Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 4, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

World Cup Knockout Drama

France navigated a "disgraceful" and "embarrassing" encounter with Paraguay, relying on a Kylian Mbappe penalty in the 70th minute to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory Mbappe scores again. The ill-tempered last-16 tie saw France, who had previously dominated their World Cup opponents, forced to find a new method of winning against a Paraguay side employing "dark arts" that frustrated observers France survive Paraguay's 'disgraceful'. Les Bleus now face Morocco in the quarter-finals, a team that has dispelled any notion of their tournament run being a fairytale, having beaten Canada to reach the last eight Morocco World Cup contenders.

Argentina narrowly avoided a shock elimination in the round of, needing extra time to overcome Cape Verde in a match Lionel Messi described as having "many things to correct" Messi: Argentina have 'many'. The South American giants' near-miss against a nation with a significantly smaller population highlights the unpredictable nature of the tournament, a sentiment echoed by the fact that eight of the ten most populous countries are not participating in this World Cup 10 most populous countries. Meanwhile, Colombia secured their place in the round of 16 by defeating Ghana 1-0, setting up a tie with Switzerland Colombia see off Ghana.

England's World Cup journey continues, but they face selection dilemmas ahead of their last-16 clash with Mexico. Reece James missed training on the eve of the match, though Jarell Quansah is available James doubtful Mexico tie. Mexico's Estadio Azteca presents a unique challenge with its high altitude, a factor England must contend with, potentially through tactical approaches like caffeine consumption Can England handle Mexico's. The team has already faced adversity, being booed upon arrival at their Mexico City hotel Lightning, hotel security spying.

Egypt made history by securing their first-ever knockout stage win, defeating Australia in a penalty shootout after Mohamed Salah's influential performances throughout the tournament Salah leads Egypt. Australia's World Cup campaign ends with further questions after their penalty shootout heartbreak against Egypt Penalty heartbreak Australia.

Rugby Union & League Shake-ups

Scotland opened their Nations Championship campaign with an impressive 47-38 away victory over Argentina, banishing any lingering doubts from previous performances Scotland make impressive start. In stark contrast, South Africa launched their Nations Championship bid with a dominant 45-21 win over England in Johannesburg, running in seven tries Springboks show muscle. England's George Furbank is sidelined for the opener against South Africa due to appendicitis, potentially missing the entire summer tour Furbank out England's game. Ireland, despite an injury-hit squad, secured a dramatic 33-31 victory over Australia in Sydney in a "madcap" encounter Injury-hit Ireland secure madcap.

In rugby league, Toulouse Olympique claimed local bragging rights with a resounding 60-18 triumph over Catalan Dragons in an all-French derby, significantly denting the Dragons' play-off aspirations Toulouse thrash Catalans. Leigh Leopards bolstered their Super League play-off hopes with a commanding 24-6 victory against Warrington Wolves at Magic Weekend, led by David Armstrong Leigh enhance play-offs bid. Hull KR also secured a derby victory, defeating rivals Hull FC 26-12 Hull KR wrap up. The Giants, meanwhile, continued their struggles, suffering their 10th consecutive defeat in a 36-24 loss to York Knights Giants suffer again.

Transfer Rumors & Club Moves

Transfer speculation continues to swirl around the Premier League's elite. Arsenal are reportedly considering a £130 million move for a star forward, while Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City have been alerted to the potential availability of Barcelona defender Jules Kounde Arsenal eye £130m move. Newcastle United consider Bruno Guimaraes "priceless" amidst growing transfer interest from other clubs Bruno Guimaraes considered 'priceless'. Bournemouth's Alex Scott is attracting attention from a quartet of Premier League sides, while Manchester United are monitoring Kobbie Mainoo's situation with Real Madrid Premier League quartet want. In Scotland, Celtic are reportedly in fresh talks for Qarabag forward Camilo Duran and have also secured Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on a new one-year deal Celtic in fresh talks. Fenerbahce have completed a deal to sign Nathan Ake from Manchester City for a fee potentially reaching £8.5 million Fenerbahce complete deal. Chicago Fire FC centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi is reportedly attracting interest from Nottingham Forest, though no firm offers have been made Chicago Fire willing.

Motorsport & Horse Racing

Formula 1's Stefano Domenicali has expressed hope that one of the season's cancelled races can be reinstated on the 2026 calendar F1 chief reveals hope. At the British Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli secured pole position and then passed Lewis Hamilton to win the Sprint race, extending his championship lead Antonelli beats Hamilton victory. Max Verstappen, however, stated Red Bull has "no point competing" in the Grand Prix if they cannot resolve their top-speed issues that hampered qualifying Verstappen: point racing. In horse racing, Constitution River delivered a dominant performance to win the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown Constitution River oozes class.

Cricket & Tennis Updates

England's cricketers are one victory away from achieving a significant milestone, mirroring the success of their Lionesses and Red Roses counterparts England within touching distance. Jacob Bethell's unbeaten 76 was instrumental in England's four-wicket victory over India in the second T20I, though the debut of 15-year-old Sooryavanshi also drew attention Bethell blasting England victory. Serena Williams has been forced to withdraw from the Wimbledon doubles due to a knee injury, missing the chance to partner her sister Venus Williams sisters out.