Nicolas Pepe proved to be the hero as Ivory Coast finally ended their World Cup group stage hoodoo with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Curacao. The former Arsenal winger rose to the occasion in Philadelphia to secure his nation's place in the last 32. It marks a historic milestone for the Elephants, who had never previously progressed beyond the opening round of the tournament.
Christian Pulisic returned from injury, and Sebastian Berhalter starred, but a heavily rotated USMNT side conceded in stoppage time as Turkiye ended their perfect World Cup start.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Germany were full of attacking intent but badly lacking in defensive quality in a poor final World Cup group stage fixture, falling to a dogged Ecuador, 2-1. Julian Nagelsmann's side got an early goal from Leroy Sane, but conceded twice, and never had a coherent response. They still top the group, but go into the knockouts on a dreary note.
Manchester City have reportedly struck an agreement with Nottingham Forest to sign midfielder Elliot Anderson in a £116m ($153m) deal, bringing a transfer saga that has run for the best part of three months to the verge of completion. A medical has now been lined up to take place in the United States while Anderson remains on World Cup duty with England.
Lionel Messi is continuing to defy the laws of physics and time at the 2026 World Cup, leaving even his former team-mates in awe of his longevity. As the veteran superstar leads Argentina's charge for a second consecutive global crown, Spain sensation Pedri has opened up on why his former Barcelona colleague remains the most effective player on the planet at 39.
Mason Greenwood's future has become the latest flashpoint in the Serie A transfer market as Juventus have reportedly entered the race to sign the Marseille forward. The Bianconeri are ready to challenge rivals Roma for the 24-year-old following his latest prolific campaign in Ligue 1.
Matheus Cunha has admitted he has been left "speechless" after receiving the ultimate seal of approval from Brazil legend Ronaldo. The Manchester United forward has been in scintillating form at the 2026 World Cup, playing a starring role in the Selecao's charge through the group stages, which compelled Ronaldo to reach out.
Brazilian superstar Neymar has reportedly pulled out of conversations with FC Cincinnati after being frustrated by slow progress on a potential move, according to The Athletic. Despite months of talks, the outlet reports the Major League Soccer side never made a offer to the 34-year-old. Neymar made his long-awaited first appearance in the World Cup on Wednesday.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has reportedly reached a definitive decision regarding his future at Old Trafford amid continued interest from the Saudi Pro League. Despite a lucrative release clause and the lure of a potential reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese playmaker has signalled his intention to remain with the Red Devils for at least one more year.
Wrexham have aimed a dig at Southampton over the 'Spygate' scandal with a brutal social media post following the release of the 2026-27 Championship fixture list. The Red Dragons wasted no time in mocking their upcoming opponents after the Saints were famously expelled from the play-offs last season.
Mikel Oyarzabal has opened up on the relentless speculation surrounding his future as reported interest from Barcelona continues to swirl. The Real Sociedad captain remains a pillar of the Spain national team, using his experience to navigate both transfer talk and the meteoric rise of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
Manchester United are reportedly in talks to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha as the battle for the Germany international's signature intensifies. The Red Devils are working hard to steal a march on Premier League rivals Manchester City and Liverpool, who are also keeping a close eye on the 25-year-old following his impressive displays at the World Cup.
Neymar has opened up on his enduring friendship with Lionel Messi after making his long-awaited return to the international stage with Brazil. The Santos forward made a cameo appearance in the Selecao's 3-0 World Cup victory over Scotland, marking his first competitive appearance for his country in nearly three years.
Manchester United legend Nicky Butt has opened up on the reality of sharing a dressing room with Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting the forward is far more personable than his public image suggests. The Class of '92 graduate believes that many people struggle to connect with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner simply because they are intimidated by his legendary status.
Premier League champions Arsenal have reportedly initiated surprise exploratory talks with the camp of Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes as they plot a blockbuster summer midfield reinforcement. Mikel Arteta’s recruitment team is actively gauging the market for the 28-year-old Brazil international, forcing Newcastle to brace for a formal offer.
Manchester United are reportedly finalising an agreement to send Andre Onana back to Trabzonspor for a second consecutive season. The Cameroon international is surplus to requirements at Old Trafford following the emergence of Senne Lammens as the club’s undisputed number one goalkeeper.
Barcelona midfield star Pedri has delivered a candid assessment of Julian Alvarez as speculation mounts over a potential blockbuster summer switch from Atletico Madrid. The Argentina forward has fuelled intense market debate by publicly expressing his desire for a transfer away from the Metropolitano.
Newly-appointed Real Madrid boss José Mourinho has revealed, while speaking exclusively on the Beast Mode On Podcast, that he once took a pain-killing injection in a bid to prove a point to one of his own injured players. That resulted in the mystery player telling the ex-Chelsea head coach that he was "crazy" as he still refused to go ahead with the jab.
José Mourinho has opened up on his shock sacking by Tottenham a matter of days before the 2021 League Cup final, with the Portuguese revealing in an exclusive interview on the Beast Mode On Podcast that his threat to bench Heung-min Son immediately prior to a showpiece occasion at Wembley may have played some part in the decision to let him go.
Manchester United legend Antonio Valencia has called on his former club to make a move for Real Madrid full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. The former Red Devils captain believes the defender possesses the unique personality required to thrive at Old Trafford despite his deep-rooted ties to rivals Liverpool.
Barcelona icon Alexia Putellas has reportedly reached an agreement to join London City Lionesses following her departure from the Catalan giants. The two-time Ballon d'Or winner is set to move to the Women's Super League after a legendary 14-year spell in Spain.
Carlo Ancelotti has hailed Neymar's enduring passion for the game, likening the veteran forward's enthusiasm to that of a young boy following his return to action at the 2026 World Cup. The Santos star made his long-awaited international comeback as a second-half substitute during Brazil's commanding 3-0 victory over Scotland in Miami.
José Mourinho has expressed his delight that Lionel Messi was able to win a World Cup to add the only major trophy he was missing to his enviable collection. The Argentina captain propelled his nation to global glory in Qatar in 2022, and is now looking to repeat the feat in North America, with Lionel Scaloni's side expected to go deep in the competition once again.
Speaking exclusively on the Beast Mode On Podcast, José Mourinho has backed Cristiano Ronaldo and his native Portugal to stake a serious claim for World Cup glory, while ranking England among the favourites. Having recently returned to Real Madrid for a second spell in charge at the Bernabeu, Mourinho has also explained why he is hoping to see Madrid's star names suffer early exits from FIFA's flagship event in North America.
Borussia Dortmund have reportedly established a massive €100 million asking price for Felix Nmecha as interest from the Premier League continues to mount ahead of a future release clause becoming active. The 25-year-old German star has become a primary target for several clubs following his standout World Cup performances.
Former Watford midfielder Pierre Dwomoh has been hit with an 11-match suspension by the Football Association following a series of racist incidents involving an Under-21 team-mate. The governing body described the player’s actions as "completely unacceptable" after he targeted a fellow professional with heritage-based slurs during training ground warm-ups.
Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer has insisted he is "not crying" over his shock omission from Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup squad following a challenging, injury-hit campaign. The 24-year-old is instead shifting his focus entirely toward a rare, head-clearing summer break in Ibiza to fully recharge ahead of the new season.
José Mourinho has set the record straight regarding rumours that he is preparing for a fire sale at Real Madrid that will see a number of influential players exit the Bernabeu in the summer window. Speaking exclusively on the Beast Mode On Podcast, Mourinho felt he needed to address press reports that suggested star names would be moved on after alleged issues in previous regimes.
New Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho joins Adebayo Akinfenwa on the Beast Mode On Podcast as he exclusively discusses his sensational return to the Liga giants, the World Cup and whether England can finally end 60 years of hurt, and some of the joyous, and panful, experiences he's had in management to date. Mourinho also chats openly about his time at Tottenham, and the controversial nature of his sacking just days before the League Cup final, among many other intriguing topics in a must-see episode of the award-winning podcast.