Daily Archives: August 15, 2026

Ranking all 72 stadiums in the Football League: From homely grounds to imposing arenas


“It’s a big welcome back to the English Football League, comfortably the oldest league competition in the world game and home to a rich tapestry of grounds and stadiums that carry a little something for everyone. Crave the sleek lines of a gleaming, bowl-style stadium? Then, look no further than Milton Keynes, Leicester and, as of this weekend, east London for your fix. Prefer to watch your football in more homely surroundings at a venue that might be a little imperfect but offers a bit more character? Then, again, you’re well catered for in a 72-club, three-tier league where some stands can be more than a century old and have a thousand stories to tell. This is a purely subjective list. There are no right or wrong answers, no agenda for or against certain parts of England and Wales, and certainly no bias towards any particular team, just the opinion of a self-confessed grounds nerd and member of the Ninety-Two Club on what constitutes an enjoyable place to take in 90 minutes of EFL action… …”
NYT/ATH

1. Wolverhampton Wanderers – Molineux

Why are Barcelona and Real Madrid not playing in La Liga’s opening weekend?


Fans will have to wait to see Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid and Raphinha and Co in action
“La Liga is back this weekend, but not quite as you know it. Six games are being played across the opening matchday — but the Spanish top flight’s two biggest clubs, Barcelona and Real Madrid, will not be in action. Who is playing in the opening La Liga weekend and who is not?The opening game is Deportivo Alaves v Getafe today (Saturday) at 7.30pm local time (6.30pm UK, 1.30pm ET), with Sevilla hosting Rayo Vallecano later that evening. Racing Santander will make their La Liga return on Sunday when Villarreal travel to their El Sardinero home ground, while Espanyol play Levante that day. Another historic club back in the division, Deportivo La Coruna, welcome Elche on Monday, before Atletico Madrid face second-division play-off winners Malaga on Wednesday. …”
NYT/ATH
Guardian – La Liga 2026-27 preview: Madrid look to Mourinho in bid to dethrone Barcelona