Samwise European Soccer Newsletter
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Mbappé Breaks World Cup Knockout Record as France Demolish Sweden 3-0
Kylian Mbappé scored twice and set a new record for most goals in World Cup knockout matches as France dismantled Sweden 3-0 in Houston. Mbappé broke the deadlock just before half-time, before Bradley Barcola made it 2-0 early in the second half after latching onto Michael Olise’s throughball. Mbappé struck again when Olise’s precision pass released him to sweep home into the far corner — his 18th World Cup goal, moving him level with Lionel Messi in all-time scoring at the tournament. France dominated, registering an xG of 3.17 to Sweden’s 0.67. Les Bleus now face Paraguay in the Round of 16 in Philadelphia on Sunday.
Sources: ESPN Sky Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Germany Out: Four-Time Champions Crash on Penalties to Paraguay in World Cup Shock
Four-time World Cup winners Germany were eliminated from the tournament in a stunning penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in Foxborough on Monday. Julio Enciso gave Paraguay the lead in the 42nd minute before Kai Havertz equalised, sending the match to extra time and then penalties. FIFA later clarified that Jonathan Tah’s disallowed extra-time header — ruled out for goalkeeper obstruction on Orlando Gill — was within the laws of the game, though replays showed minimal contact. Tah, Havertz and Nick Woltemade all missed from the spot as Germany lost a World Cup penalty shootout for the first time in their history.
Sources: ESPN Sky Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Haaland’s Late Strike Sends Norway Into World Cup Last 16 for First Time
Erling Haaland scored a dramatic 86th-minute winner as Norway beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in San Jose on Monday to record Norway’s first ever World Cup knockout victory. RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa curled home a fine 39th-minute opener before substitute Amad Diallo pulled Ivory Coast level with a brilliantly worked solo goal. Haaland then tapped home Sander Berge’s cross with four minutes remaining to book a last-16 meeting with Brazil. The Manchester City striker had scored five goals in three group-stage matches before adding the decisive blow in San Jose, capping a memorable evening for the Scandinavian nation.
Sources: ESPN Sky Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Dutch Penalty Collapse: Morocco End Netherlands’ World Cup in Monterrey Shootout
Morocco ended the Netherlands’ World Cup campaign in Monterrey on Monday, winning 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to set up a last-16 clash with Canada. Cody Gakpo gave the Dutch the lead in the 72nd minute but Issa Diop’s glancing 91st-minute header denied them victory. Morocco won the subsequent shootout after goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved Crysencio Summerville’s effort before Ismael Saibari struck the decisive penalty. The defeat drew sharp criticism of Ronald Koeman’s tactics, with former international Rafael van der Vaart branding Frenkie de Jong’s display as the worst he had ever seen from the midfielder.
Álvarez Snubs Arsenal and PSG to Chase Barcelona Dream as Atlético Hold Firm at €150m
Julián Álvarez has informed both Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain that he will not be joining them this summer, with the Argentina striker determined to fulfil what he calls a “dream” of playing for Barcelona, according to reports. The Atlético Madrid forward publicly stated his desire to leave the club, though Atlético have maintained they will not accept offers below their €150 million valuation. Barcelona have prepared an official bid, and Lamine Yamal publicly welcomed the prospect of Álvarez joining. Diego Simeone confirmed Arsenal and PSG were among the interested clubs but acknowledged the player “has already made his decision.”
Olise Requests Bayern Talks as Real Madrid Prepare Potential World-Record €223m Bid
Michael Olise has asked for a meeting with Bayern Munich to discuss his future as speculation over a potential world-record transfer intensifies. Reports from Spain claim Real Madrid are preparing a bid totalling €223 million — comprising a €190 million fixed fee and €33 million in performance-related add-ons — which would eclipse the €222 million PSG paid Barcelona for Neymar in 2017. Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has told Real Madrid that Olise is not available this summer, and the Bundesliga champions are preparing an improved long-term contract to retain the French winger. Paris Saint-Germain have also reportedly expressed interest in Olise following their Champions League final victory.
Kolo Muani Willing to Accept Wage Cut to Force Juventus Move from PSG
Randal Kolo Muani is willing to accept a significant reduction in his Paris Saint-Germain wages to push through a permanent transfer to Juventus, according to recent reports. The French striker, who spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur, is open to cutting his salary from approximately €9 million per year to around €7 million in Turin. Juventus CEO Giovanni Carnevali has held talks with PSG counterparts over the deal, with the Italian club willing to invest a maximum of €35 million while PSG are seeking a fixed fee of €40 million. Both clubs are understood to be making progress towards a final agreement.
Sources: Goal.com Football Italia Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Tuchel: Germany and Netherlands Exits Will “Calm Our Minds” Ahead of Congo DR Clash
England head coach Thomas Tuchel says the shock World Cup eliminations of Germany and the Netherlands will help keep expectations in check as the Three Lions prepare to face the Democratic Republic of Congo in Atlanta. Tuchel, who guided England to the top of Group L with victories over Croatia and Panama and a draw against Ghana, said the exits of two European heavyweights would “calm our minds” and prevent the squad from “over-expecting.” England are without right-backs Reece James and Jarell Quansah through injury heading into the last-32 tie, but Tuchel insisted the squad was prepared for a physical and tactical challenge against Congo DR.
Sources: ESPN Sky Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
World Cup 2026 — European Teams Knockout Stage
Round of 32 Results
✅ France 3–0 Sweden — R16 vs Paraguay
✅ Norway 2–1 Ivory Coast — R16 vs Brazil
❌ Germany 1–1 Paraguay (3–4 pens) — Eliminated
❌ Netherlands 1–1 Morocco (2–3 pens) — Eliminated
Today & Tomorrow
⏳ England vs DR Congo — Atlanta, 5pm BST
⏳ Belgium vs Senegal — Seattle, 9pm PDT
⏳ Spain vs Austria — Los Angeles, Jul 2
Transfer Window Open
La Liga & Serie A windows opened Jul 1
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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