Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 3, 2026, 11:31 PM ET

World Cup Knockout Drama and Star Performances

Lionel Messi acknowledged Argentina has "many" areas to improve despite a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde in their World Cup round of 32 clash. The Albiceleste captain noted significant shortcomings in the performance, which some have called a near-humiliation averted only by a late push Messi: Argentina have 'many'. Meanwhile, USMNT forward Folarin Balogun described his recent red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina as an "emotional rollercoaster," expressing his intent to support his teammates from the sidelines U.S.'s Balogun on ban:. The USMNT faces a significant challenge in their upcoming round-of-16 match against Belgium, with questions lingering about their ability to win without their suspended star striker U.S. win without Balogun?. Sources indicate there is no avenue for the USMNT to appeal Balogun's red card, potentially leading to an extended ban Sources: USMNT cannot appeal.

Egypt secured a historic World Cup berth in the last 16 after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Australia in Dallas. Mohamed Salah has been instrumental in Egypt's campaign, leading them through the group stages and into the knockout rounds Salah leads Egypt. The penalty shootout heartbreak for Australia marks another World Cup exit that ends with lingering questions about their performance Penalty heartbreak for Australia. Switzerland also advanced, ending an 88-year World Cup knockout stage win drought by defeating Algeria 2-0, setting up a tie with either Colombia or Ghana secure first World Cup. Their win ensures a last-16 meeting with the winner of the Colombia vs. Ghana match Follow live: Colombia hold.

Spain is displaying renewed World Cup vigor, with Lamine Yamal declaring "the World Cup starts now" after a standout 3-0 performance against Austria. Yamal, named MVP of the match, was a bright spot as Spain looks to recapture the form that saw them win the tournament in 2010 World Cup mojo back. The team's path to the final now includes a challenging tie against Portugal, who needed a late VAR intervention to secure a 2-1 victory over Croatia. Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup aspirations remain alive after the controversial call denied Luka Modric an equalizer Late VAR drama. FIFA has since confirmed that Croatia's disallowed equalizer against Portugal was correctly ruled offside, citing technology within the match ball FIFA: Croatia VAR call.

England navigated a chaotic day of confusion and anger surrounding the kickoff of their last-16 World Cup match against co-hosts Mexico half hours that left. The team faces the significant challenge of playing at the Estadio Azteca's high altitude, with caffeine potentially playing a role in their strategy to overcome Mexico Can England handle Mexico's. Manager Thomas Tuchel's in-game management will be crucial, as his predecessor Gareth Southgate successfully navigated the group stages in the past Will Tuchel's in-game management. Declan Rice is expected to be available for the match despite an ongoing injury concern available for England v.

Club News and Transfer Buzz

Chicago Fire FC centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi is reportedly attracting interest from Premier League club Nottingham Forest, though no concrete offers have been made according to ESPN sources Agent: Chicago Fire willing. In other transfer news, Manchester City is in discussions with Fenerbahce regarding a £7 million deal for defender Nathan Ake talks over £7m Fenerbahce. Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk is reportedly available for offers, with AC Milan showing interest Van Dijk offers -.

Chelsea has completed the signing of Japan international midfielder Manaka Matsukubo on a five-year contract from North Carolina Courage Chelsea sign Japan midfielder. Meanwhile, Arsenal has 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 also set to sign midfielder Sierra Enge from French side Strasbourg WSL newcomers Crystal Palace.

Manchester United is reportedly targeting Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, while Arsenal is interested in Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa and Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes Baleba move - Friday. There are also rumors linking Mason Greenwood with a move to Madrid. In other United news, Aurelien Tchouameni and Alex Scott are high on their midfield target list Man Utd midfield shortlist.

Managerial Moves and Player Movements

Serie A runners-up Napoli have officially appointed Massimiliano Allegri as their new head coach on a three-year deal Allegri named new Napoli. Diego Simeone has stated that Julián Álvarez remains central to Atlético Madrid's plans, despite reported interest from Barcelona Simeone: Álvarez remains central. Ange Postecoglou has been named the new manager of Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, where he will coach Cristiano Ronaldo coach Ronaldo after being.

Other Football Notes

Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from international football with Algeria following their World Cup exit Algeria duty after World. David Villa shared his thoughts on Spain's current World Cup campaign, comparing it to his own triumphant era World Cup: David Villa.