Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 12, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

World Cup Quarterfinals and Semifinals Set

England advanced to the World Cup semifinals after defeating Norway 2-1 in extra time. Jude Bellingham scored twice for England, including the match-winner struck twice. Norway's Erling Haaland was subbed off late in extra time as his team's World Cup run concluded. Alf-Inge Haaland, Erling's father, claimed Norway were "robbed" in their quarterfinal match. There was debate over Bellingham's equalizer, with Norway questioning if the ball hit the spidercam before the goal. England manager Thomas Tuchel stated his team "got lucky," a sentiment match-winner Bellingham disagreed with. Despite Tuchel's comments, former England players praised him for his honesty Tuchel is praised. England's grit was strengthened by comeback successes against Mexico and Norway. Declan Rice missed most of the three days prior to the Norway game due to a sickness bug.

Argentina also secured a semifinal spot, with Mikel Merino scoring the winning goal in their 1-0 victory over Belgium. Spain will face France in the other semifinal, with Spain's Lamine Yamal stating France should fear them. Spain reached the semifinals after beating Belgium, a match where midfielder Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal Mikel Merino to net the winner. For the first time since FIFA rankings were introduced, the top four ranked teams have reached the World Cup semifinals. The World Cup semifinals will feature France vs. Spain and England vs. Argentina stars old.

Player News and Transfer Speculation

Liverpool club record signing Denise O'Sullivan is expected to leave the club just six months after joining. She is reportedly finalizing a loan deal with an obligation to transfer to Gotham FC. Rangers midfielder Alex Barron is attracting interest from Italian and German clubs. Manchester City has signed winger Jeremy Monga from Leicester City completed the signing. Wolves star João Gomes, previously linked with Atlético Madrid, could now move to Manchester United or Liverpool.

Other Football News

FIFA and global players' union FIFPRO are discussing protocols to prevent games being played in excessive heat. Senegal has sacked manager Pape Thiaw following their exit at the last-32 stage of the World Cup. Antonio Rattín, an Argentine player whose sending-off at the 1966 World Cup led to the introduction of yellow and red cards, has died at 89. The Italian football federation has hired Paolo Maldini as technical director and a former Brazil international as part of a national team rebuild. Spain won the UEFA Men's Under-19 Championship for the 10th time, defeating Germany 2-0. A new study indicates that former elite footballers are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, with evidence of reduced brain volume.

Other Sports News

Danny Noppert spoke about receiving social media abuse following his loss at the European Darts Open. Toulouse secured their second consecutive Betfred Super League victory with an eight-try, 46-0 thrashing of St Helens. Royal Ascot hero Thesecretadversary won the Prix Jean Prat in Deauville. Haeran Ryu won her second consecutive major title at the Amundi Evian Championship in a playoff against Brooke Henderson. The Open golf championship is set to feature new events and changes this year. Brendon McCullum's departure as England Test head coach leaves a gap to fill ahead of the Ashes series. Nasser Hussain has backed Andy Flower to replace McCullum.

Rory McIlroy took the clubhouse lead at the Scottish Open, with Fitzpatrick and Kim in pursuit. The Wimbledon men's final is underway, with Sinner and Zverev level after two hours of play. England's T20 team, under Brendon McCullum, reached the top of the world rankings after defeating India.