Minnesota is the NFL’s only unbeaten team through seven weeks of the 2026 season, putting the Vikings in the spotlight as the league’s early standard-bearers. Now comes the bigger test: whether they can sustain their hot start and turn a perfect record into a serious Super Bowl challenge.
Ireland have been dealt a major setback, with centre Garry Ringrose ruled out of the Nations Championship through injury. His absence leaves a key gap in Ireland’s backline as the team prepares for a demanding test of its depth and championship ambitions.
Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage remains under intense pressure despite being given another chance to turn around the club’s season. After a 5-0 thrashing by Brighton and a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle, Saturday’s clash with Tottenham could be decisive: another loss may cost the Frenchman his job.
FIFA’s inaugural peace prize, awarded to Donald Trump, is portrayed as a hollow gesture that served president Gianni Infantino’s political interests rather than honoring a genuine achievement. Now under FIFA’s social responsibility committee, the award could be reshaped to recognize meaningful contributions to soccer and society—or remain a symbol of the controversy surrounding its launch.
Manchester United’s heavy defeat to Bournemouth left Michael Carrick facing the sack, even as supporters applauded him and directed their anger toward the club’s leadership. The latest collapse revives a familiar pattern at Old Trafford: a new manager arrives with hope, results fade, and the coach takes the fall amid deeper questions about the squad and the people running the club.
Bournemouth’s 3-0 win at Old Trafford put their shrewd recruitment in the spotlight: their three scorers cost a combined £85m, while Manchester United continue to struggle to get value from big-name signings. The weekend’s talking points also include Tottenham’s 2-0 victory at Chelsea, Liverpool’s win over Brighton and Aston Villa’s statement 2-1 triumph against Manchester City.
Ross Smith says he “definitely” deserves a Premier League debut after claiming his second televised major title of the season at the Machineseeker European Championship. The decision isn’t his to make, but another statement win has strengthened his case for a place among darts’ elite.
Liam Dawson says England are desperate to bounce back after agonising losses to Sri Lanka and Pakistan left their place in the ODI tri-series final hanging by a thread. England now need Pakistan to beat Sri Lanka, then must thrash Sri Lanka themselves—but Dawson believes the setbacks can provide valuable lessons ahead of next year’s World Cup in southern Africa.
FIFA’s first peace prize, awarded to Donald Trump, is portrayed as a politically motivated honor that flattered the US president and served Gianni Infantino’s interests. Now under FIFA’s social responsibility committee, the award could be rebuilt to recognize genuine contributions to peace and the positive power of soccer.
Alessia Russo helped Arsenal come from behind to beat Tottenham, converting a contentious penalty in a vital north London derby win. It was only the Gunners’ second league victory in seven games, so the result offers a much-needed lift—but they’ll need sharper play and the late-game grit they showed while protecting their lead to build momentum. Elsewhere, Manchester United’s new manager, Marc Skinner? Actually source says Olid, slowed Manchester City’s winning start.
