After a slow start to the 2026 campaign, St. Louis are now fifth in the Western Conference, and they could go level on points with second-place FC Dallas if they beat the Red Bulls.

St. Louis defeated Toronto FC 3-1 last time out, conceding deep into second-half stoppage time, while they have also reached the final of the U.S. Open Cup in recent weeks.

Damet's side are on an 18-game unbeaten run across all competitions, but the Frenchman believes his players have been threatening a run like this one all season. 

"I look at these guys and they have been the same since January," said Damet. "Concern has never been a thing.

"Focus and preparation has been a thing since the start of the year. I think every new day is a new day to get better and to prepare for our next game.

"I think those guys have been like that since day one, so this week has been no different.

"We know we have another big game in New York and everybody is excited and locked in preparing for that game."

Back to work #AllForCITY pic.twitter.com/3ZJ58dDNV7

— St Louis CITY SC (@stlCITYsc) September 28, 2026

NYRB, meanwhile, are eighth in the East after back-to-back 1-0 wins over the Columbus Crew and rivals New York City FC.

Julian Hall scored the lone goal in their win over NYCFC, the 18-year-old’s 10th goal of the season and fourth match-winner.

This match with St. Louis was scheduled to take place on Saturday, but was postponed due to adverse weather conditions.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

New York Red Bulls – Cade Cowell

With top scorer Hall unavailable after being called up to the United States squad, Cowell will look to step up for NYRB.

The 22-year-old, who has scored twice in 2026, has six assists this term, with only Emil Forsberg registering more (seven).

St. Louis City – Simon Becher

Seven different St. Louis players have at least five goal contributions during the team's current 16-game unbeaten run, led by Becher's nine (seven goals, two assists).

Nine different St. Louis players have scored a match-winner in that time, with Tomas Totland (two) the only one with multiple (one own goal winner).

MATCH PREDICTION – ST. LOUIS CITY WIN

This will be St. Louis City's 148th match in all competitions and 130th in the regular season, but their first-ever match against the New York Red Bulls.

St. Louis extended their regular-season unbeaten run to 16 games (W11 D5) with a win over Toronto, equalling NYRB's 2016 run for the third-longest in a single regular season in MLS history.

The only longer single-season unbeaten runs in regular-season play in MLS history are 19 straight by Dallas in 2010 and 18 straight by the Crew in 2004.

NYRB have posted back-to-back wins for the third time this season with victories over Columbus and NYCFC. The Red Bulls have won three straight regular-season matches only once over the last three seasons, doing so in May 2025.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

New York Red Bulls – 27.3%

Draw – 22.7%

St. Louis City – 50%

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England suffered a disappointing defeat to Spain last time out, but they got their first win of this season's edition at Fortuna Arena.

Pavel Sulc was sent off after 25 minutes for a late tackle on Elliot Anderson, and the Three Lions made their numerical advantage count in the second half, with Anthony Gordon and Kane both on target for the second game running.

Kane has netted four goals in six Nations League appearances since the start of the 2024-25 edition.

The pressure was on England – despite Thomas Tuchel saying before the match that this was not a “must-win” fixture – and Kane was thrilled the team came out on top.

"Job done, it was a professional performance," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"It wasn't the most exciting game of football, but we did what we had to. Won the game, good clean sheet, and we take it into the next one.

"When a team who likes to defend get a man sent off, it becomes even tougher. You have to be patient. Against 10 you have to move it quickly, and as they tire, the spaces will open up."

An important #NationsLeague win! #ThreeLions | @chase_uk pic.twitter.com/LZOa7Uzcsx

— England (@England) September 29, 2026

Gordon was a key figure for England again with his opening goal; he now has four goals and four assists across his last nine international appearances.

He is also the second Barcelona player to score in consecutive appearances for England, after Gary Lineker in 1989.

"He's showing that he belongs at the highest level, for Barcelona and England," Kane said of Gordon, who had a team-high four shots and created four chances.

"His performances in the last couple of games have been some of his best that he has played in an England shirt, and I think he is just relishing putting the shirt on and being one of the main men in the team.

"He is an important player for us, and he showed that during the World Cup."

England had conceded 13 goals in their previous six appearances prior to this match, meaning a clean sheet would have been high on their priority list.

Next in Group A3, England travel to Croatia, who are also on three points after following up their win with a 4-1 defeat to Spain on Tuesday, but Tuchel was hesitant to give away any plans for the next match.

"I cannot tell you," he told BBC Radio 5 Live when asked about potential changes. "We have three days, which is a big difference to two games.

"We decided not to travel back to England but to stay in Prague one more night, get some good rest, and then travel to Croatia and have two training sessions there.

"We will push everyone to be available, even Nico O'Reilly and Ezri Konsa, hopefully and then we know more. The next match is important for us against a direct opponent, and we want to win."

On the game itself, Tuchel added: "We played a professional second half.

"We stepped up in urgency, bit of quicker play and better ball speed. We deserved to win the second half.

"With the red card, we became heavy, heavy favourites. A clean sheet is always important; it gives everyone a good feeling. Always things to improve, but overall a serious performance and a deserved win."

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Scotland were dealt a huge blow just 11 minutes into Pocognoli's first home game in charge after Jack Hendry was shown a straight red card for a last-man challenge, and matters were made worse when Ricardo Rodriguez arrowed in the resulting free-kick.

Nico Elvedi and Zeki Amdouni netted for the visitors at Hampden Park after half-time, seeing Pocognoli (D1 L1) become the first Scotland manager to fail to win his first two games in charge since George Burley in May 2008 (D1 L1).

Scotland (two shots) failed to have a shot on target in a home game for the first time since September 2023 against England (seven shots), while they have failed to score in four consecutive games for the first time since 1971.

They are also without a clean sheet in eight home games, their worst run since going 10 in a row without a shutout between October 2001 and September 2003.

McGinn, who made his 91st appearance for Scotland, moving him alongside Jim Leighton in joint-third place for the most caps for his country, has urged his team-mates to learn from the humbling defeat.

"We could have done better at times, but we're starting a new chapter, learning to play a different way. That was a big setback for us," McGinn told BBC Scotland.

FULL TIME: Scotland 0-3 Switzerland.

Defeat in Glasgow this evening.#SCOSUI pic.twitter.com/uxVfodT4dO

— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) September 29, 2026

"We've got a lot to learn from, but a lot to take from it as well.

"I thought Oli McBurnie was outstanding. He's had a lot of criticism in a Scotland shirt, but [this game] was a thankless task and he gave everything for us.

"Going down to 10 men, it's a test of character; you need to dig in. It's a huge learning curve for us, and when we play them away, we need to win now."

Scotland will now face North Macedonia on Saturday, with the early pressure already piling on Pocognoli.

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Chelsea began their European campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Austria Wien last time out and are one of six teams with three points on the board so far.

Lyon were another that won their opener, but they sit top of the early standings after thrashing Servette 8-0 last time out.

In the Champions League, Lyon have won two of their four games against Chelsea (D1 L1); among sides they have faced more than twice, only against Juventus (43%) and Umea IK (25%) do they possess a lower win rate in the competition than against the Blues (50%).

And Bronze, a former Lyon player, is looking forward to the clash against her former side, seeing it as a good marker for where Chelsea are up to in the season.

"It's so exciting," Bronze said, as quoted on Chelsea's website. "My time at Lyon was amazing.

"All the girls, Ellie [Carpenter], Keish [Kadeisha Buchanan] and Melvine [Malard] had a great time at Lyon, and we all actually played there together as well.

"We're excited to go there, to be focused on the Champions League, and we know what pedigree Lyon have in the Champions League.

"To go toe to toe with another team who's one of the best in the world and test ourselves and prove ourselves is going to be exciting."

Touchdown in Lyon. pic.twitter.com/agEW9H4yKX

— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) September 29, 2026

Chelsea have lost three of their last six away games in the Champions League (W2 D1), though all three defeats came in the knockout stages.

The Blues have lost just one of their 15 group/league-stage away matches in the competition (W11 D3).

Lyon are heavy favourites according to the Opta supercomputer, with a 65.2% win probability to Chelsea's 15.9%, but Bronze is not shying away from the test ahead of them.

"It's great. I love playing in the big games, the challenging games," she added.

"That's what the best players in the world want to do. They want to play for the best teams, to be able to compete for trophies, to compete in the league.

"That's exactly what we're doing this season. We're pushing ourselves in every single game to be able to compete and win every trophy we can."

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Italy ran out 4-1 winners in the Nations League, marking Roberto Mancini's first win since returning to the helm.

Francesco Pio Esposito scored and assisted in the victory, while his older brother Sebastiano Esposito recorded the most shots (three) of any Italy player.

They are the fourth pair of brothers to play in the same match for Italy, after Filippo and Simone Inzaghi (twice in 2000), Aldo and Luigi Cevenini (once in 1915), and Giuseppe and Felice Milano (three times between 1912 and 1913).

Francesco Pio Esposito, meanwhile, surpassed the five-goal mark with the Azzurri at 21 years and 92 days; only two players have achieved this at a younger age: Giuseppe Meazza (19 years and 261 days) and Gianni Rivera (21 years and 78 days).

"I thoroughly enjoyed playing with Seba. It was his first time, so I tried not to overwhelm him with emotions. We had fun, and I'm happy for his debut," Francesco Pio Esposito told Vivo Azzurro.

"Hopefully, we can share the field more often. There was a lot of desire and enthusiasm, which is what you always need when wearing this shirt."

It will never be just football #TURITA #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/hmQKOy7Qg0

— Italy  (@Azzurri_En) September 28, 2026

Sebastiano Esposito added: "Mancini told us to enjoy it… Although it's not easy because of the emotions you feel.

"If you're playing for Azzurri with your brother, it's even more complicated. Mancini explained how we should position ourselves and move. It was beautiful."

Italy won an away match with a 3+ goal margin for the first time since November 2019 (3-0 v Bosnia-Herzegovina).

Indeed, the Azzurri have returned to winning with Mancini as head coach after 1,198 days since the last time (3-2 v Netherlands, June 2023).

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The Lionesses face Greece in a two-legged play-off semi-final, with the winner facing either Slovakia or Ukraine for a spot in next summer's competition.

Wiegman has led England to back-to-back European Championship titles so far during her tenure, while also reaching the World Cup final in 2023.

She is the first-ever men's or women's manager to reach five consecutive major international tournament finals, after also reaching the showpiece in both competitions during her time with the Netherlands.

Despite her contract with the Lionesses ending after the World Cup, Wiegman's full focus is on qualifying for the tournament.

"We had conversations before," said Wiegman when asked if talks had taken place about a possible extension.

The #Lionesses are BACK 

Sarina Wiegman has named her squad for our upcoming #FIFAWWC play-off games against Greece 

Read more  https://t.co/SyKsZSNOTe pic.twitter.com/zrnTxoqast

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) September 29, 2026

"We have regular conversations together, and we talk about the future, but at this point I'm just really focusing on Greece, and we want to get through and qualify for the World Cup.

"I talk to Mark [Bullingham, FA CEO] every two weeks, and we speak about what's happening now, what's in the future, but there's no news now.

"I'm just focusing on Greece and hopefully the World Cup."

England were forced into the play-off rounds after finishing second in their qualifying group, which also featured Spain, Iceland and Ukraine.

The Lionesses finished level on 15 points with Spain, the reigning world champions, but missed out on top spot due to head-to-head after losing 4-0 to their rivals.

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The Socceroos came within minutes of a shock win in the first of their two friendlies with Brazil but were ultimately held to a 1-1 draw last Friday after Rayan's stoppage-time leveller.

In Brisbane on Tuesday, Australia briefly led, with Alessandro Circati and Connor Metcalfe both scoring to flip the script after Vanderson's third-minute opener.

However, Raphinha equalised just before the break from the penalty spot, before goals from Bruno Guimaraes and Vinicius Junior – again from 12 yards – secured the win in the second half.

Australia became just the second team from the AFC confederation to score twice against Brazil in a game in the last 21 years, after Japan beat the Selecao 3-2 last October. 

The hosts finished the game with just seven shots – scoring with both of their attempts on target – but posted 1.5 expected goals (xG) and had 51 final-third entries, more than Brazil's 44.

And Herrington was thrilled to see the fight Australia put up against Carlo Ancelotti's side across both matches, as he believes team and fan morale is at an all-time high.

"It's so special; you can see the support around the stadium," Herrington said.

A battle in Brisbane #Socceroos #QLDFootballSeries2026 pic.twitter.com/W43mA1DoSo

— CommBank Socceroos (@Socceroos) September 29, 2026

"It's awesome, the first time playing for the Socceroos in Brisbane. It means everything. I would see them growing up in Brisbane, I know how big the football community is here. It's been so nice to come home and see the reception we've got.

"All I've ever wanted is to play for the Socceroos, so to do that so early and with such great people is amazing.

"You want to play these types of games, and I think it's a credit to Australia and the Socceroos and the fans that Brazil want to come here and play us. It was a great game; we really put them under pressure.

"It shows how far we've come. Since I've been a Socceroos fan, this is the biggest reception and the most excitement that's been around the team."    

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In a statement on Tuesday, the Premier League said City had been found guilty of all charges that related to serious breaches of the financial rules and the majority of charges which were "in relation to its failure to co-operate with the League's investigation".

Following widespread reports surrounding the verdicts last Friday, City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak insisted he was still confident of proving the club's innocence.

City have until October 2 to exercise their right to appeal, and the club suggested that they plan to do so as part of a robust statement published after the verdict.

It read: "Manchester City FC is both disappointed and surprised by the opinion of the Premier League Commission that has been published.

"The club is innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League, and a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions relating to this case. The club will therefore be relentless, and where necessary proactive, in any and all appropriate regulatory and legal forums. 

"The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements uncompleted. Manchester City FC will now pursue the appeal avenues open to it, on the basis that the opinion contains clear material errors of law, principle and fact, and is unsafe. 

"The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis that the Premier League Board and Executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence.  

"The club is obviously restricted in what it can say further until all future proceedings are complete."

Club statement.

https://t.co/yrJ8Z0A52Y pic.twitter.com/0NP2k33JT9

— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 29, 2026

The Commission found that during the nine-season period, among other breaches, City "arranged 'sham' contracts (which misrepresented the true agreement between the parties) with a number of its commercial partners, as well as relying on 'sham' agreements with others, to artificially inflate the club's revenues and reduce its costs".

It added that "Manchester City was significantly in breach of both the Premier League’s and UEFA's spending limits".

Comments from Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters were included in the league's statement. He said the issue of sanctions would be dealt with at a later stage.

"The core decision establishes the facts of what happened at Manchester City during this period," said Masters.

"It details how the club systematically broke Premier League Rules for nearly a decade.

"It also vindicates the Premier League's decision to pursue this case against Manchester City. While the process to date has been both long and difficult, the League has remained determined that the facts be established independently.

"It is a key responsibility of the Premier League to ensure that the Rules, approved by the clubs themselves, are upheld to protect the integrity of the competition. It is paramount that the League remains competitive and fair for all clubs and for the fans. We take that role extremely seriously.

"This disciplinary case, and this decision, are the most significant in Premier League history. There are elements of the case that remain to be decided, including, importantly, what sanction must follow for these breaches.

"Now we have the Commission's decision, we are committed to moving swiftly through the remainder of the process to provide certainty for the League, our clubs and fans."

The statement also made clear the Premier League's desire to move through the next stages of the process swiftly.

It added: "The club has the right to appeal the independent Commission's findings and has until Friday 2 October to exercise that right. The Premier League Board's intention is that the full process (including any appeals and publication of relevant decisions) is concluded as soon as possible."

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The Selecao edged a six-goal thriller against the Socceroos at Suncorp Stadium, just four days on from a 1-1 draw between the sides in Townsville.

Vanderson's glorious third-minute volley put Brazil – who made seven changes to their starting line-up – in front, only for Alessandro Circati and Connor Metcalfe to strike for Australia in a five-minute spell and flip the match on its head.

Raphinha equalised from the penalty spot late in the first half before exiting the game at the interval, with what the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) described as "discomfort in his right thigh".

But the Selecao were superior after the restart as Bruno Guimaraes finished off a polished move and Vinicius Junior won and converted another penalty to secure the victory.

Ancelotti did not address Raphinha's withdrawal – which will be a major concern for Barcelona ahead of meetings with Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid later this month – in his post-match comments, instead focusing on the performances of his young players.

Twenty-year-old Cruzeiro goalkeeper Otavio won his first cap between the sticks, with Gabriel Bontempo also making his debut while Jair Cunha and Mauro Junior started for the first time at senior international level.

"It was a good game – we had difficulties, but we also showed good quality in our play," Ancelotti said. "We started well, then we lowered the pace of the game a little. 

"But in the second half, I think the team reacted well, scoring a fantastic goal – the third – with a fantastic combination. We are happy.

"The best way is for the Selecao to perform well, to try to play a beautiful game and continue with this clear idea, with the progression of our youngsters. 

"They are seizing this moment. I'm very clear with them: it's not a test. They're not here for me to see what they are like or what they can't do. 

"They are very good and have to take advantage of this opportunity. We will monitor their progression. 

"I repeat – I am very confident in these young players, and others will be involved in the next squad."

11- O gol da virada do Brasil contra a Austrália teve 11 passes em sequência antes da finalização. Bruno Guimarães iniciou a jogada e finalizou para marcar.

Futebol. pic.twitter.com/6xkrrvoVIi

— OptaJoao (@OptaJoao) September 29, 2026

Sao Paulo midfielder Bontempo assisted Vanderson's opening goal and created the joint-most chances of any player, with two (level with Vinicius).

PSV full-back Mauro, meanwhile, led all Brazil players for duels contested (14), duels won (nine), tackles contested (five, two of which were successful) and aerial duels (seven).

Brazil face India in another friendly on Saturday, before taking on Japan and Singapore during the November international break.

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Brighton are currently third in the Premier League with 10 points, having lost just one of their matches so far (W3 D1).

They have also secured their place in the Conference League after winning their play-off, with their European campaign beginning next month.

And Brighton are also through to the fourth round of the EFL Cup after a superb 3-2 comeback win over Manchester United after going 2-0 down in the opening 10 minutes.

The Seagulls entered the international break with another statement result, thrashing reigning Premier League champions Arsenal 3-0, and Bloom has aspirations of emulating Leicester City's fairytale this season.

"The biggest teams in the league have a massive financial advantage, but in any one season, anything can happen, as you saw with Leicester City, so it's good to have dreams and goals for us as a club, and also for our fans," Bloom told Sky Sports.

"It's really difficult for teams outside those top six to win the Premier League.

“But anything is possible.

"We're after a major trophy, so obviously any major trophy would be a massive achievement for the football club.

"The Premier League is the bread and butter, and we're really optimistic that we can at least finish in the European places if not a bit higher than that."

Celebrating our September Premier League Award nominees! pic.twitter.com/T0OJKF5TuV

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@BHAFC) September 24, 2026

Brighton are the highest goalscorers in the Premier League this season, with their 16 goals the most by a side in their first five games since Manchester City in 2022-23 (19).

No player has been involved in more top-flight goals this term than Pascal Gross (six – three goals, three assists), after he scored and assisted against Arsenal.

Fabian Hurzeler, who extended his contract through to 2029 back in May, has also been key to their current dominance, and Bloom was full of praise for his head coach, who led Brighton to an eighth-place finish last term.

"I have huge confidence in Fabian and our group of players," he said.

"As you say, we had 10 players out for most of August, so we've got some key players coming back, with some expected to return after the international break.

"It's very early to start predicting anything, but as Fabian always says, we've got to get the process right. We've got to prepare properly and always look to improve in every aspect of what we do. If we consistently do that, we have a very good chance of having a successful season.

"He's had to cope with lots of different situations in each of the two seasons, including a couple of bad runs when there would have been pressure on him.

"There's always pressure on elite head coaches at elite football clubs in elite football leagues, but he's come through both those situations extremely well.

"We, as a club, have helped him where we can, but he has had to do most of it himself. He's brought the players through with him and, now in his third year, he's gaining a huge amount of experience. I expect him to go from strength to strength."

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