Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 11, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

World Cup Quarterfinals Heat Up

Spain advanced to the semifinals after Mikel Merino came off the bench to score an 86th-minute winner against Belgium. While Lamine Yamal is still awaiting his moment to truly shine, Merino's late strike secured Spain's spot. Belgium's World Cup campaign ended, potentially signaling the close of their "golden generation" after a costly error by Senne Lammens. Spain's Lamine Yamal believes France should be wary of them in their upcoming semifinal clash.

France, with Kylian Mbappé leading the charge to move into the semifinals. Mbappé later downplayed any injury concerns, stating he is "all good" after a reported "knock on his ankle" during the match against Morocco. England faces Norway in a quarterfinal match, with Norway's manager Stale Solbakken acknowledging England as the favorites to progress to the next round. England received a triple injury boost ahead of their quarterfinal with Norway, as Declan Rice, Marc Guehi, and Reece James all returned to training. However, Marc Guéhi has emerged as an injury concern with a hamstring issue ahead of the Norway match.

Transfer Market Buzz and Club News

Barcelona are reportedly close to reaching an agreement to sign Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund, with sources confirming a breakthrough in negotiations. Meanwhile, American forward Cole Campbell is set to join Bundesliga newcomer Elversberg from Borussia Dortmund this summer. Former Manchester United player Mason Greenwood, currently under contract with Marseille, is reportedly considering offers from Fenerbahce and Atlético Madrid.

Ona Batlle will join Arsenal after her contract with Barcelona expires this summer, with the move later confirmed by the club upon expiry. Manchester United's pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson is reportedly in doubt, with a £35 million deal for the player now uncertain. In other transfer news, Tottenham has submitted an offer for Randal Kolo Muani, though Juventus are considered favorites to sign the forward. Bayern Munich has reportedly rebuffed a Real Madrid move for Michael Olise.

Player Performances and Team Developments

The U.S. Men's National Team's World Cup performance has been graded, with the team described as having done their homework but ultimately failing the final exam. Christian Pulisic's World Cup showing was also assessed, with the player failing to meet expectations on home soil for a number of reasons. Harry Kane played down comparisons to Erling Haaland, expressing confidence that England is ready to peak in the latter stages of the World Cup.

Thomas Tuchel has claimed that England has not received an explanation regarding defender Jarell Quansah's two-game suspension following his red card against Mexico. A new species of sea slug has been named after Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha to commemorate his performance against Spain at the World Cup. Norway's development of a "golden generation" has been attributed to factors including artificial turf and a collaborative coaching approach.

Odds and Ends

Jürgen Klopp revealed Liverpool's significant efforts to sign Kylian Mbappé in 2017, describing it as the club's "most expensive non-transfer" after talks on a private jet ESPN Soccer. England has implemented new behavioral guidelines for their players. Burnley has appointed Nicky Hayen as their new head coach on a three-year deal.