Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: June 22, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

World Cup Records and Shocks

Lionel Messi made history on Monday, scoring his 17th World Cup goal to break the all-time men's scoring record previously held by Germany's Miroslav Klose, netting in Argentina's Group J match against Austria. Meanwhile, the tournament has seen remarkable upsets, with Cape Verde continuing their fairytale run by securing a 2-2 draw against two-time winners Uruguay, and goalkeeper Eloy Room equalling a World Cup save record with 15 stops in Curaçao's historic 0-0 draw against Ecuador. Egypt also recorded a first-ever World Cup win, with Mohamed Salah inspiring a 3-1 victory over New Zealand. The tournament has also been the fastest to reach 100 goals in 68 years, with balls and hydration breaks cited as potential factors.

Team News and Player Performances

Spain's Lamine Yamal announced his World Cup arrival by scoring his first goal in a dominant 4-0 rout of Saudi Arabia, though coach Luis de la Fuente urged caution against comparing the young talent to Lionel Messi. In other individual performances, Argentina's manager Lionel Scaloni voiced concerns over hydration breaks fragmenting the game, while Iran's coach Amir Ghalenoei believes his team's unbeaten start, despite facing adversity, will "go down in history". Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup with an ankle injury.

Club and Transfer Developments

Manchester United's plans for a new stadium have moved a significant step closer, with the club announcing the acquisition of the majority of land needed for a proposed 100,000-seater venue. In transfer news, Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly had a bid of approximately £80 million ($100 rejected by Newcastle United for midfielder Sandro Tonali. Elsewhere, Liverpool reportedly turned down a verbal offer of €25 million (£21.7 from Inter Milan for Curtis Jones.

Managerial and Player Career Reflections

Former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney has expressed regrets about his managerial career and does not foresee a return to the dugout. Giovanni Malagò, who led the Milan Cortina Olympics organising committee, has been elected president of the crisis-laden Italian football federation.

Other Football Notes

The BBC's 3D Live Match Experience will offer a unique way to follow matches during the 2026 World Cup. Puma shirts have experienced multiple tears during the tournament so far, prompting questions about their durability. West Ham United have signed Swiss defender Nadine Riesen on a three-year deal. All Women's Super League clubs will be permitted to offer alcohol to supporters in the stands starting next season, following successful trials.

Tennis and Golf Updates

Former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova has been suspended from tennis for four years for refusing an anti-doping test. In golf, Wyndham Clark survived a significant scare to win the US Open by one shot, holding off Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns. Clark had previously endured a hostile home crowd at Shinnecock Hills during his victory. Scottie Scheffler, meanwhile, is "relishing the opportunity" to contend for Grand Slam glory after a strong fightback.

Cricket and Rugby News

England captain Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been cleared by the Cricket Regulator over a nightclub incident that led to them missing a Test match. stand-in skipper Charlie Dean guided England to victory over Scotland in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. In rugby, Northampton Saints came from behind to win the Prem Rugby title, defeating Exeter Chiefs 26-17.

Boxing and Athletics

Chris Eubank Jr. is reportedly considering comeback options in Nigeria. At the UK Athletics Championships, Keely Hodgkinson was left in tears after withdrawing from the 400m final moments before the race.

Formula 1 and Motorsport

Lando Norris believes that Ferrari would be significantly more dominant in Formula 1 if they possessed a superior engine. Mercedes is set to discuss the racing dynamic between Kimi Antonelli and George Russell amid potential championship implications for Lewis Hamilton.