Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: June 27, 2026, 11:31 PM ET

World Cup Knockout Picture Takes Shape Amidst Injury Concerns

The World Cup knockout stage is beginning to crystallize, with several nations securing their passage and others facing significant injury blows. Colombia finished at the top of Group K after a scoreless draw with Portugal secured top spot, with Portugal consequently finishing as runners-up. In another Group K encounter, the Democratic Republic of Congo booked a last-32 clash against England thanks to a brace from Yoane Wissa in their 3-1 comeback win over Uzbekistan. England, having already secured first place in Group L, defeated Panama 2-0, with Harry Kane becoming England's all-time leading World Cup scorer with his 12th goal surpassing previous records. Despite topping their group, questions remain about England's overall form, with one analysis suggesting they "can forget winning the World Cup unless they improve". Meanwhile, Spain winger Nico Williams described suffering an injury against Uruguay as "one of the worst days of my life," potentially jeopardizing his World Cup future jeopardizing his participation. Uruguay, for their part, substituted goalkeeper Fernando Muslera at halftime of their group stage finale following a significant error that gifted Spain the lead pulled keeper after howler.

European Powerhouses and African Contenders Advance

European giants and emerging African nations are making their presence felt in the tournament. France showcased their depth with a dominant 4-1 victory over Norway, a performance highlighted by Ousmane Dembélé's hat-trick led by Dembélé. Belgium finally kicked their tournament into gear, with Leandro Trossard scoring twice to secure top spot in Group G sealed top spot. On the African continent, the Democratic Republic of Congo's comeback win against Uzbekistan propelled them into the knockout rounds fought from behind. Meanwhile, Croatia secured second place in Group L with a 2-1 victory over Ghana sealed their spot. The progress of nations like Cape Verde to the knockout stages is being seen as a testament to the expanded 48-team World Cup format made countries like.

Player Fitness and Transfer Rumors Swirl

Several key players are nursing injuries that could impact their teams' knockout stage aspirations. Egypt captain Mohamed Salah is a doubt for their last-32 tie against Australia due to a hamstring injury injury doubt for tie. Spain winger Yeremy Pino may miss the remainder of the tournament with a suspected broken collarbone may miss rest of tournament. Manchester United is awaiting news on Manuel Ugarte's injury after the midfielder was stretchered off during Uruguay's loss to Spain waiting on injury extent. In transfer news, Manchester City has acquired 19-year-old forward Mathys Detourbet from fellow City Football Group club Troyes signed from CFG club. Arsenal is reportedly in a bidding war with Manchester City for Paris Saint-Germain defender Emmanuel Mbemba battle to sign defender. Chelsea has received a bid from Como for defender Trevoh Chalobah, while Everton is leading the race for Blues striker Liam Delap bid for defender.

Other Tournament and Sporting News

Beyond the World Cup, other sporting events are unfolding. In golf, Haeran Ryu holds a one-shot lead heading into the final round of the Women's PGA Championship after shooting a 68 on Saturday takes one-shot lead. In cricket, Ireland secured a surprising victory over the West Indies by six wickets in the Women's T20 World Cup, though the West Indies still advanced to the semi-finals shock win over West. England's women's team also extended their unbeaten run in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup with a dominant nine-wicket victory over South Africa imperious victory against South Africa. In rugby league, Wigan Warriors and St Helens secured victories over Hull FC and Bradford Bulls respectively, placing them third and fourth in the Betfred Super League table seize late win. Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton is hopeful that strategy can propel Ferrari to victory in the Austrian Grand Prix, though he acknowledges that overcoming Mercedes will be a significant challenge hopeful finding strategy. In tennis, Naomi Osaka retired from the Bad Homburg final due to a foot injury, raising concerns about her Wimbledon preparations retired with foot issue. In horse racing, Estrange delivered a strong performance to win the Tattersalls Pretty Polly Stakes, marking the first Group One success of her career produced brilliant performance. Align The Stars claimed victory in the Jenningsbet Northumberland Plate at Newcastle pounced late to land.