Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: July 16, 2026, 11:31 AM ET

World Cup Semifinal Drama and Player Transfers

The World Cup semifinals delivered thrilling contests, with Argentina advancing to the final after a dramatic 2-1 victory over England. Lionel Messi dedicated the win to Diego Maradona, and his decisive assist in stoppage time earned him a 9/10 rating. England captain Harry Kane admitted that trying to hold onto a 1-0 lead backfired, while Jude Bellingham was named the best player at the tournament by Wayne Rooney. In other World Cup news, France's Didier Deschamps era ended with a semifinal defeat to Spain ended with defeat, and Kylian Mbappé questioned his team's tactics after the loss questioned tactics. FIFA defended the referee in the France-Spain match, despite criticism from the French coach defended referee. Argentina also faces disciplinary action from FIFA over a banner related to the Falkland Islands. On the transfer front, Arsenal have agreed a deal for Greek winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, and French defender Jade Rastocle has signed for Birmingham City from Montpellier. Birmingham City also completed the signings of Millie Turner and Lisa Naalsund from Manchester United completed signings.

Club News and Player Movements

Several clubs have been active in the transfer market, with Arsenal reportedly exploring a swap deal involving Viktor Gyökeres and Julián Álvarez. Aston Villa is set to sign Joao Gomes from Wolves following their relegation, and Bournemouth is in talks to sign Benfica defender Antonio Silva. Leeds United has agreed a £34.1m fee for defender Tarik Muharemovic, and Coventry City is close to a £17m deal for Eintracht Frankfurt defender Aurele Amenda close on deal for defender. Chelsea has agreed a deal worth about £850,000 to sign Manchester United striker Melvine Malard. In Scotland, Rangers have agreed a deal for Partizan Belgrade midfielder and are in talks with Leicester over winger Mavididi. Celtic are also reportedly interested in Utrecht forward interested in forward. Goalkeeper Marius Muller has joined Aberdeen from Wolfsburg joined Aberdeen, and Lawrence Shankland does not feel significant pressure at Rangers.

Player Retirements and Injury Updates

Veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon has announced his retirement from football at the age of, concluding a 25-year career announced retirement. Manchester United's Manuel Ugarte has undergone knee surgery after an injury sustained at the World Cup. Former Premier League winger Jordon Ibe has admitted to assaulting his former partner.

International Rugby and Other Sports

In rugby, Jamie George will captain an unchanged England starting XV to face Argentina in the Nations Championship. Ireland has recalled its key players for their crunch Nations Championship clash against the All Blacks. England's rugby players will avoid wearing national shirts in Argentina ahead of their match. In F1 news, Lando Norris will take a 10-place grid penalty at the Belgian Grand Prix, and McLaren has confirmed the introduction of significant upgrade packages confirmed upgrades.

Concerns Over Heading and Historical Matches

John Stiles, son of 1966 World Cup winner Nobby Stiles, has warned of a brain injury epidemic due to heading footballs, with women's football being a particular concern warned of epidemic. A coroner ruled that Nobby Stiles died with a brain condition caused by repeatedly heading a football died from heading. BBC Sport looks back at England's World Cup history, highlighting that this semifinal against Argentina was their biggest match since 1966, and exploring past encounters between the two nations. Wayne Rooney previewed the England-Argentina match previewed match, while Alan Shearer expressed the lingering pain of England's 1998 loss to Argentina but believes this team can succeed.

Women's Football and Transfer Gossip

Sam Kerr made her highly anticipated return to Gotham FC in front of a record-breaking crowd for a women's sporting event in New York City made return. Liverpool's club record signing Denise O'Sullivan has left to join Gotham FC left to join. WSL 2 side Newcastle United have signed defender Rachel McLauchlan from Brighton signed defender. Arsenal has signed Germany forward Lisa Baum on a permanent deal from RB Leipzig signed forward. Emily Murphy is on the verge of joining Brighton from Newcastle.