Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 26, 2026, 3:50 PM ET
La Liga
Mourinho espn.com has primed Real Madrid for a statement win over Barcelona, a result that could blow the title race wide open. Madrid have not looked convincing this season, but Mourinho's game plan has been built around a sharp, disciplined performance. Afterwards he insisted espn.com Madrid are playing to win La Liga, not just to win at Camp Nou. Mbappe's two goals have opened the league up, and the Clásico has offered a window into Mourinho's bbc.co.uk enduring knack for big occasions. Barcelona, meanwhile, are feeling the sting: Pedri blamed espn.com "stupid mistakes" for the defeat, and the Euro Debrief skysports.com column argues Mbappe exposed a clear weakness in the Catalan side. Real Madrid will be without Courtois espn.com, who misses the Clásico with flu, while Julián Álvarez apologized espn.com to Atlético fans over his attempt to force a move to Barcelona.
Premier League
Manchester United are in turmoil. Sources espn.com say the club are weighing Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann as replacements for under-fire Michael Carrick, while Carrick himself admitted espn.com he is in the dark about his future. Howe is reportedly open bbc.co.uk to talks. ESPN's analysis argues espn.com that whoever takes over will face the same underperforming squad, while the club are reportedly eyeing Everton's Branthwaite espn.com as part of a defensive rebuild. Fans at Old Trafford backed bbc.co.uk Carrick during a 3-0 defeat, a sign of how the mood has shifted. Elsewhere, Liverpool's new era under Iraola is gaining espn.com momentum thanks to big-money forwards, while Brighton boss Hürzeler took a swipe espn.com at Liverpool after their win. Man City's perfect start in the women's game was ended skysports.com by a late Terland equaliser in a derby draw.
Serie A & Europe
AC Milan bounced back espn.com from their Bournemouth humbling, overcoming Udinese 2-0 with Pulisic scoring. Juventus earned a much-needed 2-0 win over Lecce as Weston McKennie ended espn.com a long goal drought. Bayern Munich held off espn.com Freiburg 3-1 in their first game without Kompany, returning to the top of the Bundesliga. PSG boss Luis Enrique says espn.com Kvaratskhelia will return stronger from his ACL injury. Neymar was furious espn.com after a red card under the "Vinícius Júnior rule" for covering his mouth.
MLS & NWSL
LAFC clinched espn.com a playoff spot with a 2-2 derby draw against the Galaxy, Leo Walta netting the equaliser, while the Galaxy remain clinging to the last place. In the NWSL, KC Current's Croix Bethune set espn.com a new single-season assist record with her 11th of the campaign. ESPN also asks espn.com whether an American woman can again be the world's best player, as USWNT stars no longer feature among finalists.
Ballon d'Or
Debate is heating up ahead of the men's award, with Harry Kane the odds-on favourite skysports.com, though Mbappe and Lamine Yamal remain in contention. On the women's side, Spain have dominated for five years, and the BBC asks bbc.co.uk whether anyone can stop them. Caroline Weir reflected bbc.co.uk on her nomination while eyeing a World Cup spot.
Scotland & Other
Celtic extended bbc.co.uk their lead to four points, while Hearts responded after a difficult week. Scottish FA chief executive Craig Mulholland is reportedly rethinking bbc.co.uk youth football plans. Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant needed more than 50 stitches bbc.co.uk after a dog attack.
Coming Up
England face a must-win clash with Samoa, as coach Stuart Barrow insists skysports.com the side remain positive about reaching the next stage. Crystal Palace are reportedly eyeing skysports.com Sean Dyche should Oliver Glasner's successor Sage depart.