Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 25, 2026, 9:27 AM ET

Premier League Opening Weekend

The opening weekend of the Premier League season delivered drama, surprises, and plenty of talking points as all 20 teams took the field. The nine new managers endured mixed fortunes, with some impressing immediately while others have significant work ahead. The first week overreactions are already flowing, with questions swirling about Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, and the rest of the field. Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville made their season predictions on Monday Night Football, while Troy Deeney selected his team of the week from the opening fixtures.

Chelsea kicked off their campaign with a thrilling 3-2 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage. João Pedro gave the Blues an early lead, while Morgan Rogers scored on his debut. Cole Palmer looked back to his best, but goalkeeper Robert Sanchez remains a major concern according to pundits. Jamie Carragher argued that Chelsea's progress will be hampered by Sanchez in goal, despite the electric attacking display. The Blues' front three sparkled, but there are three reasons they could challenge for the title — and one issue that could haunt them.

Liverpool's opener against Manchester United produced plenty of debate. A VAR review examined whether the Reds deserved their late penalty, while Gab Marcotti noted that Liverpool got lucky and have a long road back to the top. The Reds' performance looked like more of the same under their new coach, with Andoni Iraola having his work cut out. Harvey Elliott's future looks uncertain following his omission from the squad at Newcastle. Jamie Carragher delivered a damning verdict on Liverpool's transfer business, suggesting the £116.5m signing of Florian Wirtz could be part of the worst transfer window in Premier League history, questioning where the German fits into the team.

Manchester United's flat defeat to Hull City drew criticism, but Sky Sports argued there should be no panic. Michael Carrick's side simply weren't at the races on Saturday, but it's early days. Jack Grealish made two substitute appearances for Manchester City, but his future remains in doubt at the Etihad.

Transfer Window: Final Week

With the transfer window closing on 1 September, clubs are scrambling to complete business. Tottenham confirmed the £85m signing of Savio from Manchester City, with the winger changing his name from Savinho. The deal could rise to £85 million ($116m), with Spurs completing the significant acquisition as they bolster their attacking options.

Arsenal are at the center of the summer's most bitter transfer tussle. The Gunners are ready to move for Julián Álvarez if the door opens, with sources telling ESPN they would make a move in the final week. Reports suggest Arsenal are prepared to make a £130m push for the Argentine, while Al-Hilal are in advanced talks to sign Gabriel Martinelli for at least £50m. The Álvarez saga involves Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, and Arsenal in a complex negotiation that could reshape the attacking landscape. Meanwhile, Atlético want Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, which could pave the way for Álvarez's exit.

Manchester City are also active, with interest in Liverpool's Cody Gakpo as they look to replace Savio. The champions are also ready to meet Chelsea's £120m asking price for Enzo Fernández, a deal that would shatter records. Manchester United are monitoring Alejandro Balde's situation at Barcelona ahead of a potential move, while midfielder Éderson insists he doesn't know what happened with his failed move to United.

Aston Villa face a critical week. They've made a serious approach for AC Milan forward Rafael Leão, and are working on a deal for Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez after failing to agree terms with Southampton for Taylor Harwood-Bellis. The potential departure of Ollie Watkins would cut deepest — and Villa did not see it coming, with Saudi interest looming. Nottingham Forest are working on a deal for Chelsea striker Liam Delap, while Sunderland confirmed the signing of midfielder Jules Ahoka from Royal Antwerp for €10m (£8.6m).

BBC Sport has analyzed what each Premier League club still needs before the window shuts, while Crystal Palace face a decision over Jean-Philippe Mateta following his contract dispute. Rangers are set to complete a deal for Girona winger Kim Min-Su, who will undergo a medical in Glasgow within 48 hours.

Arsenal's Title Defense

Arsenal's desire to defend their Premier League crown faces a much tougher challenge this season, as former title winners can attest. The champions opened their campaign with a statement win, but the road ahead is fraught with difficulty. The Gunners' squad depth will be tested, particularly if they sell Martinelli to Saudi Arabia without securing Álvarez as a replacement.

Women's Football

Chelsea Women are undergoing a transitional rebuild as they target WSL and Champions League success, with the club acknowledging it takes time to rebuild. Tottenham Hotspur Women enjoyed a successful first season under manager Martin Ho and are now planning to break into the WSL's elite clubs after a superb transfer window.

In the Women's Champions League, Chelsea, PSG, and Wolfsburg face the real possibility of being dumped out in qualifying — one two-legged defeat from elimination before the tournament even begins. In the NWSL, Gotham FC remained No. 1 in the power rankings despite a disappointing 0-0 draw with Angel City, while the Orlando Pride snapped their losing streak with a win over the Washington Spirit. U.S. international Rose Lavelle suffered a head injury in that match and was substituted in the first half.

MLS and International

Inter Miami are slipping off the pace in the latest MLS Power Rankings, with questions mounting about whether Lionel Messi's side are officially in a slump. Nashville SC continue to impress, with no team able to lay a glove on them.

In the Eredivisie, USMNT duo Ricardo Pepi and Sergiño Dest both scored in PSV's 5-1 hammering of Groningen. Barcelona condemned the disproportionate use of force by Spanish police against their supporters before Sunday's 5-0 win at Elche, with the club issuing a formal statement criticizing the police conduct.

FIFA Leadership and Governance

The pressure on FIFA president Gianni Infantino continues to mount. Several current and former professionals have joined the criticism, saying "enough is enough" and that "change is necessary" on social media. Samuel Eto'o has backed Infantino's proposed plan to sell off part of the World Cup to private investors, saying he doesn't believe the approach was wrong.

UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin has ruled himself out of running to replace Infantino, but warned the FIFA boss that he must either quit or face a leadership challenge. Čeferin's comments came as he expects a candidate to challenge Infantino's leadership in March, telling him to "remember you are European."

Scottish Football

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill faces questions about his side's Champions League readiness ahead of the new season. The Hoops are also dealing with an injury to full-back Alistair Johnston, who will be out until October, prompting the manager to "have a little look" at defensive options. Hearts are close to a deal for teenage Faroese winger Benjaminsen, while Celtic face competition for a midfield target.

Rangers manager Derek McInnes could be in the stand for his first Old Firm match after a hearing date of 31 August was set for his appeal against a touchline ban. Tony Docherty has been named Scotland Under-21 head coach, with Steven Naismith as his assistant.

Other Football News

The EFL Cup prize money structure has been explained by BBC Sport, detailing how much clubs can earn at each stage. The Europa League and Conference League draws will see British clubs including Bournemouth, Sunderland, and Crystal Palace discover their opponents.

Besiktas have hit back at a "disgraceful" refereeing performance after Leandro Trossard was slapped in the face with no punishment dished out. West Brom head coach James Morrison says the FA have "opened a can of worms" over Aune Heggebo's two-match ban for deception.

Amanda Vandervort will leave her position as USL Super League president to pursue other opportunities, the United Soccer League announced. Leeds United and Rangers co-owner Jed York was arrested over the weekend in Ohio and pleaded no contest to misdemeanour charges of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools.

Cricket and Other Sports

England fast bowler Brydon Carse has been withdrawn from the squad for the second Test against Pakistan at Lord's following an incident outside a Derby nightclub that is being investigated. Pakistan cricket faces deep problems with "alarm bells ringing" after their Headingley defeat.

Rugby league legend Sir Billy Boston has died aged 92, the iconic player having been honoured throughout his career. The NRL is planning an exception to allow Jai Arrow to reach the 100-game milestone for the South Sydney Rabbitohs after retiring earlier this year due to a motor neurone disease diagnosis.

The ball with which Diego Maradona scored his "Hand of God" goal against England in the 1986 World Cup sold for $3.35M at auction, falling short of its valuation by almost £5 million ($6.8m).

Boxing, Golf, and Racing

Chantelle Cameron is aiming for a career-best performance when she takes on Mikaela Mayer in their blockbuster unification bout in Birmingham on Saturday, insisting it will take someone special to beat her — and Mayer is not that.

Ian Poulter hasn't decided whether he will continue on LIV Golf next season, hoping the league can continue to operate amid concerns over its funding. Megan Khang, Rose Zhang, and Lindy Duncan have been named as captains' picks for next month's Solheim Cup, completing Team USA's 12-player squad.

There's a busy day of racing on Tuesday with flat action from Lingfield Park, where Lazurite looks to make it third time lucky.

Rankings and Analysis

BBC Sport has ranked the greatest managers in Premier League history, with thirteen title-winning bosses considered for the top. Toto Wolff has admitted Mercedes cannot match rivals' upgrade rate due to financial constraints, saying "we haven't got the money" to quickly respond to the growing threat from McLaren and Ferrari.

The Football Daily podcast featured Chris Sutton, Andros Townsend, and Rory Smith discussing Watkins' future and Premier League readiness with Mark Chapman. Aston Villa's threadbare squad fell apart against Brighton, with problems mounting for Unai Emery ahead of a clash with champions Arsenal.