Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: June 28, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

World Cup Knockout Stages Take Shape

The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage concluded with several stars making their mark and some dramatic finishes, setting the stage for the knockout rounds. Lionel Messi continued his World Cup legacy by scoring for Argentina in their victory over Jordan, becoming the first man to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches Messi makes history. However, a draw between Portugal and Colombia meant a highly anticipated quarterfinal clash between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is off the table until at least the final, as Portugal finished second in Group K. Ronaldo, who has played every minute of Portugal's group stage campaign played every minute, will look to lead his side deeper into the tournament.

England secured top spot in Group L after a 2-0 win over Panama England top Group L, with Harry Kane setting a new record as England's all-time leading World Cup scorer Kane England's top scorer. Despite their strong group performance, questions remain about England's ability to win the tournament unless their play improves significantly England must improve. Their next opponent in the round of 32 will be DR Congo, who advanced after a comeback win against Uzbekistan where Yoane Wissa scored twice DR Congo face England. Meanwhile, Spain's performances have been listless Spain's listless performance, and winger Nico Williams faces an uncertain World Cup future after suffering an injury Williams injury.

Several other nations navigated the final group games to secure passage to the knockouts. Austria survived a scare with a 3-3 draw against Algeria, with Sasa Kalajdzic scoring a late equalizer to help them progress Austria survive scare. Cape Verde's journey to the knockout stages has been highlighted as a success story for smaller nations in the expanded 48-team format countries like Cape Verde. Belgium finally kicked into gear in their final group match, with Leandro Trossard scoring twice to secure top spot in Group G after a slow start to the tournament Belgium kick-started their campaign.

Team Grades and Lessons Learned

As the group stage wraps up, ESPN has assigned grades to every team based on their performance relative to expectations Grades every team. For the USMNT, a late 3-2 defeat to Türkiye, while ultimately inconsequential for their progression, provided valuable lessons for boss Mauricio Pochettino regarding his second-string players USMNT must heed lessons. Scotland's World Cup campaign has come to a disappointing end at the group stage Scotland's ill-fated World Cup, prompting questions about Steve Clarke's tenure as head coach Clarke's Scotland timeline.

Other Football News

In club news, Manchester City have signed 19-year-old forward Mathys Detourbet from fellow City Football Group club Troyes Man City sign Detourbet. Real Madrid is reportedly looking to offload a midfielder to make space for new signings, with Eduardo Camavinga a potential departure Madrid want Camavinga exit. Chelsea is reportedly facing competition from Everton for striker Liam Delap, while Inter Milan may miss out on Liverpool's Curtis Jones Como bid for Chalobah. Arsenal is also in a transfer battle with Premier League rivals Manchester City for PSG defender Emmanuel Mbemba Man City battle Arsenal.

Other Sports

In cricket, Ireland secured a shock win against West Indies in the Women's T20 World Cup, though West Indies still progressed to the semi-finals Ireland take shock win. England, however, is looking to remain unbeaten against New Zealand, despite Nat Sciver-Brunt's absence England look surpass NZ. In Formula, Lewis Hamilton is hopeful that strategy can help Ferrari overcome Mercedes in the Austrian Grand Prix Hamilton hopeful finding strategy, while George Russell secured pole position in qualifying Russell's pole after crash.

In golf, Haeran Ryu holds a one-shot lead heading into the final round of the Women's PGA Championship Ryu takes one-shot lead. Valentine Delon earned major championship invites after winning the Women's Amateur Championship Delon earns invites. Horse racing saw Estrange win its first Group One race in the Tattersalls Pretty Polly Stakes Estrange beats Oaks winner, and Align The Stars claimed victory in the Northumberland Plate Align Stars wins. Tennis news saw Naomi Osaka retire from the Bad Homburg final due to a foot injury Osaka retires from final, and Emma Raducanu cut short a Wimbledon practice session amid injury concerns Raducanu ends practice early.