Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: June 27, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

World Cup Group Stages Conclude, Knockout Rounds Set

The FIFA World Cup group stages drew to a dramatic close, setting the stage for the knockout rounds with several surprising outcomes. Uruguay made an early exit after a 1-0 defeat to Spain, a loss compounded by a goalkeeping blunder from Fernando Muslera that gifted Spain the lead Uruguay out. Spain secured top spot in Group H but could face significant personnel issues, as winger Yeremy Pino sustained a suspected broken collarbone and may miss the remainder of the tournament Spain win group. Meanwhile, Cape Verde etched their name in history, becoming the smallest nation to reach the World Cup knockout stages following a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia Cape Verde smallest, make history. Their progression sets up a tie against Argentina, who will be without star forward Lionel Messi for their final group match against Jordan, as he is set to start on the bench Messi to start. Belgium also advanced, topping Group G after a dominant 5-1 victory over New Zealand, with Leandro Trossard netting a brace Trossard hits double. Iran's World Cup hopes hang precariously in the balance following a dramatic draw against Egypt, where a late goal was controversially overturned Iran face wait. Coach Amir Ghalenoei lamented the team's misfortune and what he perceived as unfair treatment from the United States coach on VAR. Scotland's campaign concluded with defeat, leaving their World Cup future uncertain Scotland's World Cup.

Player News and Transfer Rumors

The transfer market continues to buzz with activity as clubs prepare for the upcoming season, with several Premier League sides reportedly active. Chelsea is exploring a deal for Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka, though the club has stated the player is not for sale Chelsea exploring, interested signing. Manchester City is monitoring Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi and has already secured the signing of forward Mathys Detourbet from fellow City Football Group club Troyes City monitoring. The club is also reportedly nearing a club-record deal for Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson Premier League star. Arsenal is in a battle with other clubs for Paris Saint-Germain defender Emmanuel Mbemba Transfer rumors. Elsewhere, Real Madrid is reportedly open to allowing Eduardo Camavinga to leave to facilitate the signing of a new midfielder Madrid want exit. In other news, Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo will remain with the national squad at the World Cup following the announcement that he and his partner have lost their unborn son Gakpo shares loss, asks privacy.

Cricket and Tennis Updates

In cricket, England's Danni Wyatt-Hodge delivered a batting masterclass to help her side remain unbeaten and eliminate defending champions New Zealand from the T20 World Cup at The Kia Oval Wyatt-Hodge masterclass. Ireland secured a surprising six-wicket victory over West Indies in their Women's T20 World Cup clash, though the West Indies still progressed to the semi-finals Ireland shock win. Sri Lanka also kept their semi-final hopes alive with a dramatic last-over win against Scotland Sri Lanka keep hopes. In the Test arena, England faces an uphill battle in the third Test against New Zealand, with Stuart Broad suggesting the game could be lost on day four England brink. On the tennis circuit, Naomi Osaka was forced to retire from the Bad Homburg final due to a foot injury, casting doubt over her Wimbledon preparations Osaka retires. In amateur golf, Valentine Delon secured invites to four majors after winning the Women's Amateur Championship Delon earns invites.

Motorsport and Other Sports

The Austrian Grand Prix qualifying saw George Russell snatch pole position after a chaotic finish that included a crash from Max Verstappen Russell snatches pole. Russell had earlier topped the final practice session ahead of his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli Russell finds pace. Lewis Hamilton expressed hope for a strong strategy to challenge Mercedes at the Austrian GP, though he acknowledged it would be a difficult task Hamilton hopeful. In horse racing, Estrange claimed its first Group One success in the Tattersalls Pretty Polly Stakes Estrange beats, while Align The Stars won the Jenningsbet Northumberland Plate Align Stars wins. In boxing, Oleksandr Usyk relinquished his heavyweight titles to decide his career's final chapter Usyk's final chapter. Rugby saw George North score two tries in his final appearance before retirement, as Wales narrowly defeated the Barbarians North scores two.