Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: June 30, 2026, 5:32 AM ET

World Cup Knockout Stages Heat Up as Upsets and Surprises Continue

The FIFA World Cup has entered its knockout phase with several teams navigating dramatic penalty shootouts and unexpected challenges. Morocco stunned the Netherlands in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw, advancing to the Round of 16 where they will face Canada. Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo scored for the Netherlands just days after the loss of his unborn son, but it wasn't enough to secure passage for his team. Meanwhile, Germany suffered a shock last-32 exit to underdogs Paraguay, losing a World Cup penalty shootout for the first time. VAR drama played a role in Germany's elimination, with a disallowed goal sparking controversy before the shootout. Coach Julian Nagelsmann stated Germany are no longer a "first-class team" after the defeat, though he expressed a desire to remain as head coach.

The United States men's national team is preparing to face Bosnia-Herzegovina, with defender Tim Ream emphasizing the need to "expect the unexpected" in their upcoming match. USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino also learned from his second-string players in a recent loss, highlighting lessons learned. The US security chief even admitted to performing a "happy dance" upon Iran's elimination from the tournament earlier in the week. Brazil narrowly avoided an early exit, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a stoppage-time winner to secure a 2-1 victory against Japan in the Round of. Japan, despite a strong performance, was denied a first-ever knockout stage victory. The USMNT's progress through the tournament has also put sportsbooks on edge as they enter the knockouts.

England, as widely anticipated, reached the knockout phase and are set to face DR Congo. Former captain Wayne Rooney suggested starting Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo over Elliot Anderson for the last-32 tie against DR Congo. England's full-back position has been a point of concern for Gary Neville, who believes the team has "disrespected the full-back role" at major tournaments. Despite these concerns, Declan Rice is expected to be available to start for England against DR Congo. The match will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with all 16 first knockout round ties covered across BBC Sport.

Other teams are grappling with the aftermath of their World Cup exits. Son Heung-min apologized for South Korea's early departure, expressing he will "run to death" for the nation's fans after their exit. Coach Hong Myung-Bo resigned following criticism from the country's president after the team's quick elimination. Uruguay defender Sebastián Cáceres dismissed reports about Marcelo Bielsa's methods, stating the narrative was "twisted" following their group stage elimination. Meanwhile, Malik Tillman has flourished in an unfamiliar midfield role for the United States, outperforming expectations after a difficult club season with Bayer Leverkusen.

Transfer Market Buzzes with Activity and Rumors

The transfer window continues to be a hive of activity, with major clubs reportedly pursuing key targets. Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise has requested a meeting to discuss his future amid significant interest from top European clubs as part of transfer talks. Tottenham has completed the signing of Norwegian international goalkeeper Selma Panengstuen from SK Brann, with the player calling it a "dream" move to the Women's Super League following the transfer.

In other transfer news, Rangers are reportedly close to signing Hull City goalkeeper Ivor Pandor, with Jack Butland expected to move in the opposite direction in a proposed deal. Former Everton defender Ben Godfrey has joined Rangers on loan from Atalanta, with an option to make the move permanent next summer as part of the agreement. Ajax is also in advanced talks with Barcelona for the loan signing of goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen according to sources.

Striker Robert Lewandowski is set for a high-profile move to MLS, with Chicago Fire FC reportedly completing his signing after his departure from Barcelona in a major deal. Liverpool target Yan Diomande has expressed a preference to join Paris Saint-Germain over a move to Anfield, with the French club aiming to agree a deal with RB Leipzig for the winger. Barcelona has also been linked with a move for England captain Harry Kane, although their informal inquiry was dismissed as the striker remains focused on the World Cup sources indicate. Kane, however, is reportedly leaning towards extending his contract with Bayern Munich despite interest from Barcelona as per reports.

Club Management and Player Movements

Enzo Maresca has been formally announced as the new manager of Manchester City. The Italian has agreed to pay compensation to his former club Chelsea for his departure amid the transition. Gary Neville described Maresca's task of succeeding Pep Guardiola at Manchester City as the "ultimate test," emphasizing that the club will accept "nothing less than winning" from the new manager. Meanwhile, Arsenal's head of sports science performance, Tom Allen, is the latest to depart the club's backroom staff following a review.

In the women's game, Australian international Sam Kerr has completed a move back to Gotham FC in the NWSL after her departure from Chelsea, signing a four-year deal with the American club. On the coaching front, Rob Edwards has turned down an approach from Burnley, leaving the Clarets still searching for a new manager following the rejection. Steve Clarke has stepped down as Scotland head coach, calling it an "easy decision" after failing to qualify for the tournament's knockout stages as per his plan. Kris Boyd has labeled criticism of Clarke's tenure an "absolute disgrace" following his departure.

Other Sports News

In tennis, Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner both survived first-round scares at Wimbledon to progress in the tournament. British player Jack Draper has been ruled out of Wimbledon due to a recurrence of an arm injury affecting his participation. On the golf circuit, Viktor Hovland defeated Scottie Scheffler in a Monday playoff at the Travelers Championship, capitalizing on a missed putt by the world No. 1 in the final round. Haeran Ryu secured her first major title at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship, winning by two shots on Sunday.

Formula 1 sees speculation surrounding Max Verstappen's potential move from Red Bull, with rumors suggesting a possible switch to McLaren amid ongoing talks. Lewis Hamilton dismissed Max Verstappen's call for a penalty during the Austrian Grand Prix, stating that "you don't drive around the outside" during the race. In horse racing, Benvenuto Cellini delivered a strong performance to win the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby leading an O'Brien one-two-three.