Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 4, 2026, 2:31 PM ET

World Cup Knockout Stages Heat Up

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is down to its final 16 nations, with several heavyweight clashes on the horizon. Argentina, after a scare against Cape Verde in the round of, will need to address systemic issues identified by Lionel Messi, who stated the team has "many things to improve" following a nervy 3-2 extra-time victory Messi starts Argentina. Meanwhile, England faces a stern test against co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, a venue known for its punishing altitude Can England handle Mexico's. Manager Thomas Tuchel is grappling with selection dilemmas, including a perceived right-back problem Carra: Tuchel's created right-back, and the team arrived amidst security concerns and a hostile reception at their hotel Lightning, hotel security spying. Despite these challenges, Declan Rice is expected to be available for the crucial match Rice likely available, and England's path to the final is being debated England into last 16.

Brazil, under Carlo Ancelotti, is aiming for a record sixth World Cup title, though questions linger about whether the team has lost its traditional flair Has Brazil really lost. Ancelotti himself has dismissed doubters, suggesting only Sir Alex Ferguson is more qualified only manager more qualified. A key matchup for Brazil will be their round of 16 clash against Norway, particularly how they plan to contain Erling Haaland How can Brazil stop. Colombia secured their place in the knockout stage with a 1-0 victory over Ghana Colombia 1-0 Ghana, setting up a tie with Switzerland. Egypt made history by reaching the last 16 for the first time, overcoming Australia in a dramatic penalty shootout after Mohamed Salah led their charge Salah leads Egypt.

Other teams advancing include Uruguay, who narrowly defeated a spirited Paraguay side that had previously stunned Germany matter France result. The USMNT will face Belgium in the Round of, but must do so without the suspended Folarin Balogun, who described his recent ban as an "emotional rollercoaster" U.S.'s Balogun ban. FIFA confirmed that a controversial VAR decision, involving technology within the World Cup ball, correctly disallowed a Croatian equalizer against Portugal VAR review: Why did. Experts are weighing in with predictions for the Round of 16 ties the 2026 World Cup, while power rankings place the remaining teams from worst to best World Cup 2026 Power.

Rugby Union and Other Sports Highlights

In rugby, the Springboks opened their Nations Championship campaign with a dominant 45-21 victory over England in Johannesburg, running in seven tries Springboks show muscle. England's George Furbank is sidelined for the rest of the summer tour due to appendicitis Furbank out England's game. Meanwhile, an injury-hit Ireland secured a thrilling 33-31 comeback win against Australia in Sydney in the inaugural Nations Championship Injury-hit Ireland secure madcap.

In cricket, England's women are one victory away from clinching a significant moment in their sport, mirroring successes seen in women's football England within touching distance. The second T20 international between England and India is underway at Old Trafford England vs India, second, with Bethell in fine form for England Bethell blasting England victory. England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt is aiming for a repeat of their 2017 Lord's final performance Sciver-Brunt hoping for 2017.

Horse racing saw Constitution River further cement its reputation with a commanding win in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown Constitution River oozes class. At the Wimbledon Championships, defending women's champion Iga Swiatek was surprisingly knocked out in straight sets by Alexandra Eala Defending champion Swiatek knocked. Serena Williams has withdrawn from the women's doubles due to a knee injury Williams sisters out. Aryna Sabalenka is set to face Naomi Osaka in a highly anticipated Wimbledon clash Sabalenka sets up mouth-watering.

Club Football and Transfer Rumors

Fenerbahce has completed the signing of Netherlands defender Nathan Ake from Manchester City in a deal potentially worth £8.5m Fenerbahce complete deal. Celtic has reportedly opened fresh talks for Qarabag forward Camilo Duran, with other Scottish Premiership clubs also active in the transfer market Celtic in fresh talks. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has signed a new one-year contract with Celtic Oxlade-Chamberlain signs new one-year. Chelsea has secured the services of Japan midfielder Manaka Matsukubo on a five-year deal from North Carolina Courage Chelsea sign Japan midfielder.

Transfer rumors continue to swirl, with Premier League clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City alerted to the potential availability of Barcelona defender Jules Kounde Premier League clubs on alert for Kounde. Manchester United is reportedly interested in Crystal Palace forward Ismaïla Sarr Arsenal eye £130m move. Fulham has joined the race for West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville Fulham join Chelsea, Man, while Liverpool is reportedly open to offers for Virgil van Dijk Liverpool open to Van. Chicago Fire FC centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi is attracting interest from Nottingham Forest, though no firm offers have been made Chicago Fire willing.

Rugby League and Other News

Hull KR secured a derby victory over Hull FC with a 26-12 scoreline at the Magic Weekend Hull KR wrap up. The opening match of the Magic Weekend saw York Knights defeat Huddersfield Giants 36-24, marking the Giants' 10th consecutive defeat Giants suffer again.

In other news, Trinity Rodman scored two goals, including a stoppage-time winner, to lead the Washington Spirit to a 2-1 victory over the Houston Dash in the NWSL Rodman marks NWSL return.