Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: June 28, 2026, 8:34 AM ET

World Cup Knockout Stage Begins

The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage has officially commenced, with the round of 32 kicking off in North America knockout stage has officially begun. South Africa faces co-hosts Canada in Inglewood, California, in the tournament's first elimination match South Africa look. Canada's Alphonso Davies is available for Sunday's clash after a "decoy" role in the group stage Canada's Davies ready, while Jesse Marsch, once derided by Leeds fans and snubbed by the USA, has found a home managing the Canadian side Derided Leeds. England, after securing top spot in Group L by beating Panama 2-0 England secure top spot, will face DR Congo in their last-32 tie DR Congo face England. DR Congo secured their passage with a 3-1 comeback win over Uzbekistan, inspired by Yoane Wissa's two goals Wissa stars comeback. England's path to the final is now being analyzed, with BBC Sport taking a look at what they need to do What England's path.

Group Stage Wrap-Up and Standout Performances

As the group stage concluded, several nations earned their spots in the knockout rounds, while others were left to ponder what might have been. Colombia finished as Group K winners after a scoreless draw with Portugal, who secured second place Colombia finish as Group. Argentina, despite a 3-0 win over Jordan, found success even without Lionel Messi starting, though he did extend his goal record off the bench Argentina show they can. Portugal's draw with Colombia means a potential quarterfinal clash between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi is off the cards until at least the final Portugal draw might cost. Spain's listless performance was noted as insufficient for future rounds Spain's listless performance, and winger Nico Williams described his injury against Uruguay as "one of the worst days of my life" Spain's Williams injury. Uruguay, meanwhile, controversially pulled their goalkeeper Fernando Muslera at halftime after a first-half blunder gifted Spain the lead Uruguay yank keeper.

Individual Brilliance and Team Standouts

Individual performances shone throughout the group stage, with players from top European clubs making their mark. Ousmane Dembélé's hat-trick in France's 4-1 victory over Norway, even against a rested side, drew significant attention Ballon d'Dembélé!. Harry Kane became England's all-time leading World Cup scorer with his 12th goal against Panama Kane becomes England's top, surpassing previous records. Crystal Palace and Sunderland surprisingly lead the Premier League's World Cup scoring charts after the group stage World Cup goals chart. Despite the tournament's drama, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has already clocked up thousands of air miles traveling between matches How Fifa's president jetting.

Nations Making Their Mark

The expanded 48-team World Cup has provided a platform for smaller nations to make an impact, with Cape Verde's progress to the knockouts being celebrated as an achievement for all 48-team World Cup made. Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni has warned his squad not to underestimate Cape Verde in the round of 32 Argentina wary 'tough'. Meanwhile, Iran faced a dispiriting exit, having had a place in the last 32 snatched away twice at the last minute Iran unluckiest. Austria survived a scare to progress, drawing 3-3 with Algeria thanks to a last-gasp equalizer from Sasa Kalajdzic, a result that also eliminated Iran Austria survive huge scare. Scotland's World Cup journey ended at the group stage, with Steve Clarke's reign concluding after failing to advance past this phase Clarke leaves strong Scotland.

VAR and Tactical Analysis

Discussions around VAR technology continue, with an analysis of a "toenail" offside call for Colombia examining the protocol and laws of the game Analyzing VAR's 'toenail'. The intricacies of winning penalty shootouts have also been explored, looking at historical data from every World Cup shootout World Cup penalty shootout. The USMNT is analyzing lessons learned from their group stage matches, with coach Mauricio Pochettino gaining insights from his second-string players USMNT must heed World. The team's roster is noted as being full of leaders, contributing to their success USMNT squad full leaders.

Transfer Market Buzz

In transfer news, Manchester United remains interested in West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes Man United to move for. Arsenal is reportedly in a battle with Manchester City to sign Paris Saint-Germain defender Emmanuel Mbemba Man City battle Arsenal. Real Madrid is considering allowing Eduardo Camavinga to leave to make room for a new midfielder, though any further arrivals are on hold Madrid want Camavinga exit. Chelsea has received a bid from Como for defender Trevoh Chalobah and are also reportedly interested in Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka Como bid for Chalobah. Rangers are nearing a deal for a Serie A defender and are also reportedly closing in on Godfrey Godfrey completes Rangers medical.

Other Football News

Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has backed Andoni Iraola to succeed at Anfield but acknowledged the need for good fortune Klopp: Liverpool, Iraola 'need. Steve Clarke's departure from Scotland has been analyzed, with his tenure seen as bringing the nation out of a slump but not past the group stage Where does Scotland's World. Newport County is searching for their fourth manager in just over two years after Alex Fuchs' departure Fuchs leaves Newport County. Arsenal's lead performance coach Sam Wilson is set to leave the club to join a European team Performance coach Wilson set. Manchester City has signed 19-year-old forward Mathys Detourbet from fellow City Football Group club Troyes Man City sign Detourbet. Celtic faces questions about their reaction speed to a "wake-up call" from last season Celtic reacting quickly enough?.