Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 2, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

World Cup Knockout Stage Drama

The World Cup knockout rounds are underway, with several dramatic encounters unfolding. Belgium produced a stunning comeback against Senegal, overcoming a two-goal deficit to win 3-2 in extra time thanks to a controversial late penalty. Youri Tielemans was the hero for Belgium, but Senegalese midfielder Pape Gueye has announced he is taking a break from international duty while the current management is in charge. The United States also advanced, securing their first knockout win since 2002 with a 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32. However, their win was marred by a red card for Folarin Balogun, with sources confirming the USMNT cannot appeal the decision, potentially leading to an extended ban for the forward. Christian Pulisic returned to the USMNT lineup for the Bosnia match after recovering from a calf injury as the U.S. booked a last 16 tie against Belgium.

England navigated their own round of 32 tie with a 2-1 victory over DR Congo, with Harry Kane surpassing Pelé's World Cup goal tally by scoring twice to reach the next round. The match drew a significant audience, with 16.3 million tuning in to watch the dramatic win. England now faces Mexico in the last, a match that kicks off at 1 am UK time, prompting pubs to be allowed to stay open until 5 am for fans. Manager Thomas Tuchel is urging parents to let their children stay up for the late kickoff, despite concerns about the match's impact on young viewers and potential humiliation. England's preparations have included measures to combat the noise of local fans, with a secret location sleep devices reportedly being used. Concerns also linger about the impact of the high altitude at the Azteca Stadium on England's performance against a Mexico side that could run them ragged.

Other World Cup storylines include Colombia's surprising group stage success, which may have been spurred by an earlier humbling defeat to France. Spain, despite winning their group, have raised doubts about their form and coach Luis de la Fuente following their performances against Austria. Meanwhile, several nations are facing tough questions about their World Cup future, including Brazil and their tactical plans, while the tournament has seen its share of upsets, with Paraguay's win over Germany being the latest example of a World Cup shock. Players like Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo are looking to avoid a premature World Cup exit ahead of crucial matches.

Club Transfers and Signings

The transfer window is heating up, with several significant deals reported. Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly set to break their transfer record for the second time in days, agreeing a deal worth up to £100 million to sign midfielder Sandro Tonali from Newcastle sources told ESPN. Tonali revealed that Roberto De Zerbi played a "huge role" in his impending move to Spurs from Newcastle. Tottenham have also announced the signing of midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for a club-record £85 million BBC Sport Football, with reports suggesting they are also targeting West Ham's Crysencio Summerville Thursday's gossip. Manchester City have confirmed an agreement to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for a British-record £116 million, making him the third most expensive signing in Premier League history behind Isak and Wirtz.

In other transfer news, Everton have completed the signing of midfielder Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough in a £24 million deal Sky Sports Champions League. Bournemouth are in talks to sign Elche striker Alvaro Rodriguez for an initial fee of around £18 million, potentially rising to £25 million with add-ons BBC Sport Football. Brighton have signed Austria defender Michael Svoboda from Venezia on a four-year deal BBC Sport Football. Premier League clubs are also showing interest in Japan winger Keito Nakamura following his World Cup performances.

Chelsea have announced the signing of 21-year-old Marco Palestra from Atalanta for $62 million ESPN Soccer, while Lucy Bronze has signed a contract extension with the club until 2027 BBC Sport Football. Former Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla has retired from playing at the age of 41 BBC Sport Football. Rangers manager Derek McInnes has indicated the club is working on further summer signings after adding five players already opening weeks of the transfer window, with Ross McCrorie citing McInnes as the primary reason for his return to Ibrox BBC Sport Football.

Women's Football and Player News

In women's football, Gotham FC forward Sam Kerr stated that returning to the NWSL was her only consideration after leaving Chelsea, where she remains the league's all-time regular season goal scorer after six years at the club. England are through to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup final for the first time in eight years after an impressive 40-run victory over South Africa at The Kia Oval. England will face Australia in the final at Lord's on Sunday Sky Sports Champions League. Germany striker Nicole Anyomi has joined London City Lionesses on a four-year contract BBC Sport Football.

A tragic element has emerged from the inquest into the death of former Sheffield United player Maddy Cusack, with her mother testifying that Cusack would still be alive if the women's team coach had not been employed by the club BBC Sport Football. The closure of Forest Green Rovers' women's team has been criticized, with former captain Hattie Jones stating it suggests female football is not valued.

Other Sports and General News

In tennis, British player Arthur Fery became the last British singles player standing at Wimbledon after Katie Swan, Jacob Fearnley, and Jan Choinski were all eliminated on Thursday. Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton has promised fans he "won't stop until we get there" in pursuit of a record eighth world title ahead of the British Grand Prix. Drivers will also participate in a spectacular Lego car parade ahead of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone Sky Sports Champions League.

Portugal will have an emotional match against Croatia as they prepare to honor the memory of forward Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident a year ago BBC Sport Football. A memorial to honor Jota has also been unveiled at Anfield Liverpool latest. In horse racing, jockey Christophe Soumillon has had his ban reduced on appeal after being ruled to have aided a horse at Royal Ascot Sky Sports Champions League. Frankie Dettori sustained broken ribs and a broken thumb after being involved in a car accident in Newmarket.

The Football Association of Ireland has warned that any boycott of Nations League games against Israel would have "significant and lasting harm" BBC Sport Football. Manuel Neuer has announced his retirement from international duty with Germany, stating he has "no regrets" following their disappointing World Cup campaign ESPN Soccer.