Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: June 29, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

World Cup Knockout Drama and Upsets

The FIFA World Cup knockout stage has delivered immediate drama, most notably with Paraguay stunning Germany on penalties to advance to the last. Germany, who had expected a tough match, were ultimately undone by missed penalties from Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Jonathan Tah, marking their first-ever World Cup shootout defeat. The match was marred by controversy, with some pundits, including Alan Shearer and Jurgen Klopp, deeming a disallowed VAR call for Germany as "a joke" that potentially cost them the game. Paraguay proved to be more than just an "uncomfortable opponent" as described by German officials, ultimately ending Die Mannschaft's World Cup campaign against expectations.

South American Powerhouses Advance

Brazil narrowly avoided a World Cup scare, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a 96th-minute winner to secure a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Japan in the round of. Manager Carlo Ancelotti, who had refused to engage in "mind games" with Japan ahead of the match as per protocol, saw his team survive a stern test. Meanwhile, Argentina, despite Lionel Messi's impact off the bench, found a way to win without him in their group stage finale, demonstrating their depth. However, they now face a potentially "tough" Cape Verde side in the round of, a challenge coach Lionel Scaloni has warned his players against underestimating despite their own success.

North American Hopes and Surprises

The United States men's national team is entering the knockout stage with a strong sense of leadership within the squad, according to defender Tim Ream, who stressed the need to "expect the unexpected" against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Forward Folarin Balogun noted that the team is finding "another gear" as the knockout rounds commence, sensing a shift in atmosphere. Jesse Marsch, surprisingly, has emerged as a potential hero for Canada, transforming from a coach derided by Leeds fans and snubbed by the USA into a figure leading his adopted nation towards the last 16 against expectations. Canada's own journey in the knockout stage began with a historic win, though the specifics of their round of 32 match against South Africa were not fully detailed.

European Contenders and Transfer Buzz

In European football, striker Robert Lewandowski is reportedly finalizing a lucrative move to MLS side Chicago Fire FC, completing the signing after his departure from Barcelona as confirmed by reports. Meanwhile, Harry Kane's future at Bayern Munich is a subject of intense speculation, with the England captain likely to extend his contract despite reported informal enquiries from Barcelona, which were dismissed sources confirmed. Liverpool target Yan Diomande appears to be favoring a move to Paris Saint-Germain, with the French club in advanced talks with RB Leipzig, while Liverpool consider other options like Bradley Barcola as reported by ESPN.

Managerial Moves and Club News

Manchester City has officially appointed Enzo Maresca as their new manager, succeeding Pep Guardiola. Maresca has reportedly agreed to pay compensation to Chelsea for his "unexpected" exit, drawing criticism from his former club. Pundits like Gary Neville have labeled the role as the "ultimate test" for Maresca, stating that City will expect "nothing less than winning" as per analysis. Elsewhere, Burnley's search for a new manager continues as Rob Edwards turned down their approach, leaving the Clarets still seeking a replacement as per club statements. In other club news, Real Madrid has donated €1 million ($1. to aid earthquake victims in Venezuela, with club president Florentino Pérez matching the donation as per club announcement.

Player Movements and Contract Speculation

Australian international Sam Kerr has completed a move back to the NWSL, signing a four-year deal with Gotham FC after her departure from Chelsea as announced by the club. Former Everton defender Ben Godfrey has joined Rangers on loan from Atalanta with an option to buy, expressing his determination to help the Scottish club succeed as per club statements. Real Madrid and Como have reached an agreement for Nico Paz to remain at the Italian club for another season. Meanwhile, Ajax are in advanced negotiations with Barcelona for the loan signing of goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen sources told ESPN.

Other Football News

The Republic of Ireland's Nations League fixture against Israel has been moved and will now be played in Serbia, a relocation from Dublin. Scotland's World Cup journey has concluded with a "sorry end," as summed up by BBC Sport's chief sportswriter. The future of Scotland's head coach is also uncertain, with Steve Clarke stating it was an "easy decision" to step down after failing to qualify for the knockout stages. Fans are speculating about potential successors, with names like David Moyes and Ange Postecoglou being mentioned as per fan discussions.

Other Sports News

In rugby league, Wigan Warriors and St Helens secured victories over Hull FC and Bradford Bulls, respectively, placing them third and fourth in the Super League table. Jackson Hastings avoided RFL sanction after an incident involving an injured Bradford player during St Helens' win. Elsewhere, former NFL running back Chris Johnson has revealed a diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease/Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. In golf, Viktor Hovland defeated Scottie Scheffler in a playoff at the Travelers Championship, with Scheffler missing a crucial putt on the first extra hole.