Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: September 16, 2026, 10:03 PM ET

Carabao Cup: Manchester United's Historic Collapse

Manchester United surrendered a two-goal lead to Brighton, crashing out of the Carabao Cup in a 3-2 defeat that marked a new low under Michael Carrick. The shambolic exit saw United concede three unanswered goals after appearing in complete control. Brighton's fightback began as the visitors pulled one back before completing the turnaround. The defeat compounded a miserable week for United, which included derby drama, fan protests, and unrest over JJ Gabriel's situation. The BBC's Football Daily podcast dissected the nightmare alongside Sunderland's European exploits. Meanwhile, analysis emerged showing United perform better without the ball under Carrick, averaging 1.5 points per game when they have less possession. The Gabriel saga deepened as the teenager reportedly wants to leave Old Trafford, with Barcelona and Real Madrid monitoring his stand-off with the club.

Carabao Cup: Fourth-Round Draw and Other Results

Liverpool will host Chelsea in the headline tie of the Carabao Cup fourth round, while Arsenal travel to Fleetwood. Everton edged Wolves 1-0 through substitute Charly Alcaraz's late winner at Goodison Park. Earlier, Everton's Barry was denied by a top save to keep the match goalless. Aston Villa cruised past Coventry 3-1, with Tammy Abraham scoring twice to book their fourth-round place. The match report and reaction from the Coventry Building Society Arena captured Ross Barkley restoring Villa's lead. Fleetwood shocked Sheffield United 1-0 via Rhys Norrington-Davies' horror own goal, booking their Arsenal tie. Sunderland's European return saw Le Fee hit the post as they pushed for an opener against AZ.

Arsenal Prodigy Dowman Equals Rooney Record

Arsenal's Max Dowman equalled a Wayne Rooney record, becoming only the second 16-year-old to score a Carabao Cup double. Mikel Merino hailed Dowman as a "special talent" comparable to Lamine Yamal. Arsenal rejected loan offers for the teenager, according to Thursday's gossip. The Premier League's most valuable teens are making headlines, with Dowman's rise and Gabriel's United exit request dominating discussion.

LaLiga: Barcelona's Record Start and Real Madrid Drama

Barcelona set a record start to the season with a 7-2 demolition of Racing Santander, as Raphinha bagged a hat trick in the rout. The Catalan club also re-signed Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim, nicknamed the "Haaland of the Nile," tying him to the club until 2030. Real Madrid's José Mourinho said his side "risked everything" with attacking substitutions in their win over Elche. Kylian Mbappé explained his refusal to wear a T-shirt supporting Ceuta amid backlash in Spain. Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Ibrahima Konaté obscured Real's Ceuta message ahead of the Elche match. Transfer rumors suggest Barcelona and Real Madrid believe Haaland could leave Manchester City next summer.

Premier League: Manager Pressure and Analysis

ESPN's Hot Seat Index ranked which Premier League managers are most likely to be fired first. The title race narrowed further after Arsenal and Manchester City separated themselves from the pack. Manchester City's Enzo Maresca criticised the focus on the controversial VAR decision that allowed Erling Haaland's derby winner, calling it "quite poor." The BBC examined the catastrophic VAR mistake in the Manchester derby. There are growing calls for soccer to learn from the NFL to fix the mess VAR has created. Referees at all levels face fury and abuse, raising questions about why anyone would want the job.

European Football: Milan, Benfica, and Europa League

AC Milan opened their Europa League campaign with a disappointing 2-0 home loss to Benfica, as Christian Pulisic came on as a substitute. In the Bundesliga, breakout American star Cole Campbell committed to the U.S. and is eyeing his first national team call-up. Bayern Munich unveiled their Oktoberfest kit, a floral design that ranks among their wildest yet.

International Football: Spain, Argentina, and USA

Spain's World Cup-winning head coach Luis de la Fuente extended his contract until 2032. Lionel Messi, despite announcing his international retirement, was named to Argentina's squad for an October 6 farewell game. The United States was eliminated from the U20 Women's World Cup in a round-of-16 shootout loss to Brazil. Philadelphia Union's Cavan Sullivan, earned his first USMNT call-up, sources confirmed. Chelsea's João Pedro withdrew from Brazil's squad due to injury.

Scotland: Hibs Sack Gray, Squad Announcements

Hibernian sacked head coach David Gray after just six Scottish Premiership games. The club dismissed Gray amid a winless run following their defeat to Kilmarnock, with Hibs sitting ninth in the table. A painful endgame unfolded for the club hero, who left not to the sound of applause but to a stale slump. Scotland's new-look squad was announced as Aberdeen hammered Motherwell, with Oli McBurnie returning to the squad after five years. Sixteen-year-old Kyle Glasgow made Tony Docherty's Scotland U21 squad. Scottish teenage brothers Olly and Seb Fisher are closing in on representing Uganda internationally. Rangers and Aberdeen's Premier Sports Cup semi-final was set for 31 October, with the Edinburgh derby on 1 November.

Wales and International Management

Wales boss Craig Bellamy faces a fan trust test after turning down the chance to leave following a "sleepless night." Thomas Tuchel passionately defended his substitutions, telling critics "it's my scar, not yours" regarding England's World Cup semi-final decisions. Tuchel also reflected on the World Cup, revealing he wishes he had eaten grass from the Azteca pitch after England's tournament run.

Saudi Pro League and Asian Football

Al-Taawoun were ordered to play two matches behind closed doors and fined over chants referencing Jota directed at Rúben Neves. The Saudi club received the ban and fine following the incident. Cristiano Ronaldo suffered his heaviest loss since joining Al Nassr as the Saudi club was routed 4-0 in the Asian Champions League. Ange Postecoglou clashed with a reporter while staunchly defending Ronaldo after the defeat.

Women's Football: WSL, NWSL, and Contracts

Arsenal's WSL title drought raises questions about whether their squad depth is a blessing or a curse. London City Lionesses defender Jana Fernandez signed a new contract keeping her at the club until 2029. In the NWSL, Gotham FC rose to the top of ESPN's Power Rankings as the Washington Spirit slipped. Racing Louisville's Savannah DeMelo is suing doctors at University of Louisville Health after suffering a cardiac arrest during an NWSL game.

MLS and Transfers

The Chicago Fire's slide continued as Nashville cemented the top spot in ESPN's MLS Power Rankings, with Chicago winless in over three weeks. Former Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma completed a move to Ajax on an initial free transfer. Luke Shaw may leave Manchester United next summer with no new deal in sight, according to reports. Chelsea are reportedly tracking a "Mini Valverde" while James Garner has emerged as Everton's main man. Chelsea talent Kendry Paez faces development setbacks after being signed as one of the world's best young prospects. Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo remain match winners despite a bumpy 2025-26 season. Taylor Harwood-Bellis has a chance to make his mark at Aston Villa after being left out of their Champions League squad.

Premier League Rules and Academy Football

The BBC's Ask Me Anything team explained the rules governing academy players and clubs in the Premier League. Fantasy Premier League icons were ranked, celebrating the satisfaction of unearthing hidden gems like Michu and Mohamed Salah.

EFL and Lower Leagues

The 72+ EFL Podcast covered Heckingbottom's sacking and the Millwall-West Ham clash. Giovanni Savarese, the former longtime Portland Timbers boss, found a home feel in Melbourne Victory, where Greek flags and Grand Finals remind him of home.

Cricket: County Championship

Warwickshire sealed a two-day win over Essex to boost their Rothesay County Championship title challenge.

Tennis: Djokovic, Laver Cup, and WTA Finals

Novak Djokovic confirmed he will compete at the China Open this year after an 11-year absence. The Laver Cup, a Ryder Cup-style event featuring 12 of the world's best men's players, returns to Sky Sports this month. The WTA Finals will move to Charlotte, North Carolina from 2027, with organizers aiming to create a "Super Bowl for women's sports."

Golf: Ryder Cup, DP World Tour, and BMW PGA

Europe's Ryder Cup team visited "immaculate" Adare Manor ahead of their 2027 bid for a historic triumph. Gareth Bale headlined the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am as Rory McIlroy shot a low score of. The DP World Tour unveiled big changes to its 2027 schedule, including a new date for the BMW PGA Championship. Fairy Glen is well fancied in the Listed John Musker Fillies' Stakes at Yarmouth.

Formula 1: 2027 Calendar and Alonso's Future

Formula 1 announced its 2027 calendar featuring 24 races and 10 sprint weekends. Monaco will host its first Sprint as part of the shake-ups for 2027. Fernando Alonso's future is up in the air after he revealed news about his Aston Martin contract, raising questions about whether F1 could change rules to prevent his retirement. Gianluigi Donnarumma insisted Manchester City are not in transition, backing their title push: "This is who we are. This is our team. This is City."

Darts, Boxing, Rugby League, and NFL

The World Grand Prix schedule was confirmed as Luke Littler looks to defend his title at Leicester's Mattioli Arena. Caroline Dubois expects an undisputed fight with "jealous" Alycia Baumgardner. Hull KR's Willie Peters said his side must improve to make Super League history from sixth. Justin Herbert is tipped to be the best ever, but is he the NFL's best underachiever?