Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Premier League Action
Chelsea skysports.com dismantled Aston Villa 4-1 with Joao Pedro scoring a hat-trick to keep Champions League qualification hopes alive. West Ham bbc.com boosted their survival chances with a 1-0 win over Fulham, capitalizing on a goalkeeping error. Newcastle skysports.com inflicted Michael Carrick's first defeat as Manchester United manager, with substitute William Osula scoring a late winner after Jacob Ramsey's controversial red card. Nottingham Forest bbc.com earned a vital 2-2 draw at Manchester City, coming from behind twice to stay clear of the relegation zone.
Scottish Football
Celtic skysports.com moved up to second in the Premiership with a 2-1 win over Aberdeen, Benjamin Nygren scoring the winner off the bench. Johnny Russell bbc.com says his Dundee United return "just felt right" as the veteran striker aims to make his mark in the Scottish Cup. Former Celtic forward Kenny Dalglish and ex-Rangers winger Peter Lovenkrands preview Sunday's Old Firm Scottish Cup quarter-final, which could provide Premiership momentum.
Women's Football
Ally Sentnor espn.com scored in the 55th minute as the United States beat Canada 1-0 in the She Believes Cup. Emma Hayes' vision for the 2027 World Cup is becoming clear after extensive experimentation with the USWNT. The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations has been postponed just 12 days before the finals were due to kick off in Morocco.
International Football
England skysports.com fell seven runs short in a spirited chase of 254 against India in their T20 World Cup semi-final, with Jacob Bethell's stunning 105 off 48 balls not quite enough. Wales bbc.com will host World Cup-bound Ghana in a friendly at Cardiff City Stadium in June. Iran players sang and saluted their national anthem after previously staying silent in protest.
Player News
Harry Kane espn.com will miss Bayern Munich's game against Borussia Monchengladbach with a calf injury, dealing a blow to his Bundesliga record chase. Kylian Mbappé espn.com is making "all good news" progress in his injury recovery, according to Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa. Dele Alli espn.com has returned to train at Tottenham's facilities, four years after departing the club.
Manager Reactions
Fabian Hurzeler skysports.com accused Arsenal of "making their own rules" and criticized their time-wasting after Brighton's 1-0 loss. Marco Silva bbc.com hit out at refereeing decisions after Fulham's home defeat to West Ham. Eddie Howe bbc.com was ecstatic with Newcastle's late winner against Manchester United, calling Jacob Ramsey's red card "really harsh."
Rule Changes
The EFL has voted to extend Championship play-offs from four teams to six from next season. The IFAB has agreed to make big rule changes from July 1, with some adopted at the 2026 World Cup, including more VAR and less time-wasting. BBC Sport explores whether football has become too complicated with handball, offside, and VAR decisions.
Other Football News
Wrexham espn.com are drawing on FA Cup history ahead of their fifth-round clash with Chelsea. Wrexham espn.com have warned supporters they will face serious consequences if they use anti-gay slurs. Forest Green defender Jili Buyabu bbc.com is back helping his side's promotion push just two days after delivering his own baby. William Osula bbc.com scored Newcastle's winner against Manchester United, 12 years after winning a skills contest with the club at age.
Transfer Rumors
Wrexham espn.com are targeting Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson if they secure Premier League promotion. Celta Vigo espn.com have called on Madonna to help find the team jersey she wore during a 1990 concert at their stadium. Real Madrid bbc.com appear to have ended interest in Manchester City's Rodri, while three Premier League clubs are keen on Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram.
BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton bbc.com takes on Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight with predictions for this weekend's FA Cup fifth-round ties. Former Celtic forward Kenny Dalglish bbc.com and ex-Rangers winger Peter Lovenkrands preview the Old Firm Scottish Cup quarter-final. The race for European qualification intensifies as Chelsea, Newcastle, and Nottingham Forest battle for Champions League spots.