Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: July 7, 2026, 2:31 PM ET

World Cup Knockouts and Major Upsets

The World Cup is entering its decisive stages, marked by dramatic upsets and the exits of prominent nations. Brazil's quest for a record-extending sixth World Cup title was abruptly ended by Norway, who secured a stunning 2-1 victory thanks to a brace from Erling Haaland Haaland dumped Brazil. This marks another painful chapter for Brazil, who now face an extended wait for their next World Cup triumph Brazil need major surgery. Similarly, Neymar stated his international career with Brazil is "over" following the Norway defeat Neymar says career over.

Portugal also saw their World Cup dreams dashed as Spain secured a narrow 1-0 victory in a tense round-of-16 encounter Ronaldo exits tears. The loss signals the end of Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career, a chapter he described as having a "clear conscience" despite the tearful exit Ronaldo's World Cup career. Coach Roberto Martinez confirmed his departure from the Portuguese national team, stating the result was not a "failure" Martinez steps down.

USMNT's Round of 16 Exit and Controversy

The United States men's national team's World Cup campaign concluded in the round of 16 with a comprehensive 4-1 defeat to Belgium USMNT's dream crushed. Despite the return of Folarin Balogun, who was controversially cleared to play after a reversed suspension, the USMNT failed to advance Balogun ban overturned. Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin suggested that "there's always justice somewhere in life" after their victory Belgium say beating US, with some Belgian players appearing to mock FIFA and President Trump post-match Belgium mock Trump FIFA. The handling of Balogun's suspension drew criticism from UEFA, who stated FIFA had "crossed a red line" and put the "integrity of the game at stake" UEFA hits out FIFA. England coach Thomas Tuchel also expressed confusion over the disciplinary process and stated World Cup referees "are just not good enough" Tuchel criticises Fifa. The USMNT's exit, despite a favorable draw and circumstances, leaves them looking back at the 2026 World Cup as a missed opportunity USMNT look back at 2026. Christian Pulisic was forced off with an ankle injury during the match against Belgium Pulisic forced off injured.

England's Hard-Fought Victory and Quarter-Final Berth

England booked their spot in the World Cup quarter-finals with a thrilling 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico in an intense last-16 clash at the Azteca Stadium Three Lions roar alti-Jude. The win, described as one of England's greatest knockout results, was secured through a heroic defensive effort and standout performances from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane England ratings: Bellingham shines. The match was steeped in drama, including a mid-game shelter-in-place order due to an electrical storm Shelter-in-place order amid storm. England manager Thomas Tuchel praised his team's "heroic" performance but also criticized the match officials Tuchel fumes at officials. The victory, watched by a peak audience of 9.1 million in the UK, marks a significant achievement on foreign soil for the Three Lions England top Mexico. The team's dependence on Kane and Bellingham was evident, with the duo scoring 10 of England's 11 goals in the tournament superstar double act. Jarell Quansah, who started at right-back, is expected to be available for the quarter-final against Norway Quansah set start, though an appeal is being considered after his red card against Mexico FA considering appeal. Jordan Henderson is expected to undergo surgery on a wrist injury sustained during celebrations Henderson expected surgery.

Other World Cup Notes and Club Signings

Lionel Messi was among the stars, including Jude Bellingham and Lamine Yamal, who posed with the new World Cup final match ball Messi, Bellingham, Yamal unveil. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni noted that there is "no truly dominant team" at this World Cup Scaloni: 'No dominant team'. Meanwhile, Mexico captain Edson Álvarez admitted their elimination "hurts deeply" but expressed optimism for the team's future Álvarez Mexico KO. Camilo Duran is reportedly poised to become Celtic's first summer signing, with the club agreeing to a fee for the Qarabag forward Qarabag's Duran poised Celtic. Arsenal are also set to secure the signing of goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer after his release from Leeds United Arsenal set sign Meslier. In other transfer news, Liverpool have made contact regarding a move for Mexico wonderkid Gilberto Mora Liverpool ahead of Man Utd.

Club Football and Transfer Rumors

In club football news, Chelsea midfielder Julia Bartel is reportedly nearing a move to Juventus this summer Chelsea's Bartel closing. Arsenal have also confirmed the signing of German striker Selina Cerci from Hoffenheim on a free transfer Arsenal sign Germany striker. Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing a substantial bid for Crystal Palace's Michael Olise Real Madrid plot £188m. There are also rumors linking Aston Villa's Jacob Ramsey to Arsenal Papers: Villa's Rogers asking. Newcastle United are closing in on the signing of young Ajax midfielder Sean Steur Newcastle closing signing. The Championship season is set to commence with promotion and play-off dreams, with Stoke City looking at how to manage transfer fees under the Squad Cost Rules How Stoke City keep. Former Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has been appointed manager of Ligue 1 club Paris FC Former Chelsea boss Rosenoric. Andoni Iraola has arrived at Liverpool to begin his preparations as the new head coach ahead of the Premier League season Inside Liverpool's pre-season.

Other Sports News

In other sports news, Formula 1 is set to feature more Sprint weekends in the 2027 season F1 feature more Sprints. Max Verstappen expressed frustration with his Red Bull car after a crash at the British Grand Prix, describing the issue as "dangerous" Verstappen 'fed up'. Mercedes accepted blame for a mechanical failure that likely cost Kimi Antonelli a victory at the British Grand Prix Mercedes accept blame. In tennis, Arthur Fery continued his remarkable Wimbledon run by reaching the quarter-finals Fery's fairy-tale Wimbledon run. Naomi Osaka knocked out top seed Aryna Sabalenka at Wimbledon, while Novak Djokovic broke Roger Federer's record for match victories at the All England Club Osaka knocks Sabalenka out. The Wigan Warriors secured a narrow 16-14 victory over St Helens in a ferocious derby match at Super League's Magic Weekend Wigan win ferocious derby.