San Sebastián club; Basque origins, 1909 founding, competitive Spanish football
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is underway in Morocco with 16 teams, 34 matches, and a new qualification tie to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Morocco hosts; Nigeria defends the title as several debutants join the field. Kick-off times start at 17:00 GMT across venues, with the final on Aug. 16.
Messi has returned to the field for Inter Miami amid weather delays, scoring and assisting in a Leagues Cup clash. The club remains unbeaten in eight matches, with Messi’s form continuing after the World Cup final. Other MLS actions see Suarez and Mendez scoring in Columbus’ draw as the league contends with scheduling and player welfare.
Rangers have secured the signing of 26-year-old Japanese winger Daisuke Yokota on a three-year deal with an option for a fourth. The move strengthens Rangers’ attacking options ahead of their Europa League third qualifying round match against Jagellonia, with Yokota registered in time for the tie.
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 Uruguay international adds leadership and versatility to the back line as injuries bite, with Konaté departed and several defenders sidelined.
Paris Saint-Germain have retained the UEFA Super Cup after Déziré Doué's 61st-minute strike, awarded following a VAR review, beat Aston Villa 2-1 in Salzburg. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia opened the scoring before 17-year-old Brian Madjo levelled for Villa on his competitive debut, becoming the youngest scorer in the fixture's history.
Chelsea have not received a formal bid for Enzo Fernandez, who remains a Chelsea player as the transfer window closes. City are keen, while Chelsea are eyeing replacements and preparing for the season opener against Fulham.
Barcelona have strengthened midfield and attack this summer but lack an established number nine. Rodri has joined City, Gordon and Adeyemi add pace, while Alvarez eye remains a potential move; Barça face decision as window closes.
The draw for the Champions League group stage has placed 36 clubs into four pots based on UEFA coefficients. Top clubs like Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, PSG, Bayern, Real Madrid and others are in pot one. Aston Villa and Manchester United return to the competition in pot two. Pots three and four include a mix of European contenders and newcomers. The draw introduces a new rule barring teams from hosting the same opponent in three consecutive league phases.
Eight teams face an extensive Europa and Conference League schedule as the new season begins, with Bournemouth and Sunderland among the highlights, including ties against Milan and Real Sociedad and a return to European competition for Palace and Celtic.
Barcelona has opened its Champions League campaign with a 5-1 win over Feyenoord; PSG has beaten Slovan Bratislava 6-1 as Ousmane Dembélé and Torres scored early and Torres completed a hat-trick; Real Betis has beaten Lille 3-2 with Donald Parrott scoring the winner on his Champions League debut and Lille finished with ten men after Ethan Mbappé’s red card.
Arsenal has beaten Chelsea in a London derby, continuing their strong start to the season. Other results included Manchester United drawing 2-2 with Everton, and Hull City continuing to challenge xG conventions. The weekend’s slate reshapes the early table as clubs chase consistency ahead of the international break.
Real Madrid, under Jose Mourinho, has faced a setback in La Liga as they chase a Champions League title, while PSG, Bayern and Barcelona push for dominance in Europe. The season opens with high stakes as teams recalibrate after summer moves including Mourinho’s return to Madrid.
Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister has expressed sadness at not receiving a new contract, while teammates Szoboszlai and Gravenberch have extended deals. He has options to leave, and recent results show his form remains pivotal as Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid to start their Champions League campaign.
The 70th Ballon d’Or is set to be awarded in London on October 26. Kane, Bellingham, and Rice headline the men’s shortlist, with Messi and Mbappé among others on the list. The ceremony marks a milestone anniversary; the competition has featured a global lineup and continues to spark debate over the year’s standout performers.
Atletico Madrid has lost 3-0 to Athletic Bilbao in La Liga and faces a challenging Champions League opener at Liverpool. Simeone cites a mixture of injuries, late arrivals and Alvarez transfer speculation as hampering preparations, while Jonathan David has joined on loan. The team seeks a sharp response in a challenging week.
Barcelona beats Levante 3-2 to stay atop La Liga after a gripping clash that saw Levante rally from two goals down before Karim Adeyemi sealed the win in second-half stoppage time. Xavi Espart and Lamine Yamal struck early, and Barcelona’s defense held firm late on.
Lionel Messi has helped Inter Miami win the Campeones Cup with a 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul, sealing the club’s first Campeones Cup trophy and adding another trophy to Messi’s MLS era. Casemiro’s late header secures the win after Messi’s early headed goal; the ceremony also marks new coach Cristian Gonzalez’s first game in charge.
The early Premier League campaign shows Arsenal leading in xG difference, with City close behind; Manchester United and Newcastle face underwhelming starts. Brighton and Hull Ipswich show solid starts among promoted sides. Newcastle’s high finishing belies a modest xG; several teams underperform relative to chances created.
Lyon and AC Milan have both secured 4-0 wins in European competition. Crystal Palace suffers a home defeat in a match that featured Pierre Sage returning to Selhurst Park. Other results include Torreense’s late strike against Sunderland and Leverkusen’s surgical 4-0 win over Lech Poznan.