Football/Soccer 24 Hours

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

World Cup Knockout Drama

Morocco stunned the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw, advancing to the round of 16 where they will face Canada. The victory came despite the Netherlands' tactical gamble of adopting an "anti-football" approach, which ultimately backfired spectacularly. Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo managed to score for the Netherlands, doing so days after the loss of his unborn son, but it wasn't enough to overcome the North African side. Meanwhile, Uruguay defender Sebastián Cáceres suggested that leaks about manager Marcelo Bielsa's tactics were intentionally twisted by those seeking to portray the coach negatively following their group stage elimination.

European Giants Tumble

Germany's World Cup campaign ended in a shock exit as they were defeated by Paraguay in a penalty shootout, marking their first-ever shootout loss in the tournament. The match was marred by VAR controversy, with one disallowed goal for Germany described as "a joke" by pundits. Manager Julian Nagelsmann conceded that Germany are no longer a "first-class team" after the exit, though he expressed a desire to continue as head coach. Paraguay's players celebrated their victory, which was hailed as one of the biggest in their nation's history with euphoric scenes, having been considered merely an "uncomfortable opponent" by the Germans before the match ended their World Cup hopes.

South American Upsets and Comebacks

Brazil narrowly avoided a World Cup humiliation by surviving a scare against Japan, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a dramatic 96th-minute winner to secure a 2-1 victory and a place in the last. The comeback win cruelly denied Japan their first-ever knockout stage appearance. Manager Carlo Ancelotti's tactical acumen was again on display, as Brazil recovered from a half-time deficit to secure the win. Mexico manager Javier Aguirre is hoping the home crowd at Estadio Azteca can carry El Tri past Ecuador in their upcoming round of 32 tie.

Player Milestones and Transfers

Chicago Fire FC has officially completed the signing of former Barcelona and Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski from Barcelona. In other transfer news, Barcelona has made an informal inquiry about Bayern Munich's Harry Kane, but the approach was dismissed by the club, with the England captain focused on the current tournament. Real Madrid has reached an agreement for Nico Paz to remain at Italian club Como for the upcoming season on loan. Ajax is reportedly in advanced talks with Barcelona regarding a loan move for goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen sources indicate.

National Team Departures and Future

Steve Clarke has stepped down as Scotland head coach, stating it was an "easy decision" after failing to qualify for the knockout stages. The Republic of Ireland's Nations League fixture against Israel has been relocated and will now be played in Serbia after being moved from Dublin. The Welsh Football Association has revealed that improving facilities across the country will require an estimated £150 million amid rising participation.

Cricket's Farewell and Future

England suffered a significant 160-run defeat to New Zealand in the third Test at Trent Bridge, marking the end of Ben Stokes' international career in an anti-climactic finish. Despite the series loss, head coach Brendon McCullum stated that England's commitment never wavered. Australia's Ashleigh Gardner has warned her team to be wary of Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin in the T20 World Cup semi-final against the West Indies as they prepare. Cricket's return to the Olympics in 2028 has had its qualification and format confirmed by the ICC and IOC for the Los Angeles games.

Club Management and Player Moves

Manchester City has formally announced Enzo Maresca as their new manager, with reports suggesting he will personally pay compensation to Chelsea for his "unexpected" departure amid club claims. Gary Neville has described succeeding Pep Guardiola at City as the "ultimate test" for Maresca, stating the club will accept "nothing less than winning". Burnley's search for a new manager continues as Rob Edwards turned down their approach he rejected the offer. Former Everton defender Ben Godfrey has joined Rangers on loan from Atalanta, with an option for a permanent deal next summer.

Player News and Injuries

Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte has vowed to return stronger after suffering a serious left knee ligament injury that has left him feeling at "rock bottom". Australian international Sam Kerr has completed a move back to Gotham FC in the NWSL after departing Chelsea on a four-year deal. British tennis player Jack Draper has been forced to withdraw from Wimbledon due to a recurrence of an arm injury he is out.

Other Sports News

Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic and defending champion Jannik Sinner both navigated scares in their first-round matches, while 10 British players were eliminated on the opening day. Viktor Hovland won the Travelers Championship in a Monday playoff, capitalizing on a missed short putt by world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler on the first extra hole. Former NFL running back Chris Johnson has revealed his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease/Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis he is battling illness.