Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: July 3, 2026, 11:31 PM ET

World Cup Knockout Drama and Upsets

Argentina narrowly avoided a major World Cup upset, needing extra time to secure a 3-2 victory over Cape Verde. Despite the win, Lionel Messi acknowledged that his team has "many things to correct" Messi: Argentina have 'many'. The match at Hard Rock Stadium Miami was described as an "instant classic" and a moment where Argentina "saved themselves from humiliation" How Messi, Argentina saved. Fans eager to witness the match faced exorbitant prices, with tickets on Fifa's resale site going for a minimum of £2,600 for the England vs. Mexico clash England fans face resale.

In other knockout news, Egypt advanced to the last 16 after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Australia in Dallas World Cup after penalty. Mohamed Salah has been central to Egypt's World Cup campaign Salah leads Egypt. Meanwhile, Switzerland secured their first World Cup knockout win in 88 years, defeating Algeria 2-0 to set up a last-16 tie against either Colombia or Ghana secure first World Cup. Senegal's World Cup journey ended in heartbreak after a late penalty drama saw them lose to Belgium in extra time Belgium come back, a defeat marked by controversy and described as a "remarkable exit" Late VAR drama.

USMNT Faces Challenges Amid Balogun Suspension

The U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) is grappling with the suspension of forward Folarin Balogun, who received a red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Balogun described the situation as an "emotional rollercoaster" but vowed to "support the boys" U.S.'s Balogun on ban:. The USMNT has no avenue to appeal Balogun's sending off, and he could face an extended ban Sources: USMNT cannot appeal. This suspension raises significant questions about the team's ability to advance, with one of the biggest issues being "can the U.S. win without their suspended star striker" U.S. win without Balogun?. The team has set up a last-16 meeting with Belgium will Balogun red card.

England Navigates Knockout Stage and Altitude Concerns

England has advanced to the last 16 of the World Cup, setting up a challenging encounter against Mexico. The team's dramatic 3-2 comeback win over DR Congo, which saw Harry Kane score twice, attracted an audience of 16.3 million viewers on the BBC England beat DR Congo - 5 Live reaction. However, questions linger about the team's performance, with analysis suggesting England "struggled" against DR Congo and needs to learn from the match Why did England struggle. Compounding the challenge is the high altitude of Estadio Azteca, prompting England to consider all necessary measures to overcome Mexico Can England handle Mexico's. Declan Rice is likely to be available for the match despite an ongoing injury issue available for England v.

Transfer Market Buzz and Managerial Moves

In the transfer market, Premier League club Nottingham Forest is reportedly showing interest in Chicago Fire FC centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi, though no formal offers have been made Agent: Chicago Fire willing. Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk is reportedly being considered by AC Milan, with the club prepared to listen to offers for the defender Van Dijk offers -. Manchester City is in discussions with Fenerbahce for a potential £7 million deal for Nathan Ake talks over £7m Fenerbahce. Tottenham Hotspur is also active, with reports suggesting they are close to signing teenage winger Kroupi Papers: Spurs target Kroupi and are also set to secure Luka Vuskovic from Tottenham in a club-record deal Spurs' Vuskovic set.

On the managerial front, Serie A runners-up Napoli have officially appointed Massimiliano Allegri as their new head coach on a three-year deal Allegri named new Napoli. Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou has been named the new Al Nassr boss in the Saudi Pro League, where he will coach Cristiano Ronaldo coach Ronaldo after being.

Other Football News

Brazil's manager Carlo Ancelotti responded to social media criticism by stating that only legendary former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is more qualified than he is only manager more qualified. FIFA has confirmed that Croatia's equalizer against Portugal was correctly disallowed for offside due to technology within the World Cup ball FIFA: Croatia VAR call. Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez announced his retirement from international football following his country's World Cup exit Algeria duty after World. Spain's Lamine Yamal declared "the World Cup starts now" after a standout performance in their 3-0 victory over Austria After Spain win, Yamal.