Football/Soccer 3 Days

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

World Cup Knockout Stage Underway as Favorites Advance and Upsets Loom

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has entered its decisive knockout phase, with several traditional powerhouses navigating their Round of 32 ties, though not without challenges. France, led by Ousmane Dembélé's sensational first-half hat-trick, secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Norway, with Dembélé's three goals being the first of their kind for a French player since 1994. Manager Didier Deschamps rejoined the squad after attending his mother's funeral. Meanwhile, Argentina, despite Lionel Messi starting on the bench, found a way to win, with Messi later making an impact to extend his goal record. Coach Lionel Scaloni has cautioned his team against underestimating their Round of 32 opponent, Cape Verde, a nation that has been lauded for its progress in the expanded 48-team tournament.

The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) is entering the knockout rounds with a strong sense of momentum, with forward Folarin Balogun noting the team is finding "another gear". The squad is noted for its abundance of leaders, contributing to their success. Coach Mauricio Pochettino, however, faced questions after a loss to Türkiye, expressing frustration with media inquiries despite winning the group. The USMNT's performance, particularly in the group stage, has put sportsbooks on edge. The team's journey has also been shaped by its academy system, which has helped mold players like Yan Diomande, a highly sought-after prospect. Diomande has reportedly chosen Paris Saint-Germain over Liverpool, though PSG is still in talks with RB Leipzig for the player.

England has also progressed, topping their group, but questions remain about their true potential. Manager Thomas Tuchel defended his team selections despite an injury to Reece James, while Bukayo Saka was deemed fit to start. England faces DR Congo in the last, a team that secured their spot after a comeback win against Uzbekistan. Predictions for England's path to the final suggest significant improvement will be needed. Harry Kane has become England's all-time leading World Cup scorer with his 12th goal.

Player Movements and Transfer Speculation

The transfer window continues to buzz with activity, with several high-profile players linked with moves. Yan Diomande is reportedly nearing a move to Paris Saint-Germain, a deal that would see him bypass Liverpool. PSG is actively in talks with RB Leipzig for the talented youngster. In other Premier League news, Manchester United is reportedly still pursuing West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, while Arsenal is in a battle with Manchester City for PSG defender Emmanuel Mbemba. Chelsea has received a bid from Como for Trevoh Chalobah, and Everton is a frontrunner for striker Liam Delap.

European Club Landscape and Player Performances

While the World Cup dominates headlines, European club football is also seeing significant developments. Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and PSG players have impressed during the group stages, but the overall performance ranking of clubs based on player contributions is being closely watched. Arsenal is reportedly preparing an offer for Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes after initial discussions. Meanwhile, Brentford is in talks to host Champions League matches next season, despite not qualifying for the competition.

Other Sports News

Beyond football, several other sporting events are capturing attention. In cricket, Australia eliminated India from the Women's T20 World Cup, while Ireland secured a surprising win against the West Indies in the same tournament. England's women's team remains unbeaten after a win against New Zealand. In golf, Kimi Antonelli dominated practice at the Austrian Grand Prix, and Eugenio Chacarra secured his second consecutive DP World Tour title in Italy. In tennis, Naomi Osaka retired from a final due to a foot injury, raising concerns for Wimbledon.