Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: July 11, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

World Cup Quarterfinals and Semifinals Take Shape

Spain has advanced to the World Cup semifinals after a tense 1-0 victory over Belgium, with Mikel Merino scoring the decisive goal late in the match. The Spanish side, despite boasting prodigious talent like Lamine Yamal, relied on Merino's late heroics. Belgium's golden generation saw their World Cup journey end, with a costly error from Senne Lammens contributing to their defeat. France also secured a spot in the semifinals, defeating Morocco 2-0. Kylian Mbappé, despite a minor ankle knock, allayed injury concerns after the match. France's consistent performance has led many to believe this iteration of Les Bleus might be their best ever. England is set to face Norway in their quarterfinal clash, with manager Stale Solbakken admitting England are the favorites England are favorites. Preparations for England's match have been boosted by the fitness of Declan Rice, Marc Guehi, and Reece James, though Guehi remains a serious doubt with a hamstring strain. Striker Erling Haaland stated Norway's World Cup chances are "really low" heading into the England match, placing the pressure squarely on the English side.

Football Transfers and Player News

In the National Women's Soccer League, Gotham FC is nearing a loan deal for veteran midfielder Denise O'Sullivan from Liverpool FC. Manchester City has secured the signing of 17-year-old winger Jeremy Monga from Leicester City, beating Arsenal to his signature. Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Joao Gomes. Chelsea is prepared to sell Alejandro Garnacho for €50 million to any interested club. Mason Greenwood is considering offers from Fenerbahce and Atlético Madrid. Barcelona is close to agreeing a deal for Borussia Dortmund's Karim Adeyemi. Neco Williams is a target for Manchester United, though competition exists. Ona Batlle will join Arsenal after her contract with Barcelona expires. Wolves have signed winger Rafiki Said from Standard Liege on a three-year deal. Coventry City has signed Loum Tchaouna from Burnley for an undisclosed fee. Bournemouth defender Alex Jimenez is set for a loan move to Fiorentina.

Honoring Football Legends and Sad Farewells

Argentine football great Antonio Rattín, whose sending-off in the 1966 World Cup contributed to the introduction of yellow and red cards, has died at the age of 89. South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams passed away at the age of 25. Former Chelsea and Leeds owner Ken Bates, a significant figure in English football, has died at 94. An inquest will be held into the death of Nobby Stiles following a coroner's finding that his injury was consistent with repeated head traumas.

Club and National Team News

Jurgen Klopp has agreed in principle to become the new head coach of the German men's national team, succeeding Julian Nagelsmann. Paolo Maldini has been hired as technical director for the Italian national team's rebuild. Burnley has appointed Nicky Hayen as their new head coach on a three-year contract. Michael Edwards has left his role as CEO of football for Fenway Sports Group, which owns Liverpool. Real Madrid coach José Mourinho has begun planning for the upcoming season Mourinho on mission. England has set new behavioral guidelines for its players.

Other Sports and Events

Spain claimed their 10th Uefa Men's Under-19 Championship title by defeating Germany 2-0. In cricket, England is on the verge of reaching the top of the T20 rankings after a dominant series win over India. Sophie Ecclestone became England Women's leading wicket-taker across all formats during the Test match against India at Lord's. In tennis, Britain's Henry Patten and Finland's Harri Heliovaara won their second Wimbledon men's doubles title. Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid secured their seventh Wimbledon wheelchair doubles title. In golf, Rory McIlroy is in a five-way tie for the lead at the Genesis Scottish Open. Haeran Ryu shot the lowest-ever round in a major championship at the Amundi Evian Championship, carding a 60.