Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 14, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

World Cup Semifinals Set to Kick Off

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is down to its final four, with blockbuster semifinals on the horizon. England is set to face Argentina in Atlanta, a match that will feature increased security measures. Declan Rice is fit and available to start for England, though a late call will be made on his participation. England captain Harry Kane has dismissed any notion of division within the squad, stating there is "complete togetherness" complete togetherness. Meanwhile, France boss Didier Deschamps is predicting a "spectacular game" against Spain, though he deflected questions about his team's favorite status deflected questions. Spain defender Pau Cubarsí called for tolerance following comments from the nation's former Prime Minister that France "don't have any French players". Lionel Messi has never played against England until their upcoming semifinal clash.

Club Signings and Transfer Speculation

Premier League clubs have been active in the transfer market. Manchester United have signed veteran goalkeeper Karl Darlow after his contract expired at Leeds. The Red Devils have also completed the £50 million signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea completed signing. Brighton have made a club-record signing, bringing in Croatia defender Luka Vuskovic from Tottenham for £46 million on a five-year contract club-record signing. Arsenal have secured the permanent signing of Germany forward Lisa Baum from RB Leipzig. Liverpool are reportedly interested in Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup interested in winger. Aston Villa defender Lucas Digne is set to return to Paris Saint-Germain after they paid his £10 million release clause agreed a deal.

Player Futures and Departures

Alexis Mac Allister is thriving for Argentina at the World Cup, raising questions about his future at Liverpool after a challenging season back thriving. United States forward Folarin Balogun has signed with LeBron James' agency, Klutch Sports, following his breakout World Cup performance signed with agency. Barcelona's offer for Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez could expire soon. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso stated that his decision to join Chelsea over Liverpool was "about timings", and he is determined to keep Enzo Fernandez at the club. Youssef Chermiti has stated he has no plans to leave Rangers.

Other Football News

The World Cup has seen its share of unexpected narratives. Anthony Barry's journey from Accrington Stanley to being a key assistant for England's World Cup bid highlights a remarkable rise. Lionel Messi's evolution throughout the tournament is also a talking point evolution of one. The USMNT's World Cup struggles are being analyzed, with attention already turning towards the 2030 tournament. The death of South Africa World Cup player Jayden Adams is being investigated by police. Dutch referee Rob Dieperink has died weeks after being dropped from World Cup officiating due to a police investigation. Erling Haaland and his Norway teammates received a hero's welcome upon their return home welcomed home.