Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: June 23, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

World Cup Tournament Update

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump will attend the World Cup final in New Jersey on July 19 and present the trophy to the winning team Trump to present World Cup final trophy. Authorities have also seized over 300 unauthorized drones at World Cup sites across the United States, indicating a proactive measure against potential security threats. Discussions are ongoing regarding the potential continuation of hydration breaks in future World Cups, despite some opposition to the added stoppages Infantino favors hydration breaks.

Star Performances and Records

Cristiano Ronaldo has written his name into the history books, becoming the first male player to score in six different World Cup tournaments. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi continues to shatter records, setting a new benchmark with 17 goals in men's World Cup history, surpassing Miroslav Klose, after scoring twice in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria. Kylian Mbappé is also making his mark, reaching a century of caps for France and netting 16 goals in 16 World Cup games, while Erling Haaland has been instrumental for Norway, scoring a brace in their 3-2 win over Senegal to secure qualification for the knockout stages. The race for the Golden Boot is shaping up to be a historic one, with Messi, Mbappé, and Haaland setting a blistering pace Golden Boot race for the ages.

Team Progress and Knockout Stage Qualification

Norway's 3-2 victory over Senegal, powered by a brace from Erling Haaland, has seen them clinch a spot in the knockout stages. France also secured their passage to the last 32 with a 3-0 win against Iraq, a match that was significantly delayed by a two-hour weather disruption Mbappé makes it rain. Algeria staged a second-half comeback to defeat debutants Jordan 2-1, keeping their own group-stage qualification hopes alive Algeria earn turnaround win. Scotland, despite a draw or narrow defeat potentially securing their progression, face a challenge against Brazil, with manager Steve Clarke facing significant selection decisions What are Clarke's big calls. England, meanwhile, are preparing to face Ghana, with midfielder Thomas Partey declaring himself "ready to play" after missing the opener due to entry issues Partey 'ready' for England.

Managerial Appointments and Club News

In managerial news, former Arsenal and Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey has been appointed head coach of Oxford United. Scott Phelan has been confirmed as the permanent head coach of Everton Women after an interim spell Phelan named permanent Everton manager. Gary O'Neil has taken the reins at Ipswich Town, signing a three-year deal O'Neil signs three-year deal. Former Scotland striker Kenny Miller has been appointed as Maccabi Tel Aviv's permanent head coach Former Scotland striker Miller named. Alfred Johansson expects his Motherwell side to build on last season's success Johansson confident Motherwell can build. Derek McInnes faces a potential ban from the touchline in his opening games as Rangers manager due to a disciplinary charge New Rangers boss McInnes faces ban. Manchester City are reportedly close to appointing Enzo Maresca as their new manager, having agreed a compensation package with Chelsea Sources: City close to naming Maresca.

Transfer Rumors and Player Movements

Atlético Madrid are reportedly "furious" with Barcelona, whom they believe are behind Julián Álvarez's desire to leave the club Sources: Atleti 'furious' with Barça. Álvarez himself has confirmed his intention to leave Atlético Madrid to "fulfil his dream" Alvarez wants to leave Atletico Madrid. Real Madrid are reportedly interested in Arsenal's Piero Hincapié for their defense Sources: Madrid interested in Arsenal's Hincapié. In other transfer gossip, Morgan Rogers is keen on a move to Arsenal, while Marcus Rashford is reportedly prepared to take a pay cut to join Tottenham Rogers keen on Arsenal move.

Other Football News

The integrity of the World Cup group stage has been questioned, with concerns raised about the diminished jeopardy for teams with already-qualified status Have World Cup changes damaged the final round. Rade Bogdanovic, a former Atletico Madrid striker and TV pundit, has apologized for racist comments made towards black players during a World Cup broadcast TV pundit Bogdanovic apologises. The BBC Sport team has explained who the DR Congo superfan is ahead of the first World Cup game he will attend Who is the DR Congo superfan?.