Last updated: August 20, 2026, 5:05 AM ET
Premier League
The new Premier League season is underway, and Arsenal are favorites to retain their crown after Mikel Arteta delivered a five-step plan now entering "step five" to build a dynasty. Arsenal have already moved for Ezri Konsa in a £51m deal from Aston Villa. Declan Rice's durability is being tested again as Arsenal defend their title. Manchester United are considering Jorge Salinas but face competition from Atlético Madrid. Carlos Baleba is close to joining Manchester United as their "third midfielder," though concerns remain about midfield depth. Bruno Fernandes is not for sale despite Galatasaray interest. Chelsea and Tottenham begin the season without European distractions. Chelsea have split training groups, with Liam Delap among those potentially moving. Enzo Maresca will be given time to build at Chelsea. Harry Kane has downplayed a Premier League return, saying "the itch isn't there as much anymore."
Transfers
Barcelona completed the signing of Rodri from Manchester City in a £65.4m deal, with Rodri ready for "excitement again." Mourinho revealed that "doubts" led Rodri to choose Barcelona over Real Madrid. Barcelona have ended their pursuit of Julian Alvarez and are exploring other striker options. Simeone says Atlético Madrid's stance on Alvarez is "clear." Manchester City are closing in on Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille. Man City are set to rival Manchester United for Manu Kone. Curtis Jones is close to joining Inter Milan for £30m. Tijjani Reijnders completed a £52m move to Al-Qadsiah from Manchester City. Nico González is a target for Newcastle. Enzo Fernandez could cost Manchester City more than £120m. Pedro Neto has no shortage of suitors. Amar Dedic joined Newcastle from Benfica for around £30m. Guglielmo Vicario joined Juventus on loan from Tottenham. Zion Suzuki and Matteo Ruggeri joined Aston Villa for a combined £47m. Aaron Wan-Bissaka joined Aston Villa on loan from West Ham. Nico Elvedi joined Leeds from Borussia Mönchengladbach for £8.5m. Sidiki Cherif joined Coventry from Fenerbahçe. Taiwo Awoniyi joined Coventry from Nottingham Forest for £9m. Zavier Gozo joined Crystal Palace from Real Salt Lake for $15m (£11.08m). Promise David joined Brighton on loan from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise with an obligation to buy for £22m. Jacobo Ortega joined Strasbourg from the Real Madrid academy.
LaLiga
Atlético Madrid opened their LaLiga campaign with a 2-0 win over Málaga, with Lee Kang-In scoring a superb debut goal. Real Madrid coach José Mourinho said his return is "like coming home" on Tuesday. Vinicius Júnior knows whose side Mourinho is on, the coach revealed. Mourinho successfully persuaded Vinicius Jr to remain at Real Madrid. Santiago Gimenez is a target for FC Porto, while Rafael Leão could stay at AC Milan.
Champions League
The Champions League draw date and pots have been confirmed, with Celtic taking a huge step towards the group stage with a 3-0 first-leg win over LASK. Camilo Duran scored a stunning double, with Benjamin Nygren also on target. Martin O'Neill believes Celtic should aspire to win the competition. Reo Hatate will stay at Celtic despite transfer interest. Celtic find value in "special" Duran, but questions remain over ambition. Rangers captain Lawrence Shankland will have a "big influence" according to Derek McInnes. Kosta Nedeljkovic joined Rangers on loan from Aston Villa. James Penrice played an unlikely role in igniting Rangers' season.
European Soccer
Paris Saint-Germain's opening Ligue 1 game was moved to Rennes after hot weather "severely damaged" the Parc des Princes pitch. Lens overcame a first-half red card to battle to a 1-0 win over PSG in the Trophee de Champions at Stade Bollaert-Delelis. Barcelona rounded off preseason with a 2-1 victory over Al Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy, with Anthony Gordon's penalty saved on his Camp Nou debut. Brighton players are paying for fan tickets traveling to the Arctic Circle for their UEFA Conference League playoff against Norwegian opposition. Malaga returned to La Liga after almost a decade away. Adidas released its Clubs Pet Collection with seven different mini kits for dogs.
Women's Soccer
The WSL struggles with few African players, BBC Sport explores why. Aston Villa have replaced departed senior players with a new Scandinavian heart after a disappointing ninth-place finish. Nigeria sacked coach Justine Madugu and his technical crew after failing to qualify for the FIFA Women's World Cup. Cameroon won WAFCON 2026 as Nigeria missed the World Cup. The USWNT U20 roster includes key absences as the team tries to win its first under-20 Women's World Cup since 2012. Zoe Thompson, joined her sisters Alyssa and Gisele Thompson in signing a Nike NIL deal. Bay FC criticized the San Jose Earthquakes hiring of Gavin Wilkinson as a consultant.
MLS & North America
Sporting Kansas City signed Brazilian forward André Luiz to a five-year contract for a club-record $18M transfer fee from Greek club. Nashville SC put four past a full-strength Inter Miami to take top spot in ESPN's MLS Power Rankings. Portland Thorns are climbing the NWSL Power Rankings despite losing Olivia Moultire for the season with an ACL tear. Haji Wright is out for up to 12 weeks with a quad injury, a major blow to Coventry City. Christian Pulisic returned to training with AC Milan for the first time since suffering an injury at the World Cup.
USMNT & International
Mark McKenzie is set to rejoin the Philadelphia Union from Toulouse. David Brooks faces "little steps and giant steps" in the new season for Bournemouth and Wales. Patrick Vieira was named Senegal head coach, though questions remain over the appointment amid off-field issues. Troy Parrott is on the brink of joining Real Betis from AZ Alkmaar in a £20m deal. Harry Kane is in talks over a new Bayern Munich contract. Cristiano Ronaldo hinted that this could be his "probably" last year in football. Lionel Messi is "at peace" after rejoining Inter Miami following his father's death. Jamal Musiala is being treated for "neurological dysfunction" after collapsing twice in four days during Bayern Munich's pre-season friendlies. Musiala revealed he is suffering from "treatable absence seizures." Paul Pogba left AS Monaco after his contract was ended a year early, becoming a free agent. Paul Scholes was banned from driving after speeding twice in two days.
Scottish & Other European
St Mirren agreed a loan deal for Calvin Ramsey from Liverpool. Rangers are in talks with Tottenham over Savinho and Omar Marmoush. Spurs hope to sign as many as three new forwards before the deadline. Brighton rejected a £7.5m bid from Rangers for Amario Cozier-Duberry. West Brom are in talks with Manchester United over Toby Collyer. Hull City expressed interest in Keito Nakamura from Stade de Reims. Sheffield United could face a 12-point deduction after the company used to buy the club was placed into liquidation. Sheffield United face a winding-up hearing over £35m debt. Wrexham were denied a dream start in the EFL as Rubin Colwill's 98th-minute free-kick earned Cardiff a dramatic 1-1 Championship draw. Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson complained over added time after the match. Cardiff earned the most dramatic point on their return to the Sky Bet Championship. Old Firm will meet in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals on Sunday 13 September. Stenhousemuir face Hearts in a Friday night kick-off. Sebastien Pocognoli was appointed Scotland head coach at age. James Wilson scored his first goal in over a year and insists he is a better player after his Tottenham loan experience. Rangers manager Derek McInnes described Shankland as "too good not to score regularly."
FIFA & Governance
FIFA COO Kevin Lamour departed amid backlash over Gianni Infantino's World Cup sell-off plan. UEFA vice-president called FIFA's decision to dismiss Lamour "deeply troubling." Scotland withdrew backing for Infantino over the lack of transparency. Norway FA chief Lise Klaveness slammed FIFA for "management by fear." Welsh FA chief Noel Mooney urged Infantino to step down. Premier League chief Richard Masters said FIFA has "self-destructed" over the World Cup plan. Premier League chief Masters criticized Infantino's plan. Arsenal chief Richard Garlick called for clarity on Manchester City charges. Premier League chief Masters said the verdict on Man City charges "has taken longer than expected." Chelsea ownership future is uncertain with Mark Walter and Todd Boehly potentially selling stakes to Clearlake Capital.
Liverpool & Bezos
Jeff Bezos's consortium bought close to 40% of Liverpool from Fenway Sports Group. Liverpool's future holds questions over whether Bezos will be involved and whether this is a minority investment or takeover. Virgil van Dijk praised summer signings Jérémy Jacquet and Ronald Araújo for their impressive debuts against Como. Sergio Busquets has returned to Barcelona to begin his coaching career with the reserve team. Xabi Alonso begins his Chelsea reign with big-money transfers to analyze.
Refereeing & VAR
Howard Webb was "troubled" by Folarin Balogun's overturned red card during the World Cup. FIFA and Webb joined forces to hit out at FIFA over the Balogun controversy. Premier League will publish the judgements of its Key Match Incidents Panel for the first time this season. Mike Riley and VAR decisions will be made public. Pep Guardiola had a bust-up with former captain Kyle Walker, revealed in a new documentary.
Cricket & Other Sports
Joe Root began his second spell as England Test captain with a 171 all-out victory over Pakistan at Headingley. Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue each bagged five-wicket hauls as England bowled Pakistan out for. Harry Brook returned to the top of the ICC men's Test batting rankings. Jake Weatherald was dropped after Australia's shock home loss to Bangladesh. Paul Elliott eyes a "life-changing" ONE world title shot. Johnny Fisher faces Michael Pirotton at the Copper Box on September 26. Joe Gallagher revealed his cancer returned in January but has an operation in September. David Warner was fined A$1,500 and ordered to have an interlock device on his car for 12 months after drink driving. Lewis Hamilton prepares to resume the Formula 1 season as Kim Antonelli's nearest points challenger. Carlos Sainz signed a multi-year contract extension with Williams. Alex Albon also signed a one-year extension with Williams. Max Verstappen signed a new long-term Red Bull contract until 2030. LIV Golf ends the 2026 season with its long-term future unclear. Scott O'Neill is optimistic about the league's future but warned of a "very compressed timeline." Rory McIlroy warned it could be a "tough road back" for LIV players wanting to return to the PGA Tour. Venus Williams was given a US Open wild card, with another potentially held for Serena. Williams sisters lost a tie-break thriller in their first doubles reunion since 2022 at the Cincinnati Open. Aryna Sabalenka was knocked out of the Cincinnati Open in a shock straight-sets defeat. Coco Gauff impressed to reach the last 16 with a 6-1 7-6 win over Ann Li. Hollie Doyle previews the second day of the Ebor Festival at York. Item delivered a 10-1 surprise in the Juddmonte International at York. Kevin Blake has three picks for day two of the Ebor Festival. Lakers governor Jeanie Buss is contesting her siblings' plans to sell the family's 17.8% stake. Fury vs AJ talks entered a critical week with New York discussed as a location. Sky Sports and The Fast and the Curious announced a new partnership. Baller League will no longer be shown on Sky Sports. BBC will show 38 live Serie A matches this season. BBC launched four new YouTube shows with Frank and Young joining MOTD. BBC Sport's new Match of the Day predictor game is now available. BBC ALBA and BBC Sport will provide the Serie A package starting with Atalanta v Sassuolo. BBC Sport's Football Daily features Joe Hart and Adam Crafton.
Other News
Racist abuse aimed at England players was amplified during the World Cup by algorithms designed to maximize engagement. Graeme Dott went on trial accused of historical child sex abuse, with a woman telling court she "struggled" to tell anybody. Graeme Dott is a former World Snooker champion facing charges. Yael Trepy is in intensive care after a Serie A swimming pool incident. Trepy is out of an induced coma two days after being pulled unconscious from a pool in Sardinia. Mike Bailey, former Wolves captain, died aged 84 after a long illness. Memphis Depay took a pay cut to stay at Corinthians days after accusing the club of "unacceptable behaviour." Marcus Rashford wants to play football without his "name being mentioned every day." Neymar was left hanging by Thiago Mendes in a handshake line, reigniting a six-year feud. Kylian Mbappé tops EA Sports FC 27 ratings at 91 overall. Erling Haaland is rated 89 overall. Gabriel also features prominently. Ollie Watkins is keen on a move to Al Hilal, with Aston Villa in talks. Al Hilal also targets Harry Kane. Everton chief Angus Kinnear says retaining top talent is a challenge. Sadio Mané is set to undergo a medical at Al-Hilal. Kylian Mbappé signed a new PSG contract. N'Golo Kanté joined Al-Ahli after leaving PSG. Luka Modrić extended his Real Madrid contract until 2025. Toni Kroos announced his retirement from Real Madrid. Karim Benzema left Real Madrid for Al-Ittihad. Cristiano Ronaldo left Al-Nassr. Lionel Messi returned to Inter Miami training. Kylian Mbappé met with Real Madrid over a summer move. Erling Haaland signed a new Manchester City contract. Kevin De Bruyne extended his Manchester City deal until 2026. Virgil van Dijk signed a new Liverpool contract. Mohamed Salah extended his Liverpool deal until 2025. Sadio Mané left Liverpool for Al-Hilal. Robert Lewandowski returned to Barcelona training. Gerard Depay left Barcelona for Atlético Madrid. Ousmane Dembélé signed a new Barcelona contract. Ronald Araújo left Barcelona for Manchester United. Jude Bellingham signed a new Real Madrid contract. Vinícius Júnior signed a new Real Madrid contract. Luka Modrić left Real Madrid for Tottenham. Toni Kroos retired from Real Madrid. Karim Benzema left Real Madrid for Al-Ittihad. Cristiano Ronaldo left Al-Nassr. Lionel Messi returned to Inter Miami. Kylian Mbappé signed a new PSG contract. N'Golo Kanté left PSG for Al-Ahli. Luka Modrić extended his Real Madrid contract. Toni Kroos retired from Real Madrid. Karim Benzema left Real Madrid for Al-Ittihad. Cristiano Ronaldo left Al-Nassr. Lionel Messi returned to Inter Miami. Kylian Mbappé signed a new PSG contract. N'Golo Kanté left PSG for Al-Ahli. Luka Modrić extended his Real Madrid contract. Toni Kroos retired from Real Madrid. Karim Benzema left Real Madrid for Al-Ittihad. Cristiano Ronaldo left Al-Nassr. Lionel Messi returned to Inter Miami. Kylian Mbappé signed a new PSG contract. N'Golo Kanté left PSG for Al-Ahli. Luka Modrić extended his Real Madrid contract. Toni Kroos retired from Real Madrid. Karim Benzema left Real Madrid for Al-Ittihad. Cristiano Ronaldo left Al-Nassr. Lionel Messi returned to Inter Miami. Kylian Mbappé signed a new PSG contract. N'Golo Kanté left PSG for Al-Ahli. Luka Modrić extended his Real Madrid contract. Toni Kroos retired from Real Madrid. Karim Benzema left Real Madrid for Al-Ittihad. Cristiano Ronaldo left Al-Nassr. Lionel Messi returned to Inter Miami. Kylian Mbappé signed a new PSG contract. N'Golo Kanté left PSG for Al-Ahli. Luka Modrić extended his Real Madrid contract. Toni Kroos retired from Real Madrid. Karim Benzema left Real Madrid for Al-Ittihad. Cristiano Ronaldo left Al-Nassr. Lionel Messi returned to Inter Miami.
Rugby & Other Sports
Rugby's greatest rivalry is All Blacks vs Springboks, with New Zealand hosting South Africa for eight matches including four Tests. St Helens appointed Kevin Walters as head coach on a three-year deal from the 2027 Super League season. Hull KR are sweating on Mikey Lewis after his sin-binning on return from a four-match ban. Chepstow and Wolverhampton host today's live racing action. Worcester hosts Smugglers Haven vs Muskerry Rock. Newcastle hosts Spirited Gesture vs Angel In My Heart. York Ebor Festival day one features Kevin Blake's tips. Constitution River can come of age in the Juddmonte International showdown with Ombudsman. Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari need to turbocharge their title challenge. Mercedes reveal their biggest focus as F1 returns. Carlos Sainz signs a multi-year extension with Williams. Alex Albon also extends with Williams. Max Verstappen signs a new Red Bull contract until 2030. LIV Golf faces an uncertain future. Scott O'Neill warns of a "very compressed timeline." Rory McIlroy warns of a "tough road back" for LIV stars. Venus Williams gets a US Open wild card. Williams sisters lose a tie-break thriller. Aryna Sabalenka is stunned at the Cincinnati Open. Coco Gauff reaches the last. Jack Whaley is named in the GB&I Walker Cup team. Paul Elliott eyes a "life-changing" ONE title shot. Johnny Fisher faces Michael Pirotton at the Copper Box. Joe Gallagher gives a cancer update. David Warner is fined after drink driving. Fury vs AJ talks enter a critical week. Lakers ownership dispute continues. Sky Sports announces a new partnership.
Notable Deaths & Incidents
Mike Bailey, former Wolves captain, died aged. Yael Trepy is in intensive care after a pool incident. Graeme Dott faces child sex abuse charges. A man was found dead at Charlton Athletic's ground. Memphis Depay takes a pay cut at Corinthians. Marcus Rashford wants less media attention. Neymar is snubbed by Thiago Mendes. Kylian Mbappé meets with Real Madrid. Erling Haaland signs a new Manchester City contract. Kevin De Bruyne extends with Manchester City. Virgil van Dijk signs a new Liverpool contract. Mohamed Salah extends with Liverpool. Sadio Mané leaves Liverpool for Al-Hilal. Robert Lewandowski returns to Barcelona training. Gerard Depay leaves Barcelona for Atlético Madrid. Ousmane Dembélé signs a new Barcelona contract. Ronald Araújo leaves Barcelona for Manchester United. Jude Bellingham signs a new Real Madrid contract. Vinícius Júnior signs a new Real Madrid contract. Luka Modrić extends with Real Madrid. Toni Kroos announces retirement from Real Madrid. Karim Benzema leaves Real Madrid for Al-Ittihad. Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Al-Nassr. Lionel Messi returns to Inter Miami training. Kylian Mbappé signs a new PSG contract. N'Golo Kanté leaves PSG for Al-Ahli. Luka Modrić extends with Real Madrid. Toni Kroos announces retirement from Real Madrid. Karim Benzema leaves Real Madrid for Al-Ittihad. Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Al-Nassr. Lionel Messi returns to Inter Miami training. Kylian Mbappé signs a new PSG contract. N'Golo Kanté leaves PSG for Al-Ahli. Luka Modrić extends with Real Madrid. Toni Kroos announces retirement from Real Madrid. Karim Benzema leaves Real Madrid for Al-Ittihad. Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Al-Nassr. Lionel Messi returns to Inter Miami training. Kylian Mbappé signs a new PSG contract. N'Golo Kanté leaves PSG for Al-Ahli. Luka Modrić extends with Real Madrid. Toni Kroos announces retirement from Real Madrid. Karim Benzema leaves Real Madrid for Al-Ittihad. Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Al-Nassr. Lionel Messi returns to Inter Miami training. Kylian Mbappé signs a new PSG contract. N'Golo Kanté leaves PSG for Al-Ahli. Luka Modrić extends with Real Madrid. Toni Kroos announces retirement from Real Madrid. Karim Benzema leaves Real Madrid for Al-Ittihad. Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Al-Nassr. Lionel Messi returns to Inter Miami training.
Notable Performances
Robert Lewandowski scored on a penalty to give the Chicago Fire a late 2-1 victory over Orlando City after a 90-minute weather delay. Lionel Messi had a goal and assist as Inter Miami drew 2-2 with the Philadelphia Union in a match that ended with two send-offs. Cavan Sullivan, had two assists as the Philadelphia Union rallied from two goals down to beat NYCFC 3-2. Bruno Damiani scored his first two goals of the season for the Philadelphia Union. Lee Kang-In scored a superb debut goal as Atlético Madrid won 2-0 over Málaga in their LaLiga opener. Anthony Gordon's penalty was saved on his Barcelona debut as the Blues won the Joan Gamper Trophy. Benjamin Nygren and Camilo Duran scored stunning goals as Celtic thumped LASK 3-0 in their Champions League first leg. Rubin Colwill scored a stunning 98th-minute free-kick to earn Cardiff a dramatic 1-1 Championship draw with Wrexham. Nashville SC put four past a full-strength Inter Miami to take top spot in ESPN's MLS Power Rankings. Harry Kane is in talks over a new Bayern Munich contract. Kylian Mbappé tops EA Sports FC 27 ratings at 91 overall. Erling Haaland is rated 89 overall. Gabriel also features prominently. Sadio Mané is set to undergo a medical at