Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 5, 2026, 8:32 AM ET

World Cup Knockout Stages Heat Up

The World Cup knockout stages are underway, with England facing a historic challenge against Mexico at the iconic Azteca stadium fighting history. England manager Thomas Tuchel faces scrutiny over his right-back selection Tuchel's created right-back problem, while Reece James is doubtful for the Mexico tie, though Jarell Quansah is fit again James doubtful. The match will take place in the legendary Azteca, a venue steeped in footballing history football kings crowned. Meanwhile, France survived a physical encounter against Paraguay, winning 2-1 after what was described as "dark arts" from the South Americans France survive Paraguay's 'disgraceful'. Morocco has emerged as a genuine contender, extending their unbeaten run to 34 matches after defeating Canada to reach the quarter-finals Morocco World Cup contenders. Their teenage sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi is drawing the attention of Europe's top clubs Europe's top clubs eyeing.

South American Powerhouses and European Giants

Argentina narrowly avoided an early exit, needing extra time to defeat Cape Verde 3-2 in a match Lionel Messi admitted highlighted "many things to correct" Argentina 'many' things. Colombia secured their place in the round of 16 with a 1-0 victory over Ghana, setting up a clash with Switzerland Colombia see off Ghana. Brazil, under Carlo Ancelotti, are dreaming of a sixth World Cup title, with Ancelotti himself stating only Sir Alex Ferguson is more qualified to manage the Seleção Ancelotti: SAF only manager. A significant narrative arc for Brazil involves how they will contain the prolific Erling Haaland when they face Norway How can Brazil stop. Haaland, a Premier League star for Manchester City, is also involved in a global rivalry with Arsenal defender William Saliba, as Norway prepares to meet Brazil in the World Cup Premier League feud.

Transfer Market Buzz and Club Signings

The transfer window is seeing significant activity across Europe. Brentford is reportedly close to signing Burnley forward Jaidon Anthony for an initial £15 million, potentially rising to £17 million with add-ons Brentford set sign. In a notable deal, Fenerbahce has completed the signing of Nathan Aké from Manchester City for a fee that could reach £8.5 million Fenerbahce complete deal. Meanwhile, reports suggest Sassuolo and Bologna are in talks with Hellas Verona for Kieron Bowie, with Celtic also linked to Tobias Lauritsen Sassuolo Bologna. Premier League clubs are also active, with Bournemouth reportedly interested in Alex Scott, while Arsenal has agreed to sell Leandro Trossard, and Kobbie Mainoo is on Real Madrid's radar Premier League quartet want. Newcastle United considers Bruno Guimaraes "priceless" amidst this market activity Bruno Guimaraes considered 'priceless'.

Rugby Union and League Action

In rugby union, George Furbank has been ruled out of England's remaining summer internationals due to appendicitis, casting a shadow over the team's prospects against South Africa Furbank misery. South Africa demonstrated their dominance with a resounding 45-21 victory over England in their Nations Championship opener, scoring seven tries Springboks show muscle. Scotland, however, began their Nations Championship campaign with an impressive 47-38 away win against Argentina Scotland make impressive start. Rugby league's Magic Weekend saw Toulouse Olympique thrash Catalans Dragons 60-18 in an all-French clash Toulouse thrash Catalans. Leigh Leopards bolstered their play-off hopes with a 24-6 victory over Warrington Wolves Leigh enhance play-offs bid, while Hull KR defeated Hull FC 26-12 in their derby Hull KR wrap up. The Huddersfield Giants continued their struggles, suffering their 10th consecutive defeat against York Knights Giants suffer again.

Formula 1 and Other Sports Updates

The Formula 1 paddock saw Christian Horner make his first appearance since his departure from Red Bull at the British Grand Prix Horner makes first return. Kimi Antonelli secured pole position for the British Grand Prix, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton starting behind him Antonelli starts pole. Hamilton is aiming for team tactics with Ferrari teammate Leclerc to challenge Antonelli Hamilton plots Ferrari teamwork. Max Verstappen expressed concerns about Red Bull's top-speed issues, stating there's "no point competing" if they cannot be resolved Verstappen: point racing. Formula 1 is also exploring the possibility of reinstating a cancelled race to the 2026 calendar F1 chief reveals hope. In other sporting news, Serena Williams has withdrawn from the Wimbledon doubles due to a knee injury Williams sisters out. Callum Walsh is targeting a "career best performance" for his upcoming fight in Dublin on August 8 Walsh vows 'career best. Constitution River delivered a dominant performance to win the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown Constitution River oozes class.

Cricket and Tennis

In cricket, England secured a four-wicket victory over India in the second T20 international, with Jacob Bethell making a historic debut for India at just 15 years old Bethell blasting England. The match saw a notable performance from England's Jacob Bethell, whose 76 not out guided them to victory, while the 15-year-old Indian debutant Sooryavanshi also made headlines 15-year-old Sooryavanshi made history. England's women's cricket captain, Nat Sciver-Brunt, is hopeful of a repeat of their 2017 Lord's final performance Sciver-Brunt hoping 2017. England's cricketers are now one victory away from achieving a significant milestone similar to the Lionesses and Red Roses England within touching distance. At Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic is scheduled to play before Aryna Sabalenka faces Naomi Osaka on day seven Djokovic first up.