Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 15, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

World Cup Semifinals Set for Blockbuster Clashes

Spain clinched their with a dominant 2-0 victory over France, leaving Kylian Mbappé critical of his team's tactics in the semifinal defeat. Lamine Yamal expressed excitement about reaching the final, stating, "New York, we're coming for you". France's manager, Didier Deschamps, acknowledged his team "not good enough to beat Spain". Meanwhile, England faces Argentina in a highly anticipated semifinal, with coach Thomas Tuchel considering man-marking Lionel Messi. Wayne Rooney believes Jude Bellingham has been the standout player at the tournament so far. Argentina's manager, Lionel Scaloni, pushed back against criticism of his team's play, stating they are "not as bad" as some suggest, and emphasized not mixing politics and football ahead of the match Scaloni says he is 'not going to mix' football and politics. The semifinal is considered England's biggest match since 1966.

USMNT Faces Rebuilding Questions, Coaching Search Looms

Following their elimination from the World Cup, the USMNT is facing scrutiny, with goalkeeper Matt Freese stating the criticism "hurts my heart". The team's World Cup journey is over. With speculation surrounding Mauricio Pochettino's potential departure, a list of 11 possible coaching replacements has been compiled If Mauricio Pochettino leaves the USMNT, the question is who could replace him. Some question whether the U.S. is making progress despite a lack of luck Everyone thinks they can fix the USMNT. But maybe the U.S. is actually making progress and luck just hasn't been on its side -- what then?. Forward Folarin Balogun has signed with LeBron James' agency, Klutch Sports, after a breakout World Cup performance.

Club Transfer Activity Heats Up Across Europe and Beyond

Manchester United defender Manuel Ugarte has undergone knee surgery after an injury sustained at the World Cup. Birmingham City has completed the signings of Millie Turner and Lisa Naalsund from Manchester United. Aston Villa has signed goalkeeper Emily Ramsey on a free transfer from Everton. Bournemouth is in talks to sign Benfica defender Antonio Silva. Arsenal remains interested in Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, while also exploring a move for Savvas Tzolis. Juventus is reportedly considering a move for USMNT striker Folarin Balogun Juventus are considering a move for AS Monaco and USMNT striker Folarin Balogun. Midfielder Harry Winks has left Leicester City for Italian side Cagliari. Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur are all reportedly interested in Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup. Chelsea has agreed to a deal worth approximately £850,000 to sign Manchester United striker Melvine Malard. Leeds United has agreed to a £34.1 million fee with Sassuolo for defender Tarik Muharemovic. Coventry City is nearing a deal worth over £17 million for Eintracht Frankfurt defender Aurele Amenda. London City Lionesses have signed French forward Kadidiatou Diani from Lyon on a three-year deal for over £500,000. Newly promoted Women's Super League club Crystal Palace has signed striker Bethany England on a free transfer. Liverpool club record signing Denise O'Sullivan has departed for Gotham FC just six months after joining the Reds.

Scottish Premiership and Other League News

Rangers are reportedly in talks with Leicester City over winger Stephy Mavididi. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill sees similarities between new signing Camilo Duran and Daizen Maeda Celtic manager Martin O'Neill believes new signing Camilo Duran has similar attributes to influential forward Daizen Maeda. Dundee United and Falkirk's hopes of progressing in the Scottish League Cup are uncertain after being defeated by lower-league opposition Dundee United and fellow Premiership side Falkirk’s hopes of progressing from the Scottish League Cup group stage are in the balance after they were beaten by lower-league opponents.

Other Football Notes

Cardiff City plans to appeal a French judge's decision to dismiss their claim for over £100 million in compensation following the death of Emiliano Sala Cardiff City will appeal against a French judge's decision to throw out the club's claim for more than £100m in compensation following the death of footballer Emiliano Sala. Prosecutors have requested that a sports fraud case against the man in charge of assigning Serie A referees in Italy be dropped Prosecutors ask that a sports fraud case against the man in charge of assigning Serie A referees in Italy be dropped. The independent football regulator has issued a warning to Morecambe after their owners failed to respond to information requests The independent football regulator issues a warning to Morecambe after their owners fail to respond to requests for information. Aston Villa has been cautioned regarding "sportswashing" following their new £20 million-a-year sponsorship deal with Visit Rwanda Aston Villa are warned their new £20m-a-year sponsorship deal with Visit Rwanda will be used by the nation to sportswash its human rights record.