Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: July 6, 2026, 8:33 AM ET

World Cup Drama and Upsets

The World Cup knockout stages have been rife with controversy and dramatic upsets, most notably surrounding the disciplinary actions for USMNT forward Folarin Balogun Balogun ban overturned. FIFA controversially stepped in to allow the banned striker to play in the last-16 tie against Belgium Balogun available for USA, a decision that UEFA declared had "crossed a red line" and risked the "integrity of the game" UEFA hits out FIFA. England coach Thomas Tuchel expressed confusion over the disciplinary process, stating there was "total confusion" Tuchel criticises Fifa. Despite the controversy, England secured their place in the quarter-finals with a thrilling 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca England into quarter-finals. The match, played amidst a dramatic electrical storm that caused a temporary shelter-in-place order Storm Azteca, saw Jude Bellingham deliver a "colossal display" Bellingham's attitude praised and a "heroic defensive performance" ultimately secure the win Heroic defence secures spot. Coach Thomas Tuchel, however, was critical of the referees, stating they "are just not good enough" World Cup referees.

Norway, spearheaded by an in-form Erling Haaland, caused a major upset by dumping Brazil out of the competition with a 2-1 victory in the last 16 Haaland dumps Brazil out. Haaland has been in sensational form, scoring seven goals in four World Cup games, making him a striker "nobody wants to face" Haaland fires Norway. Brazil's exit signals a need for "major surgery" for the aging Seleção, with questions arising about whether Carlo Ancelotti is the right man to lead the rebuilding process Brazil need major surgery. Elsewhere, Morocco continued their impressive tournament by beating Canada to reach the last eight, proving they are "World Cup contenders" rather than just fairytale participants Morocco World Cup contenders. Colombia also advanced, controlling Ghana in a 1-0 victory to set up a clash with Switzerland Colombia control Ghana.

Club Football Transfer Speculation and Managerial Changes

The transfer rumor mill continues to churn, with several Premier League clubs reportedly interested in Bournemouth's Alex Scott Premier League quartet want. Manchester United are also considering a move for Santos midfielder Andrey Santos Santos midfielder considered and are reportedly tracking Kobbie Mainoo Man Utd tracking Mainoo. Real Madrid are preparing a substantial £188 million bid for Crystal Palace's Michael Olise Real Madrid plot Olise, while also signing defender Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan Real Madrid sign Dumfries. Newcastle United have bolstered their ranks by signing winger Bazoumana Toure from Hoffenheim for £42 million Newcastle sign Toure. In Scotland, Bologna are reportedly interested in Rangers' Johnly Barron amid speculation of a potential swap involving Glen Kamara Bologna keen on Barron. Celtic have also been linked with Qarabag forward Camilo Duran and are reportedly in fresh talks Celtic fresh talks.

In managerial news, Oliver Glasner has become Nottingham Forest's fifth head coach in just one year, replacing Vitor Pereira who was sacked last week Glasner becomes Forest's fifth. Carlos Queiroz has stepped down as Ghana head coach after only three months in charge following their World Cup exit Queiroz leaves Ghana.

Rugby League and Other Sports News

Super League's Magic Weekend provided thrilling derby action. Wigan Warriors narrowly defeated St Helens 16-14 in a "ferocious battle" Wigan win derby, while Hull KR secured a 26-12 victory over Hull FC Hull KR win derby. Leeds Rhinos ran riot against Bradford Bulls, winning 50-16 with Ash Handley scoring a hat-trick Leeds run riot. Leigh Leopards strengthened their play-off bid with a dominant 24-6 win over Warrington Wolves Leigh enhance play-offs bid.

In other sports, Chris Gotterup claimed the John Deere Classic title with a final round, finishing 20 under par Gotterup wins John Deere. Padraig Harrington successfully defended his US Senior Open title Harrington defends US Senior. Charles Leclerc won a chaotic British Grand Prix for Ferrari, with Kimi Antonelli suffering a late mechanical failure that significantly impacted his championship lead Leclerc wins chaotic British. Max Verstappen expressed frustration with his Red Bull car, calling a recurring fault "dangerous" Verstappen fed up with car. Naomi Osaka knocked top seed Aryna Sabalenka out of Wimbledon Osaka knocks Sabalenka out, while Novak Djokovic continued his strong run at the All England Club Djokovic breaks record. Australia secured their seventh Women's T20 World Cup title with a seven-wicket victory over England Australia romp past England.