Last updated: August 16, 2026, 9:08 PM ET
Transfers
Barcelona have reached an agreement in principle to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri for a reported $87M deal, with the Spain international set to undergo a medical in the coming days. Cristiano Ronaldo has given his clearest indication yet that he could retire from football at the end of the current season, saying it is "probably my last year" after a glittering career spanning over two decades. Neymar was left hanging by Thiago Mendes in Sunday's handshake line ahead of Vasco da Gama and Santos, reigniting a six-year-old feud between the Brazilian stars.
Cameroon won their first ever Women's Africa Cup of Nations title by dismantling Malawi 3-0 in Rabat on Sunday, with three goals coming during a dominant first-half display that showcased their tactical superiority. Lens overcame a first-half red card for defender Kyllian Antonio to battle to a 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Trophee de Champions at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, stunning the reigning Ligue 1 champions.
International & Preseason
Jack Whaley defeated American Jay Leng Jr in a grueling 36-hole final on Sunday to win the US Amateur Championship and secure his place at The Open next year. Juventus pulled out of the race for Emiliano Martinez, while Manchester City face competition for Pedro Neto and Real Madrid set their sights on Martin Zubimendi, reshaping the midfield market landscape.
Marie Ngah Manga scored twice as Cameroon cruised to a 3-0 win over Malawi, claiming their first-ever Women's Africa Cup of Nations title in a commanding performance that highlighted their growing dominance in African women's football. Sebastien Pocognoli was named as the new Scotland head coach, tasked with shifting the playing style and maintaining qualification for major tournaments while refreshing the squad.
Did Arsenal show just how far above Manchester City they are with their dominant Community Shield win? The emphatic 3-0 victory at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff sent a strong message about the Gunners' title credentials this season.
European Action
Barcelona agreed a deal to sign Spain captain Rodri from Manchester City, with the midfielder set to bolster their midfield options after a successful summer transfer window. Bayern Munich remained tight-lipped about Jamal Musiala's condition after the youngster collapsed during a friendly against Leipzig, leaving fans concerned about the promising talent's health.
Barcelona are set to sign João Cancelo for a third time after the full-back agreed to terminate his contract with Al Hilal, adding experienced depth to their defensive lineup. Lamine Yamal was on target and summer signing Jesse Bisiwu dazzled with a late brace as Barcelona defeated Basel 5-2 in a convincing preseason display.
Kylian Mbappé, Dean Huijsen and Carlos Espí scored as Real Madrid beat Schalke 3-0 in their final preseason friendly, with Mbappé leading José Mourinho's side in what appears to be a seamless transition period for the LaLiga giants.
Community Shield & Manager Reactions
Mikel Arteta said Arsenal's emphatic Community Shield win over Manchester City must set the standard for the upcoming season, praising his team's dominant 3-0 performance at the Principality Stadium. Bruno Guimarães and Elliot Anderson will make their first starts for Arsenal and Manchester City respectively in the Community Shield following their big-money summer moves.
Riyad Mahrez missed his third penalty in a row as Inter Miami suffered a third consecutive loss in a 4-1 rout at first-place Nashville SC, raising questions about the team's momentum heading into the MLS season. Inter Miami CF manager Guillermo Hoyos emphasized the need for privacy as Lionel Messi navigates his return to football following the passing of his father, Jorge Messi.
Transfer Market Updates
Tottenham are "one step away" from sealing a deal for Liverpool wide man Cody Gakpo, while Paris Saint-Germain strengthen their squad with the $64M signing of Belgium winger Mika Godts from Ajax. Manchester United boss Michael Carrick said there were "no excuses" after his side fell to a 4-2 preseason defeat to AC Milan, highlighting areas needing improvement before the Premier League campaign.
Mikel Arteta said a rivalry with Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca and other new managers in the Premier League this season can help raise the level of Arsenal, viewing the competition as a catalyst for growth. Mohamed Salah made his Trabzonspor debut as a second-half substitute as his new club launched their Turkish Süper Lig campaign with a 1-1 draw at Kasımpaşa.
Women's Football
Malawi, ranked 153rd in the world, reached the 2026 WAFCON Final in their tournament debut, marking one of the most remarkable underdog stories in international football history. Fans in Cameroon want a statue built for Michaely Bihina after she made four penalty saves against Morocco to help Cameroon reach the 2026 Wafcon final, cementing her status as a national hero.
Sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga are the undoubted stars of Malawi's unexpected run to the final of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, carrying their team's hopes on their shoulders throughout the tournament.
Golf & Other Sports
Scottie Scheffler produced a clinical performance at TPC Southwind on his way to sealing an eight-shot victory at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, demonstrating his dominance in the PGA Tour playoffs. Rory McIlroy bemoaned his poor form as he finished 66th at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, saying "I am so far away from where I need to be" in his pursuit of major championships.
Jeff Winther ended a four-year wait to claim his second DP World Tour title on Sunday at the Danish Golf Championship, pipping compatriot Rasmus Højgaard in a thrilling finish that showcased the high level of European golf.
Leadership & Future Outlook
Enzo Maresca will wait until the end of the transfer window to finalize his Manchester City leadership group, given the uncertainty over the final make-up of his squad after a busy summer of changes. Manchester City are unlikely to meet Chelsea's Friday deadline for Enzo Fernández, according to Enzo Maresca, potentially derailing a major midfield move for the Argentine international.
Chelsea's deadline for clubs to bid £120M for midfielder Enzo Fernandez has passed, and they now expect the Argentine to stay at the club this season, ending speculation about his future. Aston Villa have agreed a £29.9M deal with Parma to sign Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, strengthening their options between the posts for the upcoming campaign.
Managerial Changes & Club News
AC Milan coach Ruben Amorim said he felt "nothing" facing former club Manchester United, insisting he is now exactly where he wants to be after guiding Milan to a 4-2 preseason victory. Manchester United finish their preseason campaign with a 4-2 defeat by Ruben Amorim's AC Milan in Poland, as Marcus Rashford returns to Red Devils action ahead of the new season.
Bruno Fernandes missed a penalty for the second successive preseason friendly as Manchester United were beaten 4-2 by AC Milan, highlighting ongoing issues in crucial moments for the Red Devils.
Scottish Football
Derek McInnes earned his first win as Rangers manager with a dominant 5-1 victory over holders St Mirren, advancing to the quarter-finals of the Scottish League Cup where they will meet rivals Celtic. Rangers will host Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals, with Kilmarnock v Aberdeen forming the other all-top-flight tie in the last eight.
Tim Seifert produced an imperious 72 off 38 balls to steer the Manchester Super Giants to The Hundred title after a five-wicket victory over the Trent Rockets in an incredible final at Lord's. Trent Rockets stormed to a first women's Hundred title after demolishing defending champions Sun Risers Leeds by eight wickets in a one-sided final at Lord's, establishing themselves as the dominant force in women's T20 cricket.
English Football Leagues
Zian Flemming struck twice late on as Burnley came back to deny West Ham in a 2-2 Championship draw between the freshly relegated sides at Turf Moor, showcasing the competitive nature of the second tier. Sam Dalby and Thierry Gale scored first-half goals as Bolton beat Preston 2-1 to record their first Sky Bet Championship win since March 2019, ending a long wait for victory in the second tier.
Josh March headed the winner in the fifth minute of stoppage time as 10-man Crewe got the better of nine-man Crawley at the Broadfield Stadium, delivering a dramatic conclusion to their opening-day clash. Stockport eased to a sparkling 3-1 League One opening-day win at Plymouth, setting a strong tone for their campaign in the third tier.
Veteran striker Ched Evans scored the only goal of the game, finding the net against one of his former clubs to give Fleetwood Town an opening-day 1-0 victory at Chesterfield. Tyreece Campbell's impressive start to the new season continued as his 80th-minute goal earned Charlton a 2-1 victory over Derby at The Valley.
Ilias Chair scored twice as QPR came from behind to beat Portsmouth 3-1 and claim their first win at Fratton Park in 26 years, highlighting the fighting spirit of the west London club. Charlie Caton scored twice but Accrington had to settle for a point in a 2-2 draw with Colchester, despite a spirited effort from the home side.
Mansfield made a winning start with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Doncaster, demonstrating their resolve early in the season. Late goals from Isaac Moore, James Connolly and Aaron Pressley did the damage as Walsall secured a fine 3-0 away win over Gillingham in their opening fixture.
Olly Sanderson bundled home in stoppage time to snatch Stevenage a point in a 1-1 draw against Burton, salvaging a dramatic finish for the visiting side. Ten-man Huddersfield saw off Wimbledon to claim a 3-0 victory on the opening day of the League One season, proving their defensive resilience despite being reduced to ten men.
Championship & Beyond
West Ham United pay a £22M fee, a new EFL record, to sign Celtic's Belgium international midfielder Arne Engels, signaling their intent to strengthen in the Championship. Sunderland agree a £25.6M deal to sign left-back Dayann Methalie from Toulouse, adding defensive reinforcement to their squad for the upcoming season.
Coventry City agree a deal worth about £17M for Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi, securing a proven goalscorer to bolster their attacking options in the Championship. Leeds agree an £8.5M deal to sign defender Nico Elvedi, who is set to undergo a medical on Monday as they continue to rebuild their defensive unit.
Scottish & International News
Rangers need "a wee bit of help" and have money to spend to get it despite dropping out of the Europa League, according to manager Derek McInnes. Rangers withdraw from a proposed deal to sign Couhaib Driouech from PSV Eindhoven, with the winger carrying an injury and the Dutch champions expressing their surprise at the decision.
Rangers sign left-back James Penrice from Greek champions AEK Athens on loan with an option to buy, adding defensive depth to their squad. Rangers chase Venezuela striker and agree loan deal for left-back as Celtic are linked with Bosnian based in Czech Republic, continuing their busy summer transfer activity.
Chelsea & Managerial Updates
Enzo Fernandez is booed by sections of the Chelsea support, while Morgan Rogers scores on his first appearance and Xabi Alonso offers a glimpse of what could be his blueprint for the season. Chelsea ended pre-season with a mixed 3-1 victory over Real Sociedad as manager Xabi Alonso offered more clues about the formation his side could play ahead of their Premier League opener against Fulham.
Morgan Rogers scored on his Chelsea debut as the Blues secured a 3-1 friendly win against Real Sociedad in Xabi Alonso's first game in charge at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea vs Real Sociedad team news was closely watched as the Blues prepared for their final preseason friendly under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Football Governance & Society
FIFA president Gianni Infantino's position faces growing opposition as election looms, with lots having happened since he rolled back his controversial plan to "sell" stakes in the FIFA World Cup. New Zealand break rank with Oceania's football governing body to become the latest nation to withdraw support for Fifa president Gianni Infantino, adding to the mounting pressure on the embattled leader.
Rudy Giuliani backs Infantino amid FIFA backlash, calling critics "jealous" as the controversy surrounding the organization's leadership continues to intensify. Five clubs from Mexico's second division have filed an appeal against the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) and top-flight Liga MX regarding promotion and relegation, the CAS confirmed to ESPN on Friday.
Other Sports & Events
Claressa Shields stopped Kaye Scott in the sixth round to reclaim the WBC and WBA middleweight belts in Atlanta, demonstrating her dominance in the boxing ring. Stephen Bunting was the highest-profile casualty on day one of the New Zealand Darts Masters as he was dumped out of the last 16 by Raymond Smith in Auckland.
Jonny Clayton beat compatriot Gerwyn Price 8-4 to win the New Zealand Darts Masters in Auckland, claiming another prestigious title in his decorated career. Iga Swiatek claimed her first title of the season with a dominant 6-2 6-3 win over Elena Rybakina in the final of the National Bank Open in Toronto, returning to winning ways on the WTA Tour.
Cricket & Rugby
England opener Emilio Gay bagged a pair and Pakistan captain Babar Azam suffered an injury scare on an eventful second day of the Test match warm-up in Beckenham. Bangladesh moved to within sight of one of the biggest wins in their Test history after Australia stumbled to 161-4 at stumps on day three of the first Test in Darwin, still 67 runs behind.
Tanzid Hasan posted his maiden century in just his second Test to help guide Bangladesh to 351-6 at stumps on Friday and into a commanding position over Australia after two days of the Top End series opener. The RFU postponed the start of the competitive community game season until the week commencing Monday September 21 due to "concerns about player welfare and pitch conditions."
Formula 1 & Motorsport
Formula 1 returns after its summer break as the second half of the 2026 season begins with a Sprint weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix, promising exciting action at Zandvoort. Cadillac provided unexpected news of the sport's summer break by removing Graeme Lowdon as team principal and replacing him with former Alpine executive Cyril Abiteboul just a week before Formula 1's return to action.
Equestrian & Horse Racing
French 2000 Guineas hero Rayif bounced back to form to repel a strong raiding party in the Aga Khan Studs Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville, reclaiming his position among Europe's elite milers. Precise, More Thunder and Zeus Olympios line up for the 2026 Prix Jacques Le Marois, live on Sky Sports Racing, setting up an intriguing contest between proven performers.
Coppull stepped up in distance to land a second Group Two of his career under an enterprising ride from Hector Crouch, who completed a big-race double in the Visit Malta Hungerford Stakes at Newbury. Never So Brave headlines the Hungerford Stakes card as we have a busy day's racing on Saturday with flat action from Deauville, Doncaster, Lingfield, Newbury and Ripon, live on Sky Sports Racing.
Tennis & Individual Sports
Novak Djokovic revealed he has been dealing with an ongoing health condition after his surprise second-round defeat at the Cincinnati Open, casting doubt over his fitness for the upcoming US Open. Novak Djokovic suffered defeat and struggled physically in his first match since Wimbledon as he was upset by Thiago Agustin Tirante in a sapping three-set contest at the Cincinnati Open.
England's Eleanor Givens won her first Ladies European Tour title at the 210th attempt with a one-shot victory at the VP Bank Swiss Ladies Open, ending a remarkable journey that spanned nearly five years on tour.
Football Analysis & Commentary
How Arsenal and Man City's players rated following the Premier League champions' comfortable 3-0 victory over the FA Cup winners in the Community Shield, highlighting individual performances that defined the match. Arsenal begin this season as Premier League champions but just how difficult is it to defend the league title, and how well equipped are they for the challenge ahead?
Community Shield Analysis
Arsenal's Community Shield win over Manchester City sent a strong message about their title credentials, with the Gunners delivering a masterclass performance at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Enzo Maresca has the difficult task of following Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, with BBC Sport analyzing the new manager's style and tactics from the pre-season games so far.
Transfer Window Wrap-Up
Jadon Sancho is believed to prefer a move abroad despite receiving offers from Premier League clubs, as the former Manchester United winger explores his options as a free agent. Manchester United's 2026-27 third kit is a stylish jersey in ivory, burgundy and dark green -- similar colors to the famous Salford Lads and Girls Club, reflecting the club's connection to its local community heritage.
Final Notes
Doncaster-born golfer Jack Whaley defeated American Jay Leng Jr in a grueling 36-hole final on Sunday to win the US Amateur Championship and book his place at The Open next year, marking a career-defining moment for the Englishman. Premier League clubs are continuing to recruit young players from EFL and Scottish academies for their U21 and B-team squads, identifying the lower leagues as a rich source of emerging talent.
Celtic forward likely moving on as Scottish champions target goalkeeper, with multiple clubs showing interest in securing the services of their talented winger during the summer transfer window. Former Monaco head coach Sebastien Pocognoli is the frontrunner for the Scotland men's national team job, bringing continental experience to the role as the national team seeks to build on recent successes.
Preseason & Friendly Matches
Tottenham's Mikey Moore scored twice in their 3-0 home pre-season win over Hoffenheim, keeping their unbeaten run intact and showcasing the potential of their young talents. Liverpool's Sofie Lundgaard completes a permanent transfer to Eintracht Frankfurt for an undisclosed fee, ending her brief spell with the Reds' women's setup.
Arsenal are in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a possible deal for England defender Jarell Quansah, exploring options to strengthen their defensive options for the upcoming season. Newcastle United change shirts in the first half of their pre-season friendly against Bayer Leverkusen, addressing kit issues that arose during the match.
Community Shield Player Ratings & Impact
Arsenal's dominant Community Shield performance against Manchester City raises questions about whether winning the fixture suggests a successful season ahead for Mikel Arteta's side. Premier League betting odds have picks for who will win the league, get relegated, win the Golden Boot and more, but where might those odds be off base for the upcoming campaign?
Player Careers & Retirements
Cristiano Ronaldo says this season will probably be his last as a player after a glittering football career spanning over two decades and countless achievements. European Cup winner and former goalkeeper Jimmy Rimmer dies at the age of, leaving behind a legacy that includes successful spells at Aston Villa and Manchester United in the 1970s and 1980s.
Youth Development & Talent
Christos Tzolis has been a star performer in Arsenal's pre-season and continued that with an impressive performance against Manchester City in the Community Shield, announcing himself as a player to watch this season. Is Messi, Ronaldo, Haaland phenomenon of star names being a bigger draw than clubs for young fans, reflecting changing dynamics in how supporters engage with football globally.
Managerial Strategies
Mikel Arteta has admitted his surprise at this summer's big-money deals in the transfer market, acknowledging the escalating costs of acquiring top talent in the modern game. Enzo Maresca revealed part of his intention in his first season as Manchester City boss is to "close the gap to Arsenal", after finishing seven points shy of the Premier League champions last term.
Financial & Business
Burnley drop their shirt sponsor just two days before their opening Championship match against West Ham -- and only 42 days after signing the deal, raising questions about the club's commercial strategy. The level of losses in football creates "a systemic insolvency risk" for the pyramid, says EFL chief executive Trevor Birch, highlighting ongoing financial concerns across English football.
Managerial Statements
Michael Carrick must now contend with expectations in his first full season as Man United boss, having taken over mid-season and now facing the pressure of delivering results from the start. Arsenal in talks with Leverkusen over Quansah shows their continued ambition in the transfer market, seeking to add quality to their squad for the title defense.
Final Thoughts
With a new manager at the helm in Xabi Alonso, can Chelsea go from 10th to the Premier League title like they did a decade ago, or will they need time to implement their vision? Manchester City have bolstered their squad this summer, but will they have enough to defend their Women's Super League crown amid strengthening rivals?
Team News & Lineups
Arsenal vs Man City live Community Shield coverage provided real-time updates and analysis as the Gunners secured a commanding victory. Tottenham vs Hoffenheim team news was closely monitored as both sides prepared for their pre-season encounter.
Club Ambitions
Wrexham aim for the coming campaign clear after they narrowly missed out on a Championship play-off spot last season, with owner Ryan Reynolds reflecting on the club's remarkable progress over five years. When West Ham were relegated from the Premier League after 15 years back in May, it seemed inevitable Jarrod Bowen would not be there to join them as they returned to the Sky Bet Championship, yet he remains committed to the cause.
Scottish Football Updates
Derek McInnes is doing the best that he possibly can with what's at his disposal to try and get results, according to his players, despite criticism following Rangers' slow start to the season. Celtic winger set to depart as Scottish champions target goalkeeper, with multiple suitors showing interest in securing the talented attacker's services during the summer transfer window.
Transfer Market Final Notes
Arsenal lead the race for Jack Hinshelwood, while Barcelona prepare to make a third Rodri bid, and Manchester United join Arsenal in discussing Victor Osimhen, keeping the transfer market active with major moves still possible. Manchester United and Tottenham join Arsenal in discussing Victor Osimhen, as the Nigerian striker remains one of the most sought-after attackers in Europe heading into the final weeks of the transfer window.
Community Shield Legacy
Enzo Maresca has the difficult task of following Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, with BBC Sport analyzing the new manager's style and tactics from the pre-season games so far, including the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal. Arsenal's comfortable 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield has raised questions over whether City's dominance is truly ending or if this was merely a preseason anomaly.
Final Word
The 2026-27 season will feature an unprecedented number of new laws, mostly designed to tackle tempo disruption and make the game quicker, affecting everything from VAR protocols to substitution procedures across all levels of English football. Our team of FPL experts assess the best and worst picks for 2026-27 from each of the 20 Premier League teams, helping fantasy managers navigate the upcoming season with informed decisions.