Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: June 29, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

World Cup Knockout Drama and Upsets

The World Cup knockout stage has begun with immediate drama, as Paraguay stunned Germany on penalties after a tense shootout. Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Jonathan Tah all missed crucial spot-kicks for Germany, leading to their unexpected elimination. Meanwhile, Brazil survived a scare against Japan, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a stoppage-time winner to secure a 2-1 victory and advance. Manager Carlo Ancelotti's side had faced a potential "humiliation" at halftime, trailing and staring at another early exit, but managed to turn the tide. The United States men's national team, buoyed by son Sebastian Berhalter's first World Cup goal, is preparing for a tough round of 32 encounter, with defender Tim Ream urging his team to "expect the unexpected" against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday.

Transfer Market Buzz and Player Movements

The transfer window is heating up, with Robert Lewandowski reportedly close to a Chicago Fire switch. Sources indicate the deal is in its final stages, potentially bringing the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich striker to MLS this summer. In other European news, Ajax are in advanced talks with Barcelona over a loan move for goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen as sources told ESPN. Meanwhile, Liverpool target Yan Diomande appears to prefer a move to PSG, with the French club reportedly in talks with RB Leipzig for the winger as sources confirmed. Real Madrid and Como have reached an agreement for Nico Paz to remain at the Italian club next season after Madrid's deal.

Club and National Team Management Shake-ups

Manchester City has officially appointed Enzo Maresca as their new manager, with claims that Maresca himself will personally pay compensation to Chelsea for his "unexpected" exit. Gary Neville has described Maresca's task of succeeding Pep Guardiola at City as the "ultimate test," stating the club will "only accept winning" from the new manager. Elsewhere, Steve Clarke has stepped down as Scotland head coach, calling it an "easy decision" after failing to qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup. Burnley's search for a new manager continues after Rob Edwards turned down their approach leaving them still looking.

Player News and Injury Concerns

Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte has vowed to "come back stronger" after suffering a serious left knee ligament injury, which he described as leaving him at "rock bottom" during Uruguay's World Cup defeat. Spain winger Nico Williams stated an injury sustained against Uruguay on Friday was "one of the worst days of my life," jeopardizing his World Cup participation as he told ESPN. In other news, former NFL running back Chris Johnson has revealed his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease/Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis as reported by Sky Sports.

Cricket and Other Sports Updates

In cricket, Australia must be cautious of a dangerous West Indies side featuring Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin ahead of their ICC Women's T20 World Cup semi-final according to Ashleigh Gardner. Ireland secured their first-ever win at a Women's T20 World Cup by beating the West Indies by six wickets with 11 balls to spare. In golf, Viktor Hovland defeated Scottie Scheffler in a Monday playoff at the Travelers Championship, capitalizing on a missed short putt by the world No. 1 on the first extra hole.