Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: June 26, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

World Cup Group Stage Drama and Knockout Scenarios

France concluded their Group I campaign with a resounding 4-1 victory over Norway, with Ousmane Dembélé netting a first-half hat-trick, a feat not achieved by a French player since 1994 Ballon d'Dembélé!. Norway's coach, Stale Solbakken, defended his decision to rest ten first-team players, including star striker Erling Haaland, citing fatigue as a "no-brainer" reason for the team's approach Norway coach: No Haaland vs. France a 'no-brainer'. Despite the heavy defeat, Solbakken's decision to prioritize player well-being over a competitive fixture against a top opponent has drawn scrutiny Rest your best or go strong?. Didier Deschamps, the French coach, is set to rejoin the squad after attending his mother's funeral Deschamps to rejoin France after mom's funeral.

Mexico cemented their place in the knockout stages with a perfect group stage record, defeating Czechia 3-0 Aguirre cautions as Mexico cement historic WC run. Head coach Javier Aguirre's pragmatic approach has been lauded, though it has also drawn some criticism Aguirre's pragmatic Mexico has its doubters. The USMNT will face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32 after a late defeat to Türkiye in their group finale USMNT to face Bosnia in World Cup round of 32. Christian Pulisic was an unused substitute in that final group game, a match that highlighted the team's inconsistency despite moments of brilliance Pulisic starts on bench for U.S..

Scotland faces an anxious wait to learn their World Cup fate after a humbling 3-0 loss to Brazil, which saw Vinícius Júnior inspire the South American giants to top Group C Scotland face anxious wait after punishing loss to Brazil. Steve Clarke admitted that Scotland are likely heading home following the decisive defeat Clarke downbeat on Scotland's knockout round hopes. Meanwhile, Brazil's dominant performance secured them first place in the group Vini Jr. leads Brazil rout of Scotland to top grou.

African and South American Nations Advance

Ivory Coast secured second place in Group E with a 2-0 victory over Curacao, thanks to a brace from Nicolas Pepe, propelling them into the knockout stages Pepe double vs Curacao sends Ivory Coast through. The team's coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, believes Ivory Coast has the "ingredients" to become World Cup champions Morocco see 'ingredients' to become WC winners. In Group G, Iran faces Egypt in a crucial match, with Ivory Coast's coach commenting on potentially "racist" remarks made about his team's playing style Rainbow flags await Egypt and Iran at awkward World Cup Pride Match.

Ecuador declared a public holiday following their dramatic come-from-behind victory against Germany Ecuador declares win over Germany public holiday. This win has put Uruguay under pressure, with questions surrounding Marcelo Bielsa's management as they potentially face elimination Where has it gone wrong for Bielsa's struggling Uruguay?. Senegal boosted their chances of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams, thrashing 10-man Iraq Senegal thrash Iraq to close on WC knockout stages.

European and Other Tournament Updates

Netherlands claimed the top spot in Group F with a convincing 3-1 win over Tunisia Netherlands claim Group F top spot with win over Tunisia. Australia advanced to the last-32 after a goalless draw with Paraguay, a result that also suited their opponents Australia progress with bore draw which looks set to also suit Paraguay. Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo has received a five-match ban for a challenge that resulted in a broken leg for Canada's Ismael Kone Madibo given five-game ban for causing Kone leg break.

In other football news, Chelsea is reportedly close to signing Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix as part of a defensive rebuild Chelsea eye Lacroix as part of defensive rebuild. Arsenal has had a £55 million ($73m) offer for Newcastle United's Bruno Guimarães rejected Sources: Newcastle reject Arsenal Guimarães bid, though they are reportedly exploring moves for both Guimarães and Sandro Tonali Arsenal explore moves for Newcastle's Guimaraes & Tonali. Manchester City has agreed a club-record deal worth up to £130m for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson Man City agree record fee with Forest for Anderson.

Player and Club News

Striker Paul Mullin has departed Wrexham by mutual consent after a five-year spell with the club Wrexham icon Mullin leaves club by mutual consent. AC Milan has appointed Massimo Calvelli as CEO, aiming to "bring a winning culture" back to the club Milan name CEO amid Pulisic transfer approach. Former West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand has taken his first coaching role at National League side Hornchurch Ferdinand takes first coaching role at Hornchurch.

Tennis and Golf Updates

Tennis legend Chris Evert has undergone surgery for the return of her ovarian cancer and will miss Wimbledon Tennis great Evert undergoes surgery as cancer returns. Emma Raducanu is a doubt for Wimbledon after missing a practice session Raducanu emerges as doubt for Wimbledon. Jack Draper advanced to the Eastbourne Open quarter-finals Draper advances to Eastbourne Open quarter-finals, but faced a difficult draw at Wimbledon Tough Wimbledon draws for Raducanu and Draper. Scottie Scheffler narrowly missed out on another sub-60 round at the Travelers Championship Scheffler misses out on another sub-60 round.

Other Sports News

In boxing, promoter Eddie Hearn expressed confidence that Anthony Joshua will defeat Tyson Fury Hearn: AJ will topple Fury - 'I've never been more confident!', and Hearn is open to changing the venue for the fight if it proves beneficial Hearn open to Fury vs Joshua America venue switch. Oleksandr Usyk has vacated his world heavyweight titles but has not retired Usyk vacates world titles.

In Formula, championship leader Kimi Antonelli led practice sessions in Austria Antonelli completes Austria Friday double. Red Bull admitted uncertainty over Max Verstappen's future with the team Mekies admits uncertainty over Red Bull keeping Verstappen. McLaren is appealing the Monaco Grand Prix result due to concerns over a "tricky precedent" Piastri explains why McLaren are appealing Monaco GP result.

In darts, Luke Littler advanced to the US Darts Masters quarter-finals, while Josh Rock was eliminated Littler safely through at US Darts Masters as Rock crashes out.