Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 1, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

World Cup Knockout Drama and Transfers Dominate Football News

The World Cup knockout stages are heating up, with several major nations navigating tricky ties while significant transfer news continues to emerge. England faces DR Congo in a crucial last-32 match, with coach Thomas Tuchel aiming to follow a penalty shootout plan devised by his predecessor, Gareth Southgate. Right-backs Jarell Quansah and Reece James will miss the fixture due to injury. Meanwhile, Germany's World Cup campaign ended in a shock defeat to Paraguay, a result FIFA explained was due to new regulations regarding fouls that disallowed a crucial extra-time goal. Ronald Koeman resigned as Netherlands manager following their exit, citing "appalling" racist abuse directed at players who missed penalties.

Mexico booked their place in the last 16 with a commanding 2-0 victory over Ecuador at the Estadio Azteca, marking their first World Cup knockout win in 40 years. The win has set up a potential clash with England, should they overcome DR Congo. Ecuador lodged a complaint over noise from Mexican fans outside their team hotel prior to the match. In other World Cup news, France continued their dominant form, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice to lead them to a 3-0 win over Sweden and setting a new record for World Cup knockout goals. Coach Didier Deschamps was visibly moved by Mbappé's goal celebration tribute. Norway, powered by an Erling Haaland strike, defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 to advance and book a last-16 tie against Brazil. Club Signings and Managerial Moves

The transfer market has seen significant activity, with Chelsea announcing the £47m ($62m) signing of Italian defender Marco Palestra from Atalanta. This marks Xabi Alonso's first acquisition as the new Chelsea manager. Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed an offer remains on the table for Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez, a sentiment echoed by teammate Lamine Yamal who would welcome him "with open arms" 8. Bayern Munich has secured the services of Ismael Saibari, with the Morocco World Cup scorer admitting coach Vincent Kompany was a key factor in his move from PSV Eindhoven. Brighton is set to break their club record by agreeing a £46m deal for defender Luka Vuskovic from Tottenham. In other Premier League moves, Liverpool completed the £60m signing of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes, while Aston Villa acquired Denmark striker Amalie Vangsgaard from Juventus.

Manchester United has yet to make any signings this summer, missing out on a second midfield target in Mateus Fernandes, but the club is reportedly not panicking. Tottenham, however, have agreed a club-record £85 million ($112m) deal for West Ham's Mateus Fernandes. Rangers have been active, signing midfielder Dan Neil from Sunderland on a three-year deal, 41 and goalkeeper Ivor Pandur from Hull City for £6m 103. Ex-Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is in talks to replace Vitor Pereira at Nottingham Forest, with Pereira expected to depart. Player News and Off-Field Concerns

Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has announced his retirement from international duty with Germany for a second time, stating he has "no regrets". Brazil's Lucas Paquetá will undergo intensive treatment on a hamstring injury in the hope of returning for the World Cup. Concerns are rising over a significant increase in online racist abuse during the World Cup, according to FIFA's social media protection service. Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni is reportedly under investigation for allegedly soliciting sex from a child.

In other news, Serena Williams suffered defeat in her comeback match at Wimbledon after an epic battle. Dan Evans has heavily criticized the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) for denying him a Wimbledon wild card, calling the organization "nothing short of a shambles". Barcelona has unveiled their new 2026-27 kit, hoping it will inspire them to end a decade-long wait for Champions League glory. Chelsea has avoided significant UEFA sanctions for overspending, though its sister club Strasbourg received the largest fine among 14 clubs found to have breached financial monitoring rules. Aston Villa was also fined €22.5m (£19. by UEFA for a breach of its squad-cost rule for 2025.