From The Sports Desk: Mexico’s first knockout win in four decades
Mexico broke a four-decade drought in the knockout stages of the World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Ecuador yesterday.
Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored within nine minutes in the first half to send the co-host through to the round of 16, the country’s first knockout win at the tournament since 1986.
The result sparked massive celebrations in Mexico City, with thousands of fans taking to the streets.
The team will play another home match on Sunday against the winner of today’s match between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Also in action yesterday, Norway won a close-fought contest against the Ivory Coast, thanks to Erling Haaland’s winner in the 86th minute to seal a 2-1 victory. The Vikings will meet five-time champion Brazil on Sunday.
Tournament favorite France swept Sweden aside 3-0. The French will play Paraguay in the round of 16 on Saturday.
Preview
The U.S., brimming with confidence after topping its group, enters the knockout round against Bosnia-Herzegovina as the favorite.
But history is against the Americans, having never beaten a European side in the World Cup knockouts before.
While the U.S. made it to the semifinals at the inaugural tournament in 1930 by winning its group, its only win in a knockout round came in 2002, when it beat rival Mexico 2-0 before losing to Germany in the quarterfinals.
The U.S. is 1-13-7 against European teams since 1990, with the only win coming in 2002 in the group stage opener against Portugal. The Americans are winless in their last 13 matches against European squads at the tournament since then.
Ranked 61st, Bosnia lacks the pedigree of many of those past European opponents and only managed a solitary win in the group stage against soccer minnow Qatar.
“Every team brings different challenges,” U.S. defender Chris Richards said. “Ultimately the Bosnia team, they were good defensively and good going forward. It’s making sure that we take care of business on both ends. They have a very experienced attack, so it’s making sure we do our best in the back to take that away from them.”
Christian Pulisic — who confirmed he is healthy and ready to start after a calf injury — said the mood around the team remains positive even with the high stakes of the knockouts approaching.
“You just want to extend it as long as you can, because some of the best memories I have in my life was last World Cup in Qatar,” Pulisic said. “Now being here, it’s just special to be here. You just don’t want it to end. So there’s definitely a lot of enthusiasm within the team.”
In the other games today, England will take on the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Belgium faces Senegal.
If the U.S. wins, it will face the winner of Belgium and Senegal in the round of 16.
Men in Blazers
Kylian Mbappé’s masterpiece was painted against Sweden yesterday, as he became the highest-scoring player in World Cup knockout-round history — and he now trails Lionel Messi’s all-time record of 19 by just one, while both sit level on six goals this summer. Les Bleus schooled the Blågult, and there are few superlatives left for the French captain and his attacking rogue’s gallery. An evening of attacking soccer, Norway’s hammer-wielding Thor-of-a-striker Erling Haaland also got in on the fun, scoring a late winner against the Ivory Coast, and he’s now behind only Messi and Mbappé with five goals in this tournament, while having 60 in 53 for Norway. The night was wrapped in fireworks in Mexico City after the famed Estadio Azteca, soccer’s equivalent of Helm’s Deep, served its purpose as the 80,000-plus in attendance helped Mexico to its fourth straight victory and shutout to begin the tournament.
Today, England continues its World Cup journey against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Atlanta at 12 p.m. ET as Thomas Tuchel’s side looks to “bring football home.” Then, Belgium clashes with Senegal at 4 p.m. ET in Seattle — and like the 2 a.m. last call of a bartender, soccer has signaled that this World Cup might be the grand finale for Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Belgium’s “golden generation.” The night ends with USA taking center stage against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Los Angeles at 8 p.m. ET. Like Paul Revere on horseback, this is our call to all USA fans: Put on your blue jeans, rep your kit of choice, and prepare for an evening of intense emotions and lots of screaming at a television screen. Tonight, there is no alternative to winning for this squad — this is their chance to prove to the footballing world they belong among the greats.
For more World Cup coverage sent straight to your inbox every morning, subscribe to the Men in Blazers newsletter. We’ll be covering every match, every goal and every joyous moment that soccer’s biggest spectacle is sure to bring.
What we’re watching
What we’re watching (all times are Eastern):
The World Cup! All games are on Telemundo and Peacock.
- 12 p.m.: England vs. DR Congo
- 4 p.m.: Senegal vs. Belgium
- 8 p.m.: USA vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina
Mark HodgeMark Hodge is a platforms editor for NBC News based in London.
Reds No. 1 Prospect Alfredo Duno Earns Major All-Star Week Honor
Reds No. 1 Prospect Alfredo Duno Earns Major All-Star Week Honor
It's the second year in a row that he will get to participate. Greg Kuffner|
In this story:
Cincinnati RedsThe Cincinnati Reds will once again have one of their top prospect on display during All-Star Week.
Reds No. 1 prospect Alfredo Duno has been named to the Futures Game roster for the second straight season. The game will be played on Sunday, July 12, at noon ET at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia and will air on NBC.
The honor comes just days after Duno earned a promotion to Double-A Chattanooga, another significant step in what has been an impressive 2026 season for the 20-year-old catcher.
MLB Pipeline recently praised Duno's overall development, writing:
“More athletic than you might think when looking at his strong 6-foot-2 frame, Duno should be able to stick behind the plate, especially if he manages his body well so he can remain agile, and the Reds were happy with his offseason work in this regard. Combine that with his plus arm strength, hard work in all aspects of his game, including learning English, and he has the makings of a big league starting backstop.”
Duno has certainly backed up the hype this season. Across 65 games, he's slashing .260/.390/.512 with 29 extra-base hits while continuing to show the offensive upside that has made him one of the top catching prospects in baseball. He's also handled a heavy workload behind the plate, catching 55 games while serving as the designated hitter in the other 10. However, his defensive production is still way behind his offense.
Sal Stewart Makes History in Tuesday's Loss to Brewers
In Tuesday's loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, Sal Stewart hit a first inning home run to put the Reds on top 1-0. Stewart's 16th home run of the season continued his historic rookie campaign. Only Hall of Famer Frank Robinson has hit more home runs as a Reds rookie through the club's first 85 games, launching 20 in 1956.
Reds manager Terry Francona praised Stewart's ability to hit after the game.
“He’s just a really good hitter. He uses the whole field. A lot of times with young guys, they want to hit for power before they learn how to hit. He knows how to hit. And he’s strong enough and a good enough hitter that he gets rewarded when he goes the other way.”
The 22-year-old is slashing .257/.342/.467 with 35 extra-base hits and 11 stolen bases for the Reds this season.
You can hear Francona's comments on Stewart below:
Published 1 minute ago
GREG KUFFNERGreg Kuffner a contributor to Reds On SI. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati and worked for the Sports Information Department during his time as a student. He follows all things Reds year round, including the minor league system.
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Penn State Says it Has Guaranteed More Than $1 Billion in Future Athletics Revenue
Penn State Says it Has Guaranteed More Than $1 Billion in Future Athletics Revenue
Athletic Director Pat Kraft says Penn State has "one of the strongest financial foundations in college athletics."Mark Wogenrich|
In this story:
Penn State Nittany LionsPenn State has developed new business and marketing partnerships generating more than $1 billion in future athletics revenue, according to Athletic Director Pat Kraft. It also has one of the largest debt services in college athletics, the product of an ongoing $700 million renovation of Beaver Stadium.
In a letter to Penn State fans recapping the 2025-26 athletics season, Kraft said that Penn State saw record attendance, fundraising and ticket sales during the year. Penn State generated record revenue during the 2024-25 fiscal year, topping $250 million in gross athletics revenue for the first time in school history. Figures for the 2025-26 fiscal year will be available early next year.
Penn State also spent more than $250 million for the first time, largely due to increasing NIL payments and the Beaver Stadium renovation. Penn State reported total athletics-related debt of $534.6 million, one of the nation's highest athletics deficits.
Still, Kraft in his letter painted a positive outlook of Penn State's total athletics health.
"Together, we’ve built one of the strongest financial foundations in college athletics, securing more than $1 billion in guaranteed future revenue while dramatically increasing philanthropic support for our student-athletes and programs," Kraft wrote. "Those aren’t simply milestones. They’re investments in championships. They’re investments in people. And they’re investments in the future of Penn State Athletics."
One chapter closes, another begins. Here's to what's next.#WeAre | A letter from Pat Kraft: https://t.co/z3QVD7RGGU pic.twitter.com/WV2rcLiSvi
— Penn State Athletics (@GoPSUsports) June 30, 2026
Kraft's letter marked not only the begininng of Penn State's 2026-27 athletics year and budget but also his fifth year in charge of the department. Kraft has made sweeping changes during his Penn State term, including the new 10-year apparrel deal with adidas that took effect July 1.
Kraft said the deal, whose total value could reach $300 million over its lifespan, would set an "industry standard" in college athletics. Penn State on Wednesday unveiled its new adidas football uniforms and opened a campus pop-up shop featuring adidas merchandise.
Kraft has conducted a significant overhaul of Penn State's athletics department since becoming athletic director in 2022. He negotiated a 15-year, $50 million deal for the naming rights to the field at Beaver Stadium and signed contracts with a new media rights partner and a new ticketing partner, among many others. The adidas deal represents Kraft's most consequential change.
Penn State also reached a milestone in the Beaver Stadium construction, holding a "topping out" ceremony in June that placed the last beam atop the new West Tower. When complete, the tower will reach a peak of 195 feet.
"Every day, the future of West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium becomes more visible," Kraft wrote in the letter. "After more than 750,000 labor hours, thousands of tons of steel and the topping out of the final beam this June, we’re creating a game day experience worthy of the greatest fans in college sports.
'Expanded concourses, modern amenities, upgraded premium spaces, enhanced technology and improved accessibility will ensure Beaver Stadium remains one of the most iconic and intimidating venues in America for decades to come."
Built for the loudest crowd in college football. 🔊
— Beaver Stadium (@beaver_stadium) June 30, 2026
The new west side is on the way, and we already know the atmosphere is going to be next level.#WeAre pic.twitter.com/liDjE6PpJ3
Penn State also opened its new Jeffrey Field soccer complex last year as well as the bubble training facility that relieves scheduling pressure on Holuba Hall, which multiple programs shared with Penn State football.
"These investments aren’t simply about buildings," Kraft wrote. "They’re about creating an environment where the best coaches want to coach, the best student-athletes want to compete and where every member of our department has the resources to pursue excellence. They reflect
our belief that when you invest in people, extraordinary things happen."
On the field, Penn State finished 23rd in the Learfield Directors' Cup, the annual all-sports award of college athletics. Having publicly suggested Penn State could win four NCAA titles last season, Kraft setteld for one: the fifth straight NCAA team title for Penn State wrestling.
"As proud as we are of what we’ve accomplished together, we’re even more excited about what’s ahead," Kraft wrote. "The future of college athletics is being written today, and Penn State intends to help write it. We have extraordinary student-athletes. Outstanding coaches. Incredible staff. Unmatched facilities. And the greatest fans in college athletics.
"Most importantly, we have a community that believes in something bigger than itself. Thank you for believing in our vision. Thank you for believing in our student-athletes. And thank you for believing in Penn State. The momentum is real. The future is bright. And we’re just getting started."
We Are—and will always be...Penn State.#WeAre \\\ @adidas pic.twitter.com/FBl7qxTuwT
— Penn State Athletics (@GoPSUsports) July 1, 2026
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Published 25 minutes ago
MARK WOGENRICHMark Wogenrich is the editor and publisher of Penn State on SI, the site for Nittany Lions sports on the Sports Illustrated network. He has covered Penn State sports for more than two decades across three coaching staffs, three Rose Bowls and one College Football Playoff appearance.
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