Football/Soccer 8 Hours

Last updated: June 26, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

International Friendlies & World Cup Qualifiers

France comfortably secured a 4-1 victory over a depleted Norway side, with Ousmane Dembélé netting a first-half hat-trick, including a goal assisted by Kylian Mbappé. This dominant performance capped a perfect group campaign for the French, who managed to rest key players while still delivering a strong result. Norway's coach, Ståle Solbakken, deemed resting ten first-team players, including Erling Haaland, against France a "no-brainer" due to medical assessments indicating fatigue among several squad members confirming Haaland's benching. This strategic decision, however, drew questions about its overall wisdom after the heavy defeat. Meanwhile, French coach Didier Deschamps is set to rejoin the squad after attending his mother's funeral, having missed the Norway match.

In other international news, England manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed that Bukayo Saka is "free of pain" and ready to start against Panama, offering a boost to the squad despite a defensive injury blow. Defender Reece James will miss the match against Panama, leading Tuchel to defend his full-back selections. Declan Rice has returned to England training, but James remains a doubt. Senegal delivered a convincing 5-0 thrashing of 10-man Iraq, significantly improving their chances of advancing to the World Cup knockout stages as one of the top eight third-placed teams.

Club Transfers & Player News

Real Madrid is reportedly prioritizing player exits before pursuing new midfield signings, with sources indicating that the club will hold off on further arrivals until at least one current midfielder departs. Chelsea is reportedly closing in on Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix, while Newcastle United is also considering Borussia Dortmund's Felix Nmecha. Three Premier League clubs are also reportedly monitoring a Uruguayan player. Arsenal has reportedly had a £55 million ($73m) offer for Newcastle United's Bruno Guimarães rejected. AC Milan has appointed Massimo Calvelli as CEO, aiming to "bring a winning culture" back to the club, a day after reportedly rejecting an approach from NYC FC for United States attacker Christian Pulisic. Paul Mullin is departing Wrexham after five years following a mutual contract termination.

Other Football News

Former West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand has taken his first coaching role with National League side Hornchurch, joining Robert Lee in a high-profile appointment. United States men's national team coach Mauricio Pochettino and U.S. Soccer have engaged in "positive talks" regarding a potential contract extension. International fans attending the World Cup in the US have expressed frustration over the confusing and expensive tipping culture, with many reporting "tipping fatigue."

Rugby & Cricket

Leeds has strengthened its position at the Betfred Super League summit with another decisive victory over defending champions Hull KR. In cricket, Ben Duckett and Ben Stokes were instrumental in a stirring England fightback on day two of the series-deciding third Test against New Zealand. All-rounder Alice Capsey has urged England to maintain their winning momentum against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup ahead of the semi-finals. Sri Lanka kept its slim semi-final hopes alive in the Women's T20 World Cup after a dramatic last-over win against Scotland.