Jonty Colman

Fantasy Premier League has introduced several changes for the 2026-27 season, including a tool that helps managers build their initial squad, live mini-league scoring, a price-change predictor, improved ranking history and weekly gameweek recaps. Bonus-point rules have been adjusted: tackles no longer reduce players' scores, the defensive-actions threshold has increased, goalkeeper saves are scored differently, and bonus points will be finalised by 09:00 UK time the following morning. The ability to use chips twice per season and defensive contribution points remain in place. Player prices and positions have also changed, with Erling Haaland rising to £15.5m, Bruno Fernandes to £12m and Gabriel to £8m.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place in Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August, featuring 10 sports and integrated Para events, fewer than the 17 sports staged there in 2014. Seventy‑four Commonwealth Games Association members are expected to compete, including newcomers Gabon and Togo. Australia, England and Canada lead historical medal standings, while several smaller nations have yet to win a medal.

Prize money for the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale increases to a $17.75m pool, with the winner receiving $3.2m. Payouts rise across top finishing positions, with professionals only eligible for earnings. Detailed breakdowns outline earnings from first place through the cut line, including reduced payouts if more than 70 players make the weekend.

The 2026-27 football season schedule includes August starts for the Premier League and English Football League, with FA Cup rounds beginning in November and EFL Cup rounds running from August to March. UEFA competitions start qualifying in July and progress through league phases and knockout rounds into spring 2027. International breaks occur four times, alongside major tournaments including the World Cup, Asian Cup, Gold Cup and Africa Cup of Nations.

Empty seats at Wimbledon's show courts stem from restrictions on movement during play, long queues for food and facilities, fans visiting outside courts, heat prompting spectators to seek shade, and long event schedules that cause late arrivals or early departures. Ticket holders for major courts can return or resell their seats through the All England Lawn Tennis Club, enabling ground pass holders to purchase them at reduced rates.

LeBron James is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons, ending a period in which he restored the franchise to regular playoff contention and delivered the 2020 NBA title. His departure follows the team's recent shift toward a future built around Luka Doncic after a major 2025 trade. With his career nearing its end, James is expected to seek a contending team, with the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves among potential destinations. His choice is likely to draw significant attention as he attempts to add a final championship to his legacy.

British players experienced their worst Wimbledon opening‑round results in more than a decade, with 15 of 19 competitors eliminated. The exit rate of nearly 79% marks the highest since 2013, though wins by four players prevented the year from becoming the worst on record. Injuries to Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper further weakened Britain’s prospects for deep runs in the tournament.

Christian Fuchs made a memorable cricket debut for Grindleford in Derbyshire, taking two wickets, contributing to a run out and hitting a six into a nearby river during a friendly against Riverside Notts. The former Leicester City defender, who had just left his role as Newport County manager, scored 12 runs as his team won by one wicket. Players described him as friendly and unexpected company in a village match. The piece notes other footballers who have also taken up cricket later in life and recaps Fuchs’ football achievements, including his Premier League title and international career with Austria.

The 2026 World Cup set multiple records, with Kylian Mbappe surpassing Lionel Messi as the tournament’s all‑time top scorer with 22 goals and becoming the first player to win two Golden Boots. Brazil reclaimed the record for most World Cup goals by a nation with 247, edging Germany by four. Spain secured their second World Cup title, while Brazil remained the most successful nation historically with five wins. Messi retained the record for most World Cup minutes played at 2,844, ahead of Paolo Maldini and Cristiano Ronaldo. The article details leading nations and players across wins, goals and minutes in tournament history.

The international football calendar will shift to a three‑week break in late September and early October beginning in the 2026‑27 season, replacing the traditional October window. Approved by the Fifa Council, the change accommodates the late 2026 World Cup final, reduces long‑haul travel for players, and supports player welfare. Countries will play four matches during the expanded break, with the overall number of international fixtures unchanged. The new format remains in place until at least 2030, with European nations using the window for early Nations League group matches.

The Last 8 Club grants lifetime Wimbledon access and hospitality benefits to players who reach specified stages of the championships, including singles quarter-finals, doubles semi-finals or the mixed doubles final. Benefits include grounds access, free tickets, hospitality privileges, discounted hotel options and invitations to special events. New members entering in 2027 include Arthur Fery, Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff, while recent qualifiers such as Ben Shelton and Mirra Andreeva have begun using the perks this year.