters and steer the ship back on course.

Brentford hosted Chelsea in a London derby, with the Bees taking a 1-0 lead through an Anthony header as the match unfolded live. Tottenham's scoring troubles under Roberto De Zerbi have become a pressing concern, with the side yet to score a Premier League goal this season. Paul Merson has called the clash between Spurs and Aston Villa a "huge game" and a "momentum swinger" in his latest column. Brighton's victory over United was one of the weekend's standout results, while first-month grades for all 20 Premier League teams placed Arsenal at the top of the class. In FPL news, managers face gameweek five dilemmas over whether to keep or sell Cherki and how to handle City assets.

Championship & EFL

Coventry have endured a miserable start to the season, playing four of their opening fixtures against promotion contenders, but analysis suggests they are not a hopeless case. The EFL weekend promises a derby day deluge, with local rivalries and competitive cities headlining the action. Millwall and West Ham renew their rivalry at The Den after more than 14 years, a fixture that carries decades of history. A quiz on the Black Country derby tests knowledge of Wolves versus West Bromwich Albion. Northampton Town have agreed a deal with a consortium including former Brazil forward Alexandre Pato, a notable development for the League One club.

Scottish Football

Celtic and Rangers meet in the first Old Firm league derby of the season, with momentum having shifted dramatically going into the Parkhead showdown. A talking-points preview asks whether Derek McInnes can complete the double against Celtic or whether Martin O'Neill can respond. A BBC preview framed the narrative as Celtic in crisis and Rangers smelling blood. Hibernian's sacked head coach David Gray remains a "living legend" according to club captain Joe Newell, who insists Gray can be proud of his record. Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin is in "good health" but requires a "simple procedure," the club has confirmed. The final Scottish Premiership fixtures before the international break raise several key questions. In the Championship, Queen's Park host Ayr United in a live BBC Scotland match, with the Spiders still climbing. Scottish football gossip includes conflicting reports about Hibernian's interest in Bristol Rovers' Evans, alongside items on Tomasson, Miovski and Marshall.

La Liga & European Leagues

Barcelona remain the team to beat in world soccer, with Bill Connelly's hottest teams ranking asking whether anyone can stop the Catalan giants. The weekend's European action features a Madrid derby between Atlético and Real, plus Roma versus Inter and a stern test for Arsenal. In Serie A, the San Siro turns 100 as AC Milan and Inter prepare to build a new home, marking the end of an era for one of football's most iconic venues. PSG ultras have taken legal action over a travel ban preventing them from attending the trip to Marseille.

Bundesliga

Harry Kane became the fastest in history to reach 100 Bundesliga goals, achieving the milestone in just 98 games for Bayern Munich. Kane also spoke about his Ballon d'Or case, saying his tally of 73 goals last season "speaks for itself" in the race for the award. Jürgen Klopp has named 44 players across two separate squads for his first games in charge of Germany. A Bundesliga quiz challenges fans to identify a star player in as few attempts as possible.

International Management

Zinedine Zidane started building the France team of the future by naming his first squad, calling time on Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kanté. Roberto Mancini called up 34 players, including eight newcomers, for his first Italy squad since returning. Cristiano Ronaldo, now, was named in Portugal's squad by new coach Jorge Jesus for the Nations League, a call-up confirmed separately. Patrick Vieira has described the Senegal job as an "absolute dream," the 1998 World Cup winner said. Hirving Lozano has earned his first call-up in nearly a year under new Mexico coach Rafael Márquez.

England National Team

Thomas Tuchel has recalled Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer to the England squad but warned both must "perform" to keep their places. A second report confirmed the recalls ahead of the Nations League fixtures. Tuchel challenged both players directly, saying they have points to prove. The German coach also dismissed fan fixation on his World Cup substitutions, claiming "99.9 per cent" of England fans he meets do not ask about them. An analysis piece examined whether Tuchel will "embrace the chaos" after seeking greater control following the World Cup. A further breakdown of Tuchel's picks highlighted the recalls as the headline story. The Football Daily podcast caught up on life as football commentators, with John Murray, Ian Dennis and Ali Bruce-Ball featuring.

USMNT & North American Soccer

Cavan Sullivan, the 16-year-old Philadelphia Union phenom, headlines the 28-player roster named for the USMNT's upcoming fixtures, with Christian Pulisic left out. The USMNT's gifted next generation has kick-started the road to the 2030 World Cup, with no Pulisic on this squad but considerable potential on display. Real Madrid and Barcelona are tracking Sullivan and could make a future move for the youngster after his Manchester City transfer. New York Red Bulls teenage forward Julian Hall is undecided on his future despite receiving his first USMNT call-up. Noahkai Banks, a former U.S. youth defender, has chosen Germany over the USMNT, the German Football Federation announced.

Lionel Messi appeared to have a heated exchange with MLS commissioner Don Garber after Inter Miami's win, pointing his finger at Garber on multiple occasions. New Inter Miami manager Cristian "Kily" González has said the club takes the opinions of Lionel Messi into account when making decisions, saying "you have to listen." FC Cincinnati have signed Tyrell Malacia on a free transfer, the former Manchester United left-back joining the MLS club.

NWSL & Women's Soccer

Vlatko Andonovski has been named Chicago Stars soccer chief, with the former USWNT coach tasked with saving the last-place club in the NWSL. The Washington Spirit lead the NWSL in having the highest contingent of African players, raising questions about what makes the club so attractive to talent from the continent. In England, Manchester City scored twice late on to beat Liverpool in the WSL. Manchester United manager Eva Olid says criticism of her side is "normal" after a poor start to the season. Michele Kang believes London City Lionesses' planned new training ground will set a new standard in women's football, saying it will be "better than most Premier League clubs." The Women's Champions League power rankings ask whether Barcelona are favorites again this season. Brian Sorensen, the former Everton manager, is set to join the Republic of Ireland women's coaching staff.

Transfers & Player News

JJ Gabriel, Manchester United's 15-year-old wonderkid, is edging closer to an exit as Barcelona and Real Madrid advance in transfer talks. The youngster has travelled to Barcelona amid speculation over his future, with some of Europe's biggest clubs circling. An in-depth profile explained why the wantaway teenager is so highly rated. Kylian Mbappé has signed with On after leaving Nike, a significant sponsorship switch for the France captain. Alexander Isak says his move to Liverpool was an easy decision, citing the club's ambition and determination to sign him. Andoni Iraola is moving Liverpool on from the Arne Slot era, with BBC Sport examining how the new manager is reshaping the side.

Manchester City's 17-year-old Floyd Samba starred against Norwich on debut, raising the question of whether he is a backup for Erling Haaland or the new Pogba. Swansea City's New Zealand star Elijah Just is eyeing the Premier League after living out one dream already this year. Wrexham defender Dom Hyam has revealed his disappointment at being left out of the Scotland squad. Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac have poked fun at Southampton ahead of their next meeting, referencing the Spygate saga. Hibernian striker Owen Elding has received his first call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad after a passport delay.

Governance & Controversy

UEFA and Concacaf have demanded FIFA pay $10M to all 211 member federations from its coffers, issuing a joint statement. A second report detailed the call for each federation to receive an extra $10M (£7.4m). The Football Association of Ireland says UEFA rejected a request to keep the Republic of Ireland and Israel separate in draws. Oxford United have apologised for a clothing launch branded "United 93" that coincided with the 9/11 anniversary, with a second report noting the image featured the call sign of one of the hijacked flights. Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal says he has experienced racism "a thousand times," speaking out about abuse he has faced.

Cricket

Somerset's County Championship title hopes suffered a major blow in defeat to Yorkshire, with Nottinghamshire also losing as Warwickshire close in on the title. Brydon Carse will face no charges after Derbyshire Police closed their investigation into an alleged assault. Nasser Hussain has lauded the "second coming" of England batter Tom Banton, suggesting Kevin Pietersen could be key to his rise.

Golf

Ryan Gerard leapfrogged Adam Scott and Filippo Celli to take a two-shot lead at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, with Rory McIlroy impressing. McIlroy is eyeing a chance to leapfrog Patrick Reed in the Race to Dubai Rankings, with the pro-am celebrity lineup and tee times confirmed.

Racing

The Weekend Winners panel has backed Almekarem for handicap glory at Newbury ahead of a busy Saturday. Hollie Doyle previews the Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury, suggesting Arapaho can strike gold. At Newton Abbot and Newbury, Spy Chief takes on Catullus in the feature of seven races on Friday.

Formula 1

Formula 1 returns to the Baku City Circuit for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with the race scheduled for Saturday rather than the usual Sunday slot, and broadcast details confirmed.

Rugby League

Wakefield Trinity host Leigh Leopards in the Super League Eliminators, with Leigh narrowing Wakefield's lead before the break in a live playoff clash.

NFL

Josh Allen put his stamp on the Buffalo Bills' new Highmark Stadium as the hosts opened with a 41-31 win over the Detroit Lions.

Darts

Luke Littler, the world's No 1 darts player, has won all the major tournaments but needs five titles to complete a clean sweep in 2026.

Boxing

Craig Richards returns to his home city of London for a crucial fight against Radivoje Kalajdzic on September 26, looking to relaunch his world championship charge.

Feature & Miscellany

Sam Hutchinson is getting ready to play for Farnham Town in the second qualifying round, a remarkable journey from Chelsea youth and depression after injury to non-league football at. Torreense stunned Portugal by winning their domestic cup and qualifying for Europe, a look at what it is like when lower-league teams reach continental competition. Wales face a major injury concern with Leeds United forward Harry Wilson a doubt for the start of their Nations League campaign. A daily quiz invites fans to test their ball knowledge against the Who Am I?, Five in Five and Brainteaser challenges.