Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: June 21, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

World Cup Upsets and Dominant Performances

Iran secured a valuable point against a frustrated 10-man Belgium, drawing 0-0 in Los Angeles and moving to the top of World Cup Group G. Iran's coach, Amir Ghalenoei, praised his team's performance, stating they played a "beautiful game" despite facing what he described as the worst possible conditions. Alireza Beiranvand, Iran's goalkeeper, was instrumental in the draw, making seven saves to keep Belgium at bay. Meanwhile, Belgium's Jérémy Doku was ruled out of the match due to illness.

Spain finally announced their World Cup arrival with a commanding 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, a performance that saw Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal star. Yamal, the 18-year-old sensation, needed just 10 minutes of his first World Cup start to score his inaugural goal, with coach Luis de la Fuente urging caution against comparisons to Lionel Messi. Spain's improved showing, particularly with Yamal in the lineup, has made them a team to watch. Japan delivered a record-breaking performance, routing Tunisia 4-0 to secure their biggest World Cup win as an Asian nation. Daichi Kamada reiterated Japan's ambition to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup after their dominant display. The Netherlands also produced a resounding victory, thumping Sweden 5-1 and setting a tournament record, sending a clear warning to their rivals. Germany clinched a spot in the knockout phase for the first time in years, rallying for a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast thanks to two second-half goals from super-sub Deniz Undav. Mexico became the first nation to secure a place in the World Cup round of, beating South Korea 1-0. Cape Verde's goalkeeper Eloy Room made a remarkable 15 saves to earn his nation their first World Cup point in a historic 0-0 draw against Ecuador, 89.

Transfer Speculation and Club News

Tottenham Hotspur has reportedly had a bid of approximately £75 million ($100 for Sandro Tonali rejected by Newcastle United. In other transfer news, Marcus Rashford is still rumored to be considering a move to Barcelona, with Paris Saint-Germain also reportedly in the race for Crysencio Summerville . Manchester United, however, has no interest in selling Benjamin Sesko. Liverpool has rejected a verbal offer of €25 million (£21.7 from Inter Milan for midfielder Curtis Jones. Brighton has also made an improved offer to Tottenham for centre-back Luka Vuskovic.

Sweden's Lucas Bergvall is facing an uncertain future at Tottenham, reportedly seeking a new challenge and having formally asked to leave the club. Real Madrid has denied reports linking them with a transfer for Bayern Munich and France winger Michael Olise. Rangers midfielder is reportedly seeking a move amid interest from Atalanta.

Ajax has parted ways with coach Oscar Garcia after a turbulent season that saw the Dutch club finish fifth in the Eredivisie.

Golf and Tennis Updates

Wyndham Clark held off Scottie Scheffler to secure a one-shot victory at the US Open at Shinnecock Hills, marking a wire-to-wire triumph. Clark had built a commanding six-shot lead heading into the final round, while Scheffler boosted his career Grand Slam hopes with an impressive fightback. Rory McIlroy expressed frustration with his performance, seeing the "wheels come off" during the final rounds.

In tennis, Francisco Cerundolo was crowned Queen's champion after defeating Tommy Paul in the longest final in the tournament's history, lasting three hours and three minutes. Jack Draper has received a significant boost ahead of Wimbledon, with his new coach Andy Murray expressing belief in his game. Serena Williams has been handed the final wild card into the women's singles main draw at Wimbledon, preparing for her Grand Slam comeback.

Cricket and Other Sports

England's hopes of avoiding defeat in the second Test against New Zealand rested on stand-in captain Joe Root, as New Zealand closed in on a series-levelling victory at The Oval. Matt Henry's maiden 11-wicket haul secured an emphatic 253-run victory for New Zealand, leveling the series. Ben Stokes is set to return as captain for the series-deciding third Test against New Zealand, having been withdrawn from county matches alongside Gus Atkinson in preparation for their return to the England fold. James Rew's keeping came under scrutiny on his England debut during the frustrating day for the team at The Oval.

In cricket news, Virat Kohli is set to return to India's squad for the One Day International series against England in July. Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, despite scoring a blistering 50 off 11 balls, has not been included in India's ODI squad for the series against England. Defending champions Nottinghamshire have replaced Essex at the top of the Rothesay County Championship Division One after winning by an innings and 52 runs.

In rugby, Leinster demolished the Bulls 36-7 to retain their United Rugby Championship title, though injuries to Caelan Doris and Tommy O'Brien could impact Ireland.

Government and Fan Engagement

The UK government is proposing new legislation to prevent major sporting events, including the World Cup, from being moved behind a paywall on streaming services, aiming to keep these "crown jewel" events accessible to UK viewers. International World Cup fans are experiencing American culture, noting large portion sizes and a welcoming atmosphere. The emotional experience of sharing a first World Cup with a child is also highlighted.