Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing

Last updated: October 18, 2026, 4:40 AM ET

Premier League

Manchester City face substantial hurdles in their appeal, while Erling Haaland's brace carried City to a win that ended in a limp scare for the striker, which Enzo Maresca has played down. Liverpool returned to winning ways at Brentford, with Florian Wirtz instrumental, though Andoni Iraola questioned the VAR decision that overturned a penalty. Aston Villa beat Newcastle 1-0 as Johan Manzambi scored the winner. Chelsea won 2-0 at Everton, with Pedro Neto scoring both goals, and Emiliano Martinez was taken to hospital for precautionary tests. West Ham won 1-0 at Championship leaders Swansea, and Jordan Henderson, at 36 the league's oldest player, is becoming undroppable at Chelsea.

La Liga and Europe

Barcelona matched the best start to a LaLiga season in history, with Lamine Yamal scoring a brace in a 5-2 win over Betis. Bayern Munich thrashed RB Leipzig 6-1 with a Díaz hat trick to go top of the Bundesliga. Real Madrid have demanded that LaLiga chief Javier Tebas resign after he compared the club's efforts to Nazi propaganda. Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martínez is likely to miss the next seven matches with a hamstring injury.

MLS and USMNT

Lionel Messi scored twice in Miami's win at Atlanta, taking his season tally to, and Miami coach Cristian González says a trip to Spain to collect an award will not be a concern. Gio Reyna continued his resurgence with a goal for Strasbourg in a defeat to PSG, which went on to win 3-1. Chicago and Portland have joined the race to host 2031 Women's World Cup games.

Manchester United and Arsenal

Michael Carrick dismissed questions about his future as United head coach as "not important," and said the squad has moved past Lisandro Martínez's outburst. Manchester United may look at January signings to strengthen the squad. Viktor Gyokeres wants to leave Arsenal amid a lack of minutes. Mikel Arteta has been told the club's job cuts aim at success. In the Women's Super League, Arsenal were booed after a 1-1 draw with Birmingham, and Renee Slegers is under mounting pressure, with Olivia Smith's strike saving a point.

Championship and Scottish Football

Liam Millar scored twice as Birmingham beat QPR 3-0. West Brom came back from two early goals to beat Blackburn 3-2, and Wrexham thumped Preston 4-1, easing pressure on Phil Parkinson. Norwich lost again, beaten by Portsmouth. Rangers were held to 2-2 at Dundee and missed the chance to go top. Greg Kiltie scored twice to lift Kilmarnock off the bottom of the Premiership, and Aberdeen beat St Mirren 3-1. Falkirk completed an Edinburgh double by beating Hibs.

Other Football

Sonay Kartal reached her first WTA 1000 final at Wuhan, and Dan Evans backs Emma Raducanu to win Wimbledon one day. Gianni Infantino apologized, but his reelection as FIFA president remains uncertain. Fran Kirby said she was stressed by the abrupt exit of Brighton head coach Dario Vidosic.

Coming Up

Dubois has called for a trilogy fight with Usyk after stopping Wardley in the second round. Rangers and Celtic's next meetings and Hearts' trip to Parkhead are a test for Hearts' title credentials.