Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: June 27, 2026, 2:31 AM ET

World Cup Knockout Stage Shaping Up

Spain secured their passage to the World Cup knockout stage by topping Group H with a narrow 1-0 victory over Uruguay, though the win came with significant injury concerns. Coach Luis de la Fuente confirmed that winger Yeremy Pino may miss the remainder of the tournament with a suspected broken collarbone. Spain's performance against Uruguay was described as listless, and they will need a drastic improvement to contend for the title. Uruguay, meanwhile, are eliminated following the defeat, with goalkeeper Fernando Muslera being notably substituted at halftime after a costly first-half error. Belgium also advanced to the knockout rounds as group winners, thrashing New Zealand 5-1. Leandro Trossard netted a brace in the dominant victory. Elsewhere, Cape Verde etched their name in history by becoming the smallest nation to reach the World Cup knockout rounds, securing second place in Group H with a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia, 15. England also confirmed their spot in the next phase before their final group game against Panama.

In Group G, Iran narrowly missed out on second place after a last-gasp goal was controversially overturned, but they still retain hope of progressing to the knockouts following a dramatic draw. Senegal bolstered their chances of advancing as one of the top eight third-placed teams by thumping Iraq 5-0. Meanwhile, Algeria and Austria have both stated they will play for a win in their upcoming match, despite a draw potentially benefiting their knockout stage draw. The "Pride Match" between Iran and Egypt is set to take place amid concerns and controversy surrounding the event. France completed a perfect Group I campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Norway, who rested key players including Erling Haaland. Ousmane Dembélé was the standout performer, scoring a first-half hat-trick which was the first for France since 1994 21, 30, 42. Norway's decision to rest 10 players, including Haaland, against France was labeled a "no-brainer" by coach Stale Solbakken due to fatigue concerns among the squad, 43. Didier Deschamps is set to rejoin the France squad in Boston after attending his mother's funeral.

The United States men's national team will aim to learn from their recent experiences in the World Cup, including a late 3-2 defeat to Türkiye. Coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed frustration with media questioning following the loss, emphasizing that the team had won their group. Christian Pulisic's performance against Türkiye mirrored the team's overall showing – a strong start followed by a disappointing finish.

Club and Transfer Rumors

Arsenal has reportedly had a £55 million ($73m) offer for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães rejected. The Gunners are also exploring potential moves for Guimarães and his teammate Sandro Tonali, 92. Newcastle United are also reportedly interested in signing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha. Manchester City has agreed a club-record deal for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, a move expected to influence the transfer market for other midfielders. Chelsea is reportedly closing in on Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix. Real Madrid is willing to let a midfielder depart to make room for new signings, with Eduardo Camavinga a potential exit. AC Milan has appointed Massimo Calvelli as CEO as part of an effort to "bring a winning culture" back to the club, and reportedly rejected an approach from New York City FC for an American attacker.

Striker Paul Mullin is set to leave Wrexham by mutual consent, concluding his five-year tenure at the club. Ipswich Town Women have signed forward Kit Graham on a two-year contract following a successful loan spell. London City Lionesses have extended England defender Poppy Pattinson's contract until summer 2029.

Other Football News

Gotham FC secured a 2-0 victory over the Kansas City Current in the Challenge Cup, with goals from Esther González and Jordynn Dudley. In Scotland, SWPL champions Hearts will begin their title defense at home against Aberdeen, while Celtic and Rangers face away fixtures. Hearts striker Yutaro Oda is downplaying transfer talk, focusing on Champions League qualifying. New Hearts head coach Wouter Vranckin is expected to implement a data-driven approach at the club.

Former West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand has taken his first coaching role at National League side Hornchurch. Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney anticipates Craig Bellamy will remain Wales head coach after his proposed move to Burnley fell through, though Bellamy faces relationship tensions following the collapsed transfer. Brentford is in discussions to host Champions League matches next season, despite not qualifying for the competition. The Bees are also reportedly in talks to sign Burnley forward Jaidon Anthony.

International fans attending the World Cup in the US have expressed frustration with the tipping culture, citing confusion and high costs.

Boxing, Horse Racing, and Other Sports

Boxer Ben Whittaker could be on a collision course with Joshua Buatsi as he prepares for a world title fight following his US debut. It is Northumberland Plate day at Newcastle, with all races broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. Jockey Hollie Doyle has highlighted her picks for the Northumberland Plate, including Thunder.

Oleksandr Usyk has vacated his WBC, WBA, IBF, and Ring Magazine world heavyweight titles, though he has not retired.

In rugby league, Leeds strengthened their position at the top of the Betfred Super League with a decisive win over Hull KR. St Helens have reported Wakefield Trinity to the RFL regarding a disputed transfer claim for centre Harry Robertson.

Sri Lanka kept their Women's T20 World Cup semi-final hopes alive with a narrow victory over Scotland. All-rounder Alice Capsey has urged England to maintain their winning momentum against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup.

England cricketers Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were dropped from a match due to an incident involving a nightclub, which Jamie George has criticized. Ben Duckett and Ben Stokes were instrumental in England's fightback on day two of the third Test against New Zealand. Stuart Broad noted Stokes' "magical" match-winning performances.

Ireland secured their first-ever victory against India in cricket, winning by 34 runs in Stormont.

In golf, Scottie Scheffler narrowly missed out on a sub-60 round at the Travelers Championship. The PGA Tour's new promotion and relegation system has been compared to the Premier League structure by commissioner Brian Rolapp.

In Formula, Kimi Antonelli completed a practice double at the Austrian Grand Prix, topping both sessions ahead of George Russell. Red Bull is expected to introduce significant upgrades for the Austrian Grand Prix. Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies admitted there is uncertainty regarding Max Verstappen's future with the team.

Tennis player Jack Draper's run at the Lexus Eastbourne Open ended in the semi-finals. Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper face tough draws at Wimbledon, with Raducanu potentially meeting world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the third round.

Scottish Football Debate

An analysis questions whether an outsider's perspective on the issues plaguing Scottish football, including undervalued broadcasting deals and unfulfilled potential, is accurate. BBC Scotland is crunching numbers to examine Scotland's attacking intent and potential underlying problems.