Sport Updates
Same-day match highlights, records, team news and results from across the sports you follow.
Belgium Beat Italy 2-0 as Mancini's Return Begins With Defeat
Roberto Mancini's return as Italy head coach began with defeat, as Belgium won 2-0 in Rome in the opening round of the Nations League. Belgium, playing their first match since losing to eventual World Cup winners Spain in the quarter-finals over the summer, controlled large parts of the contest against an Italy side still rebuilding after failing to qualify for three straight World Cups. Mancini, back in charge for a second spell having previously led the Azzurri to European Championship glory in 2021, was unable to inspire an instant response from the home crowd, who greeted his return with jeers. The result sends an early statement in Group A1, which also contains France, who beat Turkiye 1-0 on the same night. Italy will look to bounce back quickly, while Belgium will next host France on Monday.
Zidane Wins France Debut as Mbappe Suffers Knee Injury After Scoring
Zinedine Zidane began his reign as France head coach with a winning start, a 1-0 victory away to Turkiye in the Nations League, though the occasion was overshadowed by a serious knee injury to captain Kylian Mbappe . Mbappe broke the deadlock in the 54th minute at the Kocaeli Stadium, latching onto a pass from Michael Olise to fire a low shot past goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir for his 67th international goal. He appeared to hyperextend his left knee in the act of shooting, and was replaced by Desire Doue soon after. "It's not good, unfortunately," Zidane told French television after the match, adding that France "will not take risks" with the injury. Real Madrid have since confirmed, after medical tests, that Mbappe has been diagnosed with a hyperextension of the posterior capsule of his left knee . The club gave no official timeframe for his return, though Spanish media have suggested around two weeks. It leaves Zidane without his captain for France's remaining fixtures in this window: away to Belgium on Monday, then home games against Italy and Belgium again in early October. France held on for the win despite the setback, with Turkiye reduced to 10 men late on after goalkeeper Cakir was sent off for handling the ball outside his area. Zidane became the first France coach to win his opening match in over three decades, since Aime Jacquet in 1994.
Rayan's Late Header Denies Australia Historic Win Over Brazil
Australia came within seconds of a first win over Brazil in 25 years, before substitute Rayan struck a stoppage-time header to earn the five-time world champions a 1-1 draw in a sold-out friendly in Townsville. The Socceroos were the better side for long stretches, pressing Brazil high and forcing repeated errors from Carlo Ancelotti's side. They were rewarded in the 68th minute when Nestory Irankunda stepped up to a free-kick and drilled it over the wall and past goalkeeper Hugo Souza , sending the home crowd into raptures. Brazil had earlier had a goal ruled out by VAR before half-time, with Estevao's effort chalked off after a foul on Harry Souttar in the build-up. Brazil poured forward in search of an equaliser as the game entered its closing stages, with Patrick Beach twice denying Raphinha with fine saves. The visitors' persistence finally paid off in the fifth minute of stoppage time, when Bournemouth forward Rayan , on for just 19 minutes, rose above the Australian defence to head home a recycled corner and snatch a draw. The two sides meet again on Tuesday, before Brazil travel to India for a friendly on October 3.
Ryan Williams' Strike Helps India Hold World Cup Side Panama to 1-1 Draw
India held FIFA World Cup 2026 participants Panama to a 1-1 draw in an international friendly at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, with Ryan Williams scoring the hosts' goal. Playing their first match in Bengaluru since winning the SAFF Championship at the same venue in 2023, India were largely on the back foot early as Panama, ranked 94 places above them, enjoyed more possession. The Blue Tigers stayed compact and threatened on the counter, with Williams twice going close before finally breaking through four minutes before half-time. Akash Mishra played a well-weighted ball forward, and Williams timed his run behind the Panama defence perfectly, rounding goalkeeper Marcos Reyes to slot home and give Khalid Jamil's side the lead. Panama came out with greater urgency after the break and were rewarded when Omar Valencia unleashed a dipping strike from distance past Gurpreet Singh Sandhu to level the scores. Despite late pushes from both sides, the scoreline held. India, ranked 138th in the world, will next host Brazil and Uruguay in friendlies as part of their build-up.
India Host Panama in Bengaluru Tonight in First-Ever Meeting Between the Nations
India host Panama at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday, in what will be the first-ever senior men's meeting between the two nations, and the opening fixture of a demanding international window for the Blue Tigers. The friendly was originally scheduled for September 26 but the AIFF brought it forward by a day to avoid a clash with the Bengaluru Marathon. Kickoff is at 7:30pm IST. India arrive winless in four matches and have slipped to 138th in the FIFA rankings, having lost to Jamaica, Zimbabwe and Tajikistan before drawing a second meeting with Tajikistan. Head coach Khalid Jamil has named a 26-player squad, with Ryan Williams expected to lead the attack and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in contention in goal, while Lallianzuala Chhangte has been left out. Panama , ranked 44th in the world, arrive fresh from their 2026 World Cup appearance, where they were eliminated at the group stage. Coach Thomas Christiansen's squad has been depleted by staggered travel and injury withdrawals, including defender Jose Cordoba. The match is the first of three high-profile friendlies for India this window, who go on to face Brazil and Uruguay in Kolkata in October.
Rayan's 95th-Minute Header Denies Australia a Famous Win Over Brazil
Brazil were denied a first win over Australia in nearly three decades, with substitute Rayan heading a stoppage-time equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw in Townsville after Nestory Irankunda's stunning free-kick had the Socceroos on the brink of a famous victory. Both sides created chances in a goalless first half, with Brazil's Estevao seeing an early effort ruled out by VAR for a foul in the build-up. Australia broke the deadlock midway through the second half when Irankunda curled a 25-yard free-kick into the top corner, only the second goal Australia have ever scored against Brazil. The Socceroos held out deep into stoppage time before Rayan rose to head home a Raphinha corner in the 95th minute. The result marked the first match for either side since being eliminated from the 2026 World Cup, with Carlo Ancelotti beginning a new four-year cycle for Brazil and Tony Popovic continuing to build his Australia squad. The two sides meet again in Brisbane on September 29, with the Socceroos still chasing what would be just their second ever win over the five-time world champions.
Douvikas' Stoppage-Time Header Completes Greece Comeback Over Serbia
Greece came from behind to beat Serbia 2-1 in Belgrade, with substitute Tasos Douvikas heading in a stoppage-time winner in a dramatic finish to their Nations League opener. Serbia took a fourth-minute lead through Andrija Zivkovic , set up by returning veteran Dusan Tadic. Greece dominated for long spells and levelled through Christos Tzolis in the 74th minute, before Douvikas struck at the death, meeting a Kostas Tsimikas cross to complete the turnaround, not long after Sasa Lukic had hit the post for Serbia at the other end. The result gives Greece a perfect start to their Group A2 campaign, which also features the Netherlands and Germany. They travel to face Germany next on September 27.
Joao Felix's Deflected Strike Sinks Wales as Ronaldo Endures Frustrating Night
Joao Felix scored the only goal as Portugal beat Wales 1-0 in Lisbon to open their Nations League title defence, on a frustrating night in front of goal for Cristiano Ronaldo . Felix settled the contest in the 22nd minute, his low effort from 20 yards deflecting off Wales captain Ben Davies and past goalkeeper Danny Ward. Portugal dominated the game throughout, outshooting Wales 22 to 5, but could not add to their lead. Ronaldo endured a miserable evening, missing five of his seven attempts on target and having a second-half strike ruled out by VAR for offside, denying him what would have been his 147th international goal. The result marked a winning start for new head coach Jorge Jesus, who took charge for the first time, while Ronaldo won his 234th cap for his country. Portugal, who beat Spain in the final to win their second Nations League title back in June, travel to face Norway in their next Group A4 fixture on September 27.
Haaland Brace Ends Norway's 28-Year Wait for a Win Over Denmark
Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway beat Denmark 3-2 in Oslo, ending a 28-year winless run against their Scandinavian rivals and pushing Haaland past a major international scoring landmark in the process. Oscar Bobb opened the scoring in the 14th minute, curling home a finish from a Martin Odegaard pass. Haaland doubled the lead four minutes later, squeezing a low finish through the goalkeeper's legs after a through ball from Antonio Nusa. Denmark hit back through Mikkel Damsgaard's free-kick in the 25th minute and Rasmus Hojlund's equaliser on the hour mark, before Haaland restored Norway's lead in the 74th minute from a worked corner routine. Norway held on despite finishing the match with ten men after David Moller Wolfe was sent off for a second yellow card in stoppage time. The brace took Haaland to 63 international goals in just 56 caps, moving him ahead of Ronaldo Nazario and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who both retired on 62. He also now has 21 goals in 17 Nations League appearances, making him the competition's all-time top scorer since its introduction in 2018. The win continues Haaland's red-hot form since a seven-goal showing at this summer's World Cup, and comes after Denmark had beaten Norway in their most recent meeting, a 2024 friendly.
Gakpo's Stoppage-Time Volley Denies Klopp a Winning Germany Debut
Cody Gakpo struck a stoppage-time volley to earn the Netherlands a 1-1 draw against Germany at the Johan Cruyff Arena, denying Jurgen Klopp victory on his debut as Germany head coach. Germany took the lead in bizarre circumstances in the 32nd minute. Play continued after Netherlands striker Brian Brobbey went down with what looked like a hamstring injury, and Felix Nmecha bundled the ball in from close range moments later. It came after Virgil van Dijk had a header ruled out by VAR earlier in the half for a Brobbey foul on the goalkeeper. Germany's Kai Havertz also went off injured before half-time, meaning both sides lost a key forward to fitness issues on the night. The Netherlands pushed for an equaliser throughout the second half, with substitute Mexx Meerdink twice going close, before Gakpo finally found the breakthrough deep into stoppage time, rifling home a Ruben van Bommel cross on the volley. The result means both new head coaches, Klopp and Xavi Hernandez, began their tenures unbeaten. Netherlands and Germany next play Malta and Slovakia respectively on matchday two.
Chelsea's Mike Penders a Doubt for Belgium After Quadriceps Injury
Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders is a doubt for Belgium's Nations League fixtures after picking up a quadriceps injury in training, ruling him out of Friday's clash with Italy. The 21-year-old had been in contention for a first senior cap after Thibaut Courtois stepped away from the squad following talks with new head coach Mark van Bommel , opening up competition for the starting spot alongside Manchester United's Senne Lammens and RB Leipzig's Maarten Vandevoordt. Penders has instead stayed behind at Belgium's training base in Tubize alongside Leandro Trossard, who is nursing a heel injury. Belgium's federation has not confirmed the injury or given a timeline, leaving Penders' involvement in the following fixture against France also in doubt. He has made just two appearances for Chelsea this season, both in the Carabao Cup, and was an unused backup for Belgium at this summer's World Cup.
Ireland Call Up Killian Phillips After Losing McGrath and Vale to Injury
Republic of Ireland have called up St Mirren midfielder Killian Phillips after losing Jamie McGrath and Harvey Vale to injuries picked up on club duty over the weekend. McGrath and Vale both pulled up during their warm-ups ahead of matches for Hibernian and Queens Park Rangers respectively, ruling them out of the upcoming Nations League window. Phillips, who recently returned from his own shin injury, links up with the squad in Dublin before the team travels to Pristina to face Kosovo on Thursday. Ireland then head to Debrecen in Hungary to face Israel on neutral ground, before a home clash with Austria at the Aviva Stadium. Dara O'Shea is set to captain the side in the absence of Nathan Collins and Seamus Coleman.
Zidane's France Era Begins as Nations League 2026/27 Kicks Off
The UEFA Nations League 2026/27 season kicks off this week, with Netherlands vs Germany, Portugal vs Wales, Norway vs Denmark and Kosovo vs Republic of Ireland played on Thursday, followed by Zinedine Zidane taking charge of France for the first time away to Turkey on Friday. Zidane takes over from Didier Deschamps, who spent 14 years in charge and led France to World Cup glory in 2018. His first assignment comes away in Turkey, before home and away fixtures with Belgium and a home game against Italy at the Stade de France on October 2 that will be his first match in charge on French soil. In League A, Germany travel to face the Netherlands , and reigning champions Portugal host Wales alongside Norway vs Denmark in Group A4. In League B, the Republic of Ireland open their campaign away to Kosovo in Pristina. The league phase runs through six matchdays into November, determining seeding for the playoffs and quarter-finals next spring, ahead of the finals in June 2027.
Real Madrid Confirm Ligament Injury for Ibrahima Konate
Real Madrid have confirmed Ibrahima Konate has been diagnosed with a collateral ligament injury in his right leg, picked up while on international duty with France, with no recovery timeframe given yet. The centre-back was forced to withdraw from France's squad ahead of their Nations League opener against Turkey, and has been replaced by Manchester United's Leny Yoro. Konate had made a strong start to life in Spain since his free transfer from Liverpool this summer, starting all seven matches he has featured in across all competitions. Spanish outlet Sport reports the injury may not be as severe as first feared, suggesting Konate could return in as little as two weeks in time for the La Liga clash with Villarreal on October 10. Mundo Deportivo have struck a more cautious tone, warning his return could be managed more conservatively. He is the second Real Madrid player sidelined during this international break, after Federico Valverde.
Barcelona Record 900th Win as Pajor Brace Sinks Paris FC 5-2
Barcelona recorded the 900th official victory in the club's history, coming from behind to beat Paris FC 5-2 in their Women's Champions League opener at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, with a brace from Ewa Pajor headlining the win. Paris FC stunned the hosts with an early lead through Evelyne Viens in the fifth minute, but Barcelona responded with four goals before half-time. Kerolin levelled in the 18th minute, Clara Serrajordi put the Catalans ahead in the 28th, Pajor extended the lead on 35 minutes, and Caroline Graham Hansen made it four with a strike from distance just before the break. Pajor completed her brace in the 70th minute before Clara Mateo pulled one back late on for the visitors. The win, in the club's 1,247th official match since 1988, takes Barcelona's all-time record to 900 victories, a winning rate of roughly 72 percent. It also extends Pajor's remarkable individual form in the competition, with the Polish forward continuing to close in on the record for goals scored in the Champions League's group or league phase.
2026/27 UEFA Nations League Kicks Off With 54 Nations in Action
The 2026/27 UEFA Nations League gets underway on Thursday, with 54 national teams entering the fifth edition of the competition, headlined by holders Portugal beginning their title defence against Wales. The 54 teams are split across Leagues A, B, C and D, with League A's top flight featuring Spain , England , France , Italy , Germany and Netherlands among others across four groups of four. Opening matchday fixtures include Netherlands vs Germany and Italy vs Belgium, while England face Spain and France take on Turkiye later in the window. The league phase runs through six matchdays until 17 November, with the competition once again linked to Euro 2028 qualification. Results here will help determine playoff routes for the tournament in the United Kingdom and Ireland, before the competition proper concludes with quarter-finals next March and the finals in June 2027.
FIFA's Proposed Governance Review Faces Pushback From European Associations
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has proposed an independent review of the organisation's governance, after the collapse of a controversial commercial project triggered sharp criticism from several member associations, including major names within UEFA . The review follows the abandonment of the "FIFA Forward Enterprise" plan, which would have created a new commercial vehicle built around FIFA's tournament rights, with a possible minority stake sold to outside investors. The proposal leaked before FIFA's internal process was complete, prompting a number of high-profile UEFA members to withdraw their support, and UEFA has since begun drafting criminal charges against Infantino in US courts related to the plan. In a letter to FIFA's Council and its 211 member associations ahead of an October 15 meeting, Infantino acknowledged the proposal had caused concern before it could be properly presented. However, some European associations have indicated the independent review does not go far enough, calling for more substantial structural reforms to FIFA's governance.
Spain Extend Luis de la Fuente's Contract Through Euro 2032
Spain have extended head coach Luis de la Fuente's contract through Euro 2032, rewarding a tenure that has delivered three major trophies in under three years. The 65-year-old's previous deal was set to run until 2028, but the Spanish federation's board unanimously approved the six-year extension, which will see him lead the reigning world champions through Euro 2028, the 2030 World Cup, which Spain co-hosts with Portugal and Morocco, and Euro 2032. Since taking charge in December 2022, De la Fuente has won the 2023 Nations League, Euro 2024 and, this summer, the World Cup, beating Argentina 1-0 in the final. "We are not content with what we have achieved so far. The best is yet to come," he said following the announcement.
Benfica Stun Juventus, Real Madrid Held by PSG on UWCL Opening Night
Elsewhere on the Women's Champions League's opening night, Benfica beat Juventus 2-1 in Turin, while Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain shared the points in a 1-1 draw. At the Allianz Stadium, Juventus were left to rue a missed opportunity after dominating for long spells. Bratberg struck either side of half-time, in the 40th and 61st minutes, to put Benfica firmly in control, and although Alba Redondo pulled one back in the 86th minute, it proved merely a consolation as the Portuguese side held on for the win. In Madrid, Real Madrid raced into an early lead through a second-minute goal from Naomi Schroeder, but Sakina Karchaoui pulled PSG level in the 74th minute to secure a share of the spoils for the French side.
Caldentey's 93rd-Minute Penalty Rescues Arsenal Against HB Koge
Arsenal Women survived a wasteful display to beat HB Koge 1-0 in their Women's Champions League opener at Meadow Park, needing a 93rd-minute Mariona Caldentey penalty to see off a resolute Danish side. Despite dominating possession throughout, Arsenal struggled to find a breakthrough against Koge's disciplined defensive block. A Chloe Kelly finish was ruled out by VAR for a Stina Blackstenius offside earlier in the game, and chance after chance went begging as the hosts grew increasingly frustrated at Boreham Wood. The breakthrough finally arrived deep into stoppage time when Yukina Sakabe fouled substitute Selina Cerci inside the box, and Caldentey stepped up to convert the resulting spot-kick. "It was a mentality and resilience win today," said Arsenal boss Renee Slegers. "The football didn't give us the win, but we get the goal as a squad."
Jarrad Branthwaite Earns England Recall After Injury Nightmare
Jarrad Branthwaite has earned a recall to the England squad for this month's Nations League fixtures against Spain, Czechia and Croatia, more than two years after his only previous cap and having missed both Euro 2024 and this summer's World Cup through injury. The 24-year-old Everton defender credited a rehabilitation programme at a specialist clinic in Munich, which examined the links between his repeated hamstring and groin problems and his movement patterns, with turning his fortunes around. Branthwaite was restricted to just 10 Premier League appearances last season and was carried off in tears after suffering another hamstring injury in April's Merseyside derby. He has been ever-present for Everton so far this season, helping them keep three clean sheets in five games and concede the joint-fewest goals in the Premier League. Thomas Tuchel has named him alongside Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah and Trevoh Chalobah in his group of centre-backs for the camp.
Mikel Arteta Agrees New Long-Term Arsenal Contract Until 2030
Mikel Arteta has agreed a new long-term contract extension with Arsenal , expected to keep him at the club until 2030 and take his reign as manager beyond a decade. The Spaniard's current three-year deal, signed in September 2024, was set to expire at the end of this season. Talks over an extension had been ongoing since May, when Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League title, though negotiations were put on hold during the summer transfer window before a verbal agreement was reached. The new deal includes a significant pay rise on his current salary of around £10 million a year plus bonuses. Arteta, who replaced Unai Emery in December 2019, led Arsenal to the title last season and also guided them to the Champions League final, where they lost on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain.
Man City Fight Back From Two Down at Bayern, Inter Win on UWCL Debut
The Women's Champions League got underway with Manchester City staging a dramatic fightback against Bayern Munich and Inter Milan winning on their competition debut against Hacken . City trailed 2-0 inside 28 minutes at Bayern, with Giulia Gwinn finishing smartly and Kerstin Casparij turning the ball into her own net. Beth Mead pulled one back just before half-time, and after Khadija Shaw missed a penalty that would have levelled things, City eventually found their equaliser through new signing Carlotta Wamser , left unmarked to score in the 86th minute. The result made City the first English side not to lose away to Bayern in Europe. In Milan, Inter made a winning start to their first-ever league-phase campaign, edging out Swedish visitors Hacken 1-0. Matchday 1 concludes on Wednesday, headlined by holders Barcelona hosting Paris FC and Chelsea facing debutants Austria Wien .
Nations League Returns This Week With England vs Spain, Netherlands vs Germany
The UEFA Nations League returns this week for the first time since the 2026 World Cup, with Matchday 1 headlined by Netherlands vs Germany on Thursday and England vs Spain at Wembley on Saturday. Netherlands host Germany in Group A2 in a rivalry clash that also marks new eras for both nations, with Xavi Hernandez making his competitive debut in charge of the Dutch and Jurgen Klopp taking his first game as Germany boss. In Group A3, England welcome world champions Spain to Wembley in a repeat of the Euro 2024 final, which Spain won 2-1, with both sides playing their first Nations League match since their World Cup campaigns. Elsewhere in League A, Italy host Belgium and Turkiye face France in a Group A1 that could produce some of the window's standout fixtures, with France and Italy set to meet directly on 2 October.