Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 7, 2026, 2:31 PM ET

World Cup Knockout Stages Deliver Drama

The World Cup knockout stages continued to deliver dramatic exits and emotional farewells. Cristiano Ronaldo's storied World Cup career concluded with a 1-0 loss to Spain in the round of, marking the end of an era for the Portuguese superstar. Coach Roberto Martinez confirmed his departure from the Portugal job following the defeat, stating the team did not "fail" despite the outcome. Meanwhile, Spain's victory, secured by a late goal, moves them into the quarterfinals where they will face a resurgent Belgium.

USMNT's World Cup Dream Ends

The United States men's national team crashed out of the World Cup in the round of, falling 4-1 to Belgium. Despite the return of Folarin Balogun, who confirmed he played no part in the U-turn regarding his suspension, the USMNT failed to advance. Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin suggested that "there's always justice" in the game after their win, implying the controversial Balogun situation fueled their performance. Coach Mauricio Pochettino declined to comment on his future with the USMNT, expressing disappointment with "too many people" who introduced "politics and manipulation" into the team's campaign. The USMNT's exit marks another missed opportunity, with many looking back at the tournament as a "missed chance" for 2026. Christian Pulisic was also forced off with an ankle injury during the match.

England Advances, Mexico Reflects

England secured a hard-fought last-16 victory over Mexico to advance to the quarterfinals, a win described as their best on foreign soil. A peak audience of 9.1 million viewers tuned in to watch the Three Lions' triumph. The team's success has been heavily reliant on the partnership of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who have scored 10 of England's 11 goals. For Mexico, the elimination is a bitter pill to swallow, though captain Edson Álvarez expressed optimism about the team's future despite the "deeply hurting" exit from the World Cup. The relationship between the Mexican team and its country, which had been strained four years ago, appears to have healed during this tournament, setting a positive tone for 2030.

Brazil and Ancelotti's World Cup Gamble Backfires

Brazil's wait for another World Cup title will extend beyond 28 years after their elimination from the tournament. Carlo Ancelotti's decision to include Neymar in the squad was seen as a risk that ultimately backfired when they were knocked out by Norway in the round of. The team now faces a period of reflection on what comes next after another disappointing World Cup campaign.

Transfer Rumors and Club Moves

In the transfer market, Arsenal is reportedly set to sign former Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer. Colombian forward Camilo Duran is also poised for a move to Celtic, with manager Martin O'Neill confirming the club is agreeing to a fee for the Qarabag player. Chelsea midfielder Julia Bartel is nearing a move to Juventus, while Tottenham is rumored to be interested in signing Bournemouth's Kroupi. Liverpool has also made contact regarding a move for Mexico's Gilberto Mora as transfer talks continue.

Other Football News

Kylian Mbappé has condemned racist remarks made by a Paraguayan senator, describing the comments as "despicable" and unworthy of her position. In women's football, the arrival of Alexia Putellas at London City Lionesses is being hailed as a monumental moment for the club and the WSL despite questions about its success. News also emerged of a gun attack on a Zimbabwean football star in South Africa, with police investigating the incident.