FOOTBALL

USMNT Draw Bosnia After Turkey Defeat

United States, Türkiye, Christian Pulisic and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
After the final Group D World Cup match.

The United States lost 3-2 to eliminated Türkiye on the final kick of its last group match, but still finished top of Group D. Christian Pulisic returned from a calf injury and looked sharp off the bench.

Results elsewhere confirmed Bosnia-Herzegovina as the USMNT’s round-of-32 opponent in Santa Clara. Pochettino defended heavy rotation and yellow-card management, saying the group win mattered more than an unbeaten record.

Paul Mullin Leaves Wrexham

Paul Mullin and Wrexham.
After Wrexham agreed to end the final year of his contract.

Paul Mullin has left Wrexham after the club agreed to pay up the final year of his deal. The striker departs as a free agent after scoring 110 goals in 172 appearances.

Mullin was central to Wrexham’s rise under Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, helping deliver three straight promotions. Injuries, back surgery and new attacking signings reduced his role before last season’s loan spells.

United Open Talks for Felix Nmecha

Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha, Manchester City and Liverpool.
During the summer transfer window after Nmecha’s World Cup displays.

Manchester United have reportedly opened talks to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha, trying to move ahead of Manchester City and Liverpool. Dortmund are said to value the Germany international highly after his strong club and World Cup form.

United are seeking midfield reinforcements and view Nmecha’s versatility as useful for their rebuild. Dortmund do not want a cut-price sale, while rival interest from City, Liverpool and Real Madrid could push the price further upward.

City Agree Record Anderson Deal

Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson.
During Anderson’s World Cup duty with England before the Panama group match.

Manchester City have agreed a club-record £116m deal with Nottingham Forest to sign Elliot Anderson, with the midfielder set for a medical before completing his move. Some sources claim the package could rise higher, but City sources insist there are no add-ons.

Forest rejected two earlier City offers before accepting the third bid, ending months of negotiations. Anderson is expected to join after focusing on England’s World Cup campaign, while Forest are now targeting two midfield signings with the money raised.

FIFA Allows Rainbow Flags for Egypt-Iran

FIFA, Egypt, Iran and fans attending the Seattle World Cup match.
Before Egypt’s decisive Group G match against Iran at Lumen Field.

FIFA confirmed fans will not be barred from bringing rainbow flags into Egypt’s World Cup match against Iran, despite objections from both federations. Seattle PrideFest had already designated the fixture for celebration before the tournament draw.

FIFA said the World Cup is an inclusive event and that fans from all backgrounds are welcome. The stance creates a sensitive off-pitch issue before a decisive Group G match involving two federations that criticised the planned Pride celebration.

Ecuador Shock Germany to Reach Knockouts

Ecuador, Germany, Gonzalo Plata, Nilson Angulo and Leroy Sane.
Ecuador’s final Group E World Cup match at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Ecuador produced a major World Cup upset by beating Germany 2-1 to secure a last-32 place as one of the best third-placed teams. Germany had already won the group, but the defeat exposed familiar defensive worries.

Leroy Sane gave Germany an early lead, but Nilson Angulo quickly equalised before Gonzalo Plata struck the winner in the 77th minute. Ecuador’s comeback sparked huge celebrations, while Germany entered the knockouts with questions over their resilience.

Onana Nears Trabzonspor Loan Return

Manchester United, Trabzonspor and goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Before Manchester United’s pre-season return to Carrington.

Manchester United are close to agreeing a fresh loan that would send Andre Onana back to Trabzonspor for another season. The Cameroon goalkeeper has been told he is not part of Michael Carrick’s first-team plans at Old Trafford.

Onana spent last season in Turkey and is now nearing a second temporary spell as United reshape their goalkeeping department. Trabzonspor are working to finalise terms, while United avoid reintegrating a player they no longer intend to use.

Ivory Coast Reach Knockouts for First Time

Ivory Coast, Curacao, Nicolas Pepe and Yan Diomande.
Ivory Coast’s final Group E World Cup match in Philadelphia.

Ivory Coast reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time after beating Curacao 2-0. Nicolas Pepe scored twice, while Ecuador’s upset win over Germany ended Curacao’s hopes of squeezing through as a best third-placed side.

Yan Diomande created the opener before Pepe finished calmly, then Ibrahim Sangare split the defence for the second goal. Ivory Coast finished second in Group E and will face the Group I runners-up, likely France or Norway.

James and Rice Miss England Training

Reece James, Declan Rice, England and manager Thomas Tuchel.
Before England’s final World Cup Group L match against Panama.

Reece James missed England training after suffering a hamstring issue in the goalless draw with Ghana, putting his Panama availability in doubt. Declan Rice also sat out the session with calf strapping, though his fitness is considered less concerning.

Tuchel must decide whether to risk either player, especially with Rice one booking away from a round-of-32 suspension. England still need to protect top spot in Group L, but rotation may be necessary before the knockout phase.

Arsenal Hold Bruno Guimaraes Talks

Arsenal, Newcastle United and Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
During Arsenal’s summer search for midfield reinforcements.

Arsenal have reportedly held exploratory talks with Bruno Guimaraes’ representatives as they consider a shock move for the Newcastle midfielder. The Premier League champions are weighing whether to submit a formal offer for the 28-year-old Brazil international.

Mikel Arteta wants another high-level midfield option after Arsenal’s title-winning season, but Newcastle are braced for a major fight to keep Guimaraes. Any deal would likely require a huge fee, given his status and leadership role.