a
Posted in

Arsenal and England hunt elusive trophies as Cristiano Ronaldo prepares to say goodbye – What to watch out for in football in 2026

by admin••0


‘Everything has to be perfect’ – Arteta says Arsenal must reach new heights for PL glory

Video credit: TNT Sports

As 2026 arrives, a plethora of football storylines are waiting to be written.
The sport’s biggest names will descend upon the United States, Canada and Mexico for the FIFA World Cup in the summer, in what promises to be one of the most extravagant tournaments of all time.
Before that, domestic champions will be crowned with Arsenal hoping to end their long wait to lift the Premier League title again, while Paris Saint-Germain aim to retain their crown as the best team in Europe in the UEFA Champions League.
Live coverage of the Premier League and Champions League is on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Here are some of the big questions that will be answered in 2026.

Can Arsenal end their 22-year wait for Premier League glory?

Back then, it was Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Ashley Cole. Now, it is Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Declan Rice hoping to lead Arsenal to Premier League glory.

It has been a long wait for Arsenal fans, but an exceptional start to the season has filled them with optimism that the trophy could be lifted at the Emirates Stadium in May.

However, Manchester City – who have been champions in six of the last eight seasons – will be fighting them all the way, along with surprise package Aston Villa, who have turned around a poor start to challenge at the top of the table.

At the other end, Wolves face a huge uphill task to retain their Premier League status after a shocking run of form left them with just two points from their first 16 matches. They will need to produce something incredibly special under Rob Edwards if they are to avoid relegation.

You can watch Premier League action live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
picture

Bukayo Saka

Image credit: Getty Images

Triumph for Tuchel or a fond farewell for Ronaldo?

The United States, Canada and Mexico will host the 2026 World Cup in what is expected to be as flamboyant a tournament as we have ever seen.

While off the field there will undoubtedly be plenty of spectacle to enjoy, the action on it should be something to savour.

Thomas Tuchel leads England into the tournament after a perfect qualification campaign, while Scotland will be playing in their first World Cup since 1998 and face Brazil in the group stage.
Spain are seen as one of the early favourites following their Euro 2024 success, but Lionel Messi’s Argentina will defend their crown with gusto.
It will likely be Messi’s last tournament, while Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed it will definitely be his final World Cup as he looks to end his international career on a high with Portugal.
picture

Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane

Image credit: Getty Images

Arsenal perfect in Europe but PSG prowling

Six games. Six wins. It has been a sensational start to the UEFA Champions League for Arsenal, who have conceded just one goal so far.

Mikel Arteta’s side sit top of the league phase, with Bayern Munich in second and defending champions Paris Saint-Germain third.

The top eight will go straight through to the knockout stages, while positions 9-24 – which currently include Liverpool, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund – will compete in the play-offs.

Who will still be standing and, ultimately, lift the trophy in Budapest on May 30?

We will have all the action for you on TNT Sports and discovery+.
picture

Highlights: Madueke stars as Arsenal vanquish Brugge

Video credit: TNT Sports

Can Villa go all the way to Istanbul?

The top of the UEFA Europa League is tight – with Lyon, Midtjylland and Aston Villa all on 15 points after six matches.

They are all well-placed to avoid the play-offs, but Nottingham Forest, currently on 11 points, have work to do if they are to achieve a top-eight finish.

Celtic, currently in 24th, face a fight to avoid early elimination, while Rangers are all-but out after taking just one point so far.

picture

Highlights: Tielemans winner sees Villa down Basel

Video credit: TNT Sports

Will champions Palace avoid a cup upset?

As well as having Conference League matters on their mind, Crystal Palace go into the next part of the season with the small matter of their FA Cup title defence.
After stunning Manchester City in last season’s final, Oliver Glasner’s side will take on non-league Macclesfield, who are the lowest ranked side left in the competition, in the third round.

Elsewhere, Arsenal go to Portsmouth, Liverpool host Barnsley and Grimsby play non-league side Weston-super-Mare.

You can watch live coverage of the FA Cup third round on TNT Sports and discovery+.
picture

‘Magic of the cup!’ – McCoist in stitches at slippy corner mishap

Video credit: TNT Sports

Can Bompastor claim Chelsea’s seventh FA Cup?

Women’s FA Cup holders Chelsea have dominated the competition in recent seasons, winning in four of the last five campaigns.

Last time out they beat Manchester United 3-0 in the final as they claimed the domestic treble.

They will start their road to retention with a home tie against Crystal Palace in the fourth round.

Last season’s beaten finalists United host Burnley, Manchester City go to Bournemouth and Arsenal will be at home against Aston Villa.

Watch the Women’s FA Cup on TNT Sports and discovery+.
picture

Chelsea

Image credit: Getty Images

Can Newcastle go back-to-back?

Newcastle’s passionate fan base had a long wait to celebrate a major trophy, but last season they partied hard as the club enjoyed its first domestic success in 70 years – beating Liverpool 2-1 to win the Carabao Cup.

They have made a good fist so far of retaining the trophy and will take on Manchester City in their two-legged semi-final.

Eddie Howe’s side have seen off Bradford, Spurs and Fulham to reach the last four.

The other semi-final is between London rivals, Arsenal and Chelsea.

picture

Eddie Howe

Image credit: Getty Images

Stream the Premier League, Men’s and Women’s FA Cup and UEFA Champions League live on TNT Sports and discovery+

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

g