Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: August 20, 2026, 10:18 PM ET

LaLiga Season Begins

Barcelona and Real Madrid have both made significant investments in the summer transfer window, setting the stage for another intense title battle in LaLiga. Our writers offer their predictions for how the season will unfold, with both clubs aiming to reclaim domestic and European glory. The arrival of Rodri at Barcelona has added further intrigue to the race, as the Spain international seeks to help his new club secure a potential three-peat. Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid got their campaign off to a strong start with a 2-0 victory over Málaga, courtesy of a stunning debut goal from Lee Kang-In. However, questions remain over Barcelona's striker situation, with Hansi Flick yet to replace Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.

Premier League Action

Arsenal are embracing their role as favorites, with Mikel Arteta relishing the challenge of defending their Premier League crown. The Gunners have been linked with several high-profile signings, including Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa in a deal worth £51m. However, questions persist about Mykhailo Mudryk's future, with Coventry City reportedly interested in the Chelsea forward. Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has dismissed suggestions of an easy start to the season, while Liverpool are expected to make a fast start under their new regime.

Transfer Market Updates

Manchester City are in talks over a deal for Palmeiras winger Allan Elias, while Inter Milan have agreed a £30m deal with Liverpool for Curtis Jones. Juventus have signed Guglielmo Vicario on loan from Tottenham, while St Mirren have secured the loan of Calvin Ramsey from Liverpool. Leeds United have completed the signing of Nico Elvedi from Borussia Mönchengladbach in an £8.5m deal, and Aston Villa have confirmed the signings of goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and left-back Matteo Ruggeri.

European Competitions

Brighton were held to a goalless draw by Tromso in the first leg of their Conference League play-off, while Rangers kept their hopes alive with a crucial victory over Jablonec. Celtic took a huge step towards the Champions League group stage with a commanding win over LASK, thanks to a double from Camilo Duran. West Ham have signed US youth prospect Zavier Gozo from Real Salt Lake for a reported $15m (£11.08m).

International Football

England began their new Test era with a dominant performance against Pakistan, with Joe Root's second spell as captain starting with a 171-all-out victory at Headingley. South Africa have omitted Siya Kolisi from their squad for the first Test against New Zealand, while Senegal have appointed Patrick Vieira as their new head coach. Scotland have withdrawn their support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, citing concerns over transparency in his World Cup sell-off plan.

Player News and Injuries

Kieran Trippier suffered a knee ligament injury on his Wolves debut, while Jamal Musiala is being treated for "treatable absence seizures" after collapsing twice during Bayern Munich's pre-season friendlies. Haji Wright has been ruled out for up to 12 weeks with a quad injury, dealing a major blow to Coventry City's Premier League return. Sam Curran will undergo groin surgery, putting his Test return on hold.

Managerial Changes and Statements

José Mourinho has spoken about the controversy between Gianluca Prestianni and Vinícius Júnior, while Frank Lampard is leading Coventry City's fearless return to the Premier League. Oliver Glasner is focused on bringing stability with success at Nottingham Forest, while Matthias Jaissle says Newcastle United are aligned on the need for squad adjustments before the transfer window closes.

Notable Results

Inter Miami were held to a 2-2 draw by the Philadelphia Union, with Lionel Messi contributing a goal and assist in an intense match that saw two players sent off. Chicago Fire secured a late victory over Orlando City thanks to a penalty from Robert Lewandowski, in a game delayed by inclement weather. Wrexham were frustrated by injury time, settling for a 1-1 draw with Cardiff City on the opening weekend of the Championship season.

Women's Football

Brazil's Maracanã will host the 2027 Women's World Cup opening match and final, as announced by FIFA. The USWNT will compete in the under-20 Women's World Cup without several of its biggest age-eligible stars, while Zoe Thompson has signed a name, image and likeness deal with Nike. Venus Williams has been given a wild card into the US Open singles draw, with another potentially held for Serena.

FIFA and Governance Issues

FIFA's decision to dismiss senior executive Kevin Lamour has been described as "deeply troubling" by UEFA vice-president. Norway FA chief Lise Klaveness has criticized FIFA's "management by fear" approach, while Scotland FA has officially withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has criticized FIFA's World Cup sell-off plan, saying the organization has "pressed the self-destruct button."

Racing and Other Sports

Kevin Blake returns with his picks for York's Ebor Festival, including a 33/1 Nunthorpe Stakes selection. Hollie Doyle previews the Group One Nunthorpe Stakes, while Kalpana just held on to land the Legends Global Yorkshire Oaks at York. In darts, Gerwyn Price will begin his bid for a second Australian Darts Masters title against Simon Whitlock.

Cricket and Formula 1

England skittled Pakistan for 171 at Headingley under Joe Root's second stint as captain, with Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue each claiming five-wicket hauls. Harry Brook has returned to the top of the ICC men's Test batting rankings. In Formula, Carlos Sainz has signed a multi-year contract extension with Williams, while Alex Albon has also extended his deal through 2027. Lewis Hamilton has urged Ferrari to apply pressure on Kimi Antonelli in the title battle.

Other Notable Stories

Sheffield United could face a 12-point deduction after the company used to buy the club was placed into liquidation. West Bromwich striker Aune Heggebo has been banned for two matches for scoring a goal with his hand. Paul Scholes has been banned from driving after speeding twice in two days. Graeme Dott has denied sexually abusing two children, branding the allegations "disgusting." Joe Gallagher has revealed his cancer returned in January but is optimistic ahead of an operation in September.