Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: June 25, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Club Transfers & Contracts

Arsenal have confirmed Piero Hincapié's permanent signing from Bayer Leverkusen, activating an option to secure the defender. Meanwhile, Ross McCrorie is returning to Rangers after Bristol City accepted an undisclosed offer, reuniting with manager Derek McInnes. England international Freya Godfrey has inked a new three-year contract with the London City Lionesses.

Managerial Moves

Hearts are reportedly closing in on Wouter Vrancken as their new head coach, with the Belgian manager having been named manager of the year in his homeland. In contrast, Wales manager Craig Bellamy's proposed move to Championship side Burnley has fallen through.

World Cup Developments

The expanded 48-team World Cup format is facing scrutiny, with two final group stage matches presenting scenarios where teams could draw to ensure qualification, raising questions about competitive integrity. Scotland face an anxious wait to discover their fate, with manager Steve Clarke believing they are likely heading home after a 3-0 defeat to Brazil, which left their hopes "hanging by a thread". Brazil, inspired by Vinícius Júnior, secured the top spot in Group C with their rout of Scotland.

South Africa have made history by qualifying for the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time, finishing second in Group A with a 1-0 victory over South Korea. Morocco also progressed, securing second place in Group C with a late surge to beat Haiti 4-2. Co-hosts Canada, despite qualifying, will play no further matches in their home country after a 2-1 loss to Switzerland denied them top spot in Group B. Switzerland fought off a late Canadian barrage to claim the group's summit.

Mexico cemented their first-ever perfect World Cup group stage, with veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa appearing in a record sixth World Cup during their 3-0 win over Czechia. The USMNT, under Mauricio Pochettino, are united in their belief of winning the World Cup, though Pochettino is cautious about risking players on yellow cards against Türkiye to avoid suspension for the round of 32. Christian Pulisic is ready to play but not for 90 minutes against Türkiye. Qatar's Assim Madibo has received a five-match ban for the challenge that broke Canada's Ismaël Koné's leg.

League Fixtures & Broadcast

The 2026-27 season fixtures for the Championship, League One, and League Two have been released, with all opening weekend games across the three divisions set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Notable opening day fixtures include promoted York City hosting Bristol Rovers in League Two and Leicester City's trip to Notts County in League One. Relegated Burnley and West Ham will renew their rivalry on the opening Championship weekend.

Other Football News

French footballer Kenzo Kies has died at the age of 21 after drowning in the Rhone river. In transfer speculation, Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn, while Tottenham are considering rivalling United for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes. Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin is attracting interest from Bologna.

Boxing & Darts

Three-weight world champion Terri Harper will make her return on the UK vs USA bill on August 29, which is headlined by Mikaela Mayer against Chantelle Cameron. In darts, Luke Humphries and Luke Littler are set to compete at the US Darts Masters in New York, with Humphries defending his title and Littler facing David Cameron.

Other Sports

McLaren is optimistic about their chances at the Austrian Grand Prix, having introduced an experimental rear wing for the MCL40 car. In cricket, England have reached the T20 World Cup semi-finals after defeating the West Indies. The third Test between England and New Zealand is tied at 1-1, with Ben Stokes and Mark Wood returning for the series decider. Tennis players plan to continue prize fund protests at Wimbledon.