Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: June 21, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

World Cup Buzz: Spain Arrives, Japan Dominates, and Records Tumble

Spain finally announced their arrival at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, thrashing Saudi Arabia 4-0 in a performance that saw Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal star. Yamal, the 18-year-old sensation, needed just 10 minutes in his first start to score his maiden World Cup goal, with many suggesting this could be his tournament. The team looked instantly sharper with Yamal in the lineup, displaying the form that makes them contenders. Meanwhile, Japan continued their impressive run, routing Tunisia 4-0 in a dominant display that marked the biggest margin of victory for an Asian nation in World Cup history. Daichi Kamada reiterated Japan's target of winning the tournament after their record-breaking evening.

The World Cup has seen a flurry of records broken, with the tournament hitting 100 goals faster than any edition since 1958. Netherlands delivered a statement to their rivals with a commanding 5-1 victory over Sweden, a win that also saw them break a tournament record. Germany clinched a spot in the knockout phase for the first time in their history, with super-sub Deniz Undav scoring twice in a 2-1 comeback win against Ivory Coast. Undav, who was previously called out by his manager, is proving to be a vital player.

In Group E, Curacao etched their name in the history books, earning their first World Cup point with a remarkable 0-0 draw against Ecuador. Goalkeeper Eloy Room was the hero, making a record-equalling 15 saves to deny the favored side. The Netherlands' dominant win over Sweden also saw Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey answer the call for World Cup excitement. Elsewhere, Belgium's Jérémy Doku will miss the match against Iran due to illness, though he has faced criticism for a plan to return home for the birth of his child.

Club Management & Player Moves

Ajax has parted ways with coach Oscar Garcia following a turbulent season that saw the Dutch club finish fifth in Eredivisie. In player news, Sweden midfielder Lucas Bergvall has requested to leave Tottenham this summer, while Chelsea faces decisions regarding Wesley Fofana's future at the club, as they are well-stocked in defense and he has yet to consistently impress.

Golf & Tennis Updates

In golf, Wyndham Clark has built a commanding lead heading into the final round of the U.S. Open, with Scottie Scheffler boosting his career Grand Slam hopes. Lottie Woad narrowly missed out on an LPGA Tour victory at the Meijer LPGA Classic, falling in a playoff to Miyu Yamashita. She remains in contention for the title heading into the final round. Serena Williams has received the final Wimbledon singles wild card for the women's main draw as she prepares for her Grand Slam comeback. Jack Draper has revealed that new coach Andy Murray believes in his game ahead of Wimbledon.

Cricket & Rugby League

Defending champions Nottinghamshire have replaced Essex at the top of the County Championship Division One after winning by an innings and 52 runs. England's woes against New Zealand continued, with Matt Henry's maiden 11-wicket haul securing a 253-run victory for the tourists at The Oval, leveling the series. Ben Stokes is set to return as captain for the deciding third Test, with Gus Atkinson also back in the squad. Stuart Broad noted that England's heavy defeat highlights how much the team needs Stokes. Virat Kohli is slated to return for India in their ODI series against England. In rugby league, St Helens ended a three-match winless run with a dominant 38-6 rout of Huddersfield.

Athletics & Other Sports

Keely Hodgkinson was visibly upset after withdrawing from the 400m final at the UK Athletics Championships moments before the race. Francisco Cerundolo captured the Queen's title, defeating Tommy Paul in a three-hour, three-minute marathon that stands as the longest final in the championship's history.