Football/Soccer 8 Hours

Last updated: September 19, 2026, 6:09 AM ET

Premier League

Aston Villa and Tottenham meet at Villa Park on Saturday both still searching for a first win of the campaign, with the hosts winless through their opening fixtures and Spurs equally desperate for points after an uneven start. Brighton celebrate 125 years this weekend, a milestone that traces the club's journey from the brink of extinction to the Premier League and European football. Chelsea's Xabi Alonso admitted his side lost control in a bruising 3-0 defeat to Brentford, conceding his players failed to manage the game after falling behind. ESPN's first-month grades across all 20 clubs range from an A+ to an F, with Arsenal leading the early class and several big names flunking. The weekend slate also includes a Madrid derby and Roma vs. Inter, plus a test for Arsenal and a pick favoring Brighton to stun the Gunners.

European Form Guide

Barcelona top the rankings of Europe's most in-form sides, with Bill Connelly's numbers asking whether anyone can halt the Catalan juggernaut. Bayern Munich's Harry Kane became the fastest ever to 100 Bundesliga goals, reaching the mark in just 98 games. Valencia are in advanced talks with Javier Aguirre, the former Mexico boss emerging as the leading candidate to take over at the Mestalla. Folarin Balogun made his season debut for Monaco after a failed transfer to Everton, returning to action in Ligue.

International & Governance

Zinedine Zidane named his first France squad, building for the future while calling time on Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kanté. UEFA and Concacaf urged FIFA to pay $10M to every member federation, pressing for an extra $10 million (£7.4m) per association. Dual national defender Noahkai Banks chose Germany over the USMNT, the German Football Federation announced, landing a coveted prospect. Former U.S. defender Matt Miazga is set to join NYCFC after his exit from FC Cincinnati.

USMNT & Racing

The U.S. men's next generation kicks off the road to the 2030 World Cup, a squad without Christian Pulisic but brimming with potential. On the track, unbeaten Arapaho Gold tackles the Mill Reef at Newbury on a busy Saturday card also featuring flat action from Chester. In boxing, Michael Pirotton pledged a Fisher upset, warning Johnny Fisher that "I know his mind is broke" ahead of their September 26 clash at the Copper Box.