Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: June 25, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

World Cup Knockout Stages Take Shape as Scotland Faces Uncertain Future

The World Cup knockout picture continues to clarify, with Scotland facing an anxious wait to determine their fate after a decisive 3-0 defeat to Brazil punishing loss. Vinícius Júnior inspired Brazil to the top of Group C Brazil rout, leaving Scotland's hopes of advancing hanging by a thread Tartan party over. Manager Steve Clarke expressed a downbeat outlook, suggesting his team is likely "going home" Clarke downbeat, a sentiment echoed by midfielder John McGinn who deemed their chances of progression "unlikely" Clarke & McGinn rue. Despite the difficult position, Scotland could still potentially reach the round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams, though they will need favorable results elsewhere World Cup history or limbo. Meanwhile, South Africa made history by reaching the knockout rounds for the first time, securing second place in Group A with a 1-0 victory over South Korea South Africa make history.

Mexico Makes History with Perfect Group Stage; USMNT Prepares for Türkiye Test

Co-hosts Mexico have cemented their place in the history books, achieving their first-ever perfect World Cup group stage with a commanding 3-0 victory over Czechia Mexico boss not swayed. Head coach Javier Aguirre's pragmatic approach proved effective, with goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa making a record sixth World Cup appearance Ochoa cameo seals, and 17-year-old Gilberto Mora shining as the youngest player to start in 24 years Ochoa and Mora make history. The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) is set to face Türkiye in their Group D finale, a match expected to see squad rotation from manager Mauricio Pochettino to avoid yellow card suspensions Pochettino won't 'risk'. Christian Pulisic has declared himself ready to play, though he anticipates being limited to less than 90 minutes Pulisic ready, as the USMNT looks to secure their position heading into the knockout rounds What Türkiye match will reveal. Experts are also weighing in on betting strategies for the USMNT vs. Türkiye fixture How to bet.

Morocco Shows Promise, Canada Misses Home Advantage Opportunity

Morocco has demonstrated serious potential at the World Cup, with Wednesday's win over Haiti offering a glimpse of their capabilities Morocco see 'ingredients'. Two late goals secured a hard-fought 4-2 victory, confirming their second-place finish in Group C Morocco late show beats. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi believes his squad possesses the necessary qualities to become the first African World Cup winners Morocco see 'ingredients'. In contrast, co-hosts Canada will not have the chance to play a round-of-32 match on home soil after a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in their final group game Canada in WC knockouts. The loss meant Jesse Marsch's team ceded top spot in Group B to Switzerland and will now play their knockout matches away from home Switzerland fight off late Canada barrage. Qatar's Assim Madibo received a five-match ban for a tackle that resulted in a broken leg for Canada's Ismael Koné Madibo given five-game ban.

Transfer Market Buzz: Spurs and United Eye Fernandes, Gunn Linked with Man Utd

The transfer rumour mill is churning, with Tottenham Hotspur reportedly rivalling Manchester United for the signature of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes Spurs join United in Fernandes race. West Ham values the midfielder at £80 million, amidst Tottenham's search for a central midfielder and a rejected bid for Newcastle's Sandro Tonali Spurs want West Ham's Fernandes. Meanwhile, Manchester United is reportedly considering a surprise move for Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn Man United want Scotland 'k; Scotland keeper Gunn on Man Utd radar. Bologna has also opened talks with Rangers for midfielder Glen Raskin Bologna open talks for Rangers'. In other transfer news, AC Milan has rejected an approach from New York City FC for United States attacker Christian Pulisic, emphasizing he is not for sale Sources: Milan rejects NYCFC.

Other Football News: Pulisic's World Cup Journey, Gakpo's Liverpool Future, and Club Moves

The narrative of the USMNT's 2026 World Cup campaign may well include a chapter on Cole Schamber, a golf cart dealership owner from Dana Point, California, highlighting the diverse personal stories connected to the tournament The story of Christian Pulisic. Cody Gakpo is reportedly thriving with the Netherlands, but increased competition at Liverpool casts a shadow over his club future The Gakpo conundrum. Elsewhere, Vozinha, a standout goalkeeper at the World Cup, is seeking a new club after his performances Cape Verde's Vozinha seeks. Brighton is reportedly in advanced talks to sign Juventus and Switzerland midfielder Lia Walti Brighton in advanced talks. In managerial news, Derek McInnes has been unveiled as the new Rangers manager, expressing his commitment to winning the Scottish Premiership quickly McInnes: I belong at Rangers.

Cricket and Tennis Updates: England Advances in T20 World Cup, Raducanu's Grand Slam Pursuit

England has advanced to the semi-finals of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, defeating West Indies convincingly England reach T20 World Cup semis. The team is reportedly "trending in the right direction" according to Tash Farrant England 'trending in right direction'. Former coach Mark Petchey believes Emma Raducanu can achieve further Grand Slam success by prioritizing happiness over ranking points and ignoring criticism Raducanu told by former coach. In other news, Jack Draper has advanced to the quarter-finals of the Eastbourne Open Draper advances to Eastbourne.

Other Sports News: Darts Masters, Boxing Title Change, Golf, and Horse Racing

The US Darts Masters in New York will see Luke Humphries defending his title against Leonard Gates, while Luke Littler faces David Cameron in his opening match Humphries and Littler take centre stage. In boxing, Lewis Crocker lost his world title and unbeaten record to Liam Paro in Australia Crocker loses world title. Newcastle hosts an afternoon of horse racing on Sky Sports Racing featuring clashes like Back In Black and El Matador Today on Sky Sports Racing. Promoters are reportedly open to switching the venue for the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight to America if it proves beneficial Hearn open to Fury vs Joshua.