Football/Soccer 3 Days

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

World Cup Knockout Stage Drama

The FIFA World Cup knockout stage kicked off with significant upsets and dramatic finishes. Morocco stunned the Netherlands in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw, earning a spot in the round of 16 and setting up a clash with Canada. This result exposed Ronald Koeman's tactical gamble, which ultimately backfired. Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo managed to score for the Netherlands just days after the tragic loss of his unborn son, but it wasn't enough to prevent their elimination. Meanwhile, Germany's World Cup campaign ended abruptly with a penalty shootout loss to Paraguay. Despite an expectedly "uncomfortable" match, Germany succumbed to an underdog Paraguay side after VAR drama disallowed a potential winning goal. Julian Nagelsmann, the German coach, stated that Germany is no longer a "first-class team", though he expressed a desire to continue in his role.

Brazil narrowly avoided an early exit, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a dramatic 96th-minute winner to secure a 2-1 comeback victory over Japan. This win denied Japan a first-ever knockout stage appearance, while Brazil's coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed optimism about the team's trajectory. The United States men's national team defender Tim Ream stressed the need to "expect the unexpected" as they prepared to face Bosnia-Herzegovina, with the team's potential deep run in the tournament being analyzed by experts. Canada became the first team to secure a place in the last 16, with Alphonso Davies available to play after a "decoy" role in the group stage. Yoane Wissa's brace powered DR Congo to a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, setting up a round-of-32 tie against England.

Player Movements and Club Business

Robert Lewandowski is reportedly close to a high-profile move to MLS club Chicago Fire FC, 92 after his departure from Barcelona. In other transfer news, Barcelona has shown interest in England captain Harry Kane, though their informal approach was dismissed as the striker remains focused on the World Cup. Kane is, however, likely to sign a new contract with Bayern Munich. Ajax is in advanced talks with Barcelona for a loan move for goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen. Real Madrid and Como have reached an agreement for Nico Paz to remain at the Italian club for another season. Sam Kerr has completed a move back to Gotham FC in the NWSL on a four-year deal following her departure from Chelsea. Manchester City has officially appointed Enzo Maresca as their new manager, with reports suggesting he will personally pay compensation to Chelsea for his "unexpected" exit. Maresca's task of succeeding Pep Guardiola at City has been labeled the "ultimate test," with the club expecting nothing less than winning performances. Bournemouth has rejected an enquiry from Arsenal for midfielder Alex Scott, stating he is not for sale. Everton is reportedly close to agreeing a deal to sign Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney. Rangers are nearing a deal for former Everton defender Ben Godfrey, who is joining on loan from Atalanta with an option to buy, 136.

International Cricket and Other Sports

Ben Stokes concluded his international career with a 160-run defeat to New Zealand in the third Test at Trent Bridge, an anticlimactic end to his tenure as captain. Brendon McCullum, England's head coach, stated that the team's commitment has "never wavered" despite the series loss. Australia eliminated India from the Women's T20 World Cup with a six-wicket victory. In golf, Viktor Hovland defeated Scottie Scheffler in a playoff at the Travelers Championship, while Haeran Ryu secured her first major title at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship.

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. Former NFL running back Chris Johnson revealed his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease/Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Tennis saw Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner survive first-round scares at Wimbledon, while British player Jack Draper was forced to withdraw due to a recurring arm injury. Formula 1 speculation continues around Max Verstappen's potential move to McLaren, with Jenson Button suggesting Lewis Hamilton has strong chances at the upcoming British Grand Prix.