Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 17, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

World Cup Semifinals & Finals Fallout

Lionel Messi's potential World Cup farewell with Argentina is drawing closer, and Spain, who once pursued the superstar, now must find a way to stop him in what could be his final tournament appearance. The narrative is similar for Lamine Yamal, who met Messi as a baby and now faces him in a World Cup final. Meanwhile, England's semifinal exit is being dissected, with captain Harry Kane stating the team is "missing that final piece of the jigsaw". Manager Thomas Tuchel has faced scrutiny, with some questioning his tactical approach and whether anything has changed from previous England campaigns. The BBC reported that 24 million viewers tuned in to watch England's defeat to Argentina. The UK government has urged FIFA to investigate Argentina's team following celebrations that included a banner referencing the Falkland Islands. Spain's Lamine Yamal and Pedro Porro trained separately but are expected to be fit for the final. Donald Trump is confirmed to attend the final and will present the trophy to the winners.

Club Transfers & Rebuilds

Manchester United are adapting their summer transfer plans and anticipate more signings, with reports indicating Manuel Ugarte has undergone knee surgery after a World Cup injury. Arsenal are accelerating their pursuit of Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, having already agreed a deal for Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis. Bayern Munich star Olise reportedly wants a move to Real Madrid. Celtic are facing challenges competing in the transfer market against English Championship clubs. Rangers are nearing a deal for Serbian midfielder Dragojevic, while a Celtic defender is reportedly heading to France. Nottingham Forest are preparing a £45 million offer for Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall. Inter Milan are pursuing deals for Djed Spence and Cristian Romero, while Liverpool lead the race for Kaishu Sano. Bournemouth's Alex Jimenez has joined Fiorentina on loan. Crystal Palace have signed Lexi Lloyd-Smith, the WSL2 top scorer from last season. Birmingham City have signed French defender Jade Rastocle from Montpellier. Coventry City have secured Eintracht Frankfurt defender Aurele Amenda for over £17 million. Newcastle United have signed Scotland defender Rachel McLauchlan.

Other Football News & Notes

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has extended his contract until the summer of 2028. Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson is looking forward to a "test" against Manchester United, though United will be without several World Cup players. The Major League Soccer game between the Vancouver Whitecaps and Chicago Fire was postponed due to wildfire smoke. New York City FC are interested in signing Christian Pulisic but AC Milan is unwilling to sell. Citi Field saw a sellout crowd for the Queens Classic, indicating potential for the team's move to the borough. New York and New Jersey have issued air quality alerts due to wildfire smoke days before the World Cup final. Goalkeeper Marius Muller hopes to "have plenty to celebrate" after joining Aberdeen. Motherwell's Elliot Watt received a four-match ban for comments about VAR. Lawrence Shankland stated he does not feel significant pressure to establish himself at Rangers.

Global Football & Player Watch

The FIFA World Cup is nearing its end, with attention turning to the 2026-27 club season and potential player movements. As 47 teams have been eliminated, their World Cup runs are being graded against expectations. Players who impressed or struggled during the tournament are being highlighted for the 2026 World Cup stock watch. Lionel Messi has responded to critics, stating that "nothing was handed to us". Pelé's 1958 World Cup final jersey sold for $4.88 million at Sotheby's. France's World Cup semifinal defeat to Spain raises questions about whether Zinedine Zidane is better positioned to lead the team. The World Cup third-place play-off is highlighted as a match worth watching. Post Malone is set to headline the World Cup closing ceremony.

Other Sports & Events

In rugby, England will face Argentina in the Nations Championship with an unchanged starting XV. In golf, Bryson DeChambeau has responded to claims of lacking strategy with a strong start at The Open. Dan Brown is hoping his mid-round smoking habit is permitted after taking an early lead at The Open. Lando Norris will take a 10-place grid penalty at the Belgian Grand Prix. Carlos Alcaraz is targeting a return from a wrist injury at the Cincinnati Open in August. Amanda Serrano will defend her world titles against Lucrecia Manzur in a fight broadcast on TikTok. Lewis Hamilton believes his Mercedes teammates should be further ahead in the Drivers' Championship. British driver Oliver Bearman is flattered by Red Bull rumors. England's Joe Root delivered a crucial 99 not out to level the ODI series against India. In boxing, Claressa Shields is ready to resume talks for a super fight against Lauren Price.