The defending Premier Soccer League champions are working hard to ensure they have enough depth. Apart from the domestic assignments, the Brazilians are hoping to win the CAF Champions League after falling in last season's final to Pyramids. Coach Miguel Cardoso is under pressure to deliver, explaining the new arrivals.
Napoli manager Antonio Conte has claimed that he's "transformed" Scott McTominay into a "complete player" since the Scotland international's switch from Manchester United. The midfielder was named Serie A Player of the Year last season after helping fire Napoli to the Scudetto. He's since been joined at the club by former United team-mate Rasmus Hojlund, who has also come in for praise from his manager.
The win over Babina Noko came at a crucial time for the coach, who has been under immense pressure lately. The fans have expressed their dissatisfaction sometimes through protest and chants, and the club responded by issuing threats against such conduct. Although the performance in the Premier Soccer League has been positive, the manner in which the Brazilians win has raised questions, with some saying they are not as dominant as they were before, especially under Mosimane.
As the season gathers momentum after a brief break owing to the Africa Cup of Nations finals, Amakhosi will be in league action again just days after facing ZESCO United. The CAF Confederation Cup result against the struggling Zambian giants saw the Glamour Boys register back-to-back wins across competitions. Against Gallants, they face a side that last registered a league win in mid-October last year.
Chelsea have issued a statement urging supporters to exercise "extreme caution" while in Naples for Wednesday's Champions League tie against Antonio Conte's side, after two Blues fans were hospitalised following an incident that took place on Tuesday night in the city. Chelsea head into the match aiming to secure a top-eight finish and automatic qualification to the knockout phase of the competition.
Inter Miami’s preseason has suffered an early setback after the club confirmed that Spanish left back Sergio Reguilón sustained a significant knee injury during the friendly against Alianza Lima. While surgery has been avoided, his availability for the MLS season opener remains uncertain as recovery timelines are evaluated.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is back in work weeks after being denied a dream return to Manchester United as head coach. The Norwegian held talks with his former club over succeeding Ruben Amorim on a deal until the end of the season, but the job instead went to his former assistant, Michael Carrick. Solskjaer's next job will see him watch Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday night.
The Glamour Boys haven't been active in the January transfer window as opposed to the Brazilians and the Sea Robbers. The former have sharpened their defense and attack, while the Buccaneers have ensured they strengthen every department. It is not the same for Amakhosi, who haven't signed any experienced players to help them push for the top honours.
MLS announced the launch of Walmart Saturday Showdown, a new weekly marquee matchup designed to create a must-watch Saturday appointment for fans throughout the 2026 regular season. The initiative will debut during the league’s Opening Weekend with one of the most anticipated matches of the season, as defending MLS Cup champions Inter Miami CF face LAFC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
The Brazilians left it late to deny their hosts at least a point and break the hearts of Orlando Pirates fans who had hoped to see their team go top of the table with a win this weekend. However, it left a lot to be desired as the defending champions struggled to break Eric Tinkler's men at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. The win opened a three-point gap ahead of second-placed Bucs.
FC Cincinnati are finalizing a loan agreement to sign Polish youth international goalkeeper Fabian Mrozek from Liverpool, according to The Athletic. The deal includes an option to buy, giving Cincinnati flexibility depending on the goalkeeper’s adaptation and performance in Major League Soccer. Mrozek spent the second half of last season on loan at National League side Forest Green Rovers.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has admitted he will likely use a midfielder as a centre-back for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Qarabag due to a shortage of options. The Reds will secure an automatic spot in the last 16 with victory at Anfield, though will have to put together a makeshift lineup due to various injury concerns.
The old rivals are set for another crunch meeting that will see legends rub shoulders in the next couple of days. This is a game that will see the victor get an opportunity to face a team from abroad in April. Furthermore, the fans will have a massive opportunity to engage and witness their favourites.
The defending Premier Soccer League champions are known for their appetite for fine and quality players. They usually fight to retain those who add value to their squad hoping to continue dominating domestic football. The Brazilians are also determined to deliver on the continental assignments this season.
Pep Guardiola apologised to Farai Hallam for his pointed remarks at the official on the weekend but insisted he was justified in pointing out the many instances in which big refereeing decisions have gone against Manchester City. Hallam opted against giving City a penalty for handball in Saturday's match with Wolves despite being asked to review the play by VAR.
Pep Guardiola has sarcastically claimed that he will not talk to Erling Haaland about the Manchester City striker's drop in form because he hasn't spoken to any of his players for three years. Haaland has not scored a goal in open play for nine matches and City need him to rediscover his usual striking prowess in their must-win Champions League fixture against Galatasaray on Wednesday.
Tension between Downs and their fans' supporters continues to boil up because of the team's underwhelming performance. During the CAF Champions League game, which ended in a 2-2 draw at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium, fans protested by chanting 'Pitso, Pitso. The club's sporting director was also subjected to harassment, and on Tuesday, Sundowns condemned those acts.
There is no doubt that President Yama 2000 is a top player for the Sea Robbers despite his young age. In recent times, the Soweto giants have produced very promising young talents in South Africa, and some have already left for greener pastures. Mofokeng had been linked with an overseas move, especially in the off-season transfer window, but nothing materialised in the end.
With Masandawana struggling for consistent and impressive performance, the fans have expressed their frustrations in various ways, including blocking the team's bus in the past. After another frustrating outcome in the continental competition against the Sudanese giants, the club's head coach, Miguel Cardoso, and sporting director, Flemming Berg, were the targets of fans' protests. Now, the Pretoria-based outfit has vowed to take legal or disciplinary action against the fans involved in the incident reported on Friday.
After a frustrating draw at home against Al Hilal in the CAF Champions League, Masandawana have an opportunity to return to winning ways. The Tshwane giants are only at the top of the table courtesy of a superior goal difference over Orlando Pirates and cannot afford to drop points at this stage if they are not to complicate their chances of defending the league title. Already, the pressure is building up on head coach Miguel Cardoso, and rumours linking Pitso Mosimane with a return only add more uncertainty over his future at the club.
Cristiano Ronaldo helped Al-Nassr to a 1-0 win over Al-Taawoun on Monday that boosts their title hopes. The result leaves Ronaldo's side just five points behind league leaders Al-Hilal after 17 games played. Ronaldo also had a message for his team-mates after the game as he aims to win the league title for the first time since making the move to the Middle East.
Clubs have a couple of days to get the players they need in the short January transfer window after the resumption of club football. The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament led to domestic competitions' break, to allow players represent their respective countries. With a couple of months remaining to end the campaign, teams are desperate to meet their targets.
Al-Nassr moved level with Al-Ahly and within two points of league leaders of Al-Hilal with a 1-0 win over Al-Taawoun on Monday evening. The home side were all over their visitors from the outset but really struggled to make their dominance count and it ultimately took a first-half Mohammed Al Dossary own goal for Jorge Jesus' side to claim all the spoils and claim a third successive league win.
The Soweto giants have been one of the Premier Soccer League teams that have not been active in strengthening their squad. However, they have made a vital decision that will see them continue pushing for the major honors as well as set a strong foundation for the new campaign. Apart from the domestic competitions, Amakhosi are chasing the CAF Confederation Cup.
Mokwena's trophy dream faced a new storm after a second loss in the continental competition. Now with just a point, MC Alger's ambition of reaching the knockout stage is uncertain after dropping points once again. According to the South African tactician, his side did not challenge their rivals, whom he says were simply the better team on the day.
Although Amakhosi won, their coach was not satisfied with the standard of the pitch, a concern he did not shy away from expressing. Now, he has been answered by his ZESCO United counterpart, who has said that is an excuse by the Soweto giants. Excuse or not, the temperatures are set to rise significantly before the two teams meet again in a week's time for another high-stakes game.
The versatile midfielder was Amakhosi's transfer target before, but Masandawana decided to keep him although he has been struggling for game time. The Tshwane giants made sure they kept their quality stars in order to maintain their competitive edge and avoid strengthening their rivals by releasing their players to them. The Pretoria heavyweights have now been praised for keeping the midfielder by handing him a contract extension.
Although they lost one of their top and young defenders, the Sea Robbers quickly went back to the market and bought his replacement. The new signing has been described as a perfect player for the Soweto giants, and the only challenge for him is to try and meet the bar set by his predecessor. The three new faces were brought on board at a critical juncture as the Buccaneers chase the league title after bagging two domestic trophies.
Mexico wrapped up their first short preparation tour of 2026 with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bolivia, giving manager Javier Aguirre two victories from two matches using an all–Liga MX squad. Playing in extreme heat and hostile conditions, El Tri faced a physical Bolivian side that pushed them to the limit before Germán Berterame delivered the decisive moment.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has showered caretaker boss Michael Carrick with praise for "galvanising" the Red Devils following Sunday's 3-2 win over Premier League leaders Arsenal at the Emirates. The win follows on from Manchester United's 2-0 victory over Manchester City in Carrick's first game in charge, making it a brilliant start to life back at Old Trafford for the former midfielder.