Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 3, 2026, 8:31 PM ET

World Cup Knockout Stage Heats Up

England's World Cup campaign faces a stern test as they prepare to face Mexico in a highly anticipated last-16 clash. The match is scheduled to kick-off at 1am on Monday, with no change to the fixture time despite earlier confusion England vs Mexico WILL. The Estadio Azteca's notorious altitude presents a significant challenge for visiting teams, and England will need to employ every available strategy to overcome the Mexican side Can England handle Mexico's. Despite an ongoing injury concern, Declan Rice is expected to be available to start for England available for England v. Meanwhile, the debate rages on regarding England's tactical approach, with questions about manager Thomas Tuchel's in-game management and whether he can provide the difference needed in the knockout stages Will Tuchel's in-game management.

The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) faces a critical juncture as they navigate the knockout rounds without their suspended star striker, Folarin Balogun. Balogun described his situation as an "emotional rollercoaster" following his red card U.S.'s Balogun on ban:. The USMNT has no avenue to appeal the suspension, potentially leading to an extended ban for the forward Sources: USMNT cannot appeal. The team must now weigh its options for replacing Balogun, a significant challenge as they face Belgium in their round-of-16 tie USMNT cope without suspended. The biggest question for the USMNT remains whether they can succeed without their suspended focal point U.S. win without Balogun?.

In other World Cup action, Egypt has advanced to the last 16 after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Australia in Dallas World Cup after penalty. FIFA has confirmed that a contentious VAR call disallowing a Croatian equalizer against Portugal was correct, citing the use of advanced ball technology FIFA: Croatia VAR call. The decision, which utilized a chip in the ball, ruled an offside move and denied Croatia what looked to be a match-tying goal VAR review: Why did. Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup aspirations remain alive after Portugal's controversial 2-1 comeback win against Croatia, a result that saw a significant VAR intervention prolong his campaign and end Luka Modric's Huge 'Snicko' VAR call. The late VAR drama kept Ronaldo's World Cup dream alive and set up a tie with Spain Late VAR drama.

Argentina, with Lionel Messi starting, faced Cape Verde in a match that drew attention for its perceived mismatch in the knockout stages Argentina vs Cape Verde. The game was billed as a significant World Cup knockout mismatch, pitting Lionel Messi against Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha Argentina v Cape Verde:. Switzerland secured their first World Cup knockout win in 88 years, defeating Algeria 2-0 to earn a spot in the last 16 against either Colombia or Ghana secure first World Cup. Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez announced his retirement from international football following his nation's World Cup exit Algeria duty after World. Spain, showing renewed confidence after a 3-0 victory over Austria, believes their World Cup journey is just beginning, with Barcelona star Lamine Yamal declaring "the World Cup starts now" after being named MVP After Spain win, Yamal. Spain's improved form marks a significant turnaround after a history of knockout stage struggles in recent tournaments World Cup mojo back.

Transfer Rumors and Managerial Moves

The transfer window continues to buzz with activity as clubs look to strengthen their squads. Fulham has joined Chelsea and Manchester United in the race for winger Crysencio Summerville Papers: Fulham join Chelsea. Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk is reportedly available for offers, with AC Milan reportedly considering a move for the Dutch defender Van Dijk offers -. Chicago Fire FC defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi is attracting interest from Premier League club Nottingham Forest, though no formal offers have been made Agent: Chicago Fire willing.

In Italy, Serie A runners-up Napoli have officially appointed Massimiliano Allegri as their new head coach on a three-year deal Allegri named new Napoli. Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone has stated that Julián Álvarez remains central to his plans, despite reported interest from Barcelona Simeone: Álvarez remains central. Real Madrid, however, has emphatically denied any intention of pursuing Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez Real Madrid have 'no.

Manchester City is in discussions with Fenerbahçe over a £7 million transfer for defender Nathan Aké talks over £7m Fenerbahce. Manchester United is reportedly targeting Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, with Arsenal also showing interest in Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa and Morgan Rogers Baleba move - Friday. Bournemouth is in talks to sign Elche striker Álvaro Rodríguez for an initial fee of £21.4 million, potentially rising to £25.7 million with add-ons Bournemouth agree £25.7m deal.

Other Football News

Chelsea has completed the signing of Japanese international midfielder Manaka Matsukubo on a five-year contract from North Carolina Courage Chelsea sign Japan midfielder. Arsenal has also secured the signing of Lionesses midfielder Georgia Stanway following her departure from Bayern Munich Stanway joins Arsenal after. Women's Super League newcomers Crystal Palace are set to sign midfielder Sierra Enge from French side Strasbourg WSL newcomers Crystal Palace. Norway midfielder Justine Kielland joins Aston Villa from German club Wolfsburg, pending visa approval Aston Villa sign Norway.

In Scotland, Rangers have reportedly had a bid rejected for Partizan Belgrade captain Vanja Dragojević, while Celtic is said to have made an offer for Las Palmas goalkeeper Dinko Horkas Partizan captain Dragojević -. Sunderland's Mayenda is reportedly the subject of a deal agreed with Rennes Sunderland latest: Rennes agree.

Former England opener Zak Crawley has been excluded from England's 16-man squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against India Crawley left out, Coles. Sam Curran has backed Harry Brook to succeed as the next England Test captain Curran backs Brook Test.

Ange Postecoglou has been appointed as the new Al Nassr manager in the Saudi Pro League, where he will coach Cristiano Ronaldo coach Ronaldo after being. Piet Cremers has resigned from his role as assistant coach for the Wales men's team, leaving manager Craig Bellamy without key support staff Cremers leaves Wales role.

Tennis & Motorsports Update

At Wimbledon, Aryna Sabalenka has set up a highly anticipated clash with Naomi Osaka, while Coco Gauff continues her strong performance in the tournament Sabalenka sets up mouth-watering. Novak Djokovic has matched Roger Federer's record of 105 match wins at Wimbledon Djokovic dances his way. However, Matteo Berrettini's Wimbledon outfit was banned by officials for not adhering to the strict white dress code Berrettini's outfit banned.

In Formula, Lewis Hamilton expressed surprise at securing pole position for the British Grand Prix Sprint race, feeling his car is now competitive enough for victory Hamilton eyes Silverstone Sprint. Wild card entrant Maya Regalia became the youngest pole-sitter in F1 Academy history at Silverstone Wild card Battig becomes. Russell, meanwhile, expressed perplexity over his qualifying struggles at Silverstone ‘Some things aren’t making. The F1 Academy series is making its debut at Silverstone as part of the British Grand Prix weekend ‘A dream come true’.