Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: June 28, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

World Cup Knockout Stage Underway

The FIFA World Cup transitions into its high-stakes knockout phase, with teams like France and Argentina leading the odds to lift the trophy top the odds board. The United States, buoyed by strong momentum, will have sportsbooks sweating as they enter the win-or-go-home matches US momentum causes concern. Experts are re-evaluating team standings after the group stage, with France still considered the team to beat France still No. 1?. The tournament bracket also presents opportunities for overreactions, as teams are assessed for their potential to advance or be eliminated early bracket overreactions.

Canada Makes History

Canada has achieved a significant milestone, securing its first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout match victory against South Africa to advance to the round of 16 Canada's defining win. Head coach Jesse Marsch lauded his players as "heroes" following the dramatic 1-0 triumph, sealed by a stoppage-time winner from Stephen Eustaquio stoppage-time winner. This historic advancement marks a new chapter for Canadian soccer, with the team overcoming their previous World Cup struggles Canada's past struggles. The VAR review of a penalty decision in the match against South Africa has also drawn scrutiny regarding protocol and game laws VAR review questioned.

Player Injuries and Availability

World Cup campaigns are being impacted by injuries, with Japan set to miss key playmaker Takefusa Kubo for their crucial round-of-32 fixture against Brazil Kubo out vs Brazil. Spain's Nico Williams described his injury against Uruguay as "one of the worst days of my life," potentially jeopardizing his continued participation in the tournament Williams' injury woes. Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte is facing a significant setback with a knee ligament injury sustained during Uruguay's defeat to Spain Ugarte's serious injury. Meanwhile, Egypt captain Mohamed Salah is a doubt for their last-32 tie due to a hamstring issue Salah injury doubt.

Team Performances and Analysis

England's path to the final is being closely examined, with manager Thomas Tuchel's side needing improvement despite topping their group England must improve. Jude Bellingham has emerged as a vital player for England, becoming integral to Tuchel's tactical setup Bellingham's importance. Harry Kane has etched his name in history, becoming England's all-time leading World Cup scorer Kane breaks scoring record. The Three Lions will face DR Congo in the round of, a team that fought back from behind to secure their spot DR Congo's comeback win.

Argentina, despite finding success without Lionel Messi in one match, still saw their talisman make an impact off the bench Messi impacts game. Coach Lionel Scaloni has cautioned his team against underestimating their round of 32 opponent, Cape Verde Argentina wary of Cape Verde. Portugal's draw with Colombia means a potential quarterfinal showdown between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi is now off the cards Messi-Ronaldo showdown unlikely. Colombia finished as Group K winners after their scoreless draw with Portugal Colombia top Group K.

France's Ousmane Dembélé delivered a dominant performance with a hat-trick in a 4-1 victory over Norway, showcasing the depth of French talent Dembélé hat-trick. The group stage also provided compelling narratives, with Algeria and Austria's thrilling 3-3 draw raising questions about historical parallels Algeria & Austria defend draw. Austria ultimately survived a scare to progress alongside Algeria, while Iran was eliminated Austria survives scare.

Club Football & Transfer Rumors

In club news, Yan Diomande is reportedly choosing Paris Saint-Germain over Liverpool, with PSG in talks with RB Leipzig for the transfer Diomande picks PSG. Manchester United is reportedly pursuing West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes Man Utd pursue Fernandes, while Arsenal is in a battle with Manchester City for PSG defender Emmanuel Mbemba Arsenal battles Man City. Rangers are said to be nearing a deal for defender Godfrey Rangers close on Godfrey.

Other Sporting Events

In golf, Scottie Scheffler held a one-shot lead over Collin Morikawa at the Travelers Championship before play was halted due to lightning and rain Scheffler leads Travelers. Eugenio Chacarra secured his second consecutive DP World Tour title at the DS Automobiles 83° Open d'Italia, moving closer to earning a PGA Tour card Chacarra wins Italian Open. Australia eliminated India from the Women's T20 World Cup with a six-wicket victory Australia downs India. In boxing, Jarod Ennis unified the WBA and WBO junior middleweight titles with a seventh-round knockout of Xander Zayas Ennis unifies titles.