Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: September 17, 2026, 10:02 PM ET

Manchester United Crisis Deepens

Manchester United have hit a new low under Michael Carrick, crashing out of the Carabao Cup after a collapse against Brighton. Carrick branded the performance "unacceptable" and took full responsibility for the exit, saying the squad cannot accept such a capitulation. The manager also confirmed he is involved in ongoing conversations about the future of 15-year-old forward JJ Gabriel, with the club set to be careful with his development amid growing transfer interest.

Barcelona Set Record Start

Barcelona continue to look unstoppable, with Raphinha scoring a hat trick in a 7-2 rout of Racing Santander to set a new record start to the season. The Catalan side have now established themselves as world soccer's hottest team, and the question on everyone's lips is whether anyone can stop them. Real Madrid, meanwhile, are monitoring Manchester United's 15-year-old forward JJ Gabriel, with the Spanish giants holding a strong interest in the teenager, while PSG and Barcelona also circle.

Europa League: Palace Cruise, Bournemouth Win, Celtic Lose

Crystal Palace enjoyed a dream Europa League debut, powering past Lech Poznan 4-0 at Selhurst Park. Bournemouth also started their maiden European campaign in style, with first-half goals from Justin Kluivert and Rayan securing a win at Real Sociedad. Celtic, however, were punished for defensive errors once again, losing their opener to Ferencvaros. AC Milan's campaign got off to a disappointing start as they were humbled by Benfica 2-0 at home, with Christian Pulisic only appearing as a substitute. A full recap of the night captures all the action.

Premier League & Domestic Cups

Manchester City eased past Norwich 5-0 in the Carabao Cup, with Floyd Samba — son of former defender Chris Samba — scoring twice on a dream debut. The holders were in complete control throughout, and live coverage of the rout against Norwich tracked every goal. MK Dons remain without a win in seven League One games after a goalless draw at Wimbledon. Burnley defender Kyle Walker says he has "never wanted a victory as much" as he does now, as the Clarets look to end a 22-match winless run. Xabi Alonso, meanwhile, believes Chelsea needed "an update" rather than a full reset, offering his assessment of the club ahead of the weekend.

Premier League Predictions & Previews

Tipster Lewis Jones expects Brentford to expose a "soft" Chelsea this weekend in his Premier League predictions. BBC Sport's Chris Sutton takes on legendary guitarist and Manchester City fan Johnny Marr in the latest round of predictions. The Madrid derby headlines the weekend's action, with ESPN previewing the heated LaLiga clash, Brighton's chances of stunning Arsenal, and Roma vs Inter in a packed fixture list.

Transfer News & Rumors

Arsenal are eyeing Bournemouth youngster Eli Junior Kroupi, with the Gunners also monitoring Schade as Mikel Arteta draws up his January wish list. The Kroupi link features prominently in Friday's gossip roundup, which also covers Real Madrid's plans and interest in several Premier League defenders. Arsenal remain keen on Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, while PSV Eindhoven's Paul Wanner has emerged as a Liverpool target in the latest Transfer Talk. Rangers will reportedly pay less than £1m for James Penrice should he sign permanently, with a potential £800,000 fee agreed. The papers roundup continues to track all the latest movement.

USMNT & International Squads

Teenage Philadelphia Union phenom Cavan Sullivan, headlines the 28-player USMNT roster, while Christian Pulisic has been left out of the squad. Pulisic and Folarin Balogun were the biggest stars at the World Cup, but both are missing from the first post-World Cup squad as the new cycle begins. Sullivan's call-up was confirmed by sources ahead of the official announcement. New York Red Bulls teenager Julian Hall remains undecided on his USMNT future despite receiving his first call-up.

Germany & England Coaching News

Jürgen Klopp has named a total of 44 players across two separate squads for his first Germany games in charge. Klopp also said he wants to "reclaim" the German flag from the far right amid the country's elections, insisting his team can help ensure national pride is not hijacked. Thomas Tuchel is set to name his first England squad since the World Cup, with BBC Sport examining the big questions surrounding his selections. Cole Palmer's outstanding form has put him in a strong position for a recall, but questions remain over whether Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold will be left out of the England squad.

Republic of Ireland & Wales

Seamus Coleman has not been included in the Republic of Ireland squad, with Liam Kitching earning his first Ireland call-up. Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson revealed he spoke to players individually about the upcoming Israel games. Wrexham striker Nathan Broadhead will miss Wales' Nations League fixtures and upcoming games with a thigh injury. Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill says there is no rush for Everton's Braiden Graham and warned against pigeonholing the youngster.

Scottish Football

Hibernian are searching for a new direction after David Gray's departure, with the club potentially following the coaching model used by Hearts and Motherwell. Celtic face a defining week after their defeat to Rangers, with Chris Sutton believing his former side have great concerns despite a recent winning streak. A podcast discussion covers Hibs pulling the trigger on Gray as Celtic prepare for a crucial European night. Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin is set to resume his duties at Tannadice after a three-week medical absence.

Championship Derbies & Fan Behaviour

West Ham visit Millwall and Wolves host West Bromwich Albion as several fierce derbies return this season. Wolves and West Brom have issued a joint statement warning fans over behaviour ahead of Sunday's meeting, following trouble at the last derby. Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have aimed a Spygate dig at next opponents Southampton ahead of their upcoming clash.

Euro Leagues & Feature Stories

The latest Euro Leagues podcast asks whether JJ Gabriel is set for Real Madrid and highlights former Gunners Aubameyang and Jesus scoring freely. Donyell Malen has become Europe's most prolific scorer, with the Aston Villa fringe player transforming at Roma. The remarkable story of Torreense, who stunned Portugal by winning their domestic cup and qualifying for Europe, is told in a feature on ultimate underdogs. An in-depth piece examines Israel's U20 team that offered hope before Hamas attacked Israel four months later.

LaLiga & Mbappé Ceuta Row

Kylian Mbappé has explained his refusal to wear a T-shirt in support of Ceuta, saying he stands with Ceuta after Vinicius Jr and Konate covered up the message ahead of Real Madrid's match at Elche. Mbappé elaborated on the shirt controversy amid backlash in Spain.

MLS & Inter Miami

Lionel Messi pointed his finger at MLS commissioner Don Garber on multiple occasions after Inter Miami's win, in what appeared to be a heated exchange. Casemiro doubled Miami's advantage after Messi's early header in the Campeones Cup win.

NWSL & Women's Soccer

The Chicago Stars have hired former USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski as the club's soccer chief. The question now is whether Andonovski can save the last-place club in the NWSL. USWNT player Savannah DeMelo is suing a hospital and doctors after suffering an on-pitch cardiac arrest.

Rugby

Jess Breach and Alex Matthews return to start for England's Red Roses against Canada, as head coach Mitchell rings the changes for the upcoming Test.

Cricket

India's Abhishek Sharma struck the fastest T20I hundred by a batter from a Test-playing nation, reaching the landmark in just 30 balls. England are three down chasing 146 to win the T20 series against Sri Lanka, with live coverage tracking the chase. The full scorecard from Cardiff is available. In the County Championship, Dom Bess dented Somerset's title hopes while Ben Stokes starred with the ball for Durham.

Golf

Aaron Rai took a share of the BMW PGA Championship first-round lead, with Rory McIlroy three shots back. McIlroy was in early action at Wentworth, with live coverage of the pro-am and tee times available.

Formula 1

World champion Lando Norris believes F1 drivers will face a greater challenge at a tougher Monaco with the addition of a shock Sprint race in 2027. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies says the team will continue to prioritise Isack Hadjar's recovery over an Azerbaijan GP return, insisting there is nothing wrong with his recovery. Lewis Hamilton has responded to reports he called for changes at Ferrari, denying the claims.

Darts

Michael van Gerwen's title defence at the World Series of Darts Finals came to an abrupt end as he was dumped out in the first round, while Luke Humphries advanced.

Boxing

Britain's Marie McManamon will meet Hong Kong Muay Thai star Yu Yau Pui on the undercard of a heavyweight world title fight. The European Elite Boxing Championships begin in Sofia, with Broadhurst chasing Olympic glory and calling it her last shot at the Games.

Racing

Yarmouth's three-day festival concludes with Deep Havana and Pilu facing off in a seven-race card.

FA & FIFA Governance

FIFA vice president and FA chairwoman Debbie Hewitt has demanded FIFA president Gianni Infantino release all documents relating to a World Cup sell-off plan, with sources saying the FA chief is seeking full transparency. The FA has formally demanded the documents be released.

PSG Ultras Legal Action

Paris Saint-Germain ultras have taken legal action over a travel ban preventing them from attending the Marseille fixture.

Player Features & Interviews

Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia says he is finally reaping the rewards of his hard work and is out to change the narrative after a series of injuries. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is becoming the complete striker at Leeds. BBC Sport columnist Tony Pulis explains why Coventry boss Frank Lampard needs to manage himself and deal with defeat.

Newcastle & Managerial Pressure

Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle was forthright in the away dressing room after the Leeds loss, and players have now seen his angry side — the question is whether they can respond.

Obituary

Former Exeter City, Crystal Palace, Barnsley and Watford goalkeeper Kevin Miller has died aged 57.

Hyrox

Australian athlete Joanna Wietrzyk has apologised for continuing to compete in a Hyrox event after soiling herself during the race.