Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: June 28, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

World Cup Knockout Picture Takes Shape as Group Stages Conclude

The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has wrapped up, setting the stage for the knockout rounds with several upsets and dramatic finishes. Colombia secured top spot in Group K after a scoreless draw with Portugal, with Roberto Martinez's side finishing second. This result meant a highly anticipated quarterfinal clash between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi is now off the table until at least the final ruining a classic. Argentina, meanwhile, demonstrated their depth by finding success without Messi in one match, although the veteran still made an impact off the bench to extend his goal record.

The United States men's national team has entered the knockout phase, with coach Mauricio Pochettino learning from his second-string players in a loss to Türkiye, who secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over the co-hosts. The USMNT roster is described as rife with leaders, which has been a contributing factor to their success. Elsewhere, Spain's Nico Williams suffered what he called "one of the worst days of his life" due to an injury that jeopardizes his World Cup future. Uruguay was forced to pull their goalkeeper at halftime of their final group game after a significant error gifted Spain the lead.

European powerhouses are also navigating the tournament. France, led by an impressive Ousmane Dembélé hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Norway, appears to be a formidable force. Didier Deschamps is set to rejoin the France squad after attending his mother's funeral. Belgium, after a slow start, has finally kick-started their campaign by topping Group G, with Leandro Trossard scoring twice. England, despite topping their group, faces criticism that they must improve to win the World Cup, with questions remaining about their backline. Gary Neville has suggested that Morgan Rogers should replace Anthony Gordon against Panama, while Thomas Tuchel confirmed Bukayo Saka is fit and Reece James is injured for the final group game.

Other nations are making their mark. Cape Verde's progression to the knockouts highlights how a 48-team World Cup can provide opportunities for smaller nations. Senegal is also closing in on the knockout stages after a thumping victory over Iraq, potentially setting up a meeting with England. Austria survived a scare to progress with Algeria after a thrilling 3-3 draw, a result that also saw Iran eliminated despite dramatic late efforts. Ecuador also stunned Germany with a 2-1 comeback win to reach the knockouts, impacting Scotland's chances.

Transfer Market Buzzes with Activity

The transfer window is heating up as clubs look to bolster their squads. Manchester United is reportedly not giving up on their pursuit of West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes according to Transfer Talk. They are also rumored to have contacted the representatives of Julian Alvarez and are close to agreeing a new loan deal for André Onana with Trabzonspor sources indicate. Arsenal is in a battle with Manchester City and other clubs to sign Paris Saint-Germain defender Emmanuel Mbemba as per Transfer Talk, and are also poised to make an offer for Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes after initial talks reports suggest.

Chelsea is active, with reports of a bid from Como for defender Trevoh Chalobah and Everton being frontrunners for striker Liam Delap according to gossip columns. They are also reportedly interested in signing Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka according to Sky Sports. Manchester City has completed the signing of 19-year-old forward Mathys Detourbet from fellow City Football Group club Troyes as confirmed by the club.

In other transfer news, Alexia Putellas has decided to join London City Lionesses on a free transfer following her departure from Barcelona as reported. Piero Hincapié has officially joined Arsenal on a permanent deal the club confirmed. Ross McCrorie is returning to Rangers from Bristol City after the clubs agreed on an undisclosed offer BBC Sport Football reports.

Club and Player News Across the Footballing World

Beyond the World Cup and transfer market, various clubs and players are making headlines. Real Madrid is looking to offload players to sign a new midfielder, with any further arrivals on hold until a departure occurs sources suggest. AC Milan has named Massimo Calvelli as CEO, aiming to "bring a winning culture" back to the club, one day after rejecting an approach for an attacker ESPN Soccer reports.

In Scotland, Celtic is reportedly not prepared to meet Hibernian's asking price for midfielder Jair Chaiwa according to gossip, while Rangers are considering a goalkeeper swap deal. Ipswich Town Women has signed forward Kit Graham on a two-year contract following a successful loan spell from Tottenham as announced.

There are also developments in coaching and club operations. Arsenal's lead performance coach Sam Wilson is expected to leave the club to join a European team BBC Sport Football reports. Newport County is seeking a fourth manager in just over two years ahead of the upcoming season BBC Sport Football states. Brentford could potentially host Champions League matches next season, despite not qualifying for the competition BBC Sport Football reports.

Other Sporting Headlines

In boxing, Jarod Ennis delivered a dominant performance, securing a seventh-round knockout victory over Xander Zayas to unify the WBA and WBO junior middleweight titles Sky Sports Champions League reported. Ben Whittaker could be on a collision course with Joshua Buatsi as he hones his skills for a world title fight Sky Sports Champions League notes.

Horse racing saw Estrange produce a strong performance to claim her first Group One success in the Tattersalls Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh Sky Sports Champions League reported. At Newcastle, Align The Stars made a late surge to win the Jenningsbet Northumberland Plate Sky Sports Champions League announced.

In tennis, Emma Raducanu cut short a Wimbledon practice session, raising concerns about her fitness, and was later drawn to potentially face world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the third round Sky Sports Champions League reported. Naomi Osaka retired from the Bad Homburg final due to a foot injury, casting doubt on her Wimbledon preparations Sky Sports Champions League reported.

In golf, Ina Yoon matched the Women's PGA Championship scoring record with a nine-under 63 on Thursday, taking a two-stroke lead Sky Sports Champions League reported. Valentine Delon secured invitations to four major championships after winning the Women’s Amateur Championship Sky Sports Champions League detailed.

Rugby league saw Wigan Warriors and St Helens secure victories in the Betfred Super League, placing them third and fourth in the table respectively Sky Sports Champions League reported. St Helens have also denied claims from Wakefield Trinity regarding a rejected offer for Harry Robertson and have reported the matter to the RFL Sky Sports Champions League stated.