Global men’s football showpiece, held every four years since 1930
Barcelona suffer a rare loss as Real Madrid defeats them 2-1 in a tightly contested Clasico. Mbappe nets twice for Madrid, while Raphinha levels for Barca. Yamal shines and Gordon adds late gloss. The result narrows Barca’s lead in La Liga.
Harry Kane has claimed the Ballon d’Or, becoming England’s first winner since Michael Owen in 2001. The Bayern Munich forward scored 73 goals last season and helped Bayern to a domestic double, while England reached the World Cup semi-finals. Mbappe finished second and Lamine Yamal third in a tight vote decided by 100 journalists.
Gotham FC has secured the NWSL Shield with a 2-0 win over Utah Royals, finishing the regular season with a club-record 61 points. The victory caps a season of consistency and remarkable comebacks, even amid injuries and roster turnover. The team now eyes postseason glory as they host a playoff game.
Argentina has escalated its sovereignty push around the Sea Lion oil field near the Falkland Islands. Milei’s govt has filed sanctions and legal actions against firms involved, threatens the UN-backed tribunal, and vows to defend sovereignty. The UK asserts islanders’ self-determination and resources rights.
Retail activity has held up in August and early autumn, with online and department-store sales contributing to a broader pickup in spending. Analysts note energy costs, inflation, and consumer sentiment as ongoing challenges for the economy, while a new government stance signals support measures may shift in the coming months.
Argentina’s national team is negotiating Scaloni’s extension while preparing for friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benin. Lionel Messi will bid farewell in the final Benin match as Scaloni steers a transition after a record run of success.
England’s Nations League campaign has seen Alexander-Arnold deliver a decisive assist for Gordon as Tuchel weighs his plans at right-back; Palmer’s withdrawal from duty draws attention to squad depth and selection strategy ahead of a Spain opener.
Morocco has named Mansouri, former Marrakech mayor, to form a new government. She is tasked with building a coalition after elections, with promises of investment linked to the 2030 World Cup and reforms to inflation, wages and jobs. She becomes the second female prime minister in the Arab world, following Tunisia’s Najla Bouden.
Fatima Zahra El Mansouri has been named Morocco's first female prime minister after PAM won the most seats in the parliamentary elections. She is tasked by King Mohammed VI to form a government and will lead negotiations to build a coalition. Turnout was the lowest in two decades as PAM edges ahead of rivals. El Mansouri has previously served as Marrakech mayor and housing minister.
UK GDP has been revised up to 0.5% in Q2, driven by stronger services and construction, while annual figures for 2025 are trimmed. Economists warn of tougher months ahead as energy costs weigh on households and inflation remains above target.
The euro has fallen to near 17-month lows after investors have pushed up French borrowing costs and bond spreads. France has faced rising yields, mass protests and a political stalemate over deficit cuts ahead of the presidential election. Markets are pricing greater contagion risk across the eurozone and the ECB is under pressure to act.
France's teenager-turned-star Olise delivers a breathtaking display, scoring twice and laying on an assist as France beats Belgium 4-2 in a high-tempo Nations League clash. Doué and Cherki contribute, signaling a potent future for the French attack.
Lionel Messi has delivered a final international performance for Argentina, guiding his side to a 3-0 win over Benin in Buenos Aires in what is being hailed as his last tango with the national team. He has provided an assist, scored from the spot, and bid emotional thanks to fans, teammates, and family before stepping away from international football.
A corneal ulcer has emerged after extended contact lens wear and exposure during travel. A New York hospital confirms a case where improper lens hygiene led to an ulcer, risking vision but with a small scar likely.
Formula One has signed a 10-year agreement with Rwanda to host the African Grand Prix on a new, purpose-built FIA Grade 1 circuit in Bugesera, about 40km south of Kigali. The deal, announced in Kigali, has set the first race for the early 2030s and forms part of a wider development to drive tourism, jobs and motorsport training while prompting sportswashing concerns.
Morocco has formed a coalition government led by Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri of PAM. The coalition includes Istiqlal and two smaller left-wing parties, holding a narrow majority in Parliament. The government faces rising living costs, unemployment, and public service needs ahead of 2030 World Cup preparations.
The United States has drawn 2-2 with Spain in a pair of exhibition matches, with Spain taking an early 2-0 lead before Ashley Sanchez and Mallory Swanson levelled the contest. Spain remains world champions and has qualified for next year’s World Cup; the U.S. eyes qualification in Concacaf W Championship later this year.
Netflix has appointed Peter Rice to replace Bela Bajaria as Chief Content Officer, as the company seeks to accelerate growth and diversify its slate. The move follows recent layoffs and ongoing concerns about engagement, with Rice bringing experience from Disney and Fox to oversee global content, including live sports and events.
FIFA has fined Spain $20,000 and ordered the temporary closure of at least 15% of seats at a Spain home friendly after supporters chanted anti-Muslim slogans during a World Cup warm-up in Barcelona. The case spans multiple sources, with Spain’s federation and officials condemning the chants and vowing to cooperate with investigations.
England manager Sarina Wiegman has extended her contract to lead the Lionesses through the Euro 2029 cycle, with the World Cup in Brazil looming next year. The extensions come as England pursue a World Cup playoff against Ukraine and aim to build on consecutive European titles.
Bukayo Saka has sustained a left thigh injury after a substitution during Arsenal’s Champions League draw with Bayern Munich. An MRI shows fluid around the muscle; Arsenal expect a minimum six-week layoff, potentially longer. The injury forces a reshuffle as young Max Dowman could feature.
Barcelona and Real Madrid prepare for a high-stakes Clasico as Mourinho returns to Real Madrid. Barca lead La Liga, Mbappe and Yamal star, while the Ballon d’Or ceremony looms. The match could reshape the title race and signal whether the Clasico remains football’s biggest fixture.
Rangers have built a nine-match unbeaten run and sit four points behind Celtic after a 2-2 draw and midweek wins. Manager Derek McInnes is juggling illness, squad depth, and fixtures as the season progresses, while key players signal growing unity and a belief the team can dominate the league. Belgian midfielder has extended his stay tentative discussions.
Kane has become the first Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or in 25 years, delivering a defining personal and national achievement. He has starred for Bayern Munich, scoring 73 goals in 65 games, and has led England to the World Cup semifinals. The award ceremony in London crowns a season of record-breaking form.
TikTok is expanding beyond video sharing by developing features like Must Eat restaurant guides, in-chat payments, and a sports hub. The company is pursuing a super-app strategy to integrate payments, discovery, and bookings within a single platform, challenging incumbents like Yelp, Google Maps, and traditional sports apps.
Senegal has opened the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar with about 2,700 athletes aged 14 to 17 across 25 sports. The event marks Africa’s first hosting of the Youth Olympics. While officials tout sport as a development tool, many Senegalese face rising living costs and job scarcity, prompting questions about prioritising youth needs alongside the games.
Kylian Mbappé has apologised after a clip circulated in which he joked about a meme that appeared to reference Mao Zedong. China Media Group has suspended broadcasts of La Liga matches, and Chinese firms including Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground have ended partnerships. Real Madrid and La Liga have also issued apologies.
Mbappé has apologized for a meme linking his image to Mao Zedong after Chinese audiences perceived the joke as insulting. Chinese brands have severed ties, state media has suspended broadcast of La Liga, and social media discussions are intense. The controversy centers on national sentiment and China’s censorship environment.
Arsenal has moved level at the Premier League summit after Ezri Konsa’s early goal helps secure a 1-0 win over Everton. Gabriel Magalhães and Konsa form a formidable centre-back partnership, with Arteta praising Konsa’s seamless integration at the club.
CAF has reversed its December plan to run AFCON on a four-year cycle, reinstating a biennial schedule after an executive decision. Motsepe says the move advances African football and players, while concerns linger about the Africa Nations League timeline and funding. Next editions are set for 2027, 2028, 2031 and 2033 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with no AFCON in 2030.
Fifa has invited council members to view key documents in person at its Zurich headquarters under confidentiality rules, as it reviews governance questions and faces Uefa pressure ahead of next year’s presidential vote.