The defender, who joined Barca from Chelsea in 2022, has signed a deal that runs through until the end of the 2027-28 campaign.

Christensen's previous deal had expired on Tuesday.

The Dane has struggled with injuries during his time at Barca, and he managed just four starts in all competitions last season as Hansi Flick's team stormed to the title.

Across his four years with the Blaugrana so far, Christensen has made 98 appearances, playing a part in 14 clean sheets and scoring five goals.

News of the 30-year-old's contract extension arrived on the same day that Joan Laporta officially became Barca's club president yet again, following his election success.

Blaugrana still, Andreas pic.twitter.com/gL6K4SrrkR

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 1, 2026

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Brazil midfielder Paqueta sustained a hamstring injury during the Selecao's 2-1 win over Japan on Monday.

The former West Ham playmaker was subbed off at half-time, with Endrick coming on in his place.

Carlo Ancelotti's team won late on thanks to Gabriel Martinelli's strike, and they will face Norway in the last 16.

However, Paqueta will not play in that game on Sunday, and he is facing a race against time to be fit for the rest of the tournament, should Brazil progress.

Brazil 2-1 Japan

How to measure a heartbreaker: Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time goal (95:00) is the latest winner in normal time of the World Cup knockout stages on record (since 1966). pic.twitter.com/5jJcHGtZyr

— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) June 29, 2026

"Paqueta underwent an imaging exam that confirmed a muscle injury in the back of his left thigh," Brazil's Football Confederation (CBF) said in a statement.

"The player will follow an intensive treatment protocol, under the supervision of the Brazilian national team's medical staff, with the goal of recovering and returning to action as soon as possible."

Brazil are already without star winger Raphinha, who also sustained a hamstring injury earlier in the tournament, while Neymar has only had a brief cameo from the bench.

Ancelotti's team take on Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.

Brazil have progressed from nine of their last 10 matches in the last 16 round of the World Cup, only failing to do so in 1990 (1-0 defeat to Argentina).

However, since beating Germany in the 2002 final, Brazil have been eliminated from/lost each of their six World Cup knockout ties against European opponents.

This will mark the fifth meeting between Brazil and Norway in all competitions, and the second at the World Cup, after a 2-1 Norway win in 1998. In fact, the Vikings are unbeaten in all four previous games between the sides (W2 D2).

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Koke is Atletico's record appearance maker, with 740 games for the club.

He made his debut in the 2009-10 season, and is now set to play on for a 17th senior campaign.

The 34-year-old has been integral to Atletico's success under Diego Simeone. He counts two LaLiga titles and two Europa League triumphs among his honours.

Koke has scored 50 goals for Atletico, providing 122 assists. He featured in 56 matches last term, making 40 starts and registering five goal involvements.

"The legend continues," Atletico said in a statement. "Congratulations, Koke!"

Our why pic.twitter.com/WMfMOkuBsN

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) July 1, 2026

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Tunisia dismissed Sabri Lamouchi during the group stage, while Ronald Koeman and Marcelo Bielsa both resigned on Tuesday, from their roles in charge of the Netherlands and Uruguay, respectively.

Steve Clarke stepped down as Scotland boss, while Hong Myung-bo resigned from his position in charge of South Korea.

Beccacece has now joined that list, after his Ecuador team were soundly beaten 2-0 by co-hosts Mexico in the round of 32.

"Today it's time to say goodbye to a beautiful, wonderful family with deep gratitude, great serenity, and a sense of inner peace. We've given it our all," he told DS Sport.

"That's how soccer is. Results are what matter most. I think the first half [against Mexico] didn't live up to what our process has been. Life is like that, too – a first half that wasn't the best. That means that we have to leave the tournament with this sadness, but also with the joy that we have a group of players who have shown commitment, and that will bear fruit."

15 June 1986 30 June 2026

Mexico have won their first knockout-stage match in 40 years and 15 days.

El Tri haven't conceded through four 2026 World Cup matches while allowing six shots on target. pic.twitter.com/eT38h2R6Su

— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) July 1, 2026

Ecuador were tipped for a deep run at the tournament, but their only win came against Germany, which was enough to see them through to the knockout stage.

They lost to Ivory Coast and drew with Curacao during their group campaign.

"Our contract ended with the World Cup," Beccacece explained. "I don't think we were able to achieve the feat we promised: to make this the best World Cup ever.

"That's why I have to leave. I would have liked to continue because what I received from the players and the management warranted the possibility of continuing. But I understand how this works and it hurts, but I think the decision was clear."

Ecuador managed just one shot on target against Mexico, while they conceded multiple goals for the first time since a 2-1 defeat to Venezuela in the 2024 Copa America, ending a run of 26 straight matches holding opponents under two goals.

Their misery was compounded when Arsenal's Piero Hincapie was sent off for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent.

"We fought back, but we couldn't find the goal that would have given us a boost," Beccacece added.

"The legacy is from the players, because they have been the youngest team of Ecuador. I have no complaints, only gratitude to the people and the players. I received so much gratitude and affection from the bottom of my heart. The boys gave me two beautiful hours after the match and that's what we're left with."

Beccacece took charge of Ecuador in August 2024, and led La Tri to second in South America's World Cup qualifying standings.

He won nine of his 24 matches in charge, suffering only three defeats.

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Les Bleus swatted aside Sweden 3-0 in swashbuckling style on Tuesday to book their place in the last 16.

Kylian Mbappe scored twice, taking his tally of World Cup knockout goals to a record-setting 10, while Bradley Barcola was also on target at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Deschamps secured his 17th World Cup match win, which is the most of any coach in the history of the competition. His nine knockout-stage victories is also a record.

The 57-year-old was back in the France dugout after missing his team's win over Norway due to the death of his mother.

Deschamps is stepping down from the role he has held for 14 years at the end of the tournament, and with France now holding a 30.1% chance of winning the trophy, according to Opta's supercomputer, he is determined to go out on a high note.

"A lot of pride. We're on a mission. Me too, with [the players]," Deschamps told M6.

"Up until our match, there had been some tough round of 32 fixtures. We had a comfortable lead, even if we could have been more clinical in the first half.

"We have to appreciate it, and we know there's another match in four days. But we're here for this, the players are here for this. There's another hurdle to overcome.

"But we still have to appreciate it. We have a good mindset, there's a lot of pride. We have to maintain this focus, this determination. There's obviously quality and talent, and we have to do it again."

Didier Deschamps records the most wins of any Head Coach in #FIFAWorldCup history pic.twitter.com/rQhI93poLB

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 1, 2026

France face Paraguay in the last 16. Les Bleus have an 85.5% chance of reaching the quarter-finals, according to Opta's predictive model.

Mbappe was sensational against Sweden, and the 27-year-old has now scored 2+ goals in seven different World Cup matches for France, three more than any other player.

He took his tally of World Cup goals to 18, just one behind new record holder Lionel Messi, while Mbappe and the Argentine great are tied on six goals in the Golden Boot race.

"I am aware of what I am playing, where I am and what I have to do," Mbappe told beIN Sports.

"The team is aware of what it has to do here. It was a new competition that was about to begin. Today we played well, even though we had a difficult start. We got into it, we had chances that we could have put away earlier."

Mbappe also emphasised how close France's squad feels, and how they are united behind Deschamps.

He added: "It's the DNA of this group. We're all in this together. The coach has gone through a difficult time, one that unfortunately will affect everyone. It's very difficult. He will never be alone with us. We will support him."

France had 25 shots, their highest total in a World Cup match since their 1998 last-16 tie against Paraguay (37).

Sweden managed just eight attempts, which accounted for only 0.7 expected goals, and Graham Potter was humble in defeat.

"The better team won, congratulations to France. I thought in terms of the game we had to be perfect and even if we were, I'm not sure that would have been enough if I'm brutally honest, because the opponent was of a high level," he said.

"I have no complaints about the players whatsoever. I said to them after the game I don't think it's a disgrace to lose to France, they're a better team and they've got some high-level players.

"If you look at the careers and the CVs of the French team and you compare them to ours, we're a young developing team with hopefully a lot of good things ahead of us."

The post Deschamps and Mbappe leading France’s World Cup ‘mission’ appeared first on SoccerNews.

With all eyes fixed on North America for the 2026 World Cup knockout stage, there are a host of eye-catching betting promotions available this summer.

Competition: Irish Premier Division

Market: Goal to be scored in both halves

Odds: 7/10 @ 1xBet

Starting with the hosts, while Shelbourne might have sprung a public upset on June 12th as they claimed a 2-1 victory against runaway leaders and reigning Irish champions Shamrock Rovers, it appears that was just a minor boost for the Reds. Still under the guidance of interim boss Lorcan Fitzgerald, they have claimed just a sole win from any of their previous six straight Premier Division appearances and they have watched their European dreams take a major dent. Likewise, drastically struggling to find any kind of stability this season, Shelbourne have also registered back-to-back wins on just a single occasion this year. Coming under even more scrutiny on June 22nd as they slumped to a 3-0 drumming at home against Bohemains, Friday’s hosts have also shown some rather glaring defensive issues. Last seen playing out a lively 2-2 stalemate against Sligo Rovers, the Shels have shipped seven goals in just their previous three Premier Division matchups.

As for the visitors, watching their extended purple patch come to a dramatic end last time out, Dundalk will be desperately searching for an immediate response here. Eventually falling to a thrilling 3-2 loss at home against Waterford, Ciaran Kilduff’s men missed out on the opportunity to skyrocket their way into the European spots. Nevertheless, winning each of their other three Premier Division showdowns and with their sights now fully fixed on clinching at least a bronze medal finish, Dundalk have also lost just one of their last six outings. With that run stemming back to a 3-1 defeat against Bohemians on May 8th, Friday’s guests have also gained a reputation for their lively affairs. Alongside seeing their back-to-back Premier Division matchups produce eight goals at both ends of the pitch, Kilduff’s camp have also recorded just a pair of clean sheets since the start of April. It should also be noted, the last three battles between Friday’s opponents have seen 11 goals.

Bet: Goal to be scored in both halves at Shelbourne vs Dundalk 7/10 for Friday’s Irish Premier Division matchup 1xBet

The post Bitesize Prediction: Shelbourne vs Dundalk – 03/07/26 appeared first on SoccerNews.

With the entire footballing world fully fixed on North America this summer, there are a host of noteworthy betting promotions available.

Verdict: Colombia win

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: BetUS

Colombia

Starting with Colombia, storming their way through World Cup qualifying last year as they eventually clinched a sensational bronze medal finish, La Tricolor have rightfully received plenty of plaudits from across the globe. Getting their North American adventure with a thumping 3-1 victory against World Cup debutants Uzbekistan on June 18th, Nestor Lorenzo’s camp registered seven points from their three Group K showdowns. Wrapping up top spot ahead of European heavyweights Portugal, Colombia will be relishing a trip to Kansas City this weekend. Signing off their pre-tournament preparations with a 2-0 win against fellow finalists Jordan last month, the Yellows have also impressed with their defensive grit. In fact, Lorenzo’s high-flying squad have shipped just a single strike in over 400 minutes of action.

Colombia Team News

While talismanic skipper James Rodriguez might be searching for a new club after leaving MLS outfit Minnesota prior to this summer’s tournament, the former Real Madrid superstar will lead Colombia out this weekend and earn a 130th international cap.

Helping Crystal Palace to a maiden piece of European silverware last season, Jefferson Lerma will start in the middle of the park. Enjoying a remarkable first campaign with German giants Bayern Munich and registering 29 direct Bundesliga goal contributions (15 goals, 14 assists), Luis Diaz could play a leading role in the final third.

Ghana

As for Ghana, while the Black Stars might have dragged themselves to a shock knockout stage ticket this summer, Carlos Queiroz’s camp have largely failed to find any real fluidity. Despite springing a real upset in Foxborough on June 23rd as they snatched a remarkable 0-0 stalemate against European giants England, the one-time Manchester United coach has seen his inconsistent squad muster just a single win from any of their previous nine appearances across all competitions. Likewise, despite getting their respective North American adventure underway with a last-gasp 1-0 victory against Panama on June 18th, Ghana have also shown some real issues in the final third. In fact, the Black Stars have failed to register more than a single strike in 12 of their previous 13 outings.

Ghana Team News

Making an immediate impact after completing a blockbuster switch to Premier League giants Manchester City back in January, former Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo will play a leading role in the final third and spearhead Ghana’s attack.

Despite suffering an infamous Championship relegation with Leicester City last season, veteran marksman Jordan Ayew will lead the Black Stars out on Saturday and earn a 124th international cap. Bagging a consolation strike against Croatia last week, Pafos’ Derrick Luckassen will be hoping to keep his spot at the back.

Colombia vs Ghana Key Factors to Consider

• Saturday’s showdown in Kansas City will be the first meeting between Colombia and Ghana.
• Continuing on from their pre-tournament preparations, Colombia have conceded just a single strike in any of their last four appearances across all competitions.
• Ghana have mustered just a sole victory from any of their previous nine straight appearances across all fronts.
• The Black Stars have failed to register more than a single strike in 12 of their previous 13 outings.
• Bayern Munich superstar Luis Diaz registered 29 direct goal contributions in his 32 Bundesliga appearances last season (15 goals, 14 assists).

Conclusion

Continuing to impress on either side of opening their World Cup campaign this summer, Colombia find themselves installed as a standout contender in Kansas City. With the mood in their camp at a red-hot high and with their sights now fixed on making a genuine late charge in North America, La Tricolor should feel they have been handed a real opportunity. Gaining a reputation for their defensive grit, Colombia will be confident of extending on their World Cup adventure here. Shipping just a sole strike in over 400 minutes of action, they will also meet a Ghanian squad who have mustered just a single win from any of their previous nine straight attempts across all fronts.

Verdict: Colombia win

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: BetUS

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The 18-year-old suffered a thigh injury during Germany's World Cup preparations, ruling him out of the tournament, while he could also miss the start of the Bundesliga season.

Karl scored nine goals and provided seven assists in 39 games for Bayern in 2025-26, as Vincent Kompany's side won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal.

He became the first Bayern player to be directly involved in at least five Bundesliga goals before turning 18, and became the club's youngest goalscorer in the Champions League at 17 years and 242 days.

Bayern's 2026-27 Bundesliga fixtures are yet to be announced, though they will face Borussia Dortmund in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup on August 22.

Karl is determined to return to the pitch after receiving plenty of support, but does not want to risk further injury from a premature comeback.

"It’s really hard to come to terms with a setback like that. The first few days were really tough for me," Karl told the Bayern website.

 Lennart Karl is out for the time being.

The 18-year-old attacker has suffered a muscle fiber tear in the back of his right thigh. This was confirmed by an examination from the FC Bayern medical team.

 https://t.co/YztoT9rA48

Wishing you a speedy recovery, Lenny!  pic.twitter.com/hQOuWV77hs

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) April 10, 2026

"My family have been my biggest support, as have my girlfriend and my closest friends, who have always been there for me. I’ve also received a lot of support from FC Bayern and lots of messages from the team. 

"What they wrote to me really cheered me up and gave me strength. Everyone made it clear to me: injuries are part of the game; what matters is how you come back.

"That’s what drives me. There's not a lot of time till training starts on 20 July. It'll be a while yet before I can join the boys in training. The main thing now is not to rush things.

"I’m in daily contact with the doctors and fitness coaches; we’re monitoring the muscle’s response very closely."

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Erling Haaland scored an 86th-minute winner for Norway as they triumphed 2-1 at Dallas Stadium, sending the Elephants home despite Amad's impressive second-half equaliser.

Ivory Coast are the fourth successive African nation to lose their first ever World Cup knockout stage game, after Ghana in 2006 (0-3 v Brazil), Algeria in 2014 (1-2 v Germany), and South Africa this year (0-1 v Canada).

Amad became only the third player to score twice as a substitute at a single World Cup for an African nation, after Roger Milla for Cameroon in 1990 (four) and Pape Gueye for Senegal this year (two).

The Manchester United winger was disappointed with how his side conceded their second goal, which came when Oscar Bobb played Patrick Berg into the box, with the latter squaring to the unmarked Haaland for a simple tap-in.

"The second goal was too easy from our point of view," Amad told reporters.

"We gave Erling Haaland too much space, and when you leave a striker of that calibre unmarked, you pay for it in the end.

"Norway are a very good team with a lot of quality, and if you leave a player like Haaland alone in a game like this, in a moment like this, it's very difficult.

"That's our biggest regret. If you give him a little bit of space, he'll punish you, and that's exactly what happened.

"Erling doesn't need any introduction, everyone knows the kind of player he is, he's a world-class player.

"He found the space, he scored, and they won. He's having a fantastic World Cup so far, and I wish him and Norway all the very best."

L’aventure s’arrête ici pour nos Éléphants 

Merci à tous pour votre soutien tout au long de cette Coupe du Monde. #ElephantsEnMarche #TousDerriereLesElephants #CDM2026 pic.twitter.com/XXqaCEz4dK

— Équipe Nationale de Football Cote d’Ivoire  (@equipenatciv) July 1, 2026

Franck Kessie, meanwhile, admitted he is considering his future with the national team.

The Ivory Coast captain scored against Germany in the group stage and played all but 13 minutes of the team's campaign.

"It's difficult to make a decision in the heat of the moment, especially after such a disappointment," said Kessie.

"It's like being on a boat that's sinking at the moment. As captain of the ship, you don't abandon it while it's going down. Any decisions will come later.

"It's been a long season, we're only finishing now. We'll take some time to rest, and then the future will reveal itself."

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The second half of the 2025-26 season saw a lot of questions asked about Alvarez and where he would be next term, with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Arsenal all linked with him.

Los Blancos confirmed they had seen a €150m bid for Alvarez rejected, with his release clause apparently set at €500m.

However, following Argentina's win over Austria at the World Cup, Alvarez told reporters he thought "the best thing for everyone involved [at Atletico] is for me to leave" and that he wanted to "fulfil my dream".

Reports suggest that dream is a move to Barcelona, and Yamal would be thrilled with the chance to play alongside the striker.

"I'm not thinking about it too much, but I'd love it, because [Alvarez] is a great player," Yamal told Cadena SER in an interview broadcast on Tuesday.

"If he comes, we'll welcome him with open arms… If I were him, I'd do it.

"We'll be waiting for him if he wants to come. [I say] go for it."

Since his debut on 19 August 2024, Alvarez has scored more goals (49), had more shots (238) and registered the joint-most assists (17) among Atletico players.

The 26-year-old directly contributed to 29 goals (20 goals, nine assists) in 49 games for Atleti in 2025-26 (not including the Club World Cup), the fifth-most among LaLiga players.

Atletico have responded angrily to Alvarez's claims, with CEO Miguel Angel Gil Martin insisting the club do not want to sell him, especially to Barcelona.

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