Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 25, 2026, 3:08 AM ET

Premier League Opening Weekend

The Premier League season erupted back into life with drama, controversy, and late goals across the opening fixtures. Liverpool needed a 96th-minute penalty from Dominik Szoboszlai to rescue a 2-2 draw at Newcastle United on Sunday, a result that papers over significant cracks in the Reds' performance. The VAR review of that decisive spot-kick has been a major talking point, with our resident referee explaining exactly how the decision was made and whether it was correct. The draw means Liverpool, under new management, still look a long way from the title challengers they once were, with the Reds' opener looking like more of the same from last season's poor showing. Gab Marcotti's Monday Musings suggested Liverpool and Manchester United remain half-baked while José Mourinho gets a vintage kind of win in Spain.

Jamie Carragher has been typically outspoken about his former club, arguing that Liverpool’s midfield crisis is so acute that he doesn't see where £116.5m German Florian Wirtz would even fit, potentially making this the worst transfer window in Premier League history. Harvey Elliott's position at Anfield looks increasingly uncertain following his omission from the matchday squad at Newcastle on the opening weekend.

Chelsea's Promising Start, Goalkeeping Concerns

Chelsea opened their campaign with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage, with João Pedro giving the Blues an early lead in a match covered by our Premier League live updates. Cole Palmer looked like his old self again, and Morgan Rogers scoring on his debut, but the performance was overshadowed by goalkeeper Robert Sanchez's continued struggles, which was a view echoed by Jamie Carragher. BBC Sport's player ratings from the Fulham match confirmed the same pattern, with Rogers, Palmer, and Sanché large playing stark contrast in output.

Chelsea have now been backed as potential title challengers for the season, and our analysis has run a three-reason check. While the front three produced a sparkling display against Fulham, the goalkeeper issue remains a major concern and could be the argument that halts any title challenge. Cole Palmer's electric attack was one of the few positives.

Man City's Late Show & Gakpo Race

Manchester City avoided a shock on the opening weekend with two late goals from Marc Guéhi and Josko Gvardiol rescuing a 2-1 win over Bournemouth. The late-gasp victory settled nerves at the Etihad, but the transfer market is where the real action is happening. City have emerged as surprise suitors for Cody Gakpo from Liverpool, with the club interested in signing the former Tottenham target. This comes as part of a wider rumour roundup that also sees Newcastle agree to sign Nico González and Manchester United confident of signing Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Mourinho, Vini Jr, & LaLiga

José Mourinho has defended Vinícius Júnior, saying the Real Madrid star is "bullied" after he clashed with Espanyol players and the crowd during a 2-1 LaLiga win on Saturday. In the same competition, Barcelona began the defence of their league title with a thumping 5-0 win away against Elche, with Raphinha starring in the rout.

European Football

PSV started their Eredivisie season with a 5-1 hammering of Groningen, with United States duo Ricardo Pepi and Sergiño Dest both on the scoresheet. In Turkey, Besiktas have slammed refereeing behaviour after Leandro Trossard was slapped in the face with no punishment, calling it "disgraceful."

Barcelona have also made a statement, criticizing the Spanish police for their "disproportionate use of force" against fans before the match. A club release condemning the actions called the force "disproportionate."

On the transfer front, Alejandro Balde is open to a Man United move, with United monitoring the left-back's situation at Barcelona ahead of a potential move before the deadline, as sources have told ESPN. Meanwhile, Benfica's pivotal manager Xabi Alonso, a former Liverpool man, is being profiled ahead of his Fulham clash.

Transfer Window Madness

Arsenal are ready to make a move for Julián Alvarez in the final week of the transfer window if they get encouragement, and are preparing to pounce. The saga around his future has been called summer's most bitter tussle, with the Argentine's chances of a move to the Premier League still being weighed.

Mikel Arteta's side are also in the news regarding outgoings of Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli. The BBC reports the club are in advanced talks with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal over a £50m sale. Sky Sports' print says Arsenal are targeting Alvarez while in a separate detail the deals continue.

Transfer News Roundup

The newspapers are reporting a flurry of moves, with Arsenal making a £140m Alvarez push as a key news item. Nottingham Forest are working on a deal to sign Chelsea striker Liam Delap. Aston Villa are also in talks for a defender, moving for Club Brugge and failing a deal with Southampton for Taylor Harwood-Bellis, and continuing to work around some of their players, with a crucial exit looming.

Ollie Watkins' potential departure is quoted as a knot that will cut deepest, Villa won't see it coming. Meanwhile, Celtic are intensifying their pursuit of midfielder Gineitis, with the gossip suggesting an cooling on social media.

Premier League Predictions & Analysis

Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have already made their season predictions on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, with Carragher and Neville predicting that Arsenal will win. Analysts have been assessing whether Arsenal's the wheels of history will be repeat a. Having mulled over the win over, the Premier League title was a triumph for Mikel Arteta, but their desire to receive the title defense is a tougher contest.

Troy Deeney has also revealed his Premier League team of the week, and asks if you agree with the the selections. The Football Daily is back, with Mark Chapman joined by Chris Sutton, Duran Andros,

Carabao Cup & Europe

The Carabao Cup is back for 2026/27 with every second round tie live on Sky Sports including 11 PL teams. The Champions League draw takes place on Thursday in Monaco, and this is what you need know to see who will face the format and qualified teams. Meanwhile, the Europa and Conference League draws will also see British clubs awaiting their opponents.

Miscellaneous Football News

Amanda Vanderhoof will leave her position as USL Super League president "to pursue other opportunities," the United Soccer League announced.

Earn and play.

Samuel Eto'o has given his backing to Gianni Infantino and reportedly said he doesn't believe the FIFA president's plan to sell off World Cup rights to investors was a wrong plan.

The ball Maradona used of his 'Hand of God' goal sold at auction for $3.35M, but fell short of its value by almost $6.8M. This came as a shock.

Éderson insists he doesn't know why his move to Manchester United fell through, and is set to tell all.

US Soccer

On the US side, Inter Miami are slipping in the MLS Power Rankings, as the champions might be in a slump and Nashville into the spotlight. Gotham FC are still number 1 in the NWSL despite a 0-0 draw, and Pride snapped losing streak with a win.

USWNT star Rose Lavelle was substituted in the first half due to a head injury during the 0-0 shutout.

Scottish Football

Tony Docherty been named as Scotland Under-21s head coach, with Steven Naismith as assistant. For Rangers, the first Old Firm may have derbish in Europe, with Derek McInnes could be in stand for his first Old Firm match as Rangers manager after a hearing date of 31 August was set for his touchline ban appeal. It came as Celtic confirmed Alistair Johnston [out until October](https://headlinesbriefing.com/home/bbc-sport-football/celtic-eye-defenders-with-johnston-out-until-october-da0a29.Ofthese,bothundoubtedlymake-or-break.Celtic,Rangers,Hearts,Hibs,MotherwellallhopeforboostsintheConferenceLeagueplay-offs,aswelookattheplayoffties feels.

Premiership Circ Tour

The Scottish Premiership twist I find it's a, but a.

Scottish podcast highlights the derby win and the transfer market analysis is a changing picture.

Formula 1

Ferrari's Toto Wolff admits Mercedes don't have the extra money to quickly respond to the threat. And in the championship race, maximus action sees Lando Norris closing the gap to title leader Kimi Antonelli.

Golf

The Solheim Cup's latest leader, Angela Stanford, names her three captains' picks for the US team including Megan Khang, Rose Zhang, and Lindy Duncan. The full squad is now officially finalised. Meanwhile, Ian Poulter is undecided about LIV Golf future amid funding concerns.

Cricket

Pakistan cricket seems days after the Headingley defeat, and alarm bells are ringing. In England, quick Brydon Carse is unavailable for the second Test at Lord's following an incident outside a nightclub, as he's been withdrawn from the squad.

Rugby League

St Helens captain Jackson Hastings' season could be over after being handed a two-match ban for violent conduct, one of the league’s latest rulings. West Brom's James Morrison says the FA have opened a can of worms over two-match ban Aune.

NWSL

Gotham still No. 1 in the NWSL. Stay ahead of the curve.

Further Coverage

Mark Chapman is joined on the Football Daily at BBC. Plus, Australian players are thriving in WSL while the league Premier League stars notable.