Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: July 4, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

World Cup Knockout Stage Heats Up

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is entering its most critical phase, with several nations securing their passage to the Round of. Morocco advanced to the last eight with a convincing 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada, fueled by a brace from Azzedine Ounahi and a third goal from Soufiane Rahimi. Meanwhile, Colombia controlled Ghana to secure a 1-0 win and a spot in the next round, setting up a clash with Switzerland, who ended their 88-year hoodoo in the knockout stage with a 2-0 win over Algeria. Egypt eliminated Australia in a dramatic penalty shootout in Dallas to reach the last 16 for the first time.

Argentina, despite a nail-biting 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde, are aware of significant areas needing improvement according to Lionel Messi. The Albiceleste’s near-miss against Cape Verde was an early shock in the tournament, a game that proved to be an "instant classic" in the round of 32 as noted by ESPN Soccer. Spain, conversely, displayed a resurgent form, with Lamine Yamal stating "the World Cup starts now" after their 3-0 triumph over Austria, a performance that saw him named MVP and signaled a return to form after a string of disappointing knockout stage exits since their 2010 win as per ESPN Soccer. Portugal kept their World Cup dreams alive with a controversial 2-1 victory over Croatia, sealed by a late winner from Ramos, which was aided by VAR drama that prolonged Cristiano Ronaldo's tournament. This sets up a highly anticipated last-16 tie against Spain.

England faces its toughest test yet against host nation Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, a venue known for its challenging altitude as highlighted by BBC Sport Football. The Three Lions' preparations have been further complicated by a controversial red card for forward Folarin Balogun, with the USMNT having no avenue to appeal the decision, leaving coach Mauricio Pochettino to find solutions for the Round of 16 clash against Belgium as per ESPN Soccer. Pubs across the UK will be allowed to stay open until 5 am for England's match against Mexico, which kicks off at 1 am UK time, reflecting the nation's anticipation for the crucial fixture.

Club Football Transfers and News

In club news, Fenerbahce has completed the signing of Netherlands defender Nathan Aké from Manchester City in a deal potentially worth up to £8.5m. Celtic has secured Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on a new one-year contract, while also reportedly being close to signing Qarabag forward Camilo Duran according to BBC Sport Football. Rangers manager Derek McInnes is actively pursuing further signings, having already brought in five players during the transfer window as he stated in a Q&A, with Ross McCrorie returning to Ibrox primarily due to McInnes's influence as reported by BBC Sport Football.

There is significant interest from Premier League clubs in a number of players. Manchester United is reportedly targeting Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba and is also keen on Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa and Bruno Guimaraes according to Friday's gossip columns. Arsenal is also active, reportedly eyeing a £130m move for Crystal Palace's Michael Olise as per ESPN Soccer, and has confirmed the signing of Lionesses midfielder Georgia Stanway following her exit from Bayern Munich as per Sky Sports Champions League. Chelsea has signed Japan international Manaka Matsukubo on a five-year contract from North Carolina Courage BBC Sport Football reports, and is also reportedly being tracked by AC Milan for center back Virgil van Dijk, who Liverpool is prepared to listen to offers for.

Rugby and Other Sports

In Rugby's Nations Championship, South Africa outclassed England with seven tries in a dominant 45-21 victory in Johannesburg. George Furbank has been ruled out of England's opener against South Africa due to appendicitis, potentially missing the entire summer tour Sky Sports Champions League reports. Meanwhile, Ireland secured a dramatic 33-31 comeback victory over Australia in Sydney, despite an injury-ravaged squad in the opening round of rugby's Nations Championship.

Formula 1 is looking to restore a cancelled race to the 2026 calendar as confirmed by F1 president Stefano Domenicali. At the British Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli secured pole position, aiming to "topple" Lewis Hamilton, who hopes to work with Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc to achieve this goal as reported by Sky Sports Champions League. Antonelli went on to win the British Grand Prix Sprint, extending his championship lead over Hamilton Sky Sports Champions League confirmed. Max Verstappen stated there is "no point competing" in the British Grand Prix if Red Bull cannot resolve a top-speed issue that hampered his qualifying performance according to Sky Sports Champions League. The F1 Academy is also making history with its racing debut at Silverstone as part of the British Grand Prix program as per Sky Sports Champions League.

In cricket, England's cricketers are one victory away from clinching their own "Lionesses and Red Roses moment" Sky Sports Champions League noted. Jacob Bethell's strong performance for England against India was overshadowed by the debut of 15-year-old Sooryavanshi as per Sky Sports Champions League. England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt led England to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final with a 40-run victory over South Africa Sky Sports Champions League reported.

In tennis, Serena Williams has been forced to withdraw from the Wimbledon doubles due to a knee issue Sky Sports Champions League announced. Arthur Fery is the last British singles player remaining at Wimbledon after three other compatriots exited the tournament Sky Sports Champions League confirmed. Matteo Berrettini's outfit was banned by Wimbledon officials for not being white enough Sky Sports Champions League reported. Aryna Sabalenka has set up a Wimbledon clash with Naomi Osaka, while Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner continue their pursuit of the title as per Sky Sports Champions League. Djokovic secured his 105th match win at Wimbledon, equaling Roger Federer's record Sky Sports Champions League noted.

Rugby League and Other News

In Rugby League's Magic Weekend, Leigh Leopards strengthened their play-off aspirations with a dominant 24-6 victory over Warrington Wolves Sky Sports Champions League reported. Hull KR completed a 26-12 derby win against Hull FC Sky Sports Champions League confirmed. York Knights inflicted another defeat on Huddersfield Giants, marking their 10th consecutive loss with a 36-24 victory Sky Sports Champions League noted. Matt Peet stands by his comments that St Helens have "lost their identity" ahead of their Magic Weekend clash according to Sky Sports Champions League.

In horse racing, Constitution River further enhanced its reputation with a dominant display in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown Sky Sports Champions League reported. The horse is expected to be a strong contender at Doncaster as per Sky Sports Champions League.

In other football news, Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from international duty for Algeria following their World Cup exit BBC Sport Football reported. Former Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla has retired from playing at the age of 41 BBC Sport Football confirmed.