Football/Soccer 8 Hours

Last updated: July 7, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

World Cup Quarterfinals Take Shape

Switzerland broke a penalty curse to oust Colombia 4-3 in a shootout, securing their first World Cup quarterfinal appearance since 1954 and setting up a clash with Argentina for a place in the final four. Manager Murat Yakin expressed his delight after overcoming the shootout jinx that has plagued the nation. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi continued his inspirational run, nearly single-handedly dragging Argentina past Egypt with a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory. Lautaro Martinez reportedly told an emotional Messi to savor what might be his "last World Cup" after the thrilling win. Egypt's coaching staff, however, voiced strong complaints about the officiating, with head coach Hossam Hassan claiming the tournament was "directed towards Argentina" and citing unfairness.

Player Movement and Managerial Changes

Former Real Madrid defender Álvaro Arbeloa has been appointed the new head coach at Fulham, succeeding Marco Silva on a three-year contract following his departure from Madrid. The move signals a new chapter for the London club, as Arbeloa takes the reins after a stint with Real Madrid's youth setup. In transfer news, Liverpool have reportedly initiated contact for highly-rated Mexican teenager Gilberto Mora, while Arsenal are targeting Morgan Rogers and Everton are considering a move for defender Spence as transfer rumors circulate. The LA Galaxy also saw a significant player movement, sending attacker Gabriel Pec to Brazilian side Cruzeiro for a club-record fee in a major MLS deal.

U.S. Soccer and Betting Records

The United States men's national team earned $16 million in prize money from FIFA for reaching the round of 16 in the 2026 World Cup, despite their 4-1 loss to Belgium in the knockout stage. The Americans' run in the home tournament also set records for viewership, with their match against Belgium becoming the most-watched soccer telecast in U.S. history according to preliminary ratings. The widespread interest translated into substantial profits for American sportsbooks, which saw their handle soar and experienced significant gains as the U.S. team exited the competition generating record betting revenue. Belgium, however, suffered a setback with midfielder Amadou Onana ruled out of the World Cup due to an ACL injury ending his tournament prematurely.

Youth Development and FIFA Scrutiny

The high cost of pay-to-play models in youth soccer in the United States is being cited as a significant factor contributing to the nation's historical struggles on the world stage, with the focus often shifting to parents' financial capacity for travel matches rather than holistic player development impacting grassroots talent. Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces potential scrutiny from European lawmakers, who are gathering support to launch an investigation into his involvement in decisions concerning U.S. striker Folarin Balogun amidst broader governance concerns.

Other Football News

Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup journey has concluded, with the Portuguese superstar having confirmed this tournament would be his last following their elimination. In women's football, Gotham FC will begin playing home games at Etihad Park in Queens, New York, from 2028, marking the reigning NWSL champions' first time based within New York City limits for their home matches. Carlo Ancelotti's decision to include Neymar in Brazil's World Cup squad is being re-evaluated as a risky gamble that ultimately backfired following their round of 16 exit to Norway.