Football/Soccer 3 Hours

Last updated: July 13, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

USWNT to Face World Champions Spain

The United States women's national team will host world No. 1 Spain for two friendly matches in October. The reigning World Cup champions will visit the U.S. for the contests, as announced by U.S. Soccer on Monday.

World Cup Semifinal Showdowns and Player Performances

The World Cup is down to its final four, featuring the top-ranked teams all employing distinct attacking strategies. ESPN asked LaLiga players and coaches about the challenge of facing young stars like Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé, who are set to clash in the semifinals this Tuesday. While Lionel Messi was contained, it was Julián Álvarez who provided the magic to see Argentina through their recent match against Switzerland. Meanwhile, one African World Cup goalscorer has achieved a milestone that appears beyond both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in terms of age.

Transfer Market Buzz and Club Moves

Arsenal stepping up of Atlético Madrid's Julián Álvarez, with transfer rumors indicating the North London club is intensifying its efforts. Barcelona's "substantial offer" for Álvarez also remains on the table but is reportedly nearing an expiration date, according to club president Joan Laporta. In the Scottish Premiership, Aberdeen has acquired winger Lewis Smith from Livingston for an undisclosed fee, a move manager Stephen Robinson expressed excitement about, having previously tried to sign the player for other clubs. Manchester United has also finalized the £50 million signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea completing the deal.

Club and National Team News

Police are investigating the death of South African World Cup player Jayden Adams, whose body was discovered over the weekend in Cape Town according to authorities. El Paso Locomotive's USL Cup match saw forward Cristo Fernández make his debut, entering the game in the 79th minute during the contest. Slaven Bilic has been reappointed as the manager of Croatia's men's national team securing the role.

and Tournament Formats

The discussion around hydration breaks, mandated by FIFA throughout the 2026 World Cup, continues, with questions arising about whether they will persist beyond the tournament as a regular feature. Looking further ahead, projections for the USMNT's 2030 World Cup roster are already being considered, even as the sting of their 2026 exit remains for the team. Several young talents, including Diomande, Freeman, and Manzambi, have emerged as breakout stars of the 2026 World Cup, showcasing their potential alongside established superstars on the global stage.