Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: July 5, 2026, 5:31 AM ET

World Cup Knockout Stage Drama

England faces a stern test at the historic Estadio Azteca against Mexico in the World Cup last, a venue steeped in football lore where football kings crowned. Manager Thomas Tuchel faces selection headaches, with Reece James a doubt due to injury, though Jarell Quansah is available again James doubtful Mexico tie. Despite pre-match issues including hotel security concerns and being booed upon arrival lightning, hotel security spying, England's preparations continue, with Declan Rice likely to start despite an ongoing fitness concern Rice likely available. Mexico, meanwhile, have returned luxury watches gifted by a You Tuber due to FIFA regulations prohibiting expensive presents Mexico return luxury watches. The BBC is offering a 'Stay Up or Catch Up' service for live coverage of the crucial match BBC offers 'Stay Up, with pubs potentially allowed to stay open until 5 am for the game Pubs allowed stay open.

France survived a physical encounter against Paraguay, with the South American side employing what was described as "dark arts" tactics that frustrated observers France survive Paraguay's 'disgraceful'. The match saw Paraguay's inspired World Cup run continue, having already stunned Germany earlier in the tournament matter France result. Over in the round of, Colombia controlled Ghana in a sweltering match, securing a 1-0 victory to advance to the next stage Colombia see off Ghana. Switzerland also ended an 88-year wait for a World Cup knockout win by defeating Algeria 2-0, setting up a tie with the winner of the Colombia-Ghana match Switzerland beat Algeria.

Argentina, after a nail-biting extra-time victory over Cape Verde, acknowledged they have significant issues to address, with Lionel Messi stating the team needs to improve Messi: Argentina have 'many'. The round of 32 saw an unexpected challenge for Argentina, nearly being eliminated by Cape Verde in an instant classic How Messi, Argentina saved. Morocco's World Cup campaign is no longer a fairytale; their unbeaten run now extends to 34 matches, solidifying their status as genuine contenders Unbeaten 34 matches. The BBC is ranking all 16 remaining teams, questioning Argentina's top-three placement and Norway's position 16 - ranking every.

Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup hopes were kept alive by a late VAR decision that denied Croatia an equalizer, securing a 2-1 victory for Portugal and setting up a last-16 clash with Spain Late VAR drama. The controversial call, a "huge Snicko" VAR review, prolonged Ronaldo's tournament while ending Luka Modric's Huge 'Snicko' VAR call. Portugal is also preparing to honor the memory of Diogo Jota, their former teammate who died a year ago, as the anniversary of his passing approaches Portugal ready to honor.

Transfer Buzz and Club Moves

Premier League clubs are reportedly circling Bournemouth's Alex Scott, with Arsenal also agreeing to sell Leandro Trossard, while Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo is on Real Madrid's radar Premier League quartet want. Newcastle United considers Bruno Guimaraes "priceless," as reported in Sunday's papers Papers: Bruno Guimaraes considered. Fenerbahce has completed the signing of Netherlands defender Nathan Ake from Manchester City for a potential fee of £8.5m Fenerbahce complete deal. Chelsea has signed Japan international Manaka Matsukubo on a five-year contract from North Carolina Courage Chelsea sign Japan midfielder, and WSL newcomers Crystal Palace are set to acquire midfielder Sierra Enge from French side Strasbourg WSL newcomers Crystal Palace.

Celtic is reportedly in fresh talks for Qarabag's Camilo Duran, while other Scottish clubs like Aberdeen, Dundee, Hearts, Rangers, and St Mirren are also active in the transfer market Celtic in fresh talks. Rangers have had a bid rejected for Partizan Belgrade captain Vanja Dragojević, with Celtic also linked to Las Palmas goalkeeper Dinko Horkas Rangers linked Partizan captain. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has signed a new one-year deal with Celtic Oxlade-Chamberlain signs new one-year.

Manchester United faces competition from Arsenal and Chelsea for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, while Arsenal is also keen on Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa and Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes Man Utd ready. Real Madrid has stated they have "no intention" of signing Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez Real Madrid 'no intention'. AC Milan is reportedly considering a move for Liverpool center-back Virgil van Dijk, who is also rumored to be available for offers from other clubs Liverpool open to Van.

Rugby and Other Sports

Scotland began their Nations Championship campaign with an impressive 47-38 away victory over Argentina, banishing past demons Scotland make impressive start. In a dramatic Nations Championship opener, injury-hit Ireland secured a 33-31 comeback win against Australia in Sydney Injury-hit Ireland secure madcap. South Africa asserted their dominance in the Nations Championship opener, outclassing England with a 45-21 victory that saw them score seven tries Springboks show muscle.

In Rugby League's Magic Weekend, Toulouse Olympique claimed bragging rights in the French derby with a resounding 60-18 thrashing of Catalans Dragons Toulouse thrash Catalans. Leigh Leopards bolstered their play-off aspirations with a commanding 24-6 victory over Warrington Wolves Leigh enhance play-offs bid. Hull KR completed a derby triumph over Hull FC with a 26-12 win Hull KR wrap up, while York Knights inflicted further misery on Huddersfield with a 36-24 defeat, marking the Giants' 10th consecutive loss Giants suffer again. St Helens coach Matt Peet stands by his comments about the team "losing their identity" ahead of their clash with rivals Peet stands by "loss.

Serena Williams has withdrawn from the Wimbledon doubles due to a knee injury Williams sisters out. Matteo Berrettini's Wimbledon outfit was banned for not being sufficiently white Berrettini's outfit banned. Arthur Fery emerged as the last British singles player standing at Wimbledon after other compatriots exited on Thursday Fery last Brit standing. Novak Djokovic matched Roger Federer's Wimbledon record with his 105th match win Djokovic dances his way.

Formula 1 and Racing

Formula 1 chiefs are hoping to reinstate a cancelled race into the 2026 calendar F1 chief reveals hope. Lewis Hamilton aims to collaborate with Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc to challenge Kimi Antonelli at the British Grand Prix Hamilton plots Ferrari teamwork. 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 Verstappen: point racing. Kimi Antonelli passed pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton to win the British Grand Prix Sprint and extend his championship lead Antonelli beats Hamilton. Lewis Hamilton has promised fans he "won't stop until we get there" in pursuit of an eighth world title Hamilton makes eighth title. F1 Academy is making history with its racing debut at Silverstone as part of the British Grand Prix program dream come true'.

Constitution River further cemented its reputation with a dominant performance in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown Constitution River oozes class. A Boy Named Susie is expected to challenge Constitution River at Sandown Boy Named Susie fancied. In other racing news, Elmonjed is seeking success at Deauville Elmonjed seeks Deauville riches, while Emerald Harmony looks to follow up its previous win at Doncaster Emerald Harmony looks.

Cricket and Other International Competition

England's cricketers are one victory away from achieving a significant milestone akin to the Lionesses and Red Roses England within touching distance. England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt hopes for a repeat of a 2017 Lord's final performance, guiding her team to a 40-run victory over South Africa to reach the Women's T20 World Cup final Sciver-Brunt revels 'close complete'. England secured their place in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final for the first time in eight years with an impressive win over South Africa at The Oval England beat South Africa. Australia also reached the Women's T20 World Cup final with a dominant victory, remaining undefeated in the tournament Can flawless Australia beaten.

Jacob Bethell's unbeaten 76 guided England to a four-wicket win over India in the second T20 international, but the debut of 15-year-old Sooryavanshi stole the headlines Bethell blasting England victory. England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt hopes for a repeat of a 2017 Lord's final performance, guiding her team to a 40-run victory over South Africa to reach the Women's T20 World Cup final Nervous' Sciver-Brunt revels. England opener Zak Crawley has been excluded from the 16-man squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against India Crawley left out. Sam Curran has endorsed Harry Brook for the England Test captaincy, while remaining coy about his own white-ball leadership prospects Curran backs Brook Test.

Football Transfer Rumors and News

Sassuolo and Bologna are reportedly in discussions with Hellas Verona regarding Kieron Bowie, while Celtic is linked with Norwegian striker Tobias Lauritsen Bologna in Bowie transfer. Bournemouth is in talks to sign Elche striker Alvaro Rodriguez for an initial fee of £21.4m, potentially rising to £25.7m with add-ons Bournemouth agree £25.7m deal. Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal have been alerted to the potential availability of Barcelona defender Jules