Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: June 26, 2026, 2:31 PM ET

World Cup Knockout Stage Picture Takes Shape Amidst Upsets and Star Power

The World Cup knockout stage is beginning to take shape, with several major nations securing their passage while others face anxious waits. Brazil secured top spot in Group C after Vinícius Júnior inspired a 3-0 victory over Scotland, leaving the Tartan Army's hopes of advancing hanging by a thread. Coach Steve Clarke expressed pessimism following the loss, stating, "I think we're going home" Clarke downbeat on Scotland's knockout round hopes. Meanwhile, Ecuador shocked Germany with a 2-1 comeback win, propelled by Gonzalo Plata's 77th-minute goal, to seal their spot in the knockout stage. Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa declared Friday a public holiday in the country following the dramatic victory Ecuador declares win over Germany public holiday. In another significant result, Japan booked a World Cup clash with Brazil after a 1-1 draw with Sweden, a result that also saw Sweden advance. Anthony Elanga's equalizer was pivotal in securing Sweden's progression Elanga earns Sweden spot in World Cup knockouts. The Netherlands also claimed top spot in Group F with a 3-1 win over Tunisia Netherlands claim Group F top spot.

The United States, co-hosts of the tournament, suffered a late 3-2 defeat to Türkiye in their final group game, which means they will face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32 USMNT to face Bosnia in World Cup round of 32. Despite the loss, coach Mauricio Pochettino will have gained insights from his second-string players USMNT must heed World Cup lessons learned. Christian Pulisic remained on the bench for the Americans' group-stage finale against Türkiye Pulisic starts on bench for U.S.. Canada, also co-hosts, qualified for the knockout stages but lost home advantage after a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland, who secured top spot in Group B Switzerland fight off late Canada barrage. Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo received a five-game ban for a challenge that resulted in a broken leg for Canada's Ismael Kone Madibo given five-game ban.

Player Watch and Transfer Buzz

The World Cup continues to be a stage for individual brilliance and emerging talent. Erling Haaland was notably placed on the substitutes' bench for Norway's clash against France, with coach Stale Solbakken opting to rest multiple players. Kylian Mbappe, however, was set to start for France in the highly anticipated fixture Haaland on Norway bench but Mbappe starts. The rivalry between Haaland and Mbappe has been framed as a potential new Messi-Ronaldo dynamic Mbappe vs Haaland - new Messi-Ronaldo rivalry. Folarin Balogun has also impressed, scoring two goals in two games and attracting interest from top European clubs.

In the transfer market, Arsenal explored potential moves for Newcastle pair Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali. Arsenal had a £55 million ($73m) offer for Guimaraes rejected by Newcastle United Sources: Newcastle reject Arsenal Guimarães bid. Manchester City, meanwhile, have reportedly agreed to a club-record £130 million deal for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson Man City agree record fee with Forest for Anderson, a move expected to impact the broader midfielder market The knock-on effect Anderson deal could have. AC Milan has named Massimo Calvelli as CEO as they aim to "bring a winning culture" back to the club, a day after rejecting an approach from New York City FC for Christian Pulisic Milan name CEO amid Pulisic transfer approach. Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas has reached an agreement with London City Lionesses after a 14-year spell at Barcelona Sources: Putellas reaches deal with Lionesses.

Continental Competitions and Domestic Matters

Beyond the World Cup, continental competitions and domestic leagues are also generating headlines. Brentford could host Champions League matches next season, despite not qualifying for the competition, as they are in talks to hold Shakhtar's Champions League matches. Jaidon Anthony might move from Burnley to Brentford as talks are underway for the forward Brentford in talks to sign Burnley's Anthony. In Scotland, newly appointed Rangers manager Derek McInnes stated he "belongs" at the club and aims to win the Scottish Premiership quickly. Scottish Women's Premier League champions Hearts will begin their title defense at home against Aberdeen on August 16 SWPL: Champions Hearts face Aberdeen.

In rugby league, St Helens have denied claims they rejected an offer for centre Harry Robertson and have reported the matter to the RFL's Compliance Department St Helens report Wakefield to RFL.

Other Sports News

The world of tennis faces a significant personal challenge as tennis legend Chris Evert undergoes surgery following the return of her ovarian cancer, ruling her out of Wimbledon. At Wimbledon itself, Emma Raducanu is a doubt for the tournament after missing a practice session. In boxing, promoter Eddie Hearn expressed strong confidence that Anthony Joshua will defeat Tyson Fury Hearn: AJ will topple Fury, and is open to staging the fight in America if beneficial Hearn open to Fury vs Joshua America venue switch. In Formula, world championship leader Kimi Antonelli secured a Friday practice double at the Austrian Grand Prix Antonelli completes Austria Friday double. There remains uncertainty over whether Max Verstappen will stay with the Red Bull team next season, according to boss Laurent Mekies Mekies admits uncertainty over Red Bull keeping Verstappen. In golf, Ina Yoon matched the Women's PGA Championship record with a nine-under 63 on Thursday Yoon opens Women's PGA Championship with record 63.