Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: June 22, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

World Cup Upsets and Surprises

Cape Verde continued their fairytale World Cup debut, securing a 2-2 draw against two-time champions Uruguay. The African island nation, now considered a second team for many neutrals, stunned observers again with their resilience. Goalkeeper Vozinha, a 40-year-old journeyman, has become one of the tournament's most beloved players after his heroics. Meanwhile, Uruguay coach Diego Simeone expressed frustration, stating that hydration breaks fragment the game and unfairly benefit weaker sides.

In a historic moment for African football, Egypt secured their first-ever World Cup win with a 3-1 victory over New Zealand. Mohamed Salah was instrumental, scoring the go-ahead goal and assisting another in a performance that ended his personal World Cup pain. This achievement comes 92 years after their tournament debut.

European Powerhouses and Emerging Threats

Iran cemented their position at the top of Group G with a disciplined 0-0 draw against a 10-man Belgium. Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand was a standout for Iran, making seven crucial saves, as his team navigated difficult conditions. Coach Amir Ghalenoei believes Iran's unbeaten start, despite facing significant disruptions, will be remembered for years as they aim for history. The team also lodged a complaint with FIFA over denied travel requests to Los Angeles, citing logistical challenges ahead of their match.

Germany booked their spot in the knockout stages for the first time in years thanks to a super-sub performance from Deniz Undav. The striker scored twice, including a 94th-minute winner, to secure a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Ivory Coast. Undav, who was previously called out by his manager, is now proving his worth on the biggest stage after a turbulent club season.

Spain's Arrival and Portugal's Stagnation

Spain finally announced their World Cup arrival with a dominant 4-0 thrashing of Saudi Arabia, a performance that saw Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal shine. Yamal, an 18-year-old prodigy, netted his first World Cup goal within 10 minutes of his first start, further fueling comparisons to Lionel Messi, though coach Luis de la Fuente urged caution against such comparisons. Spain's improved form, particularly with the introduction of Yamal, has made them a team to watch, with rivals acknowledging their improved sharpness after a week of adjustment.

Meanwhile, Portugal continues to grapple with its familiar dilemma. Cristiano Ronaldo remains goalless in the tournament, and despite assurances from defender Rúben Dias that criticism is "insignificant," questions persist about the team's reliance on him. Francisco Conceição has pushed back against the notion that the team feels obligated to always pass to Ronaldo, indicating a potential shift in dynamics as they look to progress.

England's Defensive Concerns and Transfer Rumors

England's attack showed flashes of brilliance against Croatia, but their defense remains a point of concern, particularly in the center-back position where manager Thomas Tuchel faces a dilemma. Bukayo Saka trained separately from the main squad ahead of their match against Ghana, a fitness boost for Tuchel, though he was the only player not involved in group training as preparations continued. Manager Tuchel is known for his demanding approach, with Ollie Watkins noting that Tuchel is "not afraid to shout at players" to maintain standards.

In transfer news, Manchester United could face competition from Paris Saint-Germain for West Ham United winger Crysencio Summerville. PSG is also reportedly preparing a bid for Liverpool winger Yan Diomande. There are also whispers of Barcelona's continued interest in Marcus Rashford, though Manchester United reportedly has no interest in selling Benjamin Sesko according to latest gossip. Inter Milan saw a €25 million (£21.7 offer for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones rejected as the transfer window heats up.

Other World Cup Notes and Player Watch

The 2026 World Cup is already rewriting history, with records being broken and new ones set to fall as the tournament progresses. The increased frequency of late goals, potentially influenced by longer stoppage times and tactical substitutions, is reshaping matches at this World Cup. The new Trionda "smart" ball, equipped with chips and sensors, has been well-received so far as a technological advancement.

Brazil secured a much-needed 3-0 victory over Haiti, providing a psychological boost to their World Cup campaign, though coach Carlo Ancelotti still faces challenges in optimizing team performance. While rivals like Argentina and France have impressed, Brazil has struggled to consistently hit top form despite their recent win. Scotland faces a monumental task against Brazil, with coach Steve Clarke facing a "dilemma" as his side navigates a tight qualification path ahead of their final group match.

Non-Football Updates

In golf, Wyndham Clark secured a dramatic wire-to-wire victory at the US Open, holding off world number one Scottie Scheffler and a late charge from Sam Burns. Clark endured a hostile home crowd at Shinnecock Hills to claim his second US Open title. Rory McIlroy, meanwhile, expressed frustration after his major hopes ended with a disappointing weekend display at the same event.

In tennis, Serena Williams has received the final wild card into the women's singles main draw for Wimbledon, marking her return to Grand Slam action at. Jack Draper has received a significant boost ahead of Wimbledon, with his new coach Andy Murray expressing confidence in his game heading into the tournament. Francisco Cerundolo captured the Queen's title after defeating Tommy Paul in the longest final in the championship's history, lasting three hours and three minutes.

In horse racing, racing action is scheduled from Brighton and Windsor.