Football/Soccer 8 Hours

Last updated: July 9, 2026, 8:33 AM ET

World Cup Quarterfinals Underway

The 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals are now underway with eight teams remaining, and the race for the Golden Boot is heating up as Lionel Messi leads the pack. BBC Sport experts are debating if France, the overwhelming favorites, are beatable as they prepare to face Morocco. Morocco, aiming to become a football powerhouse, will face France in Boston Stadium, though they will be without Ismael Saibari, and France failed in their bid to overturn Michael Olise's yellow card. FIFA chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina stated that the integrity of World Cup referees cannot be questioned. Meanwhile, ESPN Soccer is providing live updates and analysis from the quarterfinals, including the tournament's 3,000th goal and a look at how each eliminated team performed.

Nations and Club News

Manchester United revealed the location for their proposed new 100,000-seater stadium. In the transfer market, North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly targeting RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa. Celtic are said to be pursuing a striker from Italy and an Egyptian winger, while a newly promoted Premier League side eyes a Hearts striker. Chelsea's new signing Geovany Quenda, who idolizes Ronaldo, hopes to emulate his success after leaving Sporting's academy. Rafa Benitez is open to the Scotland head coach job, but his salary demands could be a hurdle. Wales captain Harry Wilson is pleased that head coach Craig Bellamy is remaining with the team after talks with Burnley fell through.

Player and Tournament Reflections

England's John Stones commented on a viral dressing-room prank that briefly stunned manager Thomas Tuchel, describing the atmosphere as having "good vibes." Erling Haaland and Harry Kane are compared as two of the world's top strikers facing each other for a spot in the World Cup semifinals. USMNT fans, despite high expectations for coach Gregg Berhalter, pointed to player performance as the main issue. The pay-to-play model in American youth soccer, which prioritizes parents' ability to afford travel matches over player development, is cited as a reason for the USMNT's World Cup performance.

Other Sports Headlines

Jack Draper is poised for a quick return to action at the DC Open in Washington after an injury layoff. Dame Sarah Storey, Great Britain's most successful Paralympian, announced her retirement from competitive sport. In golf, Lottie Woad made a strong start at the Amundi Evian Championship, while Nelly Korda endured a difficult opening day. Ireland is set to give Sean Jansen his debut in a heavily altered side for their Nations Championship match against Japan after making nine changes. Ben Stokes appears to have downplayed the ICC's investigation into a potential rule breach related to his retirement announcement.