Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: June 30, 2026, 5:31 AM ET

World Cup Knockout Drama and Upsets

The World Cup knockout stages kicked off with a dramatic penalty shootout as Morocco stunned the Netherlands. After a 1-1 draw, Morocco advanced to the round of, while the Netherlands, despite a goal from Cody Gakpo just days after the loss of his unborn son emotional Gakpo scores, were eliminated. The match was more than just a sporting contest, reflecting deeper narratives about migration and identity Netherlands vs Morocco match. Meanwhile, Germany suffered a shock exit, falling to Paraguay on penalties after a 1-1 draw that featured VAR controversy VAR disallowed goal. Paraguay's victory was a seismic upset Paraguay's seismic shock, with Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Jonathan Tah all missing crucial spot-kicks for Germany Germany dumped out. Manager Julian Nagelsmann admitted Germany are no longer a "first-class team" Germany longer first-class.

Brazil also faced a scare, needing a stoppage-time winner from Gabriel Martinelli to edge past Japan 2-1 and secure their place in the last. Manager Javier Aguirre hopes home support will propel Mexico against Ecuador Azteca fans boost Mexico. The United States men's national team defender Tim Ream stressed the need to "expect the unexpected" USMNT expects unexpected as they prepare to face Bosnia-Herzegovina. The US security chief even admitted to a "happy dance" upon Iran's elimination US security chief danced.

Player Movements and Transfer Rumors

In the transfer market, Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise has reportedly requested a meeting to discuss his future amid interest from top European clubs. Tottenham have completed the signing of Norwegian international goalkeeper Selma Panengstuen from SK Brann, a move she described as a "dream" Spurs sign Panengstuen. Rangers are reportedly poised to sign Hull City goalkeeper Ivor Pandor, with Jack Butland heading to Hull City in a potential swap deal Pandor poised Rangers. Barcelona have approached Harry Kane's camp regarding a potential move, but the England captain is reportedly sign a new Bayern and remains focused on the World Cup. Barcelona are also in advanced talks for a loan move for Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen to Ajax Ter Stegen close.

Liverpool target Yan Diomande would prefer a move to Paris Saint-Germain Diomande prefers PSG, while PSG winger Bradley Barcola is among Liverpool's alternatives. Bournemouth have rejected an enquiry from Arsenal for midfielder Alex Scott, stating he is not for sale Bournemouth reject Arsenal. Everton are nearing an agreement to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney Hackney set Everton. Former Everton defender Ben Godfrey has joined Rangers on loan from Atalanta Godfrey joins Rangers.

Club Management and Player News

Manchester City have officially appointed Enzo Maresca as their new manager, with claims that Maresca will personally pay compensation to Chelsea for his exit Maresca pays Chelsea. Maresca's task of succeeding Pep Guardiola at the Etihad has been labeled the "ultimate test" Maresca's ultimate test. Rob Edwards has turned down an approach from Burnley, leaving the Clarets still searching for a new manager Edwards rejects Burnley. Arsenal's head of sports science performance, Tom Allen, is the latest to depart the club's backroom staff Arsenal performance head departs.

In player news, Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte has vowed to return stronger after a serious knee ligament injury Ugarte hits rock bottom. Chicago Fire FC have completed the signing of former Barcelona and Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski Lewandowski joins Chicago Fire. Australian international Sam Kerr has completed a return to Gotham FC in the NWSL after leaving Chelsea Kerr joins Gotham FC.

Other Football News

England's World Cup campaign continues, with former captain Wayne Rooney suggesting Kobbie Mainoo should start over Elliot Anderson in the last-32 tie against DR Congo Rooney picks Mainoo. Thomas Tuchel has stated that "the tournament starts now" for England Tuchel: tournament starts now, while Alan Shearer has questioned the team's lack of a settled side Shearer: no settled side and Gary Neville believes England have disrespected the full-back role Neville: disrespected full-back role.

Malik Tillman has flourished in an unfamiliar midfield role for the USMNT at the World Cup after a difficult club season with Bayer Leverkusen Tillman flourishing at WC. The USMNT's head of homeland security expressed his joy at Iran's elimination US security chief danced. Elsewhere, Son Heung-min has apologized for South Korea's early World Cup exit Son apologizes for exit. Uruguay defender Sebastián Cáceres dismissed reports about Marcelo Bielsa's management as "twisted" following their group stage elimination Cáceres: Bielsa leaks twisted.

The Republic of Ireland's Nations League fixture with Israel will be played in Serbia instead of Dublin Ireland vs Israel in Serbia. Football officials in Wales estimate it will cost £150m to improve sporting facilities across the country Wales facilities cost £150m. The inquest into former Sheffield United player Maddy Cusack heard she "feared mental health stigma" Cusack feared stigma and was "dismayed" when a previous coach joined the club months before her death Cusack dismayed before death.