Samwise European Soccer Newsletter
Thursday, July 2, 2026
Kane Breaks Pelé Record as England Come From Behind to Beat DR Congo 2-1
Harry Kane rescued England with two second-half goals as the Three Lions came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 in the World Cup Round of 32 on July 1 in Atlanta. Brian Cipenga gave DR Congo a shock seventh-minute lead in their first-ever knockout match. Kane levelled by heading home Anthony Gordon’s cross with fifteen minutes left, then rifled in an unstoppable 86th-minute winner. The brace took Kane’s World Cup goals tally to thirteen, surpassing Pelé to rank second all-time behind only Miroslav Klose. England will now face co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in the last sixteen.
Sources: ESPN Sky Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Belgium Stun Senegal 3-2 AET as Tielemans Scores Latest-Ever World Cup Goal
Belgium survived a dramatic collapse to stun Senegal 3-2 after extra time in the World Cup last 32 on July 1. Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr had Senegal two ahead before the 86th minute, leaving Belgium seemingly finished. Substitute Romelu Lukaku pulled one back and Youri Tielemans equalised minutes later to force extra time. In the 125th minute, a seven-minute VAR review awarded Belgium a contentious penalty after Lamine Camara’s challenge. Tielemans converted the spot kick, scoring what was confirmed as the latest-ever goal in World Cup history at 124 minutes and 44 seconds. Roy Keane and Gary Neville both questioned the decision on Sky Sports, igniting fierce debate.
Sources: ESPN Sky Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Mbappé Breaks Ronaldo’s Record as France Crush Sweden 3-0 and Gary Neville Declares Them a Level Above
France dismantled Sweden 3-0 on June 30 to reach the World Cup last sixteen, with Kylian Mbappé prompting Gary Neville to declare Les Bleus a level above every other team at the tournament. Mbappé opened the scoring and added a curling far-post finish, taking his tally to nine goals in nine World Cup knockout appearances, a record surpassing Ronaldo and Leonidas. Michael Olise contributed a stunning goal with Bradley Barcola also on the scoresheet after a rapid counter-attack. Neville, on Sky Sports on July 1, described Mbappé as on the verge of true greatness. France next face Paraguay in the round of sixteen.
Sources: Sky Sports ESPN Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Haaland Seals Late Winner as Norway Eliminate Ivory Coast 2-1 to Set Up Brazil Clash
Erling Haaland struck an 86th-minute winner to send Norway past Ivory Coast 2-1 in the World Cup Round of 32 on June 30, setting up a last-sixteen clash with Brazil. Antonio Nusa had put Norway ahead in the 39th minute before Amad Diallo equalised with a breathtaking solo goal. With extra time approaching, Sander Berge’s cross found Haaland six yards out and the City striker tapped home his fifth goal of the tournament. The strike moved Haaland within one of the Golden Boot leaders and continued his remarkable form that has established Norway as a genuine quarter-final contender in only their second World Cup in modern times.
Sources: ESPN Sky Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Chelsea Sign Palestra From Atalanta for £47m in Xabi Alonso’s First Transfer as Manager
Chelsea completed the signing of Italian right-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta on July 1, with the deal worth up to 47 million pounds marking Xabi Alonso’s first act as the club’s new manager. Palestra, 21, was named Serie A Defender of the Season after an outstanding loan campaign at Cagliari in 2025-26, and Chelsea moved quickly to beat rival interest from Inter Milan. The wing-back suits the 3-5-2 system Alonso is implementing at Stamford Bridge and has signed a seven-year contract. Goal.com confirmed the announcement Wednesday. Palestra joins ahead of Chelsea’s pre-season starting later this month, as Alonso begins reshaping the squad after taking charge at Stamford Bridge this summer.
Sources: Goal.com Sky Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Manchester City Break British Transfer Record With £116m Elliot Anderson Deal
Manchester City broke the British transfer record on July 2 by agreeing a 116 million pound deal to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, surpassing Jude Bellingham’s 115 million pound move to Real Madrid in 2023. Anderson, 23, is currently at the World Cup with England and will complete his medical on returning from the United States. Sky Sports confirmed the announcement Thursday, with City outbidding Arsenal and Manchester United. Anderson helped Forest qualify for the Champions League and is expected to become central to Pep Guardiola’s plans for the 2026-27 season. The deal underscores City’s determination to reinvest despite Financial Fair Play scrutiny.
Sources: Sky Sports ESPN Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Tottenham Agree Club-Record £100m Deal to Sign Sandro Tonali From Newcastle
Tottenham agreed a club-record 100 million pound deal with Newcastle United to sign Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali on July 2, as manager Roberto De Zerbi’s summer rebuild gathered pace. The fee, including add-ons tied to Champions League qualification, eclipses the 85 million pound deal Spurs agreed with West Ham for Mateus Fernandes earlier this window. Tonali accepted personal terms including a six-year contract and is set to travel to London to complete his medical, Sky Sports and ESPN reported. The double signing takes Tottenham’s total summer outlay past 200 million pounds, signalling the club’s intent to challenge for European qualification under De Zerbi in 2026-27.
Sources: Sky Sports ESPN Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Schlotterbeck Ruled Out of World Cup With Ankle Injury, Leaving Dortmund Short at the Back
Borussia Dortmund face a serious defensive headache ahead of 2026-27 after Nico Schlotterbeck was ruled out of the World Cup with ankle ligament damage sustained in Germany’s group stage, with the centre-back expected to be sidelined at least two months. Germany’s shock penalty exit to Paraguay, which also cost Julian Nagelsmann his job, leaves Dortmund without their defensive leader for the start of the new Bundesliga season. Bundesliga.com reported coach Niko Kovac must now accelerate plans for summer recruit Joane Gadou, signed from Red Bull Salzburg, as well as assessing other cover options before the Bundesliga opener in late August.
Sources: Bundesliga.com ESPN Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
World Cup 2026 — European Teams: Round of 16
Teams Advanced
England — vs Mexico (Jul 5)
Belgium — vs Brazil (Jul 5)
France — vs Paraguay (Jul 4)
Norway — vs Brazil (Jul 5)
Spain — vs Austria (Jul 2, today)
Portugal — vs Croatia (Jul 3)
Netherlands — vs Morocco (TBD)
Eliminated
Germany — Lost to Paraguay on pens (Jun 29)
Sweden — Lost to France 0-3 (Jun 30)
Croatia — vs Portugal (Jul 3)
Transfer Window Open
Man City: Anderson — £116m
Tottenham: Tonali — £100m
Chelsea: Palestra — £47m
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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