Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: June 30, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

World Cup Knockout Drama and Upsets

The World Cup knockout stage has delivered immediate drama, most notably with Paraguay stunning Germany in a penalty shootout Paraguay stun Germany pens. Germany, who had a controversial VAR call disallow a potential winning goal VAR disallowed goal, crashed out of the last 32 for the first time in their history after Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Jonathan Tah missed crucial penalties Germany dumped out. Manager Julian Nagelsmann reflected that Germany are no longer a "first-class team" Germany longer first-class following the shock exit, which has piled pressure on his position.

Morocco also secured their place in the last 16 with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands Morocco beat Netherlands. After a 1-1 draw that saw Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo score days after the loss of his unborn son Gakpo scores after loss, Morocco advanced to face Canada Morocco set up Canada clash. The Dutch exit, orchestrated by Morocco's patient and relentless approach, marks a significant upset in the tournament DR Congo's 'anti-England' formula.

European Giants and Transfer Rumors

In the transfer market, Barcelona are reportedly exploring a move for Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane Barcelona eye Kane, though the England captain is likely to sign a new contract with the German club Kane likely to sign. Reports also suggest Barcelona's approach for Kane was dismissed, with the forward focused on the World Cup Barcelona approach dismissed. Meanwhile, Chelsea winger Tyrique George is close to a permanent move to Everton following a loan spell George close to Everton move.

Elsewhere, Manchester City have officially announced Enzo Maresca as their new manager, with claims that Maresca will personally pay compensation to his former club Chelsea for his "unexpected" exit Maresca pays Chelsea compensation. Maresca's appointment is seen as the "ultimate test" for the Italian, with Manchester City expecting nothing less than winning Maresca's ultimate test. In other transfer news, Liverpool target Yan Diomande appears to prefer a move to Paris Saint-Germain, with PSG in talks with RB Leipzig for the winger Diomande prefers PSG.

National Team Performances and Player Watch

The United States men's national team is entering the knockout stages with confidence, with defender Tim Ream stating they will "expect the unexpected" against Bosnia-Herzegovina USMNT expect unexpected. Forward Folarin Balogun believes the USMNT is finding "another gear" for the knockouts Balogun: US finding another, and coach Gregg Berhalter was emotional after his son Sebastian's first World Cup goal Berhalter tears. Malik Tillman has also flourished in an unfamiliar midfield role after a difficult club season with Bayer Leverkusen Tillman flourishing at World Cup.

England has navigated the group stage and is preparing for their last-32 tie against DR Congo England vs DR Congo. Manager Thomas Tuchel has a midfield "headache" thanks to Jude Bellingham's impressive deeper role Bellingham's deeper role, though Alan Shearer notes England still lacks solutions out wide Shearer: Solutions out wide.

Other Football News

In other football news, Robert Lewandowski has officially completed his signing with the Chicago Fire FC Lewandowski joins Chicago Fire. Real Madrid has donated €1 million ($1. to aid those affected by earthquakes in Venezuela Real Madrid donates aid. Australian international Sam Kerr has completed a move back to Gotham FC in the NWSL after leaving Chelsea Kerr joins Gotham FC.

Cricket and Other Sports Updates

In cricket, Ben Stokes' international career concluded with England suffering a 160-run defeat to New Zealand in the series-deciding third Test England lose series finale. Stokes' retirement leaves England's cricket landscape uncertain Bazball burns out.

In Formula, Lewis Hamilton is expected to be confident of victory at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone Hamilton confident for Silverstone. Max Verstappen's potential move to McLaren is fueling speculation Verstappen to McLaren rumors.

In tennis, Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner survived first-round scares at Wimbledon to progress Djokovic, Sinner survive scares, while British player Jack Draper was forced to withdraw due to injury Draper out Wimbledon.