Atlético Madrid is a top Spanish club known for strong defense, consistent league title challenges, and a high-press, counter-attacking style.
The Champions League groups have been drawn, with PSG and Arsenal among the big names facing a demanding schedule. United, City, Liverpool, and Villa also learn their paths, while the new format pools 36 teams across eight matches apiece. The first league-phase fixtures will be played Sept. 8-10, 2026.
The Independent reports how tonight's Carabao Cup third-round draw will proceed, with a pre-draw to decide home/away status for eight Europe-based clubs, followed by the main draw after the Preston v Everton tie. The 32-team field includes Arsenal, City, United, Liverpool and others, with matches scheduled midweek across two weeks.
The Vatican has confirmed a brief encounter between Pope Leo XIV and reggaeton star Bad Bunny during Madrid events as the pop star performs two shows in the city. The pope is on a weeklong Spain visit with stops in Barcelona and the Canary Islands, aiming to promote unity amid political and church tensions.
The Vatican has confirmed Pope Leo has met with Bad Bunny in Madrid, as the Barcelona leg of his Spain visit unfolds. The pope has also addressed thousands at Real Madrid’s venue, and his Catalan remarks have sparked debate about language and regional identity during the Catalonia stop.
Uruguay has faced travel snags ahead of its Group H opener with Saudi Arabia. Paperwork delays forced the team to depart Cancún on a second flight, arriving in Florida hours later. The coach and captain have downplayed the disruption, stressing rest and preparation.
Several high-profile transfers across European football have reshaped squads this week, with notable deals including Ismael Saibari to Bayern and Cerci to Arsenal, and Grimaldo departing Leverkusen.
Aston Villa has announced Visit Rwanda as the front-of-shirt sponsor across men’s, women’s and academy teams in a multi-year agreement. Amnesty International UK has raised concerns about Rwanda’s human rights record and sportswashing, while DR Congo has accused Rwanda of backing rebel groups and military actions in eastern Congo.
Spain defeats Argentina 1-0 in extra time to claim a second World Cup title. Ferran Torres scores the decisive goal in the 106th minute, capping a dominant display and a robust defensive performance from Luis de la Fuente’s side.
United have already signed two midfielders this window and face injuries and departures that heighten the need for further reinforcements. Several targets are in play, with attention turning to a potential homegrown option as pre-season shows rising balance in midfield.
Manchester City’s new manager Enzo Maresca faces a midfield puzzle as Rodri undergoes back surgery, with questions over his return and possible moves in a window that also sees new signings like Elliot Anderson and cautious talk around James Trafford and Jack Grealish.
A wave of new football kit designs is hitting top Scottish and European clubs as the 2026-27 season approaches. BBC Business collects notable releases from AC Milan to Celtic and Wales, with reactions ranging from praise for heritage-inspired designs to criticism of bold, modern looks.
Celtic faces LASK in a two-legged Europa League play-off-style path for a place in the Champions League groups. First legs are scheduled for Aug. 18-19 with the return a week later. LASK won the Austrian Bundesliga last season and has a track record against Scottish sides; Celtic aims to advance after last season’s exit at this stage.
Vinicius Jr is at the center of renewed contract negotiations with Real Madrid as Arsenal watch for a potential bid. Real Madrid is seeking to renew terms before the transfer window closes; Arsenal is prepared to accelerate if talks stall. Other clubs are weighing interest as Vinicius weighs his future.
Arsenal have secured Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United for £75m on a four-year deal with an option for a further year. The transfer closes a long-running saga and strengthens Arsenal’s midfield as they move to defend their title. Newcastle accept a fee around £75m as they look to replace him with younger options.
Real Madrid have completed a €125m upfront fee plus €15m in add-ons to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, making him the club’s sixth summer arrival under Jose Mourinho. The 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger starred at the World Cup and becomes Madrid’s answer to long-term talent priorities.
Liverpool has secured Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan from Barcelona with an option to buy. The move strengthens the back line as injuries bite, with Konaté gone and several defenders sidelined. Araujo has taken a pay cut to join and will wear number 33, providing leadership and versatility at centre-back and right-back.
Kasper Hogh scores a hat-trick as Celtic outclass Kilmarnock, with Duran providing a superb assist and Nygren adding a third. Maloney and O’Neill are absent due to unrelated matters as Celtic dominate in Ayrshire, while questions linger over Kilmarnock’s defensive shape ahead of the season's tougher tests.
Mourinho has confirmed his return to Real Madrid for a second spell, a move that reshapes the club’s coaching dynamics and expectations after a trophy-laden first era. The Netflix documentary adds fresh context, recounting a pivotal moment when a Chelsea reunion fell through after Real Madrid’s 2010-13 dominance.
Liverpool has green-lit personal terms with Bradley Barcola as talks over a fee with PSG continue. Arsenal is pursuing Vinicius Jr. alternatives, while Rodri could move to Barcelona or Real Madrid. United and Newcastle are negotiating left-back options. The transfer window remains unsettled as clubs refine targets.
Arsenal has officially announced the signing of Bruno Guimarães for £75m from Newcastle, and he is being integrated as the club eye another title defense. The midfielder has given his first impressions and the squad will rely on his versatility to influence both build-up play and goals.
The Premier League has introduced five-second countdowns for throw-ins and goal-kicks to curb time-wasting, increasing injury-required replacements to one minute, and expanding VAR powers to overturn certain decisions. A record nine new managers will begin the season, with Arsenal set as defending champions.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has opened a new chapter with Real Madrid after leaving Liverpool, telling the Mirror that the booing there hurts but that he understands fan disappointment. He stresses he remains committed to his club and his international hopes, while acknowledging the online abuse surrounding his transfer has a darker side.
Alvarez has not trained as Atletico Madrid insists it will not sell to Barcelona; Arsenal remains interested as the transfer window nears closure. Barcelona maintains its bid, while Atletico signals a commitment to its stance amid public exchanges with Barca and internal statements.
Atletico Madrid has reiterated there will be no transfer negotiations with Barcelona for Julián Álvarez, keeping the door open to standard negotiations if conducted professionally. Arsenal remains interested, while Barcelona maintains a €100 million offer amid a deadline looming at the end of the week.
Saudi Arabia's SAFF has endorsed FIFA President Infantino's bid to restore unity in world football, while calls for direct dialogue grow as divisions persist among confederations amid a controversial 20% stake plan.