Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: June 27, 2026, 8:32 AM ET

World Cup Group Stage Drama and Knockout Contenders Emerge

The World Cup group stages concluded with several nations securing their spots in the knockout rounds, while others saw their campaigns end. Belgium clinched top spot in Group G with a dominant 5-1 victory over New Zealand, powered by a brace from Leandro Trossard. Cape Verde made history by reaching the knockout rounds for the first time, becoming the smallest nation to achieve this feat after a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia. England also qualified for the knockout stage, though their final group game against Panama was overshadowed by injuries to key players Reece James and Declan Rice missing training. Meanwhile, Spain secured top spot in Group H with a narrow 1-0 win over Uruguay, but the victory came at a potential cost with winger Yeremy Pino facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Uruguay, under Marcelo Bielsa, crashed out of the tournament after their defeat to Spain, with a first-half blunder from goalkeeper Fernando Muslera proving costly as they were eliminated.

Iran narrowly missed out on a famous win against Egypt, with a last-gasp goal controversially overturned. Coach Amir Ghalenoei felt his team had suffered unfair treatment and bad luck during the tournament, lamenting VAR calls and difficult conditions. Lionel Messi started Argentina's final group match on the bench, a decision made by manager Lionel Scaloni, as the team looked to secure their passage. Scotland's World Cup hopes continued to fade after a 3-0 defeat to Brazil, with Vinícius Júnior inspiring the South American side to top their group defeating the Tartan Army. Brazil, under Carlo Ancelotti, insisted they were on the right track, while Ecuador conjured a vital World Cup victory against Germany to advance.

France completed a perfect Group I campaign, comfortably beating Norway's reserves 4-1. Ousmane Dembélé was the star, scoring a first-half hat-trick in just 25 minutes, a feat not seen from a French player since 1994 as he completed his treble. Norway's decision to rest Erling Haaland and ten other players against France was deemed a "no-brainer" by coach Stale Solbakken due to fatigue, a decision that led to a heavy defeat. In other group action, Japan booked a clash with Brazil, while Sweden also advanced. Mexico, co-hosts, eliminated Czech Republic with Guillermo Ochoa making World Cup history by appearing in his record sixth tournament.

Transfer Market Buzz and Club Movements

The transfer rumour mill continued to churn, with several Premier League clubs reportedly interested in midfield talent. Arsenal explored moves for Newcastle's Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali, though an informal proposal for Guimarães was rejected by Newcastle. Manchester City reached an agreement to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for a club-record £116 million ($73m), a deal expected to impact the market for other midfielders creating a knock-on effect. Chelsea are reportedly closing in on Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix, while Newcastle are also interested in Borussia Dortmund's Felix Nmecha adding him to their shortlist.

In Scotland, Celtic continue their pursuit of Hibs midfielder while Rangers are considering a goalkeeper swap deal. Bologna have opened talks for Rangers' Glen Raskin, and interest remains in a Scottish goalkeeper moving to a Premier League giant. AC Milan appointed Massimo Calvelli as CEO, aiming to "bring a winning culture" back to the club, and had rejected an approach from New York City FC. Former Arsenal midfielder Victoria Pelova has signed for Tottenham, and Alexia Putellas has joined London City Lionesses on a free transfer.

Other Sporting Headlines

In motorsport, Kimi Antonelli completed a Friday practice double at the Austrian Grand Prix, showing strong form, while George Russell experienced a more challenging session struggling in practice. Naomi Osaka's Wimbledon preparations suffered a setback as she retired from the Bad Homburg final with a foot injury. In golf, Ina Yoon widened her lead at the Women's PGA Championship, shooting a record 63 on the opening day, with Nelly Korda among those in pursuit. Luke Humphries retained the US Darts Masters title after a deciding-leg victory over Luke Littler.

In cricket, Ben Stokes and Ben Duckett played starring roles in England's fightback on day two of the series-deciding Test against New Zealand. Ireland secured a historic first win against India in any format, captain Lorcan Tucker leading the charge. In boxing, Terri Harper is set to return on the Mikaela Mayer vs. Chantelle Cameron bill. The rugby league Super League saw Leeds Rhinos strengthen their position at the summit with a win over Hull KR, while Warrington Wolves edged Catalans Dragons to move level on points.