Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: June 25, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

World Cup Drama and Knockout Stages

The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage has provided ample drama, with several nations securing their passage to the knockout rounds and others facing anxious waits. South Africa made history by reaching the knockout rounds for the first time, finishing second in Group A after a 1-0 victory over South Korea, a result that saw captain Son Heung-Min controversially left out of the starting lineup by coach Hong Myung-Bo. Mexico, co-hosting the tournament, cemented a historic perfect group stage with a 3-0 win over Czechia, marking their first-ever flawless run through the initial phase. Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, at 40 years old, appeared in his sixth World Cup, and 17-year-old Gilberto Mora became the youngest player to start in 24 years for Mexico in their dominant performance. Meanwhile, Scotland's World Cup hopes are hanging by a thread after a convincing 3-0 defeat to Brazil, leaving head coach Steve Clarke to express pessimism about their chances of progressing, stating, "I think we're going home". The Tartan Army now faces an anxious wait to determine their fate in the expanded tournament.

Co-hosts Canada qualified for the knockout stages but will lament missing the opportunity to play in front of their home fans in the later rounds, having lost their final group game 2-1 to Switzerland, which denied them top spot in Group B. Switzerland's victory secured them first place in the group, silencing the home crowd in Vancouver. Bosnia-Herzegovina kept their hopes of a maiden knockout appearance alive with a 3-1 win over Qatar, positioning them as a likely opponent for the United States in the round of 32. Morocco also advanced, finishing as runners-up in Group C after a late surge secured a 4-2 victory against Haiti, with coach Mohamed Ouahbi believing his team possesses the "ingredients" to become World Cup winners. Austria, however, faces a potential strategic dilemma, with reports suggesting they might prefer to lose their final group game to avoid a tougher path in the knockout stages.

The tournament has also seen discussions around team dynamics and player importance. Thomas Tuchel's England side, while perhaps not goal-reliant on Bukayo Saka, desperately needs his presence, according to the coach himself. Jack Wilshere, drawing from his own World Cup experience, believes the current England squad, under Tuchel, is built to compete against top nations. Cristiano Ronaldo continued to underline his legacy, becoming the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments after ending a goal drought with two strikes for Portugal. Lionel Messi celebrated his 39th birthday during a World Cup campaign that has thus far brought him joy.

Club Transfers and Managerial Moves

In club news, Arsenal has confirmed the permanent signing of defender Piero Hincapié from Bayer Leverkusen, activating an option to secure the player. Meanwhile, Craig Bellamy's potential move to become manager of Championship side Burnley has fallen through. Ross McCrorie is set to return to Rangers after Bristol City accepted an undisclosed offer, reuniting him with manager Derek McInnes. Hearts have moved closer to appointing Wouter Vrancken as their new head coach, with the Belgian reportedly being named manager of the year in his home country.

Freya Godfrey has committed her future to London City Lionesses by signing a new three-year contract. Chelsea is reportedly stepping up efforts to sign Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix, and the club is also set to sign Atalanta defender Marco Palestra for over £43m. Tottenham are exploring midfield reinforcements, with interest in West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, who is valued at £80m. Spurs are also reportedly close to signing goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on a free transfer from Burnley. Brighton is in advanced talks to sign Juventus and Switzerland midfielder Lia Walti. AC Milan has rejected an approach from New York City FC for Christian Pulisic, stating the player is not for sale.

Other Football News

The fixture lists for the upcoming Championship, League One, and League Two seasons have been released, with all opening weekend games across the EFL set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The Championship season kicks off with a notable clash between relegated Burnley and West Ham. In League Two, newly-promoted York City will host Bristol Rovers in their first game back in the EFL after a decade.

The controversy surrounding the 48-team World Cup format has been highlighted, with concerns that final group games could become dead rubbers where teams simply play out a draw to qualify. BBC Sport and the Sidemen are set to host a World Cup watchalong event. The issue of brands banned from the World Cup becoming a focal point has also been noted. There was tragic news with the death of French footballer Kenzo Kies at the age of, following drowning in the Rhone river.

Other Sports News

In boxing, Terri Harper is set to return on the UK vs USA bill, which features Mikaela Mayer against Chantelle Cameron on August. Promoter Eddie Hearn is open to staging the Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury fight in America if it proves beneficial. In darts, Luke Littler has spoken about facing hostile crowds, admitting they are "bored" of his success. Luke Humphries and Littler are set to compete at the US Darts Masters in New York.

In cricket, England have reached the semi-finals of the Women's T20 World Cup, defeating the West Indies by 38 runs. However, Scotland's campaign in the same tournament has ended after a six-wicket loss to New Zealand. The third Test between England and New Zealand is tied at 1-1, with Ben Stokes and Mark Wood returning for England for the series decider.

In Formula, McLaren has introduced an "experimental rear wing" for the Austrian Grand Prix as they aim to be competitive at the front of the field. The Austrian Grand Prix itself has been declared a "heat hazard" amid a heatwave.

In tennis, former coach Mark Petchey believes Emma Raducanu can win more Grand Slam titles by prioritizing happiness over ranking points. Players are reportedly set to continue protests regarding prize fund allocations at Wimbledon.

In rugby league, Nathan Cayless has been announced as the new head coach for Hull KR on a three-year deal starting in 2027.

In basketball, AJ Dybantsa was the number one pick in the 2026 NBA draft.

In horse racing, action from Ffos Las, Newbury, and Newton Abbot will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing.

In golf, Charley Hull is aiming for a major breakthrough, stating she "can beat anyone".

In women's football, Felicia Schroeder has joined Real Madrid in what is described as "the most expensive transfer ever in women's football". The NWSL has updated its heat safety policy and hydration break rules. Lazio Women have been ordered to pay compensation to a former player who was unlawfully dismissed due to pregnancy.