Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: July 2, 2026, 2:34 AM ET

World Cup Knockout Stages Heat Up

The World Cup knockout stages are in full swing, delivering dramatic comebacks and tense encounters. Belgium pulled off a stunning rally against Senegal, coming back from two goals down to secure a 3-2 victory in extra time thanks to a controversial Youri Tielemans penalty. This dramatic win eliminated Senegal and propelled Belgium into the last, though the match was marked by late drama and controversy Senegal's remarkable exit.

The United States men's national team also advanced, securing their first knockout win since 2002 with a 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina USMNT beats Bosnia. While Folarin Balogun opened the scoring, his red card proved costly, meaning he will miss the next match against Belgium. Midfielder Malik Tillman was a standout performer in the win Tillman shines.

England, meanwhile, scraped through to the last 16 with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over DR Congo. Harry Kane was the hero, scoring both goals to rescue England from a difficult situation Kane rescues England, but questions persist about the team's right-back position England's right-back problem. England will now face Mexico in the next round England face Mexico.

Upsets and Surprises

This World Cup has already been marked by significant upsets, with Paraguay stunning Germany on penalties after a VAR-affected match Paraguay stun Germany. Germany's exit, their first penalty shootout loss in World Cup history, led coach Julian Nagelsmann to declare that Germany are no longer a "first-class team" Germany longer first-class.

Brazil also survived a scare, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a 96th-minute winner to snatch a 2-1 victory against Japan Martinelli sends Brazil through, denying the Asian side a historic first knockout stage win. Elsewhere, Mexico secured their first World Cup knockout match victory in 40 years by defeating Ecuador 2-0 Mexico oust Ecuador, a win that led to celebrations in Mexico City, though unfortunately also resulted in four deaths Mexico City celebrations. Ecuador's manager, Sebastian Beccacece, departed his role following their exit Beccacece reign over.

Player Performances and Transfer Buzz

Star players continue to make their mark on the tournament. Kylian Mbappé broke the record for most goals in World Cup knockout matches as France dismantled Sweden 3-0 Mbappé breaks record, with coach Didier Deschamps expressing his pride in the forward's tribute to him Deschamps touched Mbappé. Gary Neville described France as "a level above" any other team France level above.

On the transfer front, Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly set to break their transfer record for the second time, agreeing a deal worth up to £100 million for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali Spurs agree Tonali deal. Chelsea have also been active, signing 21-year-old Marco Palestra from Atalanta for £47 million Chelsea sign Palestra. Bayern Munich have secured the signing of World Cup goalscorer Ismael Saibari from PSV Eindhoven Bayern sign Saibari.

VAR and Controversies

VAR continues to be a talking point, with several incidents under review. FIFA has clarified regulations that led to Germany having a goal disallowed in their elimination FIFA clarifies crucial call. Questions were also raised about a potential penalty for England against DR Congo England penalty claim, and a controversial penalty awarded to Belgium against Senegal Belgium penalty controversy.

Other Football News

In other football news, AC Milan have signed Portugal forward Gonçalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain AC Milan sign Ramos. Manchester United are yet to make any signings this summer, despite missing out on a second midfield target Man Utd issues. Barcelona's offer for Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez remains on the table Barcelona offer stands. Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni is reportedly under investigation for allegedly soliciting sex from a child Bastoni investigation.