Football/Soccer 24 Hours

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

World Cup Quarterfinals Set; Ronaldo Era Ends

The final eight teams are confirmed for the World Cup, with the. Cristiano Ronaldo has stated this will be his last World Cup, and after Portugal's loss to Spain, that chapter is closed. Argentina's progress, according to some, hinges on Lionel Messi, who appears to be carrying the team. There's also a discussion about whether Argentina is receiving favorable treatment at the tournament, with allegations of bias towards the team and Messi. European dominance is evident, with six of the eight quarterfinalists hailing from Europe, prompting analysis of their success. Four England players are currently walking a disciplinary tightrope, risking a semi-final absence due to. England players were granted a day off after their.

Club Signings and Contract News

Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni has agreed to a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2031. Manchester United is reportedly considering their options regarding Marcus Rashford's future, while Arsenal and Tottenham are monitoring Antonio Nusa. Chelsea has announced the signing of Sporting winger Geovany Quenda for £40 million, and Manchester United has agreed to a £50 million deal with Chelsea for midfielder Andrey Santos. Arsenal has also signed Swiss. Leeds has completed a free transfer for Harry Wilson following his exit from Fulham. Fenerbahce is reportedly growing confident in securing a deal. Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson is urging patience in the transfer window, noting a slow start for the Championship club.

Managerial Changes and Future Prospects

Rafael Márquez has been announced as the new head coach for Mexico, leading the team up to the 2030 World Cup. Zlatko Dalić has stepped down as Croatia's manager following their World Cup exit. Portugal's Football Federation is reportedly targeting veteran coach Jorge Jesus as a successor to Roberto Martinez, with an announcement expected by the end of the week. Former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez is being linked with the Scotland job, with Rangers also reportedly interested in midfielders from.

Youth Soccer and Player Development

The pay-to-play model in youth soccer is cited as a reason for the USMNT's World Cup struggles, with a focus on parents' financial ability for travel matches. Despite fan expectations for the USMNT's expensive and famous coach, the players themselves are identified as a primary issue.

Other Football News

The former owners of Sheffield United are pursuing a winding-up petition against the current owners, claiming they are owed over £35 million. Blackburn Rovers is facing legal proceedings from kit suppliers, who claim they are owed £500,000 after a kit renewal deal broke down. The Premier League's financial dominance at the World Cup is being examined. There is a discussion about whether the World Cup can offer lessons for Premier. The article "More than the Score" examines the growth of soccer in the US since the.

Beyond Football: Other Sports News

Britain's Arthur Fery is looking to utilize the home crowd advantage against Alexander Zverev in their Wimbledon semi-final. Former bantamweight world champion Jason Moloney has signed a multi-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing. Max Verstappen's recent performance has fueled speculation about a potential exit from Red Bull at the end of the season. George Russell acknowledges he needs to improve to remain in title contention this season. New South Wales secured a 30-12 victory over Queensland in the State of.