Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 2, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

World Cup Knockout Stage Drama

Portugal survived a late scare to defeat Croatia 2-1, with Gonçalo Ramos scoring the decisive goal in stoppage time. Cristiano Ronaldo watched from the bench as his team secured the victory, which was later followed by an emotional tribute to former teammate Diogo Jota, who died a year ago Portugal paid tribute. The win kept Ronaldo's World Cup dreams alive amidst late VAR drama. Meanwhile, Spain cruised into the last 16 with a dominant 3-0 victory over Austria. Mikel Oyarzabal netted twice, and young star Lamine Yamal, named player of the match, declared, "the World Cup starts now" Yamal: World Cup starts. Spain's performance signaled a return to form, ending a long drought of knockout wins since their 2010 triumph Spain finding World Cup.

The USMNT achieved its first knockout win since 2002, defeating Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0. Malik Tillman was instrumental in the victory Tillman shines for US. However, the team now faces the challenge of Folarin Balogun's red card, with no route to appeal the decision, potentially leading to an extended ban for the striker Balogun red card costly?. Belgium mounted a stunning comeback, rallying from two goals down to eliminate Senegal 3-2 in extra time, with Youri Tielemans scoring the winning penalty. This dramatic victory followed a pattern of resilience for the veteran Belgian squad Belgium rage against light. England secured their place in the round of 16 after a dramatic win over DR Congo, attracting an audience of 16.3 million viewers on the BBC. Harry Kane continued his impressive tournament form, surpassing Pelé's World Cup goal record with his brace Kane passes Pelé's tally. England's upcoming last-16 tie against Mexico is one of four matches to be broadcast live on BBC TV England vs. Mexico on BBC.

Transfer Market Buzz

Tottenham Hotspur is set for a significant spending spree, agreeing to a club-record £85m deal for midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham. The club is also reportedly close to signing Sandro Tonali from Newcastle for up to £100 million, which would be their second record-breaking transfer in quick succession Spurs agree Tonali deal. Manager Roberto De Zerbi played a "huge role" in Tonali's decision to move to Spurs Tonali credits De Zerbi. Manchester City has also been active, announcing an agreement to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a deal that could reach £116 million, making him the third-most expensive signing in Premier League history City confirm Anderson deal.

Enzo Fernández's agent has confirmed the midfielder is exploring exit options from Chelsea. Meanwhile, Gotham FC forward Sam Kerr has stated that returning to the NWSL was her only consideration after leaving Chelsea Kerr only considered NWSL. In other NWSL news, USWNT winger Emma Sears has requested a trade from Racing Louisville, with several teams expressing interest. Brighton has signed Austrian defender Michael Svoboda from Venezia on a four-year deal Brighton sign Svoboda.

Club and League News

The Football Association of Ireland has warned that any boycott of Nations League games against Israel would cause "significant and lasting harm" FAI warns on boycotts. Former Sheffield United player Maddy Cusack's mother told an inquest that her daughter "would still be alive if the coach of the women's team had not been employed by the club" Cusack inquest hears coach 'nemesis'. Forest Green Rovers' former women's captain Hattie Jones expressed that the team's closure "sends a message women are not valued" FGR closure 'sends message'.

Vitor Pereira has departed Nottingham Forest, with Oliver Glasner poised to take over as manager Glasner poised Forest. Rangers manager Derek McInnes has secured the return of Ross McCrorie, who cited the manager as the primary reason for his decision to move back to Ibrox McInnes key to McCrorie return. Hull City has signed goalkeeper Jack Butland from Rangers on a two-year contract Hull sign Butland. Everton has completed the signing of midfielder Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough for a fee of £24 million Hackney joins Everton.

Other Sports

England has reached the ICC Women's T20 World Cup final for the first time in eight years after a commanding 40-run victory over South Africa England reach T20 final. Nat Sciver-Brunt was instrumental in the win, guiding England to a "close to complete" performance Sciver-Brunt stars for England. Australia awaits England in the final at Lord's Australia awaits England.

In tennis, Arthur Fery has become the last Brit standing at Wimbledon after his compatriots exited the tournament. Formula 1 drivers are set to participate in a Lego car parade ahead of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone F1 stars drive Lego cars. Lewis Hamilton has promised fans he "won't stop until we get there" in his pursuit of an eighth world title Hamilton's eighth title promise. Jockey Frankie Dettori sustained broken ribs and a thumb in a car accident in Newmarket Dettori injured in crash.