Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: July 4, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

World Cup Knockout Rounds Heat Up

France navigated a tempestuous last-16 tie against Paraguay, ultimately securing a 1-0 victory through a Kylian Mbappe penalty in the 70th minute Mbappe scores again. The match was marred by Paraguay's aggressive tactics, which were described as "disgraceful" and "embarrassing" by observers France survive Paraguay's dark. France now advances to a quarter-final clash with Morocco, who have emerged as strong contenders, remaining unbeaten in 34 matches Morocco World Cup contenders. Meanwhile, England faces a challenging last-16 encounter against Mexico, with Reece James a doubt due to injury, though Jarell Quansah has returned to fitness James doubtful Mexico tie. The team is also grappling with the altitude and potential logistical issues in Mexico City as they prepare for the match Lightning, hotel security spying. Coach Thomas Tuchel faces selection dilemmas, with Jamie Carragher suggesting the manager created a right-back problem Tuchel's created right-back problem. Despite these challenges, Declan Rice is likely to be available for the England vs. Mexico fixture Rice likely available.

Argentina, after a scare against Cape Verde, secured a hard-fought 3-2 extra-time victory, with Lionel Messi acknowledging the team has "many things to correct" Messi, Argentina saved themselves. The performance has prompted analysis of whether Brazil has lost its World Cup aura, despite Carlo Ancelotti leading the squad with the nation dreaming of a sixth title Brazil winning sixth World. Spain, too, appears to have rediscovered their World Cup form, with a dominant 3-0 win over Austria signaling a return to contention after a prolonged period without knockout stage victories Spain finally have World. Portugal, propelled by a late Cristiano Ronaldo winner, narrowly defeated Croatia 2-1, advancing to a last-16 tie against Spain in a match marked by VAR controversy that kept Ronaldo's World Cup dream alive Ronaldo with winner. The VAR call, which disallowed a late Croatian equalizer, was confirmed as correct by FIFA due to technology within the match ball FIFA: Croatia VAR call.

Colombia secured their place in the last 16 with a 1-0 victory over Ghana, setting up a tie against Switzerland, who ended an 88-year knockout stage win drought by defeating Algeria 2-0 Colombia see off Ghana. In other World Cup news, Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez announced his retirement from international football following their round of 32 exit Mahrez retires Algeria duty. The USMNT faces a significant challenge in their round of 16 clash against Belgium, as forward Folarin Balogun will be suspended due to a red card; the team has no avenue to appeal the decision USMNT cannot appeal Balogun. Balogun himself described the situation as an "emotional rollercoaster" Balogun on ban.

Club Football and Transfer Rumors

In domestic football, Toulouse Olympique dominated Catalan Dragons in an all-French derby, securing a resounding 60-18 victory with 10 tries, significantly denting the Dragons' play-off aspirations Toulouse thrash Catalans. Leigh Leopards also bolstered their Super League play-off hopes with a commanding 24-6 win over Warrington Wolves at Magic Weekend Leigh enhance play-offs bid. Hull KR completed a derby triumph over Hull FC with a 26-12 scoreline during the same event Hull KR wrap up, while York Knights inflicted further misery on Huddersfield Giants, who suffered their 10th consecutive defeat Giants suffer again.

Transfer speculation continues to swirl, with Premier League clubs showing interest in Bournemouth's Alex Scott Premier League quartet want. Manchester United is reportedly targeting midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni and Alex Scott Tchouameni Scott high, and are also linked with Brighton's Carlos Baleba Man Utd ready. Arsenal is reportedly eyeing a significant move for a winger, with reports suggesting they are interested in a £130 million transfer Arsenal eye £130m move. Newcastle United considers midfielder Bruno Guimaraes "priceless" amid growing transfer interest Bruno Guimaraes considered priceless. Fenerbahce has completed the signing of Nathan Ake from Manchester City in a deal potentially worth up to £8.5m Fenerbahce complete deal. Chelsea has signed Japanese midfielder Manaka Matsukubo on a five-year contract Chelsea sign Japan midfielder, and Women's Super League newcomers Crystal Palace are set to acquire Sierra Enge WSL newcomers Crystal Palace.

Other Sports News

In rugby union, Scotland achieved an impressive 47-38 away victory over Argentina to open their Nations Championship campaign Scotland make impressive start. South Africa demonstrated their power with a dominant 45-21 win against England in their opening Nations Championship match in Johannesburg, running in seven tries Springboks show muscle. George Furbank has been ruled out of England's fixture against South Africa due to appendicitis Furbank out England's game. Injury-hit Ireland secured a dramatic 33-31 comeback victory against Australia in Sydney to kick off the inaugural Nations Championship Ireland secure madcap comeback.

In tennis, Aryna Sabalenka is set to face Naomi Osaka at Wimbledon, while Coco Gauff continues her strong performance Sabalenka sets up mouth-watering clash. Matteo Berrettini's Wimbledon outfit was banned for not being sufficiently white Berrettini's outfit banned. Lewis Hamilton expressed his determination to secure an eighth world title at the British Grand Prix Hamilton plots Ferrari teamwork. Kimi Antonelli secured pole position for the British Grand Prix Sprint, overtaking Hamilton to extend his championship lead Antonelli beats Hamilton. Max Verstappen stated there is "no point competing" in the British Grand Prix if his Red Bull team cannot resolve a top-speed issue Verstappen: point racing.

In cricket, England's cricketers are one victory away from reaching their own "Lionesses and Red Roses moment" England within touching distance. Jacob Bethell played a key role in England's four-wicket win over India in the second T20 international, with 15-year-old Sooryavanshi making his debut Bethell blasting England victory. England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt led her team to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup final with a 40-run victory over South Africa England beat South Africa. Zak Crawley has been omitted from England's squad for the ODI series against India Crawley left out.