🚨 Argentina survive Cape Verde scare, Arsenal star's shock exit, Chelsea rejected by midfielder, Liverpool make Van Dijk decision, Tottenham target move for rival attacker & more.
Plus World Cup Round-up and all the latest other updates.
Good morning everyone and welcome to the latest Daily Briefing, here as always to give you all today’s top football stories! Thanks for reading, and hope you enjoy :-)
Today’s top stories:
World Cup round-up
Egypt win dramatic shootout against Australia
Australia’s 2026 FIFA World Cup run ended in heartbreaking fashion after they lost to Egypt in the Round of 32. The match finished 1-1 after extra time, with Egypt eventually winning 4-2 on penalties to reach the last 16.
Egypt took the lead through Emam Ashour’s first-half header, but Australia fought back after the break when Mohamed Hany turned the ball into his own net. The Socceroos pushed hard and stayed in the contest, but neither side could find a winner before the shootout.
In the penalties, Egypt showed more composure, scoring all four of their spot-kicks while Australia missed twice.
FT Australia 1-1 Egypt (2-4 on penalties) [Pictures from ITV Sport]
Cape Verde win hearts despite Argentina defeat
Argentina survived a huge scare as they beat Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32. Lionel Messi gave Argentina the lead in the first half, but Cape Verde refused to fold and equalised through Deroy Duarte to take the game beyond 90 minutes.
The drama continued in extra time, with Argentina going back in front before Cape Verde stunned them again through Sidny Lopes Cabral. For a while, it looked like one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history could happen, as Cape Verde pushed the world champions all the way.
Argentina eventually found the decisive goal late in extra time and held on to reach the last 16, where they will face Egypt.
FT Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde [Pictures from ITV Sport]
Colombia narrowly edge past Ghana
Colombia booked their place in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a tight 1-0 win over Ghana in the Round of 32.
Jhon Arias scored the only goal of the game in the 14th minute, giving Colombia an early lead they refused to give up.
Ghana pushed to get back into the match, but Colombia stayed organised and protected their advantage well.
It was not the most comfortable performance, but Colombia showed discipline, defensive strength and enough experience to get through a difficult knockout tie.
FT Colombia 1-0 Ghana [Pictures from ITV Sport]
The Daily Briefing newsletter is now FREE to read - with all your essential football headlines delivered ad-free straight to your inbox seven mornings a week.
UPGRADE to a paid subscription to receive exclusive in-depth transfer news, comment, and analysis from our experts!
Arsenal
Arsenal links to England regular give clues about potential injury status of key player. Full Story here!
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard could reportedly be edging closer to a transfer to Galatasaray after personal terms were agreed. (Selman Ozturk)
Arsenal have reportedly made good progress on a potential transfer deal for Morgan Rogers. (Fabrizio Romano)
Arsenal are reportedly preparing an ambitious summer move for Athletic Club winger Nico Williams as Mikel Arteta looks to add more explosive quality to his attack. (Fichajes)
Barcelona
Jules Kounde is a player Barcelona will consider selling. (TEAMtalk)
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich complete €55m deal for one of Germany’s only World Cup performers. Full Story here!
Besiktas
Leandro Trossard could be sold by Arsenal this summer, with Turkish side Besiktas apparently interested in him. (The Sun)
Chelsea
Chelsea are reportedly still pursuing the transfer of Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka, but this is very much being pushed for by Xabi Alonso. (Simon Phillips)
Trevoh Chalobah could leave Chelsea for Serie A, with his agents in Italy right now to make a deal. (Fabrizio Romano)
(Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos could reportedly be available this summer, with Manchester United previously linked with the Brazilian youngster. (BBC)
Chelsea and Liverpool learn Brighton stance over the future of midfielder Yasin Ayari. More here!
Liverpool
Liverpool target signs new contract at rising Premier League power. More here!
Liverpool could be heading towards one of the biggest defensive decisions of their summer, with Virgil van Dijk reportedly no longer completely untouchable at Anfield. (TEAMtalk)
Manchester City
Manchester City have agreed a transfer deal for Leicester City wonderkid and Arsenal target Jeremy Monga. (Fabrizio Romano)
Manchester United
Manchester United’s search for a new left-sided attacker has become more competitive, with Fulham now joining the race for West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville. (Guardian)
Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo has not ruled out retiring from international football after this summer’s World Cup after his sister hinted this could be his last tournament. (Metro)
Real Madrid
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has been the subject of links with Real Madrid, but the club have released a statement denying the reports. (Real Madrid offcial website)
Tottenham
Fabrizio Romano: “Keep an eye on Tottenham for Cody Gakpo, because Tottenham have interest in the player.”
(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
