Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: June 28, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

World Cup Knockout Stages Take Center Stage

The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage concluded, ushering in the knockout rounds with several nations solidifying their paths. England, having topped Group L, will face DR Congo in the last 32 BBC Sport Football, a match to be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. DR Congo earned their spot after a comeback 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, with Yoane Wissa scoring twice Sky Sports Champions League. Meanwhile, the USMNT, despite a late 3-2 defeat to Türkiye, will take on Bosnia-Herzegovina in Santa Clara ESPN Soccer. Coach Mauricio Pochettino has instilled a belief in the squad, with positive talks underway regarding a contract extension BBC Sport Football.

European Giants Navigate Group Stage Dynamics

Portugal's draw with Colombia resulted in a 0-0 stalemate, with Colombia topping Group K and Portugal securing second place ESPN Soccer. This outcome means a highly anticipated quarterfinal clash between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi is off the table until at least the final ESPN Soccer. Ronaldo played every minute of Portugal's group stage campaign ESPN Soccer. In other action, France showcased their attacking depth as Ousmane Dembélé netted a hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Norway ESPN Soccer. Belgium finally found their rhythm, with Leandro Trossard scoring twice to secure top spot in Group G ESPN Soccer.

South American Powerhouses and Upsets

Argentina's Lionel Messi continued to make history, coming off the bench to become the first man to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches during a 3-1 victory over Jordan Sky Sports Champions League. Coach Lionel Scaloni opted to start Messi on the bench for this fixture ESPN Soccer. Ecuador secured a crucial victory against a favored Germany, prompting President Daniel Noboa to declare a public holiday ESPN Soccer. Ivory Coast advanced to the next round thanks to a brace from Nicolas Pepe in a 2-0 win over Curacao Sky Sports Champions League. However, Uruguay's World Cup campaign ended after a 1-0 defeat to Spain, marred by another error-prone performance and a significant injury to Manuel Ugarte BBC Sport Football.

Asian Nations Advance and European Aspirations

Japan secured a spot in the knockout stages with a 1-1 draw against Sweden, with both teams progressing from Group F ESPN Soccer. Iran's World Cup future remains uncertain, having narrowly missed out on second place in Group G after a dramatic draw with Egypt, though a chance for progression still exists Sky Sports Champions League. Spain, despite a listless performance in one outing, have a deep squad beyond starlet Lamine Yamal BBC Sport Football. Winger Nico Williams expressed his readiness to start alongside Yamal in their crucial match against Uruguay ESPN Soccer.

Other Tournament Notes and Player Milestones

Cape Verde's progress to the knockout stages was highlighted as a success for smaller nations in the expanded 48-team World Cup ESPN Soccer. Harry Kane etched his name in the record books, becoming England's all-time leading World Cup scorer with his 12th goal BBC Sport Football. Scotland's World Cup journey concluded at the group stage for the fourth time, leaving coach Steve Clarke's tenure under scrutiny BBC Sport FootballBBC Sport Football. Cody Gakpo will remain with the Netherlands squad following the loss of his unborn son Sky Sports Champions League. Spain's Nico Williams may miss the rest of the tournament due to a suspected broken collarbone BBC Sport Football.

Club Football Transfer Rumors and Deals

In club news, Arsenal remains in pursuit of Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães, though a £55 million bid has reportedly been rejected ESPN SoccerESPN Soccer. Chelsea is reportedly interested in signing Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix and Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka BBC Sport Football. Manchester City has completed the signing of 19-year-old forward Mathys Detourbet from fellow City Football Group club Troyes ESPN Soccer. Real Madrid is reportedly looking to offload midfielders to make space for new signings ESPN Soccer.

Other Sporting News

In other sports, Luke Humphries retained his US Darts Masters title after a close final against Luke Littler Sky Sports Champions League. Lewis Hamilton is optimistic about Ferrari's chances at the Austrian Grand Prix, though he acknowledges the challenge posed by Mercedes Sky Sports Champions League. Naomi Osaka's Wimbledon preparations were hampered by a foot injury, forcing her retirement from the Bad Homburg final Sky Sports Champions League. The ICC Women's T20 World Cup saw Ireland secure a historic first win against India Sky Sports Champions League. In horse racing, Estrange claimed its first Group One victory in the Tattersalls Pretty Polly Stakes Sky Sports Champions League.