Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: September 22, 2026, 10:06 PM ET

USMNT & International Duty

Ricardo Pepi has described his latest injury as a minor setback, with the PSV Eindhoven striker remaining optimistic about his recovery timeline. Sebastian Berhalter and Giovanni Reyna are embracing veteran roles for a young USMNT squad navigating a transitional period. Kylian Mbappé revealed that his mother was a "big fan" of Jürgen Klopp and wanted her son to join Liverpool in 2016, while in a separate interview the forward detailed how his mother "fell in love" with Anfield during the courtship.

Premier League & Club News

Mikel Arteta has agreed a new deal to extend his stay at Arsenal, with the club confirming an improved contract for the Premier League champions. Wayne Rooney said it would be "disappointing" for Manchester United to lose Gabriel, while Matheus Cunha insisted it is too early to write off the club this season despite mounting scrutiny. A separate analysis argues Michael Carrick faces an impossible task at Old Trafford following a series of transfer failures. Alexis Mac Allister has opened up about his Liverpool future, saying no firm decision has been made.

Liverpool & Transfer News

Liverpool spent a then-club record fee on Florian Wirtz, but his low statistical output has raised questions about whether he is a superstar-in-progress or a misfit. Meanwhile, the Reds are monitoring Feyenoord right back Givairo Read, though they face competition from Arsenal and Manchester City. Alejandro Garnacho joined Aston Villa on loan from Chelsea with a view to kick-starting his career, but he is struggling for minutes under Unai Emery, making this a defining season for the winger.

La Liga & Refereeing Controversy

La Liga president Javier Tebas dismissed Real Madrid's refereeing conspiracy claims, calling them "in another galaxy." In a separate appearance, Tebas rejected the conspiracy talk as a "smokescreen," pushing back firmly against the club's grievances. Spain's Technical Committee of Referees said Lee Kang-In should have been sent off for his tackle on Federico Valverde, backing Real Madrid's position on the incident.

International Management & Governance

Jürgen Klopp is preparing for his Germany debut, with players praising the "special" former Liverpool manager ahead of his first match in charge. Roberto Mancini has returned as Italy coach and aims to win back the fans who felt "betrayed" by his earlier departure. New Scotland head coach Sébastien Pocognoli told Sky Sports it was time for change and believes he has a "good mix" as he eyes a winning start to his reign. Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney challenged suggestions by Gianni Infantino regarding Fifa reform claims.

International Break & Squad Withdrawals

This three-week international break is the longest ever, and analysis suggests the extended pause could benefit clubs and players alike. BBC Sport examined how players withdraw from international squads after five Premier League players pulled out of their respective national team commitments. As England prepare to face world champions Spain on Saturday, BBC Sport's experts predicted the starting XI for Euro 2028. Granit Xhaka has lost his Switzerland place after admitting to using a fake vaccine certificate, casting doubt over his international future.

Women's Football

Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí told ESPN she has not played this season due to ongoing pain following a broken leg, delaying her anticipated return. Manchester City's eventful return to the Women's Champions League saw them come back from two down to draw 2-2 at Bayern Munich, while Arsenal also secured a win on the night. In a separate WCL fixture, Chloe Kelly had a strike ruled out by VAR as Arsenal sought an opener in a live match. The NWSL has launched a new mechanism allowing teams to develop players more effectively, in a significant move for the league's talent pipeline. The WSL is facing an alarming homegrown problem as global talent floods the league, with the London City Lionesses raising eyebrows by naming no English players in their starting lineup. A broader analysis questions whether a lack of young talent is putting the USWNT's world dominance at risk, citing poor youth-level results. England Red Roses back-row Marlie Packer spoke exclusively to Sky Sports about losing their winning run, responding against New Zealand, and motherhood.

Champions League & European Football

Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson has backed manager Martin O'Neill despite a "painful" week for the club. Celtic announced a loss after tax of £4.8m for the year ending June 30, with revenue dropping by 22.7% compared to the previous 12-month period. A BBC podcast examined whether Celtic's struggles stem from a manager problem or a deeper club problem, following three defeats and one big question about what comes next. Dundee United's Republic of Ireland international Will Ferry has put contract talks on hold, unwilling to decide his future amid ongoing uncertainty.

Ireland, Israel & Governance Controversy

Irish taoiseach Micheal Martin said comments made by the Israel Football Association are "unacceptable", wading into the escalating dispute. BBC Sport explored the backdrop to the contentious Republic of Ireland matches against Israel, including neutral venues and the absence of "away" fans. Leigh Leopards and Wigan Warriors will be subject to an independent investigation by the RFL following conduct issues.

Cricket

England continued their white-ball dominance over Sri Lanka as an 89-run victory in Durham saw Will Jacks star with a match-winning performance. Captain Harry Brook said leaning on a mentor of Kevin Pietersen's calibre will only strengthen England's white-ball setup, ahead of the ODI against Sri Lanka. England fast bowler Mark Wood has announced his retirement from international cricket due to injury, bringing an end to a career punctuated by express pace and persistent fitness setbacks. Great Britain's stay at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals lasted only one match as Katie Boulter and Sonay Kartal were beaten by the Czech Republic, ending their campaign abruptly.

Formula 1 & Motorsport

Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar will return to action at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after recovering from injury. Formula 1 embarks on its first triple header of the season this week, with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix kicking off a stretch that is expected to shape the title run-in as Antonelli's lead grows.

Rugby & Darts

Henry Pollock has signed a new multi-year contract extension with Northampton Saints, with the back-row saying he is "just getting started." Wigan Warriors are focused on taking on a "battle-hardened" Wakefield in their semi-final, eyeing a Grand Final spot. Players Championship 29 winner Cameron Menzies revealed he feared he was suffering a heart attack before his World Matchplay incident. Sky Sports Darts' Mark Webster believes Luke Littler will not walk away from the sport despite recent crowd booing.

Golf & Horse Racing

Team events are some of the biggest weeks in golf, and discussion has turned to whether a mixed Ryder Cup-style event could realistically happen and how it would work. The Presidents Cup returns, with Team USA looking to be stopped as the format, line-ups, venue, and captains are confirmed. Hurricane Fly, the Willie Mullins-trained dual Champion Hurdle winner, has died at the age of, prompting tributes across the racing world. Tuesday's racing preview covers a busy day of action from Fontwell and Southwell, with Virtual Rock looking to follow up his recent win.

Boxing & NFL

Johnny Fisher faced off with opponent Michael Pirotton outside the Copper Box Arena, firing back at Pirotton's "mental frailty" jibe ahead of their bout. The Los Angeles Rams bounced back from their dismal season opener in Australia to beat the Giants 28-6, as Matthew Stafford and Davante Adams starred in a statement win after Dart's injury. Tom Brady's surprise start with the Raiders has raised questions about why he wanted the franchise, with Cousins and Mendoza leading the team to a 2-0 record.

Feature Stories & Offbeat

Taylor Swift has signed for a club in the 10th tier of the English football pyramid — though not the pop star — and scored on debut. Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac have bought The Turf pub adjacent to Wrexham's stadium, expanding their footprint in the town. Andros Townsend described being run over by a pitch roller in Thailand as a moment when he "thought I was done", recounting the frightening incident. A new BBC podcast goes behind the scenes at Sheffield FC, the world's oldest club, exploring its new era with the tagline "This is not Wrexham. I'm not Ryan Reynolds." Soccer's wildest warmup kits for the 2026-27 season have been ranked as the good, the bad, and the ugly, with prematch gear stealing the spotlight from traditional jerseys. BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team looked at which players have scored against the most Premier League teams. Josh McPake's "colourful" journey from being without a club three years ago to a Scotland call-up has been documented, while Luis Binks reflected on pizza with Thierry Henry, captaining Brøndby, and now a Scotland chance. Republic of Ireland centre-back John Egan's late career resurgence has taken him back to the Premier League with Hull City.