
Football
Key stories
Today · 19 Sept
Brentford defeats Chelsea 3-0 in Premier League.
Brentford defeated Chelsea 3-0 in the Premier League.
Jonathan Gradit scores an own goal as Lens lose to Monaco.
Gradit scored an own goal in the match against Monaco.
LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt is not listed on the SEC availability report for Saturday’s game at Ole Miss, indicating he is expected to play.
LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt is not listed on the SEC availability report for Saturday’s game at Ole Miss, indicating he is expected to play for LSU.
Asian Games opening ceremony in Nagoya begins as competition starts
The Asian Games opening ceremony at Paloma Mizuho Stadium will fire the starting gun on the first official days of competition in Nagoya and Tokyo.
Australia A player Doggett travels to India for Border-Gavaskar Trophy preparations and will return in December for the BBL opener in Chennai
Fast bowler is currently in India with the Australia A team and will be back in December to play the BBL opener in Chennai
Jared Young suffers concussion symptoms after a collision during a game
Jared Young, 31, the New York Mets' first baseman, collided with pitcher Nolan McLean while attempting to field a ground ball Thursday night and sustained a concussion. He is resting at home Friday and will miss the rest of the season because of the concussion.
Harry Kane scores in Bayern Munich's 7-0 win over Union Berlin to become the fastest player to reach 100 Bundesliga goals
Harry Kane scored twice as Bayern Munich thumped Union Berlin 7-0, becoming the fastest player to reach 100 Bundesliga goals in his 98th league appearance for the club. The previous record, set by Dieter Müller in 1977, stood at 129 matches.
Tony Popovic omits Mathew Ryan from Socceroos squad for Brazil matches
Australia coach Tony Popovic has excluded veteran goalkeeper Mathew Ryan from the national squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil. The squad selection includes seven uncapped players as the team prepares for matches in Brisbane and Townsville.
Union Berlin posts a satirical message about Lamine Yamal on X
Union Berlin posted a satirical message on X mocking Lamine Yamal, who had argued that the Ballon d'Or should not go to a player “who scored 80 goals,” without naming Harry Kane. The post followed Harry Kane's two goals and Michael Olise's hat-trick, and the club expressed support for Bayern players.
Wakefield Trinity advance to the Super League playoff semi-finals after defeating Leigh Leopards.
Wakefield Trinity beat Leigh Leopards 26-16 to reach the Super League playoff semi-finals for the first time, with second-half tries from Vagana and Faatili sealing the win despite Emre Guler’s sending off. The victory keeps Wakefield on a rapid rise, having moved from the Championship to within 80 minutes of a Super League Grand Final in three years.
Kevin O'Connell's 2026 season could define his career
Will 2026 be a career-defining season for Vikings' coach Kevin O'Connell?
PSG loans Tanté Diakité to Nantes for the season
Paris Saint-Germain loaned Tanté Diakité to Nantes for the season.
Kylian Mbappé signs boot deal with Swiss brand On
Cristiano Ronaldo is named in the Portugal national team’s first 25-man list under new coach Jorge Jesus
Cristiano Ronaldo was named in the Portugal national team’s first 25-man list by new coach Jorge Jesus
Jets rule out Minkah Fitzpatrick for Sunday against the Packers
The Jets will be without former All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick for Sunday's game against the Packers due to a groin injury, continuing the Jets' run of poor interception production in what the article notes as the longest interception drought in NFL history. Fitzpatrick was ruled out with the groin injury, leaving the Jets short-handed on defense for the matchup with Green Bay.
Wolfsburg prepares to host Darmstadt, while Fürth prepares to host Magdeburg.
Wolfsburg hosts Darmstadt and needs a win to avoid falling further behind at the top. Fürth hosts Magdeburg, and last season the two sides produced a goal festival twice.
Yesterday · 18 Sept
The Spanish Football Federation is finalizing a contract extension for Luis de la Fuente until 2032.
The Spanish Football Federation is finalizing a contract extension for Luis de la Fuente until 2032.
Daly Cherry-Evans will join Hull FC in the Super League next year.
Daly Cherry-Evans is nearing the end of his NRL career, with his final NRL match possibly coming this Saturday’s Sydney Roosters–Cronulla semifinal. He will join Hull FC in the Super League next year, potentially playing against or with players two decades younger than him.
Barcelona defeated Racing de Santander, extending their winning streak to six games.
Barcelona defeated Racing de Santander.
Atletico Madrid defeated Osasuna in a football match.
Atletico Madrid defeated Osasuna in a football match.
China's U20 women's football team loses to Italy in a penalty shootout during the World Cup round of 16.
On September 16, 2026, China’s U20 women’s team drew 1-1 with Italy after 120 minutes in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Round of 16 in Sosnowiec, Poland, but lost 6-5 on penalties, eliminating them from the tournament. They advanced from the group stage with 4 points (1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss) as group third, while Italy topped their group by defeating the United States and drawing with Japan.
Sydney Roosters and Cronulla Sharks are scheduled to play in an NRL semifinal match.
According to ABC Sport, the Sydney Roosters will face the Cronulla Sharks in a sudden-death NRL semifinal on Saturday night, Sept 19, at 7:50pm AEST at the Sydney Football Stadium. The winner will advance to face the Dolphins at Lang Park in the preliminary finals, in a match featuring the ongoing on-field battle between Mark Nawaqanitawase and Ronaldo Mulitalo; this could be Nawaqanitawase’s last NRL game before he returns to rugby union with Saitama Wild Knights.
Millwall and West Ham are set to play each other for the first time in 14 years.
According to The Guardian Sport, Millwall and West Ham will meet on Saturday for the first time in 14 years, at Millwall's Den. The Metropolitan Police have been granted special powers to tackle violence, as fans prepare for a ferocious atmosphere and organizers hope the focus stays on football.
Tottenham Hotspur failed to score in their opening four league games of the 2026-27 season.
According to The Guardian Sport, Tottenham Hotspur failed to score in their opening four Premier League games of the 2026-27 season, the first time they have drawn blanks in four straight league matches in two decades. The article notes a bid by Roberto De Zerbi to forge a settled side and cites player turnover as a problem, with only four players who featured at least half of last season's league minutes appearing in 2026-27; Richarlison is one of them.
French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo convenes a meeting with professional clubs to discuss reform implementation.
French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo organized a meeting with professional clubs to present the reform roadmap.
Jürgen Klopp announced a 44-player squad for the German national team.
Jürgen Klopp nominated 44 players for the German national team squad.
Former Crystal Palace coach Laura Kaminski discusses her current role as head coach of Brann.
According to The Guardian Sport, Laura Kaminski, the English former Crystal Palace head coach who is now Brann’s head coach in Bergen, says winning a cup final in Norway attracted her to the role and that a chance to challenge for the league title was a pull. She started at Brann in January, and the club missed Women’s Champions League qualification after a 4-0 second-leg defeat.
South Korea beat Bangladesh 6-0 in a women's football match at the Asian Games.
South Korea defeated Bangladesh 6-0 in the Asian Games women's football tournament.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe expresses confidence in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
According to CNA Sport, CAF President Patrice Motsepe says he remains confident that Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will successfully host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, the first tournament to be jointly hosted by the three countries. The event is provisionally scheduled from June 19 to July 17, 2027, with Motsepe noting nine months remain and urging speed in completing facilities and infrastructure amid acknowledged challenges.
India-Brazil friendly match tickets will be offered at a discount to local club members and fans.
Tickets for the India-Brazil friendly match will be offered at a discounted rate.
Coventry City manager Frank Lampard discusses the team's winless start to the Premier League season.
According to CNA Sport, Coventry City manager Frank Lampard says positivity remains a focus despite four winless Premier League games without a goal, following a 5-0 home defeat to Brighton and a midweek League Cup exit to Aston Villa ahead of a match with Nottingham Forest.
The Spanish Super Cup will be hosted in Istanbul in 2027.
The Spanish Super Cup will be held in Istanbul in 2027.
Real Betis defeats Getafe to claim third place in the standings
Real Betis wins against Getafe and grabs third place.
Sydney Swans rebuild their AFL midfield following player suspensions
According to ABC Sport, the Sydney Swans rebuilt their AFL midfield after suspending five key players following last month’s Pullman Hotel incident, focusing on a system-based, role-focused approach to cover the losses of Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, and James Jordon. The side has shown strong middle-field performances in recent games and via players like James Rowbottom, with Errol Gulden reigniting his form as they head into the qualifying final against the Lions.
Hong Kong Football Association shows support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino
According to SCMP Sport, the Hong Kong Football Association showed support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who is expected in Hong Kong for the final of the second-tier ASEAN Cup on October 3. At a media event on Friday to announce details for the coming competition, Eric Fok Kai-shan dodged a direct question about backing, while the HKFA chairman said that “whoever supports Hong Kong football...”
Crystal Palace defeat Lech Poznan in Europa League match
According to The Guardian Sport, Crystal Palace defeated Lech Poznan in their Europa League debut under new manager Pierre Sage, a victory that eases pressure on him. The article notes Oliver Glasner’s predecessor won three trophies in 12 months, and Palace face a trip to Leeds on Sunday after dropping teenager Jaydee Canvot at the weekend.
Juventus defeats NEC Nijmegen 5-0 in the Europa League
According to CNA Sport, Juventus defeated NEC Nijmegen 5-0 at home in the Europa League, with goals from Nicolas Gonzalez, Kerim Alajbegovic, Nick Woltemade (penalty), Zeki Celik, and Randal Kolo Muani. Two errors by Nijmegen goalkeeper Nikolas Polster contributed to the rout. The match wrapped up the first round of Europa League results.
Marcelo Gallardo is presented as the new coach of Ecuador's national football team
According to CNA Sport, Marcelo Gallardo was presented as Ecuador's new national football team coach at a press conference in Quito on September 17, 2026. The 50-year-old former Argentina midfielder will lead Ecuador for the first time and aims for high goals, including Copa America and the 2030 World Cup, with his first priority being to get to know the players and staff during the upcoming international window; Ecuador will face South Korea on September 24, followed by Japan a week later.
Manchester City achieves six wins from six under Enzo Maresca
Manchester City achieved six wins from six under Enzo Maresca.
Marseille loses to Besiktas in Europa League opening match
According to Le Monde Sport, Marseille lost to Besiktas 1-4 in Istanbul on Thursday evening, conceding three goals in the second half. It marked their fourth consecutive defeat ahead of a Sunday Ligue 1 match against Paris Saint-Germain.
A-League season start is threatened as top referees go on strike
According to ABC Sport, top Australian referees have been on strike since September 4 over proposed changes that would see referees contracted directly by the league rather than Football Australia, with the A-League Men and Women seasons set to start in mid-October. The PFRA says the changes would be detrimental to referees and raise integrity concerns, while the APL and FA say they are continuing to work toward a resolution. The dispute follows years of governance changes since the 2020 decoupling of the A-League from Football Australia, and concerns about the league’s management and finances.
FAW chief David Adams defends Craig Bellamy's talks with Burnley
According to BBC Sport, FAW chief David Adams defends Craig Bellamy's summer talks with Burnley, saying it was the right move for him to explore club-management opportunities while his Wales duties continue; Bellamy had discussions about succeeding Scott Parker at Burnley but remained in his Wales role as his contract runs to Euro 2028. Adams also highlighted succession planning, the FAW's preference for Wales-connected managers, and noted a 2029 women's Champions League final at the Principality Stadium as a game-changer for Wales football, with notable growth in attendance from 1,000 at Rodney Parade to 15,000 at Cardiff City Stadium, as Wales women eye a World Cup bid and ongoing Euro 2025/2027 qualification matches.
Analysis examines Roberto De Zerbi's tactical approach at Tottenham Hotspur
According to BBC Sport, Tottenham Hotspur are implementing Roberto De Zerbi's tactics, featuring a 2-3-2-3 shape with rotation across positions to create space for direct wingers, while central play draws defenders in to open wide areas. Four games into the Premier League season, Spurs and Coventry City are the only sides yet to score in the league, and Spurs have spent about £320m on players, with many attacking reinforcements; goals have come only in the Carabao Cup. The return of James Maddison from a shoulder injury could help Tottenham in attacking zones.
Shanghai Shenhua defeats Tampines Rovers 2-1 in AFC Champions League Two
According to CGTN Sports, Shanghai Shenhua defeated Tampines Rovers 2-1 in Group G of the AFC Champions League Two, with substitute Yang Shuai heading the winner in the 62nd minute after Shenhua had fallen behind. Shenhua, playing at home, secured its first win under head coach Vladan Milojevic since taking charge, while fielding a depleted squad due to Asian Games duty and injuries or suspensions.
