Top games to watch this weekend
Friday
Athletic Club vs Almería (La Liga)
Strasbourg vs Nantes (Ligue 1)
Borussia Mönchengladbach vs Mainz 05 (Bundesliga)
Al Nassr vs Abha (Saudi Pro League)
Al Ittihad vs Al Ahli (Saudi Pro League)
Mazatlán vs América (Liga MX)
Saturday
Luton Town vs Tottenham (English Premier League)
Manchester United vs Brentford (English Premier League)
Real Madrid vs Osasuna (La Liga)
Inter vs Bologna (Serie A)
Juventus vs Torino (Serie A)
Estoril vs Benfica (Primeira Liga)
Al Akhdoud vs Al Hilal (Saudi Pro League)
DC United vs New York City (MLS)
Inter Miami vs Cincinnati (MLS)
Austin vs Los Angeles FC (MLS)
Guadalajara vs Atlas (Liga MX)
Cruz Azul vs Pumas UNAM (Liga MX)
Sunday
Brighton vs Liverpool (English Premier League)
Arsenal vs Manchester City (English Premier League)
Granada vs Barcelona (La Liga)
Bayern vs Freiburg (Bundesliga)
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Heidenheim (Bundesliga)
Porto vs Arouca (Primeira Liga)
Brest vs Toulouse (Ligue 1)
Rennes vs PSG (Ligue 1)
Most-watched soccer games in the USA - September 25-October 2, 2023
Once again, the battle for the largest audience had a couple of MLS clubs at the top of the charts, but that does not mean those teams played their domestic league to accomplish that feat.
Last week's ratings were topped by a Spanish-speaking network airing the U.S. Open Cup final between Inter Miami and Houston Dynamo. The game, which was highly anticipated, ended up being a disappointment to most due to Lionel Messi's absence due to injury. Either way, over 1 million viewers saw the team from Houston claiming the title at the Herons' expense.
The runners-up spot on this list went to a classic Liga MX rivalry, which came short of hitting the 1-million mark...on one channel. The game between América and Pumas UNAM gave Univisión the second place in last week's ratings, and adding up their tally with TUDN's audience, the game earned over 1.1M viewers on Saturday night.
Last, but not least, the third place in this ranking went to the controversial match between Tottenham and Liverpool, which had the largest audience for a soccer game in the U.S. this week. The clash between the North Londoners and Klopp's men gathered over 650k average viewers, giving it a comfortable lead over other Premier League matches.
For a full breakdown of the most-watched soccer games in the USA last week, click here.
What are this weekend's must-watch games?
Real Madrid vs. Osasuna live this Saturday at 10:15 a.m. ET on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes
Real Madrid return to action this weekend, with the Spanish giants hosting Osasuna in La Liga on Saturday on the back of a lovely three-game winning streak. Ancelotti's men bounced back from their 3-1 Madrid Derby defeat by beating Las Palmas, Girona, and — most recently — Napoli in the UEFA Champions League. Will Bellingham and Co. continue this run to remain top of the Spanish Primera Division? Tune in to find out.
Juventus vs. Torino live this Saturday at 12 p.m. ET on Paramount+, Fox Soccer Plus, and CBS Sports Golazo
Saturday will see this season's first Turin Derby, also known as the Derby della Mole, take place. Juventus, who were held to a goalless draw by Atalanta last weekend, host rivals Torino with the sole aim of returning to winning ways. The visitors are 10th in the league while Allegri's side are only four points behind league leaders Inter and AC Milan, making this derby a crucial fixture in the campaign.
Inter Miami vs. Cincinnati live this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET exclusively on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Inter Miami return to action this weekend as they aim to pick up the pieces following another crushing defeat. The Herons were recently thrashed by the Chicago Fire, a result which leaves their playoff hopes all but over in the absence of Lionel Messi. Things won't get easier as they host Cincinnati next. Not only are the visitors the Eastern Conference leaders but they were also recently crowned the Supports' Shield champion for the first time thanks to their victory over Toronto and will look to add Tata Martino's side to their list of victims.
Brighton vs. Liverpool live this Sunday at 9 a.m. ET exclusively on Peacock
Liverpool return to action in the Premier League for the first time following their controversial 2-1 loss at Tottenham, a game which saw a legitimate goal ruled out by VAR courtesy of a major human error. The Reds dropped to fourth in the table as a result, falling behind North London heavyweights Tottenham and Arsenal, but have since returned to winning ways courtesy of a 2-0 Europa League triumph. Brighton, meanwhile, are winless in their last three games and will be looking for only their second victory since winning at Old Trafford when Salah and Co. visit the Amex.
Arsenal vs. Man City live this Sunday at 11:30 a.m. ET exclusively on Peacock
All eyes will be on this clash as two Premier League title challengers lock horns. Arsenal and Man City, the two teams that fought it out tooth and nail last season, face one another on Sunday in a Peacock exclusive. The Gunners look to bounce back from their disappointing UEFA Champions League loss away to Lens and will likely be without their two most influential attackers Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka. The Cityzens, meanwhile, beat RB Leipzig 3-1 on Wednesday but will have to make do without the suspended Rodri. The winner of this tie could go top of the table ahead of the upcoming international break. Do not miss this showdown.
Granada vs. Barcelona live this Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes
Wrapping things up is Barcelona's trip to Granada, with the Spanish giants looking to regain form. While the Blaugrana have not lost a game recently, Xavi's men have endured a bumpy ride in recent weeks, drawing with Mallorca late last month while enjoying narrow victories over Porto, Sevilla, and Celta Vigo. The recent injury to Robert Lewandowski does not help but the Catalan giants will be expected to deliver a performance when they visit the Nuevo Estadio de Los Cármenes on Sunday.
With all the leagues in full swing, there will be plenty of games for fans of women's soccer to watch around the world.
Here's all you need to know ahead of another exciting weekend of women's soccer.
What to watch in women's football: October 6th to October 8th
NCAA
For fans of college soccer, they will have plenty of games to follow over the next few days. Fans in the USA can follow many of these games via live streaming through ESPN+ and the ESPN App, which also provides games from the ACC Network. Additional live-streaming options also include fuboTV, while the SEC Network will also be carrying some games on TV. Live streaming is also accessible through SEC Network +.
For a detailed schedule of games, including where and how you can watch them, check out our special NCAA Division I women's soccer page here.
Primeira Division (Liga F)
Matchday six of the 2023/24 Liga F season gets underway this weekend as third-placed Atletico Madrid welcome Sevilla. Las Rojiblancas finished in fourth place last season and could temporarily leapfrog both Real Madrid and Barcelona with a win on Saturday - at least, until Real Madrid lock horns with relegation-threatened Villarreal in the latter game also on the same day.
Meanwhile, Barcelona, who are again seeking to successfully defend their league title, will aim to make it four wins from their opening four games when they host Real Sociedad on Sunday.
WSL
Matchday two of the nascent 2023/24 WSL campaign begins with a bang on Friday. Manchester United and Arsenal, two teams among the contenders for the WSL title this season, will square off in what should be a highly entertaining spectacle. The Red Devils come into this game having battled to a tough 2-1 win over Aston Villa, while the Gunners will be hoping to get some points on the board following their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Liverpool.
Elsewhere, reigning champions Chelsea, who beat Tottenham 2-1 on matchday one, will face a tough test of their own as they travel to take on Manchester City on Saturday. The Cityzens have also started off their current campaign on a good foot following a confidence-boosting 2-0 win over West Ham on opening day. Liverpool, meanwhile, will naturally hope to use their opening day win as a springboard when they host Aston Villa, while Leicester City, who are currently on top of the table will seek to make it back-to-back wins at Everton's expense.
Finally, Tottenham, who were on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline against Chelsea, could have a good chance to recover when they take on Bristol City, who are back in the top flight after a two-year absence.
Serie A (women)
Heading into matchday three, only two teams - Roma and Juventus - still maintain a perfect 100 percent winning record. Roma, who won their first title last term, will certainly fancy their chances to make it three wins in three against a Pomigliano side who are still seeking their first win. Meanwhile, Juventus, who will play later on Saturday, will host AC Milan, who currently sit in fifth spot.
Other notable games include Inter, who sit in third ahead of matchday three's games, traveling to meet eighth-placed Sassuolo, Fiorentina welcoming a newly promoted Napoli side, and Sampdoria, who are the only other team besides Napoli yet to pick up a single point, hosting Como.
Didn't find your favorite women's league on this list? No worries, as this is just a highlight of some of the exciting games coming up this week. Make sure to check out our special women's sootball page here at LiveSoccerTV.com for full broadcast info, match updates, news, and more.
Biggest stories of the week
Barca's Lewandowski risks Clasico absence with ankle injury
Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski could miss the first Clasico of the season against Real Madrid on October 28 after spraining his ankle in Wednesday's Champions League win over Porto.
Lewandowski came off in the first half of a 1-0 victory and faces up to a month out, according to reports in Spain.
Barcelona gave no indication of how long the Poland international would be sidelined, but said he "will be out of action until the injury heals."
Messi called up for Argentina qualifiers despite injury
Argentina have called up Lionel Messi for their upcoming South American World Cup qualifiers despite him being on the injured list at his club Inter Miami.
Messi missed Inter's 4-1 defeat to Chicago on Wednesday as he continues to struggle with his fitness -- he has played just 37 minutes for the club since September 3.
Argentina host Paraguay on October 12 and then travel to play Peru five days later in CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Berhalter recalls Reyna to USA squad
Borussia Dortmund's Gio Reyna will reunite with United States national team coach Gregg Berhalter for the first time since their bitter public dispute after the midfielder was named in the squad for this month's friendlies.
The USA face Germany in East Hartford, Connecticut on October 14 and then three days later play Ghana in Nashville, Tennessee.
Reyna and Berhalter were embroiled in an acrimonious bust-up during last year's World Cup in Qatar that led to Berhalter's future as US national team coach being thrown into doubt.
UK and Ireland set to host Euro 2028 after Turkey withdraws bid
A joint bid from the United Kingdom and Ireland to host Euro 2028 now has no rivals after Turkey withdrew from the bidding process, UEFA said on Wednesday.
Britain and Ireland shelved plans to bid to host the 2030 World Cup to focus on staging the European Championship and their bid was already the favourite for the 2028 tournament.
European soccer's governing body is due to announce the hosts of the 2028 and 2032 Euros at a meeting of its executive committee next Tuesday, October 10.
Klopp wants Spurs v Liverpool replay after VAR blunder
Jurgen Klopp wants Liverpool's match at Tottenham to be replayed due to the VAR error that cost them the opening goal at the weekend.
Spurs went on to win the Premier League game 2-1.
The fallout from the VAR failure in Saturday's defeat, in which officials wrongly disallowed Luis Diaz's goal due to a misunderstanding over the on-field decision, is still being felt.
Referees body Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) released the audio conversation between the match officials after a request from Liverpool, but Klopp said that had made little difference to their thinking.
Europe, Africa, and South America all to host games in 2030 World Cup
Morocco, Portugal, and Spain will be joint hosts for the 2030 World Cup but games will also be played in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay as the footballing showpiece celebrates its centenary, FIFA announced on Wednesday.
FIFA said in a statement that the matches in South America -- one each in Montevideo, Buenos Aires, and Asuncion -- were part of the celebration to mark 100 years since the first World Cup in Uruguay.
The announcement puts an end to competition between two major bids, one led by Spain and Portugal and the other from Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and Paraguay.
Saudi Arabia announces bid to host World Cup in 2034
Saudi Arabia announced on Wednesday it plans to bid to host the 2034 World Cup, the latest step in a campaign to turn the kingdom into a global sports powerhouse.
The bid "intends to deliver a world-class tournament and will draw inspiration from Saudi Arabia's ongoing social and economic transformation and the country's deep-rooted passion for football", said a statement from the Saudi Arabian football federation.
News of the bid comes one year after neighboring Qatar hosted the first World Cup in the Middle East, where the Saudi national team scored a stunning group stage victory over eventual winners Argentina.
Chelsea defender James given one-game ban after official clash
Chelsea defender Reece James has been hit with a one-game suspension and a £90,000 ($109,000) fine after abusing a match official following his side's defeat against Aston Villa.
James admitted a Football Association charge of using "improper, insulting and abusive words and behavior" after he reportedly confronted referee Jarred Gillett in the tunnel at Stamford Bridge.
Villa won the Premier League fixture 1-0 and the 23-year-old was believed to have been angered when Chelsea defender Malo Gusto was sent off in the second half.
Other key headlines from the world of soccer
Saka injury in Lens defeat "a worry" for Arsenal boss Arteta
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admitted his team's 2-1 Champions League defeat against Lens in France on Tuesday was "a big lesson" as he confirmed Bukayo Saka had been forced off with a muscle injury. The England winger limped off late in the Gunners' 4-0 Premier League win at Bournemouth at the weekend but recovered from that to start against Lens. He duly set up Arsenal's opener for Gabriel Jesus, but went down just after the half-hour mark and had to be replaced by Fabio Vieira.
Hojlund urges Man Utd to "stick together" in tough period
Rasmus Hojlund says Manchester United must stick together if they are to emerge from a "tough period" after a chastening 3-2 Champions League defeat at home to Galatasaray.
United have lost four of their opening seven Premier League matches for the first time and are pointless after their first two Champions League group games.
They twice led against their Turkish opponents at Old Trafford on Tuesday, courtesy of goals from new Danish forward Hojlund, but they were pegged back and conceded a late winner.
Vinicius quizzed by Spanish judge over racist abuse
Real Madrid forward Vinicius was questioned on Thursday by a Spanish judge investigating the racist abuse hurled at the Brazilian international during a La Liga match in May. Public prosecutors and La Liga filed lawsuits after several people allegedly made shouts of "monkey" directed at the player and other racist gestures during Real Madrid's 1-0 loss at Valencia's Mestalla Stadium on May 21. Real Madrid said at the time that the chants, in its view, "(constituted) a hate crime", while Brazil formally protested to the Spanish ambassador.
