Football/Soccer 24 Hours

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

World Cup Knockout Stages Begin

The 2026 FIFA World Cup transitions into its high-stakes knockout phase, with the Round of 32 kicking off between co-hosts Canada and South Africa officially begins. Sportsbooks are bracing for significant action, with France and Argentina leading the betting odds, while the United States' recent surge has them poised to create upsets sportsbooks sweat US run. The tournament has already seen its share of drama and overreactions, prompting an analysis of which teams are truly set up for success as the competition intensifies World Cup bracket overreactions. Meanwhile, the group stage concluded with intriguing results, including Colombia topping Group K after a scoreless draw with Portugal Colombia take top spot, and Argentina finding success without Lionel Messi while still seeing his impact off the bench Argentina show they can.

Star Players and Injury Concerns

Several key players face uncertainty as the knockout rounds commence. Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has suffered a potentially season-ending knee ligament injury while representing Uruguay most serious injury footballer, and Spain winger Nico Williams described his own injury against Uruguay as "one of the worst days of my life" Spain's Williams injury. Egypt captain Mohamed Salah is also a doubt for their last-32 tie due to a hamstring issue Salah injury doubt. On a positive note, France's Ousmane Dembélé delivered a hat-trick against Norway, demonstrating the depth of French talent Ballon d'Dembélé, while Harry Kane became England's all-time leading World Cup scorer with his 12th goal Kane becomes England's top. Cody Gakpo will remain with the Netherlands squad despite the loss of his unborn son Gakpo to stay with squad.

Team Performances and Tactical Breakdowns

As teams enter the win-or-go-home phase, assessments of their group stage performances are being made. France and Argentina are considered the top contenders by many, but the United States' momentum has caught the attention of oddsmakers sportsbooks sweat US run. England, after topping their group, face DR Congo in the last 32 England's path final, with manager Gareth Southgate's squad noted for its leadership qualities USMNT squad full leaders. Conversely, Iran faced significant heartbreak, being eliminated in the final moments of crucial group matches twice Iran unluckiest side. The use of VAR has also come under scrutiny, with a specific "toenail" offside decision for Colombia being examined Analyzing VAR's 'toenail' offside.

Managerial and Club Speculation

The future of coaching roles is also a topic of discussion. Speculation is mounting regarding who will succeed Steve Clarke as Scotland's head coach, with fans debating whether an overseas appointment or a national icon is preferred Who do Scotland fans. Jürgen Klopp has offered his support to Andoni Iraola for a potential role at Liverpool, suggesting that success will require both skill and luck Klopp: Liverpool, Iraola 'need. In the transfer market, Manchester United are reportedly still pursuing West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes Man United to move for Fernandes, while Arsenal are in a bidding war with Manchester City for PSG defender Emmanuel Mbemba Man City battle Arsenal. Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah has attracted a bid from Como Como bid Chelsea's Chalobah.

Other Sporting News

Beyond the World Cup, other sporting events are unfolding. In cricket, Australia eliminated India from the Women's T20 World Cup with a six-wicket victory Australia knock India out, while Ireland secured a shock win against the West Indies in the same tournament Ireland take shock win. Ben Stokes' announcement of his international retirement has dominated the ongoing Test match against New Zealand, with England facing a difficult position in the series Stokes' retirement cues chaotic. In horse racing, Benvenuto Cellini delivered a dominant performance to win the Irish Derby Redemption Benvenuto Cellini. In boxing, Jarod Ennis unified WBA and WBO junior middleweight titles with a seventh-round knockout Ennis KOs Zayas.

Formula 1 and Golf

Max Verstappen suggested that Red Bull's strategy may have cost him a victory in Austria, hinting at a missed opportunity to beat George Russell Verstappen says strategy denied. Meanwhile, Eugenio Chacarra continued his impressive form by winning the DS Automobiles 83° Open d'Italia, moving closer to securing a PGA Tour card Ex-LIV golfer Chacarra closes.