Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 16, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

World Cup Semifinals Deliver Drama and Disappointment

Argentina secured their after a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England. Lionel Messi provided the decisive assist in stoppage time, earning him a 9/10 player rating from ESPN. England captain Harry Kane admitted that trying to hold a 1-0 lead ultimately backfired in the "agonizing" defeat. Despite the loss, England coach Thomas Tuchel retains the FA's backing and vows to stay on for Euro 2028 15. French media delivered a "scathing" assessment of their national team following their 2-0 semifinal exit to Spain, with Kylian Mbappé appearing to question Didier Deschamps' tactics. Spain, on the other hand, are "feeling unbeatable" heading into the final. Argentina now faces disciplinary action from FIFA for a banner displayed by players after their semifinal win. The World Cup third-place play-off and the final will be broadcast live.

Player Movements and Transfer Rumors

Former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood has signed with Fenerbahçe, joining his third club in three years. Manchester United are also reportedly targeting West Ham winger Crysencio. Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur are all interested in signing Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup. Arsenal remains interested in Atletico Madrid striker Julián Álvarez, and are reportedly exploring a swap deal involving Viktor Gyökeres. Aston Villa has confirmed the free transfer signing of goalkeeper Emily. Bournemouth is in talks to sign Benfica defender Antonio Silva as a replacement. Midfielder Harry Winks has left Leicester City for. Birmingham City has completed the signings of defender Millie Turner and midfielder Lisa Naalsund from Manchester United. Newly promoted Women's Super League club Crystal Palace has signed striker Bethany England on a free transfer. London City Lionesses have signed France forward Kadidiatou Diani from Lyon on a three-year deal. Coventry City is close to a deal worth over £17 million for Eintracht Frankfurt defender Aurele Amenda. Hibernian will face Kosovan side Malisheva in the second round of Conference League qualifying.

NWSL and Other Soccer News

Sam Kerr made her highly anticipated return to Gotham FC and the NWSL on Wednesday, coming off the bench in a 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit in front of a record-breaking crowd. Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas and Mexican teen phenom Gilberto Mora will headline the Liga MX squad set to face MLS stars in the All-Star Game on July 29. Items from two-time Olympic gold medalist and FIFA Women's World Cup champion goalkeeper Hope Solo's personal collection are heading to auction. Milan's public prosecutor has dismissed the case against former Italian referee designator Gianluca Rocchi and his deputy for alleged sports fraud. The independent football regulator has issued a warning to Morecambe after their owners failed to respond to requests for information.

Other Sports News

The Sky Sports Racing cameras will head to Chepstow and Ffos Las, with all the action live from 2:05 pm. Conor Benn will challenge Ryan Garcia for the WBC welterweight title in Las Vegas on September 12. McLaren has confirmed they will bring a "significant upgrade package" across the upcoming double-header of races in Belgium and Hungary. England's rugby players have revealed they will avoid wearing national shirts in Argentina this week, ahead of facing the Pumas in Saturday's Nations Championship Test. England 1966 World Cup winner Nobby Stiles died with a brain condition caused by repeatedly heading a football, a coroner has ruled.