Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: July 5, 2026, 8:35 AM ET

World Cup Knockout Stage Heats Up

England is preparing for a monumental clash against Mexico in the Azteca cauldron for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals fighting history. The historic stadium, one of world football's great cathedrals, will be the stage for this high-stakes encounter Azteca cauldron. Manager Thomas Tuchel faces selection dilemmas, with Reece James doubtful for the tie, though Jarell Quansah is available again James doubtful. Despite these challenges, Declan Rice is likely to be fit to start Rice likely start. England's path to the final is now clearer after their progression to the last 16 England into last 16, though Mexico is considered the favorite by some due to their home advantage and England's own selection headaches Mexico favourites. The altitude of Estadio Azteca poses a significant challenge for England, prompting discussions about using caffeine to acclimatize Mexico's altitude. Pubs across England will be allowed to open until 5 am on Monday to accommodate the match Pubs allowed open. Meanwhile, BBC Sport is offering a 'Stay Up or Catch Up' service for its coverage of the match BBC offers service.

African Nations Advance, South American Giants Face Scrutiny

Morocco has solidified its status as a World Cup contender, extending an unbeaten run to 34 matches after defeating Canada to reach the quarter-finals Morocco contenders. The North African side, featuring teenage sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi, is drawing attention from Europe's top clubs Morocco's sensation. In another significant development, Egypt secured its first World Cup knockout stage win in 88 years by defeating Australia in a dramatic penalty shootout Egypt history. Mohamed Salah has been central to Egypt's campaign Salah leads Egypt. Australia's World Cup journey ended with penalty shootout heartbreak against Egypt Australia penalty heartbreak. Colombia also advanced to the round of 16 with a 1-0 victory over Ghana, setting up a clash with Switzerland Colombia see off Ghana. Switzerland, after an 88-year wait, also secured their first knockout win by beating Algeria 2-0 Switzerland beat Algeria.

European Powerhouses and Transfer Rumors

France, after a gritty performance, survived Paraguay's "dark arts" to advance in the tournament France survive dark arts. Paraguay's inspired World Cup run, their first since 2010, has seen them stun Germany and now face a formidable France Paraguay inspired. Spain has rediscovered its World Cup form, with Lamine Yamal declaring "the World Cup starts now" after a commanding 3-0 win over Austria Spain World Cup mojo. Portugal, with Cristiano Ronaldo playing a key role, kept their World Cup dreams alive by defeating Croatia 2-1 in a match decided by late VAR drama Portugal beat Croatia. A controversial VAR call ultimately ended Luka Modric's World Cup campaign while extending Ronaldo's VAR call prolongs.

In transfer news, Fenerbahçe has completed the signing of Nathan Ake from Manchester City for a deal potentially worth up to £8.5m Fenerbahce complete deal. Premier League clubs are reportedly monitoring Barcelona defender Jules Kounde Premier League clubs eye. Manchester United is interested in Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, while Arsenal is keen on Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa and Bruno Guimaraes Man Utd ready Baleba. Bournemouth is in talks to sign Elche striker Alvaro Rodriguez for an initial fee of £21.4m, rising to £25.7m with add-ons Bournemouth agree deal. Celtic is reportedly close to signing Qarabag forward Camilo Duran Celtic in talks.

Other Football News

Brentford is nearing a £15m move for Burnley forward Jaidon Anthony, with add-ons potentially taking the fee to £17m Brentford sign Anthony. Sassuolo and Bologna are reportedly in talks with Hellas Verona for Kieron Bowie Sassuolo Bologna talks. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has signed a new one-year contract with Celtic Oxlade-Chamberlain signs. Norway midfielder Justine Kielland has joined Aston Villa from Wolfsburg, pending visa approval Aston Villa sign Kielland. England-capped midfielder Georgia Stanway has signed for Arsenal following her departure from Bayern Munich Stanway joins Arsenal.

Formula 1 and Other Sports

Kimi Antonelli secured pole position for the British Grand Prix, ahead of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton Antonelli on pole. He then went on to win the British Grand Prix Sprint, passing pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton to extend his championship lead Antonelli wins Sprint. Christian Horner made his first appearance in the F1 paddock since his exit from Red Bull Horner returns. Max Verstappen stated there is "no point competing" in the British Grand Prix if Red Bull cannot resolve a top-speed issue Verstappen point. Formula 1 is hoping to restore one of two cancelled races to the 2026 calendar Restore cancelled race. The F1 Academy is making history with its racing debut at Silverstone as part of the British Grand Prix program F1 Academy debut.

In rugby, South Africa convincingly defeated England 45-21 in their Nations Championship opener with seven tries Springboks outclass England. George Furbank will miss the rest of England's summer internationals after being withdrawn from the team to face South Africa due to appendicitis Furbank out. Ireland secured a dramatic 33-31 comeback victory over Australia in Sydney in the opening round of the Nations Championship Ireland secure comeback. Scotland opened their Nations Championship with an impressive 47-38 away win against Argentina Scotland impressive start.

Rugby league saw Toulouse Olympique claim bragging rights in the French derby with a 60-18 thrashing of Catalans Dragons during Magic Weekend Toulouse thrash Catalans. Leigh Leopards bolstered their play-off hopes with a dominant 24-6 victory over Warrington Wolves Leigh bolster hopes. Hull KR completed a 26-12 victory over rivals Hull FC at Magic Weekend Hull KR derby victory. York Knights inflicted a 10th straight defeat on Huddersfield Giants with a 36-24 win Giants suffer again. St Helens coach Matt Peet stated he stands by his comments that the club has "lost their identity" ahead of their Magic Weekend clash against Leigh Peet stands by comments.

In tennis, Aryna Sabalenka set up a Wimbledon clash with Naomi Osaka, while Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner continued their pursuit of the title Sabalenka sets up clash. Djokovic recorded his 105th match win at Wimbledon, equalling Roger Federer's record Djokovic equals record. Serena Williams has been forced to withdraw from the Wimbledon doubles due to a knee injury Williams sisters out. Matteo Berrettini's Wimbledon outfit was banned for not being white enough Berrettini outfit banned.

In horse racing, Constitution River further enhanced its reputation with a dominant display in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown Constitution River dominates. Calandagan is seeking back-to-back Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud victories Calandagan defends crown. Elmonjed is aiming for success at Deauville Elmonjed seeks riches. Emerald Harmony is looking to follow up its previous win at Doncaster Emerald Harmony follows up. A Boy Named Susie is fancied to upset Constitution River at Sandown Boy Named Susie fancied.

YouTube golfer Brad Dalke is challenging for the title on his DP World Tour debut at the BMW International Open YouTuber Dalke contends. Zach Johnson is one shot off the lead at the John Deere Classic Johnson one shot off.

In cricket, England's cricketers are one victory away from clinching their own Lionesses and Red Roses moment England cricketers close. England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt was delighted to guide England to the Women’s T20 World Cup final with a dominant victory over South Africa Sciver-Brunt revels. Australia booked their place in the Women's T20 World Cup final with an unbeaten record Australia unbeaten. Jacob Bethell's performance fired England to an impressive four-wicket victory over India in the second T20 international, with 15-year-old Sooryavanshi making his debut Bethell fires England. Zak Crawley has been left out of England's squad for the ODI series against India Crawley left out. Sam Curran has backed Harry Brook for the Test captaincy role Curran backs Brook.