Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: June 26, 2026, 2:31 PM ET

World Cup Knockout Stage Picture Forms

As the group stages of the 2026 World Cup draw to a close, several nations have secured their passage to the knockout rounds, while others face anxious waits. Ecuador stunned Germany with a 2-1 comeback victory, securing their spot and denting Scotland's hopes. Gonzalo Plata's 77th-minute goal proved decisive against a favored German side Ecuador's president declared a public holiday to celebrate the historic win. Meanwhile, Japan and Sweden played to a 1-1 draw, with both teams advancing to the next stage, while the Netherlands claimed top spot in Group F with a commanding 3-1 victory over Tunisia. Ivory Coast also progressed, with Nicolas Pepe scoring twice in a 2-0 win against Curacao to secure second place in Group E Pepe double vs Curacao sends Ivory Coast through. Australia and Paraguay played to a goalless draw, a result that suited both teams and saw them advance.

Star Power and Squad Decisions

The World Cup continues to be a stage for established stars and emerging talents, though some notable names are facing altered roles. Erling Haaland is expected to start Norway's World Cup clash against France on the substitutes' bench, with coach Stale Solbakken reportedly planning to rest ten players. This development comes as the match is billed as a potential new rivalry akin to Messi-Ronaldo Mbappe vs Haaland - new Messi-Ronaldo rivalry graces World Cup. In other squad news, Declan Rice has returned to England training, but Reece James remains a doubt for their match against Panama. Spain's Nico Williams has expressed his readiness to start against Uruguay, aiming to emulate teammate Lamine Yamal's impact Spain's Williams: I'm ready to start vs. Uruguay.

Transfer Market Buzz and Club Changes

The transfer window is heating up with significant moves and rumored approaches dominating headlines. Arsenal has reportedly had a £55 million ($73m) bid rejected by Newcastle United for midfielder Bruno Guimarães, though exploratory talks for both Guimarães and Sandro Tonali continue Arsenal explore moves for Newcastle's Guimaraes & Tonali. Manchester City is understood to have agreed a club-record deal, potentially up to £130m, to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson Man City agree record fee with Forest for Anderson. AC Milan has appointed Massimo Calvelli as CEO as the club reportedly rejected an approach from New York City FC for Christian Pulisic, who himself is looking to make his mark on the USMNT's World Cup campaign Pulisic looks ready to make his mark on USMNT's Wo.... In a notable departure, striker Paul Mullin is set to leave Wrexham by mutual consent after five years at the club.

Club and National Team Management Under Scrutiny

Several teams are navigating changes and challenges in their coaching and management structures. The Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney anticipates Craig Bellamy will remain as Wales head coach following the collapse of his proposed move to Burnley, though Bellamy faces some tension after the failed transfer Wales boss Bellamy has 'burned bridges' - Roberts. In Scotland, there's discussion about the underlying reasons for the nation's footballing struggles, with former England striker Ian Wright offering his perspective Is an outsider right about reasons for Scottish football's ills?. Meanwhile, Uruguayan coach Marcelo Bielsa's tenure is under review Where has it gone wrong for Bielsa's struggling Uruguay?.

Other Football News

In women's football, Ipswich Town Women have signed forward Kit Graham on a two-year contract Graham agrees permanent deal with Ipswich Women, and London City Lionesses defender Poppy Pattinson has extended her contract until summer 2029 Pattinson signs new deal with London City Lionesses. Scottish Women's Premier League champions Hearts will begin their title defense at home to Aberdeen SWPL: Champions Hearts face Aberdeen.

Motorsport and Other Sports

In Formula, Kimi Antonelli continued his strong performance at the Austrian Grand Prix, completing a Friday practice double with a dominant showing in the second session. Meanwhile, Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies acknowledged uncertainty regarding Max Verstappen's future with the team Mekies admits uncertainty over Red Bull keeping Verstappen. In cricket, Ben Duckett and Ben Stokes were instrumental in England's fightback on day two of the Test series against New Zealand. Ireland secured a historic first win against India in cricket, winning by 34 runs. In boxing, Oleksandr Usyk has vacated his world heavyweight titles but has not retired.