Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: July 1, 2026, 2:33 AM ET

World Cup Knockout Stage Heats Up

Mexico continued their dominant World Cup campaign, dispatching Ecuador 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca to secure their first knockout stage victory in 40 years Mexico oust Ecuador. The victory, in front of a fervent home crowd, extended Mexico's unbeaten streak and clean sheet record in the tournament Mexico rampant fortress Azteca. Ecuador's challenge was further hampered by a red card shown to defender Piero Hincapie for covering his mouth while confronting an opponent, making him the second player dismissed for such an offense Hincapie becomes second player. Meanwhile, England manager Thomas Tuchel suggested that surprise early exits for traditional powerhouses like Germany and the Netherlands could paradoxically benefit the Three Lions by reducing overconfidence as they prepare to face DR Congo England's Tuchel: Big-name WC. Despite injuries to right-backs Jarell Quansah and Reece James, England will adhere to their predecessor's penalty shootout plan Tuchel will stick, with Wayne Rooney advocating for Kobbie Mainoo over Elliot Anderson in midfield for the DR Congo tie Pick Mainoo over Anderson.

France, already considered tournament favorites, further solidified their status with a commanding 3-0 victory over Sweden France breeze past Sweden. Kylian Mbappé was once again the star, breaking the record for most goals in World Cup knockout matches and reaching six goals for the tournament Mbappé matches Messi. Coach Didier Deschamps expressed being deeply moved by Mbappé's goal celebration dedicated to him Deschamps 'touched' by Mbappe's. Gary Neville lauded France as "a level above" any other team, with Mbappé being "on the verge of greatness" Neville: France ‘a level. The French side's attacking depth and tactical flexibility under Deschamps are proving formidable France superstars thriving.

Erling Haaland once again proved decisive for Norway, scoring an 86th-minute winner to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast Haaland scores late winner. The goal sets up a highly anticipated Round of 16 clash against Brazil Norway vs Brazil. Coach Ståle Solbakken praised Haaland as the "greatest goal scorer in the world" Haaland, 'the greatest goalscorer', while the team's unique "Viking Row" chant has captured imaginations Norway's 'Viking Row'.

Germany's World Cup campaign ended in disappointment as they were eliminated on penalties by Paraguay after a 1-1 draw Paraguay stun Germany pens. Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Jonathan Tah all missed crucial spot-kicks as Germany suffered their first-ever World Cup shootout defeat Germany dumped out. Julian Nagelsmann acknowledged that Germany are no longer a "first-class team" following the early exit Nagelsmann: Germany no longer, though he expressed a desire to continue as head coach. The surprising victory for Paraguay was met with euphoric celebrations, marking one of the biggest wins in their history Paraguay's tears joy. FIFA later clarified the controversial VAR decision that disallowed a late German goal, explaining the tighter regulations that contributed to the outcome FIFA clarifies crucial call.

In other World Cup news, Brazil narrowly avoided an upset by defeating Japan 2-1 with a stoppage-time winner from Gabriel Martinelli Brazil survive World Cup. The U.S. men's national team attacker Christian Pulisic declared himself fit and ready for their Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina Pulisic says he fit. Meanwhile, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin expressed his happiness at Iran's elimination from the tournament U.S. official 'so happy'. Cape Verde's President José Maria Neves expressed confidence in his nation's ability to defeat Argentina 1-0 in their upcoming match Cape Verde president: 'We, acknowledging that the expanded 48-team format has allowed smaller nations to progress Cape Verde took advantage.

South Korea's early exit from the World Cup led to captain Son Heung-min apologizing for the team's performance, stating he was "indescribably hurt" Son apologizes for South. Coach Hong Myung-Bo resigned following the team's elimination and criticism from the nation's president South Korea coach quits. Ronald Koeman also resigned as Netherlands manager, citing "appalling" racist abuse directed at players who missed penalties Koeman resigns, report racist.

Club Football Transfer & Financial News

Tottenham Hotspur has agreed to a club-record £85 million ($112m) deal with West Ham for midfielder Mateus Fernandes, fending off interest from Manchester United Spurs, Fernandes agree. In other transfer news, AC Milan has confirmed the signing of Portugal forward Gonçalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain for a reported £60 million AC Milan sign PSG's, while Ansu Fati has joined Monaco on a permanent deal for approximately £9.5 million Ansu Fati joins Monaco. Brighton has signed Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk for around £20 million Brighton sign Leeds defender. Paris Saint-Germain is reportedly in talks to sign Liverpool target Yan Diomandé from RB Leipzig sign Liverpool target Diomande.

European clubs were also subject to UEFA's financial regulations. Chelsea evaded more serious sanctions for overspending, though its sister club Strasbourg received the largest fine of €13 million ($14. among 14 clubs that broke financial monitoring rules Chelsea avoid hefty UEFA. Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest were also fined by UEFA for breaching financial sustainability regulations Four Premier League sides, with Aston Villa facing a €22.5 million (£19. penalty for a "significant breach" of its squad-cost rule for 2025 Villa among four Premier.

In managerial news, Enzo Maresca has signed a three-year deal with Manchester City, compensating his former club Chelsea for his "unexpected" exit New Man City boss. Liam Rosenior is reportedly set to return to management with French club Paris FC on a two-year contract Rosenior nears management return. Frank Lampard has signed a new contract with Coventry City until 2029, ahead of their return to the Premier League Coventry boss Lampard signs. Steve Clarke has stepped down as Scotland head coach, calling it an "easy decision" after the team failed to qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup Clarke says standing down.

Other Sports

In boxing, Agit Kabayel has expressed his willingness to defend his WBC heavyweight world title against Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, or Moses Itauma Kabayel offers Fury, AJ. Tyson Fury is scheduled to fight Mariusz Wach in Thailand on July 24 as preparation for a proposed November bout with Anthony Joshua Fury fight Wach Thailand.

Formula 1 driver Lando Norris believes McLaren is "three months behind" its rivals in car development McLaren 'three months behind'. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff expressed skepticism about Ferrari's ability to sustain their car development pace under Formula 1's budget cap Wolff questions Ferrari upgrade.

In tennis, Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner survived first-round scares at Wimbledon Djokovic Sinner survive scares. Serena Williams suffered a defeat in her return to Wimbledon, losing to Maya Joint after an epic match Serena suffers Wimbledon defeat.

In cricket, Australia advanced to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final with a decisive eight-wicket victory over the West Indies Australia thrash West Indies. Harry Brook has stated that he would consider it a "great honour" to take over the England Test captaincy following Ben Stokes' retirement from international cricket Brook: England Test captaincy. Former NFL running back Chris Johnson revealed his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease/Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Johnson reveals MND/ALS diagnosis. LeBron James confirmed his departure from the Los Angeles Lakers, beginning his search for a new team for his 24th NBA season LeBron confirms Lakers exit.