🚨 Arsenal bid for top target rejected, Man City midfielder finally leaving, Man Utd in contact with German star, Liverpool admire rival defender, World Cup Round-up & more.
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Today’s top stories:
World Cup 2026 round-up
Ecuador upset Germany with a late goal
Ecuador pulled off one of the biggest results of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage with a dramatic 2-1 win over Germany.
Germany made a fast start and went ahead through Leroy Sané, but Ecuador responded brilliantly, showing character and belief instead of letting the early goal shake them.
Nilson Angulo brought Ecuador level, before Gonzalo Plata delivered the decisive moment in the second half with the winning goal.
It was a huge result for Ecuador, who showed real fight and organisation against one of the tournament’s strongest sides, while Germany were left frustrated despite already being in a strong position in the group.
FT Ecuador 2-1 Germany [Pictures from Fox Soccer]
Elanga rescues point for Sweden against Japan
Japan and Sweden played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the FIFA World Cup 2026, with both sides doing enough to secure their places in the Round of 32.
Japan went ahead through Daizen Maeda, showing their usual sharp movement and quick attacking play, but Sweden responded well and found an equaliser through Anthony Elanga.
The result felt fair overall, as neither team was able to fully take control of the game. Japan will see the point as a useful one, especially against a strong European side, while Sweden showed good character to fight back.
FT Japan 1-1 Sweden [Pictures from Fox Soccer]
Netherlands continue their winning start
Netherlands secured a strong 3-1 win over Tunisia in the FIFA World Cup 2026, finishing their group-stage campaign in impressive fashion.
The Dutch made a fast start, going ahead through an Ellyes Skhiri own goal before Brian Brobbey doubled the lead and put them firmly in control.
Tunisia responded after the break through Hazem Mastouri, giving themselves a bit of hope, but Netherlands quickly restored their two-goal cushion when Jan Paul van Hecke headed home from a corner.
It was a professional performance from the Dutch side, who showed their attacking quality and wrapped up top spot in Group F with confidence.
FT Netherlands 3-1 Tunisia [Pictures from Fox Soccer]
Turkiye beat USA in a thrilling encounter
Turkiye ended their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on a high with a dramatic 3-2 win over the USA.
The Americans made a fast start through Auston Trusty, but Turkiye responded well, with Arda Güler equalising before Barış Alper Yılmaz completed the turnaround before half-time.
USA fought back after the break as Sebastian Berhalter made it 2-2, giving the home crowd hope of an unbeaten group-stage finish.
However, Turkiye had the final word deep into stoppage time, when Kaan Ayhan scored the decisive winner. It was a frustrating defeat for the USA, but they still advanced to the knockout stage as group winners, while Turkiye bowed out with pride.
FT Turkiye 3-2 USA [Pictures from Fox Soccer]
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Arsenal
Arsenal attacking midfielder Ethan Nwaneri reportedly looks likely to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer. (Ben Jacobs)
Arsenal have reportedly had some talks with the representatives of Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes this summer. (Daily Mail)
Arsenal have had an opening offer rejected for Leicester City teenager Jeremy Monga, but the Gunners remain firmly in the race for one of English football’s most exciting young talents. (Times)
Arsenal midfield target Manu Kone has made his stance clear. Full Story here!
Chelsea
Chelsea are reportedly closing in on the signing of Marco Palestra as he’s set to undergo a medical with the Blues on Friday. (The Athletic)
Chelsea are reportedly “obsessed” with an ambitious transfer deal for Aston Villa star and top Arsenal target Morgan Rogers. (Simon Phillips)
Chelsea have started talks over a move for Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix as Xabi Alonso looks to reshape his defence this summer. (Fabrizio Romano)
Leeds United
Leeds United appear to be wasting no time in the summer transfer window, with their move for Harry Wilson looking like just the beginning of a bigger recruitment push. (Sky Sports)
Liverpool
Liverpool and Man United alerted as fierce rivals face £60m defender dilemma. Full Story here!
Manchester City
Sheffield United are moving closer to bringing Kalvin Phillips back to Bramall Lane, with advanced talks taking place with Manchester City over a fresh loan deal. (Football Insider)
(Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
Manchester United
Manchester United chief Christopher Vivell is reportedly in contact with the representatives of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha. (Sky Germany)
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana is reportedly set to return to Trabzonspor on loan for a second season. (Fabrizio Romano)
Brazilian superstar with €80m release clause wanted by Carrick at Man United. Read more!
Bruno Fernandes tells Man United teammates his transfer decision after Saudi interest. Full Story here!
Manchester United are reportedly considering a surprise move for Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn as Michael Carrick’s squad rebuild continues. (The Sun)
Manchester United could be at risk of losing ground to Tottenham Hotspur in the race for West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes because of wages. (The Sun)
Newcastle United
Newcastle United have again rejected a Tottenham bid for Sandro Tonali as they hold out for a £100m transfer fee. (Daily Mail)
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest are reportedly one of the leading contenders to sign Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall this summer. (talkSPORT)
Real Madrid
The likes of Arsenal and Chelsea look set to get another opportunity to sign Argentine playmaker Nico Paz as he’s returning to Real Madrid via a buy-back clause. (Caught Offside)
Tottenham
Spurs reach verbal agreement for £80 million signing. More details!
Tottenham Hotspur are still trying to reach an agreement with Manchester City for Brazilian winger Savinho, with the player already understood to be open to the move. (Nicolo Schira)
(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
