Last updated: August 13, 2026, 9:10 PM ET
La Liga Opener Postponed; Season Preview
La Liga has postponed Celta Vigo's opening match of the 2026-27 season against Osasuna after a fungus outbreak on the pitch at their stadium made the surface unplayable. The club confirmed the delay as La Liga inspectors assessed the damage, with the fixture now set to be rescheduled. Elsewhere, the major European leagues are preparing to kick off, with big stories ranging from managerial changes to transfer sagas across Serie A, the Bundesliga, and beyond. In a quirky twist, Barcelona will face Montpellier during a solar eclipse in Spain, with players advised to keep their eyes on the ball as the celestial event unfolds. Meanwhile, both Barcelona and Real Madrid have released their new third kits for the season, adding a fresh layer to the Clásico rivalry even before a ball is kicked.
Premier League Season Countdown
The Premier League season is almost here, and ESPN has identified the 20 people who will define the campaign, from Enzo Maresca to James Maddison. The Community Shield traditionally serves as a prelude to the season, but history suggests its result is a misleading predictor of Premier League success. A Sky Sports supercomputer has predicted the final table, with Arsenal retaining the title and Liverpool finishing above Manchester United. The season will also see a ban on gambling sponsors on the front of shirts, changing the look of Premier League kits as tech and finance companies step in. For fans wondering how to watch, all the details on broadcasting the new season are available, with hydration breaks now a thing of the past.
Transfer Market: Arsenal and Chelsea
The transfer window is heating up as clubs finalize their squads. Arsenal are actively pursuing new signings, with Mikel Arteta admitting there is more work to be done after Bruno Guimaraes made his debut. The Gunners have received a €45m bid from Galatasaray for Gabriel Martinelli, while they are also holding talks over Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa as a central defensive target. Arsenal have invited offers for both Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri, while Lewis-Skelly scored in a friendly against Como amid speculation over his future, with Arteta welcoming the attention. On the Chelsea front, the club has set a Friday deadline for any club meeting their £120m valuation of Enzo Fernández. They are also eyeing Arsenal's Martín Zubimendi as a potential replacement if Fernández leaves for Manchester City. Chelsea have completed the signing of left-back Pep Chavarría from Rayo Vallecano for £16m, a late-bloomer who played in the Spanish lower leagues until he was.
Transfer Market: Manchester Clubs and Spurs
Manchester City are at the center of several transfer stories. They have rejected a fresh £55m bid from Barcelona for Rodri, though the Catalan club remains optimistic of completing a deal. With Rodri's exit looking increasingly likely, the main contenders to replace him are being assessed. City have also signed goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli from Marseille as understudy to Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Jérémy Doku has signed a new five-year deal. New manager Enzo Maresca wants City to sign Chelsea duo Enzo Fernández and Pedro Neto, and he has spoken about replacing Pep Guardiola, his captaincy dilemma, and his interest in AI masterclasses. At Manchester United, head coach Michael Carrick says the club "want and need" more signings before the window closes. Marcus Rashford is set for reintegration at the club after loan spells, though com/sports/skysports-champions-league/marcus-rashfords-return-to-man-utd-after-loan-spells-ecc2c298). Youri Tielemans has apologised to Aston Villa fans after suggesting he had moved to a bigger club in Manchester United, and he did not expect to leave Villa this summer. Lisandro Martínez has joined up with United's preseason camp, while Mason Mount is expected to miss the club's friendly against Leeds. Bruno Fernandes remains the centre of attention as speculation swirls over his future. Tottenham are in talks with Inter Milan over the sale of Djed Spence, while Atletico Madrid have agreed a deal in principle to sign Spurs captain Cristian Romero for €40m.
UEFA Super Cup: PSG Edge Aston Villa
Paris Saint-Germain won their second straight UEFA Super Cup, beating Aston Villa 2-1 in Salzburg. Désiré Doué scored the winner as the Champions League holders silenced the hype around Villa's teenage sensation Brian Madjo. The 17-year-old Madjo scored on his Villa debut, ending an eight-month wait for a competitive chance, and his performance suggested Villa had found a new star despite the defeat. PSG's travelling squad included Bradley Barcola amid persistent links to Liverpool, while the club were reportedly unhappy with the dressing room space provided at the Red Bull Arena. The victory raises questions about whether PSG can achieve a three-peat in the Champions League and win six trophies this season. For Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, it was another Super Cup defeat, though the match provided a glimpse of the team's potential.
Transfers: Other Major Moves
Atletico Madrid have also held talks between Diego Simeone and Julián Álvarez after the forward revealed a transfer request. Barcelona have rejected a €40m offer from PSG for Ferran Torres, while Roony Bardghji has torn his ACL, scuppering plans for a transfer. Endrick is likely to stay at Real Madrid rather than leave on loan. Liverpool have signed Barcelona captain Ronald Araújo on loan with a €55m option, while they are also exploring a move for Jules Koundé. Jeff Bezos and a group including the Amazon founder are closing in on a stake in Liverpool, though it may not significantly alter the club's spending power. Romelu Lukaku has joined Fenerbahce from Napoli for €6m, describing the move as "emotional." Fenerbahce confirmed the signing of the Belgium striker. Everton have signed Brennan Johnson from Crystal Palace in a swap deal for Dwight McNeil. Nottingham Forest have signed Ivorian defender Ousmane Diomande from Sporting for £34m. Celtic have signed German midfielder Mika Baur from Paderborn, as well as winger Haissem Hassan from Real Oviedo. Rangers have agreed a £6.5m deal for PSV winger Couhaib Driouech, who was at Ibrox pending a move. Wrexham have signed Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson in a potential club-record deal.
Pre-Season Friendlies and Domestic Cups
Manchester United beat Leeds United 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Dublin, with Noussair Mazraoui keeping his cool amid a bizarre finish that saw pitch invaders. Rashford was absent from the squad but remains part of United's plans. Fulham's pre-season match against Málaga turned chaotic when the Premier League side walked off the pitch before a penalty shootout, allowing Málaga to score into an empty net. Real Madrid beat Deportivo La Coruña 1-0 in a friendly, with Brahim Díaz scoring the winner. Everton breezed past Newcastle 3-1 at Murrayfield, giving Matthias Jaissle a hint of the task ahead as Newcastle boss. Arsenal were held 1-1 by Como before winning 4-3 on penalties, with Bruno Guimaraes making his bow and Lewis-Skelly scoring. In the Carabao Cup, the second-round draw has set up a clash between Chelsea and Luton, while Tottenham will host Charlton.
Women's Football and Wafcon
The Women's Africa Cup of Nations has reached its climax, with Cameroon stunning host nation Morocco to reach the final after goalkeeper Michaely Bihina saved four penalties in a shootout. Malawi's fairy tale run continues after the Chawinga sisters — Tabitha and Temwa — shared three goals in a 3-1 semi-final win over Algeria. Chelsea will face Real Sociedad in the third round of qualifying for the Women's Champions League, with Ajax set to face Real Madrid. Georgia Stanway has explained why she wasted no time in getting an Arsenal tattoo after feeling "wanted" by the club following her move from Bayern Munich. The Chicago Stars have fired head coach Martin Sjögren with the club languishing at the bottom of the NWSL, bringing back Lorne Donaldson. USWNT and Portland Thorns star Olivia Moultrie is out for the season with an ACL injury.
Managerial Changes and FIFA Politics
The Netherlands have appointed Barcelona great Xavi Hernández as national team coach through the 2030 World Cup. José Mourinho is back at Real Madrid 13 years after leaving, facing his biggest challenge yet. Wales are in a "hard position" after the collapse of Craig Bellamy's proposed move to Burnley. The Football Association of Ireland has withdrawn support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, while the Irish FA backs Uefa. Six Arab federations have expressed "full support" for Infantino as he fights to keep his job. US President Donald Trump has warned FIFA would be making a "terrible mistake" if it replaced Infantino. A map showing the world's division over Infantino reveals the global split in support for his leadership.
EFL and Championship Season Preview
The EFL season is back with major changes, including a six-team play-off format in the Championship. West Ham are playing in the Championship for the first time in 14 years, and there is analysis on whether the Hammers can bounce straight back amid a boardroom battle on the eve of the season. The three relegated sides — West Ham, Burnley, and Wolves — will face a tough challenge in navigating the Championship. Sunderland, who were one of the stories of the 2025-26 Premier League season, are fourth favourites for relegation but could defy the odds again with European commitments. Championship predictions and best bets are available, with Wolves tipped to fall flat on the opening night. Birmingham City, transformed under Chris Davies with over 20,000 season tickets sold, are pushing for promotion. The 3pm blackout on Saturday is not being enforced this weekend, meaning EFL matches will be shown on TV.
International Football and Other News
Lionel Messi rejoined Inter Miami's bench after the passing of his father, Jorge, and paid an emotional tribute on Instagram. As the Argentine great considers retirement, BBC Sport has looked back at his most iconic moments. Cristiano Ronaldo has married his long-time partner Georgina Rodríguez in Portugal, though false wedding reports sent a huge crowd of fans to another couple's big day in Funchal. Mexico beat the United States 2-0 in the Concacaf U20 final after a controversial red card. The Football Association has charged Everton's Martin Sherif with 61 alleged bets on matches. The PFA has started legal proceedings against the EFL over the League One salary cap. Super League has received an investment offer from Australia's National Rugby League. Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is suing Crystal Palace for defamation over a banner. LAFC has signed forward Armindo Sieb from Bayern Munich through 2028.
Tennis, Cricket, and Other Sports
At the Cincinnati Open, Jack Draper lost in the first round after blowing six set points against Martin Landaluce. At the Canadian Open, Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar's bid for history was halted by Brandon Nakashima, while Elena Rybakina beat Coco Gauff. Arthur Fery feels "no added pressure" as the new British No 1 ahead of his return to action. In cricket, England have secured their place at the 2027 Cricket World Cup, but the West Indies need to qualify. In The Hundred, MI London's title defence is over despite a narrow win over Birmingham Phoenix. The Hundred awards have been given by Stuart Broad, Nasser Hussain, and Lydia Greenway. Manchester Super Giants routed Sun Risers Leeds to move to the cusp of the Hundred eliminator, while SunRisers beat Super Giants to reach the women's eliminator. In golf, Rory McIlroy returns to the PGA Tour for the Fed ExCup Playoffs at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, targeting a record-extending fourth title. In Formula, Kimi Antonelli is on course to become the youngest-ever world champion; where would his triumph rank among surprise title wins? Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur has outlined the team's most important target for the second half of the season. In snooker, Ronnie O'Sullivan's poor start to the season continued with an early China Open loss. In boxing, Craig Richards will face Radivoje Kalajdzic on the Johnny Fisher bill. Commonwealth Games gold medallist Damar Thomas wants to create his own legacy after being compared to Anthony Joshua.