Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: July 5, 2026, 11:32 AM ET

World Cup Knockout Stage Heats Up

England faces a daunting task against Mexico in the World Cup last-16 at the iconic Estadio Azteca, a venue steeped in football history England fighting history. Manager Thomas Tuchel is contemplating tactical shifts to counter the altitude and the hosts, as England players reported little impact from Mexican fans attempting to disturb their sleep with fireworks Mexico fans fail. Reece James trained separately and is doubtful for the tie, though Jarell Quansah is available again James doubtful. The team's path to the final remains challenging England into last 16, with potential selection headaches for Tuchel Mexico will come out. Meanwhile, the pressure is on England to manage the unique challenges of playing in Mexico City, with altitude a significant factor that may require innovative solutions like caffeine intake Can England handle Mexico's. The BBC is offering a 'Stay Up or Catch Up' option for its coverage of the high-stakes match BBC offers 'Stay Up.

Surprises and Upsets in the Round of 16

The World Cup knockout stage has already delivered drama, with Morocco no longer seen as a fairytale after their progression Unbeaten 34 matches. Colombia secured their place in the last 16 with a disciplined 1-0 victory over Ghana Colombia see off Ghana, setting up a clash with Switzerland, who ended an 88-year hoodoo by beating Algeria Switzerland beat Algeria. Argentina narrowly avoided an embarrassing exit, needing extra time to defeat Cape Verde 3-2, a performance Lionel Messi acknowledged requires significant improvement Messi: Argentina have 'many'. The USMNT faces Belgium without the suspended Folarin Balogun, whose red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina has been deemed unappealable Sources: USMNT cannot appeal. Egypt eliminated Australia in a dramatic penalty shootout, marking their first knockout stage win Egypt eliminate Australia.

Transfer Market Buzz and Squad Movements

Real Madrid has completed the signing of Netherlands full-back Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan on a four-year deal Real Madrid sign defender. Brentford is nearing a move for Burnley forward Jaidon Anthony for a fee potentially rising to £17 million with add-ons Hollick wins BMW International. Fenerbahce has finalized a deal for Netherlands defender Nathan Ake from Manchester City, potentially worth up to £8.5 million Fenerbahce complete deal. In the Scottish Premiership, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has signed a new one-year contract with Celtic Oxlade-Chamberlain signs new one-year. Celtic are also reportedly in fresh talks for Qarabag forward Camilo Duran Celtic in fresh talks.

Other Sporting Highlights

In golf, Michael Hollick secured the BMW International Open with a final-hole eagle, while YouTube personality Brad Dalke achieved a credible top-30 finish in his DP World Tour debut Hollick wins BMW International. Formula 1 saw Kimi Antonelli take pole position for the British Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton hoping for team tactics to challenge him Hamilton plots Ferrari teamwork. Max Verstappen expressed frustration with his Red Bull's top-speed issues ahead of the race Verstappen: point racing. In rugby, Scotland opened their Nations Championship campaign with an impressive 47-38 away win over Argentina Scotland make impressive start, while South Africa dominated England with a 45-21 victory Springboks show muscle.

Club and League Action

Magic Weekend in rugby league saw Toulouse Olympique thrash Catalans Dragons 60-18 in an all-French clash Toulouse thrash Catalans. Leigh Leopards bolstered their play-off hopes with a 24-6 victory over Warrington Wolves Leigh enhance play-offs bid, while Hull KR defeated rivals Hull FC 26-12 Hull KR wrap up. Wakefield Trinity scored nine tries in a dominant 48-6 win against Castleford Tigers Wakefield score nine tries, and York Knights inflicted a 10th consecutive defeat on Huddersfield Giants with a 36-24 win Giants suffer again. In women's football, Arsenal has signed Lionesses midfielder Georgia Stanway from Bayern Munich Stanway joins Arsenal.