Italy U20 Women and United States U20 Women
6 September 2026

Italy beat the United States 2-1 in their opening U20 Women’s World Cup group match in Lodz, earning Italy’s first victory in the tournament’s history. The result leaves the Americans needing a response in a difficult Group D.

Micayla Johnson gave the United States an early lead before Italy equalised through Paola Fadda. Giada Pellegrino Cimo scored the winner after a defensive error, while a late American equaliser was ruled out for a narrow offside following video review.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and UEFA
4 September 2026

Arsenal have drawn holders Barcelona and eight-time winners Lyon in the Women’s Champions League league phase. Chelsea will travel to Lyon, while Manchester City face Bayern Munich away and host Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid among their six fixtures.

All 18 clubs were drawn against six opponents, with three home and three away matches. Arsenal also face Benfica, HB Koge, Paris FC and Inter, while the first league-phase matches are scheduled for 22 and 23 September.

MLS clubs, U.S. Soccer and the U.S. Open Cup
1 September 2026

Every eligible MLS team will participate in the 2027 U.S. Open Cup, the first full league involvement since 2023. MLS clubs will enter in July at the round-of-64 stage, while the tournament final is scheduled to be played in December.

MLS had reduced participation after citing scheduling congestion and concerns over the competition, prompting significant opposition across American soccer. The revised format avoids overlap with Leagues Cup and follows recent changes including increased prize money and new broadcast arrangements.

Everton, Wolves, Liverpool, the EFL and UEFA
31 August 2026

Everton’s Carabao Cup third-round match against Wolves has been moved from 9 September to 16 September only nine days before its original date. The late switch follows a scheduling conflict created by Liverpool’s Champions League home fixture.

Merseyside Police will not allow Everton and Liverpool home matches on the same night. UEFA declined the EFL’s request to move Liverpool’s Atletico Madrid tie, forcing Everton’s game back a week and causing Wolves’ Championship schedule to change too.

Pedro Sanchez, Spain, FIFA and the 2030 World Cup
31 August 2026

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez says his government will work to ensure the 2030 World Cup final is staged in Spain rather than Morocco. The final venue remains unsettled as Spain, Portugal and Morocco prepare to co-host the tournament.

Sanchez publicly argued that Spain deserves the showpiece and rejected the prospect of it shifting to Morocco. The tournament will also include opening matches in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay to commemorate 100 years since the inaugural 1930 World Cup.

UEFA and Champions League league-phase clubs
29 August 2026

UEFA has confirmed the match dates for the 2026-27 Champions League league phase after previously announcing each club’s opponents. Real Madrid host Inter on 8 September, Barcelona welcome Feyenoord on 9 September and Napoli open at home against Arsenal.

The calendar now turns the earlier draw into a fixed eight-match schedule running through 27 January 2027. Other confirmed opening fixtures include Como hosting Leipzig and Roma visiting Fenerbahce, while Inter begin their campaign away at Real Madrid.

UEFA and Europa League and Conference League clubs
28 August 2026

Sunderland will visit AC Milan in their first European campaign since 1973, while Bournemouth also drew Milan and Crystal Palace face Lyon, Real Sociedad and Besiktas. Celtic meet Marseille and Benfica, with Hearts drawing Monaco and Trabzonspor.

The Europa League gives each club eight league-phase opponents, while Conference League teams play six. Brighton also drew Monaco and Getafe, as Friday’s Monaco ceremony completed the league-phase paths for clubs across both UEFA competitions.

UEFA and the Champions League league-phase clubs
27 August 2026

The Champions League league-phase draw handed holders Paris Saint-Germain meetings with Manchester City, Aston Villa and Barcelona. Arsenal will host Real Madrid and visit Bayern Munich, while Manchester United return to the competition with Bayern, Atletico Madrid and Roma among their opponents.

Each of the 36 clubs will play eight different opponents, four home and four away. The first matches begin on 8 September, the final league-phase round is on 27 January 2027, and the competition final will be staged in Madrid.

Ajax and FC Sion
27 August 2026

Ajax qualified for the Conference League league phase after beating Sion 5-3 in Amsterdam and 9-5 on aggregate. Tolu Arokodare scored twice on his first Ajax start, while Davy Klaassen registered his 20th European goal for the club.

Ajax briefly fell 2-1 behind after Marc-Andre ter Stegen spilled a cross, reducing their aggregate advantage to one goal. Klaassen equalised before half-time and Ajax scored three more times to remove any threat of a Sion comeback.

Rangers and Jablonec
27 August 2026

Rangers crashed out of European competition after losing 4-3 on penalties to Jablonec following a 1-0 first-leg advantage. Findlay Curtis and James Penrice missed their final two spot-kicks, leaving Rangers without European football beyond August for the first time since 2017.

Rangers produced only one shot on target across 120 minutes and failed to turn their aggregate advantage into qualification. Derek McInnes accepted responsibility for the performance, which follows an earlier Europa League exit and a poor start to the domestic season.