Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 1, 2026, 2:33 AM ET

World Cup Knockout Stage Heats Up

Mexico secured their first World Cup knockout stage victory in 40 years, defeating Ecuador 2-0 at a raucous Estadio Azteca. The win, which saw Ecuador's Piero Hincapie sent off for covering, propels Mexico into a potential showdown with England. This dominant performance at their home fortress, where they remain undefeated and have yet to concede a goal, puts added pressure on their next opponent.

France continued their impressive World Cup run, dismantling Sweden 3-0 to advance to the round of. Kylian Mbappé was once again the star, scoring twice and setting a new record for most goals in World Cup knockout matches. His performance, which brings his tournament tally to six goals, has led to widespread praise, with Gary Neville declaring France "a level above" any other team and Mbappé "on the verge of greatness" according to Sky Sports. Coach Didier Deschamps expressed he was "touched" by Mbappé's goal celebration tribute to him as reported by ESPN.

England, meanwhile, are preparing to face DR Congo with manager Thomas Tuchel hoping that early exits by traditional powerhouses like Germany and the Netherlands will help manage expectations. Tuchel confirmed England will adhere to former manager Gareth Southgate's penalty shootout strategy as per BBC Sport. However, England will be without right-backs Jarell Quansah and Reece James due to injury for the DR Congo match reported by BBC Sport.

Norway secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast, with Erling Haaland scoring the 86th-minute winner to set up a last-16 tie against Brazil. Coach Stale Solbakken lauded Haaland as the "greatest goal scorer in the world" according to ESPN, while fans have continued to impress with their innovative "Viking Row" chant highlighted by ESPN.

Other World Cup Notes

Despite an impressive group stage, Germany's World Cup campaign ended prematurely with a loss to Paraguay, with FIFA later explaining the controversial disallowed goal. This elimination has led to questions about manager Julian Nagelsmann's future as noted by BBC Sport, with reports suggesting Jurgen Klopp is a frontrunner for the role should Nagelsmann be sacked according to Sky Sports. U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin expressed his happiness at Iran's exit, stating he "danced a happy dance" as per BBC Sport.

Ronald Koeman has parted ways with the Netherlands following their World Cup exit, with the manager's tactics facing criticism for being too defensive as per ESPN and the team reportedly facing racist abuse aimed at players reported by BBC Sport. Meanwhile, Christian Pulisic has declared himself fit and ready to play the full match for the United States against Bosnia and Herzegovina according to ESPN.

Club Football Transfers and News

Tottenham have reportedly agreed to a club-record £85 million ($112m) deal to sign West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, beating out Manchester United. AC Milan have confirmed the signing of Gonçalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain for a reported £60 million according to BBC Sport, while Ansu Fati has joined Monaco on a permanent deal for approximately £9.5 million reported by ESPN. Arsenal are reportedly interested in PSG's Bradley Barcola as per BBC Sport, and Manchester United have identified Crysencio Summerville as a top left-wing target according to Sky Sports.

In other transfer news, Brighton have signed Leeds defender Pascal Struijk for around £20 million reported by BBC Sport. Chelsea have avoided significant UEFA sanctions for overspending, though their sister club Strasbourg received the largest fine of €13 million ($14. among 14 clubs in breach of financial rules as per ESPN. Aston Villa, Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest have all been fined by UEFA for breaching financial sustainability regulations according to Sky Sports.

Other Sports News

Francesco Molinari expressed his desire to captain Team Europe in a future Ryder Cup, stating it would be an "easy decision" to be part of Luke Donald's backroom team again in 2027 as reported by Sky Sports. In boxing, Agit Kabayel is open to defending his WBC heavyweight world title against Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, or Moses Itauma according to Sky Sports. Lando Norris believes McLaren are "three months behind" in car development as they aim to regain competitiveness in Formula 1 reported by Sky Sports.