Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: July 3, 2026, 8:31 AM ET

World Cup Knockout Stage Heats Up Amid Coaching Changes and Transfer Rumors

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is entering a critical phase with several high-profile teams advancing to the Round of, while coaching landscapes shift and transfer speculation intensifies. Germany's disappointing World Cup exit has led to the departure of head coach Julian Nagelsmann Nagelsmann out Germany boss, with the German Football Association reportedly seeking talks with Jürgen Klopp to take the helm Germany want Klopp talks. Meanwhile, Manuel Neuer has also announced his retirement from international duty for Germany, stating he has "no regrets" after their painful World Cup campaign Neuer calls time.

In the knockout rounds, England secured their place in the last 16 by defeating DR Congo 2-1, with Harry Kane scoring twice to surpass Pelé's World Cup goal tally Kane passes Pelé WC. England's next challenge is a tough encounter against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, a match that kicks off in the early hours of Monday England XIs face Mexico. Fans hoping to attend this fixture face extreme resale prices, with tickets for England's last 16 game against Mexico relisted for up to £26,000 on FIFA's official resale portal England fan tickets. The BBC is offering a special 'Stay Up or Catch Up' package for its live coverage of the match BBC offers 'Stay Up.

Spain are also through to the Round of 16 after a dominant 3-0 victory over Austria, with Lamine Yamal being named MVP in the match Spain win, Yamal says. This win marks a significant resurgence for Spain, who had a poor record in major tournaments since their 2010 World Cup triumph World Cup mojo back. Switzerland also advanced, securing their first World Cup knockout win in 88 years by beating Algeria 2-0 secure first World Cup. Their progress sets up a last-16 meeting with either Colombia or Ghana.

Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, survived a late scare from Croatia to win 2-1 and keep their World Cup dreams alive Late VAR drama. Gonçalo Ramos scored the late winner in stoppage time Portugal, Ronaldo survive late. The Portuguese team paid an emotional tribute to former teammate Diogo Jota, who died a year ago Victorious Portugal pay emotional. The USMNT also progressed to the last 16 after a 2-0 win against Bosnia-Herzegovina, but will be without Folarin Balogun due to a controversial red card USA reach last 16. Sources confirm the USMNT has no route to appeal Balogun's suspension, which could lead to an extended ban Sources: USMNT cannot appeal.

Club Transfers and Coaching Moves Dominate Headlines

The transfer window is proving to be a busy period for clubs across Europe, with significant deals and managerial appointments making headlines. Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly agreed an £85m deal to sign midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham, beating Manchester United to his signature Spurs agree £85m deal. Manchester City have also been active, agreeing a deal to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for an undisclosed fee, reported to be £116m, making him the third-most expensive Premier League signing City confirm deal.

In Italy, Napoli have appointed Massimiliano Allegri as their new head coach on a three-year contract, replacing Antonio Conte Napoli appoint Allegri. Meanwhile, Aston Villa have secured the signing of Norway midfielder Justine Kielland from German club Wolfsburg, subject to visa approval Aston Villa sign Norway. Arsenal have been busy strengthening their squad, announcing the free transfer signing of England midfielder Georgia Stanway England's Stanway joins Arsenal. Stanway stated her ambition to "win trophies and grow as a player" at her new club Stanway joins Arsenal after.

There is also speculation surrounding Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, whose agent has confirmed he is exploring options to leave the club this summer Fernández exploring Chelsea exit. Real Madrid, however, have publicly denied any interest in signing Fernández Madrid deny interest. In other transfer news, Rangers have reportedly had a bid rejected for Partizan Belgrade's Vanja Dragojević Rangers linked with Partizan.

Other Football News

In news outside of the World Cup and major transfers, the FAI has stated that any boycott of the Republic of Ireland's Nations League games against Israel would cause "significant and lasting harm" Israel games would cause. The Scottish Premiership is seeing increased interest in its talent, with BBC Scotland examining the rising appeal of its players growing appeal of Scottish. Meanwhile, former Sheffield United Women captain Maddy Cusack's mother has told an inquest that her daughter would still be alive if the team's coach had not been employed by the club Cusack's coach her 'nemesis'.