Houston Texans v New England Patriots: AFC Divisional Round NFL playoff – live

Live updates, 8pm GMT, 3pm ET kick-off at Foxborough
Nix out for season after Broncos’ win | And mail Graham

Texans 0-7 Patriots 7:04, 1st quarter

Another chance for an interception goes begging, the ball hangs in the air for an age with three Patriots around it but none react. Stroud picks up the 1st down on the next play with an easy completion and New England gift a few more yards with a facemask penalty on Christian Kirk. 1st and Goal on the way.

Published: January 18, 2026, 9:44 pm

Africa Cup of Nations final into extra-time after as Diaz misses controversial penalty after Senegal leave pitch in protest – live

⚽ Afcon final updates, 7pm GMT (8pm in Rabat) kick-off
⚽ Jonathan Wilson on this Afcon | Follow us on Bluesky

1 min Peep peep! Morocco, in their white change strip (don’t ask), kick off from right to left as we watch.

After a spectacular rendition of the Moroccan anthem, it’s time for the main event: the Afcon 2025 final.

Published: January 18, 2026, 9:52 pm

‘Leave Greenland alone!’: US anthem heckler at NBA London game draws cheers

• Heckle comes during rendition of Star-Spangled Banner

• US president has threatened tariffs on European nations

Mounting tensions between Europe and the United States moved into the sporting arena on Sunday when a member of the crowd shouted “Leave Greenland alone” as the US national anthem was sung during an NBA game in London.

Actor Vanessa Williams was performing the Star-Spangled Banner before the Memphis Grizzlies faced the Orlando Magic at the O2 Arena when she was interrupted by the heckle. The intervention drew a round of applause from many in the crowd.

Published: January 18, 2026, 9:34 pm

Venus Williams sets Australian Open record at age of 45 but falters with win in sight

• American becomes oldest singles player at tournament

• Williams led 4-0 in deciding set before stumbling

Venus Williams set a record just by starting her first-round match at the Australian Open, a testament to her endurance and longevity at the highest level of tennis.

Up two service breaks at 4-0 in the third set on Sunday, she was within sight of victory too. But Olga Danilovic had other ideas, rallying to win six straight games and beat the American 6-7, 6-3, 6-4. Williams served for just shy of 15 minutes in the penultimate game, determined to stay in the match before she finally succumbed to a third break point.

Published: January 18, 2026, 1:44 pm

Growing sense of embarrassment at Fifa over Donald Trump peace prize

• Mid-level and senior officials uncomfortable with award

• Fifa says it still ‘strongly’ supports the peace prize

There is a growing sense of embarrassment among mid-level and senior officials within Fifa over the awarding of its peace prize to Donald Trump. The US president was handed the award at the World Cup draw in Washington DC in December with the Fifa president, Gianni Infantino, telling Trump: “We want to see hope, we want to see unity, we want to see a future. This is what we want to see from a leader and you definitely deserve the first Fifa Peace Prize.”

Since then, the US has launched airstrikes across Venezuela and captured the country’s president, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores, and flown them to the US, where he was put in jail. Maduro appeared in court on 5 January, pleading not guilty to drugs, weapons and “narco‑terrorism” charges. Trump has also threatened to invade Greenland because he said the US needs the territory “very badly”.

Published: January 18, 2026, 12:00 pm

Broncos quarterback Bo Nix out for season with broken ankle in playoff win

• Nix to undergo surgery after breaking ankle in OT

• Season-ending injury suffered late in playoff win

• Denver advance despite injury to second-year QB

Bo Nix broke his right ankle late in overtime of the Denver Broncos’ divisional-round victory over Buffalo on Saturday and will have surgery that will sideline him for the rest of the playoffs.

Coach Sean Payton delivered the stunning news about his second-year quarterback in the aftermath of Denver’s biggest win in a decade. Backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham will start the AFC championship game next weekend.

Published: January 18, 2026, 2:53 am

Aston Villa’s title hopes hit after Thierno Barry fires resolute Everton to victory

Unai Emery did not hold back. In his programme notes the Aston Villa manager turned to caps lock. “THIS MATCH IS CRUCIAL,” he said, spying an opportunity after Arsenal and Manchester City dropped points, with a golden chance to return to second and cut the leaders’ advantage to four oints.

Everton, however, had other ideas and, as the hour mark approached, Thierno Barry pounced on an Emiliano Martínez fumble after a Pau Torres lapse to condemn Villa to a punishing defeat. They are almost unheard of around here, this only a third home league defeat since the start of last season.

Published: January 18, 2026, 6:35 pm

It’s so toxic at Spurs even West Ham were shocked: Frank’s race looks run | Jacob Steinberg

Saturday’s visiting fans know a thing or two about being a dysfunctional club but the level of hate inside Tottenham’s gleaming home surprised even them

It comes to something when the level of discontent at Tottenham had people who have spent all season watching West Ham wondering if it was all a bit much. There were cries of mutiny whenever Guglielmo Vicario tried to play out from the back, jeers at half-time and, of course, sustained boos when another home defeat for Thomas Frank’s nervous wreck of a team ended with one last cross from Djed Spence drifting sadly out of play in the ninth minute of added time.

At times it felt like not knowing how to leave the room after accidentally walking in on a bitter row between a warring couple. How is anyone supposed to function in such a poisonous atmosphere? Somehow, the malaise at West Ham felt mild by comparison. At least the anger in east London tends to be focused mainly at the board for the failure to kick on since swapping Upton Park for the soullessness of Stratford in 2016. It is not targeted at the team or the manager as much, whereas the grumbling at Spurs seems to fly in all directions, especially as the brutal departure of Daniel Levy five months ago has left fans without one standout candidate to be their hate figure.

Published: January 18, 2026, 8:00 am

Kevin Stefanski named Atlanta Falcons coach after being cut loose by Browns

• Stefanski gets second NFL chance after Browns firing

• Falcons face QB questions with Cousins and Penix Jr

Kevin Stefanski was hired as coach of the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday night, getting a second chance to lead an NFL team less than two weeks after he was fired by the Cleveland Browns.

Stefanski spent six seasons with Cleveland, where he twice was named AP Coach of the Year and had a 45-56 record. He was fired on 5 January after the Browns finished a 5-12 season.

Published: January 18, 2026, 6:04 am

Government pulls amendment to Hillsborough law after backlash

Proposed change relating to spies was criticised by campaigners and MPs as allowing an opt-out for senior officials

The government has pulled an amendment to its proposed Hillsborough law amid concerns from campaigners and MPs that the legislation was being watered down and had become a “car crash” for the government.

The public office (accountability) bill aims to force public officials and contractors to tell the truth after disasters.

Published: January 18, 2026, 9:07 pm

Newcastle struggle to find cutting edge in drab stalemate with Wolves

Newcastle arrived at Molineux in retro shirts to bring back memories of David Ginola and Les Ferdinand but there was neither swagger nor flair in this goalless draw against Wolves. There was the potential to go fifth in the Premier League with a win for the Magpies but instead they toiled on their way to a point.

With two-thirds of possession, Newcastle must have expected to come away with more but they possessed neither the creativity nor finishing ability. Wolves were worthy of the draw, which moves them three points away from Derby’s worst tally of 11, a total many home supporters feared at Christmas would not be overcome.

Published: January 18, 2026, 4:12 pm

European football: Eintracht Frankfurt fire coach Dino Toppmöller after poor run

• Crisis meeting was held after 3-3 draw against Werder

• Atlético Madrid beat Alavés 1-0 to stay in top four

Eintracht Frankfurt have fired their head coach, Dino Toppmöller, after a string of bad games and poor defending, the club said on Sunday.

The decision was based on analysis of the team’s performance over the past few weeks, including the first three games of 2026, the club said in a statement. Germany’s Bild newspaper said a crisis meeting had been held on Saturday to discuss Toppmöller’s future, the day after Eintracht’s 3-3 Bundesliga draw against struggling Werder Bremen.

This story will be updated

Published: January 18, 2026, 8:03 pm

Lisandro Martínez hits back at Scholes and Manchester United punditocracy

• Former players Scholes and Butt critical before derby

• ‘If he wants to say something … he can come to my house’

Lisandro Martínez has criticised Paul Scholes for mocking him on a podcast but not directly to the Manchester United defender’s face, following the team’s 2-0 win against Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Scholes and Nicky Butt, another prominent former United player, were each scathing about the diminutive Martínez and his ability to mark Erling Haaland, when speaking on the Good, the Bad and the Football before the 198th derby.

Published: January 18, 2026, 12:00 pm

Crystal Palace decide not to sack manager Oliver Glasner after meeting

• Sporting director held talks with Austrian on Sunday

• Manager said board had ‘abandoned’ him on Saturday

Crystal Palace have decided against sacking Oliver Glasner despite him accusing the club’s board of abandoning him and his squad by selling the captain, Marc Guéhi, to Manchester City 24 hours before they were due to face Sunderland.

Glasner’s outburst after the 2-1 defeat, when the Austrian also admitted he does not care if he sees out his contract until the end of the season having confirmed he will leave Selhurst Park, is understood to have dismayed the Palace chair, Steve Parish.

Published: January 18, 2026, 12:29 pm

Champions Cup roundup: Saracens face last-16 tie at Bath after defeat against Glasgow

• Saracens to play Prem champions after losing to Warriors

• Harlequins defeat La Rochelle to help Leicester progress

Saracens will travel to face Bath in the round of 16 after being beaten 28-3 by Glasgow in their final pool match at Scotstoun. Most of the points came in the first half, with the Warriors scoring three converted tries through Ollie Smith, Kyle Steyn and George Horne while Saracens replied with an Owen Farrell penalty.

Seb Stephen then rumbled over in the closing seconds of the match to secure a fourth successive bonus-point pool-stage victory for Glasgow. Their reward for topping pool 1 is a last-16 tie against the Bulls on the first weekend of April.

Published: January 18, 2026, 9:49 pm

Unai Emery rues missed opportunity after Aston Villa fail to close gap on Arsenal

• Aston Villa squander chance to move up to second

• Captain McGinn injured during defeat to Everton

Unai Emery conceded Aston Villa “lost a very good opportunity” after defeat against Everton, but he called for a sense of perspective after his side missed the chance to return to second in the Premier League.

Villa are seven points behind the leaders Arsenal and level on points with Manchester City, with all three teams dropping points in the title race over the weekend; City lost against Manchester United at Old Trafford, and Arsenal were held to a goalless draw at Nottingham Forest.

Published: January 18, 2026, 8:07 pm

Aston Villa 0-1 Everton: Premier League – as it happened

Aston Villa lost ground in the title race as Thierno Barry’s well-taken winner for Everton ended their run of 11 straight home wins

Premier League report: Will Unwin was at Molineux this afternoon. Let’s hope this one is a bit livelier. The players are in the tunnel, kick-off is in five minutes.

Harrison Armstrong, 18, will start his third game in a row for Everton since returning from his loan at Preston.

Published: January 18, 2026, 6:40 pm

Wolves 0-0 Newcastle United: Premier League – as it happened

Newcastle struggled to find a way through a determined Wolves team, who remain unbeaten in 2026

1 min: Sandro Tonali takes the ball deep as Newcastle attempt to pass their way through. Harvey Barnes gets an early touch from a Woltemade layoff. Good energy from the home fans. How long will that last?

Here’s Jeff Beck’s Hi Ho Silver Lining, with the Led Zep medley you will always hear in pre-match at Molineux.

Published: January 18, 2026, 4:16 pm

Bielle-Biarrey hat-trick fires holders Bordeaux to Champions Cup victory at Bristol

• Pool 4: Bristol 15-27 Bordeaux

• Bielle-Biarrey lights up match to secure top spot

The odds on Bordeaux Bègles successfully defending their Champions Cup crown shortened considerably on a damp, grey Sunday lunchtime in Bristol. Good sides can adapt their game to suit awkward conditions and, for the second weekend in a row, French class outflanked English energy and optimism with a hat-trick of tries from the spectacularly prolific French winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey.

The Bears, seeking to play billionaire rugby on a day crying out for more prudent housekeeping, made far too many unforced errors and duly paid the price against opponents who are now perfectly placed in this year’s tournament. They will have the luxury of playing all their subsequent knockout games either on French soil or, if they reach the final, just across the Spanish border in Bilbao, and at this rate it will require something special to prevent them claiming back-to-back titles.

Published: January 18, 2026, 3:25 pm

Africa Cup of Nations final buildup, Premier League news, and more – as it happened

The latest on Tottenham and Crystal Palace, who decide against sacking Oliver Glasner, plus an Afcon final preview

The likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham and Manchester City are also back in Women’s FA Cup action today…

Tottenham v Leicester City

Bournemouth v Manchester City

Brighton v Nottingham Forest

Chatham v York City

Ipswich Town v Sheffield United

London Bees v Liverpool

Manchester United v Burnley

Oxford United v Middlesbrough

Southampton v Bristol City

Arsenal v Aston Villa

Charlton v Swindon

Hull v Birmingham

Strasbourg v Metz

Nantes v Paris FC

Rennes v Le Havre

Lyon v Brest

Stuttgart v Union Berlin

Augsburg v Freiburg

Parma v Genoa

Bologna v Fiorentina

Torino v Roma

AC Milan v Lecce

Getafe v Valencia

Atletico Madrid v Alaves

Celta Vigo v Rayo Vallecano

Real Sociedad v Barcelona

Published: January 18, 2026, 1:26 pm

Shane Lowry chips into water at 72nd hole to blow lead as Elvira wins in Dubai

• Nacho Elvira takes Dubai Invitational title

• Rory McIlroy finishes in tie for third after final-day drama

Shane Lowry blew a one-shot lead on the last hole as Nacho Elvira recovered to claim victory in a dramatic finish to the Dubai Invitational.

Lowry, who had started the final round in a tie for second, two strokes behind the Spaniard, barged into the lead after a birdie on the 15th and appeared to have the title at his mercy. But the Irishman found both bunker and water on the 18th, finishing with a double bogey that shattered his hopes and allowed Elvira, who had struggled early in the round, to duly par the 18th for victory.

Published: January 18, 2026, 1:06 pm

Kenneth Walker III runs riot as Seahawks maul 49ers to reach NFC title game

• Walker rushes for 116 yards, scores three TDs

• Shaheed opens game with 95-yard kickoff TD

• Denver one win from Super Bowl after edging Bills

Rashid Shaheed returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, Kenneth Walker III rushed for three scores and the Seattle Seahawks advanced to the NFC Championship Game with a dominant 41-6 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night.

Sam Darnold threw a touchdown pass and got his first career playoff win in his first season with the Seahawks (15-3), who will host either the Chicago Bears or the Los Angeles Rams next Sunday with a trip to the Super Bowl at stake.

Published: January 18, 2026, 4:35 am

JD Vance to lead US presidential delegation at Milano Cortina Winter Olympics

• Vance to represent US at Olympic opening ceremony

• Ceremony spans Milan and three mountain venues

• Former US Olympic champions set to join delegation

US vice-president JD Vance will head the American presidential delegation to the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, the White House confirmed Saturday.

Vance is scheduled to attend the ceremony on 6 February, when the Milano Cortina Games officially get underway. He will be accompanied by second lady Usha Vance, secretary of state Marco Rubio and US ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta.

Published: January 18, 2026, 4:23 am

Denver one win from Super Bowl after surviving Buffalo in overtime thriller

• McMillian’s OT pick sparks Denver’s 33-30 win

• Allen commits four turnovers in playoff defeat

• Nix out for season after broken ankle in overtime

• Walker runs riot as Seahawks maul 49ers

Ja’Quan McMillian intercepted Josh Allen’s deep throw in overtime, and Bo Nix led the Broncos into position for Wil Lutz’s 23-yard field goal that sent Denver to the AFC championship game with a 33-30 win over the Buffalo Bills on Saturday.

McMillian’s pick was Denver’s fifth takeaway of the game – the Broncos went into the playoffs at minus-3 in turnover differential. McMillian wrested the ball away from Brandin Cooks at the Broncos 20-yard line when a field goal would have won the game for Buffalo.

Published: January 18, 2026, 1:36 am

New York Giants hire ‘honored’ Harbaugh as coach on five-year deal

• John Harbaugh lands five-year contract with Giants

• Reports value Super Bowl winner’s deal at up to $100m

John Harbaugh agreed to a five-year contract to become the New York Giants’ new head coach, according to multiple media reports on Saturday, ending a brief eight-day stint on the open market after his departure from Baltimore.

Multiple outlets reported earlier this week that the deal could be worth as much as $100m.

Published: January 17, 2026, 9:53 pm