Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: July 3, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

World Cup Knockout Drama

Portugal, powered by a late winner from Gonçalo Ramos, secured a 2-1 victory over Croatia, keeping Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup aspirations alive. The win, however, was shrouded in controversy following a significant VAR decision that ultimately denied Luka Modric and Croatia a late equalizer, extending Ronaldo's potential World Cup farewell tour while ending Modric's. In another closely contested match, Switzerland ended an 88-year wait for a World Cup knockout win by defeating Algeria 2-0, setting up a last-16 clash with either Colombia or Ghana. Meanwhile, Spain cruised into the round of 16 with a dominant 3-0 performance against Austria, spearheaded by Mikel Oyarzabal's brace. Young Barcelona star Lamine Yamal declared "the World Cup starts now" after being named MVP in Spain's emphatic win, signaling a resurgence for the 2010 champions.

England's Path and Preparations

England has advanced to the last 16 of the World Cup, with Harry Kane proving instrumental in their progression. Kane's brace against DR Congo secured a dramatic 2-1 victory, allowing England to book a tie with Mexico in the next round. The match against DR Congo attracted an impressive audience of 16.3 million viewers on the BBC. However, England faces significant challenges, including issues at right-back and the daunting prospect of playing Mexico at the high-altitude Estadio Azteca, a factor coach Thomas Tuchel acknowledges could provide "a huge advantage for Mexico" BBC Sport Football. To combat potential disruptions from noisy local fans, England is employing a "secret location & sleep devices" strategy to maintain focus BBC Sport Football. The team's journey, while successful in reaching the knockout stages, has prompted tactical analysis on how they can improve and overcome lingering issues BBC Sport Football.

Player Movements and Transfers

The summer transfer window is heating up with several significant deals reported. Tottenham Hotspur is reportedly close to finalizing a club-record £100 million deal for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, a move that has seen the Magpies' squad dismantled. In a record-breaking move, Manchester City has announced the signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for a British-record £116 million, making him the third-most expensive Premier League signing in history Sky Sports Champions League. This massive expenditure forms part of City's £824 million rebuild over the past three years Sky Sports Champions League. Elsewhere, AC Milan has confirmed the signing of Portuguese forward Gonçalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain ESPN Soccer, while Brighton has secured defender Michael Svoboda from Venezia BBC Sport Football.

Other Football News

In the NWSL, Gotham FC forward Sam Kerr stated her intention to only consider a return to the league after her departure from Chelsea ESPN Soccer. Meanwhile, USWNT winger Emma Sears has requested a trade from Racing Louisville, attracting interest from several other NWSL teams ESPN Soccer. The USMNT secured its first World Cup knockout win since 2002 by defeating Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0, though they will be without Folarin Balogun for their next match after his red card ESPN Soccer. In European football news, former Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla has retired at the age of 41 BBC Sport Football. Uefa has confirmed that players will not receive red cards for covering their mouths when speaking to opponents in UEFA competitions, reversing earlier stricter interpretations BBC Sport Football.

Tributes and Departures

Portugal's World Cup campaign is being fueled by the memory of former teammate Diogo Jota, who died a year ago. The team paid an emotional tribute to him following their victory over Croatia. In other news, Ronald Koeman has departed his role as head coach of the Netherlands following their World Cup exit Sky Sports Champions League. The tragic passing of Maddy Cusack, former captain of Sheffield United Women, continues to be addressed in an inquest, with her mother testifying that her decline in mental health was linked to her girlfriend moving away Sky Sports Champions League.