Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 24, 2026, 10:45 PM ET

Premier League Opening Weekend

The Premier League season kicked off with plenty of drama, and Liverpool's new-look campaign got off to a rocky start. Playing under new management after last season's struggles, the Reds' opener was more of the same, with the team still looking half-baked under Andoni Iraola. A 96th-minute penalty from Dominik Szoboszlai rescued a 2-2 draw at Newcastle United, though it was a controversial spot-kick award. According to our resident ref Andy Davies's VAR review, the decision was contentious, leaving the Reds with a long road back to the top.

Jamie Carragher has delivered a damning verdict on Liverpool's lack of midfield investment, suggesting their window could be one of the worst in Premier League history. The uncertainty also extends to individuals—Harvey Elliott's position looks uncertain after being omitted entirely from the squad at Newcastle. Manchester City, meanwhile, needed two late goals from Marc Guéhi and Josko Gvardiol to beat Bournemouth 2-1. Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher both made their title predictions on Monday Night Football, with the pair predicting Arsenal to win the 2026/27 title.

Neville added that Liverpool and Manchester City are well below the level required to challenge Arsenal. The champions' title defence will be a tougher challenge, according to former title winners who fell short of a repeat.

Chelsea's Up and Down Start

The Blues got three points in a thriller at Craven Cottage. João Pedro gave Chelsea an early lead, and despite a spirited Fulham fightback, Palmer starred in a 3-2 win. But the goalkeeping spot remains a major concern for manager Xabi Alonso, with Robert Sanchez’s displays worrying the pundits.

The performance of Sanchez means Chelsea's progress this season will be hampered, as Jamie Carragher argued that the goalkeeper problem remains. We have the full player ratings from Craven Cottage, with Morgan Rogers scoring on his debut.

The match also featured a head-to-head between Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa, two former players now managing, with Rafael Benitez having offered his thoughts.

Title Race and Carra’s Season Predictions

The dynamic of the title race is key. Jamie Carragher has provided three reasons Chelsea can challenge and one reason why they might not. Over at the other side of Manchester, United’s faithful have been told not to panic after a flat opening defeat to Hull City. The team were simply not at the races, but there is no need to panic.

Troy Deeney has revealed his Premier League team of the week following the opening round of games. Meanwhile, the commentators delve deeper into the results, including Hull’s glorious result and Spurs’ dismal display in the season opener.

Transfer Rumours and Deals

We are now into the final week of the transfer window and clubs are active. Arsenal are ready to make a move for Julián Álvarez if the door opens, with the saga pulling in Atlético Madrid and Barcelona. Álvarez was booed by the Atletico fans Sunday amid the speculation.

The Gunners are in advanced talks to sell Gabriel Martinelli to Al-Hilal for at least £50m, while the papers say a £130m Álvarez push may follow. A potential move for Álvarez could be bitter, with the transfer saga set to go to the wire.

Manchester United are monitoring Barcel left-back Alejandro Balde, who is open to a move to Old Trafford. He is open to joining United, according to sources, which have United also monitoring Balde’s situation at the Camp Nou. United are confident of signing Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Manchester City are ready to meet Chelsea’s £120m asking price for midfielder Enzo Fernández, in a deal worth $163M. Meanwhile, the transfer gossip has City emerging as surprise suitors for Cody Gakpo. They will have to move quickly to beat Tottenham’s interest in the Dutch winger from Liverpool.

The window is creating a frenzy across the divisions, with Nottingham Forest working on a deal to sign Chelsea striker Liam Delap, and in a mammoth move, a £70m bid for for Igor Thiago has been made. Aston Villa have lined up Joel Ordonez after their move for Taylor Harwood-Bellis failed, while the departure of Ollie Watkins looks a painful one for the club. Outcast midfielder Éderson insists he doesn’t know what happened over his failed move to Old Trafford.

Sunderland announced the signing of his Jules Ahoka from Royal Antwerp for an €8.6m fee. Rangers are moving for Girona winger Kim Min-Su, set to undergo a medical, while Celtic are intensifying their pursuit of Torino’s Gineitis, with the squad told to stay off social media.

LaLiga and European Football

Barcelona started their title defence with a resounding 5-0 win over Elche, Raphinha was the star of the show. But the club has accused police of using “disproportionate force” against fans before the game, which they have condemnly labelled.

The Catalan club also accused police of the same in their statement. José Mourinho defended Vinícius Júnior after the star was “bullied” by opponents and fans in their 2-1 win at Espanyol. In the Eredivisie, Ricardo Pepi and Sergiño Dest both scored in PSV's 5-1 rout of Groningen. Also in the Netherlands, fans suffered injuries when Feyenoord supporters threw fireworks during the SC Cambuur match.

USL, Women’s Game, and the WSL

Amanda Vandervort will leave her position as USL Super League president to “pursue other opportunities”, the league announced on Monday. In the WSL, Spurs want to break into the elite circle after an impressive first season under manager Martin Ho. Why are Australian players thriving in the WSL but dwindling in the Premier League?

European and Key Events

The Europa League and Conference League draws are coming up, and will see British clubs discover their fate in the new season. The Champions League draw is set for Thursday in Monaco, with the league phase taking shape.

Meanwhile, all five Scottish clubs have booked European play-off second legs in the coming days, but only Celtic, who are guaranteed a place in the league phase, has the Confcup and thing alone.

International Football and Controversy

There’s a row in Turkey, where Beşiktaş suffered a loss amid distasteful scenes; Leandro Trossard was “slapped in the face” with no punishment. The club slammed having watched the match as the global game stirred forwards again.

The head of UEFA, Aleksander Čeferin, has ruled out the running FIFA president while warning the “Europeans”. He expects a challenger to face in March. Samuel Eto’o has backed Reffie’s controversial private equity plan involving the World Cup.

Now on to a classic: A ball that sold for $3.35M. The famous Maradona “Hand of God” ball didn't quite go for the expected price, going for €5m at auction.

Scotland and Other Football

In the Scottish game, Dereck McInnes could be in the stand for his first Old Firm match as Rangers boss after the hearing set for 31 August was made clear, as the touchline ban impacts his start. The Scottish Premiership clubs target priorities in the final days; Celtic confirmed full-back Alistair Johnston will be out until October, with the club utilising a look at defenders.

Catch up the latest Football Daily and analysis from the Premier League. And try the Quiz on the new buzz cut hairstyles. Erling Haaland has ditched his locks.

Cricket and Other Sports

In cricket, England’s Brydon Cawse has been withdrawn from the second Test at Lord’s after a nightclub incident which is investigated. Pakistan cricket is contending with “alarm bells ringing” following the Headingley defeat.

Moto GP/F1

Kimi Antonelli increased his world championship lead at the Dutch GP despite not winning, with Lando Norris now his biggest threat after winning in Zandvoort. Close behind, Toto Wolff warns they can’t match rivals due to a lack of funds to develop the new car.

Golf and Tennis

Miyu Yamashita equaled the LPGA’s 72-hole record in a dominant CPKC Women's Open victory. Rory McIlroy rued a “stupid decision” after his near-miss at the BMW Championship. In tennis, Alex Eala is known as the next big thing as she advances in US Open qualifying.

American Football/Golf

The Solheim Cup is confirmed with Megan Khang, Rose Zhang and Lindy Duncan as captain picks. In the NWSL, Gotham remains No. 1 after a scoreless draw, but the Pride snapped a losing streak with a win over the Spirit. And also note the Power Rankings as Inter Miami slip off the pace in MLS.

Fight Sports and Tennis

Claressa Shields’ plans for Mikaela Mayer could be on the cards before she retires with a perfect record. A tennis phenom with a punch is making headlines in the Philippines.

Summing Up

The start of the 2026/27 season has produced a story — from Liverpool’s slow start to new Chelsea promises, rising Australian influence, and the massive threats of transfers. Arsenal have been crowned, and a fierce transfer window closes as the breakdown and the Champions League unfolds. Now, with one of the busiest closes to a transfer window yet, the future looks bright.