Samwise European Soccer Newsletter
Saturday, June 27, 2026
Spain Top Group H; Uruguay Eliminated After Muslera Howler
Spain sealed top spot in Group H with a 1-0 victory over Uruguay in Guadalajara, Mexico, after goalkeeper Fernando Muslera’s howler gifted Álex Baena the winning goal. Uruguay were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup, while Cape Verde’s place in the knockout rounds was also confirmed by the result. The match turned physical in the second half, with Agustín Canobbio collecting a late red card. Manager Luis de la Fuente called it “a game played at the limit, extremely tough,” but Spain advance to the round of 32 as Group H winners.
Sources: ESPN ESPN (post-match) Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Dembélé Hat Trick in 32-Minute Spell Fires France Past Norway 4-1
Ousmane Dembélé delivered one of the 2026 World Cup’s standout individual performances, scoring a hat trick in a remarkable 32-minute spell as France beat Norway 4-1 to top Group I. Kylian Mbappé also scored in the cruise to victory. Norway finished as Group I runners-up and will face Ivory Coast in the round of 32 on Tuesday. The Norwegians had rested 10 first-team players for the match, including Erling Haaland, with coach Ståle Solbakken citing medical tests showing fatigue and noting that Norway had the shortest window to play another match that day.
Belgium 5-1 New Zealand: Red Devils Finally Arrive, Advance as Group G Winners
Belgium delivered their best performance of the 2026 World Cup in Vancouver, dismantling New Zealand 5-1 at BC Place to secure top spot in Group G. Leandro Trossard ended the Belgian side’s World Cup goal drought with a brace, with Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers also scoring. Belgium had drawn their first two group matches against Egypt and Iran. Manager Rudi Garcia said: “Scoring goals changes everything.” Belgium advance to face a third-placed team in Seattle in the round of 32 on Wednesday, with winger Jérémy Doku returning after compassionate leave.
Spain Face Injury Crisis: Pino May Miss Rest of World Cup, Williams Also Hurt
Spain’s 1-0 win over Uruguay came at a significant cost, with manager Luis de la Fuente confirming that wingers Yéremy Pino and Nico Williams both sustained injuries during the Group H decider. Pino, who left the stadium wearing a sling, could face a collar bone injury and may miss the remainder of the 2026 World Cup. “The worst thing is the huge pain we feel with Yéremy, who could miss the rest of the World Cup,” De la Fuente said. Williams, who had only just recovered from a previous injury, picked up a muscular problem that De la Fuente said could be a strain or fatigue.
Real Madrid Want Camavinga Exit to Unlock New Midfielder Signing — Sources
Real Madrid are prepared to move on Eduardo Camavinga this summer in order to bring in a new midfielder, according to ESPN sources. Manager José Mourinho wants to add a central midfielder but the club has placed a freeze on further signings until at least one current player departs. Camavinga is the priority exit candidate, though sources say a deal will be difficult because he wants to stay at the Bernabéu. Several Premier League clubs are monitoring him. Mourinho’s preferred target is Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández, but Chelsea are expected to demand an even higher fee than the £106 million they paid to sign him.
Man United Track Mexican Teen Mora; Liverpool Firm for Bouaddi; Newcastle Reject Tonali Bid
Manchester United have joined Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City in monitoring Mexican wonderkid Gilberto Mora, 17, of Club Tijuana. Liverpool have a firm interest in Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, 18, with Lille expecting around €70 million for the Moroccan international; Arsenal are also linked. Newcastle United rejected a £75 million offer from Tottenham Hotspur for Sandro Tonali, with Spurs reportedly asking Newcastle to reconsider. Meanwhile, Neymar has withdrawn from talks with MLS club FC Cincinnati, with frustration cited over slow progress and no formal offer ever having been made by the American side.
Sources: ESPN Transfer Talk Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Norway’s Solbakken Defends Benching Haaland vs. France: ‘It Was a No-Brainer’
Norway coach Ståle Solbakken defended his decision to bench 10 first-team players, including Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, against France in Foxborough, Massachusetts, calling it a “no-brainer” based on medical tests. Five or six players were “very affected” after 80 minutes against Senegal, and Norway had the shortest window to play another match of any team that day. Frustrated fans inside the stadium chanted “We want Haaland” after missing the Manchester City forward go head-to-head with Kylian Mbappé. Norway lost 4-1 but advance as Group I runners-up, facing Ivory Coast in the round of 32.
2026 World Cup — European Round of 32
Nations Advanced
France — Group I winners (4–1 vs Norway)
Spain — Group H winners (1–0 vs Uruguay)
Belgium — Group G winners (5–1 vs New Zealand)
Norway — Group I runners-up (vs Ivory Coast, Tue)
Netherlands — Group F winners (advancing)
Eliminated
Uruguay — Group H (out, Jun 27)
Recent Group Stage Results
June 26–27, 2026
France 4–1 Norway (Group I)
Spain 1–0 Uruguay (Group H)
Belgium 5–1 New Zealand (Group G)
Summer Transfer Window
Premier League — open (since Jun 15)
La Liga / Bundesliga / Serie A / Ligue 1 — open
Curated by JD · samwise.agency