Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: July 3, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

World Cup Knockout Stage Heats Up

The FIFA World Cup knockout rounds are in full swing, with several nations securing their passage to the Round of. Spain, after a period of perceived underperformance, displayed renewed vigor with a commanding 3-0 victory over Austria, earning MVP honors for Barcelona's Lamine Yamal who declared "the World Cup starts now". Mikel Oyarzabal's brace was instrumental in Spain's dominant performance, leading them to cruise into the last 16. Switzerland also progressed, defeating Algeria 2-0 to reach the Round of 16 for the first time in 88 years, a victory that led to Riyad Mahrez announcing his retirement from international football for Algeria following their World Cup exit.

The United States Men's National Team secured its first knockout win since 2002, defeating Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0. However, their victory was tempered by a red card for Folarin Balogun, a situation from which the USMNT has no avenue for appeal and could lead to an extended suspension. Balogun's dismissal, alongside similar incidents involving Lionel Messi, has sparked World Cup controversy due to perceived inconsistencies in officiating. Meanwhile, Portugal, inspired by the memory of their late teammate Diogo Jota who is being honored against Croatia thanks to a late Gonçalo Ramos header and a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty, keeping their World Cup dreams alive. A controversial VAR decision, dubbed 'Snicko', ultimately denied Croatia an equalizer, prolonging Ronaldo's tournament but ending Luka Modric's.

England, despite some tactical questions, advanced to the last 16 thanks to a brace from captain Harry Kane, who has now surpassed Pelé's World Cup goal tally. Kane's match-winning performance against DR Congo has solidified his status as England's indispensable star, with some suggesting he is "England's greatest and Ballon D'Or contender". The Three Lions will face co-hosts Mexico in the next round, a match that has prompted pubs to be allowed to stay open until 5 am despite its 1 am UK start time. England's preparations for the match are also being influenced by the potential impact of playing at the high-altitude Estadio Azteca, which is considered huge advantage Mexico.

France continued their dominant run, with Kylian Mbappé reaching six tournament goals in a 3-0 victory over Sweden, matching Messi's tally. Didier Deschamps' side, who have been described as a "masterclass," are being hailed as unstoppable. Elsewhere, Norway, with Erling Haaland scoring the winner, knocked out Ivory Coast and will face Brazil in the next round. Belgium, after coming back from two goals down to defeat Senegal 3-2 in extra time, have shown remarkable resilience, though questions linger about whether this is a last flourish from their golden generation.

Transfer Market Activity

In the women's game, England midfielder Georgia Stanway has signed for Arsenal on a free transfer from Bayern Munich, stating her ambition to "win trophies and grow as a player." Real Madrid has publicly denied any interest in signing Chelsea's Enzo Fernández, despite reports suggesting the Argentine midfielder is exploring exit options.

The transfer window remains active for men's clubs as well. Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly poised to smash their transfer record for the second time in days, agreeing a deal worth up to £100 million for Sandro Tonali according to sources. They have also reached an agreement to sign midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for a club-record £85 million as Manchester United withdrew. Manchester City have also been active, reaching an agreement to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest as reported by the club. In other Premier League news, Brighton are set to sign Leeds defender Pascal Struijk for around £20 million as per reports, while Everton have completed a £24 million deal for midfielder Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough confirmed by the club.

Rangers have reportedly had a bid rejected for Partizan Belgrade's Vanja Dragojević, while Celtic are said to have made an offer for Las Palmas goalkeeper Dinko Horkas according to gossip columns. Hull City, meanwhile, have signed goalkeeper Jack Butland from Rangers on a two-year deal as confirmed by the club, and also avoided a points deduction by selling two players before the transfer deadline according to reports.

Disciplinary & Regulatory Updates

UEFA has confirmed that players will not face red cards for covering their mouths when speaking to an opponent during UEFA competitions. This clarification comes after Ecuador defender Piero Hincapie became the second player at the World Cup to be dismissed for such an action following a similar incident. FIFA has also explained decisions regarding disallowed goals, including a tighter regulation that saw Germany's potential match-winner against Paraguay ruled out.

Other Sporting News

In cycling, four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome has announced his retirement from professional cycling, almost a year after a near-fatal crash. In tennis, British player Arthur Fery remains the last Brit standing at Wimbledon after several compatriots were eliminated. Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton has promised fans he will not stop until he achieves a record eighth world title. In cricket, England's women's team, led by Nat Sciver-Brunt, reached the T20 World Cup final after defeating South Africa, and will face Australia.