Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 3, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

World Cup Knockout Stages Heating Up

Portugal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia, with Gonçalo Ramos netting a stoppage-time winner to send Portugal into the last. The match was not without controversy, as a late VAR call denied Croatia an equalizer, keeping Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup dreams alive late VAR drama. The victory sets Portugal up for a significant clash with Spain in the next round. Meanwhile, Switzerland ended an 88-year wait for a World Cup knockout win by defeating Algeria 2-0, earning them a spot against either Colombia or Ghana Switzerland beat Algeria.

Spain also advanced comfortably, cruising past Austria with a 3-0 win that saw Mikel Oyarzabal score twice and Lamine Yamal named MVP Oyarzabal fires Spain. This performance marks a resurgence for Spain, who had a poor knockout stage record in recent World Cups. England, after progressing to the last, are preparing for a clash with Mexico. The match, scheduled for a 1 AM UK time kickoff, has prompted pubs to extend hours until 5 AM to accommodate fans Pubs allowed stay open. England's path to the final is now being analyzed, with discussions on how to overcome potential challenges, including the altitude in Mexico City how Azteca altitude impact. England's dramatic win over DR Congo in the last 16 attracted a significant audience of 16.3 million viewers on the BBC 16.3m tune in.

Transfer Market Buzzes with Record Deals and Player Movements

The summer transfer window is already seeing blockbuster moves, with Tottenham Hotspur reportedly agreeing to a club-record deal worth up to £100 million for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali Sources: Spurs agree Tonali. This follows their recent acquisition of Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for a reported £85 million, potentially making him the most expensive British player Spurs sign Fernandes. Manchester City also made a significant splash, agreeing to a British-record £116 million deal for Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, part of their extensive spending spree totaling £824 million in three years Man City's £824m rebuild.

In the NWSL, Gotham FC forward Sam Kerr indicated that a return to the league was her only consideration after departing Chelsea Kerr says NWSL only. USWNT winger Emma Sears has requested a trade from Racing Louisville, with multiple NWSL teams expressing interest Sources: Sears requests trade. Meanwhile, Enzo Fernández's agent has confirmed the midfielder is exploring options to leave Chelsea this summer Fernández exploring Chelsea exit. Brighton has secured Austrian defender Michael Svoboda from Venezia on a four-year deal Brighton sign Austria defender, and Everton has completed the signing of Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough for £24 million Hackney joins Everton.

Club and Player News

Portugal's victory over Croatia was marked by an emotional tribute to former teammate Diogo Jota, who died a year ago Victorious Portugal pay tribute. Liverpool has also unveiled a memorial to honor Jota at Anfield Liverpool latest: Memorial. In other news, former Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla has retired from playing at the age of 41 Former Arsenal midfielder retires.

In rugby league, St Helens coach Matt Peet stands by his comments that the team has "lost their identity" ahead of their clash with rivals St Helens Peet stands "loss identity". In Formula, Lewis Hamilton has promised fans he will continue his pursuit of an eighth world title Hamilton makes eighth title.

UEFA Clarifies Rules and Player Conduct

UEFA has confirmed that players will not face red cards for covering their mouths when speaking to opponents in UEFA competitions reds mouth covering. This clarification comes as discussions around player conduct and sportsmanship continue.