Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 6, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

World Cup Drama and National Team Shake-ups

England's thrilling 3-2 victory over Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium has propelled them into the World Cup quarter-finals, a triumph lauded for its "heart and belief" and described as one of the nation's greatest knockout results pure will. Jude Bellingham, whose "attitude can never be questioned again," delivered a colossal performance, while a heroic defensive effort secured the win after a dramatic match that saw England coach Thomas Tuchel lament the standard of World Cup referees, deeming them "just not good enough" colossal Mexico display, referees just good enough. The Three Lions will now face Norway, who secured their historic quarter-final berth thanks to a masterful display from Erling Haaland, who dumped a disappointing Brazil out of the tournament with two late goals Haaland fires Norway history. Brazil's exit, following their last-16 defeat to Norway, has raised serious questions about the team's future and whether Carlo Ancelotti is the right man to lead a "major surgery" major surgery. Meanwhile, Neymar has stated his international career with Brazil is "over" following their World Cup exit Brazil career over.

A significant controversy has erupted surrounding FIFA's decision to allow USA striker Folarin Balogun to play in their World Cup tie against Belgium, a move UEFA has labelled as having "crossed a red line" and put the "integrity of the game at stake" crossed red line. England coach Thomas Tuchel expressed confusion over the disciplinary process, stating there is "total confusion" following FIFA's decision not to ban Balogun, leaving disciplinary systems in "disarray" Tuchel criticises Fifa. The dramatic events surrounding Balogun's eligibility have overshadowed other national team news, including Carlos Queiroz stepping down as Ghana head coach after their World Cup exit Queiroz leaves Ghana.

Club Football Transfers and League Cup Preparations

In club football news, Rangers midfielders are reportedly being linked with moves away from Ibrox, with Bologna showing interest in John Lundstram amid speculation of a potential swap deal involving Kieran Ferguson Bologna keen Rangers. St Johnstone are also looking to strengthen their squad, with plans to offer a winger a trial St Johnstone to offer winger trial. Elsewhere, the Scottish League Cup is set to commence its group stages this Saturday, with four top-flight clubs beginning their competitive seasons Scottish League Cup games.

The managerial carousel continues to turn, with Oliver Glasner becoming Nottingham Forest's fifth head coach in just over a year, replacing Vitor Pereira who was sacked last week Glasner becomes Forest's fifth. This marks a period of considerable instability for the club.

Other Sports News

In Rugby League, questions are being raised about the future of James Walmsley's contract with St Helens ahead of his potential retirement Walmsley's final St Helens contract.

Chris Gotterup secured the John Deere Classic title after a thrilling final round, carding a weekend-best 62 with nine birdies to finish 20 under par in Illinois Gotterup wins John Deere.

England's national team faces the start of their road to the Ashes, a challenging prospect following their recent emphatic defeat in their home T20 World Cup final road Ashes begins. A BBC Sport quiz tests fans' knowledge by asking them to name every team England has faced in a World Cup quarter-final, with Norway being the eleventh such opponent England World Cup quarter-final.

A poignant story emerged of the Elliot family travelling over 6,500 miles to see their son, Callan Elliot, play just 13 minutes for New Zealand at the World Cup Family travels 6,500 miles. The atmosphere before England's last-16 clash with Mexico at the Azteca Stadium was marked by a shelter-in-place order due to an approaching electrical storm storm Azteca. Mexico's World Cup journey, despite their last-16 exit, brought joy and a sense of triumph to their community, with the positive impact extending to Southern California Mexico's World Cup run.