Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 8, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

World Cup Quarterfinals and Controversies

The 2026 FIFA World Cup field has narrowed to eight, with the quarterfinals set to commence this Thursday Meet your quarterfinalists!. The tournament has seen individual superstars increasingly influence outcomes The most important players, with Lionel Messi continuing to carry Argentina. His performance was again pivotal in their round-of-16 victory over Egypt, a win that has drawn scrutiny. The Egyptian FA has stated it "cannot remain silent regarding the refereeing decisions" Egypt FA: Can't silent, and has formally complained to FIFA, demanding an investigation into alleged "double standards" and favoritism towards Messi Egypt fume 'injustice'. Despite the controversy, Argentina, with Messi orchestrating, completed an epic comeback against Egypt, securing their quarterfinal berth Argentina, Messi complete epic. Lautaro Martinez reportedly told a visibly emotional Messi to enjoy what is likely his "last WC" Lautaro told 'emotional' Messi.

Elsewhere in the knockout stages, Switzerland's World Cup journey continues as they prepare to face Argentina in the quarterfinals Switzerland will look. Their path to this stage has already been historic, and they aim for another memorable achievement Live updates, reaction. This round of eight features a strong European contingent, with six of the teams hailing from the continent, prompting discussion about the dominance of European football in the tournament How Europe dominating. The intense competition has also led to betting records, with the U.S. team's run contributing to a significant handle for American sportsbooks, who profited handsomely when the host nation was eliminated U.S. loss sets betting. The U.S. men and women will receive an equal split of the $16 million prize money from FIFA, with the men earning $16 million for their round-of-16 appearance U.S. men, women get.

Player Movements and Managerial Changes

In significant transfer news, Manchester United has reportedly agreed to a £50 million deal with Chelsea for midfielder Andrey Santos Man Utd agree £50m. Sources close to ESPN indicated a $67 million deal, while BBC Sport reported £50 million Sources: Utd, Chelsea agree. Fenerbahce is growing increasingly confident of securing a deal for Mason Greenwood from Marseille Fenerbahce confident Greenwood deal. Meanwhile, Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes has informed the club of his desire to join Arsenal, with the North London club reportedly accelerating their interest in the 28-year-old midfielder Newcastle captain Guimaraes tells. Leeds have confirmed the signing of attacking midfielder Harry Wilson on a four-year deal, following his departure from Fulham Leeds confirm Wilson arrival. Chelsea has also announced the signing of Sporting winger Geovany Quenda for £40 million Chelsea announce £40m Quenda.

On the managerial front, Alvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as Fulham's new head coach Arbeloa appointed new Fulham. Zlatko Dalić has stepped down as Croatia's head coach after nine years in charge following their World Cup exit Dalić steps down. Portugal's Football Federation is reportedly eyeing veteran coach Jorge Jesus to succeed Roberto Martinez, who confirmed his departure following Portugal's last-16 loss to Spain Portugal eye Jorge Jesus. Ruben Amorim has admitted to making mistakes during his tenure as Manchester United boss and apologized for his silence towards the club's fans Amorim: I made 'mistakes'.

Women's Football and Individual Accolades

Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas has made a sensational move to London City Lionesses, signing a three-year deal in what is being hailed as one of the biggest signings in women's football history 2x Ballon d'Or winner. The transfer has been described as a monumental moment for the club and the Women's Super League (WSL) Putellas power change WSL, with analysts awarding the London club an A+ for the acquisition Women's transfer grades. The arrival of Putellas is expected to significantly impact the WSL's profile and competitiveness Barcelona Bromley.

Other Football News

The Football Association of Ireland's (FAI) General Assembly has endorsed a motion for the Republic of Ireland to proceed with their upcoming Nations League fixtures against Israel FAI motion to continue. European lawmakers are reportedly gathering support to launch an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino's involvement in decisions concerning player eligibility EU lawmakers eye investigating. The U.S. Soccer Federation's pay-to-play model in youth soccer is being cited as a factor in America's World Cup performance, with a focus on parents' ability to fund travel matches over player development Pay-to-play youth soccer explains. The MLS All-Star Game roster was announced, featuring stars such as Lionel Messi and U.S. internationals Tim Ream and Sebastian Berhalter Messi, Ream, Berhalter headline. The former owners of Sheffield United have filed a winding-up petition against the current owners, claiming they are owed over £35 million Former Sheffield Utd owners. Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn has signed for the San Jose Earthquakes after being released by Nottingham Forest Scotland goalkeeper Gunn signs. In a move that could see a significant transfer, Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has asked to leave the club, with Arsenal showing strong interest Arsenal target Guimaraes asks.

Golfer Arthur Fery's Wimbledon Run

Britain's Arthur Fery has continued his remarkable wildcard run at Wimbledon, stunning Flavio Cobolli in straight sets to reach the semi-finals Britain's Fery stuns Cobolli. His progress has drawn comparisons to Emma Raducanu's breakthrough performance Can Fery emulate Raducanu. Fery's unexpected success sets up a semi-final clash with reigning champion Jannik Sinner, following Novak Djokovic's own marathon victory Djokovic wins marathon battle.