Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: September 15, 2026, 7:07 AM ET

Premier League: Leeds Run Riot as Calvert-Lewin Piles Pressure on England

Leeds United maintained their unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign with a breathless 4-1 victory over Newcastle at Elland Road, a result that left the visitors searching for answers. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was the standout performer and has now scored in five straight league matches, prompting fresh debate over whether he is ready for an England recall. The striker's all-round display drew lavish praise, with pundits labelling him unplayable and almost perfect, while Newcastle defender Sven Botman struggled badly and was singled out in the post-match ratings. Newcastle's miserable afternoon also fed into a curious piece of Premier League history, as BBC Sport examined why Monday's fixture could have produced a gameweek with no home wins at all.

Manchester Derby Fallout: VAR Under Fire as Carrick Feels the Heat

The Manchester derby was defined less by the football than by officiating chaos, with Erling Haaland's goal allowed to stand despite a clear error of judgement from the video assistant referee. Matt Donohue and his assistant VAR Blake Antrobus have not been appointed to any Premier League game this weekend, and reports suggest the pair could be blocked from officiating Manchester United fixtures entirely. Tuesday's newspapers led on the blundering VAR duo being kept away from United games, while ESPN's analysis argued the incident proves VAR's quest for perfection is doomed to fail. Michael Carrick has told his players to move on quickly despite his frustration at what he viewed as an injustice, but the wider picture is grim: United have now endured their joint-worst start to a Premier League season, and Gary Neville warned the pressure on Carrick is mounting fast. BBC Sport noted the familiar questions piling up after a fourth straight game without a win, while Gab Marcotti's column reflected on a derby defined by VAR drama, with Real Madrid booed again and Chelsea bullied by Hull City.

Arsenal and Arteta: Penalty Row Rumbles On

Arsenal will formally contact refereeing body Pro Ref over the penalty awarded against them in Saturday's win at Sunderland, a decision that saw Ezri Konsa concede the spot-kick. The club is seeking an explanation over the incident, and a source confirmed Arsenal will contact Pro Ref directly. Jamie Carragher weighed in by saying Mikel Arteta is becoming like Sir Alex Ferguson in his willingness to criticise officials publicly. Arteta also addressed the future of teenage starlet Max Dowman, insisting the 16-year-old must earn his minutes ahead of Tuesday's Carabao Cup fourth-round tie at Ipswich. On the broader title question, BBC Sport asked whether the Premier League is already a two-team race between Arsenal and Manchester City after just four games. Fans hoping for transparency on officiating received little encouragement, with a feature explaining why supporters are left in the dark on live VAR audio nearly a decade into the technology's use.

Carabao Cup and Premier League Team of the Week

Every Carabao Cup third-round tie is live on Sky Sports this week, with all 10 fixtures available to watch. Troy Deeney named his Premier League team of the week, featuring Gianluigi Donnarumma, Ezri Konsa, Enzo Fernández and Kevin Schade among his selections.

Serie A: Inter and Roma Stay Perfect

Defending champions Inter Milan produced another rousing comeback to beat Udinese 5-3 at San Siro, with the Nerazzurri staying perfect atop Serie A alongside Roma. Both sides remain unbeaten through the early rounds of the new campaign. In Spain, Valencia's crisis deepened as the club sacked Carlos Corberán and chief executive Ron Gourlay on Sunday, with the side winless and bottom of La Liga, just a week after Rodri's public criticism of the club's direction.

Scotland: Pocognoli's New Era Begins

Sebastien Pocognoli names his first Scotland squad on Tuesday, and the new head coach is expected to hand debuts to Stoke City centre-half Luke Graham and Sevilla striker Robbie Ure, both of whom will receive first call-ups. BBC Sport Scotland examined the new-look squad and the clean slate Pocognoli inherits, while a podcast debate asked who will make the cut for his maiden selection. In club gossip, Aris Thessaloniki reportedly still hope to sign John Souttar despite his contract dispute with Rangers, with Colby Donovan and Oli McBurnie tipped for Scotland call-ups. Aberdeen could face disciplinary action after some supporters invaded the Rugby Park pitch following their cup win over Kilmarnock. Hibernian head coach David Gray is relishing a very special semi-final against Hearts, while counterpart Wouter Vrancken is keeping cool about the Edinburgh derby.

Transfers and Gossip: Fernandes Talks Stall, Madueke in Demand

Manchester United want to retain Bruno Fernandes, but contract talks have stalled between the club and their captain. Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha, while Liverpool are looking at Bournemouth's Rayan next summer. In Tuesday's gossip, Atletico Madrid and Juventus are tracking Noni Madueke, Liverpool are among the clubs eyeing PSV's Paul Wanner, and Lazio are considering free agent Mauro Icardi, with more names in the mix including Jordan Henderson, Federico Dimarco and Karim Benzema.

Coutinho Reunites with Neymar at Santos

Philippe Coutinho has joined Santos for the remainder of the season, linking up with Neymar at the Brazilian club. The former Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder joins from Vasco da Gama, his boyhood club, in a move that was welcomed by Neymar himself.

Yamal Stakes Ballon d'Or Claim

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal has declared that he and Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé are the best players in the world, but insisted the Ballon d'Or should be his this year. The teenage forward's confidence continues to grow after another standout season.

MLS and NWSL: Sullivan Shines, Macario Sidelined

Cavan Sullivan recorded his first two-goal game in MLS and added an assist as the Philadelphia Union cruised to a 5-0 win over San Diego on Sunday night, strengthening his case ahead of the U.S. squad reveal. In the NWSL, San Diego Wave placed forward Catarina Macario on the season-ending injury list due to an ongoing knee issue. Gotham FC are the new leaders in ESPN's NWSL Power Rankings, capitalising on Washington Spirit's shocking 3-0 slip-up. In MLS, Chicago Fire's slide continued as Nashville cemented top spot, with the Fire without a win in three weeks.

International: Shaw Dual-National Battle, Gallardo to Ecuador

Inter Miami midfielder Alexander Shaw has been contacted by Colombia after representing the United States U-20 team at the 2026 Concacaf tournament, with the dual national targeted by both federations. Ecuador have hired Marcelo Gallardo, one of the most decorated coaches in Argentine league history, to lead their 2030 World Cup cycle. In Bolivia, the coach of first-division club Guabirá said his goalkeeper Juan Manuel Ferrel received death threats ahead of Sunday's 6-0 loss to Club Always Ready, describing the sport as tainted by the abuse. Mexico's National Antitrust Commission has launched an investigation into potential monopolistic practices in domestic soccer, with promotion and relegation at the heart of fan complaints.

Around the Leagues: Maresca, Iraola, McGregor and More

Enzo Maresca seemingly took on football's impossible job in replacing Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, but is making it look easy in the early stages of his tenure. Andoni Iraola faces a demanding schedule test at Liverpool, with questions over whether his pressing game will work at Anfield. Celtic captain Callum McGregor criticised his side as a team of individuals after their Old Firm collapse. Bayern Munich unveiled their floral Oktoberfest kit, their wildest yet. Daniel Maldini had his driving licence suspended following a car crash in Milan. Birmingham's Luis Vázquez put the ball over the bar from close range on Saturday, but ESPN concluded it was not even close to the worst miss ever. In the Women's Super League, Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter analysed whether Manchester United are spiralling just two weeks into the new season, while BBC's Women's Football Weekly asked how costly early dropped points could be for Arsenal's WSL title fight.

Rugby League: Leigh and Wakefield Set for Eliminator Rematch

Leigh Leopards and Wakefield Trinity meet again in the Eliminators, having faced each other in the final round of the regular season when Trinity took the spoils. Everyone knows things change when elimination is on the line. Sir Kevin Sinfield will take the Super League Grand Final match ball on his seventh and final challenge before delivering it at Old Trafford, the scene of so many of his most famous successes.

NFL: Mahomes Returns as Chiefs Roll

Patrick Mahomes made his return from knee surgery as the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Denver Broncos 31-10 on Monday night. Kenneth Walker III ran for 173 yards and two touchdowns on debut in a commanding Kansas City performance.

Cricket: McCullum Welcomes Pietersen Challenge, Smith Unsure on Ashes

England coach Brendon McCullum wants to be challenged by Kevin Pietersen and has no problem with the white-ball mentor's previous criticism of the team. England will hand a T20 international debut to Derbyshire batter Aneurin Donald in the series opener against Sri Lanka in Southampton on Tuesday night. Australia's Steve Smith says he does not know whether he will play in next summer's Ashes in England.

Motorsport: Wolff Warns Antonelli, Brundle on Madring

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says Kimi Antonelli must remain wary of unexpected black swan events derailing his championship bid despite holding an 81-point lead. Martin Brundle reflected on the inaugural Madring grand prix, debating the rule that cost Lando Norris and why the venue needs changes before 2027.

Golf, Darts and Boxing

Rory McIlroy returns for the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, with the field, format and prize money all confirmed for the DP World Tour event. Solheim Cup-winning captain Anna Nordqvist has left the door open for a possible 2028 return to lead Team Europe again. The World Grand Prix darts takes place at Leicester's Mattioli Arena from September 28, with the draw now confirmed as Luke Littler looks to defend his title. The full card is set for the Johnny Fisher vs Michael Pirotton bill on September 26, with organisers promising excitement and bad intentions from a constellation of unbeaten talents.

Racing: Yarmouth's Eastern Festival Opens

Day one of the Eastern Festival at Yarmouth begins on Tuesday, featuring some exciting novices plus action from Uttoxeter and Wolverhampton, all live on Sky Sports Racing.

Other Sport: Pollock Eyes New Avenues, Hunt Condemns Advert

England rugby star Henry Pollock would consider playing abroad or even changing sports altogether as talks with Northampton Saints continue. British sprinter Amy Hunt hit back at Sydney Sweeney's controversial betting advert, telling the US actress that this is what women in sport look like.