Football/Soccer 8 Hours

Last updated: July 15, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

World Cup Semifinals Set for Epic Rematches and Tactical Battles

England are preparing for their biggest match since 1966 as they face Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semifinals on Wednesday. Manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed he is weighing a man-marking plan to stop Lionel Messi in the crucial clash. Meanwhile, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni stated he is "not going to mix" football and politics, and also shut down criticism of his team's play, saying they are "not as bad" as some suggest throughout the tournament. Former England striker Wayne Rooney believes Jude Bellingham has been the best player at the World Cup so far in the competition, and previews the England-Argentina match. The rivalry's history is also on the minds of some, with Alan Shearer explaining why England's 1998 defeat to Argentina still "burns deep" but expressing hope that this team can succeed. Guillem Balague examined how the Argentina squad is built around Messi, highlighting the importance of "mates, tea and freedom". A 91-year-old Argentine journalist, Enrique Macaya Marquez, is covering his 18th World Cup, having started his coverage in 1958 when Pele was a teenager.

French Football Faces Scrutiny After Semifinal Exit

Following France's 2-0 FIFA World Cup semifinal defeat to Spain, Kylian Mbappé appeared to question Didier Deschamps' tactics after the loss. The French media delivered a "scathing" player ratings assessment of the team's performance. Didier Deschamps' tenure with France will end with the World Cup third-place play-off, a farewell game described as "the one no-one wants" for the manager. The question of who will replace Deschamps is already being pondered, with Zinedine Zidane perhaps better positioned to lead the talented French squad to future success.

USMNT and Club Transfer Market Buzz

USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese expressed hurt over the backlash following the team's elimination from the 2026 World Cup, especially after a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16. The broader struggles of the USMNT at the World Cup have led to discussions about potential coaching changes, with 11 coaches identified as possible replacements if Mauricio Pochettino departs from the role. Some argue that the team's issues cannot be fixed by solely overhauling youth development, suggesting that progress might be occurring despite a lack of luck on the field. In the club transfer window, Juventus are reportedly considering a move for USMNT striker Folarin Balogun, who currently plays for AS Monaco. Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur are also showing interest in Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup in the latest transfer news. Manchester United are adapting their summer transfer plans but anticipate more signings as the window progresses. In women's football, London City Lionesses have signed France forward Kadidiatou Diani from Lyon on a three-year deal for more than £500,000 from the French club. Rangers are also in talks with Leicester over winger Abdul Mavididi.

Other Football News and Horse Racing Updates

Jude Bellingham has been highlighted as the best player at the World Cup so far. Discussions also continue around the format of cup games, with suggestions that extra time and penalties might be a flawed system for deciding ties. Goalkeepers' preparation for penalty shootouts, which have decided 39 knockout games since 1982, is also a focus for ESPN. In horse racing, Maltese Cross defied bad luck to secure the Grand Prix de Paris title for trainer William Haggas with a strong finish. Meanwhile, Gorgeous Mr George is chasing a hat-trick at Yarmouth amidst a busy day of flat racing across multiple venues.