Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: June 7, 2026, 5:43 PM ET

World Cup Preparations & Squad Updates

Brazil's World Cup preparations received a boost when Endrick scored in the 56th minute to secure a 2-1 victory over Egypt in their final tune-up match, while Manchester United-bound midfielder Éderson earned a surprise call-up to replace the injured Wesley in the squad. The United States men's national team felt growing excitement despite their 2-1 loss to Germany, with coach Mauricio Pochettino finally sensing the anticipated fan enthusiasm. In squad news, Argentina suffered a setback as defender Leonardo Balerdi was ruled out of the World Cup due to a calf injury, while Spain will be without young stars Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams for their final warm-up against Peru as they recover from injuries.

Match Results & Player Performances

Portugal secured a 2-0 win over Chile in a World Cup warmup despite Rafael Leão receiving a red card for punching an opponent in the 63rd minute. The United States women's national team fell 2-1 to Brazil in Sao Paulo, with Sophia Wilson scoring her first goal for the US since 2024, while the USMNT saw Antonee Robinson's stunning volley stand out in their final pre-World Cup game against Germany. Denmark had their friendly match against Ukraine called off after Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch, though the Inter Milan midfielder was later reported conscious and stable.

Squad Selection & Controversies

Iran's soccer federation accused the United States of "vindictive behavior" after claiming visas were refused for "key managerial and administrative members" of their World Cup team. France's squad news included Eduardo Camavinga attending Harvard Business School after missing Didier Deschamps' World Cup selection, while France winger Ousmane Dembélé dismissed concerns about Deschamps' impending departure, stating it serves as more of a motivator than a distraction. Scotland head coach Steve Clarke confirmed he has "decisions to make" regarding his starting XI for their World Cup opener against Haiti on Sunday.

Transfer Market Speculation

The World Cup stage promises to boost transfer values for several players looking to make their mark, with Arsenal potentially facing strong competition from Paris Saint-Germain for Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White. Meanwhile, Manchester United are stepping up interest in various left-back options, with Bayern Munich's Michael Olise reportedly a target for club president Florentino Pérez. In other transfer news, Celtic may face a summer exodus as midfielder Reo Hatate has reportedly told the club he wants to leave this summer.

Historical Context & Tournament Analysis

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, ESPN experts provided comprehensive previews for all 48 teams, while EA Sports predicted tournament outcomes having correctly selected winners for the past four World Cups. Norway's qualification has been guided by Erling Haaland, who has become a global star from a nation with just 5.5 million people, while South American teams hope to maintain their 100% record of winning every World Cup hosted in North America. The tournament's history can be traced through 22 items of memorabilia from the previous 22 World Cups, highlighting the rich legacy of the competition.