Ben Miller

Celtic defeated LASK 3-0 at Celtic Park in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie. Benjamin Nygren opened the scoring before Camilo Duran added two goals, while LASK had two efforts disallowed for offside. Celtic’s victory gives them a commanding advantage ahead of the second leg in Linz and puts them on course to reach the 2026/27 Champions League league phase.

Barcelona defeated Al Ahly 2-1 to win the 2026 Joan Gamper Trophy. Hamza Abdelkarim opened the scoring against his former club after combining with Raphinha, who then converted a penalty before half-time. Zizo pulled one back for Al Ahly after the interval, while Mohamed El Shenawy saved Anthony Gordon’s stoppage-time penalty. New signing Rodri was presented to the Camp Nou crowd but did not play, and Barcelona will begin their La Liga campaign against Elche on August 23.

Barcelona and Al Ahly named their starting lineups for the 61st Joan Gamper Trophy match at Camp Nou on August 19, 2026. Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Fermin Lopez start for Barcelona, while Al Ahly include Zizo, Achraf Bencharki and Soufiane Benjdida. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 BST, with Barcelona’s YouTube channel carrying the broadcast. The match marks Barcelona’s return to Camp Nou for the trophy after four seasons away and precedes both clubs’ domestic league openers.

Arsenal defeated Manchester City 3-0 in the 2026 Community Shield at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium. Riccardo Calafiori scored after 23 seconds, Kai Havertz added a header, and Martin Odegaard completed the victory shortly after half-time. Arsenal dominated most of the match, while Manchester City created little beyond a late Antoine Semenyo chance, giving new manager Enzo Maresca a difficult start following Pep Guardiola's departure.

Liverpool defeated Como 2-0 at Anfield in their final pre-season match, with Cody Gakpo opening the scoring after a Jeremie Frimpong cross and then setting up debutant Jeremy Jacquet for the second goal before half-time. Como created opportunities after the break, but Alisson denied Tasos Douvikas and Assane Diao missed a counter-attacking chance. The result gave Andoni Iraola his first non-competitive home victory as Liverpool manager ahead of the club's league opener at Newcastle, while Como will begin their Serie A campaign away to Udinese.

RC Lens defeated Paris Saint-Germain 1–0 in the 2026 Trophée des Champions, with Florian Thauvin scoring in the 32nd minute after a defensive mistake. Lens played much of the match with ten men following Kyllian Antonio’s dismissal, but held firm as PSG failed to convert its chances. PSG’s Nuno Mendes was also sent off late on, while Robin Risser made key saves to preserve Lens’s first trophy of the French domestic season and end PSG’s run of four successive titles in the competition.

Paris Saint-Germain and Lens have confirmed their starting lineups for the 2026 Trophée des Champions at Stade Bollaert-Delelis. PSG make three changes, including starts for Illia Zabarnyi, Lucas Digne and Beraldo, while Ousmane Dembélé is among the substitutes. Lens hand competitive debuts to Saud Abdulhamid, Maik Nawrocki, Yacine Titraoui, Michael Cuisance and Franjo Ivanović. The match is available in the UK on ITV1 and via ITVX, with kickoff scheduled for 19:45 BST. PSG are seeking a fifth consecutive title and have won their last eight meetings with Lens.

Liverpool led Como 2-0 at half-time in a pre-season friendly at Anfield, with Cody Gakpo opening the scoring in the 23rd minute after a cross from Jeremie Frimpong. Debutant Jeremy Jacquet doubled the advantage just before the interval by converting Gakpo’s cross. Neil Mellor praised Gakpo’s finishing and described the assist as a well-placed “buffet ball.” The result put new Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola on course for his first win at Anfield after an opening defeat by Monaco. Liverpool’s competitive season was due to begin away to Newcastle, while Como were preparing for a Serie A visit to Udinese.

Liverpool and Como have announced their starting line-ups for a pre-season friendly at Anfield. Liverpool's XI includes Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai, while Como are led by manager Cesc Fabregas and include players such as Jean Butez, Trevoh Chalobah and Tasos Douvikas. Liverpool remain without Joe Gomez, Jayden Danns, Hugo Ekitike and Conor Bradley through injury. The match is available to stream through Liverpool's All Red service, and the article reviews both clubs' recent friendly results and records against Italian opposition.

Real Madrid beat Schalke 3-0 in a pre-season friendly at the Veltins-Arena. Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring after capitalising on Ron Schallenberg’s misplaced pass, Dean Huijsen doubled the lead with a header from Arda Guler’s corner, and Carlos Espi completed the victory from Alvaro Carreras’ cross. Marc Cucurella and Yan Diomande made their Madrid debuts, while the result marked Madrid’s final warm-up before beginning their La Liga campaign against Espanyol. Schalke, newly promoted as German second-tier champions, will begin their competitive season in the German Cup before opening their league campaign against Augsburg.

Barcelona defeated Basel 5-2 at St. Jakob-Park in their final pre-season friendly. Anthony Gordon made his debut after joining from Newcastle and helped create an early chance, while Karim Adeyemi scored his first Barcelona goal from Raphinha's cross. Basel equalized through Jean Doucoure, but Hamza Abdelkarim restored Barcelona's lead. Lamine Yamal and Kazeem Olaigbe converted penalties before 18-year-old Jesse Bisiwu scored twice late on to complete the victory.

Arsenal took a 2-0 lead over Manchester City in the 2026 Community Shield at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium. Riccardo Calafiori scored after 23 seconds from a Myles Lewis-Skelly pass, setting the competition’s earliest goal since 1968, before Kai Havertz doubled Arsenal’s advantage with a header created by Christos Tzolis. Arsenal dominated the opening period, while new City manager Enzo Maresca endured a difficult start. The teams’ lineups, injuries, broadcast details and relevant Community Shield statistics are also outlined.

Premier League clubs completed a busy round of 2026/27 pre-season friendlies. Chelsea beat Real Sociedad 3-1 through two Joao Pedro goals and a Morgan Rogers strike, while Tottenham defeated Hoffenheim 3-0. Brentford produced the biggest win, thrashing Eintracht Frankfurt 7-0, and Ipswich beat Union Berlin 4-2. Brighton maintained a perfect pre-season record with a 1-0 victory over Bologna, while Sunderland came from behind to beat Rennes. Manchester United lost 4-2 to Milan despite twice leading, and Newcastle fell 2-1 to Bayer Leverkusen. Aston Villa, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace also suffered defeats. The 2026/27 Premier League season begins on August 21, with Arsenal hosting promoted Coventry City.

Tottenham defeated Hoffenheim 3-0 in their final public pre-season friendly, with Richarlison opening the scoring before 19-year-old Mikey Moore added two goals after half-time, both assisted by Mathys Tel. Andy Robertson, Sandro Tonali and Tel were singled out for influential contributions, while Tottenham generally controlled the match despite Adam Hlozek hitting the crossbar early for Hoffenheim. The result gives Roberto De Zerbi's side momentum before their Premier League opener against Brentford on August 22, although Tottenham are expected to rotate and test a strong team in a further behind-closed-doors meeting with Hoffenheim.

Harry Maguire headed in a Bruno Fernandes corner in the second minute to give Manchester United an early lead over AC Milan in their final pre-season match in Wroclaw. Michael Carrick made six changes from United’s previous draw with Leeds, while Ruben Amorim made four changes to Milan’s lineup after their defeat by Chelsea. The match served as United’s final preparation before opening their Premier League campaign against Hull City on August 22. Milan entered the fixture without a win in three pre-season matches and with a difficult recent record against English opposition.

Tottenham and Hoffenheim have confirmed their starting line-ups for a pre-season friendly at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 15 August. Tottenham make one change from their draw with Getafe, bringing Marcos Senesi in for Ben Davies, while Hoffenheim make four changes after a 4-1 defeat by Borussia Mönchengladbach. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 GMT, with live streaming available through the paid Spurs Play service. The match is Tottenham's final warm-up before their Premier League opener at Brentford, while Hoffenheim begin their season in the German Cup against Erzgebirge Aue. Tottenham previously beat Hoffenheim 3-2 in the Europa League and have an unbeaten recent record against German opponents, whereas Hoffenheim have lost all five of their competitive matches against English clubs.

Chelsea and Real Sociedad confirmed their starting line-ups for a pre-season friendly at Stamford Bridge on 15 August 2026. Chelsea’s team, selected by new head coach Xabi Alonso, included new signings Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix and Marco Palestra, alongside Reece James and Cole Palmer; several players were absent through injury concerns. Real Sociedad made three changes from their previous defeat, while top scorer Mikel Oyarzabal returned to the bench. Kick-off was scheduled for 14:00 BST, with live coverage available through the paid CFC Plus service. The article also reviews the clubs’ previous meeting and their respective records against English and Spanish opposition.

Liverpool enter the 2026/27 season amid major change after Arne Slot’s dismissal, Mohamed Salah’s early departure and the appointment of Andoni Iraola. The club have added Jeremy Jacquet, Victor Munoz and Ronald Araujo on loan, but still need greater depth at right-back, across the defence and in defensive midfield. A potential consortium investment involving Jeff Bezos raises concerns among supporters about the club’s relationship with its community roots. Kieran Morrison is identified as the academy player most likely to break through, while Iraola will be expected to revive Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak. Despite doubts over how quickly he can adapt to Liverpool, the prediction is that the club will finish fourth in the Premier League.

The 2026/27 Premier League season is scheduled to run from August 21, 2026, to May 30, 2027. In the UK, Sky Sports and TNT Sports will share live rights through at least 2028/29, while BBC Sport holds highlights and audio rights alongside talkSPORT. Sky Sports can be accessed through NOW TV, TNT Sports through HBO Max, and Sky Go provides streaming for Sky subscribers. In the United States, NBC and Peacock will carry live coverage, with listed subscription prices ranging from $10.99 to $16.99 per month or $109.99 to $169.99 annually.

The 2026/27 La Liga season runs from August 15, 2026, to May 30, 2027. In the UK, Premier Sports will provide live coverage, while Disney+ will show one Saturday night match each week in the UK and Ireland. US viewers can watch through ESPN+, with Spanish-language coverage on ESPN Deportes. The guide also lists subscription prices and highlights Barcelona's title defence, Real Madrid's challenge, José Mourinho's return to Madrid and Johnny Cardoso's move to Atlético Madrid.

Tottenham Hotspur have unveiled their Nike third kit for the 2026/27 season, inspired by the club’s purple shirts from 1994 to 1999. The launch campaign, titled “Driven by Belief,” features Sandro Tonali alongside Victoria Pelova, Amanda Nilden, Signe Gaupset and Jun’ai Byfield. The replica shirt costs £90, while the elite version costs £135; youth, baby, shorts and socks options are also available. Tottenham will begin their Premier League campaign away against Brentford on 22 August.

Manchester United face Paris Saint-Germain in a pre-season friendly at Gothenburg’s Ullevi Stadium. United enter the match after a 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid, with Bryan Mbeumo scoring twice, while PSG are rebuilding during the early stages of pre-season after a 3-0 defeat to Mallorca. Both teams are missing several senior players, although Bruno Fernandes, Youri Tielemans and some returning PSG internationals could feature. The match will be broadcast in the UK on MUTV, with kick-off at 16:00 BST. Given PSG’s depleted and inexperienced squad and United’s greater pre-season preparation, the preview predicts a 3-1 Manchester United victory.

Vinicius Junior has signed a new Real Madrid contract running until 2032, ending speculation that he could move to Arsenal. Real Madrid described the Brazil forward as one of the most important players of its successful era. The article reviews his discussions with new head coach José Mourinho, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's comments on recruitment, and Vinicius's major individual and team honours.

Jagiellonia Bialystok defeated Rangers 2-1 in the first leg of their Europa League third qualifying round tie. Rangers took an early lead through Guilherme Montoia’s own goal, but Kajetan Szmyt equalised with a cross before scoring the winner in the 21st minute after Ivor Pandur had saved Nik Prelec’s effort. The result gives Jagiellonia a narrow advantage and leaves Derek McInnes still seeking his first win as Rangers manager. The second leg will be played at Ibrox on August 13, with Rangers hosting Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership beforehand.

Real Betis defeated Arsenal 3-1 at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium in a pre-season friendly, with Rodrigo Riquelme, Nelson Deossa and Pablo Fornals scoring before half-time. Piero Hincapié pulled one back for Arsenal, but Betis remained the stronger side and could have added further goals. Pundit Damien Delaney suggested Mikel Arteta abandoned his initial midfield setup after Betis exploited an overload, while Arsenal also suffered an injury concern when Louie Copley was helped off. Arsenal next face Manchester City in the Community Shield before opening their Premier League campaign against Coventry City.

Real Betis took an early lead against Arsenal in a pre-season friendly at Dublin's Aviva Stadium after Rodrigo Riquelme scored from a corner following a mistake by goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. Former Ireland international Damien Delaney criticised Kepa for lacking conviction and failing to deal with contact in the area. Arsenal retained the team that had beaten Girona, while Betis made several changes, and Nelson Deossa later doubled the Spanish side's advantage with a powerful strike. The match was broadcast in the UK by Premier Sports.

Real Madrid great Predrag Mijatovic has urged Vinicius Junior to reject a potential move to Arsenal and extend his Madrid contract beyond 2027. Mijatovic argues that remaining a substitute at Real Madrid, potentially behind Kylian Mbappe, is preferable to becoming a starter elsewhere, citing Mesut Ozil's departure for Arsenal as a cautionary example. Vinicius has spoken positively about working under returning manager Jose Mourinho, while Mikel Arteta avoided directly addressing Arsenal's interest. Real Madrid's public promotion of Vinicius's preseason return suggests the club expects him to stay, although the player's willingness to sign a new deal remains decisive.

Real Madrid drew 2-2 with Fiorentina in a pre-season friendly in Austria after goals from Endrick and Alexis Ciria gave them a two-goal lead. Fiorentina responded through Roberto Piccoli and Moise Kean, while Jose Mourinho praised the performance of young centre-backs Joan Martinez and Mario Rivas and highlighted the effort of Denzel Dumfries, Endrick and Carlos Espi. Mourinho remains concerned about fatigue and the absence of players returning from post-World Cup rest, including Vinicius Junior, Brahim Diaz and Bernardo Silva, with the La Liga opener against Espanyol approaching on August 22.

Arsenal defeated Girona 4-1 in the Costa Brava Trophy pre-season friendly at Estadi Municipal de Montilivi. Kai Havertz opened the scoring from Max Dowman’s assist, new signing Christos Tzolis added a second, and Dowman restored Arsenal’s two-goal advantage after Arnau Martinez briefly pulled one back for Girona. Gabriel Jesus completed the victory after a pass from Ben White, who was continuing his recovery from a serious knee injury. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made extensive substitutions, while Girona began a new era under Quique Alvarez after relegation from La Liga.

Girona and Arsenal have confirmed their starting line-ups for the Costa Brava Trophy pre-season friendly at Estadi Municipal de Montilivi on 1 August 2026. Ben White starts for Arsenal as he continues his recovery from a knee injury, while Jurrien Timber is absent with a groin problem; Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Piero Hincapie also feature. Girona include new signing Oleksandr Pyshchur among their substitutes. The match is available through Arsenal’s website and app, with individual and four-match pre-season passes offered. Girona are coming off relegation from La Liga, while Arsenal enter the fixture after a Champions League final defeat and mixed away form.

Real Madrid drew 2-2 with Fiorentina in a pre-season friendly in Klagenfurt after taking a 2-0 lead through Endrick and Alexis Ciria. Roberto Piccoli reduced the deficit before Moise Kean headed Fiorentina’s equalizer 13 minutes into the second half. David de Gea, facing Madrid for the first time since joining Fiorentina, was replaced at half-time. The match also offered clues about José Mourinho’s preferred starters, while new signing Carlos Espi made his debut from the bench.

Arsenal begin their 2026/27 pre-season campaign away to Girona in the Costa Brava Trophy. Girona, recently relegated from LaLiga, are under new head coach Quique Alvarez and have won the trophy’s last five editions, while Arsenal are preparing for the Premier League season after losing the Champions League final on penalties. The preview details squad news, predicted line-ups, kick-off and streaming information, and notes that Arsenal’s returning World Cup players could feature. It predicts a 2-1 Girona victory, reasoning that the hosts are more motivated and may benefit if Arsenal field an inexperienced side.

Real Madrid and Fiorentina have confirmed their starting line-ups for a pre-season friendly at Worthersee Stadion in Klagenfurt. Real Madrid, managed by Jose Mourinho, begin with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Denzel Dumfries and Endrick, while Fiorentina start David de Gea, who will face his former city rivals for the first time since joining the Italian club. The match is scheduled for 17:00 BST, with Real Madrid TV broadcasting in the UK and DAZN carrying coverage in the United States and Canada. Real Madrid recently defeated Leganes 4-1 and have won two of their last three meetings with Fiorentina.

Manchester United came from behind to beat Atlético Madrid 2-1 and win the Snapdragon Cup in a pre-season friendly at Stockholm’s Strawberry Arena. Arnau Ortiz opened the scoring in the fifth minute, but Bryan Mbeumo equalised from the penalty spot after Jorge Castillo fouled Shea Lacey, then scored the winner in the 74th minute after a run of attacking play by Jack Fletcher. Rodrigo Mendoza hit the post for Atlético, while former United winger Ben Thornley praised Mason Mount and the team’s overall performance. United’s next pre-season fixtures are against PSG and Leeds United before the 2026/27 season opener at Hull City.

Manchester City have released their black-and-yellow Puma away kit for the 2026/27 season, featuring a swarm of worker bees inspired by Manchester’s symbols of hard work, unity, resilience and community. The kit was unveiled in Hong Kong on July 30 and was scheduled to debut against Inter the following day. It is available through Manchester City’s online shop, the Etihad Stadium and selected Manchester retail outlets. Prices range from £45 for a baby kit and £60 for youth shirts to £85–£90 for replica shirts and at least £130 for authentic versions, with additional costs for personalization.

Manchester United’s 2026/27 pre-season schedule includes matches against Wrexham in Helsinki, Rosenborg in Trondheim, Atlético Madrid in Stockholm, Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg, Leeds United in Dublin and Milan in Wroclaw. The tour will take the club through Finland, Norway, Sweden, Ireland and Poland, combining commercially important visits to areas with large supporter bases with challenging opposition. It will be Michael Carrick’s first international pre-season as permanent head coach, ahead of the Premier League season beginning on 22 August 2026.

Hansi Flick said he will miss Marcus Rashford after Barcelona chose not to make the forward’s loan move permanent, despite his 14 goals and 11 assists last season. Barcelona instead signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle for about £69.3 million. Flick said he is satisfied with the squad and praised new signing Karim Adeyemi and teenage striker Hamza Abdelkarim after Barcelona drew 2–2 with Birmingham City before losing on penalties. Several key Barcelona players were absent from the pre-season match, while the club prepares to face Preston North End next.

Dundee United and Rangers drew 1-1 at Tannadice Park in the opening round of the 2026/27 Scottish Premiership season. Lachlan Rose put the hosts ahead with a 38th-minute tap-in, but Thelo Aasgaard equalised for Rangers on his return from Norway’s World Cup campaign. The result marked a disappointing first league outing for new Rangers manager Derek McInnes. Dundee United next visit Hearts, while Rangers travel to Jagiellonia Bialystok in the Europa League before hosting Hibernian.

Birmingham City defeated Barcelona 3-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in a pre-season friendly at St Andrew’s. August Priske gave Birmingham the lead before Hamza Abdelkarim scored twice for Barcelona, with Jhon Solis equalising for the hosts. James Beadle made crucial late saves and then stopped two penalties in the shootout, while Birmingham’s successful takers secured the victory. Barcelona were without several World Cup players and will next face Preston North End, while Birmingham travel to Swansea City in the EFL Cup.

Birmingham City and Barcelona have confirmed their starting line-ups for a pre-season friendly at St Andrew’s. Birmingham include Jhon Solis, James Beadle and several recent recruits, while Barcelona start new signing Karim Adeyemi with a largely youthful side because several World Cup players are absent. Frenkie de Jong is unavailable while recovering from a knee injury, and Alejandro Balde and Raphinha are among Barcelona’s substitutes. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:45 BST, with UK coverage available through Blues+ for an £8.99 match pass and Barcelona’s official channel showing the game in some other territories. The article also compares the clubs’ recent league records and historical meetings.

Eddie Howe has announced his departure as Newcastle United head coach after nearly five years, saying that stepping away is in the best interests of both himself and the club following a period of personal reflection. He described managing Newcastle as the privilege of his lifetime and thanked the club’s owners, executives, staff, players and supporters. Newcastle credited Howe with guiding the team to Champions League qualification in 2023 and 2025, its first Champions League knockout appearance, and the 2024/25 EFL Cup, while chief executive David Hopkinson expressed the club’s disappointment but praised Howe’s lasting contribution. The process of appointing a replacement is reportedly at an advanced stage, with Matthias Jaissle expected to take over.

UEFA and its 55 national associations have unanimously opposed FIFA's proposal to create FIFA Forward Enterprise, a company that would oversee major men's and women's competitions and sell roughly 20–30% of its stake to private investors. UEFA says the World Cup must not be treated as an investment product and warns that European teams will not participate in FIFA competitions while the plans remain active. The scheme could provide FIFA's 211 member associations with stakes and financial incentives, while potentially making Gianni Infantino commissioner after his presidency, with a reported salary of $64 million. Infantino has offered supportive associations $40 million each and set a September 19 deadline for approval.

UEFA says it could boycott the World Cup if FIFA proceeds with plans to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise, a company overseeing major competitions and selling an estimated 20–30% stake to private investors. The proposal could increase the frequency or size of the World Cup, provide FIFA member associations with one-time payments, and potentially make Gianni Infantino the company’s highly paid commissioner after his FIFA presidency. UEFA, the English Football Association, CONCACAF, the Asian Football Confederation, FIFPRO Europe and European Leagues have criticized the plan for being developed without proper consultation and for prioritizing commercial interests over players, clubs, leagues and fans. Although a European boycott appears unlikely given the 2030 tournament’s European hosts, opposition is growing and FIFA faces mounting governance and credibility concerns.

Chelsea are pursuing Brighton striker Danny Welbeck after his strongest Premier League season, in which he scored 13 goals and played nearly every league match. Although he turns 36 in November and has a significant injury history, his recent fitness, finishing, defensive effort and leadership have made him central to Brighton’s success. The article argues that Chelsea and head coach Xabi Alonso may value his experience and stabilizing influence as much as his goalscoring, though Brighton are expected to negotiate firmly despite Welbeck entering the final year of his contract.

Arsenal have released their Adidas 2026/27 away kit, a navy design with yellow and red accents inspired by the club’s distinctive “Bruised Banana” shirt worn from 1991 to 1993. Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori, Chloe Kelly, Ian Wright and Little Simz feature in the launch campaign. The kit is available through Arsenal’s online shop, with replica shirts starting at £85, authentic versions at £120, youth shirts at £60 and baby kits at £40, while shorts and socks cost £30–£38 and £16–£20 respectively. Arsenal’s season begins with a Community Shield meeting with Manchester City on August 16, followed by a Premier League home match against Coventry City on August 21.

Premier League clubs continued their 2026/27 pre-season preparations on July 25. Aston Villa, the reigning Europa League champions, lost 2-1 to Porto after goals from William Gomes and Pepe around Luka Lynch’s equaliser. Newly promoted Hull City opened their campaign with a 3-0 win over Konyaspor, while Everton were held to a goalless draw by Bolton despite making five half-time changes. Liverpool were scheduled to face Sunderland and Leeds to meet Wrexham in further fixtures. Elsewhere, Celtic drew with AC Milan after surrendering a two-goal lead, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund both lost to lower-division German opposition, and Juventus defeated Standard Liège 1-0.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, featuring around 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories competing across 10 sports at four venues. The article provides the overall and day-by-day schedules for each discipline, explains where to find the medal tally and results, and lists UK viewing options: live coverage on TNT Sports, streaming through HBO Max, and radio coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live.

The Hundred returns in 2026 with men’s and women’s competitions featuring eight teams from July 21 through the finals at Lord’s on August 16. The guide provides the complete fixture schedule, venues and start times, updated confirmed squads, and details of player replacements. Every match is available on Sky Sports Cricket, with selected matches also free on Sky Sports’ YouTube channel and 16 matches on BBC television and iPlayer; BBC Sounds and radio provide audio coverage. International broadcasters are also listed.

Manchester United have released a blue Adidas away kit for the 2026/27 season, featuring tonal stripes, red and white detailing, and Snapdragon sponsorship. The club will debut the design against Rosenborg in Norway, followed by fixtures including Atlético Madrid, PSG, Leeds United and Milan. The kit is available through Manchester United and Adidas retail channels, with replica shirts priced from £85, authentic versions from £120, youth shirts from £60, and a baby kit at £40. United begin their 2026/27 Premier League campaign away to promoted Hull City on August 22, with Michael Carrick overseeing his first full season as permanent head coach.

Influencers including IShowSpeed, Marlon, Sean Garnier, Zias, Brittany Isenhour and Freda Ayisi played a football match in New York’s Central Park during the 2026 World Cup, joined by Cafu and Pierluigi Collina. Participants celebrated the tournament’s inclusive atmosphere, with several describing newfound enthusiasm for the sport. IShowSpeed praised FIFA, YouTube and his teammates after lifting a replica trophy and performing at the final in New Jersey, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time.

ESPN reportedly dismissed analyst and former NFL player Ryan Clark during an NFL Live broadcast after concerns the news might leak, citing issues with some of his choices. Clark, who has worked for ESPN since 2015 and earns more than $2 million annually, has not publicly responded. His recent social media activity centered on praising Tom Brady’s comments about Aaron Rodgers’ passing ability. The article also recaps Clark’s NFL career and achievements with the Giants, Redskins, and Steelers.

Lionel Messi expressed deep pain following Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain, thanking supporters and praising the team’s unity while acknowledging Spain’s triumph. He highlighted Argentina’s achievements, including consecutive finals appearances, and reflected on personal and team milestones. Coach Lionel Scaloni admitted uncertainty about his future after the emotional loss. Messi has returned to Rosario before preparing for his upcoming matches with Inter Miami.

Tom Cruise delivered an opening speech at the 2026 World Cup final in the United States, emphasizing football’s unifying power as Spain prepared to face Argentina. With President Donald Trump in attendance, Cruise highlighted the shared global experience of the tournament. Lineups for both teams were confirmed, and key match statistics were outlined, including Argentina’s pursuit of a perfect tournament record and Spain’s historic defensive run.

The World Cup 2026 final kicks off at 20:00 BST on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with the halftime show expected to begin around 20:45 BST. Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS and Burna Boy will perform in the first-ever World Cup final halftime show, arranged by Coldplay and promoted as a blend of football, music and social impact.

England secured third place at the 2026 World Cup with a high-scoring win over France, powered by a Bukayo Saka hat-trick and early goals from Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa. Kylian Mbappe scored twice to become the competition’s all-time leading scorer, while Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele also struck for France in a spirited comeback attempt. Jude Bellingham sealed the result late on. The match followed scrutiny of England coach Thomas Tuchel after their semifinal loss, with pundits questioning his future. The article also reviewed historical context and provided full team lineups and key tournament statistics.

England surged to a 4-0 lead over France in the World Cup 2026 third-place play-off with early goals from Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and two from Bukayo Saka. Danny Murphy criticised France’s defending as England dominated a match in which France’s Kylian Mbappe sought to surpass Lionel Messi in the all-time World Cup scoring charts. Both teams heavily rotated their starting line-ups, with England resting Harry Kane and France making seven changes. Broadcast details and historical context underline England’s pursuit of their best World Cup finish since 1966.

England and France confirmed their starting lineups for the World Cup 2026 third‑place play‑off in Miami, with Kylian Mbappe starting for France while Harry Kane is named among England’s substitutes. The match follows England’s late semi‑final loss to Argentina and France’s defeat to Spain. Broadcasting details, kickoff times and key historical and statistical notes highlight England’s pursuit of their best finish since 1966 and France’s fourth appearance in a third‑place play‑off, which will also mark Didier Deschamps’ final game as manager.

Wrexham defeated Manchester United 1-0 in a pre-season friendly in Helsinki, with Sam Smith scoring the decisive goal after capitalising on a defensive lapse. Manchester United fielded a strong starting lineup but struggled to create clear chances despite dominating possession. New signing Andrey Santos was praised for his sharpness, while Leny Yoro impressed in an unfamiliar right-back role. Wrexham threatened on the counter, with Davis Keillor-Dunn nearly adding a second. The article also outlines United’s upcoming pre-season fixtures across Scandinavia and Ireland and highlights the commercial reasons behind their tour choices.

Mohamed Salah is expected to announce his next club soon, according to his representative Ramy Abbas Issa, who said no talks have been held with clubs that do not interest the player. After leaving Liverpool and starring for Egypt at the 2026 World Cup, Salah is linked with Besiktas and other Turkish, Saudi, and European clubs. The article reviews his achievements at Liverpool, including four Premier League Golden Boots and multiple major trophies, and outlines his lucrative earnings and contract history.

Argentina reached the 2026 World Cup final by coming from behind to defeat England 2-1 through goals from Enzo Fernandez and a stoppage‑time header from Lautaro Martinez, both created by Lionel Messi. Anthony Gordon had given England the lead, but late defensive substitutions preceded Argentina’s sustained pressure. Alexis Mac Allister twice hit the post before Argentina completed the turnaround. Argentina will face Spain in the final, while England meet France in the third‑place match.

England and Argentina began their 2026 World Cup semi‑final with a tense, foul‑filled opening, as Argentina matched a tournament record for early infringements. Alan Shearer warned that a slow tempo would benefit Argentina, while early altercations involved Lionel Messi, Jude Bellingham and Eliot Anderson. England made three changes to their starting lineup, and Argentina added Giuliano Simeone in midfield. The winner will face Spain in the final, with France awaiting the loser in the third‑place match. The article also provides viewing details and key historical and statistical context for the matchup.

England and Argentina confirmed their starting lineups for their 2026 World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, with England making three changes and Argentina replacing Rodrigo De Paul with Giuliano Simeone. Broadcast details list BBC One and BBC iPlayer for UK viewers. Match statistics highlight historical results, current scoring trends and Argentina’s strong tournament form, including a four-match run of scoring three goals and a total of 17 goals in the competition so far.

France and Spain announced unchanged starting lineups for their World Cup 2026 semi-final in Dallas, with Aurelien Tchouameni and Bradley Barcola starting for France. Spain remain consistent with their previous selection. The match winner will face either England or Argentina in the final. Broadcast information, kickoff details and historical statistics between the teams are provided, along with key performance notes such as Kylian Mbappe’s goal tally and Spain’s strong defensive record in the tournament.

Thomas Tuchel criticised England’s performance in their World Cup 2026 quarter-final win over Norway, calling the team sloppy and fortunate despite advancing with two goals from Jude Bellingham. Defensive issues persisted, including a disallowed Norwegian goal, but Tuchel praised the squad’s mentality while stressing the need for improvement ahead of a semi-final against Argentina or Switzerland. England’s fixtures and broadcast details for the remainder of the tournament were outlined.

Argentina took an early lead against Switzerland in their World Cup 2026 quarter-final when Lionel Messi’s corner was headed in by Alexis Mac Allister in Kansas City. Switzerland matched Argentina in attempts during the opening stages but were undone by the set-piece. The match follows Argentina’s dramatic comeback win over Egypt, while England await the winner after beating Norway in extra time. The article also outlines team lineups, key absences, and statistical notes on both sides’ World Cup performance trends.

Norway took the lead in the World Cup 2026 quarter-final through Andreas Schjelderup before Jude Bellingham equalised in first-half stoppage time. England had a Harry Kane effort ruled out for offside, while pundits criticised the defending that led to Norway’s opener. Team line-ups, match context, and tournament statistics outline a balanced and competitive contest heading into the second half.

Argentina seek to extend their World Cup unbeaten run as Lionel Messi leads a settled side into a quarter-final against Switzerland, who have impressed defensively and reached the last eight without trailing in the tournament. Argentina enter after a dramatic comeback win over Egypt, while Switzerland progress following a penalty shootout victory over Colombia but remain without several injured players. Key statistics highlight Argentina’s strong scoring streak and Switzerland’s resilience. A narrow Argentina win is predicted, with both teams expected to rely on disciplined structures and decisive attacking moments.

Spain and Belgium confirmed their starting lineups for their 2026 World Cup quarter-final in Los Angeles, with Spain making a midfield change as Fabian Ruiz replaces Pedri and Belgium bringing in Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku. Broadcast details list BBC One and BBC iPlayer for UK viewers. Key historical stats highlight Spain’s recent dominance in the fixture and individual player achievements, including Leandro Trossard’s milestone contributions and Romelu Lukaku’s scoring run from the bench.

Argentina reached the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals with a dramatic comeback win over Egypt, sparked by Lionel Messi’s late equaliser and Enzo Fernandez’s stoppage‑time header. Messi, who missed a first-half penalty, spoke emotionally about the team’s struggle and determination. Head coach Lionel Scaloni was too overwhelmed to complete his post‑match interview. Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez and Fernandez praised Messi and highlighted the team’s unity after overcoming a physically challenging Egypt side.

Argentina’s 2026 World Cup campaign is outlined with full match schedule, results, and Messi’s performances. Despite pre‑tournament injury concerns, Messi has played a decisive role, scoring consistently and surpassing Miroslav Klose’s goal record. Argentina advanced through the group stage and knockout rounds, preparing for a quarter-final on July 12. The article highlights Argentina’s strong squad depth, featuring key contributors across midfield and attack, reinforcing their status as tournament favorites.

Switzerland and Colombia confirmed their starting lineups for their World Cup 2026 knockout match in Vancouver, with Switzerland making two changes due to injury and Colombia introducing Luis Suarez in place of Jhon Cordoba. Broadcast details were provided for UK viewers, and key match statistics highlighted Switzerland’s unbeaten run and Colombia’s strong attacking output and defensive record during the tournament.

Argentina overturned a 2-0 deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2 in a dramatic World Cup 2026 last-16 match in Atlanta, with Enzo Fernandez scoring a 93rd‑minute winner after goals from Cristian Romero and Lionel Messi sparked the comeback. Egypt had taken control through Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko, with Mostafa Shoubir saving a Messi penalty to preserve their lead, but Argentina’s late surge secured a quarter-final place against Switzerland or Colombia. Roy Keane praised the match as an extraordinary spectacle, while team selections, tactical shifts and key statistics highlighted Argentina’s resilience and Egypt’s missed opportunity to reach the quarter-finals.

Argentina trailed Egypt in their World Cup 2026 last‑16 match after Yasser Ibrahim headed in an early goal before Lionel Messi missed a first‑half penalty saved by Mostafa Shoubir. Analysts highlighted Messi’s uncharacteristic lack of confidence and defensive errors that contributed to Argentina’s problems, while Egypt maintained control with strong play and tactical discipline. Team lineups, broadcast details, and key tournament statistics provided additional context for the matchup.

Argentina make three changes for their World Cup 2026 knockout match against Egypt, with Lionel Messi leading the team as joint top scorer. Egypt adjust their lineup as Mohamed Salah continues to feature despite fitness concerns. The match will be broadcast in the UK on ITV1 with streaming via ITVX. Key statistics highlight Messi’s scoring streak, Mbappe’s golden boot lead on assists, and Egypt’s opportunity to become only the fifth African nation to reach the quarter-finals.

Folarin Balogun acknowledged controversy surrounding his eligibility in the USA’s 4–1 World Cup defeat to Belgium after FIFA suspended his red‑card ban following intervention from Donald Trump, prompting criticism from Belgian officials, UEFA and others. Belgium used the situation as motivation, celebrating pointedly after scoring, while USA players said they were surprised by the ruling. FIFA president Gianni Infantino and disciplinary officials defended the independence and legal basis of the decision. The loss eliminated the co-hosts from the tournament, leaving Balogun frustrated by the performance and the long wait for another opportunity.

Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal in the 2026 World Cup, returning from a hamstring injury to play a central role in their group-stage and knockout matches, scoring multiple goals. Portugal advanced from a group containing DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia before defeating Croatia and facing Spain in the last 16. With a seasoned and highly rated squad featuring standout performers such as Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, Portugal entered the tournament as one of the favourites. Their route included potential encounters with strong contenders like Argentina, Spain, France and Brazil. The article also provides Portugal’s full squad list and details Ronaldo’s match schedule and injury updates.

Broadcast schedules for the 2026 World Cup in the UK assign England’s knockout matches across BBC and ITV, with both airing the final. Remaining tournament fixtures and kick‑off times are listed, alongside streaming options via BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and Fox Sports in the United States, with Telemundo providing Spanish‑language coverage.

Kylian Mbappe enters the 2026 World Cup as France’s leading figure, contributing multiple goals throughout a strong group-stage campaign and knockout progression. Despite injuries earlier in the year, he has regained full fitness and continues to play a decisive role. France’s talented squad, featuring several high-performing European club players and led by outgoing manager Didier Deschamps, positions the team among the tournament favorites. Mbappe’s next match is the quarter-final against Morocco as France aims for another deep World Cup run.

Mbappe’s second‑half penalty secured France’s 1‑0 win over Paraguay in a tense World Cup last‑16 match marked by Paraguay’s rough tactics and lack of disciplinary action. France created limited chances but controlled key moments, with Gill keeping Paraguay competitive through several strong saves. Tempers flared at full time, while commentary figures condemned Paraguay’s approach. The result moves France into a quarter‑final meeting with Morocco, and Mbappe moves above Messi in the top‑scorer standings.

Paraguay frustrated France in their World Cup 2026 last‑16 match, with Kylian Mbappe reacting angrily after repeated tactical fouls, including one by Andres Cubas that triggered a confrontation. Paraguay’s disciplined defensive approach, praised as exceptional by analyst Stephen Warnock, disrupted France’s rhythm and contributed to Mbappe’s irritation. Both teams made key lineup changes, and match facts highlighted France’s strong World Cup record and Paraguay’s underdog status despite their resilient performance.

Canada’s coach Jesse Marsch expressed pride despite a 3–0 World Cup round-of-16 loss to Morocco, arguing his side outplayed the African champions early but lacked decisive quality in the final third. Morocco capitalised on defensive lapses through goals from Azzedine Ounahi and Soufiane Rahimi to advance to the quarter-finals. Players and staff highlighted Canada’s historic tournament run and growing national support, emphasizing progress and optimism for future cycles.