Football/Soccer 3 Days

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

World Cup Tournament Watch

The World Cup tournament is heating up with several teams solidifying their positions and star players making history. Lionel Messi has broken the World Cup scoring record, surpassing Miroslav Klose with his latest goals for Argentina against Austria, a performance that secured their spot in the knockout stages. Meanwhile, Spain's Lamine Yamal netted his first World Cup goal in a dominant 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, with the young talent and Mikel Oyarzabal leading the charge. Germany also clinched a spot in the knockout phase thanks to two late goals from substitute Deniz Undav against Ivory Coast.

Despite the excitement, some teams are facing challenges. Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck is ruled out of the rest of the World Cup with an ankle injury. England's defensive frailties against Croatia are a concern for coach Thomas Tuchel, who faces a centre-back dilemma ahead of their next match, though Bukayo Saka has returned to training to bolster the squad. Coach Thomas Tuchel has also expressed a willingness to shout at players to maintain training standards.

Several nations are making unexpected runs, with Cape Verde continuing their "fairytale World Cup campaign" claiming another draw against Uruguay, making them a team "everyone's second team" for this tournament. Iran, despite facing significant disruption, has maintained an "unbeaten start" to the World Cup and moved top of their group following a goalless draw with 10-man Belgium in Los Angeles. Egypt secured their first-ever World Cup win with a 3-1 victory over New Zealand, inspired by Mohamed Salah.

Managerial Movements and Transfer Speculation

Manchester City are reportedly close to naming Enzo Maresca as their new manager, having agreed a compensation package framework with Chelsea, and are closing in on his appointment to succeed Pep Guardiola. In other transfer news, Morgan Rogers is keen on an Arsenal move, while Tottenham are reportedly confident of signing Sandro Tonali from Newcastle, though a bid of "about £80m" was rejected by Newcastle. Marcus Rashford is also reportedly prepared to take a pay cut to join Tottenham, with Barcelona also being mentioned as a potential destination according to gossip.

Rangers manager Derek McInnes faces a potential ban from the touchline in his opening domestic games after being hit with a disciplinary charge for criticism of match officials, specifically a "disgusting" remark about a penalty awarded to Celtic. Elsewhere, Giovanni Malagò has been elected president of the Italian football federation amidst ongoing crises.

Player News and Team Preparations

Christian Pulisic has returned to full training for the United States men's national team, having recovered from an injured left calf. Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has stated he is ready to face England after being denied entry to Canada for their World Cup opener. For France, William Saliba is fit to start against Iraq.

Amidst the tournament, former Atletico Madrid striker Rade Bogdanovic has apologised for racist comments made towards black players during a World Cup broadcast. Puma shirts have also been a talking point, with four instances of tearing occurring during World Cup matches.

Club and Stadium Developments

Manchester United have acquired the majority of land needed for a proposed 100,000-seater stadium, a significant step towards building what would be the largest football facility in the United Kingdom according to reports. Goalkeeper Khiara Keating has turned down a new contract at Manchester City and is uncertain about her future. West Ham United have signed Swiss defender Nadine Riesen on a three-year deal. Ajax have parted ways with coach Oscar Garcia after a "turbulent season" ended with a fifth-place finish.

Other Sporting News

In boxing, Tyson Fury's fight with Anthony Joshua is not in danger of collapse, according to promoter Frank Warren. In tennis, former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova has been suspended for four years for refusing an anti-doping test. Jack Draper, playing under new coach Andy Murray, secured his opening match win at the Eastbourne Open. In cricket, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been cleared by the Cricket Regulator over a nightclub incident.