Football/Soccer 24 Hours

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

World Cup Semifinals Set for Dramatic Showdowns

Spain advanced World after a convincing 2-0 victory over France, with coach Luis de la Fuente declaring his team is "feeling unbeatable". Kylian Mbappé, however, appeared critical of France's tactics in the loss, suggesting their approach was too "sloppy". Head coach Didier Deschamps acknowledged his team "was not technically sound enough" to overcome Spain. The defeated French side will now play in the third-place playoff, a match Deschamps reportedly did not want as the final game of his tenure. Meanwhile, England is preparing for a highly anticipated semi-final clash. Captain Harry Kane has urged his team to focus on the current match and not get caught up in the historical rivalry, stating, "England can't focus on Argentina history". Kane also dismissed any notion of division within the squad. Lionel Messi, who has significantly increased his goal output in recent World Cups, is set to face England for the first time in his career. Argentina's midfielder Alexis Mac Allister believes his Premier League experience with Liverpool could be beneficial against England, while Jamie Carragher suggests England can exploit Messi's positioning. Referee Ismail Elfath has been assigned to officiate the England vs. Argentina semi-final. Increased security measures will be in place for this high-stakes match.

USMNT Looks to the Future Amidst Criticism

Following their exit from the 2026 World Cup, the USMNT is already to the 2030 tournament. Goalkeeper Matt Freese expressed that the criticism following their round of 16 loss to Belgium, which ended 4-1. Despite the disappointment, some analysts suggest the U.S. might be making progress, and luck has simply not been on their side. The team's future could see players like Folarin Balogun, who recently signed with LeBron James' agency Klutch Sports after a breakout World Cup, take on more prominent roles. Goalkeeper Matt Turner's loan with the New England Revolution has also been extended through the.

Club Level Transfers and News

In club news, Leeds United has reportedly agreed to a £34.1m fee for. Manchester United is active in the transfer market, with plans for further signings and an interest in another midfielder, even after the arrival of Andrey Santos and the impending transfer of Youri Tielemans. Chelsea has agreed to a deal worth approximately £850,000 for Manchester United striker Melvine Malard, and new manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed Reece James will remain captain while expressing a desire for Enzo Fernandez to stay. Aston Villa defender Lucas Digne is set to return to Paris Saint-Germain after the French club paid his £10 million ($13. release clause. Bournemouth has announced the club-record signing of striker Alvaro Rodriguez for up to £25.7m. Brighton has completed the club-record signing of Luka Vuskovic from Spurs, and Emily Murphy is nearing a move to. Arsenal has signed Germany forward Lisa Baum from RB Leipzig and confirmed Leandro Trossard's move to Besiktas. London City Lionesses are set to sign French forward Kadidiatou Diani for over £500k and captain Kosovare Asllani has signed a one-year contract extension despite injury. Everton has agreed to a permanent deal for defender Hannah Blundell and signed French forward Noemie Mouchon on a free transfer. Barcelona is reportedly still pursuing Arsenal target Julian Alvarez, potentially increasing their offer after the World Cup. Manchester City is showing interest in Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Other Football Notes

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is reportedly facing a complaint to the International Olympic Committee regarding his dealings with Donald Trump. The half-time interval for the World Cup final is expected to be extended to between 20 and 25 minutes. FIFA's mandated hydration breaks, lasting three minutes, have been a notable feature of the 2026 World Cup. The match ball has also been changed for the World Cup semi-finals after 100 games. In Scotland, Dundee United and Falkirk face potential exits from the League Cup after losses to lower-league opponents. Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli spoke about her friendship with departing France boss Didier Deschamps. A significant seizure of approximately 58,000 fake Scotland and England football strips was made in Edinburgh. The investigation into the death of South Africa World Cup player Jayden Adams is ongoing after his body was found in Cape Town.

Other Sports News

In cricket, Shubman Gill's 80 led India to a six-wicket victory over England in the first ODI at Edgbaston. Sir Nick Faldo believes Bryson DeChambeau lacks strategy for links golf ahead of The Open. Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler are dismissing legacy concerns as they prepare. In boxing, Caroline Dubois expressed frustration with her upcoming title defense and aims for a unification fight before the end of 2026.