Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 8, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

World Cup Knockout Stage Drama and Coaching Carousel

The World Cup quarter-finals are set, featuring a European dominance with six of the eight remaining teams hailing from the continent Unusual or predictable? How. This stage of the tournament is seeing individual superstars become increasingly influential 8 most important players, with Lionel Messi continuing to carry Argentina Messi has no equals. His side secured a dramatic comeback win against Egypt, a match that will be etched in World Cup history Argentina, Messi complete epic. Lautaro Martinez even told an emotional Messi to savor his "last WC" Lautaro told 'emotional' Messi.

Egypt, however, has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA regarding the officiating in their loss to Argentina FIFA about 'unfair' referee. The Egyptian FA stated they "cannot remain silent regarding the refereeing decisions" Egypt FA: Can't remain, with their head coach claiming the World Cup was "directed towards Argentina" Egypt boss slams 'unfair'. FIFA is also investigating alleged racist abuse during Argentina's win over Cape Verde Fifa investigating alleged racist.

Meanwhile, the coaching landscape in international football is shifting. Portugal confirmed the departure of Roberto Martinez following their round of 16 exit to Spain Portugal confirm departure, though Martinez stated the team "didn't fail" Martinez steps down, says. The Portuguese federation is reportedly eyeing veteran coach Jorge Jesus as a successor and hopes to announce their new head coach by the end of the week Sources: Portugal eye Jorge. Croatia's Zlatko Dalic also steps down after nine years in charge following their World Cup defeat Croatia coach after nine.

Women's Football Landmark and Transfer Buzz

In a seismic development for women's football, two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas has signed a three-year deal with London City Lionesses London City sign Ballon. This move is considered one of the biggest scoops in the sport's history, with the club having pursued her earlier in the summer change the WSL -. Elsewhere in the women's game, Arsenal has signed Switzerland midfielder Geraldine Reuteler following her exit from Eintracht Frankfurt Arsenal sign Switzerland midfielder, and Chelsea midfielder Julia Bartel is closing in on a move to Juventus Chelsea's Bartel closing.

Transfer news continues to swirl. Arsenal is reportedly targeting Morgan Rogers, with Liverpool interested in Mexican teenager Gilberto Mora and Everton eyeing England defender Spence Arsenal's main target -. Liverpool has also made contact for the wonderkid Mora Transfer rumors, news: Liverpool. Paris Saint-Germain, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea are all vying for the signature of USMNT striker Folarin Balogun Transfer rumors, news: PSG.

Record-Setting Performances and Club Business

The U.S. men's national team's World Cup exit against Belgium, a 4-1 defeat, set records for viewership and betting handle U.S. loss sets record. Belgium's players felt it was "justice" after a controversial call involving Folarin Balogun in the match Belgium say beating U.S.. Christian Pulisic was forced off with an ankle injury during the game Pulisic forced off injured. The U.S. men and women will receive an equal split of the $16 million in prize money earned from FIFA for reaching the round of 16 U.S. men, women get.

In club news, Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson is urging patience regarding transfer window activity after a slow start for the Championship club transfer window - Parkinson. Celtic is poised to sign Camilo Duran from Qarabag, with manager Martin O'Neill anticipating further summer signings O'Neill confident Duran deal. Blackburn Rovers are facing legal proceedings for £500,000 from kit suppliers after a renewal deal broke down Blackburn Rovers sued.

Other Sporting Headlines

In darts, Beau Greaves has made history by becoming the first woman to qualify for the European Tour, achieving an average of 103 Greaves becomes first woman. Luke Littler is set to defend his World Matchplay title, headlining a strong field Littler out to win. Gabriel Clemens secured his first PDC title after an eight-year wait, surviving a comeback from Luke Woodhouse Clemens survives Woodhouse comeback.

In boxing, former bantamweight world champion Jason Moloney has signed a multi-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing Former world champion Moloney.

In cricket, Tammy Beaumont has announced her retirement from international cricket at the end of the Rothesay Test match against India sign off' - Beaumont. India captain Shreyas Iyer branded his side's record T20 defeat to England as "atrocious" Atrocious' - India captain.

In golf, Rory McIlroy believes the Genesis Scottish Open provides "perfect" preparation for