Football/Soccer 8 Hours

Last updated: July 7, 2026, 8:32 AM ET

World Cup Knockout Stages Heat Up

England's World Cup campaign is drawing massive viewership, with a peak audience of 9.1 million tuning in to watch their epic quarter-final victory over Mexico. The team's success appears heavily reliant on their star duo, as Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have accounted for 10 of England's 11 goals in the tournament. Meanwhile, in the round of, the U.S. men's national team crashed out 4-1 to Belgium, a result players dismissed as being unaffected by the Folarin Balogun suspension controversy USMNT dismisses noise. Despite a draw that favored them and other favorable circumstances, the Americans are once again grappling with a round-of-16 exit, marking a missed opportunity. Belgium's Nicolas Raskin suggested that Fifa's decision regarding Balogun's eligibility fueled their determination in the match against the USA, with some Belgian players even appearing to mock President Trump and Fifa post-victory Belgium mock Trump.

Managerial Moves and Player Movements

In the Women's Super League, Willie Kirk has been appointed head coach of Durham, two years after his dismissal from Leicester City Women. Elsewhere, Liam Rosenior has returned to management with Ligue 1 club Paris FC, having been sacked by Chelsea in April Rosenior named manager. On the transfer front, Tottenham are reportedly targeting Bournemouth's Kroupi in the summer window, while Liverpool have made contact regarding a move for Mexican wonderkid Gilberto Mora Liverpool contact Mora. Newcastle United are also nearing a deal for Ajax's young midfielder Sean Steur Newcastle closing.

International Football Fallout and Tributes

The World Cup has seen several high-profile exits and subsequent reflections. Roberto Martinez confirmed his departure as Portugal coach following their 1-0 round-of-16 defeat to Spain, though he denied the result constituted a "failure." Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup ended with Portugal's elimination, with the veteran forward stating he had a "clear conscience" despite the outcome Ronaldo exits final WC. Brazil's World Cup journey concluded prematurely, leaving them facing another long wait for a sixth title Brazil's painful exit. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni commented that the tournament currently lacks a truly dominant team, with favorites finding it difficult to overcome lower-ranked opponents. France forward Kylian Mbappé has condemned racist remarks made by a Paraguayan senator that mocked his origin and education Mbappé condemns remarks.

Player News and Controversy

Zimbabwean football star was reportedly the victim of an attempted gun attack in South Africa, with police launching an investigation Zimbabwean star survives attack. Meanwhile, England's back-three selection options have been further complicated by injuries to Cadan Murley and Beno Obano, leading to the call-ups of Emmanuel Iyogun and Chandler Cunningham-South Murley injury compounds headache. In a curious development, Lionel Messi, Jude Bellingham, and Lamine Yamal have been pictured with the new-look World Cup final match ball, a move some might see as tempting fate Messi, Bellingham unveil ball. The 'Trump dance' is also gaining traction, with a look at which sportspeople are adopting the move and why What is Trump dance?.

Club Football and Emerging Talent

The Champions