Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: June 29, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

World Cup Shocks and Upsets

The World Cup knockout stage has already delivered a major upset, with Paraguay stunning Germany on penalties to advance. Germany, who were expected to navigate their round of 32 tie comfortably, were left to rue missed opportunities and what some pundits are calling a "terrible" VAR decision that disallowed a potential winning goal. Alan Shearer and Jurgen Klopp were among those who felt Germany were hard done by, but missed penalties from Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Jonathan Tah ultimately sealed their fate in a shootout loss. This marks Germany's first-ever penalty shootout defeat in a World Cup and an ignominious exit for the European giants dumped out by underdogs.

South American Powerhouses Advance

Brazil narrowly avoided a World Cup scare, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a dramatic 96th-minute winner to secure a 2-1 victory over Japan and a place in the last. Despite facing a spirited Japanese side that pushed them to the brink, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti refused to engage in "mind games" ahead of the encounter refusing to play mind games. Meanwhile, the United States men's national team is looking to "expect the unexpected" as they prepare for their round of 32 match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, according to defender Tim Ream USMNT ready for Bosnia. The USMNT, buoyed by an impressive group stage, has a panel of coaches and analysts believing they could be a surprise package in this tournament outsiders back USMNT deep run.

Player Transfers and Signings

In significant transfer news, Chicago Fire FC have officially completed the signing of former Barcelona and Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, a move that had been rumored for some time. Poland's record scorer is set for a potentially big-money switch to Major League Soccer after his departure from Barcelona Lewandowski nears MLS switch. Elsewhere, Real Madrid, Como, and Nico Paz have reached an agreement for the player to remain at the Italian club for another season. Ajax are also reportedly in advanced talks with Barcelona over the loan signing of goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen.

Club Management and Future Plans

Manchester City have formally announced Enzo Maresca as their new manager, with Chelsea claiming the Italian will personally pay compensation for his move Maresca pays Chelsea compensation. Gary Neville has labeled Maresca's task of succeeding Pep Guardiola as the "ultimate test," stating that the club will accept "nothing less than winning" Maresca faces ultimate test. Meanwhile, Arsenal's head of sports science performance, Tom Allen, is the latest member of the backroom team to depart the club Arsenal performance head departs. Burnley's search for a new manager continues as Rob Edwards has turned down their approach Edwards rejects Burnley approach.

International Football and Squad News

Ousmane Dembele has finally begun to replicate his Paris Saint-Germain form for the France national team, with his recent hat-trick against Norway priming him for more. Nigeria, despite failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, will be represented by numerous players of Nigerian descent playing for other nations Diaspora players represent Nigeria. Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte has vowed to come back stronger after a serious knee ligament injury left him at "rock bottom" Ugarte vows comeback.

Transfer Rumors and Speculation

Harry Kane appears likely to sign a new contract with Bayern Munich, despite reported interest from Barcelona, who have made an informal inquiry that was dismissed Kane likely to sign. Barcelona are indeed exploring a deal to sign the England captain Barca explore Kane deal. Liverpool are considering Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola as an alternative to their primary target, Yan Diomande, as PSG advance in their pursuit of the latter Liverpool eye Barcola as Diomande alternative. Yan Diomande himself would reportedly prefer a move to PSG over Liverpool.

Other Football News

Former Everton defender Ben Godfrey has joined Rangers on a season-long loan from Atalanta, with an option to make the deal permanent Godfrey joins Rangers loan. Juan Mata is set to buy a stake in the A-League's Melbourne Victory, though he has not yet decided on his playing future Mata buys Melbourne Victory. Football officials in Wales estimate it will cost £150 million to improve facilities across the country amid rising participation figures Wales needs £150m for facilities. The Republic of Ireland's Nations League fixture with Israel will be played in Serbia after being moved from Dublin Ireland vs Israel moved to Serbia.

Cricket and Other Sports

In cricket, Australia must be wary of Hayley Matthews in the T20 World Cup semi-final, according to Ashleigh Gardner Australia wary of Matthews. Qualification and the format for cricket's return at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics have been confirmed 2028 Olympics cricket pathway confirmed.

Tennis and Golf

At Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner have both survived first-round scares to progress, while 10 British players were eliminated on a tough opening day Djokovic, Sinner survive scares. In golf, Viktor Hovland won the Travelers Championship in a playoff after Scottie Scheffler missed a short putt on the first extra hole Hovland wins Travelers Championship.

Rugby and Boxing

Jackson Hastings has not been charged by the RFL's Match Review Panel after appearing to touch an injured Bradford player during St Helens' victory Hastings avoids sanction. In boxing, Jose Valenzuela defeated Edwin De Los Santos with a second-round knockout in their rematch Valenzuela knocks out De Los Santos. Frank Sanchez expects to fight Moses Itauma for the vacant IBF heavyweight title Sanchez expects Itauma fight.

American Football and Other Leagues

Former NFL running back Chris Johnson has revealed his diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease/Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Chris Johnson reveals MND diagnosis. The Detroit Lions have released NFL player Terrion Arnold after he was charged with orchestrating an abduction and beating Lions release Terrion Arnold.