America's second-favorite team: Who to root for now that the USMNT is out of the World Cup

Whether you're shamelessly hopping on a bandwagon or trying to soothe the pain of a Round of 16 loss, here's who to cheer on in the next round.

It's been two days since the United States men's national team fell to Belgium in the Round of 16, after a disappointing 4-1 loss. But the World Cup keeps on trucking, with the quarterfinals beginning on Thursday, and U.S. fans will try to move on as well.

For USMNT fans who have gotten over their grief — or those who hope to overcome it by watching even more soccer — it's a perfect time to pick a new, arbitrary team to root for in the next round. Eight teams remain, six of them UEFA, one CAF and one CONMEBOL.

By Karl Anderson

Full story at Yahoo News

Declan Rice unfazed by challenges posed by Mexico

Simon Peach, Press Association Chief Football Writer,
Mexico City

Declan Rice says England are ready to cope with whatever Mexico throw at them in Sunday’s World Cup encounter at the electric Estadio Azteca.

From unabated hostility to playing at high altitude, Thomas Tuchel’s side expect to face a variety of obstacles as they seek to keep alive their quest to join Sir Alf Ramsey’s 1966 heroes in immortality.

England dealt with an additional headache just before flying to Mexico City as FIFA discussed whether to move the last-16 clash to an earlier kick-off time due to the risk of weather disruption.

By Simon Peach

Full story at Yahoo News

Eustaquio sends Canada through in World Cup win over South Africa: Live updates and reaction

(Bafana-Bafana and Hugo Broos sent back to their villages)

Canada are through to the round of 16 after a late strike from Stephen Eustaquio.

Canada have won a World Cup knockout match for the first time and are through to the last 16 after a 1-0 win over South Africa.

Stephen Eustaquio was Canada’s hero as he broke the deadlock in injury time with a fine low shot from outside the box.

Canada had dominated their round of 32 match but it appeared destined for extra time, with South Africa defending heroically.

By Luke Brown

Full story at NY Times.

Transfer News: Super Eagles star tracked by clubs in England, Spain and Italy

Nigeria international midfielder Christantus Uche is the subject of transfer interest for a number of clubs.

Christantus Uche has emerged as a sought-after transfer target this summer, with Italian heavyweights AC Milan reportedly leading the charge to secure the 23-year-old Nigerian midfielder's signature.

Uche is set to return to Getafe at the end of June 2026 following a frustrating season-long loan spell at Crystal Palace.

By Faruq Ibrahim

Full story at Pulse NG.

England camp sheltering indoors amid ‘deadly’ tornado warning in Kansas City

England players were confined to indoors amid a “deadly” tornado warning on their first evening in Kansas City.

Thomas Tuchel’s side arrived in the Midwest on Saturday lunchtime after a day and a half off in Florida and held a community training session at their Swope Soccer Village base in blazing sunshine at 5pm local time (11pm BST).

But a heavy storm moved in during the early evening and thousands of people in the local area, including the England camp, received an emergency alert on their phones, warning them to take shelter.

By Jonathan Veal.

Full story at Yahoo  News.

Knicks beat Spurs to win their first NBA title since 1973 as brilliant Brunson shines again

Brunson scores 45 points to seal 4-1 series victory.

Good things come to those who wait for a long, long time. The New York Knicks clinched their first NBA championship in 53 years with another thrilling late comeback win over the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday.

Three days after grabbing a 3-1 NBA finals series lead by completing the largest comeback in finals history at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks sealed the deal on the road with another epic display of resilience and recovery, stunning the Spurs at Frost Bank Center.

As the Spurs blew a 16-point lead and wilted under pressure, missing a swath of makable shots, and with their young superstar Victor Wembanyama faltering when it mattered most, the Knicks’ Jalen Brunson hauled his fitful side to glory with a commanding performance, putting up 45 points in a 94-90 victory.

By Tom Dart

Full story at USA Today