Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 5, 2026, 5:31 AM ET

World Cup Knockout Stage Heats Up

England faces its sternest World Cup test yet as they prepare to play Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium, a venue steeped in footballing history enter Azteca. Manager Thomas Tuchel faces selection headaches, with Reece James doubtful for the clash, though Jarell Quansah is available again James doubtful. The team's arrival in Mexico City was met with boos, and they face challenges beyond the pitch, including hotel security concerns lightning, hotel security. Meanwhile, World Cup co-hosts Mexico are returning luxury watches gifted by a content creator due to FIFA regulations prohibiting expensive presents return luxury watches.

Morocco's World Cup campaign is proving to be more than just a fairytale, with the team entering the knockout stage on an impressive 34-match unbeaten streak unbeaten 34 matches. They are now being considered genuine contenders, having secured their place in the last eight after beating Canada Morocco beat Canada. Europe's top clubs are reportedly taking notice of their young talent, with teenage sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi drawing attention teenage sensation Bouaddi.

France narrowly avoided an upset against Paraguay, surviving a match marred by what was described as "disgraceful" and "embarrassing" tactics by their opponents France survive Paraguay's. Despite dismantling rivals, France had to adapt to Paraguay's "dark arts" to secure their victory Paraguay vs France team. Paraguay, back in the World Cup for the first time since 2010, had already stunned Germany and presented a significant challenge to the French side Paraguay's inspired W.

Argentina, after a near-disastrous performance against Cape Verde, are looking to correct numerous issues identified by Lionel Messi Argentina 'many'. The round of 32 saw an "instant classic" as Argentina narrowly avoided elimination Messi, Argentina saved themselves. Carlo Ancelotti, despite some doubts, has the Brazilian national team dreaming of a sixth World Cup title, though they face the challenge of stopping Erling Haaland and Norway in the round of 16 Brazil winning sixth World.

Club Football Transfer Rumors and Player News

The transfer window is heating up with several notable rumors. Sassuolo and Bologna are reportedly in talks with Hellas Verona regarding Kieron Bowie, while Celtic are linked with Norwegian striker Tobias Lauritsen Sassuolo Bologna. Newcastle United considers Bruno Guimaraes "priceless," indicating their strong desire to keep the midfielder Bruno Guimaraes considered. Premier League clubs are also active, with Bournemouth's Alex Scott a target for four top-flight sides, while Arsenal may sell Leandro Trossard and Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo is on Real Madrid's radar Premier League quartet. In a confirmed deal, Fenerbahce have signed Netherlands defender Nathan Ake from Manchester City for a potential £8.5m Fenerbahce complete deal.

England midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has signed a new one-year contract with Celtic Oxlade-Chamberlain signs new.

Rugby and Other Sports Updates

George Furbank has been ruled out of England's summer internationals, including their Nations Championship opener against South Africa, due to appendicitis Furbank misery Borthwick. South Africa began their Nations Championship campaign with a dominant 45-21 victory over England in Johannesburg, scoring seven tries Springboks show muscle. Scotland secured an impressive 47-38 away win against Argentina in their Nations Championship opener Scotland make impressive start.

In rugby league, Toulouse Olympique claimed a resounding 60-18 victory over Catalans Dragons in an all-French Magic Weekend clash Toulouse thrash Catalans. Leigh Leopards bolstered their play-off hopes with a 24-6 win against Warrington Wolves Leigh enhance play-offs bid, and Hull KR defeated rivals Hull FC 26-12 Hull KR wrap up. The Giants suffered their 10th consecutive defeat, losing 36-24 to York Knights in the Magic Weekend opener Giants suffer again.

In boxing, Callum Walsh is targeting a "career best performance" in his upcoming fight in Dublin on August 8 Walsh vows 'career best'.

Formula 1 and Tennis News

Formula 1 chiefs are hoping to reinstate a cancelled race onto the 2026 calendar F1 chief reveals hope. Kimi Antonelli secured pole position for the British Grand Prix Sprint, but passed teammate Lewis Hamilton to win the race and extend his championship lead Antonelli beats Hamilton. Max Verstappen stated there is "no point competing" in the British Grand Prix if Red Bull cannot resolve an ongoing top-speed issue with his car Verstappen: point racing.

Serena Williams has withdrawn from the Wimbledon doubles due to a knee injury Williams sisters out.

Cricket and Other News

England's cricketers are one victory away from achieving a significant milestone, drawing parallels to the Lionesses and Red Roses England within touching distance. Jacob Bethell produced a swashbuckling unbeaten 76 to guide England to a four-wicket victory over India in the second T20 international at Old Trafford, a match that also saw the debut of 15-year-old Sooryavanshi Bethell blasting England.

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