Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: July 1, 2026, 11:36 AM ET

World Cup Knockout Stages Heat Up as Favorites Advance and Upsets Loom

The FIFA World Cup knockout stages are in full swing, with several major nations navigating challenging ties. Mexico secured a dominant 2-0 victory over Ecuador, marking their first World Cup knockout win in 40 years and setting up a potential clash with England at the intimidating Estadio Azteca. Their performance has been a fortress, winning all four matches without conceding a goal. Meanwhile, France continued their impressive form, with Kylian Mbappé leading the charge in a 3-0 dismantling of Sweden. Mbappé's brace saw him break the record for most World Cup knockout goals and move within one of Lionel Messi's overall tournament tally. France manager Didier Deschamps, while pleased, urged caution despite his team's dominant displays.

Germany's World Cup campaign ended in a shocking penalty shootout loss to underdogs Paraguay. FIFA later clarified that officials were instructed to penalize the type of foul that saw Germany's extra-time goal disallowed, a decision that proved costly. Julian Nagelsmann acknowledged that Germany are no longer a "first-class team" but expressed a desire to remain as head coach. In other knockout action, Erling Haaland scored an 86th-minute winner to send Norway past Ivory Coast 2-1, setting up a last-16 encounter with Brazil. Norway's coach Stale Solbakken lauded Haaland as the "greatest goal scorer in the world".

England manager Thomas Tuchel is preparing his squad for a round-of-32 tie against DR Congo. Despite the exit of some big names, Tuchel believes these surprises can "calm our minds" and prevent England from over-expecting. However, injuries to right-backs Jarell Quansah and Reece James could force Tuchel to adapt his strategy. Gary Neville has criticized England's perceived disrespect for the full-back role, suggesting a lack of cover as they enter a crucial stage of the tournament. Wayne Rooney, however, would opt for Kobbie Mainoo over Elliot Anderson in midfield against DR Congo.

The United States men's national team is also gearing up for a round-of-32 match against Bosnia Herzegovina. USMNT star Christian Pulisic declared himself fit and ready to play the full match, while defender Tim Ream stressed the team's determination to advance, acknowledging the need to "expect the unexpected". The tournament has seen a growing interest in the US, with reporters noting a shift in perception as the World Cup progresses.

Club Transfers and Managerial Moves Dominate Headlines

The summer transfer window is heating up, with several high-profile moves and managerial appointments making waves. Chelsea has been active, securing the signing of Italian right-back Marco Palestra for £47 million, marking Xabi Alonso's first acquisition as the club's new manager. Alonso inherits a significant challenge at Stamford Bridge, with reports suggesting Chelsea are also interested in Spanish left-back Pep Chavarria, who made his European debut at. However, Chelsea managed to avoid a hefty UEFA fine for overspending, though their sister club Strasbourg received the largest penalty of €13 million. Meanwhile, Enzo Maresca has been officially appointed as the new Manchester City manager, apologizing to Chelsea and agreeing to pay compensation for his "unexpected" exit.

Manchester United is facing scrutiny for their quiet transfer window, having missed out on a second midfield target in Mateus Fernandes. Tottenham Hotspur, however, have agreed to a club-record £85 million ($112m) deal for Fernandes, pulling out of the race for the West Ham midfielder. Elsewhere, Liverpool has completed the £60 million signing of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes, while AC Milan has reportedly secured Goncalo Ramos from PSG for a club-record £60 million. Barcelona has also been busy, with Lamine Yamal expressing his desire to welcome Julián Álvarez to the club, and Ansu Fati making a permanent move to Monaco for approximately £9.5 million.

In Scotland, Rangers have been active in the transfer market. They have signed midfielder Dan Neil on a three-year contract from Sunderland and goalkeeper Ivor Pandur from Hull City for £6 million. Former Everton defender Ben Godfrey has also joined Rangers on loan from Atalanta, with an option to make the move permanent.

Other Football News and Player Updates

The Premier League is already to the 2026-27 season, with several clubs releasing their new kits. A recent analysis of the 2025 summer transfer window rated the incoming signings across all 20 Premier League teams based on their immediate impact. In a notable off-field development, former Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior is reportedly set to return to football with French club Paris FC on a two-year contract.

In a distressing report, Inter Milan and Italy defender Alessandro Bastoni is reportedly under investigation for allegedly soliciting sex from a child.

In women's football, England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has confirmed her return from injury for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa. Aston Villa has signed Danish striker Amalie Vangsgaard from Juventus, and Tottenham Hotspur has completed the signing of Norwegian international goalkeeper Selma Panengstuen. Sam Kerr has returned to Gotham FC in the NWSL after her departure from Chelsea.

Other Sports News

In Formula, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has questioned Ferrari's ability to maintain their car development pace under the budget cap, suggesting they should be running out of funds. Max Verstappen's potential departure from Red Bull is predicted to cause "chaos" in the driver market. The British Grand Prix at Silverstone is scheduled, with Lewis Hamilton reportedly confident of victory on home soil.

At Wimbledon, Serena Williams suffered a defeat in her comeback match on Centre Court, while Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner navigated tricky first-round matches.

In cricket, England's T20 international squad selection has seen Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue rested for the opener against India, with Luke Wood and Saqib Mahmood brought in. Australia faces West Indies in the Women's T20 World Cup semi-final, with Ashleigh Gardner emphasizing the need to be wary of Hayley Matthews.

In golf, Viktor Hovland won the Travelers Championship in a playoff against Scottie Scheffler, who missed a crucial putt.

In NFL news, Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold was released following charges related to an alleged kidnapping. Former NFL running back Chris Johnson revealed his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease/Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

In basketball, LeBron James' decision on his next team after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers is anticipated to be the biggest event in the sport.