Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: June 27, 2026, 11:32 AM ET

World Cup Group Stage Concludes, Knockout Picture Forms

The World Cup group stages drew to a dramatic close, with several nations securing their passage to the knockout rounds while others saw their campaigns end. England confirmed their spot in the next phase before even playing their final Group L fixture against Panama World Cup knockout stage. Despite facing a Panama side that BBC Sport analyzes as having key players capable of causing an upset Panama players England need, England's manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed Bukayo Saka is fit and ready to start, though Reece James remains sidelined with injury Tuchel defends full-back selection. Gary Neville suggested Morgan Rogers could replace Anthony Gordon in the starting eleven for the Panama match, advocating for a cautious approach after a frustrating draw Neville: Rogers should replace.

Belgium secured top spot in Group G with a commanding 5-1 victory over New Zealand, a performance that helped them shake off a slow start to the tournament Belgium thrash New Zealand. Leandro Trossard netted a brace in that convincing win. Meanwhile, Iran's World Cup future hangs in the balance after a dramatic draw Iran face wait over. Coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed frustration with both the conditions and perceived bad luck his team has faced Iran coach on VAR, and also claimed his nation has been treated unfairly by the United States We have been treated.

In Group H, Spain secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Uruguay, but the win came at a cost as winger Yeremy Pino sustained a suspected broken collarbone and may miss the remainder of the tournament Spain win group. Uruguay's defeat, compounded by a significant goalkeeping error from Fernando Muslera at halftime HT after howler vs., sealed their exit from the competition Bielsa's Uruguay out following. Spain's performance, described as "listless," has raised concerns about their ability to progress further Spain's listless performance won't.

Cape Verde continued their fairytale run by reaching the knockout rounds of the World Cup, becoming the smallest nation to achieve this feat in their first appearance Cape Verde stun World, Historic Cape Verde reach. They will face Argentina in the round of. Argentina, meanwhile, will be without Lionel Messi for their final group match against Jordan, as coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed the superstar would start on the bench start final Argentina group. Mexico also completed a perfect group stage, with goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa appearing in a record sixth World Cup during their 3-0 victory over Czech Republic Ochoa cameo seals perfect.

France completed their Group I campaign with a flawless record, thumping Norway’s reserves 4-1. Ousmane Dembélé was the standout performer, netting a first-half hat-trick within a 25-minute span, a feat not seen from a French player since 1994 Dembélé's first-half hat trick, Ballon d'Dembélé! Hat-trick vs.. Norway's decision to rest key players, including Erling Haaland, against France was deemed a "no-brainer" by coach Stale Solbakken due to fatigue concerns Norway coach: No Haaland, Mbappe starts, plus Senegal. Didier Deschamps is set to rejoin the French squad following his mother's funeral rejoin France after mom's.

Club Football & Transfer Buzz

In domestic news, Celtic are reportedly not prepared to meet Hibernian's asking price for midfielder Dylan Chaiwa meet Hibs asking price. Martin O'Neill has issued a "wake-up call" warning to the Scottish champions, questioning if they have learned from last season's struggles Celtic reacting quickly enough. Hearts are reportedly moving closer to appointing Wouter Vrancken as their new head coach Vrancken as new boss.

Transfer speculation continues to swirl. Arsenal have reportedly explored potential moves for Newcastle United's Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali Newcastle's Guimaraes & Tonali, though an initial £55 million ($73m) bid for Guimarães has already been rejected by Newcastle Sources: Newcastle reject Arsenal. Manchester City have agreed a deal with Nottingham Forest to sign Elliot Anderson Man City agree deal. Chelsea are also reportedly closing in on Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix Lacroix - Saturday's gossip.

In a significant move for the women's game, two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas has decided to join London City Lionesses after departing Barcelona Double Ballon d'Or winner. Freya Godfrey has also signed a new three-year contract with the club Godfrey signs new three-year.

The EFL Trophy draw has been made, with holders Luton Town set to face Peterborough Holders Luton drawn. The full fixture list for League One has also been released League One fixtures: Your, and the Championship season will kick off with West Ham visiting Burnley, with every EFL game to be broadcast live on Sky Sports+ West Ham visit Burnley.

Other Football News

Former West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand has taken his first coaching role at National League side Hornchurch Ferdinand takes first coaching. French footballer Kenzo Kies has tragically died at the age of 21 after drowning French footballer Kies dies.

US Soccer and manager Mauricio Pochettino have held positive talks regarding a potential contract extension positive talks over USMNT. Pochettino, however, stated he would not risk players on yellow cards in the match against Turkey Pochettino won't 'risk' USMNT. The US national team's tournament ended with a dramatic loss to Turkey, who scored in the 98th minute Group-winners USA beaten.

Striker Paul Mullin has departed Wrexham by mutual consent, ending a five-year spell at the club Wrexham icon Mullin leaves.

Other Sports

In Formula, Kimi Antonelli completed a practice double at the Austrian Grand Prix, topping both sessions while George Russell struggled in the second Antonelli completes Austria Friday. McLaren has expressed optimism about their upgrades for the Austrian Grand Prix, confirming an "experimental rear wing" on the MCL40 'McLarena'? Front-runners confirm upgrades.

Naomi Osaka's Wimbledon preparations have been disrupted by a foot injury, forcing her to retire from the Bad Homburg final Osaka retires from Bad. Emma Raducanu faces a potentially tough Wimbledon draw, with a third-round match against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka a possibility Raducanu first up. Jack Draper's run at the Eastbourne Open ended in the semi-finals Draper’s Eastbourne run ends.

In boxing, promoter Eddie Hearn is confident that Anthony Joshua will defeat Tyson Fury Hearn: AJ will topple. Ben Whittaker could be on a collision course with Joshua Buatsi after his US debut Buatsi fight after US. Oleksandr Usyk has vacated his world heavyweight titles but has not retired Usyk vacates world titles.

In golf, Ina Yoon extended her lead at the Women's PGA Championship to five strokes Yoon widens Women's PGA. Scottie Scheffler narrowly missed out on another sub-60 round at the Travelers Championship Scheffler misses out.

Luke Humphries retained his US Darts Masters title with a victory over Luke Littler in a deciding leg Humphries claims back-to-back US.

In cricket, Ireland secured their first-ever victory against India in any format, winning by 34 runs Ireland seal historic first. Ben Duckett and Ben Stokes were instrumental in England's fightback on day two of the