Football/Soccer 3 Days

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

World Cup Knockout Drama and Transfer Buzz

The World Cup knockout stages are underway with significant drama, including a controversial VAR call that saw Portugal edge Croatia 2-1, keeping Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup dreams alive. A "huge 'Snicko' VAR call" ultimately ended Modric's World Cup run, while veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo gets another tournament day. FIFA has confirmed the Croatia VAR call was correct, citing technology within the World Cup ball, despite questions over misapplied protocols leaving some B.... Meanwhile, USMNT star Folarin Balogun faces an uncertain future after a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, with sources confirming the team cannot appeal the suspension, potentially impacting their round-of-16 clash against Belgium without their star striker. Christian Pulisic, however, has returned to the USMNT lineup to face Bosnia after recovering from a calf injury.

European Powerhouses and Managerial Moves

In club news, Serie A runners-up Napoli have officially appointed Massimiliano Allegri as their new head coach on a three-year deal. Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone remains adamant that Julián Álvarez is central to his plans, despite reported interest from Barcelona, whose president Joan Laporta has confirmed their offer stands. Manchester City is reportedly in talks with Fenerbahce over a £7m deal for defender Nathan Aké to the Turkish club. Elsewhere, Ange Postecoglou has been named the new Al Nassr boss in the Saudi Pro League, where he will coach Cristiano Ronaldo.

World Cup Upsets and Emerging Talents

The World Cup has seen its share of upsets, with Paraguay's win over Germany being the latest shock, joining historic upsets like Ireland over Italy in 1994 and Norway over Brazil. Switzerland secured their first World Cup knockout by beating Algeria 2-0, setting up a last-16 meeting with Colombia or Ghana. Meanwhile, France, led by Kylian Mbappé who broke a knockout goal record, continued their dominant run with a 3-0 victory over Sweden, moving Mbappé closer to Lionel Messi's overall tournament mark. Spain, after a strong group stage performance, are aiming to regain their World Cup mojo, with Lamine Yamal stating "the World Cup starts now" after shining in their 3-0 win over Austria.

Nations League and International Squad Updates

The Football Association of Ireland has stated that any boycott of the Republic of Ireland's Nations League games against Israel would cause significant lasting harm. In other international news, Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from international football following his country's World Cup exit to Switzerland. England's squad for the ODI series against India sees Zak Crawley omitted, while Sam Curran has backed Harry Brook for the Test captaincy as England's XI is announced.

Women's Football and Club Signings

In women's football, Women's Super League newcomers Crystal Palace are set to sign midfielder Sierra Enge from Strasbourg for the upcoming season. Brighton has signed Austria defender Michael Svoboda from Venezia on a four-year deal from the Serie B champions. Aston Villa has also bolstered their squad, signing Norway midfielder Justine Kielland from Wolfsburg, subject to visa approval after her time at Brann. Amalie Vangsgaard says she is "very excited for this new adventure" after joining Aston Villa from Juventus as a Danish striker.

Transfer Speculation and Premier League Moves

Transfer speculation continues to dominate headlines, with Manchester United reportedly interested in Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba and Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa among their midfield targets. Tottenham are reportedly in talks for West Ham's Crysencio Summerville and have completed the club-record £85m signing of Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United as their spending spree continues. Arsenal is also reportedly eyeing Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa and forward Morgan Rogers in a £130m pursuit. Newcastle appears set to sign Elliot Anderson for a record British fee, potentially reaching £116m making him the third-most expensive Premier League signing.

Club Management and Player Departures

Vitor Pereira confirmed his time as Nottingham Forest head coach is over, with Oliver Glasner in talks to replace him following a "surprise" exit. Meanwhile, Barcelona's kit for the 2026-2027 season has been released, with the club hoping it will help them end their UEFA Champions League drought after more than a decade. Hull City avoided a points deduction by selling two players before the deadline as part of financial maneuvering.

Tennis and Motorsport Updates

At Wimbledon, British player Arthur Fery became the last remaining British singles player after Katie Swan, Jacob Fearnley, and Jan Choinski were eliminated on Thursday. Dan Evans has criticized the Lawn Tennis Association as "nothing short of a shambles" after being denied a Wimbledon wild card before his retirement. In motorsport, Lewis Hamilton secured pole position for the British Grand Prix Sprint, calling it an "amazing surprise" and believing his Ferrari is quick enough for victory at Silverstone. He also promised fans he "won't stop until we get there" in pursuit of an eighth world title ahead of the race. F1 Academy is making its racing debut at Silverstone this weekend as part of the British Grand Prix programme making history.

Cricket and Other Sports News

England is preparing for the Women's T20 World Cup final against Australia, with Nasser Hussain urging the team to take no "mental baggage" into the match to stand a chance of winning. Nat Sciver-Brunt was instrumental in England's semi-final victory over South Africa, guiding them to the final with a "close to complete" performance after overcoming nerves. The first T20 International between England and India in Durham was abandoned due to rain with the scorecard available. In horse racing, "A Boy Named Susie" is fancied to upset Constitution River at Sandown, while Emerald Harmony looks to follow up at Doncaster on Friday's busy racing card.

Tributes and Player Milestones

The football world is also marking significant anniversaries and tributes. Portugal's players are ready to honor former teammate Diogo Jota, who died a year ago, as their World Cup match against Croatia approached marking an emotional time. Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal paid an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota after their win over Croatia following the match. Liverpool has also unveiled a memorial to honor Jota at Anfield as part of ongoing tributes.