Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: June 27, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

World Cup Knockout Picture Takes Shape

The World Cup knockout stage is beginning to crystallize as several nations secured their passage. Belgium, led by Leandro Trossard's brace, thrashed New Zealand 5-1 to top Group G. The Red Devils’ slow start to the tournament appears to be behind them, with Trossard's goals now driving their attack. Iran, meanwhile, remain in contention for a knockout spot after a dramatic draw with Egypt, narrowly missing out on second place in Group G but still holding hope for progression after a dramatic 1-1 finish. Cape Verde continued their remarkable journey, becoming the smallest nation to reach the World Cup knockouts by finishing second in Group H after a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia that also saw Saudi Arabia eliminated. Their fairy tale run has captured global attention, proving that size is no barrier to success on the world stage.

Spain also booked their place in the knockout rounds, topping Group H with a 1-0 victory over Uruguay. However, their win came at a cost, as winger Yeremy Pino may miss the rest of the tournament with a suspected broken collarbone raising concerns for their attacking depth. Coach Luis de la Fuente acknowledged the team's performance against Uruguay was not at their best, and that Spain will need significant improvement to contend for the title. Uruguay's exit was confirmed by their defeat, marking a disappointing campaign for Marcelo Bielsa's side who struggled to find consistent form. Goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was even substituted at halftime following a costly error that gifted Spain the lead in a match that highlighted Uruguay's defensive frailties. England also confirmed their place in the knockout stages before their final group game, though their creative struggles against Ghana highlighted persistent attacking conundrum.

Big Teams Advance, Stars Rested

France completed a perfect Group I campaign with a comfortable 4-1 victory over Norway, despite the latter resting key players like Erling Haaland. Ousmane Dembélé was the standout performer, scoring a first-half hat-trick, a feat not seen from a French player since 1994. Norway's decision to rest ten players, including Haaland, against France was deemed a "no-brainer" by coach Stale Solbakken due to player fatigue raising questions about squad management. Meanwhile, Argentina's Lionel Messi will start their final group match against Jordan on the bench, as confirmed by manager Lionel Scaloni allowing the star forward to rest. Brazil, under Carlo Ancelotti, are showing optimism for their World Cup prospects, with Neymar making his first appearance off the bench.

Transfer Market Buzz Continues

The transfer rumour mill remains active, with Manchester City reportedly agreeing a British record fee of up to £130m for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson. This significant deal is expected to impact the market for other midfielders. Arsenal are reportedly preparing a second approach for Newcastle United's Bruno Guimarães, with exploratory talks held for both Guimarães and Sandro Tonali. However, Newcastle have rejected a £55 million offer for Guimarães. Elsewhere, Chelsea are reportedly stepping up efforts to sign Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix, and Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana is close to securing a loan move to Trabzonspor continuing a trend of loan spells. AC Milan has rejected an approach from New York City FC for Christian Pulisic, indicating the American attacker is not for sale.

Other Sporting Headlines

In golf, Ina Yoon extended her lead at the Women's PGA Championship to five strokes after a strong third round. Luke Humphries defended his US Darts Masters title with a thrilling victory over Luke Littler. Sri Lanka kept their Women's T20 World Cup semi-final hopes alive with a dramatic win over Scotland in a close contest. Ben Whittaker could be on a collision course with Joshua Buatsi following Whittaker's US debut. In Formula, Kimi Antonelli led a Mercedes one-two in Austrian Grand Prix practice, while Lewis Hamilton expressed confidence in challenging for the 2026 title urging his Ferrari team to push. Tennis legend Chris Evert has undergone surgery for returning ovarian cancer and will miss Wimbledon, while Emma Raducanu is a doubt for the tournament after missing a practice session. Jack Draper's run at the Eastbourne Open ended in the semi-finals losing to Ugo Humbert.

Domestic Football News

In Scottish football, SWPL champions Hearts will begin their title defence at home against Aberdeen. Celtic have reunited Shaun Maloney with his backroom team as they continue to work under manager Martin O'Neill for the upcoming season. Ipswich Town Women have signed forward Kit Graham on a two-year contract following a successful loan spell, and London City Lionesses announced Poppy Pattinson has extended her contract until summer 2029 securing the England defender. Former West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand has joined National League side Hornchurch as part of their coaching staff marking his first coaching role.

US Soccer and Other News

The USMNT will face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the World Cup round of 32 setting up a knockout clash. Mauricio Pochettino and U.S. Soccer have reportedly had positive discussions regarding a potential contract extension for the USMNT coach signaling continued collaboration. In the NWSL, Gotham FC defeated the Kansas City Current 2-0 in a Challenge Cup match securing a victory on Friday night. World Cup fans in the US have expressed frustration with the tipping culture, describing it as "confusing and expensive" leading to tipping fatigue. The Charlotte Hornets have reportedly traded LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Naz Reid and draft picks.