Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: July 7, 2026, 11:31 PM ET

World Cup Knockout Drama

The World Cup quarter-finals are set, featuring a clash between tournament favorites Argentina and a Switzerland side that has already defied expectations. Switzerland, after overcoming a penalty shootout "curse" Swiss overcome penalty 'curse', etched their name in the nation's history books by eliminating Colombia Swiss beat Colombia shootout. Manager Murat Yakin expressed his delight at breaking the country's historical shootout jinx, paving the way for a quarter-final showdown against a formidable Argentina Swiss beat Colombia. Argentina, meanwhile, needed a Herculean effort from Lionel Messi to engineer an improbable comeback victory against Egypt Argentina, Messi complete epic. Messi's influence was so profound that teammate Lautaro Martinez urged him to savor what is likely his final World Cup appearance Lautaro told 'emotional' Messi. The dramatic 3-2 win over Egypt, which saw Argentina rally from two goals down, has been hailed as an unforgettable World Cup moment Mahomes, Brunson lead Argentina, though Egypt's coach fumed at perceived officiating injustice and claimed the tournament was "directed towards Argentina" Egypt fume 'injustice' and Egypt boss slams 'unfair'.

Stars Depart the World Stage

The past few days have marked the definitive end of eras for two of football's most iconic figures. Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup journey concluded with Portugal's 1-0 round of 16 exit to Spain Ronaldo's World Cup era, a result that manager Roberto Martinez confirmed would lead to his own departure from the coaching role Martinez steps down. Ronaldo, visibly emotional, maintained he had a "clear conscience" as he exited his final tournament Ronaldo exits tears, though his World Cup career ultimately ended "with a whimper" Ronaldo's World Cup career. Neymar also announced his international retirement following Brazil's surprising elimination at the hands of Norway Neymar says Brazil career, a result that saw Erling Haaland's brace dump the South American giants out of the tournament Brazil stunned Haaland's masterclass. Haaland's seven goals in four games have propelled Norway into an historic quarter-final against England Haaland fires Norway history.

USA's World Cup Run Ends Amid Controversy

The United States' World Cup dream was comprehensively dismantled by Belgium, who secured a 4-1 victory in the round of 16 World Cup reality check. The defeat, which saw Christian Pulisic forced off with an ankle injury Pulisic forced off injured, marked the end of the co-hosts' tournament and generated significant betting revenue for American sportsbooks U.S. loss sets betting. The match was shrouded in controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun's eligibility, with UEFA criticizing FIFA for allowing the striker to play after he had been banned UEFA hits out. Despite reports of White House intervention Balogun ban overturned, the decision to overturn his red card was questioned, with England coach Thomas Tuchel expressing confusion over FIFA's disciplinary processes Tuchel criticises Fifa over and Red card system disarray. Belgium players appeared to mock U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA following their victory Belgium say beating U.S. and Belgium mock Trump FIFA. The USMNT's exit also led to speculation about manager Mauricio Pochettino's future Poch mum U.S. future, with some suggesting the "Balogun saga" played a part in their downfall shambolic end American dream.

England Advances Through Thriller, Other Notables

England booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals with a dramatic 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico, a result hailed as one of their greatest knockout wins on foreign soil Three Lions roar alti-Jude. Jude Bellingham was instrumental in the win, delivering a "colossal" performance that silenced any doubts about his attitude Jude's attitude can never, and the team's success has been heavily reliant on him and Harry Kane superstar double act. Manager Thomas Tuchel lauded his team's "heroic" effort despite criticizing the referees' performance throughout the tournament Tuchel fumes refs and World Cup referees. The match, which saw a peak audience of 9.1 million viewers tune in 9.1m watch England's epic, was also preceded by a brief shelter-in-place order due to an approaching electrical storm Shelter-in-place order amid storm. Elsewhere, Spain's defense has been a cornerstone of their World Cup challenge Spain's World Cup challenge, with midfielder Rodri named man of the match in their narrow win over Portugal MVP Rodri shines. Jarell Quansah's red card against Mexico is being considered for appeal by the FA FA considering appeal.

Clubland Moves and Transfer Rumors

In club news, Álvaro Arbeloa has been appointed the new head coach at Fulham, succeeding Marco Silva on a three-year contract Arbeloa joins Fulham and Fulham appoint Arbeloa. Chelsea midfielder Julia Bartel is reportedly nearing a move to Juventus Chelsea's Bartel closing, while Arsenal are set to sign former Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer sign former Leeds goalkeeper. Arsenal are also reportedly targeting Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, with a notable asking price revealed amid interest from other clubs Papers: Villa's Rogers asking. Newcastle United are closing in on the signing of 18-year-old Ajax midfielder Sean Steur Newcastle closing signing. In MLS, the LA Galaxy have sent attacker Gabriel Pec to Brazilian side Cruzeiro for a club-record fee Galaxy send Pec Cruzeiro.

Youth Development and Financial Matters

The structure of American youth soccer is facing scrutiny, with a focus on parents' financial capacity for travel matches rather than on player development Pay-to-play youth soccer. Meanwhile, the United States Soccer Federation earned $16 million in prize money from FIFA for reaching the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup U.S. men, women get.

Other Sporting Notes

European lawmakers are reportedly considering an investigation into FIFA boss Gianni Infantino EU lawmakers eye investigating. The NWSL is back in action, with the Washington Spirit topping ESPN's Power Rankings thanks to Trinity Rodman's form NWSL Power Rankings. Alexia Putellas' arrival at London City Lionesses is seen as a significant moment for the club and the Women's Super League Gotham FC, NYCFC share. In other news, there are ongoing investigations into alleged racist abuse involving social media influencer IShow Speed during an Argentina match Fifa investigating alleged racist.