Before the final between Spain and Argentina, Iker Casillas commented the winner.
After more than a month of competition, the 2026 World Cup final was set with Spain and Argentina reaching the tournament’s biggest stage. Moments after Argentina defeated England, Iker Casillas shared a message about the upcoming final.
Casillas posted: “There won’t be a fourth ⭐️, Argentina! We’re going for our second!! Come on, Spain! This Sunday it’s the Finalissima… and the World Cup! Get both trophies ready, @FIFAWorldCup! You won’t be stitching the fourth ⭐️.”
The legendary goalkeeper was present at several matches alongside fellow members of the team that made history in 2010, including Xavi, Sergio Ramos and Carles Puyol.
Casillas on England’s match
Spain’s semifinal was far less dramatic, as they controlled France throughout the match. The other semifinal was very different, with England taking the lead before Argentina completed a late comeback.
No habrá una 4ª ⭐️, 🇦🇷! Vamos a por la 2ª!! Vamos 🇪🇸!
What drew criticism was the approach after Anthony Gordon’s goal, as they focused almost entirely on defending their advantage by sitting deep. That was the main point highlighted by Casillas.
Casillas posted: “England scored and immediately sat back. A cowardly approach. They barely left their own box and allowed Argentina to keep coming forward. The logical outcome followed. England lost the match entirely because of their game plan. They let Argentina dictate play for the final 30 minutes.”
Casillas gives his verdict on the match
The former goalkeeper believed England’s tactical approach was the main reason Argentina were able to complete the comeback. Casillas posted: “That simply can’t happen. Final: Spain vs Argentina. It’s going to be incredible! England committed footballing suicide.”
After his scrutiny over Argentina's centerbacks, Cristian Romero replied to England leveng Gary Neville: "'I hope I'm not that stupid when I retire."
Gary Neville emerged as one of the most vocal pundits in the buildup to England‘s highly anticipated semifinal clash against Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, directing specific scrutiny toward the Argentine defensive line. After successfully securing their ticket to the final, Cristian “Cuti” Romero delivered a stinging response to the former Manchester United defender, stating, “I hope I’m not that stupid when I retire.“
In the days leading up to kickoff, Neville had offered some incredibly harsh criticism of Argentina‘s starting center-back pairing of Romero and Lisandro Martinez in one of the last editions of The Overlaps podcast, branding them as a major liability: “I do not see any way we won’t score at least 2 goals against Argentina… I call them the best-worst central defensive duo in the world. They go from the sublime to the ridiculous.”
While arguing that the pairing was highly vulnerable defensively, Neville did begrudgingly acknowledge their unique ability to make an impact on the opposite end of the pitch. “You’ve got Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez who seem to give away a goal between them per game! Then you see them again and it turns out they’re scoring goals, winning all the headers and popping up everywhere!”
Romero and Martinez issue joint response to Neville
Following the final whistle, Romero spoke with DSports and immediately addressed the pre-match talk originating from across the Atlantic: “In England they are used to talking a lot before the match, so we send them a big hello; they must be very happy.“
Djed Spence #25 of England is tackled by Cristian Romero #13 of Argentina.
Martinez was equally dismissive of the relentless criticism, reflecting on the media landscape in the British Isles. “We are used to them always talking about us. You can tell they like to talk about us, and we respond on the pitch. Nothing more, always with respect,” he stated.
However, Romero pulled no punches when specifically pressed on Neville’s comments: “The only thing I hope for when I retire is that I won’t be that stupid. Ultimately, it’s up to each person, but when I retire down the line, I hope I don’t find myself criticizing a player or underestimating anyone, because in the end, you go out there to do the best for your club or national team.“
Romero concluded his statement by setting his expectations ahead of the final on Sunday, his fifth one already with the Argentina national team: “After that, it can go right or wrong, but we are happy to be in a World Cup final again. We are making history; for us, it is something huge. We feel the shirt like no one else.“
Cristian Romero #13 of Argentina and England legend Gary Neville.
Argentina beat England with assists from Lionel Messi to surpass Kylian Mbappé.
The World Cup semifinal brought more history for Argentina as Lionel Messi recorded two assists in the 2-1 victory over England, taking his total to 12 goal contributions in the tournament. He surpassed Kylian Mbappé and now trails only Just Fontaine’s legendary record.
With England leading 1-0 late in the match, Argentina played a short corner that found Messi. The forward laid the ball back to Enzo Fernández, who scored with a long-range strike to level the game.
That was not Messi’s final contribution. In the 92nd minute, he reached the byline on the right before delivering a perfect cross with his right foot for Lautaro Martínez, who headed home the winning goal.
Messi moves ahead of Mbappé
Before the semifinal, Mbappé led the tournament in goal contributions after an outstanding campaign. Albeit France were eliminated by Spain, the forward finished with eight goals and three assists.
Argentina came back from behind (Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Messi is now level with Mbappé on goals. He scored three against Algeria, twice against Austria, once against Jordan in the group stage, once against Cape Verde in the Round of 32, and once against Egypt in the Round of 16.
His two assists against England increased his total to four. Earlier in the tournament, Messi assisted Cristian Romero from a corner against Cape Verde before setting him up again against Egypt.
Fontaine’s record
Some records are there to be broken, while others seem almost untouchable. Fontaine’s record of 13 goals in a single World Cup, set with France in 1958, is one of them and will not be matched. The total number of goal contributions is a different story because Fontaine finished without recording a single assist.
Jude Bellingham seemed to blame England teammate Jordan Pickford for the Enzo Fernandez goal for Argentina in the World Cup semi-final.
Chelsea midfielder Fernandez fired in a superb long-range strike for Argentina to make it 1-1, but it seems Bellingham feels the shot was actually quite central.
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Watch below as some fans seem to have been able to lip-read Bellingham’s reaction to the goal, with the Real Madrid ace complaining that it was in the middle of the goal…
Bellingham moaning about Pickford’s little arms. ‘It’s the middle of the goal’ ?? pic.twitter.com/eMqWz2FKg7
Make your own minds up, but that perhaps seems a bit harsh on England goalkeeper Pickford, who mostly had a really good game and another strong tournament overall.
Bellingham has been superb for England at this World Cup, but it’s moments like this that perhaps rub some fans up the wrong way, as he can be a little petulant when things aren’t going for him.
Who’s to blame for England’s World Cup exit?
England will likely need to do some soul-searching after this World Cup semi-final loss, as they were a goal up with just a few minutes left, but perhaps handed momentum back to Argentina by being overly defensive and cautious.
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Still, this was a good tournament for England and there’ll perhaps be some optimism about what they can build for the future, even if it feels painful now to have missed out on a place in the final.
England still haven’t won the World Cup since all the way back in 1966, and to many this felt like the best opportunity to finally do it again.
Argentina are a fantastic team, however, and are now looking to retain the trophy in what should be a mouth-watering encounter against Spain this Sunday.
When asked about his decision, Tuchel insisted he had no regrets and that he did what he felt he had to do against Argentina as they kept finding too much space.
“I analysed the match and I did it a certain way so that’s my responsibility,” Tuchel said, as quoted by BBC Sport.
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“In the moment, no regrets. The team gave everything and we were very, very close. We deserved to be up 1-0.
“We played one of our better matches, maybe our best match in the circumstances. The team was top, we couldn’t get over the line but no regrets.
“I think we saw the mentality throughout the match and the strong group. We played the matches how they were, we played against strong teams in the group, travelled a lot of miles, played at altitude, we played with 10 men, we played in the heat and we overcame every obstacle.
“We were very close today. It’s not the moment to analyse the full tournament, we just went our because we lost a crucial match.”
Dan Burn responds to questions about England’s approach
England defender Dan Burn also spoke after the game about how Tuchel set the team up.
It seems the Newcastle man was sympathetic with the Three Lions boss, and admitted that it was also a response from the players to a certain extent, while for some time it also seemed like it was working.
“I thought we had the gameplan pretty well for the majority of it. But obviously, when we scored, we went a bit passive and dropped off and were ultimately punished for it,” Burn said.
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“We probably conceded too many chances and if you do that, they are going to get goals. Disappointing from us. We have defended games better and seen them out. When you get that close to the World Cup final, that hurts.”
He added: “It’s only human nature a little bit as well. You know how well we have defended leads in previous games. That tends to happen to majority of teams.”
Where do you stand on this? Should England have done better to control the game without just taking off attacking players and sitting back? Or was it the right idea and just a bit of bad luck against a quality side? Share your thoughts in the comments!
After reaching another World Cup final, Lionel Messi shared words of appraisal to his Argentina teammates: "This group never stopped believing."
Lionel Messi delivered yet another masterclass at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, orchestrating Argentina‘s high-stakes semifinal comeback against England with a pair of brilliant assists to punch the Albiceleste’s ticket to the final. Following the emotional victory in Atlanta, the Argentina icon was quick to praise his squad’s relentless drive to turn the match around, stating proudly, “This group never stopped believing.“
Speaking to TyC Sports on the pitch, Messi opened up about the heavy historical gravity and raw emotion of the clash: “Everything we experienced was incredible. From the beginning, even though it was just a football match, when we started walking out, the anthem and everything, we felt it wasn’t just another victory. This group is incredible. Today we went for it again. We never stopped believing, never stopped trying. When we were down on the scoreboard, we pinned them back in their box. So, it brings enormous happiness.“
The legendary playmaker also emphasized his unwavering faith in his teammates, acknowledging that their collective strength goes far beyond any individual brilliance. “It’s crazy how things are playing out. Honestly, before the World Cup started, I had faith in this group. I thought we were going to be among the final four, that we were going to fight for it. I know, and we knew, what we were capable of,” he added.
The grueling extra-time period required to dispatch Switzerland in the previous round clearly took a physical toll on the roster’s fitness, but Argentina showed championship resolve to overcome that fatigue: “Maybe people had doubts because of how we came into it, with players pushed right to the limit. But when this group comes together and is united, we feed off each other and find strength out of nowhere to give even more.”
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates with teammates. (Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Messi concluded with a heartfelt message to the traveling Argentine supporters back home and in the stands, as the nation prepares to compete in its third World Cup final across the last four tournament editions. “Enjoy this moment just like we are. Today we’ve made it into another World Cup final. We’ve been enjoying being world champions for four years, and now we are playing in a new final. We achieved what we all wanted. Now, it will be whatever God wills,” he stated.
Lionel Scaloni on Argentina’s dramatic qualification
Since Lionel Scaloni took the helm in 2018, Argentina has embarked on an unprecedented run of five consecutive tournament finals across the Copa America (2021, 2024), the Finalissima (2022), and the World Cup (2022, 2026). Yet, despite all the silverware, this resilient squad continues to leave its manager in awe after delivering another legendary comeback.
Following the final whistle, Scaloni reflected on the squad’s intangible qualities and the sheer grit required to pull off the victory: “It’s a combination of many things, about the group, about brotherhood. About fighting until the very end. We are going out there to win a final; we are going to try to win it. These guys have moved me. I don’t have much else to say. I am so grateful to the players. Without them, it is impossible. And above all, to those who don’t play, to those who support from the outside. And the ones who came off the bench have been crucial.”
In the buildup to kickoff, the matchup drew inevitable comparisons to the historic 1986 clash defined by the “Hand of God” and the “Goal of the Century,” and while Wednesday’s drama carved out its own legacy, Scaloni kept his focus on the immediate future. “I can’t compare this match with that one (the one from ’86), I was very little. We thought the game against Egypt was the absolute peak, but I think this surpassed it. Regardless of the opponent, it was a semi-final. I am worried, because now we have to rest. As far as I’m concerned, we need to go rest right now and prepare for the match (against Spain).”
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates after the 2-1 win against England.
By punch-packing a ticket to his third career World Cup final, Lionel Messi is poised to establish an unprecedented landmark in the history of international soccer.
Lionel Messi has once again defied Father Time, delivering a masterclass against England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals. By matching up against Spain next Sunday, the legendary Argentine playmaker is poised to participate in his third career World Cup final, positioning himself to achieve a milestone unmatched in the history of the tournament.
In 2014, then operating at the absolute peak of his athletic prime, Messi single-handedly carried Argentina to the final in Brazil. However, his dreams of hoisting the famous trophy were brutally shattered in extra time by a late, heartbreaking match-winner from Germany’s Mario Gotze.
At 35 years old, in what many assumed would be his last World Cup at Qatar 2022, the maestro rewrote the script by capturing the one major trophy that had eluded him in a spectacular penalty shootout victory over France. Now in 2026, following three stellar seasons with MLS side Inter Miami, Messi has stunned the global soccer landscape yet again, racking up eight goals and four assists over seven matches to guide Argentina back to the grandest stage.
With Sunday’s highly anticipated showdown against Spain, Messi is on track to become the first player in soccer history to start three separate World Cup finals. Across 23 editions of the tournament, while a handful of iconic names have reached three finals, none have done so as a member of the starting eleven each time while remaining the undisputed focal point of their national team.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates with teammates after the 2-1 win against England.
Furthermore, Messi will become only the second player in history to step onto the pitch in three different finals. The only other man to achieve this is legendary Brazilian right back Cafu, who entered the 1994 final as a 21st-minute substitute for an injured Jorginho, before starting in both the 1998 final against France and the 2002 triumph over Germany.
The exclusive club of three-time World Cup finalists
Competing in a World Cup is the ultimate dream for any elite player, but stepping onto the pitch in three separate finals represents an almost mythic achievement. While Cafu and Messi stand alone at the pinnacle of this statistical mountain, a select group of legendary figures have historically come agonizingly close to joining them.
Pele, famously the only player to win three World Cups, missed out on playing in the 1962 final due to a severe muscle injury sustained in the group stage. Similarly, Ronaldo Nazario was an unused squad member for Brazil in 1994, German legend Lothar Matthaus remained on the bench as an inexperienced 21-year-old in 1982, and his countryman Pierre Littbarski went unused during Germany’s 1986 final appearance against Argentina.
It was a dramatic semifinal of the 2026 World Cup for England, with Harry Kane feeling gutted for how they lost to Argentina.
It seemed like the 2026 World Cup final was going to feature England after they held the lead late in the second half, but Argentina completed another comeback to earn a 2-1 victory. After the loss, Harry Kane described his emotions.
Kane said: “We played a good game the large majority of it. When we went 1-0 up we seemed to try and hold on, which at this level is not enough. So, just gutted because we’ve worked so hard to be here and the lads have given every last bit of running, blood, sweat, tears. To fall short is just gutting.”
The forward was not a major factor in the semifinal even if he was were the leader of a team that missed out on reaching its second World Cup final after a 60-year wait. For Kane, it was a fantastic tournament individually, but he was unable to lift the trophy despite being so close.
Kane on England’s World Cup performance
What should not be overlooked is that England are getting closer. Kane said: “We had a lot of good moments at this tournament, a lot of good games and another semi-final. We talk about knocking on the door, we’re close, we just need to find that missing piece late in the tournament.”
England had very good performances (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
In the post-match interview, the forward praised how the team worked together during the more than one month they spent together, a period in which England were expected to at least reach the later stages of the competition.
Kane said: “These tournaments take it out of you with so much effort, pressure and mentality. We’ve shown that throughout the six or seven weeks we’ve been together but we’re just missing that final piece.”
Kane on what did not work
During the match, England had a solid performance and even took the lead through Anthony Gordon early in the second half. The advantage seemed important until the team struggled to keep possession.
Kane said: “After the goal, whether it was them putting more men forward or us not being able to match them man for man, it was just wave after wave. Lads were putting blocks in but, in the end, it just wasn’t enough.”
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez came off the bench to give Argentina a 2-1 comeback victory over England, sending them into the World Cup Final against Spain.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez, Como’s Nico Paz and Juventus-owned Nico Gonzalez were on the bench for the reigning champions. England made several changes, starting Inter-linked Djed Spence and Aston Villa wide man Morgan Rogers.
It was, as expected, a scrappy affair with numerous fouls and arguments from the opening whistle. The first real chance saw John Stones nod wide from a free kick to the back post, while Enzo Fernandez saw his scorcher flash inches off target.
The first genuine save was at the dawn of the second half with Jordan Pickford parrying the Julian Alvarez effort low at the near post.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 15: Anthony Gordon #18 of England scores his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
However, England opened the scoring when a low Morgan Rogers cross from the right found Anthony Gordon ready to tap in at the far stick.
Argentina immediately threatened an equaliser with Alvarez, only to be denied by a stunning tackle from Inter-linked full-back Djed Spence, formerly of Genoa, and Enzo Fernandez then blasted over.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 15: Djed Spence #25 of England makes a stop against Giuliano Simeone #17 of Argentina during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Nico Gonzalez of Juventus came off the bench and immediately knocked a dangerous ball back to be cleared by Stones, then Pickford got down for a great save on his glancing header.
Argentina poured forward and were unlucky to see an Alexis Mac Allister free header smack against the upright on Rodrigo De Paul’s cross.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 15: (EDITOR’S NOTE: Image was captured using a remote camera from behind the goal.) Alexis Mac Allister #20 of Argentina attempts a header against Jordan Pickford #1 of England during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Lautaro Martinez was finally introduced for the final 10 minutes, and a long-range Enzo Fernandez screamer was fingertipped over the bar.
Argentina’s siege finally paid off with a scorcher from Enzo Fernandez on the resulting short corner and Lionel Messi assist, smashing in from well outside the area.
“Enzo Fernandez has simply been setting his sights!”
The momentum had shifted too much with England’s defensive attitude, and it cost them in added time, because after another Mac Allister effort came off the woodwork, Messi floated in the cross for Lautaro Martinez’s header. It was the Serie A Capocannoniere’s third goal of the 2026 World Cup.
Argentina are ahead!
A relentless spell of pressure sees Alexis Mac Allister hit the post before ANOTHER Lionel Messi assist sets up Lautaro Martinez to make it 2-1. pic.twitter.com/kVoNouFgKZ
The knives are really out for England manager Thomas Tuchel this evening as a host of journalists have taken to social media to slam his tactics against Argentina.
Tuchel has long been regarded as one of the top coaches in the game, but he went defensive far too early in England’s World Cup semi-final defeat on Wednesday night.
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While teams sometimes have to be a bit more cautious towards the end of close games, Tuchel just overdid it a bit tonight and also started that negative approach quite early.
Take a look at the screen grab below
Thomas Tuchel criticism on social media
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Thomas Tuchel’s defensive substitutes for England against Argentina
See below for the subs Tuchel made for England, and what minute they came in, and it certainly paints a picture…
Player subs
Minute
Gordon off, Konsa on
72′
Rice off, O’Reilly on
82′
James off, Burn on
82′
Stones off, Toney on
96′
Spence off, Rashford on
96′
This will be an important lesson for England and for Tuchel, who surely had enough quality in the team to continue to take the game to Argentina.
No one is arguing that England should have continued to go all-out-attack, but it’s rare that a team can just defend their way to a win.
All this did was hand the momentum to Argentina, and when you allow the likes of Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez more and more opportunities to get into dangerous positions, you’re always going to get punished eventually.
Argentina have beaten England and made it to the World Cup final, with Lionel Messi and co. now preparing to take on Spain.
Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in Wednesday night’s semi-final, but Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez scored twice late on to send the Three Lions out of the World Cup.
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For England, the 60 years of hurt goes on, and they’ll have to look back at what ended up being a pretty negative performance against Argentina.
Thomas Tuchel went far too defensive after England went ahead, so it’s not exactly the players’ fault, but here’s our look at how the players from both sides rated…
Argentina 2-1 England World Cup semi-final player ratings
Jordan Pickford – 6
Reece James – 7
Djed Spence – 7
Marc Guehi – 6
John Stones – 6
Declan Rice – 7.5
Elliot Anderson – 6
Jude Bellingham – 6.5
Morgan Rogers – 7
Anthony Gordon – 7.5
Harry Kane – 6
Not too many stand-out performers there from England, but Rogers and Gordon combined well for the goal, while Rice also played his part and generally worked hard in a difficult midfield battle. James and Spence were also in good form at both ends of the pitch, with the latter particularly impressive with one last-ditch challenge in the second half.
Argentina were not exactly spectacular, but Messi and Fernandez produced when it mattered and that will give them confidence against Spain in the final. A word too to Romero, who hasn’t always been at his best in a Tottenham shirt, but who looked like a real leader at the back tonight in an important game, keeping Kane quiet throughout.
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Who do you think will win this weekend’s final now? Give us your predictions in the comments!
Enzo Fernandez scored a stunning goal to level things up for Argentina against England in tonight’s World Cup semi-final clash.
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The Chelsea midfielder scored an absolutely sublime long-range effort after a short corner by Argentina, with Lionel Messi setting him up to hit it from outside the box.
Watch below as Fernandez finally beat Jordan Pickford, who had been superb for England to keep out Alexis Mac Allister on numerous occasions…
"Enzo Fernandez has simply been setting his sights!" ?
We all know Fernandez has that in his locker, with the 25-year-old often scoring some real beauties for Chelsea.
Now he’s delivered on the big stage for his country as they look to be heading for a second consecutive World Cup final appearance.
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Argentina produce stunning comeback against England
Lautaro Martinez has just scored a second for the South American giants, who now lead 2-1 with just a few minutes of stoppage time remaining.
Watch below as Messi was again the creator with a lovely cross to set up Martinez for the header…
Argentina are ahead! ?
A relentless spell of pressure sees Alexis Mac Allister hit the post before ANOTHER Lionel Messi assist sets up Lautaro Martinez to make it 2-1. pic.twitter.com/kVoNouFgKZ
Having won the World Cup in 2022, it looks like Argentina are heading back to the final as they look to retain their trophy, with Spain waiting for them this time.
For England, unless something dramatic happens in the next few moments, it’s more heartache at a World Cup, with 60 years of hurt set to continue for even longer.
Argentina completed an incredible comeback against England, with a late Lautaro Martinez goal securing their place in the final against Spain.
Argentina secured a great 2-1 victory over England in the closing stages and booked their place in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain. Lautaro Martinez was the hero off the bench for Argentina, and he didn’t hold back on the emotion of the moment after the final whistle.
“This is huge. I always dreamed of scoring this goal. My mom, from the day I left for Racing, never stopped making my bed. And that means more to me than a goal, than a final. I have my two kids, who have changed my life since they arrived. They made me slow down. Now I’m a man, I enjoy life,” Martinez said.
The Inter Milan forward revealed he’d sensed the moment coming even before stepping onto the pitch against England. “I dreamed it, I swear, I told Alexis I was going to score a goal. I told Facu Medina on the bench that I was going to come on and win it. This team keeps showing what it’s made of,” he continued.
Martinez also broke down how Argentina managed to turn the match around after going behind. “They got tired, after 60 minutes they had nothing left. They dropped back and we took advantage,” the forward concluded said.
MESSI SENDS IT INTO TO LAUTARO MARTÍNEZ AND ARGENTINA TAKES THE LEAD IN STOPPAGE TIME 🇦🇷
England broke the deadlock in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon, who volleyed home a long cross from Morgan Rogers to put Thomas Tuchel’s side in front at Atlanta Stadium.
Argentina responded with Enzo Fernandez, who leveled the score after being teed up by Lionel Messi. The game stayed level deep into the second half before Messi turned provider again, setting up Lautaro Martinez for a stoppage-time winner that completed the comeback and sent Argentina through to defend their title in the final against Spain.
With a great assist from Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez scored a header to complete Argentina's comeback in the 2026 World Cup semifinals against England.
Argentina and England battled in a thrilling 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal clash on Wednesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Fueled by a pinpoint, right-footed cross from Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez scored the decisive goal to complete a stunning, stoppage-time comeback for the Albiceleste.
England broke the ice in the 55th minute when Morgan Rogers whipped in a precise cross to Anthony Gordon, who shook off his marker, Nahuel Molina, to finish clinically with a first-time strike. Attempting to protect their slim lead, the Three Lions dropped deep into a defensive shell, which successfully frustrated Argentina until Enzo Fernandez leveled the score with a spectacular, long-range blast in the 85th minute.
With the Three Lions struggling to escape their own half under relentless pressure, Alexis Mac Allister found a pocket of space to unleash a blistering strike that rattled off the post. The ball remained active deep in the right corner, and a relentless Lionel Messi sprinted to keep the play alive.
After bringing the ball under control, Messi utilized his weaker right foot to whip a gorgeous, curling service to Lautaro Martinez, who rose above his marker in the 92nd minute to nod home the dramatic game-winner and punch Argentina’s ticket to the final.
MESSI SENDS IT INTO TO LAUTARO MARTÍNEZ AND ARGENTINA TAKES THE LEAD IN STOPPAGE TIME 🇦🇷
With a thrilling 2-1 win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Argentina will now travel to East Rutherford, New Jersey, to face Spain in the 2026 World Cup final next Sunday, July 19th, at MetLife Stadium. This represents only the second time in Argentine history that the nation has reached back-to-back World Cup finals, matching the iconic runs of the 1986 and 1990 squads.
Messi continues to rewrite the record books
Despite a legendary scoring run earlier in the tournament, Messi was kept off the scoresheet for a second consecutive match following tight defensive game plans from Switzerland and England. However, his lack of goals has hardly diminished his impact, as the legendary playmaker found other ways to orchestrate Argentina’s march to yet another final.
His vital assist to Mac Allister in the quarterfinal against Switzerland officially cemented Messi as the all-time assist leader in World Cup history. By adding another pair of brilliant setups against England, the Argentine captain has raised his unparalleled career tournament tally to 12 assists.
Argentina's Lautaro Martinez scores with a header against England.
With the final now waiting against Spain, the legendary forward has added another remarkable achievement to a tournament already filled with records and historic performances.
Lionel Messi continues to rewrite the history books on soccer’s biggest stage, producing another unforgettable World Cup moment during Argentina’s dramatic semifinal victory over England. With the final now waiting against Spain, the legendary forward has added another remarkable achievement to a tournament already filled with records and historic performances.
Messi and Argentina survived one of the most intense matches of the 2026 World Cup, coming from behind to defeat England 2-1 in Atlanta. The result secured La Albiceleste’s place in a second consecutive World Cup final, but the night also belonged to Messi’s latest piece of individual brilliance.
This majestic clash carried enormous history before the ball was even kicked. The two national teams entered the match with decades of rivalry, unforgettable encounters, and the pressure of a place in the World Cup final on the line.
The match itself quickly became a physical battle, with neither team able to establish control during a chaotic opening period. The first half produced numerous fouls, interruptions, and limited attacking opportunities, with both teams struggling to create clear chances.
England eventually found the breakthrough in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon finished a well-worked move to give the Three Lions a 1-0 lead. Argentina responded by increasing the pressure, with Messi once again becoming the central figure in the comeback attempt.
Argentina’s late comeback sends England home
The defending champions refused to surrender, pushing forward repeatedly as the Three Lions attempted to protect their advantage. The pressure finally paid off when Enzo Fernandez scored in the 85th minute, firing Argentina level and sending the supporters inside the stadium into celebration.
Only minutes later, Messi delivered another decisive moment. The Argentina captain created space on the right side before producing a perfectly weighted cross for Lautaro Martinez, who headed home in stoppage time to complete the comeback.
The victory means the reigning champion will face Spain in the 2026 World Cup final as it chases another championship. Messi once again showed his ability to influence matches at the highest level, even as he approaches the final stages of his legendary career.
MESSI SENDS IT INTO TO LAUTARO MARTÍNEZ AND ARGENTINA TAKES THE LEAD IN STOPPAGE TIME 🇦🇷
Messi breaks World Cup record that has stood untouched since 1966
Beyond the dramatic victory, Messi also achieved a record that had stood beyond the reach of generations of soccer legends. The Argentina captain became the player with the most assists in FIFA World Cup history, reaching 12 assists across his tournament career.
According to Opta Joe, “Messi’s two assists against England took him to 12 World Cup assists, with 10 of those coming during knockout-stage matches. No other player since recorded data began in 1966 has registered more than eight assists at the finals.”
10 – Including two today, Lionel Messi now has 12 assists in FIFA World Cup matches, 10 of which have come in knockout rounds. No other player on record (from 1966) has more than eight in total at the finals.
The milestone places the 39-year-old above some of the greatest names in soccer history. Brazil legend Pele previously held one of the highest totals with 10 assists, while players such as Diego Maradona, Raymond Kopa, and Fritz Walter also sit among the tournament’s elite creators.
Messi’s record is even more impressive considering the stage at which he has produced many of his assists. Ten of his 12 World Cup assists have come in knockout matches, highlighting his influence when the pressure is at its highest.
Rank
Player
National Team
Assists
World Cup Games
1.
Lionel Messi
Argentina
12
33
2.
Pele
Brazil
10
14
3.
Fritz Walter
West Germany
9
11
4.=
Raymond Kopa
France
8
8
4.=
Diego Maradona
Argentina
8
21
4.=
Uwe Seeler
West Germany
8
21
Messi overtakes Mbappe in Golden Boot race
Messi’s 2026 tournament has continued the extraordinary form he displayed during Argentina’s championship run in Qatar. The 39-year-old has remained directly involved in Argentina’s attacking output throughout the competition, contributing goals and assists in every stage of the tournament.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina applauds fans
Before the semifinal against England, Messi had already recorded an involvement in every Argentina match at the 2026 World Cup. His consistency has placed him among the leading scorers and creators of the competition, while also keeping him in contention for individual awards.
Rank
Player
National Team
Goals
Assists
1.
Lionel Messi
Argentina
8
4
2.
Kylian Mbappe
France
8
3
3.
Erling Haaland
Norway
7
0
4.
Harry Kane
England
6
1
5.
Jude Bellingham
England
6
1
The Argentina captain also moved ahead of Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot race after his two assists against England. Both players entered the semifinal stage with eight goals, but Messi’s additional assists gave him the advantage in the tiebreaker standings.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates the team's second goal
Argentina produced a spectacular comeback to defeat England and secure their place in the final against Spain.
Spain and Argentina both booked their place in the 2026 World Cup final, closing out the semifinal round and setting up a heavyweight rematch of sorts on football’s biggest stage. The date, kickoff time, and venue for the match have already been confirmed.
Spain got the semifinal round underway with a 2-0 win over France at Dallas Stadium. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Pedro Porro doubled the lead in the second half, sending Luis de la Fuente’s side into their second World Cup final in history.
Argentina followed a day later with a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over England at Atlanta Stadium. Anthony Gordon had given the Three Lions the lead, but Enzo Fernandez leveled the match before Lautaro Martinez struck the winner, sending Lionel Scaloni’s side through to defend their title in the final.
When and where will Spain and Argentina play in the final?
Spain and Argentina will meet on Sunday, July 19, with kickoff set for 3:00 PM ET, in what promises to be one of the most eagerly anticipated finals in tournament history. Both sides arrive unbeaten across the knockout rounds, with a World Cup title on the line for each.
Spain will be looking to add a second star to their crest since 2010, while Argentina chase back-to-back titles for the first time since the 1986 and 1990 editions, when Diego Maradona led them to consecutive finals.
Which stadium will host the final?
The venue for the match is New York New Jersey Stadium, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The 82,500-seat venue is the largest at this year’s tournament and is expected to be at capacity for the closing match of the 2026 World Cup, with the trophy up for grabs between two nations chasing history.
Lamine Yamal of Spain and Lionel Messi of Argentina.
Although all the attention is focused on the 2026 World Cup final, France and England will play in the third-place match. With the tournament nearing its end, the date, kick-off time, and venue for the match have already been confirmed.
Despite beginning the 2026 World Cup as clear title contenders, France were defeated by Spain, surprising everyone. Although this is a huge blow to their ambitions, they are still competing for a place on the podium. However, Didier Deschamps will not have an easy task, as they face England. The date, kick-off time, and venue for the match have already been confirmed.
England seemed destined to surprise in the tournament, but they were defeated by Lionel Messi’s Argentina. Unable to establish dominance in midfield, they lost all control of the game. Although the wings performed very well, they were unable to create space, being outplayed by the opposing full-backs. In addition, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham could not find the space needed to impose their goalscoring threat.
France came into the match in excellent form, establishing as one of the highest-scoring teams. However, Spain neutralized their attacking threat, constantly limiting them. In addition, they lacked creativity, as their midfield looked very rigid and Ousmane Dembélé did not have his best game. Moreover, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola were unable to find space to launch counterattacks.
When and at what time will France vs England be played?
France will face England in the 2026 World Cup third-place match on Saturday, July 18, at 5:00 PM ET. Unlike previous editions, both sides were expected to reach the final, making this one of the biggest surprises of the tournament. However, all the pressure will be on Didier Deschamps’ team, as they are coming off two consecutive World Cup final appearances. Their biggest challenge will be rediscovering their scoring prowess.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France.
Despite both teams being among the most outstanding on the offensive side, they continue to have serious problems. On one hand, Didier Deschamps’ team continue to have serious creative problems in midfield, struggling to find collective fluidity. On the other hand, Thomas Tuchel’s team have been unable to be effective on the counterattack, relying exclusively on Kane’s brilliance and on Bellingham having a good goalscoring day.
Which stadium will host France vs. England?
The venue for France vs England 2026 World Cup third-place match will be Miami Stadium, also known as Hard Rock Stadium. Having a total capacity of 64,478 spectators, it is not one of the largest in the tournament. However, this venue has been one of the most frequently used, hosting the 2024 Copa América, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, and several more games.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France and Harry Kane #9 of England.
Despite France arriving as the clear favorites, they were convincingly defeated by Spain. After failing to reach the 2026 World Cup final, French legend Thierry Henry analyzed their defeat, making it clear the tactical reason why their opponents came away with the victory.
France came into the 2026 World Cup semifinal as the clear favorites to reach the final. However, Spain managed to surprise them, limiting their attacking threat and cruising to a comfortable victory. As a result, the criticism has not taken long to arrive, as they looked very flat collectively and their powerful attack was nowhere to be seen. In response, French legend Thierry Henry analyzed the main reason behind their semifinal defeat.
“When Spain national team takes the ball, they do give you the ball back. You have to go and get it. You need to press a bit better. We couldn’t take the ball off them. The second shot on target was Dembele only… I want to give credit to the whole system and what they put in place because Spain never used to win like that and now they win at every level… So well done Spain, sorry for my country,” says Thierry Henry, via Fox Sports.
Although statistically the possession was fairly even, the reality is that Spain were the team that dictated the tempo of the game. They controlled possession throughout the match, creating space and limiting France’s attack. After scoring the two goals, they dropped their pressing line, allowing Didier Deschamps’ team to have the ball but without effectiveness.
Thierry Henry highlighted the quality of Spain’s tactical system, as they clearly know how to dominate possession, but also how to sit back and stop their opponents’ progression. Led by Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte, they were rock-solid in defense, with Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella also excelling in that aspect. In addition, Rodri and Fabián Ruiz kept Mbappé’s team under control, limiting the spaces they needed to shine.
France shone individually, but failed as a team at the 2026 World Cup
Throughout the 2026 World Cup, France established as one of the tournament’s highest-scoring teams. Led by Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, they shone in the goalscoring department. However, they never became a solid team collectively, relying heavily on individual actions. This was precisely what prevented them from reaching the tournament final for the third consecutive time.
Didier Deschamps trusted Adrien Rabiot and Aurélien Tchouaméni completely in midfield. While they were solid defensively, they contributed very little in the creative aspect. Unable to impose a collective style of play, France depended on their wingers to drive the team forward. In addition, Ousmane Dembélé did not have his best collective performance, looking short of ideas, and the head coach decided not to make changes to improve that area.
Looking ahead to UEFA Euro 2028, France have one task: To go from being a team full of stars to becoming a team that shines collectively. They would need to strengthen their midfield with players who are more creative, better organizers, and more effective in possession. By learning from Spain’s collective style of play, they could begin a new sporting project, as Didier Deschamps appears to be close to leaving the national team.
French legend Thierry Henry as TV pundit and Kylian Mbappe #10 of France and teammates.
Atalanta are edging closer to an agreement for Kerim Alajbegovic, with reports of a new offer worth €25m plus add-ons to Bayer Leverkusen and the player asking Sead Kolasinac for advice.
It has been said by several sources over the last few days that La Dea are making a strong bid to sign the Bosnia and Herzegovina talent.
Now Sky Sport Italia and Sport Mediaset note that a new proposal has come in worth €25m plus bonuses, which is edging close to the €30m asking price.
Atalanta want Alajbegovic
CARDIFF, WALES – MARCH 26: Kerim Alajbegovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrates after winning in the penalty shoot out in the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-off match between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina at Cardiff City Stadium on March 26, 2026 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Alajbegovic won’t turn 19 until September, but has already made a real name for himself both playing for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and at club level.
The attacking winger spent last season on loan at RB Salzburg, where he scored 13 goals and provided four assists in 44 competitive appearances.
Another sign of progress in the negotiations is the suggestion he has already spoken to Bosnia teammate Kolasinac to ask about life in Serie A, and specifically living in Bergamo.
CARDIFF, WALES – MARCH 26: Kerim Alajbegovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-off match between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina at Cardiff City Stadium on March 26, 2026 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Kolasinac has been at the club since the summer of 2023 and was part of the Atalanta squad that won the Europa League in 2024.
COMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Mergim Vojvoda of Como 1907 shoots to score his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
There had been reports of interest from the likes of Cagliari, Venezia and Monza, but it would seem as if Udinese have the upper hand.
Sky Sport Italia give the figures as €1.3m plus €0.3m in add-ons.
Now it is up to the Friulani to agree personal terms with the versatile defender, who can also play in central defence, or in a more advanced position down the right flank.
He made 34 appearances for Como last season between Serie A and the Coppa Italia, scoring two goals with three assists.
Italian referee Marco Di Bello is the VAR for this evening’s World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina, with Maurizio Mariani the fourth official.
PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Marco Di Bello, referee of the match talks with Enrico Delprato of Parma Calcio during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and SSC Napoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 12, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
The winners will go on to face Spain in the Final in New Jersey on Sunday, while the losers will take on France for the bronze medal on Saturday.
Much was made of the choice of officials for the semi-finals in this tournament, with France’s Didier Deschamps criticising the appointment of Ivan Barton from El Salvador.
The pick for the second semi-final was no less obscure, Ismail Elfath originally from Morocco, but nationalised US citizen.
Italian experience with Di Bello and Mariani
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JUNE 15: Referee Maurizio Mariani (C) walks out of the tunnel with match officials for warm ups before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay at Miami Stadium on June 15, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
In the VAR booth is Di Bello, who could well be called into action, considering the tense and scrappy history between these football nations.
Di Bello turned 45 on Sunday and has officiated 189 Serie A games, 75 in Serie B and 11 in the Coppa Italia.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Referee Marco Di Bello shows a red card to Matteo Guendouzi of SS Lazio as Christian Pulisic of AC Milan is shown a yellow card during the Serie A TIM match between SS Lazio and AC Milan – Serie A TIM at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
He was always one for discipline, flashing 822 yellow cards during his 189 Serie A matches, 31 straight red cards, and a further 17 dismissals due to double bookings.
Di Bello became an international referee in 2018 and was chosen to officiate the Final of the Cyprus Cup in May 2022.
He was a VAR at EURO 2020 and has been a FIFA Video Match Official since January 2021.
Napoli agreed personal terms with Exequiel Zeballos and reports are growing that they made the first formal offer to Boca Juniors worth just under €10m.
Multiple sources had already noted that the club had swooped for the player, who is primarily wide right of a trident attack, but can also go on the left or in a centre-forward role.
His contract with Boca Juniors only runs to December 31 this year, so although there is a release clause in his contract at €14.5m, this won’t be the asking price in the circumstances.
Zeballos has heart set on Napoli
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – MAY 19: Otavio of Cruzeiro blocks a shot from Exequiel Zeballos of Boca Juniors during a Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 group D match between Boca Juniors and Cruzeiro at Estadio Alberto J. Armando on May 19, 2026 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
England have taken the lead against Argentina in the World Cup semi-final thanks to a goal from Anthony Gordon!
The former Newcastle United winger, who recently sealed a transfer to Barcelona, has his first goal of this summer’s World Cup, and he’s picked a hell of a moment to get it.
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Watch below as Gordon tapped in from close range after great play down England’s right-hand side from Declan Rice and Morgan Rogers…
Gordon has often been quite prolific from out wide, so it’s no surprise to see him making that run from the left into the penalty area and finding the back of the net.
Still, he can’t have scored many bigger goals than this one, with England now closing in on a place in their first World Cup final in 60 years!
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Thomas Tuchel’s gamble on Morgan Rogers pays off
It was superb play by Morgan Rogers on the right flank, not normally his best position, to set Gordon up for the simple finish.
Rogers has often played out on the left or in a central attacking midfield role for Aston Villa and England, but he has had to adjust to a new position tonight.
Still, Thomas Tuchel’s gamble looks to have paid off, with Rogers performing well so far and doing brilliantly with his cross to pick out Gordon.
The right-hand side has been an issue for England so far at this tournament, with Bukayo Saka’s fitness issues meaning that Noni Madueke has played a lot of games.
While Madueke has his qualities, he hasn’t had enough of an impact so far, which led to Tuchel trying Rogers on the right this evening, and it looks like a tactical masterstroke.
Can England hold on or even add a second? Give us your thoughts in the comments!
The referee in tonight’s World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina has come in for strong criticism for a lack of yellow cards.
More specifically, a number of high-profile media figures cheering on England are not happy at what they perceive as favourable treatment towards Argentina in this game.
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They may have a point, but these discussions often feel a little tedious in what has generally just been quite a close game without much else to talk about so far.
See below as former footballer Stan Collymore claims Argentina could easily have had two players sent off as both Enzo Fernandez and Giuliano Simeone have made the equivalent of three yellow card offences…
Argentina have certainly been quite aggressive, and that’s always frustrating when you’re on the receiving end of it.
Still, it seems a tad over-the-top to be suggesting there’s any serious favouritism going on.
England looking to make first World Cup final since 1966
England have done well at this World Cup, and they’re taking the fight to current holders Argentina so far.
They can do better, though, and will likely have to in the second half if they are to have a serious chance of making it to the World Cup final for the first time since they won the competition all the way back in 1966.
Argentina, meanwhile, are looking to retain the trophy they won back in Qatar in 2022, and they’ll hope for more Lionel Messi magic tonight to continue the remarkable form he’s showed at this year’s tournament so far.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has praised the “incredible” Morgan Rogers as they play together for England in tonight’s World Cup semi-final vs Argentina.
Rogers starts on the right-hand side for England, with Thomas Tuchel trying something a bit different in this big game after mostly using Noni Madueke in that position throughout this World Cup.
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With Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka not fully fit, another Gunners star Madueke has come in for the Three Lions, but he’s not been that convincing.
Rogers, meanwhile, has been linked with Arsenal very strongly this summer, and it seems Rice is clearly a big fan of the Aston Villa man as they prepare to link up this evening…
Declan Rice looking forward to playing with Morgan Rogers
On Rogers starting, Rice said: “Yeah I think the manager’s obviously made a decision there. Morgan’s an incredible player, obviously he’s going to be playing off the right.
“He’s direct, he’s fast, he’s strong, can come inside, so whoever starts, whoever comes off the bench as seen throughout this tournament has made a massive impact, so I don’t think it’s going to affect much, but it’s a player we’re all looking forward to playing with today.”
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Morgan Rogers on Arsenal’s agenda
Rogers has shown outstanding quality with Villa and England, and it seems inevitable that he’ll soon get himself a big move.
As has been widely reported, our understanding is that Arsenal are making Rogers a priority this summer, and the 23-year-old is also keen on the move to the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners would do well to bring Rogers in, though he doesn’t normally play on the right, so would likely be signed with the view of replacing the departing Leandro Trossard on the left-hand side, or to provide an alternative to the likes of Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze in the centre.
Either way, Arsenal fans will no doubt be excited that Rice is such a big fan of Rogers, and perhaps take it as a hint that there’s strong interest from everyone at the club in signing him this summer.
Cristiano Ronaldo may have seen Portugal’s 2026 World Cup journey end earlier than he hoped, but the legendary forward still managed to leave behind a remarkable mark against one of the tournament’s strongest sides.
Cristiano Ronaldo may have seen Portugal’s 2026 World Cup journey end earlier than he hoped, but the legendary forward still managed to leave behind a remarkable mark against one of the tournament’s strongest sides. While Portugal’s journey ended earlier than hoped and Kylian Mbappe’s France fell short against Spain, one remarkable statistic has emerged that shows Ronaldo still managed to leave a historic mark against one of the tournament’s strongest defenses.
Spain’s incredible defensive record has become one of the biggest stories of the competition, but a deeper look into the numbers reveals a unique achievement involving the 41-year-old veteran. As La Roja continues its pursuit of another World Cup glory, one question remains: how did the legendary Portuguese forward accomplish something that even Mbappe, one of the world’s most dangerous attackers, could not?
Spain’s defensive wall becomes one of 2026 World Cup’s stories
Spain entered the 2026 World Cup knockout stages with a reputation for defensive perfection, and that reputation only grew as the tournament progressed. Luis de la Fuente’s side conceded just one goal in seven matches, recorded six clean sheets, and built one of the most impressive defensive campaigns ever seen at a World Cup.
The European champion relied on a combination of possession control, aggressive pressing, and disciplined defensive positioning to limit opponents. With Unai Simon commanding the goal, Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsi protecting the center, and Rodri controlling the midfield, Spain rarely allowed opponents to create clear opportunities.
Spain players pose for a team photograph
Their defensive approach was based on suffocating opponents immediately after losing possession. The team’s high defensive line, supported by Simón’s ability to act as a sweeper goalkeeper, prevented attackers from finding space behind the backline.
Spain’s numbers reflected their dominance. The team faced the fewest shots in the tournament, allowed the lowest expected goals against figure, and kept opponents away from dangerous areas of the pitch. Their ability to control games through possession also reduced the number of attacking situations their opponents could create.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal exit cannot erase incredible Spain statistic
Despite Spain’s incredible defensive record, one player managed to find a way through their structure. According to OptaAnalyst data, Cristiano Ronaldo was responsible for both of the only first-half shots on target Spain faced throughout the entire 2026 World Cup.
The statistic became another reminder of Ronaldo’s longevity and ability to remain dangerous on soccer’s biggest stage. During Portugal’s Round of 16 meeting with Spain, Ronaldo was the only Portuguese player to seriously test Unai Simón before halftime.
Spain have faced just two shots on target in the first half of games at this World Cup.
Although La Roja eventually won the match 1-0, Ronaldo’s effort highlighted his continued importance for the Selecao. The veteran forward repeatedly searched for opportunities against a defense that had neutralized some of the world’s best attackers.
At an age when most players have already retired from international soccer, Ronaldo continued to challenge elite opponents and produce moments that caught global attention. His presence forced Spain’s defenders to remain alert throughout the match.
Spain’s defensive success was especially impressive because of the quality of attackers they faced. The team managed to contain several world-class forwards, including France superstar Kylian Mbappe, in the semifinal.
France entered that match with one of the tournament’s most feared attacking units, but Spain’s defensive organization completely disrupted their rhythm. Mbappe, who was competing for the Golden Boot, failed to register a shot on target as Spain secured a 2-0 victory.
After the match, Mbappe admitted that France struggled to find solutions against Spain’s structure. “There were too many technical errors. We didn’t know how to hurt them when we needed to. It was up to us to shift the balance of power, and that’s where we failed,” Mbappe said.
Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Kylian Mbappe (right)
There are mixed reports in Italy and Spain on the status of Bologna talks for Real Oviedo left-back Rahim Alhassane, with an asking price of €4m.
The 24-year-old is a Niger international who has been at Real Oviedo since the summer of 2024.
He made 28 appearances for the club last season between LaLiga and the Copa del Rey, without contributing any assists or goals.
Alhassane a target for Bologna
VITORIA-GASTEIZ, SPAIN – JANUARY 04: Rahim Alhassane of Real Oviedo is challenged by Calebe of Deportivo Alaves during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Deportivo Alaves and Real Oviedo at Estadio de Mendizorroza on January 04, 2026 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
The suggestions in Spain via La Voz de Asturias are that negotiations are at an advanced stage and a deal could be done imminently.
He notes that although Alhassane talks are certainly on, Bologna are hoping to get an agreement reached for less than the €4m asking price set by Real Oviedo.
His current contract runs to June 2028 and the player can also do a job in central defence as well as left-back.
Lazio have set their sights on Fluminense centre-forward John Kennedy, claim Sky Sport Italia, but negotiations are still at an early stage with interest also from Watford and Wolves.
The striker celebrated his 24th birthday in May and is a product of the Fluminense youth academy, returning to Brazil following a brief loan spell in Mexico with Pachuca.
Kennedy made mark at Fluminense
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – MAY 19: John Kennedy celebrates after scoring the second goal of his team during the Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 group C match between Fluminense and Bolivar at Maracana Stadium on May 19, 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images)
He has scored 14 goals in 35 competitive games for the club in 2026, along with two assists.
There were also six appearances for Brazil at Under-23 level, finding the net on one occasion.
Sky Sport Italia report that the talks have just begun between Lazio and Fluminense, and they are still trying to work out the formula that could be used to sign him.
There is plenty of competition for Kennedy, because the centre-forward has also been linked with English clubs Wolverhampton Wanderers and Watford.
Cagliari had also been mentioned, but have since started looking to other targets.
Como President Mirwan Suwarso has confirmed the report he called Inter to offer a pact of non-aggression over Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah. ‘This is a win-win relationship.’
The two Serie A teams were reportedly about to spark a bidding war for the England international, with an asking price of €35m from Stamford Bridge.
To the general astonishment of the Business of Sport podcast crew, the Como President confirmed all of that was entirely accurate.
Como take modern approach to transfer market
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 01: Mirwan Suwarso president of Como during the Serie A match between Bologna and Como at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 01, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“There was a story in the media that we were in competition with another Italian team for a British player, they were saying we might want to buy him,” Suwarso told Business of Sport.
“So you know what, why don’t I just call the President of the other club and say, do you want him? If you want him, you go for it, we’ll back out. But if you buy him, then give me one of yours.
“He said, thanks for calling, I appreciate this, I’ll let you know. So we said these are the other targets we’re going after, we’re happy to share with you.
“So for me this is a win-win relationship with other clubs, we are open, it helps all of us to grow. I have a lunch next week with another chairman of another club, who can start managing their clothing brand together.”
There are some Serie A sides who produce their own kits and lifestyle products, specifically Napoli and Venezia, so it is likely one of these is his lunch dates.
Como do things very differently to other clubs, and part of that is because they were so small before the Indonesian decided to take them from Serie C to the Champions League.
CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 24: Cesc Fabregas coach of Como 1907 reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Como 1907 at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 24, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
“We spent a quite significant amount, but we do believe that we can break even and start no longer requiring injections from the owners at the end of next season,” said Suwarso.
“I met with UEFA, there’s no precedent of where we are, because UEFA look at the last few years. In comparison with Juventus and Aston Villa, the start-up level and growth level is different. Even they say they would have to evaluate how they look at Financial Fair Play.
“We want to become good members of the Association, so if you have to fine us, then fine us, that can be an objective we need to overcome. We don’t want to be treated differently.”
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 21: Nico Paz of Como 1907 talks to Cesc Fabregas, Head Coach of Como 1907 during the Coppa Italia Semi-Final match between FC Internazionale and Como at San Siro on April 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Suwarso confirmed purchased Como for €850,000 plus €150,000 in debt, but then poured money into the club, including the construction of a training ground that previously didn’t exist.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez, Juventus winger Nico Gonzalez and Como’s Nico Paz are on the bench for Lionel Messi’s Argentina against England in the World Cup semi-final.
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – JULY 10: Nahuel Molina, Julian Alvarez, Christian Romero, Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Gonzalez #15 of Argentina attend a training session one day ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match at Sporting Kansas City Training Centre on July 10, 2026 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images)
There is some Italian representation here, as Maurizio Mariani is the fourth official on the touchline dealing with Thomas Tuchel and Lionel Scaloni.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JUNE 15: Referee Maurizio Mariani (C) walks out of the tunnel with match officials for warm ups before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay at Miami Stadium on June 15, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Argentina have scraped their way through to this stage in defending their title won in 2022, needing extra time against Cape Verde, a last-gasp turnaround from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2 amid controversy, and again extra time to defeat 10-man Switzerland.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez scored twice in this World Cup, but he is benched once more in favour of Julian Alvarez.
There was expected to be a Serie A player in the starting XI, as for the first time Juventus man Nico Gonzalez was going to get the nod rather than ex-Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul on the right.
Instead, it is Giuliano Simeone, younger brother of Torino forward Giovanni Simeone, who plays.
Curiously, Giuliano was born in Rome because his father Diego was playing for Lazio at the time.
Nico Gonzalez spent this season on loan with Atletico Madrid, but they did not agree to buy him outright yet, scoring five goals in 37 games.
Nahuel Molina, another former Udinese player, starts at right-back, while ex-Roma midfielder Leandro Paredes has shaken off a knock.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JULY 03: Nico Gonzalez #15 of Argentina is tackled by Diney Borges #3 of Cabo Verde during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Argentina and Cabo Verde at Miami Stadium on July 03, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
England were given their toughest test yet in the quarter-final, squeezing past Erling Haaland’s Norway in extra time thanks to a Jude Bellingham brace.
All but one of their goals in the competition have been scored by either Bellingham or Harry Kane.
Jordan Henderson is out after breaking his arm jumping over an advertising board, while Jarrell Quansah continues his two-match ban.
Declan Rice has recovered from a stomach bug, but the surprise is Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa given his second start of the World Cup on the right.
There’s now confirmation in a report from the Daily Mail that Camavinga’s Madrid future is in some doubt under new manager Jose Mourinho.
It remains to be seen if Camavinga will definitely leave, as the Mail note that his personal preference would be to remain at the Bernabeu.
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Still, it’s suggested that there are some doubts about his long-term future with Real, and that could mean there’s an opportunity there for United to pounce.
Manchester United linked with Eduardo Camavinga as they chase third midfield signing
United have already had a busy summer, with deals for midfield duo Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos both officially announced in the last few days.
It could be, however, that MUFC will now pursue a third signing in that area of the pitch, with Camavinga one of the options on their radar.
Another one to watch could be Roma’s Manu Kone, with Fabrizio Romano posting on his YouTube channel that United have been in touch with the France international’s representatives.
Camavinga and Kone are similar profiles, so could be good signings for United, though it’s debatable if they really need yet another arrival in that part of their squad.
Where else could United strengthen?
Michael Carrick could do with more depth in attack and defence as well as in midfield, though in fairness he’s coping with the loss of both Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte.
The latter of those is admittedly only out with an injury, though it looks like a serious and long-term one, but Casemiro left on a free transfer after his contract expired, and will be hard to replace.
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Over the course of a long season, United will need the option to rotate, and Camavinga would perhaps also be a good option for them due to his ability to fill in at left-back.
David Ornstein says there could be a “great market opportunity” for Manchester United and other clubs to sign Roma midfielder Manu Kone this summer.
The France international has been in superb form in Serie A and also put in some “excellent” displays for Les Bleus at the 2026 World Cup.
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Kone has been linked with a number of top clubs in recent times, and it seems Ornstein is aware of Man Utd’s interest in him, with the Athletic journalist describing him as a good cheap option on the market this summer…
A lot of reports suggest that Manchester United are looking at him, and I think that would be excellent.
“It's, from what we hear, a great market opportunity, the value that you could get him from Roma.”
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) July 15, 2026
“It’s, from what we hear, a great market opportunity, the value that you could get him from Roma,” Ornstein said of Kone.
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Manu Kone transfer: What we know so far
Kone previously made a name for himself at Borussia Monchengladbach before moving to Roma in 2024, in an initial loan move that later became permanent.
The 25-year-old now clearly seems to be on United’s radar, following updates from both Ornstein in the video above, as well as a recent YouTube post from Fabrizio Romano.
MUFC have already confirmed the signings of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos in midfield, but it seems they’re keen on a third new addition in that position.
Do Man United need Manu Kone?
Some fans might feel a third new midfielder is a bit excessive, but there could be a case for completely revamping that position.
Casemiro has just left Old Trafford after coming to the end of his contract, while Manuel Ugarte is out with a long-term injury and hadn’t particularly impressed enough to be a regular starter for the club anyway.
There’s also Kobbie Mainoo, but if Michael Carrick can rotate between him, Kone, Tielemans, and Santos, that should cover the team well for the season ahead, with the team now set to have more games due to being back in the Champions League.
Rodrigo De Paul has been left out of the starting lineup for the semifinal against England, raising questions about one of Lionel Messi’s most trusted teammates.
Argentina is one win away from another World Cup final, but one of Lionel Scaloni’s biggest selection calls has already become a major talking point. Rodrigo De Paul has been left out of the starting lineup for the semifinal against England, raising questions about one of Lionel Messi’s most trusted teammates.
Argentina enters the semifinal against England aiming to keep its World Cup title defense alive after overcoming Switzerland in the quarterfinals. While the attacking partnership of Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez remains intact, Lionel Scaloni has opted to make significant adjustments in midfield.
Rodrigo De Paul has lost his place in the starting XI, with Giuliano Simeone and Nicolas Gonzalez emerging as alternatives as the coaching staff searches for greater balance against England‘s dangerous attack.
The confirmed midfield features Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, and Giuliano Simeone, emphasizing mobility, defensive discipline, and energy ahead of one of Argentina’s biggest matches of the tournament.
Date
Competition
H2H Result
November 12, 2005
International Friendly
Argentina 2-3 England
June 7, 2002
FIFA World Cup (Group Stage)
Argentina 0-1 England
February 23, 2000
International Friendly
England 0-0 Argentina
June 30, 1998
FIFA World Cup (Round of 16)
Argentina 2-2 England (Argentina won 4-3 on penalties)
May 24, 1991
England Challenge Cup
England 2-2 Argentina
Why De Paul has been left on the bench
The main reason behind De Paul’s absence is Scaloni’s tactical approach to facing England. Rather than relying on the usual midfield structure, the Argentina coach wants a system capable of limiting England’s pace on the wings while providing additional defensive protection.
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) July 15, 2026
Reports also suggest that De Paul’s performance against Switzerland was viewed as one of his least convincing displays of the tournament, increasing competition for places in midfield as Argentina reaches the decisive stages of the World Cup.
Scaloni has reportedly considered several tactical options, including a more compact midfield or even a switch to a five-man defensive line, with each scenario reducing the need for De Paul’s traditional role alongside Messi.
Lionel Messi looks on prior to the international friendly match between Argentina and Honduras.
Return to familiar World Cup formula
One of the most intriguing tactical experiments came during Argentina’s training sessions ahead of the semifinal. Scaloni tested a back five featuring Nicolas Otamendi alongside Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez, a move designed to strengthen the defense against England’s attacking threats. Such a formation naturally reduces the number of midfield positions available, making Rodrigo De Paul the player most likely to sacrifice his starting place.
The idea is far from unfamiliar for the Argentina manager. During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Scaloni also switched to a five-man defense against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals, a tactical adjustment that helped Argentina survive a dramatic encounter before advancing on penalties and ultimately winning the World Cup.
Argentina came back with late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez to beat England 2-1.
With just one spot left in the 2026 World Cup final to be decided, the match between England and Argentina became a historic moment for both teams, with Argentina completing a 2-1 late comeback with goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez.
In the first half, not much occurred, with both teams committing many fouls and focusing more on stopping their opponents than creating chances. Long passes were the way they tried, unsuccessfully, to create opportunities.
All the emotions of the match came in the second half. Even after England went ahead with Anthony Gordon’s goal, Thomas Tuchel brought on more defenders to maintain the lead, which did not work. A pass behind the defense found Fernández, who scored with a long-range shot in the 85th minute to tie the game. However, this was not the end, as Argentina kept pushing until a Lionel Messi cross found Martínez, who scored with a header in the 92nd minute to secure the victory.
With a place in the final at stake, supporters are eager to learn why one of England's most recognizable attacking players is not in line to start such an important fixture.
England is set for a huge 2026 World Cup semifinal against Argentina, but Marcus Rashford will begin the match on the bench, prompting plenty of questions ahead of kick-off. With a place in the final at stake, supporters are eager to learn why one of England’s most recognizable attacking players is not in line to start such an important fixture.
The Three Lions arrive in Atlanta after overcoming a demanding path through the knockout rounds. Thomas Tuchel’s side defeated DR Congo before edging Mexico 3-2 and then battling past Norway 3-2 after extra time, with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane continuing to lead England’s charge toward its first World Cup final since 1966.
Argentina‘s journey has been equally dramatic. Lionel Scaloni’s squad recovered from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2, survived extra-time battles against both Cape Verde and Switzerland, and extended its impressive unbeaten World Cup run while chasing a fourth global title.
Wednesday’s meeting also revives one of soccer’s greatest rivalries. The two sides have not met since a 3-2 friendly victory for England in 2005, while this will be their first World Cup encounter since David Beckham’s winning penalty separated the teams in the 2002 Group Stage.
Date
Competition
H2H Result
November 12, 2005
International Friendly
Argentina 2-3 England
June 7, 2002
FIFA World Cup (Group Stage)
Argentina 0-1 England
February 23, 2000
International Friendly
England 0-0 Argentina
June 30, 1998
FIFA World Cup (Round of 16)
Argentina 2-2 England (Argentina won 4-3 on penalties)
May 24, 1991
England Challenge Cup
England 2-2 Argentina
Why Marcus Rashford is not starting
Rashford’s absence from England’s starting lineup is understood to be a tactical decision rather than the result of injury or suspension. According to the London Evening Standard and BBC Sport, Tuchel believes other attacking options currently offer a better balance for the way England plans to approach Argentina.
The biggest factor is the outstanding form of Anthony Gordon, who has impressed throughout the knockout rounds. Gordon’s work rate, defensive contribution, and ability to stretch opposing defenses have convinced Tuchel to continue trusting him on the left side of England’s attack.
Bukayo Saka’s expected return on the opposite wing further reduces opportunities in the starting eleven. With Saka and Gordon occupying the wide positions behind Harry Kane, Rashford finds himself competing with several in-form attackers for limited places.
Anthony Gordon of England
Tuchel sees Rashford as valuable impact substitute
While Rashford will not start, England still views him as an important weapon later in matches. His pace and ability to attack tiring defenders have made him a useful option from the bench throughout the tournament.
Marcus Rashford #11 of England reacts after the scoreless draw.
It is said that Tuchel believes Rashford can have a greater influence entering the game during the second half rather than beginning from the opening whistle. That approach also allows England to introduce fresh attacking speed if the semifinal becomes stretched during the closing stages.
The strategy is one that the coaching staff has already used successfully earlier in the tournament. Rashford previously made a positive contribution after coming off the bench, reinforcing the belief that he can still play a decisive role even without starting.
Nico O'Reilly has been shockingly dropped from England's starting lineup to face Argentina in the 2026 World Cup semifinals.
Nico O’Reilly entered the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of England‘s most highly anticipated young talents, following a string of stellar, breakout performances under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. However, for Wednesday’s blockbuster semifinal clash against Argentina, the versatile defender has been surprisingly excluded from the starting eleven.
O’Reilly will begin the match on the bench due to a calculated tactical adjustments implemented by head coach Thomas Tuchel. Believing that the Argentine backline is particularly vulnerable to explosive speed out wide, the German manager has opted for a raw, pace-oriented approach on the left flank rather than relying on O’Reilly’s signature technical possession play.
Instead, Tuchel has made the bold decision to slot Djed Spence into the starting lineup at left back, anchoring the opposite flank with Reece James on the right. The Tottenham Hotspur defender clearly made a lasting impression during his recent shift against Norway, where his dynamic overlapping runs nearly won a penalty, and he is now being deployed as a highly aggressive, attacking fullback to exploit Argentina’s defensive spacing.
Prior to today, O’Reilly had featured in every single World Cup match for England, frequently giving way to Spence in the second half as a tactical substitution to inject an explosive X-factor down the flank. The only other game the Manchester City starlet did not start was the group-stage matchup against Ghana, where Tuchel similarly prioritized Spence’s raw speed to overwhelm the opposition while the Three Lions dominated possession.
Nico O’Reilly #3 of England high fives Djed Spence #25 as he is substituted.
Spence is set for a grueling physical battle on his flank as he goes toe-to-toe with Argentine right back Nahuel Molina and winger Giuliano Simeone. In a mirror-image tactical gamble, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni made the shocking decision to drop midfield engine Rodrigo De Paul from the starting lineup for the first time in the tournament, opting instead for the explosive pace of the Atlético Madrid starlet in a matchup that promises to be one of the game’s most critical chess matches.
In a pre-match interview with the BBC, when asked whether he was looking forward to the prospect of sharing the pitch with Messi, the young midfielder’s response was direct: “I can’t wait. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He’s coming towards the end of his career. For me personally, he’s the best player to ever touch a football pitch. I can’t wait for the challenge.“
England face Argentina in a match with a great deal of soccer and geopolitical history. As one of the most anticipated games, both teams are expected to field their strongest starting lineup. However, head coach Thomas Tuchel has surprisingly left Noni Madueke on the bench.
After a hard-fought match against Norway, England face Argentina in a clash filled with soccer and geopolitical history. Looking to secure a place in the 2026 World Cup final, both teams seemed destined to make very few changes to the starting lineup. However, head coach Thomas Tuchel has decided to make a change in attack: Noni Madueke will start on the bench, despite shining in the previous match.
Noni Madueke is fully fit, remaining free of injuries and suspensions. Despite this, head coach Thomas Tuchel has decided to leave him on the bench for purely tactical reasons vs Argentina. As a player who excels in dribbling and is decisive in tight spaces, he seemed like the perfect option to launch counterattacks. However, Tuchel has decided to pursue a very different creative approach from previous matches.
Looking to strengthen their control of midfield, head coach has decided to start Morgan Rogers on the right wing. Although he is naturally an attacking midfielder, he is very quick and could give the team greater control in possession. With him on the pitch, England enjoyed much more control against Norway, something they will hope to replicate against Argentina while providing greater support for Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.
England have decided to make changes in attack, but they have recovered two stars: Reece James and Declan Rice, who will start. While the right back was absent, the midfielder played only 45 minutes in the previous match. Against Argentina, both will be able to shine, giving Thomas Tuchel more tools to secure the victory. However, Bellingham and Kane are the ones who need to be clinical in front of goal.
Jude Bellingham #10 of England celebrates with Harry Kane #9 after scoring a goal.
Djed Spence and Anthony Gordon set to play key roles for England
After failing to shine in the collective aspect of the game, England head coach Thomas Tuchel has decided to make major tactical adjustments. Without a dribble-oriented right winger, they will look to emphasize their play through the middle, giving greater importance to midfielders such as Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers. Along with this, Djed Spence and Anthony Gordon may have essential roles for the Three Lions.
Both Spence and Gordon will be responsible for stretching the pitch and taking advantage of Argentina’s spaces. As the team’s most dangerous players in terms of dribbling and pace, they will be essential in creating openings in the rival’s defense. While the goalscoring threat will not come from them, they will create the space for Kane and Bellingham to shine. In addition, Marcus Rashford and Eberechi Eze could also play important roles, but coming off the bench.
Noni Madueke #20 of England during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Set to face Argentina for the 2026 World Cup semifinals, Bukayo Saka has been dropped from England's starting lineup.
England is set to battle long-time rival Argentina on Wednesday, July 15th, at Atlanta Stadium in a high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal. With a coveted spot in the championship match on the line, Bukayo Saka‘s absence from the starting lineup has quickly emerged as the biggest pre-match storyline.
Saka will begin the match on the bench due to a purely tactical adjustment made by head coach Thomas Tuchel. The German manager has frequently rotated his options on the right wing throughout this tournament in North America, and he has opted for another high-profile gamble by dropping the Arsenal star for today’s clash.
Instead, Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers will earn the start on the right flank to match up against Argentina. This represents only the second start of the tournament for Rogers, who previously featured in the lineup against Panama and logged substitute appearances against Croatia, Ghana, Mexico, and Norway without recording a goal or an assist.
Even so, Tuchel is placing his trust in the rising Villa attacker over Saka, who has endured a relatively quiet tournament by his lofty standards. The Arsenal winger has recorded three assists during the campaign, distributing them evenly across group-stage matches against Croatia, Panama, and Mexico.
Bukayo Saka #7 of England competes for the ball against David Moller Wolfe #5 of Norway.
Saka originally entered the World Cup carrying a lingering muscular injury that kept him sidelined for a pre-tournament friendly against New Zealand. He went on to start against Panama, Mexico, and Norway, but while he has featured as a second-half substitute in England’s other matches, he has yet to play a full 90 minutes.
Rogers’ breakthrough campaign
Operating primarily as a central attacking midfielder for Aston Villa, Rogers’ stellar domestic form earned him a consistent place in Tuchel’s international plans. While he has registered just one goal and two assists across his first 20 caps with the Three Lions, his dynamic, energetic performance off the bench against Norway clearly solidified his place in the manager’s tactical blueprint.
Remaining completely healthy throughout the grueling 2025-26 club season, Rogers racked up 14 goals and 12 assists in 55 appearances for Villa. Those impressive numbers helped propel his club forward while securing his individual selection to the UEFA Europa League Team of the Season.
Argentina face England in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup, where Lautaro Martinez will begin the match on the bench.
Argentina continue their title defense and now face England in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup at Atlanta Stadium. For this crucial game, coach Lionel Scaloni once again opted to leave Lautaro Martinez on the bench.
For the third straight knockout match, Martinez will watch from the bench as Argentina kick off, with Julian Alvarez set to partner Lionel Messi up front once again.
There’s no injury concern behind the call. Martinez trained normally in the buildup and remains available to come on if Scaloni needs a different look in attack, but the coaching staff has simply found no reason to break up a partnership that keeps delivering results.
Julian Alvarez has earned his spot
The forward spot next to Messi has been an open competition all tournament, and it’s one that’s tilted firmly in Alvarez’s favor since the knockout rounds began. After coming off the bench in the first two group-stage matches, the Atletico Madrid forward started against Jordan alongside a rotated lineup, with Messi among the substitutes that day.
Julian Alvarez celebrates a goal for Argentina vs Switzerland. (Getty Images)
However, his performance wasn’t enough to secure his spot as a starter for the next game. In the Round of 32 win over Cape Verde, Martinez returned to the starting lineup, but it was Alvarez’s performance off the bench that ultimately convinced Scaloni to hand him the start against Egypt in the Round of 16.
By the quarterfinals against Switzerland, Alvarez was back in the starting lineup and was named man of the match after scoring a stunning goal — one that could be in contention for goal of the tournament — at a crucial moment in extra time to put his side ahead.
With the forward in excellent form and riding a strong run over these last few matches, Scaloni has opted to keep him in the starting lineup alongside Messi up front, leaving Martinez as a solid option off the bench.
Adrian Sousa from Rabona TV breaks down Spain's tactical masterclass to silence Kylian Mbappé and France 2-0 to reach the 2026 World Cup Final.
The unstoppable force of France’s star-studded attack has collided head-on with an immovable Spanish wall, and the immovable object prevailed in spectacular fashion. On the latest edition of Rabona TV, host Adrian Sousa breaks down a absolute tactical masterclass in Dallas as La Roja completely dismantled pre-tournament favorites France 2-0 to punch their ticket to the 2026 World Cup Final.
The matchday story was one of pure, unadulterated structural dominance. Spain grabbed the early initiative in the 22nd minute when teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was dragged down in the box by Lucas Digne. Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up to the spot and calmly dispatched the penalty to give La Roja a thoroughly deserved lead. Spain then doubled their cushion just before the hour mark when right-back Pedro Porro surged forward, exchanging a slick give-and-go with Dani Olmo before clinically slipping a finish past Mike Maignan.
But the real marvel of the evening was Spain’s defensive suffocating machine. Facing arguably the most feared, high-octane attacking force in global football, the Spanish backline utterly strangled Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, and Désiré Doué. France was restricted to an almost non-existent 0.3 expected goals (xG), failing to construct a single fluid sequence of dangerous possession. Lamine Yamal completely outshone his opposite number Mbappé on the night, winning the decisive penalty and even having a third goal cruelly chalked off for offside.
While France slides down to Saturday’s third-place playoff and Mbappé’s pursuit of Lionel Messi’s all-time World Cup goal scoring record stalls out on 20, Spain moves forward. La Roja reach their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 2010, setting up a historic shot at a world-and-European-champions double this Sunday in New Jersey against either England or Argentina.
You can stream the entire tactical post-match review right now. Check out the Rabona TV World Cup Recap on Spotify to get the complete breakdown of the player ratings, midfield pressing statistics, and ahead-of-the-curve final predictions.
Pedro Porro celebrates a goal for Spain vs France.
After Paulo Dybala, Roma have reportedly agreed new contracts with Zeki Celik, Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante, with talks on for Lorenzo Pellegrini too.
The Giallorossi have been going down the list of priorities this summer, and much of that revolves around keeping the group intact that qualified for the Champions League.
Roma keeping core of squad
ROME, ITALY – MAY 17: Gianluca Mancini of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico on May 17, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Dybala was the most urgent, as his contract had already expired on June 30 and he had offers from Boca Juniors, but this week he signed a new deal to June 2027 at a reduced salary.
Venezia unveiled their home jersey for the 2026/27 season upon their return to Serie A, designed by club co-owner Drake’s NOCTA label, with promise of further streetwear options.
The Lagunari have been promoted back to the top flight after winning the 2025-26 Serie B title.
Venezia release home shirt for new season
Venezia home jersey for the 2026/27 season
They are celebrating the comeback with a mainly black shirt that showcases the club’s unusual and iconic orange and green bands across the chest.
There are also orange and green accents along the collar, and on the sleeves.
As part of this collaboration, the club and NOCTA will also release a series of training, travel, fanwear and streetwear items throughout the course of the campaign.
Kappa had been the kit designers for the Stadio Penzo side until the announcement in February that NOCTA were taking over.
The Belgium international was a disastrous signing last summer from RB Leipzig, on loan with an obligation to buy at the end of the season for a total fee of €46m.
Openda failed at Juventus
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 03: Lois Openda of Juventus looks dejected following the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Lecce at on January 03, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
He does not fit into coach Luciano Spalletti’s vision and barely featured in the closing weeks of the campaign, making only one brief substitute cameo in the last 11 rounds.
The forward made 34 competitive appearances for the Bianconeri, scoring just two goals, but was in the starting XI for only nine of those matches.
An exit is inevitable, with Coventry City and his old club RC Lens interested in giving him a way out of Turin.
However, today Footmercato claim that Olympique Lyonnais have dived in with a proposal, which would allow them to cover his entire salary, unlike RC Lens.
Juventus know that a loan with option to buy is their best bet to rebuild Openda’s profile and market value.
Como have officially signed Italy Under-20 international Mattia Liberali from Catanzaro, activating the €6m release clause after he turned down a return to Milan.
“I’m really keen to develop and improve, and I’ve found we share a lot of common ground with the club in this regard. I’ve also spoken to the manager, and I think the playing philosophy is perfect for me. I can’t wait to take to the pitch at the Sinigaglia and meet the fans.”
Liberali ready to take off at Como
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 31: Mattia Liberali of AC Milan reacts during a Pre-Season Friendly match between AC Milan and Real Madrid at Soldier Field Stadium on July 31, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
The creative midfielder only turned 19 in April and has represented Italy at various youth levels throughout his career.
He was a product of the Milan youth academy, but left amid frustration last summer when he realised there would be no playing time or imminent promotion to the senior squad.
Liberali joined Catanzaro effectively for nothing, but with Milan still owed 50 per cent of the future sale fee.
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 13: Mattia Liberali of Italy U17 in action during the International friendly match between Italy U17 and France U17 at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on February 13, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
However, he was convinced that Como and working with Cesc Fabregas would be the correct next step in his career.
He has signed a contract with Como until June 2031.
“Mattia is a creative player with excellent technical ability and confidence in possession,” coach Fabregas told the club website.
“He can operate in tight spaces, create chances and contribute in the final third. We believe his qualities fit our style and look forward to helping him continue his development.”
Last season, Liberali scored four goals with four assists in 30 games for Serie B side Catanzaro.
After weeks of uncertainty and controversy, with many promising a second Calciopoli scandal after 2006, the entire investigation was shelved today due to lack of evidence.
Rocchi and Inter cleared
AIA chief Gianluca Rocchi (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“Within the limits of the available evidence, including wiretaps, tracking, and witness statements, we identified interference and pressure in only a few of the cases involving referee designations at the centre of this investigation.
“However, based on the conversations intercepted between Rocchi and others, the evidence does not demonstrate that this interference and pressure was objectively aimed at altering the outcome of matches.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Referee Gianluca Rocchi during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Chelsea FC and AFC Ajax at Stamford Bridge on November 05, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
The most important missing element here was direct contact between Rocchi and the club, although it was revealed today for the first time that Inter had been under formal investigation too.
Instead, he is heard speaking to colleagues about common knowledge that Inter do not like or want certain referees assigned to their games.
“Therefore, no structured system emerged to influence the fairness of the matches, nor any director or intercepted contact between the refereeing designator and Inter officials,” continued the statement.
Whereas in Calciopoli there was direct pressure from various clubs to remove certain referees from games and assign others, this was purely a process of elimination.
If there was to be proof of an attempt to alter the outcome, it would be suggesting who to put in place of the ‘disliked’ referees.
The matches under the spotlight were Inter-Milan in the Coppa Italia on April 23, 2025, Inter-Verona in Serie A on May 3, 2025, and Torino-Inter on April 26, 2026.
The evidence has been passed on to the sporting justice system, who could still choose to look further into the matter and present other charges.
It seems that surprise talks could be about to begin for Fenerbahce to sign Manchester United misfit Marcus Rashford this summer.
The England international, currently at the World Cup 2026 and preparing for tonight’s semi-final clash against Argentina, has been left in limbo after his loan spell at Barcelona.
Rashford shone during his spell at the Nou Camp last season, but it seems that Barca will not be taking up the option to sign him permanently.
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Rashford was once a star player for Man Utd and showed he’s still got what it takes to perform at the highest level with some fine performances for Barcelona in La Liga and the Champions League.
So, in many ways, it seems slightly surprising that Rashford might now be about to move to the Turkish league, which would represent a significant step down in terms of the competitiveness of the division.
Still, there are also a lot of good players at clubs like Fenerbahce, Galatasaray, and Besiktas, so perhaps Rashford can flourish there and make an impact in major competitions like the Champions League.
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It would also be interesting to see Rashford linking up with his former United teammate Greenwood again, with the pair often combining well together at Old Trafford.
MUFC will now have a decision to make, as some fans might even feel that Rashford’s fine form at Barcelona last season should mean he’s in contention for a first-team role again.
Perhaps that ship has now sailed and a fresh start would be the best for everyone, but much of that will now hinge on whether or not Rashford himself is open to joining Fenerbahce, or if he waits for other opportunities.
England manager Thomas Tuchel is reportedly set to start Morgan Rogers on the right against Argentina in tonight’s World Cup semi-final.
The Aston Villa attacking midfielder usually plays on the left or centrally, so this is a slightly unfamiliar role for him, but he’s also someone who’s surely good enough to contribute in almost any attacking role.
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See below for David Ornstein’s update on England’s team selection for this evening’s big game, with the journalist posting on X that Tuchel is set to reward Rogers for his impact off the bench in the win over Norway in the last round…
“Morgan Rogers set to start on right for England in #FIFAWorldCup semi-final … Opportunity would see 23yo Aston Villa forward rewarded after impact off bench against Norway & form for #AVFC + across Thomas Tuchel reign,” Ornstein said.
In truth, something needed to change on that right-hand side as Noni Madueke hasn’t been particularly convincing at this tournament, though he’s started a lot of games because Bukayo Saka isn’t 100% fit.
Tuchel will need to get his team selection right tonight for this huge game, which some people are calling their biggest since the World Cup final victory in 1966.
England haven’t been in a World Cup final since their only victory 60 years ago, so it would be a huge achievement to do it.
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Argentina are the current holders, so will probably be the favourites tonight, especially with Lionel Messi in such exceptional form at this year’s tournament so far.
For England, the key men will surely be Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who have both been superb for the Three Lions, though a top young talent like Rogers could also cause Argentina some problems.
Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli is reportedly attracting transfer interest from as many as five clubs as he could be on the move this summer.
The Brazil international has perhaps not developed quite as well as many at Arsenal will have expected, scoring only one league goal for the entire 2025/26 campaign.
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Martinelli fared better in Europe, scoring six goals in 14 Champions League games as the Gunners reached the final of the competition.
According to Ekrem Konur, it now seems Martinelli could leave Arsenal, and he has interest from big clubs such as Manchester United, Newcastle, Bayern Munich, Juventus, and Roma…
?#Arsenal Gabriel Martinelli could leave Arsenal this summer.
? Man United, Newcastle and Bayern Munich are interested.
Konur posted: “Gabriel Martinelli could leave Arsenal this summer. Man United, Newcastle and Bayern Munich are interested. Roma and Juventus have also contacted Arsenal for the Brazilian winger.”
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Arsenal need an upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli
It’s surely time for Arsenal to move on from Martinelli, who is just not consistent enough to start regularly for a club with the ambition to win major titles like the Premier League and the Champions League.
The 25-year-old has been at the Emirates Stadium since 2019 and perhaps he’d now benefit from a change of scene.
Arsenal could also do well to try something different on that side of their front three, and they’ve been strongly linked with Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis by Ben Jacobs and others.
Could Gabriel Martinelli still have a good Premier League career?
Martinelli has still shown enough during his time at AFC that could make him tempting to other English clubs, so the links with Man Utd and Newcastle aren’t too surprising.
The Magpies could do well to land Martinelli as a replacement for Anthony Gordon, who left for Barcelona earlier this summer.
United, meanwhile, might do well to bring in Martinelli to give them more depth behind their first choice front three of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, as he can fill in on the left, right, or as a central striker.
Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise is reportedly keen on a transfer to Real Madrid this summer, while the Spanish giants are eyeing a record move.
This is not the first time we’ve heard speculation about Olise’s future in recent months, with the France international in absolutely stunning form in 2025/26 with 29 goals and 32 assists.
Those numbers, via WhoScored, are for club and country, including last summer’s Club World Cup with Bayern, and this summer’s 2026 World Cup with the French national team.
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According to Santi Aouna, Olise is now eyeing Real Madrid as his preferred next move, and ideally wants it to happen this year, with Bayern already keeping an eye out on potential replacements…
“Michael Olise wants to join Real Madrid THIS SUMMER,” the journalist posted on X. “The French international believes it’s the perfect club to continue his progression.
“Real Madrid wants to pull off a record transfer. Bayern’s official stance: Olise is not for sale but the truth is more nuanced. The Bavarian club would like to extend his contract, but has also been in contact in parallel with players who could come in to replace him.
“Olise will discuss with his leaders after the World Cup.”
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Will Michael Olise be Real Madrid’s next Galactico signing?
Olise looks like he has it in him to get even better, and it would be exciting to see the 24-year-old at the Bernabeu alongside other world class talents like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
The former Crystal Palace man was not at his best in France’s defeat to Spain yesterday, but in general he has been really consistent on the biggest stage, winning the Bundesliga title with Bayern and helping them to the Champions League semi-finals.
Olise’s best position is coming off that right flank so he can cut onto his left foot, and that’s undoubtedly somewhere Real Madrid could do with strengthening.
Bayern don’t tend to sell their star names, but it seems this can’t be ruled out, with Olise keen on the move to Spain, as has been previously reported by TEAMtalk.
Compared with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, whose careers have become synonymous with winning, Mbappe now faces growing questions about whether this difficult spell is merely a temporary setback or the beginning of a larger challenge.
Kylian Mbappe‘s latest season has ended without a major trophy for either club or country, placing the Real Madrid and France superstar in unfamiliar territory. Compared with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, whose careers have become synonymous with winning, Mbappe now faces growing questions about whether this difficult spell is merely a temporary setback or the beginning of a larger challenge.
The France national team also finishes the campaign without silverware after the dissappointing 2026 World Cup exit, adding to the disappointment after Real Madrid fell short in every major competition. Individual brilliance has never been in doubt, but soccer’s biggest prizes have once again slipped away from one of the game’s brightest stars.
Mbappe arrived at Real Madrid in summer 2024 carrying enormous expectations after years of success with Paris Saint-Germain. Although he has continued to score at an elite level, his first two seasons in Spain have both ended without a major collective trophy, despite winning consecutive Pichichi awards and scoring 86 goals in his first 103 appearances for Los Blancos.
The French forward also misses out on this year’s Ballon d’Or race after Madrid failed to capture La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, the Copa del Rey, or the Spanish Super Cup, while France also ends the international campaign empty-handed.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France.
However, Mbappe has now completed exactly two senior trophyless seasons, both coming consecutively during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 campaigns. Before joining Madrid, he had collected 18 major trophies, including the 2018 World Cup and multiple Ligue 1 titles with Paris Saint-Germain.
How many trophyless seasons has Lionel Messi endured?
Mbappe’s current drought inevitably invites comparisons with the two players who have defined modern soccer for nearly two decades.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final.
Even though Lionel Messi built one of the most decorated careers in soccer history, he also endured periods when Barcelona failed to lift silverware. The Argentine completed three trophyless seasons during his senior career: 2006-07, 2007-08, and 2019-20. His longest barren spell lasted two consecutive campaigns before everything changed under Pep Guardiola.
Season
Club
Trophies Won
2007-08
Barcelona
0
2019-20
Barcelona
0
Following those difficult years, Messi spearheaded Barcelona’s historic 2008-09 sextuple, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the UEFA Champions League, the Spanish Super Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. Years later, after the disappointment of 2019-20, he inspired Argentina to win the 2021 Copa America before finally lifting the 2022 World Cup.
Category
Record
Senior Career Seasons
20+
Trophyless Seasons
2
Trophyless Rate
Only 2 seasons without silverware
Longest Trophy Drought
2019-20 season
First Trophyless Season
2007-08 (Barcelona)
How many trophyless seasons has Cristiano Ronaldo endured?
Cristiano Ronaldo also discovered that sustained success is never guaranteed, regardless of individual excellence. The Portuguese legend experienced multiple trophyless campaigns, beginning with his early Manchester United years before later enduring difficult seasons during his return to Old Trafford and the start of his Saudi Arabian adventure.
Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal applauds fans
His setbacks, however, were followed by equally remarkable rebounds. After his first barren season, Ronaldo became the centerpiece of Manchester United’s dominant era, helping the club win three consecutive Premier League titles, the 2007-08 UEFA Champions League, and his first Ballon d’Or.
Season
Club
Trophies Won
2004-05
Manchester United
0
2009-10
Real Madrid
0
2021-22
Manchester United
0
2022-23
Al-Nassr
0
Later, after Real Madrid’s disappointing 2014-15 season, Ronaldo responded by leading the Spanish giant to three consecutive Champions League titles, cementing his legacy as one of the competition’s greatest performers.
Category
Record
Senior Career Seasons
20+
Trophyless Seasons
4
Clubs During Trophyless Seasons
Manchester United (2), Real Madrid (1), Al-Nassr (1)
Longest Trophy Drought
2009-10 to 2010-11 period before winning Copa del Rey
Despite Madrid’s collective struggles, Mbappe has remained among soccer’s most productive attackers. He finished the latest campaign with 42 goals across all competitions, while continuing to rank among Europe’s leading scorers.
His consistency mirrors situations Messi and Ronaldo also experienced during their careers. Messi famously scored 51 goals during the 2018-19 season, while Ronaldo struck 55 goals in 2012-13 and 61 goals in 2014-15, yet both campaigns ended with disappointment because their clubs failed to secure the biggest prizes available.
Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
England face the biggest challenge of the 2026 World Cup, as they take on Argentina in the semifinal. Making the situation even more complicated, head coach Thomas Tuchel will not be able to count on Jarell Quansah for the second consecutive game.
Despite having been full of criticism, England have remained one of the hardest teams to beat at the 2026 World Cup. Being solid in defense, they managed to reach the semifinals, where they will faceArgentina. In a match full of history, the Three Lions will look to reach the final for the first time in many years. However, head coach Thomas Tuchel faces the difficult absence of Jarell Quansah, for the second consecutive game.
Jarell Quansah is in full physical condition with England. However, he will be absent after receiving a straight red card in the match against Mexico, being suspended for two matches. Even though they tried to appeal, FIFA rejected it, upholding his suspension. If the Three Lions advance to the tournament final, he could return to the roster, having the chance to start or come off the bench.
While Reece James returns to the roster from his injury, he could be a starter despite that he is reportedly not at full fitness. However, he will look to make an impact and regain his playing continuity. Therefore, Thomas Tuchel could once again be forced to readjust his lineup during the game, giving Ezri Konsa or John Stones a chance to play in the at right back.
England lose a major attacking asset without Reece James in plein form or Jarell Quansah at right back. Therefore, Bukayo Saka or Noni Madueke need to take on a bigger role out wide, as they will be on their own to create space. In addition, Elliot Anderson or Jude Bellingham will be key in providing support and creating a possession triangle that allows them to break down Argentina’s defense. Nevertheless, the key remains Harry Kane.
Jarell Quansah #26 of England reacts after receiving a red card by Referee Alireza Faghani.
England’s key to beating Argentina lies in the midfield
Argentina are one of the best national teams at the 2026 World Cup. Led by their midfield, they press high and dominate the attacking phase. With this in mind, England come into the match with a clear objective: To dominate the midfield in order to limit their opponent. If they manage to do so, they would shine with their play down the wings, taking advantage of the space in behind to look for goals.
To secure the victory, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson need to shine again, as they struggled quite a bit against Norway and were very limited. Not only do they need to return to their best form, but so does Harry Kane, who has a more creative role on the pitch. With them performing well, Jude Bellingham could shine again in front of goal, dominating possession and taking advantage of space or mistakes in the build-up play.
England and Argentina clash in a crucial 2026 World Cup semifinal, with Spain waiting to find out their opponent in the final.
The second semifinal of the 2026 World Cup takes place at Atlanta Stadium, where England and Argentina meet for the tournament’s second and final spot in Sunday’s showpiece, where Spain await for their rival.
Argentina reached this stage by beating Switzerland in the overtime of the quarterfinals, a result that kept the defending champions’ title defense alive and extended their unbeaten run through the knockout rounds.
For this crucial match, Lionel Messi will start and once again captain Argentina, standing as the team’s key figure as the tournament’s joint-top scorer with eight goals, level with Kylian Mbappe.
On England‘s side, the Three Lions advanced to the semifinals after beating Norway 2-1 in the quarterfinals, with a brace from Jude Bellingham. For this match, star man Harry Kane will start and captain the Europeans in their bid to reach the final.
Harry Kane #9 of England celebrates a goal. (Getty Images)
England’s confirmed lineup
For this match, Thomas Tuchel’s biggest dilemma centers on the right side of defense, where Jarell Quansah won’t be available due to a suspension, with Reece James or Djed Spence in line to fill in for him.
England’s confirmed starting XI: Jordan Pickford; Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Djed Spence; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson; Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane.
Argentina’s confirmed lineup
Lionel Scaloni has kept his cards close to the chest, having trialed a back-five system in training that would bring Nicolas Otamendi into the defense at the expense of Rodrigo De Paul. Scaloni has suggested he could still spring a surprise, though the more heavily backed option keeps the same shape that got past Switzerland.
There are reports Besiktas have set a deadline for Dusan Vlahovic to accept their offer, but the striker continues to wait for bigger European clubs, with Juventus in the background.
The forward is a free agent after letting his contract with Juve run down on June 30, and rejected the proposal to extend for €6m per season, approximately half the salary he was on before, plus performance-related bonuses.
Vlahovic not getting offers he expected
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 24: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on May 24, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
He had expected numerous bids to flood in from sides like Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Arsenal, but so far the only genuine offer on the table is from Besiktas.
According to Spanish newspaper Sport, that is a three-year contract worth around €8m per season, but without the big signing-on fee and commission that he is looking for.
Besiktas are losing patience, and it’s reported they have set a deadline of Thursday evening for Vlahovic to either accept, or they will turn towards other targets.
TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Juventus and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Juventus Stadium on November 04, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
The Serbia international does not seem inclined to take the contract, as he still believes that better offers will come in during the summer.
Juventus are also increasingly confident that Vlahovic might come crawling back to Turin when he sees the lack of alternatives.
Able to play in central defence, as a right-back or a left-back, he is still only 27 years old.
Tomiyasu could return to Serie A
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 28: Takehiro Tomiyasu of Arsenal celebrates after Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Tottenham Hotspur scored an own goal, Arsenal’s first goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 28, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
According to Tuttomercatoweb, there have been negotiations with his entourage for a possible return to Italy with Sassuolo and newly-promoted Venezia.
He amassed 61 Serie A appearances, scoring three goals and providing three assists playing for the Rossoblu.
His career was most recently thrown off track by a serious knee injury, which kept him out from July 2024 to October 2025, but he did participate in the 2026 World Cup with Japan.
Venezia made the move for the Japanese player after discovering Marin Sverko requires surgery that could keep him out of action for several months.
Genoa have revealed their new home jersey for the 2026/27 season, which is inspired by the 35th anniversary of beating Liverpool at Anfield.
The Grifone launched their kit with a special video titled ‘you’ll never run alone,’ a play on the iconic Liverpool anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone.
Genoa remember Anfield coup
ITALY – MAY 17: Genoa fans put up a choreography prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and AC Milan at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on May 17, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Kombat designed the jersey and the advertising campaign reunited some of the stars who were part of that game, including Tomas Skuhravy, Mario Bortolazzi, Armando Ferroni, Vincenzo Torrente and Gennaro Ruotolo.
The 2-1 result in March 1992 allowed the Grifone to become the first ever Italian side to beat Liverpool on their home turf, and secure a 4-1 aggregate victory to reach the UEFA Cup semi-final.
Unfortunately, some of the legendary players from that season, captain Gianluca Signorini and defender Andrea Fortunato, are no longer with us, but are referenced in the video.
Carlos Aguilera scored both goals in the game, which is remembered in the clip with the original commentary from Bruno Pizzul.
Andrea Pirlo has emerged as the frontrunner to become Italy’s next head coach, but the prospect of appointing the former World Cup winner has already divided opinion across the country. Lorenzo Bettoni and Alasdair Mackenzie discuss in the latest episode of the Football Italia Summer Show.
While Pirlo’s reputation as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation is beyond question, his relatively limited experience in management has prompted a lively debate over whether he is the right man to lead the Azzurri into a new era.
Official: Andrea Pirlo is the new head coach of the Dubai-based United FC of the UAE first division.
With the Italian Football Federation facing a crucial decision, several other candidates have also been linked with the role.
Each brings a different profile, from proven tactical expertise to international experience, making the search for Italy’s next coach one of the most intriguing storylines in Italian football.
FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 29: Andrea Pirlo during the “Panchina d’Oro” award season 2022/2023 at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on January 29, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
In the latest episode of our Summer Show on YouTube, Lorenzo Bettoni and Alasdair Mackenzie examine Pirlo’s coaching career, weighing up both the strengths and the concerns surrounding his candidacy.
They also assess the leading alternatives, discussing which coach would be the best fit for the national team and who offers Italy the strongest chance of returning to the top of international football.
Danilho Doekhi has spoken for the first time as a Lazio player, with the Dutch defender completing the final stage of his medical before joining up with his new teammates.
Speaking to the club’s official channels, the former Union Berlin man made clear his satisfaction at the move.
“I’m very happy to be here. Lazio are a very important club, so I’m glad to have arrived,” he said. “I’ve spoken with coach Gattuso. We had a good chat. Now we just have to work. There are already two Dutch lads here and that helps me a lot, it’s nice that they’re here.”
Asked to describe himself, Doekhi offered a clear self-portrait.
“I’m a defender who tries to read the game, who likes defending, taking on strikers and stopping them from scoring,” he said. “But I also like to be dangerous in the opposition box from set-pieces and score with my head.”
HEIDENHEIM, GERMANY – APRIL 11: Danilho Doekhi of 1.FC Union Berlin in action during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 and 1. FC Union Berlin at Voith-Arena on April 11, 2026 in Heidenheim, Germany. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)
New Lazio star Doekhi reveals Varane inspiration and Bogarde family ties
Football runs in the family: his uncle is former Ajax, Milan, Barcelona and Chelsea defender Winston Bogarde.
“I speak with him often, about this transfer too. He told me Lazio are a great club and Italy is a beautiful country to live in, and that the league is very competitive,” Doekhi said.
His compass, though, points to a more recent great. “My idol has always been Varane. He’s stopped playing but I always liked him enormously, partly because we have a similar style. For me he’s a reference point.”
The 28-year-old has taken the number five shirt, which he wore in Berlin, and signed off with a message for his new supporters, and a choice of nickname.
“You can call me Dani, or Duki, whatever you prefer! To the fans I want to say I’m delighted to be here, I can’t wait to meet them and I hope to give them plenty of satisfaction.”
Doekhi’s arrival continues the reshaping of Gennaro Gattuso’s defence following Mario Gila’s sale to Milan, giving the Biancocelesti an experienced, physical presence at the back.
Roma are actively working to sell Manu Koné for at least €60m, with reports in Italy claiming Manchester United are ahead of Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal for the France midfielder.
His asking price had already been a minimum of €50m before the World Cup, but has since surged thanks to his impressive performances, as confirmed by how badly he was missed in the semi-final against Spain when making way for Aurelien Tchaouameni.
Koné targeted by Premier League
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JUNE 30: Manu Kone #6 of France inspects the pitch before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between France and Sweden at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 30, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
There are some suggestions in England, most notably from Rio Ferdinand on his YouTube channel, that Manchester United have already agreed a deal worth €53m.
That is not the version given by the Corriere dello Sport, who insist that while Manchester United have been the most consistently interested and taken more steps, they are by no means the only club.
PARIS, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 13: Manu Kone of France in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between France and Ukraine at Parc des Princes on November 13, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)
Above all, the price is not going to drop below €60m (approximately £51m) after those performances in the 2026 World Cup.
The 25-year-old is going to provide a hefty profit regardless, as he was purchased from Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer of 2024 for just €18m plus €2m in add-ons.
Aleksandar Stankovic will be part of Inter’s squad next season, and Cristian Chivu has made no secret of his enthusiasm for a player he first coached in the club’s youth ranks.
According to Calciomercato.com, the Serbian midfielder, youngest son of Nerazzurri great Dejan, has been bought back from Club Brugge for a total of €23 million after a breakout campaign in Belgium, a net outlay of €13 million once the €10 million Brugge paid a year earlier is factored in.
Asked at his season-opening press conference whether Stankovic could replicate Pio Esposito’s explosion into the first team, Chivu replied: “I hope so for him and for myself. He worked in our youth sector, he made a brave choice going abroad and had two important seasons. He has matured, I can’t wait to see him on the pitch.”
Aleksandar Stankovic returns to Inter from Club Brugge (via www.inter.it)
Where Stankovic fits in Chivu’s Inter midfield
The 2005-born midfielder is a slightly atypical profile. He came through as a deep-lying organiser, screening the defence and dictating tempo with the vertical passing Chivu prizes, but at Brugge he evolved into something more advanced, arriving behind the strikers and into shooting range from one of the two deeper berths in a midfield triangle.
That versatility could reshape Inter’s engine room.
Stankovic offers a genuine alternative to Hakan Calhanoglu as the central pivot, sparing Petar Sucic from being dragged into the regista role and freeing the Croatian to fight Piotr Zielinski for the mezzala space vacated by Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Alternatively, with Davide Frattesi’s departure long mooted, Stankovic could deputise for Nicolò Barella on the right of the three, where his shooting from range, a family trait, would be an asset.
His integration will be gradual, as it was for Sucic before him, with no rush to throw him in prematurely. But for a boy who has often said that wearing this shirt was his childhood dream, the season ahead is his chance to prove he belongs.
Sunderland have been linked with interest in another Ligue 1 player who has impressed in the French league.
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Sunderland did an exceptional job last summer in revolutionising their squad after promotion to the Premier League.
Things have been a lot quieter this year – as you’d expect. But they’ll still want to make some important additions.
One player we’ve seen linked to the Black Cats in recent days is Dayann Methalie. Football Insider are among the publications connecting the Toulouse left back to a move to the Premier League.
Methali already ready to step up to Premier League from Ligue 1
Methalie played 28 times in Ligue 1 last season for a Toulouse team who did well. He looks ready for the step up to the Premier League. According to the Football Insider piece, Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris and his staff consider the youngster as someone ready to make the move to England.
Sunderland did especially well raiding Ligue 1 last season, so we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see them wrap up this deal. The fact that they will be playing in the Europa League means they need to add depth as well as quality, and at the right price this deal looks like an obvious one to go forward with.
In other news…
Barcelona star Marc Casado is considering leaving the club this summer, and he has decided he wants one guarantee from his new team.
Diogo Costa remains a potential target for Chelsea, although we still have our doubts that they would actually spend the €60m required to sign him.
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England legend Wayne Rooney has backed Harry Kane to “destroy” Argentina’s centre-backs if he’s really on his game in tonight’s World Cup semi-final.
Spain beat France last night to book their place in the final, and now fans will be preparing to follow England vs Argentina in the second semi-final, with the Three Lions chasing a first appearance in a World Cup final since their famous victory of 1966.
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Speaking ahead of the big game, former England forward Rooney is backing Kane as the big difference-maker, as he could be too much for Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero if he plays at his best.
Wayne Rooney makes big Harry Kane claim
Watch below as Rooney explains how Kane could cause that duo a lot of trouble with his intelligent movement…
“If Harry Kane is on it, they won’t be able to deal with Harry Kane,” Rooney said. “Because Harry’s a nightmare for that type of defender.”
He added: “If Harry’s just dragging them into positions where they feel a bit exposed, which they will do … it’s just about the timing of the pass and the timing of the run in behind them.
“I think if Harry is on it he will absolutely destroy those two centre-backs.”
Is this going to turn into Lionel Messi vs Harry Kane?
Football is complex and unpredictable, so to say any game is a battle between any two individuals is far too simplistic.
However, we also know that there are certain talents who are a level above the rest, and that entire game plans can revolve around.
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Kane and Lionel Messi fall into that category, as, arguably, does Jude Bellingham after the form he’s shown at this World Cup so far.
If Rooney is right and Kane can unsettle that Argentina defence, then that could be the game plan that brings England victory.
Marc Casado is picking his new destination very carefully after a lack of minutes in Barcelona, meaning some Premier League teams will miss out.
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Marc Casado has long been talked about as one of the most promising young players who will be on the market this summer, and there is no shortage of interest in him.
But the 22 year old Barcelona star is being very picky about where he goes next. He’s highly rated in Catalonia, but isn’t getting the minutes he wants. That’s why he’s reluctant to respond to the interest from the likes of Chelsea and Man City. Man U are also interested, but their signings of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos in the last couple of weeks have really closed off some avenues there.
Casado wants to play at all costs
Instead, according to a report from TeamTalk, Casado will consider teams slightly further down the Premier League, in order to guarantee playing time.
The likes of Newcastle, Everton, Fulham and Brighton are all named as destinations where he would be able ot play regularly and potentially shine.
He could also yet stay at Barcelona, with manager Hansi Flick trying to convince him of his importance to the squad, even when he’s not a regular starter.
In other news…
Diogo Costa remains a potential target for Chelsea, although we still have our doubts that they would actually spend the €60m required to sign him.
Fabrizio Romano says that Bournemouth are close to completing their latest impressive deal – a move for Antonio Silva from Benfica.
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England will square off against Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semifinal. Here's everything you need to know to watch the game live in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch England vs Argentina on US television and via legal streaming:
Englandenters this colossal semi-final with manager Thomas Tuchel unbeaten in his first six tournament games, a feat that echoes the legendary Sir Alf Ramsey‘s 1966 run. The Three Lions have demonstrated remarkable consistency, reaching the semi-finals in four of the last five major tournaments. However, their journey has been grueling, covering over 14,000 miles in travel, and they required a draining extra-time period to overcome a stubborn Norway side in the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, reigning champions Argentinaare looking to secure a place in their second consecutive final. La Albiceleste have reached the semi-finals in three of the last four tournaments and are currently on a 12-match unbeaten streak in the competition. While the individual brilliance ofLionel Messi has often been the deciding factor, the team has shown defensive frailties and also needed extra time to dispatch Switzerland, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle of attrition and skill.
Tactical Analysis & Match Context
England‘s path to the semi-final has been defined by resilience. Under Thomas Tuchel, they have won 16 of 20 matches, often grinding out results even when not performing at their peak, as seen in their victory against Mexico despite a red card. Their defensive organization was superb in shutting down Norway‘s Erling Haaland, a quality they will desperately need in this clash.
Argentina, in contrast, has had a more chaotic tournament, frequently relying on Messi‘s magic to cover defensive gaps. Coach Lionel Scaloni has employed a 4-4-2 diamond formation that congests the middle of the park to facilitate quick combinations with his star player, but this often leaves them vulnerable on the flanks. The key tactical battle will be in central midfield, where England must try to nullify Messi‘s influence.
The motivation for both sides is immense. For Argentina, it is the chance to defend their crown and further solidify Messi‘s legacy as the greatest of all time. For England, it represents a golden opportunity to end decades of hurt and capitalize on their recent tournament consistency. With both teams coming off exhausting extra-time victories, managing player fatigue will be just as crucial as any tactical adjustment.
Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends
This fixture is steeped in history, with all five previous official meetings taking place at the global tournament. England holds a narrow historical advantage with three wins to Argentina‘s one, with the other match being a draw that Argentina subsequently won on penalties in 1998. This deep-rooted rivalry guarantees an intense and passionate encounter.
The most recent clash was a 1-0 victory for England at the 2002 tournament, but the most iconic remains the 1986 quarter-final in Mexico. That match was decided by two unforgettable Diego Maradona moments: the infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal and a spectacular solo run that is widely considered one of the greatest goals in history. These past encounters add layers of narrative and pressure to the upcoming game.
Historically, this matchup has produced goals, with an average of 2.6 goals per game across their five meetings. While the stakes of a semi-final might suggest a cagey affair, both teams have displayed defensive vulnerabilities throughout this tournament. Argentina remains unbeaten in their last ten games against European opposition under Scaloni, while England has a balanced record against South American teams, making this a finely poised contest.
Squad News & Projected Lineups
Both managers face critical selection decisions as they navigate key absences and tactical considerations for this monumental semi-final clash.
England will be without defender Jarell Quansah, who is serving a suspension following his red card in the Round of 16. The squad is also missing midfielder Jordan Henderson, who was ruled out of the tournament with an injury. These absences will test Thomas Tuchel‘s squad depth, particularly in defense and midfield.
Argentina, on the other hand, comes into the match with a clean bill of health. Coach Lionel Scaloni has no new injury or suspension worries and is expected to name an unchanged lineup from the side that defeated Switzerland. This consistency could provide a crucial advantage in a match of such fine margins.
Thomas Tuchel is likely to deploy his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on controlling the midfield. Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson will provide a defensive shield, freeing up the electric Jude Bellingham to create and support Harry Kane in attack. With Quansah suspended, Marc Guehi is expected to partner John Stones at the heart of the defense.
Argentina Projected XI (4-1-3-2):
E. Martinez; Molina, L. Martinez, Romero, Tagliafico; Paredes; Fernandez, Mac Allister, De Paul; Alvarez, Messi.
Lionel Scaloni’s diamond formation is built to maximize Lionel Messi’s impact by overloading the central areas. The hard-working Julian Alvarez will act as his strike partner, while the midfield trio of Fernandez, Mac Allister, and De Paul will be tasked with dominating possession and feeding their legendary number 10.
More details on how to watch
The England vs Argentina match is on Fubo. You can watch on your computer, smart TV, phone, tablet, and other streaming devices, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the action.
In addition to the 2026 tournament, Fubo offers access to other top soccer competitions, including Liga MX, LaLiga, and extensive coverage of international soccer.
A subscription to Fubo costs $14.99/month. This plan gives you access to every live match from the tournament, plus a library of on-demand content and expert analysis.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as Nord VPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.
Lionel Messi of Argentina (L) and Harry Kane of England (R)
Argentina managed to defeat Switzerland 3–1, securing their place in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup. Despite the strong result, they have dropped positions in the FIFA Men's World Ranking just before facing England.
Amid their defensive problems, Argentina managed to defeat Switzerland 3–1, securing their place in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup. Head coach Lionel Scaloni has proven to be an expert at adjusting his lineup during matches, relying on different ways to pursue victory. Far from having an easy opponent, they will faceEngland after dropping positions in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking.
According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Argentina are ranked in the 3rd spot, with 1943.47 points. They have lost two positions, despite their consecutive victories in the tournament. While some criticisms were towards their consistent defensive gaps, they have been shinning in the offense, with Lionel Messi leading again the way. Nonetheless, they have not reached their best position yet, as they ranked 1st in June of 2026.
While Lionel Scaloni’s team have dropped positions in the rankings, they have remained above England. Thomas Tuchel’s team are ranked 4th in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, with 1,889.42 points. They have not excelled in build-up play, but they remain one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking sides, with multiple offensive options. With their talented wingers, they may look to exploit Argentina’s defensive vulnerabilities on the counterattack.
Unlike England, Argentina have shown to have one of the most solid midfields of the 2026 World Cup. Having an ideal combination of solid defending and creativity, they usually press their opponents high and control the tempo of the game. In addition, Lionel Messi is key to creating space, allowing Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez to shine up front, with both needing to be very effective in front of goal.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates with Julian Alvarez #9 after scoring against Egypt.
Lionel Messi’s Argentina chase first-ever back-to-back World Cups
Argentina are one of the most historic national teams in World Cup history. Not only are they coming off winning the 2022 edition, but they also won the 1978 and 1986 editions. Far from relaxing their winning ambition, they arrived at the 2026 edition in top form with a run of consecutive victories. Now, Lionel Messi’s team are chasing their first-ever back-to-back World Cups.
Not only because of the historical importance of this match, but they can also make history at the World Cup. Lionel Messi could lead Argentina to their first back-to-back titles, something that would make his legacy as the most important in his country’s history grow even more. In addition, Scaloni’s team have shown that they know how to adapt to their opponent, dominating or sitting back depending on the match, something that can give them an edge.
Julian Alvarez #9 of Argentina celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal.
After defeating Norway in heroic fashion, England secured their place in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup. With their strong performances, they have managed to maintain a high position in the FIFA Men's World Ranking ahead of today's match against Argentina.
Despite the numerous criticisms before the 2026 World Cup, England managed to become one of the best teams, defeating Norway to reach the semifinals. Hand in hand with their attacking prowess, they have shone game after game. However, they do not have an easy match, as they face Argentina. Reflecting their high level of play, they have managed to maintain a strong position in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking.
According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, England are ranked in the 4th spot, with 1889.42 points. While some criticisms were towards their playing style, they have been solid in the results, keeping the same spot in the last stages of the tournament. Nonetheless, they have not reached their best position yet, as they ranked 3rd in November of 2023.
While Thomas Tuchel’s team are among the highest-ranked national teams, they are still behind Argentina. The 2022 World Cup winners are ranked 3rd, with 1,943.47 points. Although they are coming off a major victory over Switzerland, they have dropped two places and need a win today to challenge Spain, the current leaders, for the top spot. With Lionel Messi in peak form, Argentina once again emerge as one of the top contenders.
England have proven to be one of the most efficient teams in attack. Led by Harry Kane, they create space against tough midfields, using the wings as the central focus of their play. In addition, Jude Bellingham has taken advantage of the space up front, arriving from the second line to finish chances. However, they still have not been dominant in midfield, and their main challenge will be to remain consistent.
Harry Kane #9 of England celebrates with teammates Declan Rice #4 and Anthony Gordon #18.
England close in on ending their 60-year World Cup drought
England are one of the most historic national teams in World Cup history. Led by legends such as Bobby Moore and Sir Geoff Hurst, they won the 1966 title. After that historic triumph, they remained relevant, producing legends such as Gary Lineker, David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, and many others. However, they have gone 60 years without winning the title, with today representing their best chance.
Since their victory in 1966, they have reached the semifinals in 1990 and 2018, where they were eliminated. Therefore, they face another golden opportunity to pursue a place in the final by defeating Argentina in a match full of history. Afterwards, they would face Spain, one of the best collective teams in the world. If they manage to do so, Thomas Tuchel’s team would write their name into history.
Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Dan Burn #15 of England sing to the fans.
FLORENCE, ITALY – DECEMBER 12: Amir Richardson of ACF Fiorentina scores a goal during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between ACF Fiorentina and LASK at Stadio Artemio Franchi on December 12, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Although he made 43 appearances in all competition for the club, scoring two goals and providing one assist, his time in Florence made little impact.
He was loaned out to FC Copenhagen in January 2026, and has no place in the current squad under new coach Fabio Grosso.
This represents a return to Le Havre for the Morocco international, who started his career in their youth team from 2019 until moving on in 2022.
The 24-year-old has nine senior caps for Morocco after representing France at youth level.
Another player set to leave Fiorentina is Robin Gosens, who last night agreed a loan with obligation to buy at the end of the season for €2.5m plus bonus to Schalke 04.
Roma were locked in talks for weeks to sign Mason Greenwood, but Olympique Marseille director Gregory Lorenzi reveals ‘only Fenerbahce made a formal offer’ and his ‘image’ was a problem.
The Giallorossi had targeted the Englishman for the whole summer, with reports of a proposal worth over €42m plus add-ons coming to Marseille.
Amid rumours of a bidding war with Atletico Madrid and teams from the Saudi Pro League, it is therefore surprising to learn that Roma never went all in.
Greenwood never received Roma bid
MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 16: Mason Greenwood of Olymquique de Marseille gestures during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Olympique de Marseille at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
He was referring to the domestic violence allegations that saw him pushed out of Manchester United, and the reason why Roma fans started a petition urging the club not to buy him.
Considering his splendid record in France, and the fact 40 per cent of the profit was owed to Manchester United, Marseille fans wonder why Greenwood only cost €39m plus bonuses.
“When we talk about the transfer fee, we shouldn’t assume that there were that many opportunities for Mason. Discussions had already taken place, the player was determined to leave as soon as possible, I want to make that clear.
“Clubs didn’t approach us, so the idea of selling for €80-100m… The market decided the player wasn’t worth that much. We thought there would be several clubs interested, which unfortunately wasn’t the case,” added Lorenzi.
Mason Greenwood joins Fenerbahce
“So we felt the best solution for all concerned was Fenerbahce, in the circumstances.”
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MAY 09: Oumar Solet of Udinese warms up ahead before the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Sant’Elia on May 09, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
When Inter did come forward with proposals for Solet, they were believed to be worth €20m including add-ons, which is not enough to tempt Udinese into a sale.
UDINE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Oumar Solet of Udinese celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Friuli on February 15, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
It is a big profit for Udinese, who picked up the Frenchman as a free agent in January 2025 after he left RB Salzburg in a contract dispute in September 2024.
Napoli’s new season is under way, with a first group of players reporting back for duty, among them two men whose summers have been anything but quiet.
According to IlNapolista, eleven players gathered at the SSC Napoli Training Center for the customary medicals and athletic tests: Beukema, Contini, Giovane, Gutierrez, Rafa Marin, Lindstrom, Mazzocchi, Lucca, Meret, Milinkovic-Savic and Vergara.
NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Antonio Vergara of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 15, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Vergara and Milinkovic-Savic report amid Napoli transfer talk
The last two names carry the most intrigue.
Antonio Vergara returns as the young midfielder the club refused to sell, having rebuffed offers approaching €30 million while moving to extend his contract, with Massimiliano Allegri planning a role for him in the senior side.
Goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic’s situation points the other way: he is among the sizeable group of players tipped for possible exits as the club works to slim down a squad Aurelio De Laurentiis has said must shed some of.
Pasquale Mazzocchi and Jesper Lindstrom, both also linked with moves away, were in the group too.
Matteo Ruggeri remains firmly on Fiorentina’s radar as the Viola continue their search for reinforcements out wide, and the full-back’s own inclinations may work in their favour.
According to La Nazione, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the Atletico Madrid defender is strongly tempted by the idea of returning to Serie A, where he made his name and where he believes his development can best continue.
That openness could prove a decisive card for Fiorentina, who have identified the Italian as one of the ideal profiles for their flank and are weighing a concrete move in the coming weeks.
FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 26: Fabio Grosso manager of US Sassuolo looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and US Sassuolo Calcio at Artemio Franchi on April 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Ruggeri fits Fiorentina’s full-back rebuild
Atletico rate Ruggeri and the strides he has made in Spain, but the pull of Italian football appears real.
The full-back built his reputation at Atalanta, where he developed into one of Serie A’s most reliable wing-backs before earning his move to Madrid, and a return would come with none of the adaptation risk attached to a foreign signing.
For Fiorentina, the interest forms part of a wider reshaping of their defensive flanks.
Dodo’s expected departure has left a gap on one side, Alex Jimenez has arrived from Bournemouth on the other, and Fabio Grosso’s squad is being rebuilt at pace ahead of a European campaign. In Ruggeri, the Viola see a Serie A-proven operator entering his prime years, and, crucially, one who appears willing to come back.
Chelsea are still being linked with a top goalkeeper over a potential summer transfer – although it still feels unlikely.
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Chelsea’s stance on their goalkeeper situation this summer has seemed pretty clear – they’re going to stick with Robert Sanchez while bringing young talent Mike Penders back from loan to be his backup.
But rumours about the Blues wanting to spend big on on a ready made, elite option won’t go away. SportWitness today claim that a move for Diogo Costa of Porto is still on the cards.
Chelsea could be persuaded to change goalkeeper plan by one thing
The report claims that Chelsea are reluctant to pay the goalkeeper’s €60m release clause, instead aiming to pay around €40m.
That is a big gap, and one we don’t see being bridged easily.
We still don’t believe Chelsea will change their plans – there is only one thing that might have affected things. The appointment of Xabi Alonso, if he really insists he wants Costa, could be enough to get the Blues to consider a new approach.
Even at the full €60m, while expensive, it’s not insane for a player who could change the whole team’s prospects. It would be like Alejandro Garnacho plus Deivid Washington, for example…
In other news…
Fabrizio Romano says that Bournemouth are close to completing their latest impressive deal – a move for Antonio Silva from Benfica.
Coventry City are close to a deal for Aurele Amenda, the Frankfurt central defender who has just returned from a spell at the World Cup with Switzerland.
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England manager Thomas Tuchel has dodged a question about whether he thinks Lionel Messi is the greatest player of all time.
The German tactician is preparing to lead the Three Lions against Argentina in tonight’s World Cup semi-final clash, and stopping Messi will probably be the tactic he most needs to get right.
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Messi has never played against England before, so it will be interesting to see what he can do, but he goes into this game in superb form as he’s joint-top of the Golden Boot charts at the World Cup so far.
Tuchel also sent a clear message about not worshipping Messi too much, which seems like the right kind of mentality for England if they are to avoid being overawed by the 39-year-old.
How can England stop Lionel Messi?
Tuchel also spoke in another video clip about how he’s tempted to try an old-school man-marking system to keep Messi quiet.
See below as the England manager admitted to that kind of plan crossing his mind, though he obviously wouldn’t reveal one way or another if he’d definitely choose that particular option, as it might not be something that works on Messi anyway…
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Ultimately, it might just be best not to focus too much on Messi, as throughout his career he’s got the better of pretty much every top defence you can think of.
It might work best for England if they just focus on their own game tonight, and do their best to keep the ball, create chances, and limit what Messi can do by simply being the better team.
That’s easier said than done, of course, but if they retreat and make everything about stopping Messi, chances are he’ll find at least one moment of immense quality to undo all that work anyway.
Manchester City have reportedly intensified talks over signing Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, while Arsenal are also still in the running.
The talented young Morocco international has shone in Ligue 1 and also impressed with his national team at the 2026 World Cup, though his tournament ended with the recent defeat to France.
A recent report from the Guardian claimed Man City were keen on a potential £85m deal for Bouaddi, and there’s now been a new update.
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According to TEAMtalk, City have communicated to Bouaddi’s representatives that they want the player to come in straight away and become part of Enzo Maresca’s first-team.
They add that Arsenal remain ‘firmly’ in contention for Bouaddi, even if City have clearly been advancing on this one.
Should Ayyoub Bouaddi choose Arsenal or Manchester City?
A few years ago this would probably have been a no-brainer, with City the go-to destination for the world’s best players due to the chance to play under Pep Guardiola and get as good a guarantee as you can get of winning major trophies.
With Guardiola leaving this summer, though, there is no longer that guarantee, even if Maresca is also a good manager, and this remains a City squad full of world class players.
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Arsenal are reigning Premier League champions and possibly the favourites to retain their title in 2026/27, so Bouaddi could do well to choose the Emirates Stadium for the next step in his career.
It’s not an easy decision, though, with City probably likely to be able to offer more money, while there’s actually also a lot of competition in Arsenal’s midfield at the moment.
The Gunners already have Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Myles Lewis-Skelly in that area of their squad, so there’s no guarantee Bouaddi would get regular minutes.
City, by contrast, probably need to start thinking about rebuilding their midfield a little bit as Rodri is not getting any younger and has had some injury problems in the last couple of years, with Bouaddi looking like an ideal long-term successor in that role.
Bournemouth’s ridiculous run of impressive transfers is set to continue, with Antonio Silva close to joining from Benfica.
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Benfica centre back Antonio Silva is close to agreeing a move to Bournemouth, Fabrizio Romano has claimed today. The Italian insider claims that there is an “agreement on personal terms” and that a club to club deal is “very close.”
The 22 year old came through the Eagles academy and has been a regular for their first team since 2022. After turning down their offer of a new contract, he’s opened the door to a big move. The transfer fee isn’t yet known – but given AC Milan’s €20m offer was rejected out of hand, we can only assume it’s €30m or more.
Silva ready for Premier League move
There’s no doubt that, after years of being linked with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, this is a bit of a step down for Silva. He’s also trading Champions League football and potential titles in Lisbon for a quieter life on the South Coast of England.
But it’s also clear that Bournemouth are a great shop window for players looking to break into the Premier League, and Silva’s stay could be pretty short if he impresses.
In other news…
Coventry City are close to a deal for Aurele Amenda, the Frankfurt central defender who has just returned from a spell at the World Cup with Switzerland.
One defender who came to the fore at the World Cup is already a major target for Bournemouth and Southampton – although Leeds look to have the lead in the chase for his signature.
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Swiss centre back Aurele Amenda is set to join Coventry for almost 20m according to the BBC’s report today.
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It’s been a slow start to the transfer window from newly-promoted Coventry, but they’re about to get into gear with a huge deal by their standards.
Nizaar Kinsella of the BBC is reporting that the Sky Blues are close to a £17m deal for Eintracht Frankfurt defender Aurele Amenda.
The Swiss centre back has just got back from the World Cup and is now able to engage fully with a potential deal. He will cost £15.4m up front, with another £1.7m in add-ons, and will sign a four year contract.
He has apparently been persuaded by a “strong pitch” from manager Frank Lampard.
Coventry add more quality in key position – but still lack goalkeeper deal
Coventry completed an even bigger deal for Burnley’s Loum Tchaouna this week, and made Frank Onyeka’s loan from Brentford permanent earlier this summer.
Once they get Amenda over the line, their priority will be securing goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, who was excellent on loan from Brighton last season. The Seagulls are asking for big money, however, and Coventry may have to turn to Chelsea backup Filip Jorgensen as an alternative, according to this report.
In other news…
One defender who came to the fore at the World Cup is already a major target for Bournemouth and Southampton – although Leeds look to have the lead in the chase for his signature.
While the fixture carries decades of history, its immediate importance lies in how the result will decide the final two matches of the tournament.
Argentina and England are set to renew one of soccer’s greatest rivalries in the 2026 World Cup semifinal, with the final result set to determine far more than just bragging rights. While the fixture carries decades of history, its immediate importance lies in how the result will decide the final two matches of the tournament.
La Albiceleste’s road to the semifinal has been anything but straightforward. After cruising through the group stage, Lionel Scaloni’s side survived an extra-time battle against Cape Verde, produced a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to defeat Egypt 3-2, and eventually overcame Switzerland 3-1 after extra time thanks to Julian Alvarez’s decisive strike.
England has also been forced to overcome difficult moments throughout the knockout stage. Thomas Tuchel’s squad eliminated DR Congo before edging Mexico 3-2 and then defeating Norway 3-2 after extra time, with Jude Bellingham once again proving decisive.
The semifinal also renews one of soccer’s most famous rivalries. The nations have not met since a 3-2 England victory in a 2005 friendly, while this will be their first World Cup encounter since the 2002 group stage, when David Beckham’s penalty separated the teams.
Date
Argentina’s Opponent
Stage
Result
July 11, 2026
Switzerland
Quarter-finals
Win (3-1 AET)
July 7, 2026
Egypt
Round of 16
Win (3-2)
July 3, 2026
Cabo Verde
Round of 32
Win (3-2 AET)
June 27, 2026
Jordan
Group Stage
Win (3-1)
June 22, 2026
Austria
Group Stage
Win (2-0)
June 16, 2026
Algeria
Group Stage
Win (3-0)
Both sides enter the contest with superstar forwards leading their attacks. Lionel Messi has scored eight goals during the tournament, while Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have each found the net six times, keeping the Golden Boot race alive heading into the final four.
Date
England’s Opponent
Stage
Result
July 11, 2026
Norway
Quarter-finals
Win (2-1 AET)
July 5, 2026
Mexico
Round of 16
Win (3-2)
July 1, 2026
DR Congo
Round of 32
Win (2-1)
June 27, 2026
Panama
Group Stage
Win (2-0)
June 23, 2026
Ghana
Group Stage
Tie (0-0)
June 17, 2026
Croatia
Group Stage
Win (4-2)
What happens if Argentina wins and England loses?
Should Argentina defeat England, regardless of whether the victory comes in regulation time, extra time, or penalties, the reigning world champion would advance to the 2026 World Cup Final.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates with Julian Alvarez #9 after scoring against Egypt.
Their reward would be a showdown against Spain, which booked its place by defeating France in the first semifinal. Victory over England would also keep alive Argentina’s dream of becoming the first nation in more than six decades to successfully defend the World Cup title.
England, meanwhile, would see its championship hopes end and instead prepare for the third-place playoff against France.
The Albiceleste enters the semifinal having survived several demanding knockout matches, including extra-time victories over Cape Verde and Switzerland, while also recovering from a two-goal deficit against Egypt.
What happens if the match is tied after 90 minutes?
Unlike league competitions, a draw cannot be the final result in a World Cup semifinal. If the score remains level after 90 minutes, two 15-minute periods of extra time will immediately follow. Should neither team break the deadlock after 120 minutes, the semifinal would be settled by a penalty shootout.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina take a penalty kick
This scenario would significantly increase the physical demands on both squads, especially considering each side has already endured exhausting knockout encounters during the tournament. The eventual winner of the shootout would advance to face Spain, while the defeated side would move into the third-place match against France.
Date
Competition
H2H Result
November 12, 2005
International Friendly
Argentina 2-3 England
June 7, 2002
FIFA World Cup (Group Stage)
Argentina 0-1 England
February 23, 2000
International Friendly
England 0-0 Argentina
June 30, 1998
FIFA World Cup (Round of 16)
Argentina 2-2 England (Argentina won 4-3 on penalties)
May 24, 1991
England Challenge Cup
England 2-2 Argentina
What happens if Argentina loses and England loses?
An England victory would send the Three Lions into their first World Cup final since 1966, where they would challenge Spain for the trophy.
Harry Kane #9 of England celebrates with teammates Declan Rice #4 and Anthony Gordon #18.
For Argentina, defeat would immediately end hopes of retaining the title. Instead of competing for a fourth World Cup crown, Lionel Scaloni’s squad would face France in the third-place playoff scheduled before the championship match.
Such a result would also halt the team’s remarkable run of knockout success since lifting the trophy in Qatar four years earlier. While finishing third would still represent a strong tournament, it would fall short of the expectations surrounding the reigning champion.
Andrea Pirlo’s presence on the shortlist to become Italy’s next head coach has drawn a note of caution from Antonello Valentini, with the former FIGC director general insisting the Azzurri are in no position to take risks.
Speaking to TuttoMercatoWeb radio, Valentini addressed the four-man list reportedly outlined by federation president Giovanni Malagò: Roberto Mancini, Antonio Conte, Pirlo and Pep Guardiola.
“For me Pirlo is a gamble, and we cannot afford gambles. Mancini and Conte are two certainties,” he said. “Guardiola is a great coach, but not one suited to a national team, because he needs time, intense daily work. A national side gathers on average every 45 to 50 days.”
The calendar, he argued, leaves no margin for error. “We can no longer gamble, we have to go with certainty,” he added, pointing to six Nations League fixtures against Belgium, Turkey and France in the autumn, ahead of December’s Euro 2028 qualifying draw.
AL RAYYAN, QATAR – JANUARY 25: Roberto Mancini, Head Coach of Saudi Arabia reacts during the AFC Asian Cup Group F match between Saudi Arabia and Thailand at Education City Stadium on January 25, 2024 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Valentini backs Mancini and Conte for Italy job after Pirlo doubts
On the two frontrunners, Valentini addressed the reservations attached to each.
“Conte is certainly a winning coach, but he has to make peace with himself, the Federation doesn’t need a coach for two years or eighteen months, it needs to open a new technical era,” he said.
As for Mancini’s 2023 walkout for Saudi Arabia: “Enough with this ethical life sentence. He understood he made a mistake, he repented, he apologised. He won a European Championship and had 37 consecutive results without defeat.”
The decision now rests with Malagò and new technical director Paolo Maldini, whose appointment alongside advisor Leonardo last week marked the first step of the federation’s rebuild after a third straight World Cup missed. Valentini, for his part, has made his order of preference plain.
Juventus have added Folarin Balogun to their list of centre-forward options, with the former Arsenal striker under internal discussion as the club’s pursuit of Randal Kolo Muani reaches a critical stage.
According to Tuttosport, Kolo Muani remains Luciano Spalletti’s first choice, but prising him from PSG will require an improved offer: Juventus can get close to €40 million in total, without quite reaching it, and guaranteeing the bonus portion may be the signal needed to convince Luis Campos that the Bianconeri mean business.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 04: Randal Kolo Muani of Tottenham in action during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 04, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Balogun gives Juventus alternatives to Kolo Muani
Balogun fits the profile Spalletti has drawn up: physical, sharp in space and, above all, a finisher.
The American scored 19 goals in 43 games for Monaco last season, including a Champions League brace against PSG, and boasts an excellent availability record, missing just one match through injury.
Monaco, however, intend to fund their own market with his sale and have set a minimum price of €50 million, hoping interest builds into an auction.
The Milan Public Prosecutor has announced the dismissal of the case against ex-referee designator Gianluca Rocchi, his deputy Andrea Gervasoni and Inter, who had come under scrutiny over alleged attempts to influence the appointment of referees.
No player or coach from any Italian team was known to be under investigation, but Inter had been under scrutiny, with suspicions that some of Rocchi’s referee appointments were made to please the Nerazzurri and to avoid match officials they didn’t like.
As reported by Gazzetta, Inter simultaneously entered into the register of suspects, but the proceedings against the club were immediately dismissed.
The main allegation against Rocchi, however, was that he put external pressure to influence VAR decisions during some Serie A matches.
Rocchi voluntarily stepped down during the investigation and was first replaced by Dino Tommasi and then by Daniele Orsato.
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Referee Gianluca Rocchi during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Chelsea FC and AFC Ajax at Stamford Bridge on November 05, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
In an official statement, quoted by Gazzetta, the Public Prosecutor’s Office said it had “requested that the Preliminary Investigations Judge dismiss the criminal proceedings concerning the offence under Articles 81 (continued offence) and 110 of the Italian Criminal Code, and Article 1, paragraph 1, of Law No. 401/1989, in relation to the alleged attempts to influence the selection or exclusion of match officials.”
With the same statement, the Milan Prosecutor’s Office said it had transferred the case file to the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Monza regarding allegations relating to incidents that occurred in the VAR operations room.
Copies of the case file were also sent to both the Federal Prosecutor’s Office of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI).
The investigation did not identify any structured scheme designed to influence the referee appointments.
The criminal investigation has been closed, but the review of the evidence relating to alleged influence on VAR will continue with the Monza Prosecutor’s Office examining the conduct of Luigi Nasca and Stefano Di Vuono, while Daniele Paterna’s position will continue to be examined in Milan.
The Federal Prosecutor’s Office has received the case files to determine whether the facts may constitute violations of sporting regulations, although that appears unlikely given that no sporting investigation had previously been opened.
Reports in Italy claim that Tottenham defender Djed Spence would be more expensive than Anan Khalaili for Inter, but the Nerazzurri are still willing to open talks with Spurs.
Inter are looking for a replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who has joined Real Madrid after the Merengues agreed to match his €20m release clause.
Inter ready to enter talks with Tottenham for Spence
Gazzetta, Sky Sport Italia and Corriere dello Sport claim that Spence is quickly becoming Inter’s favourite target, although the Nerazzurri are still assessing and have a long shortlist, which includes Strasbourg’s Guela Doué, among others.
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – JULY 05: Djed Spence #25 of England clears the ball in front of Santiago Gimenez #11 of Mexico during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Mexico and England at Mexico City Stadium on July 05, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
These sources claim that Spence would be more expensive than €25m-30m, the fee that the Nerazzurri were ready to invest to sign Khalaili, who was ready to complete a permanent €25m deal plus €5m add-ons.
Despite that, according to Sky, the Nerazzurri are still determined to enter talks with Tottenham.
Informal contacts have already taken place and even involved Cristian Romero, but the Argentine centre-back would be even more expensive than Spence as Spurs have demanded €50m.
Leeds are advancing strongly to pick up one of the World Cup’s breakout young players for a hefty fee.
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Leeds United’s big move of the summer so far was signing Harry Wilson on a free transfer, but the Whites are closing in on a far higher priced deal.
MOTLeeds says that Tarik Muharemovic is close to joining for £34m. Half of that fee will go to his current club Sassuolo, and the other half to Juventus.
The young centre back impressed with Bosnia at the World Cup, and will be one of the big transfer winners of this summer’s tournament. Sunderland and Bournemouth are also linked, but it seems Leeds are further ahead in their arrangements.
Shea Charles wanted by Leeds despite big bids for Bosnia man
The piece stresses that any deal for Muharemovic won’t affect Daniel Farke’s team’s long standing interest in Shea Charles of Southampton.
Their bidding is up to £30m for the midfielder, but they are able to buy both if their offers are accepted. The sale of Pascal Struijk to Brighton has freed up some liquid spending money which will allow them to continue to reshape their squad.
Get both deals over the line and Leeds will be looking a very interesting prospect for next season.
Newcastle are front of the queue for Dodo, the flying Brazilian full back from Fiorentina wanted by Nottingham Forest.
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Newcastle have been selling big players this summer, and definitely need to start bringing some new blood in to make up for it.
One very interesting deal they’re being linked with is one for Fiorentina full back Dodo. The Brazilian is full of talent, if a little inconsistent, but is available at a low enough price to get teams interesting in taking a risk. A report from SportWitness today puts Newcastle at the front of the queue, ahead of Nottingham Forest, and says they would only have to pay €16m.
Fiorentina offering full back to teams around Europe
The key factor behind the former Shakhtar man’s low price is his contract situation. He only had a year left on his deal with the Serie A side, so they know they need to sell now if they want any money back for him.
That means Dodo is being “offered around,” and if Newcastle don’t take him, it seems likely someone else will. The report says that Serie A teams have thus far not been interested, but if Fiorentina continue to struggle to sell and the price comes down further, that may change.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Italy’s technical director Paolo Maldini is determined to involve Gianluigi Buffon in his project, offering the former goalkeeper a primary role within the Azzurri.
Newly-appointed Italy technical director Maldini wants to include Buffon in his Azzurri project, according to Gazzetta.
Buffon given a new Italy role by Maldini?
The report claims that Buffon will be offered a primary role within Club Italia, the Body that oversees the activity of the national teams, from the youth sectors to the first team.
Buffon resigned following the Azzurri’s defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off final this past March, alongside Gattuso and FIGC President Gabriele Gravina.
Gazzetta claims that Buffon will soon be contacted by Maldini.
Buffon previously served as Italy’s Delegation Chief under Luciano Spalletti and Gennaro Gattuso, but the offer he will receive from FIGC concerns a different role for the legendary goalkeeper.
UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Gianluigi Buffon, Head of Delegation of Italy, looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Gazzetta also confirms that Andrea Pirlo, who won the 2006 World Cup with Italy alongside Buffon, remains Maldini’s favourite option to become the new Nazionale coach.
The FIGC confirmed Maldini’s appointment as Italy’s technical director last Saturday, with the ex-defender joined by his former Milan teammate Leonardo, serving as an advisor.
Aston Villa target Pervis Estupiñán isn’t the only player expected to leave Milan this summer, as the Rossoneri are preparing for more sales, hoping to raise €150m this summer, reports Gazzetta.
After securing the signatures of Gonçalo Ramos and Mario Gila for a combined fee of around €50m, Milan are now working on exits.
Aston Villa in advanced talks for Estupinan
The more advanced situation concerns Estupinan with the Rossoneri in advanced talks with Aston Villa.
There have been mixed reports on the Rossoneri’s asking price, with SportMediset claiming that the ex-Brighton defender can leave for €18m, while Gazzetta insists that the price is €20m.
The pink paper, however, adds that Milan might eventually be satisfied with selling the 28-year-old for €15m, the same fee they are expected to demand for Fikayo Tomori.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Pervis Estupinan of AC Milan walks off after receiving a red card during the Serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Other players are not part of Ruben Amorim’s plans, especially in central midfield.
Milan will listen to offers for Youssouf Fofana, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Warren Bondo, while winger Rafael Leao is on the market for €60m, but hasn’t yet received formal offers from any club, especially from Europe’s top five leagues.
According to Gazzetta, Milan aim to raise around €150m from player sales this summer in order to improve their financial situation after failing to qualify for the Champions League, but also to boost their budget for new signings.
Chelsea want Crystal Palace’s centre back and Palace may want Chelsea’s as a replacement. The solution is obvious.
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Chelsea and Crystal Palace have done a fair bit of business over the last few years, and that doesn’t look like it’s changing anytime soon.
The two clubs are both locked in talks over central defenders that could see them effectively change players. Chelsea insider Simon Phillips’ piece about the Blues’ plans for Trevoh Chalobah reveals all.
Chelsea and Palace have transfer arrangement fall into their lap
The defender was at Palace on loan two years ago and really impressed, before being recalled. Chelsea are now willing to sell permanently, while they’re keen to sign Maxence Lacroix from the Eagles.
The obvious solution is for each to sign the defender from the other. They can even mutually inflate the asking prices as a nice little PSR boost. Of course it’s not easy to pull off, and it would require both players to be keen on the move, but we can well imagine both sides are exploring that idea.
Lacroix was only eliminated at the World Cup last night, while Chalobah is still with England. That has slowed things, but the next couple of weeks will be very interesting.
In other news…
Another experienced Premier League defender could be on the move, with West Ham likely forced into a sale after their relegation.
Christos Tzolis is a major target for Arsenal, and he’s available at what sounds like a pretty reasonable price for a player with that much talent.
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West Ham will do all they can to keep hold of their fan favourite defender – but growing interest will make that very hard.
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West Ham’s relegation was always going to mean sales, and some of their best and brightest players have already gone.
There is still more damage to be done however, and a report today from Football Insider says that the next to go could be a defender who made himself into something of a cult hero over the last 12 months.
Konsantinos Mavropanos wasn’t able to stop the Hammers going down, but his efforts didn’t go unnoticed. The 28 year old earned himself a good reputation with the fans – and with other teams who are interested in buying him.
Mavropanos wanted by teams across Europe
The report claims that West Ham wikll do “everything in their power” to keep hold of him, but Premier League and Bundesliga teams want him. It’s judged to be “very difficult” to keep hold of him.
The strong, experienced defender would be key to any effort West Ham wanted to make to come straight back up – the next few weeks are likely to be crucial if they want to persuade him.
In other news…
Christos Tzolis is a major target for Arsenal, and he’s available at what sounds like a pretty reasonable price for a player with that much talent.
Everton want to re-sign Jack Grealish after his successes in the first half of last season, but are struggling to put together an offer that will convince Man City.
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Arsenal are stepping up their chase for Christos Tzolis, with the attacker looking the perfect replacement for Leandro Trossard.
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Leandro Trossard’s move from Arsenal to Besiktas has been confirmed – and now it’s the turn of the Gunners to accelerate plans for his replacement.
That’s just what they’re about to do, according to Ben Jacobs. He says that the Gunners are moving for Christos Tzolis of Club Brugge, and are being told to pay something between £30m and £35m. Jacobs says the Belgian side are “willing to sell this summer.”
The player has “informed Arsenal he wants to join.”
Tzolis has shown he’s ready for big step up
If Arsenal really can get him for £30m, that would seem like an exceptional bargain. Given how much Premier League teams are paying for totally unproven youngsters these days, that’s a very reasonable fee for someone who has proved to be incredibly productive.
Of course he will be stepping up a level, but he’s shown more than enough to indicate he’s ready for that. If Arsenal don’t take the plunge, it feels a lot like someone else will.
Their pursuit of Morgan Rogers, at a far higher price point, is unrelated, according to Jacobs.
In other news…
Everton want to re-sign Jack Grealish after his successes in the first half of last season, but are struggling to put together an offer that will convince Man City.
Manchester United are considering reigniting their interest in Carlos Baleba, who Brighton are increasingly willing to sell at the right price.
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Paolo Maldini’s appointment as Italy’s technical director has generated positive reactions nationwide, with fans and Azzurri legends alike expressing confidence and excitement.
Italy’s football federation (FIGC) confirmed Maldini’s appointment on Saturday night, announcing that the ex-defender will be joined by Leonardo, who has been hired as an advisor.
Italy turned the World Cup into a TV event for the third consecutive time; meanwhile, MelBet Tanzania kept football fans entertained with a thrilling tournament, which has seen France, Spain, Argentina and England qualify for the semi-finals.
Italy were desperate to rebuild, and Maldini’s appointment marks the start of a new project that will see the Azzurri legend take on a commanding role.
Along with Leonardo, Maldini will identify the ideal candidate to coach the Italian national team. Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini are seen as the frontrunners, but other names are starting to emerge in the Italian media, even some intriguing ones like Pep Guardiola and Didier Deschamps.
While waiting for a new coach, the first big decision by the new FIGC President, Giovanni Malagò, has undoubtedly garnered significant approval.
Dino Zoff, who coached Maldini during Euro 2000, which the Azzurri lost in the Final to France, said: “Paolo has given so much for our football, to Milan in particular but also for the national team. He was also one of my players when I was in charge and I can’t forget his father Cesare either, who was Bearzot’s assistant when I won the World Cup in 1982.
“Maldini is a perfect appointment in terms of character, charisma and competence. I also understand the choice of Leonardo as an advisor. It’s right that a leader surrounds himself with people he trusts.”
A 1982 Italy World Cup winner, Zoff is confident Maldini will make a wise decision regarding the new Italy head coach: “Maldini has to be free to follow his beliefs, without external interference,” he said.
Zoff was echoed by ex-Milan star Alessandro Costacurta, who spent many years with Maldini and won numerous trophies at San Siro.
“This is great news for Italian football, because we have brought in one of the most illuminated and sincere people in the sport,” said the former defender.
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 16: AC Milan Sporting Strategy & Development Director Paolo Maldini and AC Milan Club Sporting Director Leonardo De Araujo before the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia on February 16, 2019 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Malagò made the best possible choice. In fact, picking Maldini is perhaps more important than choosing the new coach.
Leonardo is more of a dreamer, a visionary, whereas Paolo is more practical, looks to his knowledge and instinct,” Costacurta concluded.
“The best thing about them is that they listen to each other, despite starting from different ideas, and always manage to find a common solution.”
Antonio Conte refuses to comment on speculation regarding his possible appointment as Italy coach, but praises two of his ex-strikers, Harry Kane and Lautaro Martinez, who will meet in the World Cup semifinal tonight.
Conte left Napoli in May after spending two seasons at the Stadio Maradona.
One of the most successful Italian coaches of the last decade, Conte has long been linked with the Italy job this summer, but, following Paolo Maldini’s appointment as technical director, Conte no longer seems one of the top options for the Azzurri.
Conte gave an interview to Gazzetta dello Sport while on holiday with his family. The pink paper said that Conte agreed to talk to their reporter as long as the conversation did not concern his future.
“Now, I’m happy like this,” he said.
Conte did talk about the World Cup, also focusing on two of his ex-strikers, Kane and Lautaro Martinez.
“Harry [Kane] is a great No.9, but he’s almost a No.10 too,” Conte said.
“He understands the movements; he knows when to drop deep and play as a playmaker. He’s a fantastic player, with great quality and technique. It was unfair that he had never won anything, and at Bayern Munich, he’s getting the satisfaction he deserves. Who knows, maybe he can do the same with the national team. Kane is a leader in his own way. Perhaps not with words, but inside the game. His teammates look for him because they trust him, and he never lets them down.”
Conte coached Kane at Tottenham and had previously won the Serie A title at Inter, coaching Lautaro Martinez.
Conte said he was impressed with the Argentine’s “continuous growth, as well as charisma and personality.”
“There’s an Inter with Lautaro and an Inter without Lautaro. His presence shifts the balance,” continued the Italian tactician.
“Lautaro’s contribution to Argentina’s third goal against Egypt went somewhat unnoticed, but it was incredible. He carried the ball up the pitch, protected it, gave Enzo Fernandez enough time to arrive and delivered a perfect cross. You don’t expect that kind of play from a No.9.
“Lautaro, like Julian Alvarez, understood that he could still be important even if only for a few minutes. They accepted the situation by putting their egos aside and prioritising the team’s needs. Credit to both of them, and to Scaloni for convincing them.
Inevitably, however, the brightest Argentine star is once again Leo Messi.
“He’s gone beyond expectations, once more,” noted Conte.
“He has arrived in incredible shape, which once again proves his incredible professionalism and desire. Leo has the brainpower to always be in the right place because he predicts what will happen.”
COMO, ITALY – MAY 02: SSC Napoli coach Antonio Conte looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
At the end of the interview, the journalist still tried to know more about Conte’s potential return as Italy coach.
“Too many things have been said. It’s time for action, not for talk and politics,” the ex-Napoli, Juventus and Inter boss replied.
“We cannot miss three World Cups in a row. A feat has been accomplished, but in reverse.”
Spain have now gone 37 consecutive games unbeaten, equalling Italy’s record under Roberto Mancini, and will overtake the Azzurri if they win the World Cup.
Spain beat France 2-0 on Tuesday to become the first finalist of the 2026 World Cup.
Italy and Spain share an unbeaten record
La Roja will meet the winner of Argentina vs England in the Final next Sunday.
AL RAYYAN, QATAR – JANUARY 25: Roberto Mancini, Head Coach of Saudi Arabia reacts during the AFC Asian Cup Group F match between Saudi Arabia and Thailand at Education City Stadium on January 25, 2024 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
As Gazzetta highlights, Spain have now been unbeaten in the last 37 matches across all competitions, matching the record set by Mancini’s Italy between 2018 and 2021.
This means that Spain will beat Italy’s record if they win the World Cup.
Luis De La Fuente has selected no Serie A players in his Spain team for the 2026 World Cup.
They have scored 13 goals at the 2026 World Cup so far, conceding just once, from Atalanta star Charles De Ketelaere in a quarter-final clash against Belgium.
Spain have already broken one of Italy’s World Cup records this summer, with goalkeeper Unai Simón going unbeaten for more than 519 minutes and surpassing Walter Zenga’s mark, which had stood for 36 years.
Arsenal’s attacking rebuild is gathering pace, with Mikel Arteta prepared to make several difficult decisions after guiding the club to the Premier League title.
Rather than allowing successful players to remain because of past contributions, the Gunners appear determined to refresh the squad and create room for younger or more reliable attacking options.
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The departure of Leandro Trossard has already changed the picture on the left wing, while another experienced forward could now follow him out of the Emirates.
Injuries and increased competition have reduced his importance, leaving Arsenal ready to listen to offers before his contract expires.
AC Milan emerge as leading contenders for Jesus
According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal are actively trying to sell Gabriel Jesus, with AC Milan currently among the strongest contenders for his signature.
The 29-year-old has entered the final year of his contract, and the Gunners are reportedly prepared to consider proposals worth around £20 million.
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Jesus made only 14 Premier League appearances last season, scoring six goals, and now finds himself behind Viktor Gyökeres and Kai Havertz in Arteta’s attacking hierarchy.
Milan have made contact, while Juventus, Atlético Madrid and clubs in Turkey are also understood to have explored the situation.
A move to Italy could appeal to the Brazilian. Football Italia recently reported that Jesus had spoken positively about Serie A, admitting that playing in Italian football had been a childhood dream.
His experience, movement and ability to cover several forward positions could make him a useful option for Milan.
Jesus could become the second experienced attacker to leave Arsenal this summer.
Leandro Trossard has left the club to join Besiktas after Arsenal agreed a transfer worth approximately £17m.
Sky Sports reported that the Belgian was given permission to travel to Istanbul and complete the move after recording 36 goals in 174 Arsenal appearances.
Liverpool face a delicate decision over one of their homegrown midfielders as Inter Milan continue testing their resolve.
The Italian champions have returned with an improved proposal, but the Reds are refusing to lower their valuation despite the player entering the final year of his contract.
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The situation is about more than a £3m difference. Liverpool must balance the risk of losing a useful squad member for nothing next summer against the value of keeping an experienced, locally developed player during Andoni Iraola’s first season in charge.
Inter, meanwhile, appear confident that their persistence could eventually force a compromise.
Liverpool hold firm despite improved offer from Inter
According to talkSPORT, Liverpool have rejected Inter’s latest offer of approximately £27m for Curtis Jones.
The proposal was closer to the Reds’ reported £30m asking price than Inter’s previous bid of around £21.6m, but it was still dismissed.
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However, Liverpool’s new head coach reportedly values his versatility and wants to assess him during pre-season before approving any departure.
This Is Anfield has reported that Iraola would like Jones to remain beyond the coming campaign, suggesting a new contract could still become possible if the midfielder earns an important role under the Spaniard.
Contract situation leaves Reds facing a major gamble
Liverpool cannot ignore the financial risk. Jones’ current agreement expires in 2027, and The Guardian previously reported that extension talks had failed to produce an agreement.
Inter may therefore believe Liverpool’s position will weaken as the transfer deadline approaches.
Liverpool are right to reject £27m because the gap to their asking price is small enough for Inter to bridge.
Jones is Premier League-proven, homegrown and capable of covering several midfield roles, so accepting a discounted offer would make little sense.
However, the Reds must quickly decide whether they genuinely intend to extend his contract. Keeping him for one season and then losing him for free would be poor business.
If Inter reach £30m and Jones makes it clear he wants the move, Liverpool should accept the deal and reinvest rather than allow the situation to drag on.
Arsenal are continuing to reshape their attack after Leandro Trossard’s departure, with another high-level wide forward now under serious consideration.
Mikel Arteta wants more pace, unpredictability and goals from the left side as the Gunners prepare to defend their Premier League title and challenge again in Europe.
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Morgan Rogers has been one of Arsenal’s leading targets throughout the window because of his versatility, physical strength and proven Premier League quality.
However, Aston Villa’s enormous valuation has forced sporting director Andrea Berta to examine other possibilities rather than allowing one negotiation to delay the club’s wider plans.
Arsenal consider French star as Rogers’ alternative
According to Daily Mail, Arsenal are turning their attention towards Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola as a possible alternative to Rogers.
The France international can play from either flank and would give Arteta a more natural wide option capable of stretching defences with his speed and direct running.
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The Frenchman has been crucial for PSG in their two Champions League wins in the last two seasons.
The main reason for Arsenal’s change of focus is the financial difficulty surrounding Rogers. Sky Sports reported that Villa would demand a British-record fee of around £130m before considering negotiations.
With the 23-year-old under a long-term contract, Villa have little reason to accept a discounted offer.
PSG stance means alternative is not straightforward
Barcola may not be easy to sign either. talkSPORT reported that PSG do not currently consider him available, although their position could change depending on further attacking arrivals.
Barcola could actually suit Arsenal’s immediate requirements better than Rogers. He is a specialist winger with explosive pace and would bring a different threat to an attack that can occasionally become too predictable.
Rogers is more Premier League-proven and can influence matches from several positions, but paying £130m would place enormous pressure on both the player and Arsenal’s remaining transfer budget.
Liverpool’s defensive recruitment could lead them towards a familiar Premier League name following his impressive role in England’s World Cup campaign.
The Reds need greater depth across the back line, particularly players capable of covering more than one position without forcing Andoni Iraola to completely change his system.
A homegrown defender with pace, international experience and the ability to operate on either flank would address several needs at once.
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His tournament performances have increased his profile, but they may also make a potential agreement with Tottenham more expensive and considerably harder to negotiate.
Liverpool continue to monitor long term target
According to Anfield Watch, Liverpool have monitored Djed Spence since his loan spell with Rennes in 2023.
Their scouts were initially watching Désiré Doué but also assessed Spence, who reportedly performed particularly well when facing the talented French winger.
Liverpool’s interest has never developed into a formal offer, although the club have continued tracking his progress and would consider acting if a realistic market opportunity appeared.
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Spence’s performances for England have strengthened his reputation.
The Times reports that he has appeared in all six of England’s matches on their way to the semi-final, starting twice and coming off the bench four times.
His speed and one-on-one defending have made him a useful tactical option for Thomas Tuchel, including during the 2-1 quarter-final victory over Norway.
Tottenham are in a strong position regarding Spence
Spence can play as a right-back, left-back or wing-back, while his homegrown status would also help Liverpool meet squad-registration requirements.
Those qualities make him an attractive option for a team needing reliable defensive cover.
However, Tottenham confirmed in August 2025 that he had signed a new long-term contract, leaving Spurs under no pressure to sell. His strong World Cup could further increase their valuation.
Spence would be a smart signing for Liverpool because he provides pace, flexibility and Premier League experience. He would strengthen the squad without needing a lengthy adaptation period.
Still, Liverpool should not overpay after a handful of impressive tournament appearances.
Maldini and Malagò want Buffon in Club Italia. Pirlo is increasingly favourite to become the new coach
Goodbye France
Spain into the final after 16 years
Blues irrecognizable: Mbappé’s flop. Oyarzabal’s penalty and Porro’s goal decide the game. England-Argentina tonight.
Modric, here we are: one-year renewal ready
Inter all over Spence: Tottenham ask for 35m
Conte: ‘Kane-Lautaro, I’ll explain to you, my hitmen.’
Corriere dello Sport
Nothing goes anymore: France darkness, Deschamps era over, Spain into the Final
Mbappé and Dembélé out: Messi, the obstacle is Kane
Allegri: ‘I’ll compensate you.’
From the Scudetto taken from Sarri in 2018 to the new objectives: ‘I’m here to give something back. The club thinks about the transfers. A company man? That’s a compliment. I won’t reply to Cardinale. I’m sorry for how it went.’
Inter between Doué and Spence
Milan call Mazraoui
Muha makes Juve rich
Rocchi’s case is to be dismissed
Tuttosport
Spanish coup: Surprise at the World Cup, no Final for the France of phenomenons
Spalletti dreams of Balogun
Muharemovic unlocks the Juventus market: not just Kolo and Pellegrino for the attack.
The Bosnian’s sale to Leeds is about to boost the Bianconeri’s finances with €20m following the agreement with Sassuolo. Monaco ask for at least €50m for the American; the coach hopes for a coup. Emery blocks Dibu to Villa: turn to Vicario. Kessié flirts.
Absurd: Toro fans banned from friendlies
Giuntoli against Marotta: ‘Palestra, we behaved well.’
Liverpool’s search for a new elite winger appears to be gathering momentum as the club continues planning for the next phase of its attack.
Finding someone capable of eventually replacing Mohamed Salah’s goals and influence is an enormous challenge, so the Reds have been assessing several young forwards with pace, creativity and room to develop.
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Their latest move suggests one of Europe’s most exciting wide players has become a serious option rather than simply another name on the shortlist.
However, Paris Saint-Germain remain in a powerful negotiating position and would demand a huge package before allowing an important member of their squad to leave.
Liverpool reopen talks with French champions
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have made fresh contact with PSG regarding a potential summer transfer for Bradley Barcola.
The 23-year-old’s representatives are reportedly exploring possible moves, and the France international would be interested in discussing the opportunity to join Liverpool.
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The interest has grown since Liverpool encountered difficulties in their pursuit of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande.
Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh, Köln’s Said El Mala and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo are being considered as alternatives.
Barcola would offer speed, direct running and flexibility across the front line. He is most comfortable attacking from the left, but his movement and technical quality could allow him to operate in several roles under Liverpool’s new system.
PSG have little reason to accept a modest offer. Their official player profile confirms that Barcola remains under contract until June 2028 after joining from Lyon in 2023.
With Arsenal also linked, Liverpool may need to pay well above £100m to take control of the race.
Barcola would be an exciting long-term addition, but Liverpool should not allow their need for a Salah successor to push them into an excessive deal.
He has enormous potential, yet he is not currently producing the extraordinary numbers that would automatically justify a British-record fee.
The Reds should continue discussions and establish PSG’s genuine selling price. If that figure remains unreasonable, moving quickly towards a more affordable alternative would be the smarter decision.
Arsenal’s pursuit of another elite attacker has produced an unexpected development, with the club exploring whether one of their current strikers could be used to unlock a blockbuster agreement.
Mikel Arteta remains determined to improve his forward line despite winning the Premier League last season, suggesting the Gunners are unwilling to stand still while their rivals strengthen.
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The proposed structure would reduce the cash required for an extremely expensive target, but it would also mean moving on from a major signing after only one campaign.
Arsenal must therefore decide whether this is a genuine opportunity to upgrade or an unnecessarily ruthless reaction to an inconsistent debut season.
Arsenal consider player exchange offer to sign Álvarez
According to talkSPORT, Arsenal have explored offering Viktor Gyökeres as part of negotiations for Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez.
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Álvarez is considered one of Arteta’s leading attacking targets because of his Premier League experience, pressing intensity and ability to operate as a central striker or supporting forward.
However, Atlético’s valuation remains a major obstacle.
FourFourTwo reports that Atlético would want more than £100m, while Arsenal have been reluctant to exceed £90m. Including Gyökeres could narrow that financial gap, although Atlético would still need to value the Sweden international highly enough for the structure to work.
Decision could define the attacking future of Arteta’s team
Álvarez has already indicated that he is open to leaving Madrid.
Reuters reported that the Argentina international had spoken with Atlético and expressed a desire to pursue a new challenge, although he has not publicly identified Arsenal as his preferred destination.
Arsenal should seriously pursue Álvarez, but sacrificing Gyökeres after one season would be a major call.
The Argentine is more versatile and better suited to Arteta’s fluid attacking system, yet Gyökeres could still improve considerably after fully adapting to English football.
A cash-plus-player deal makes sense only if Arsenal are convinced Álvarez is the final piece of their attack.
Otherwise, trading away a proven goalscorer while also paying a substantial fee could create more risk than value.
Manchester United’s failed pursuit of a new midfielder has created an unexpected opportunity for Atalanta.
A transfer that once appeared close to completion has now broken down, leaving the Serie A club working quickly to secure the long-term future of one of their most important players.
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For United, the situation highlights the risks involved when medical concerns appear during advanced negotiations.
For Atalanta, it provides an opportunity to turn a disappointing transfer setback into a positive outcome by rewarding the Brazilian and removing uncertainty around a contract approaching its final year.
Atalanta respond after Man United deal breaks down
According to journalist Nicolo Schira, Atalanta have proposed a new four-year contract to Ederson, with the option of an additional season.
The offer arrives after his expected move to Man United fell through and could keep the midfielder in Bergamo for the prime years of his career.
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Sky Sports reported that United had agreed a package worth approximately £37.8m but decided not to proceed at that price after concerns emerged during the medical process.
The transfer was not necessarily ruled out under completely different terms, but United had already started redirecting their midfield plans towards other targets.
The setback is significant because Ederson had been identified as a potential replacement for Casemiro. His physical strength, ball-winning ability and willingness to carry possession through midfield appeared well suited to Michael Carrick’s rebuilding project.
Football Italia reported that Ederson’s current Atalanta agreement expires in 2027 and that the club now want to improve both its length and financial terms.
A successful renewal would strengthen Atalanta’s negotiating position and make any future transfer considerably more expensive.
Man United were right not to ignore concerns raised during the medical. Even a talented player can become an expensive mistake if the club commits a major fee and long contract without complete confidence in his fitness.
However, United should also avoid treating Ederson as damaged goods when Atalanta clearly believe he is healthy enough to receive a substantial new deal.
The collapse may simply reflect two clubs making different assessments of risk.
Tottenham Hotspur have joined the growing battle for one of the Premier League’s most dependable and versatile defenders.
Spurs are looking to strengthen their options across the back line, and targeting a player capable of operating on either flank would give them valuable protection during a demanding domestic and European campaign.
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The move would also represent a relatively low-risk piece of recruitment.
Rather than signing someone who needs time to adjust to English football, Tottenham would be bringing in an established international who has already demonstrated his durability, energy and tactical flexibility at Premier League level.
Tottenham enter crowded race for Forest defender
According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham have entered the race to sign Nottingham Forest full-back Neco Williams.
Williams enjoyed an excellent 2025/26 campaign and was voted Forest’s Player of the Season by the club’s supporters.
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Nottingham Forest’s official website praised his consistency after he established himself as one of their most reliable performers.
His ability to play at right-back, left-back or wing-back is a major part of the attraction. Tottenham would be gaining someone who can provide competition on both sides while also allowing the manager to switch formations without making major personnel changes.
Long contract gives Forest control of negotiations
Completing the transfer will not be straightforward because Forest are under no immediate pressure to sell.
The club confirmed in July 2025 that Williams had signed a new contract lasting until the summer of 2029.
That agreement, combined with interest from three major Premier League clubs, means Forest can demand a strong fee or simply refuse to negotiate.
Williams would be a sensible addition for Tottenham. He may not be a glamorous signing, but his availability, intensity and positional flexibility could make him extremely useful over a long season.
However, Spurs should avoid getting dragged into an expensive bidding war. Williams would improve the squad, but he may not arrive as a guaranteed starter.
Tottenham should test Forest’s position with a realistic proposal and move quickly if the price is reasonable.
Arsenal’s plans to refresh their forward line are gathering momentum, with the club now considering a significant move for one of the standout young attackers from the 2026 World Cup.
Mikel Arteta wants greater pace and unpredictability from the left flank as the Gunners prepare to defend their Premier League title and compete for the Champions League.
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Leandro Trossard’s departure has created an immediate opening, while uncertainty surrounding Gabriel Martinelli’s future means Arsenal may need more than one wide attacking option.
The latest target would offer explosive dribbling, positional flexibility and considerable resale potential, although RB Leipzig’s valuation could create a difficult negotiation.
Arsenal ready to test Leipzig with an opening offer
Sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffsidethat Arsenal are preparing an offer worth around €40m for Antonio Nusa this month.
The Norway international’s performances at the World Cup strengthened the club’s interest, with the 21-year-old viewed as a possible long-term solution on the left.
That opening figure is unlikely to satisfy Leipzig. Get German Football News reports that the Bundesliga side want at least €60m, with Newcastle, Juventus and several other European clubs also monitoring his situation.
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Leipzig would prefer to retain Nusa, but their stance could change if a major offer arrives.
Nusa helped Norway reach the World Cup quarter-finals and produced one of the tournament’s memorable individual moments with a brilliant goal against Ivory Coast.
His ability to beat defenders and carry the ball through pressure would give Arsenal a different threat from their more possession-focused attackers.
Trossard exit adds urgency to Mikel Arteta’s plans
Arsenal have already confirmed an agreement for Trossard to join Besiktas in a deal worth approximately £17m.
Sky Sports reported that the Belgian was permitted to travel to Istanbul for his medical after contributing 36 goals across 174 Arsenal appearances.
Nusa would be an exciting replacement because he offers youth, directness and genuine one-against-one quality. His relationship with Norway captain Martin Ødegaard could also help him settle quickly in north London.
However, Arsenal should not jump from €40m to €60m without careful negotiation.
Nusa remains a developing player rather than a guaranteed starter, and intense competition could inflate the fee beyond his current level.
Arsenal should test Leipzig’s resolve, but remain disciplined. At the right price, this could be an excellent long-term signing, at €60m or more, it becomes a much riskier gamble.
Manchester United’s defensive planning has come under fresh scrutiny after reports in Spain linked one of Michael Carrick’s most trusted centre-backs with Atlético Madrid.
The Argentine remains highly regarded at Old Trafford, but his injury record and contract situation mean the club may eventually face a difficult decision.
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A departure would still be surprising. His aggression, leadership and ability to play progressive passes from defence give United qualities that are not easily replaced.
However, with only one guaranteed year remaining on his deal, the club cannot completely ignore outside interest or allow uncertainty to continue deep into the new season.
Atletico link raises questions over Man United future
According to El Chiringuito TV, Lisandro Martínez has been offered to Atlético Madrid while representing Argentina at the World Cup.
The report does not clarify whether United initiated the approach, whether intermediaries are testing the market or whether Atlético intend to submit a formal proposal.
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Martínez’s original transfer announcement on Man United’s official website confirmed that he signed until June 2027, with the club holding an option to extend his contract for another season.
That clause means United are not under immediate pressure to sell, although discussions about his longer-term future should become a priority.
The biggest concern remains his availability. Martínez has endured several significant injury setbacks since arriving from Ajax, preventing him from building consistent momentum despite his importance when fit.
Carrick has continued to support him publicly. Sky Sports showed the United manager strongly defending Martínez following a controversial red card in April, underlining the trust that appears to exist between the pair.
United should reject any approach unless Atlético submit a major offer and Martínez makes it clear that he wants to leave.
When fully fit, he remains one of the club’s best defenders and provides personality that would be difficult to replace.
The smartest move would be to retain control through the extension clause and begin renewal talks. Selling an influential defender without a clear replacement would create another problem in a squad Carrick is still rebuilding.
Arsenal are moving closer to strengthening the left side of their attack, with club-to-club discussions expected to gather pace over a deal worth up to £35 million.
The Gunners want greater depth and directness in wide areas as Mikel Arteta prepares his squad for another demanding Premier League and Champions League campaign.
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The proposed transfer appears to be progressing independently of Arsenal’s pursuit of a more established attacking star.
That suggests the club view the winger as a squad-strengthening addition rather than the single headline signing expected to transform Arteta’s forward line.
Arsenal receive major boost to sign the winger
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Christos Tzolis has informed Arsenal that he wants to join the club.
Negotiations with Club Brugge are now expected to accelerate, with the final transfer fee likely to fall between £30m and £35m depending on the payment structure.
Club Brugge are reportedly prepared to sell despite the Greece international being tied to a long-term contract.
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The Belgian club confirmed last year that Tzolis had extended his agreement until 2029 after registering 21 goals and 16 assists across his first 56 appearances.
That contract gives Brugge a strong negotiating position, but the player’s desire to move should help Arsenal’s efforts.
The 24-year-old has rebuilt his reputation impressively after struggling during his previous spell in English football with Norwich City. His improved end product, confidence and European experience now make him a far more complete player.
Tzolis’ potential arrival will not affect Arsenal’s interest in Morgan Rogers.
talkSPORT has also reported that the two deals are considered separate, with the Club Brugge winger viewed as an affordable wide option while Rogers remains among Arsenal’s more ambitious attacking targets.
After a great performance in the 2026 World Cup semifinal, Pau Cubarsí commented on the criticism that Spain received before the competition.
The first finalist of the 2026 World Cup is Spain after a 2-0 victory over France. In this competition, they have been a solid team based on a great defensive system that has only conceded one goal, something Pau Cubarsí admitted was doubted.
Cubarsí said: “There may have been some doubts about whether our defense and goalkeeper were good enough, but I think we’ve silenced a lot of critics. We’ve only conceded one goal and we’re in the final. We’re doing an incredible job, and this is everyone’s work, both those who play and those on the bench.”
This was the only part of the team that was criticized before the tournament, with Unai Simón leading the defense of Pedro Porro, Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella, who have all been fantastic and have only conceded against Belgium.
Cubarsí on being a young player
Being a player who represents Barcelona requires a lot of talent. However, it is not just about that because the mental aspect of the sport is crucial. Especially for a player in his position, experience plays a great role.
Cubarsí and Porro make a great pairing on the right for Spain (David Ramos/Getty Images)
All of this may not apply to the center back because he does not look like a 19-year-old player with the composure he displays in every match, something Cubarsí also commented on regarding his teammate.
Cubarsí said: “Maybe I am too young for everything I am experiencing, like Lamine (Yamal), but I want to tell people who perhaps have not taken that step yet and are 19 years old to wait that their opportunity will come. Soccer is something you have to enjoy, and if there is sacrifice, everything will turn out well. I encourage them to keep fighting for their dreams.”
Cubarsí thanked his family after the match
The calmness with which the team played against France was part of the victory that put them in the final. For Cubarsí, much of the credit should go to his family for helping him from the beginning.
Cubarsí said: “It’s a dream come true, and I’m very proud, both for myself and for my family, who have been with me every step of the way. Being in a World Cup final is something unique, and I owe all of this to them because they’ve helped me from the very beginning to get here.”
Ismail Elfath has been appointed as the head referee for the 2026 World Cup semifinal between Argentina and England, a selection that bodes well for Lionel Messi, who holds a flawless career record under the American official.
Lionel Messi finds himself staring down history once again, standing just one victory away from leading Argentina to yet another World Cup final, with a powerhouse England squad serving as the ultimate hurdle in this 2026 semifinal. While pre-match storylines dominate the airwaves, the official tournament assignment of American referee Ismail Elfath has generated significant buzz given Messi’s immaculate personal track record with the official.
Born in Casablanca, Morocco, Elfath immigrated to the United States and broke into Major League Soccer in 2012, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s top referees before earning selection to his second consecutive World Cup. Wednesday’s highly anticipated showdown on July 15th will mark the first time Elfath has officiated a match featuring Messi on the international stage, though the two share plenty of history at the club level.
Since Messi joined Inter Miami in July 2023, Elfath has drawn the whistle for four of the Herons’ fixtures. Remarkably, the Argentine superstar has walked away victorious in every single one of those matches, none more significant than the historic 2023 Leagues Cup final, where the Fort Lauderdale-based club outlasted Nashville SC in a marathon penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw (a match in which Messi scored during regulation and converted his opening spot-kick).
The other three matchups occurred during MLS regular-season play: a 3-1 victory over Nashville in 2024 (where Messi logged a goal and an assist), a 4-1 thrashing of the New England Revolution (where he tallied three assists), and most recently, a thrilling 4-2 comeback victory over Orlando City in the Florida Derby in March 2026, featuring a vintage Messi brace that included a stunning free kick. Across those four matches, the legendary forward racked up a staggering four goals and four assists.
Rodrigo de Paul #7 and Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami talk with referee Ismail Elfath.
While Wednesday’s blockbuster matchup will mark Elfath’s first time refereeing England national team, he is already familiar with Argentina. The American official was the man in the middle for a scoreless friendly between the Albiceleste and Colombia back in September 2018 at MetLife Stadium, though Messi did not feature in that match as he was resting from international duty under a mutual agreement with newly appointed head coach Lionel Scaloni.
A look at Elfath’s World Cup resume
Elfath famously served as the fourth official during the legendary 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France, though he had already built an impressive tournament resume as the lead referee in Qatar. During that tournament, he took charge of high-profile group-stage matches involving Portugal vs. Ghana and Cameroon vs. Brazil, before officiating the tense Round of 16 encounter between Japan and Croatia.
During the current 2026 campaign, he has already officiated three high-stakes matchups, including group-stage fixtures between the Netherlands and Japan, and Uruguay and Spain, alongside the dramatic Round of 16 clash between Brazil and Norway. Tasked with managing what promises to be one of the most emotionally charged and historically fierce rivalries in world soccer, Elfath’s officiating performance will undoubtedly be placed under an intense microscope.
Referee Ismail Elfath and Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina.
The loss to Spain ended the competition for France, with the match being commented by Patrick Vieira.
There was much expectation at the 2026 World Cup for France as they had won every match before the semifinal, but Spain were able to stop them with a 2-0 victory. Patrick Vieira criticized the team for how they played in the match.
Vieira said: “There were big expectations for France to win the World Cup. We are all really disappointed by the result, but mostly by the performance. We needed our top players to perform today and they didn’t do it. It wasn’t one or two, it was all of them collectively. It was really bad.”
The former midfielder played a key role in helping France win the World Cup for the first time in their history on home soil in 1998. While his comments were harsh, they also reflected his experience in the competition.
Vieira on Michael Olise
Even though Vieira was critical of France’s performance, he also acknowledged that Spain were the better team. Vieira said: “I said before that Spain needed to be at their best to beat France, and they did it.”
Olise did not play well (David Ramos/Getty Images)
Spain’s defensive display was one of the biggest reasons they reached the final, as they managed to neutralize France’s dangerous attack, with Michael Olise unable to make his usual impact.
Vieira said: “Olise was the main man. We needed him to get on the ball, but they stopped him playing. He didn’t get on the ball. Spain won the game in every aspect. France didn’t turn up at all.”
Vieira had faith in his team
The defeat was disappointing for France because many believed the team was on course to reach the final. Vieira himself had said on ITV before the match that he expected France to get there.
Vieira said: “I don’t see anybody really stopping the French team going to the final. I think France are not going to have any kind of issues playing against them because I think that France is a better team today than they were four years ago. But I don’t think Spain are a better team today than they were four years ago.”
Pulisic's future appears to depend on one key factor, making the coming weeks crucial for both player and club.
Christian Pulisic faces one of the most important moments of his AC Milan career after a difficult year on and off the pitch, while Ruben Amorim prepares to reshape the Rossoneri with a new vision. The United States international has battled injuries, struggled for consistency, and is now weighing a long-term commitment as Milan begins a new era under its recently appointed head coach. His future, however, appears to depend on one key factor, making the coming weeks crucial for both player and club.
The American star entered 2026 with high expectations but endured a frustrating campaign for both club and country. After failing to score during the World Cup and suffering another injury before the tournament concluded, Pulisic now faces an extended recovery period while also deciding whether Milan remains the right place for the next chapter of his career.
Pulisic’s World Cup ended in disappointment after he suffered a bone bruise and a microfracture involving his lower leg during the United States’ Round of 16 defeat to Belgium. Medical examinations reportedly confirmed the injury, with expectations that he will spend between four and six weeks on the sidelines before returning to training.
The setback capped an exhausting tournament in which the Rossoneri winger was already managing fitness concerns. Earlier in the competition, calf problems limited his playing time, forcing the United States to carefully manage his workload before he eventually returned for the knockout rounds.
It’s been reported that the injury occurred after a collision during an attacking move against Belgium. Although the 27-year-old initially attempted to continue, he was eventually substituted as the Americans crashed out of the tournament.
Milan still planning for Pulisic’s return
Despite the disappointing World Cup, Milan remains committed to the American international. Club medical staff are reportedly working alongside U.S. Soccer to oversee his rehabilitation, with the target of having him available for preseason training in August.
If everything proceeds according to schedule, Pulisic could still be fit for Milan’s Serie A opener later in the summer. That timeline has eased fears of a long-term absence, allowing the Rossoneri to focus on integrating him into Amorim’s tactical plans.
Even so, the injury arrived after an already disappointing campaign. Pulisic finished the 2025-26 Serie A season with eight goals and four assists, but his form dipped dramatically over the final months, failing to score across his final 19 league appearances.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates after scoring a goal.
The key factor behind Pulisic’s contract decision
Before committing his future to Milan, Pulisic reportedly wants to fully evaluate Ruben Amorim’s sporting project at the club, as perThe Athletic.The American’s current contract runs until 2027, while the Italian side also holds an option to extend the agreement by another season. Club executives, however, reportedly hope to secure him on a much longer deal running through either 2030 or 2031.
With his 28th birthday approaching in September, Pulisic understands that his next contract could be the last major agreement of his career. Reports suggest he prefers to take his time before making such an important decision rather than rushing into an extension.
The situation has also changed dramatically since he departed for the World Cup. Milan now has new leadership, a new coaching staff, and an entirely different sporting direction under Amorim, making the coming months an important evaluation period for the American.
While uncertainty surrounds Pulisic’s contract, Amorim has already publicly declared the American indispensable.“Pulisic is a really talented player; of course, he had an injury again in the World Cup that we need to assess,” Amorim said during his presentation.
The Portuguese coach also explained why he believes Pulisic fits perfectly into his tactical philosophy. “He is perfect for the way I think about football, especially here in Italy, where sometimes the teams defend so well there is less space between the lines; he is a player who can make the difference in that kind of space.”
Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly remains Jorge Jesus' trusted man ahead of Portugal's UEFA Nations League campaign for one crucial reason.
The 2026 World Cup may be in the rearview mirror, but Cristiano Ronaldo’s international journey is far from over. As Portugal kicks off a brand-new era under head coach Jorge Jesus, the legendary captain remains firmly at the heart of the squad. With the UEFA Nations League campaign fast approaching, Jesus is leaning heavily on his superstar forward to lead the line.
The appointment of Jesus marks the beginning of a fresh chapter for Portugal after Roberto Martinez stepped down following the team’s Round of 16 exit at the World Cup. While Ronaldo has yet to officially announce when he will retire from international soccer, the early signs suggest he will continue leading the Selecao das Quinas into another major competition.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) confirmed Jorge Jesus as the new national team manager, handing the experienced coach a contract that runs through the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal will co-host. After decades of success at club level across Portugal, Brazil, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia, Jesus now takes charge of his country for the first time.
His résumé includes league titles with Benfica, historic success with Flamengo, domestic trophies with Fenerbahce, and championship-winning campaigns in Saudi Arabia. Most recently, he guided Al-Nassr to its first Saudi Pro League title in seven years, working closely with Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix throughout the season.
Questions about Ronaldo’s international future intensified after Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup Round of 16, a match that ended with the captain leaving the field in tears. Although he acknowledged it was his final World Cup appearance, Ronaldo refused to rush into a decision regarding retirement.
“I’m sad to be leaving the World Cup like this. I gave it my all. I did my best. It was my last World Cup, yes, but I’ll now have time to reflect and be with my family. I won’t be making any rash decisions. I don’t decide anything in the heat of the moment.”Source: Ronaldo’s post-match comments.
Jesus quickly made his own position clear after accepting the Portugal job. “As long as he’s playing and is in a condition to be selected, I will pick him, within certain limits and under the conditions that I consider best for the national team,” the new Portugal coach said.
“I haven’t spoken with him yet. He is never going to be a problem for the national team. Not for the national team, nor for me. I had great pleasure working with him this past year. It’s easy to work with him.”
Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal applauds fans
The key reason behind Jesus’ confidence
As preparations begin for the next UEFA Nations League campaign, reports suggest Jesus has a very specific reason for continuing to trust Ronaldo.
According to ESPN journalist Bruno Andrade, speaking to Mais Futebol, Jesus wants to make the most of the extensive tactical, technical, and physical understanding of Cristiano Ronaldo acquired during their successful time together at Al-Nassr. That familiarity is expected to help the coach carefully manage Ronaldo’s workload throughout the UEFA Nations League, whose knockout phase will only take place in 2027.
The report also states that both the coach and the player are fully committed to the upcoming competition. Ronaldo has already confirmed he does not intend to play at the 2030 World Cup, but he has not established a timeline for ending his international career.
Cristiano Ronaldo and team mates of Portugal pose for a photo with the UEFA Nations League trophy
Ronaldo’s personal objective remains alive
Bruno Andrade also revealed another factor motivating the Portugal captain: “Cristiano Ronaldo needs just 24 more goals to reach 1000 in his career. And his biggest wish is to score that 1000th goal with the Portuguese national team, not with Al-Nassr.”
The journalist added that one point already appears settled inside the national team. “The one thing that’s certain so far is that Cristiano Ronaldo wants to play in the UEFA Nations League. Jorge Jesus also wants Cristiano Ronaldo in the squad for the tournament.”
Liverpool-linked winger Michael Olise has received criticism for a particularly poor game for France against Spain in Tuesday night’s World Cup semi-final.
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The Bayern Munich star was not his usual self at all, and it proved hugely detrimental to France as they lost 2-0 to Spain and exited the competition.
Given the presence of world class attacking players like Olise, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola, and Rayan Cherki, this France side were seen as one of the big favourites for this year’s World Cup.
However, Olise really let them down tonight, with Get French Football News giving him just a 2/10 rating and slamming him for making some sloppy mistakes in possession.
Of course, France still have the third place play-off this weekend to think about, but their tournament is still essentially over, which might mean players switch their focus to potential transfers.
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Olise could be one to watch as TEAMtalk have linked him with Liverpool, while our colleague Christian Falk has written in his CF Bayern Insider column about the 24-year-old being unlikely to sign a new Bayern contract.
This could perhaps open the door for Liverpool, but it’s unlikely to be a deal that would come cheap.
Bayern are a huge club, so won’t want to sell a world class talent like Olise, even if he just had a pretty poor game for France.
An in-form Olise is one of the deadliest attacking players on the planet, and his playing style also makes him an ideal long-term Mohamed Salah replacement at Anfield.
After the 2-0 defeat in the 2026 World Cup semifinal against Spain, Kylian Mbappe made an honest assesment on France's performance: "We didn't know how to hurt Spain."
Kylian Mbappe suffered one of the most painful defeats of his career on Tuesday, failing to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after Spain handed France a sobering 2-0 defeat at Dallas Stadium. Following the final whistle, the Les Bleus captain offered a blunt, honest assessment of the semifinal exit, admitting that “We didn’t know how to hurt Spain.”
Speaking to French outlet M6 in the mixed zone, Mbappe detailed his perspective on the tactical shortcomings that doomed their championship aspirations: “We didn’t play the game we wanted to play, whether tactically, technically, or in terms of the overall level we produced. When you don’t do what you are supposed to do in a World Cup semifinal, you don’t win. Spain stuck to their plan, to what they are faithful to: a team that likes to control the ball, control the tempo.“
While acknowledging Spain’s mastery of their gameplan, Mbappe noted that France‘s primary struggles came down to a failure in execution. “The idea was to press them high so as not to let this false rhythm settle in, and we didn’t manage to do that. There were too many technical errors; we didn’t know how to hurt them when we needed to hurt them,” Mbappe added.
Mbappe also highlighted that, with Spain dictating the tempo of the game, France’s defensive pressure was never coordinated enough to disrupt the flow. “We always found ourselves in a three-against-two numerical disadvantage in midfield,” he added, pointing out that Spanish playmakers Fabian Ruiz and Rodri were afforded far too much time and space due to a “lack of communication on the pressing.“
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France competes for the ball against Lamine Yamal #19 and Pedro Porro #12 of Spain.
“We needed to go man-for-man, force them to run with us, because they are a team that doesn’t like to run without the ball. And even when we won the ball back, technically, the first passes and first touches were not worthy of a World Cup semifinal. When you put all of that together, it leads to a defeat,” he candidly stated.
Spain’s complete dominance of possession played a massive role in the outcome, effectively neutralizing Mbappe and keeping him far away from the clinical form that saw him enter the semifinals with eight goals in the tournament. In fact, as revealed by WhoScored, the French superstar was limited to just 15 touches in the first half, representing the lowest involvement of any outfield player on the pitch during the opening 45 minutes of the match.
‘It was a dream’ for Mbappe to reach another final
As unfamiliar as it may feel, Mbappe will miss out on the World Cup final for the first time in his international career, following his starring roles in the 2018 and 2022 showcases. While a semifinal run remains a highly commendable achievement on the global stage, returning to the tournament’s grandest fixture “was a dream” for the newly minted Real Madrid superstar.
When asked to describe his emotions, Mbappe opened up about the collective heartbreak felt inside the French locker room: “Like everyone, a lot of disappointment. It was a dream for us to reach the final, to give our country that chance to dream, to make history. There is a tremendous amount of disappointment; I can’t quite find the words for it. We’ll have to lift our heads up, go on holiday, and start again. Football waits for no one. Other things will be at stake at club and international level.“
With the dream of winning the 2026 World Cup with France, Ousmane Dembélé joined an undesired list.
There was another chapter added to the Ballon d’Or curse after the 2026 World Cup semifinals, as Spain beat France to ensure Ousmane Dembélé became the latest player to continue the trend.
The forward joined the list of current Ballon d’Or winners who failed to win the World Cup. Even after France’s strong performances throughout the tournament, they were unable to play at their best in the semifinal defeat.
With his World Cup dream ending earlier than expected, Dembélé has scored five goals in seven matches, including a hat trick against Norway. He will have one more opportunity to improve that tally in the third-place match.
France were handed a sobering 2-0 defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup semifinals, enduring a difficult night at Dallas Stadium. With the referee's performance emerging as one of the most debated aspects of the match, head coach Didier Deschamps did not shy away from the topic, while carefully choosing his words: "If I […]
France were handed a sobering 2-0 defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup semifinals, enduring a difficult night at Dallas Stadium. With the referee’s performance emerging as one of the most debated aspects of the match, head coach Didier Deschamps did not shy away from the topic, while carefully choosing his words: “If I say something, I’ll look like a sore loser.“
Speaking to beIN Sports after the game, Deschamps made his position clear while stopping just short of a direct accusation: “If I say something, I’ll look like a sore loser because we lost. But I ask you the question of whether the referee has the level required to officiate a semi-final. There is the penalty, but it’s not just that—that’s just on top of it all. I have nothing against tonight’s referee, but ask yourselves that question.“
The penalty that led to Spain‘s opening goal was Deschamps’ primary point of contention. While he accepted that Lucas Digne made contact with Lamine Yamal, the French camp’s argument centered on whether the 19-year-old had first touched the ball with his arm before the foul, a detail that went unreviewed by VAR.
Beyond the penalty, Deschamps made clear that Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton’s overall performance had left him unconvinced, even as he acknowledged that France had been outplayed on the night and gave Spain full credit for the victory.
Another look at the Lucas Digne challenge on Lamine Yamal that resulted in a Spain penalty pic.twitter.com/cfwNX5QFbo
Earlier in his post-match remarks to M6 and beIN Sports, the France coach offered a broader reflection on the elimination. “The players are devastated, but we have to be logical—we were second best on a technical level. It’s our own fault. But I am going to ask a question: does the referee have the level required to officiate a semi-final? I’m not going to answer that. There were quite a few situations,” he said.
Deschamps closed by directing his final words at Spain’s performance rather than the officiating. “But the primary reason is that we were second best, with several technical errors and passes that could have led to chances. This is the very highest level, even if it hurts. We are going to play the third-place play-off. I don’t want to throw away everything that has been achieved, but in this match, Spain showed something extra,” he concluded.
Deschamps to coach one more World Cup game
Deschamps’ legendary tenure as the head coach of the French national team is rapidly drawing to a close, with the semifinal defeat marking the official end of their 2026 World Cup championship run. While French icon Zinedine Zidane is widely expected to be the next man to take the helm of the program, Deschamps will have one final match on the sidelines in the third-place playoff.
Despite being unable to replicate his historic championship run from Russia 2018 where the French were crowned kings of the world, Deschamps has officially become the coach with the most matches managed in World Cup history with 26. With the semifinal matchup against Spain, he officially surpassed the legendary record of German manager Helmut Schön, who held the previous benchmark of 25 games, and will add one more game with the clash for the third place.
Spain secured their place in the 2026 World Cup final after defeating France, and Luis de la Fuente had nothing but praise for his team.
Luis de la Fuente didn’t hold back after Spain‘s 2-0 win over France sent them into the 2026 World Cup final, delivering a bold assessment of his side’s level in the aftermath of Tuesday’s semifinal at Dallas Stadium.
“It’s hard to describe what you feel right now. The pride of managing a group of professionals like this one. We have one more step to go, and we’re going to try to get there,” de la Fuente said in his on-field interview after the game.
The Spain coach went on to reflect on the weight of the occasion and the philosophy that has carried his side through the tournament unbeaten. “There’s a lot of built-up tension right now, it’s a huge responsibility being in a World Cup final. We’ve stayed true to this idea, and it’s brought us here. I’m proud of that,” he continued.
De la Fuente saved his strongest words for his own players, framing the win over France as proof of just how far this Spain side has come. “We were facing one of the best national teams in the world, but they were up against the best team in the world. These players deserve everything. Their generosity, their talent. It’s a spectacle. Proud, happy,” the Spanish coach concluded.
Mikel Oyarzabal #21 of Spain converts a penalty vs France. (Getty Images)
Pedro Porro’s night to remember
Pedro Porro was one of the standout performers in Spain’s win over France, doubling the lead with a well-taken second goal that put the match out of reach and sent his team to the final.
Porro’s goal came in the 58th minute, the product of a slick give-and-go with Dani Olmo through the middle of France’s defense. The 26-year-old defender played it in, received the return pass in stride, and beat Mike Maignan with a low finish to make it 2-0.
“It’s a dream come true. Very happy with the team’s attitude, from start to finish. We played a great match. This belongs to the team — congratulations to everyone, because we put on a huge performance,” the Tottenham defender said after the game.
Asked about his fitness for the final, Porro admitted the physical toll of the tournament is starting to show. “We’ll see (about being ready for the final). I’d say I’m exhausted right now. Now it’s about recovery,” he added.
Following Brazil's disappointing elimination, Neymar Jr.'s future with the national team has come under serious doubt, as he was deeply affected by the result. In response, Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazário decided to support the veteran forward by offering him a clear piece of advice.
Brazil arrived at the 2026 World Cup as a favorite, as Carlo Ancelotti had been implementing a great style of play. However, they were eliminated by Norway in the Round of 16. After this, Neymar Jr.’s future with the national team is full of doubts, as he was deeply affected. In the midst of this, Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazário decided to support the veteran player, giving him advice about his international future.
“Don’t put any pressure on yourself and don’t decide anything right now. There’s no need. No one needs to decide anything out right now… We cannot forget that he is coming off two years of serious injury, He arrived as a sacrifice for this World Cup. He will catch the rhythm again. He will play 10, 15 games in a row. He will get back to scoring goals, he will regain his confidence,” said Ronaldo Nazario, via TNT Sports Brazil.
Neymar Jr. played a completely marginal role for Brazil in the 2026 World Cup. He only played in two matches, coming off the bench in both, and scored just one goal, which came from the penalty spot. Far from his limited involvement being due to physical reasons, he revealed that he was in full physical condition, meaning it was purely a tactical decision by Ancelotti.
Despite the fact that Neymar was clearly affected, he has reportedly not made a decision yet regarding his international retirement. Instead, he has decided to take a break, spending time at poker tournaments and purchasing a yacht. The 34-year-old star still has plenty of time to decide his international future, as he first needs to return to Santos and secure a new contract extension with solid performances.
Neymar Jr #10 of Brazil is consoled by Raphinha #11.
Neymar Jr. faces an uncertain future in Brazil under Ancelotti
Throughout Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure, Neymar Jr. has not even been a secondary player, but rather a marginal one. While he was called up for the 2026 World Cup, Lucas Paquetá and Matheus Cunha established as the preferred options in the attacking midfield. With Ancelotti under contract until 2030, it appears that the 34-year-old star will not change his status within the national team.
If Neymar Jr. decides to continue with Brazil, he would have the same role: The third option in the rotation. As the national team’s all-time leading scorer, he could decide not to force his return unless he is able to compete on equal terms for a starting spot. To achieve that, the 34-year-old star needs to shine again at Santos, while regaining physical consistency and rediscovering his goalscoring form.
At 34 years old, Neymar may no longer be aiming for the 2030 World Cup, but rather for the 2028 Copa América. Therefore, he still has several months to regain his motivation and earn a starting spot through his performances. To do so, he needs to arrive at the next call-up free of physical problems, something he was unable to achieve at the current World Cup. Even so, the task of convincing Ancelotti appears to be a difficult one.
Brazilian legend Ronaldo and Neymar Jr #10 of Brazil.
Spain have knocked favourites France out of the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory, as Milan’s Mike Maignan, Adrien Rabiot and Roma midfielder Manu Koné miss out on the Final.
The Spaniards go on to face either England or Argentina in the Final on July 19 in New Jersey, while France will fight for the bronze medal on July 18.
Les Bleus had won every game so far in the tournament, but made two changes from the side that beat Morocco in the quarter-final, as Bradley Barcola was preferred to Désiré Doué, but above all Roma’s Manu Koné dropped to the bench as Aurelien Tchaoumeni recovered from a muscular injury.
Spain conceded only one goal in six World Cup games, during the 2-1 victory over Belgium, and again picked ex-Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz rather than Pedri.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JULY 14: (EDITOR’S NOTE: Image was captured using a remote camera from behind the goal.) Mikel Oyarzabal #21 of Spain converts a penalty to score his team’s first goal past Mike Maignan #16 of France during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 14, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Spain were awarded a penalty when Lucas Digne brought down Lamine Yamal, the defender who just agreed a move to PSG making a hash of a clearance. Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up to convert past Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
The situation went from bad to worse for France, as moments later William Saliba went off with a back injury, then Fabian Ruiz prodded wide after a well-worked move set up by Yamal.
Unai Simon’s first real test was sprinting off his line to clear from Kylian Mbappé at the 42nd minute, then Mbappé just failed to get on the end of a fizzing Jules Koundé cross.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JULY 14: Adrien Rabiot #14 of France argues with referee Ivan Barton during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 14, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Milan midfielder Adrien Rabiot was already on a yellow card and risked a second, so was replaced by Roma’s Koné for the restart.
INCREDIBLE
Spain one-two their way through the France defense and Pedro Porro doubles his country’s lead… pic.twitter.com/DFGCLMzFUC
However, Spain passed their way through the French side to score the second with Pedro Porro blasting in at the near post after a give and go with Dani Olmo.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JULY 14: Manu Kone #6 of France competes for the ball against Mikel Merino #6 of Spain during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 14, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Lamine Yamal had the ball in the net again moments later, but was flagged offside, while Mbappé saw his strike deflected inches wide by Marc Cucurella.
The best chance France had was when Unai Simon came rushing out to clear, but got back in time to stop Désiré Doué firing into the empty net.
Robin Gosens has agreed a transfer to Schalke 04 after he was frozen out of the Fiorentina squad in pre-season training, claim reports in Germany.
The player was informed he was not part of the plans in Florence and not even invited to join the team at Viola Park to work with new coach Fabio Grosso.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MAY 8: Robin Gosens of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Real Betis Balompie at Artemio Franchi on May 8, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Gosens turned 32 earlier this month and his contract with the Viola was meant to run until June 2028.
Schalke 04 next destination for Gosens
FLORENCE, ITALY – MAY 10: Robin Gosens of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Genoa CFC at Artemio Franchi on May 10, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
The former Red Devils forward shone during his time in Ligue 1 and this has seen Fenerbahce pay €39m for him in total.
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Due to a sell-on clause in his contract, this gives Man Utd a pretty decent fee, though some of that also goes to another of his former clubs Getafe, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
See below for the full details and breakdown of the money involved here…
Fenerbahce confirm Mason Greenwood has joined from Marseille on a four-year contract.
Fee is €39m paid in three equal installments over three years.
Manchester United receive €15.6m due to a sell-on clause on the full fee. Yet €3.12m goes on to Getafe. It leaves #MUFC with… pic.twitter.com/ZePxaoN0D4
Jacobs posted: “Fenerbahce confirm Mason Greenwood has joined from Marseille on a four-year contract. Fee is €39m paid in three equal installments (sic) over three years. Manchester United receive €15.6m due to a sell-on clause on the full fee. Yet €3.12m goes on to Getafe. It leaves #MUFC with €12.48m.”
Manchester United continue to benefit from Mason Greenwood sale
Greenwood looked like an outstanding young talent when he first came up from United’s academy into their first-team, but in the end the club didn’t really have any choice but to let him go.
The 24-year-old was notably arrested after very serious allegations were made against him, though these charges were later dropped. Still, this led to him being suspended by United and he never played for them again.
Tottenham full-back Pedro Porro has scored for Spain to put them 2-0 up against France in tonight’s World Cup 2026 semi-final clash.
It was a lovely move and a superb finish by Porro, who fired past France goalkeeper Mike Maignan with all the quality and confidence of a centre-forward.
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However, watch the video clip below and you’ll see that Aston Villa left-back Lucas Digne completely fell asleep to allow acres of space for Porro on that side…
INCREDIBLE ?
Spain one-two their way through the France defense and Pedro Porro doubles his country's lead… pic.twitter.com/DFGCLMzFUC
Spain last won this trophy back in 2010, which is also the only time they’ve ever won it in their history, but they’ll perhaps be the clear frontrunners now if they see this game through.
Knocking out this France team is some statement, with the Spain defence doing well to keep elite attacking talents like Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise quiet.
In fairness, one big issue for France was the William Saliba injury in the first half, with the Arsenal defender one of the very best in the world in his position, and one of his country’s most important players.
Manchester United have reportedly had recent contact with the agents of Roma midfielder Manu Kone as they look for a third signing in that position this summer.
The Red Devils have already officially confirmed the arrivals of both Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos in midfield, but it seems they’re surprisingly still looking for more in that area of their squad.
A replacement for the departing Casemiro was undoubtedly needed, while Manuel Ugarte is also injured after generally struggling for form, so two new signings looked sensible.
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A third perhaps looks like a bit too much, however, when other positions also surely need strengthening.
Fabrizio Romano on Manchester United’s Manu Kone pursuit
Speaking in his latest post on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “Manchester United are still looking at midfielders. (There are) many names among the defensive midfielders.
“Many of you asking me, can you give us some names? It’s still early to indicate who is going to be the wanted player for Manchester United. I will tell you in the next days was going to develop there.
Spain defeated France and secured a place in the 2026 World Cup final, where they'll look to claim the second title in their history.
The first finalist of the 2026 World Cup was decided at Dallas Stadium, after Spain claimed a strong 2-0 win over France to book their place at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 19.
Spain broke the deadlock through a Mikel Oyarzabal penalty, taking his tournament tally to five goals, before Pedro Porro doubled the lead in the second half to put the result out of reach.
The win sends Luis de la Fuente’s men into their second World Cup final in history, with the chance to lift a second title of their own, following their triumph back in the 2010 edition in South Africa.
With that, Spain arrive at the final unbeaten, having conceded just one goal across the entire tournament, winning six matches and drawing only their group-stage opener against Cape Verde.
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) July 14, 2026
Spain’s final opponent and venue
Spain will now wait on the winner of England and Argentina, who meet in the tournament’s second semifinal on Wednesday, July 15, at Atlanta Stadium.
The 2026 World Cup final is set for Sunday, July 19, at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, where Spain will look to add a second star to their crest.
For France, the loss brings an end to their bid for an unprecedented third straight World Cup final, a run that included the 2018 title and the heartbreaking penalty-shootout loss to Argentina in 2022.
Pedro Porro celebrates a goal for Spain vs France.
After their elimination from the 2026 World Cup, Croatia decided to part ways with Zlatko Dalić, a move that appeared to bring Luka Modrić closer to retiring from international soccer. However, he is reportedly considering continuing to play for the national team with Slaven Bilić's arrival.
Croatia entered the 2026 World Cup as one of the strongest national teams. After reaching the final in 2018 and finishing third in 2022, they appeared destined to shine. However, they were eliminated in the Round of 32, leading to Zlatko Dalić’s dismissal. As a result, Luka Modrić seemed destined to retire from international soccer, but Slaven Bilić’s return has reportedly brought the veteran star closer to continuing his career with the national team.
According to José Félix Díaz, via Diario AS, Luka Modrić closely followed Slaven Bilić’s negotiations with Croatia. During those talks, the veteran midfielder told the new head coach that he was considering continuing to play for the national team under his management. With Bilić’s appointment now confirmed, Modrić has the door open to further extend his international legacy.
Croatia’s new head coach, Slaven Bilić, has already worked with Luka Modrić during his professional career. From 2006 to 2012, he managed the national team in 65 matches, with the midfielder featuring in 50 of them, scoring eight goals and providing eight assists. In addition, José Félix Díaz revealed that the coach and Modrić would often meet in Madrid, highlighting the excellent relationship they share.
Luka Modrić already became the oldest player to represent Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, at 40 years and 296 days old. Far from being satisfied with his already remarkable legacy, he is aiming to continue adding to his achievements, having been the country’s most influential player of the modern era by a considerable margin. With UEFA Euro 2028 on the horizon, he could leave the door open to continuing his international career.
Luka Modric #10 of Croatia looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Ruben Amorim also opens the door to AC Milan for Modric
Throughout the 2025–26 season, Luka Modrić remained one of AC Milan‘s best players. Despite being the oldest player in the squad, he finished among the team’s most-used players in terms of minutes played. However, the veteran midfielder has yet to renew his contract with the club. As a result, head coach Ruben Amorim has publicly opened the door for him to continue with the team.
“Modrić is a player we absolutely want to keep because of his experience. I have spoken with him twice and, if necessary, I will do so again. He is a key figure, especially in the early stages, to help us keep more possession of the ball. He may not play every match, but we really want to have him with us next season,” revealed Ruben Amorim in early July, as per Diario AS.
Amid the Rossoneri project renewal, Modrić could once again be decisive. Not only would he be key in helping the young players, but also in the Europa League. In addition, Luka would maintain his great importance in the rotation, something that would be key to motivating him. If he does not opt for professional retirement, he could be open to continuing with the team for at least one more season.
Luka Modric #10 of Croatia celebrates after earning his 200th cap.
Mason Greenwood has officially joined Fenerbahce from Olympique Marseille for €39m plus add-ons, ending one of the transfer sagas of the summer, as Roma were frozen out.
The Giallorossi did not disguise that he was the first choice to strengthen their attack after qualifying for the Champions League.
However, while they were prepared to perhaps pay even more than Fenerbahce ultimately did, they could not compete with the reported wages of €10m per season in Turkiye.
Greenwood also seemed to favour a move to Fenerbahce, holding negotiations with two different Presidential candidates, as Roma were unable to convince him.
MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 16: Mason Greenwood of Olymquique de Marseille gestures during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Olympique de Marseille at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Fenerbahce released a formal statement confirming that the fee is worth €39m and will be paid to Olympique Marseille over three instalments in three years.
They will also pay the solidarity contribution to Getafe, while Marseille must give 40 per cent of the profit to his former club Manchester United.
There were other issues for Roma too, as fans set up a petition urging them not to buy a player with a history of domestic violence allegations.
FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 26: Luis Balbo of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and US Sassuolo Calcio at Artemio Franchi on April 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Coming up through the youth academies of FC Porto and Famalicao, he joined Fiorentina in January 2024 and was promoted to the senior squad in January 2026.
Now that Juventus are pocketing €20m from the €40m sale of Tarik Muharemovic to Leeds United, they will reportedly use it to get Jhon Lucumi from Bologna.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Francisco Conceicao of Juventus and Tarik Muharemovic of US Sassuolo Calcio battle for possession during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Sassuolo Calcio at Allianz Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
As part of the original €2m move to the Neroverdi, Juve are owed 50 per cent of the future sale fee, so are going to bring in €20m this summer.
Juventus reinvest Muharemovic cash in Lucumi
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – JUNE 17: Jhon Lucumi #3 of Colombia looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match between Uzbekistan and Colombia at Mexico City Stadium on June 17, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
His release clause was set at €28m, but that expires tomorrow, so Juve are going to ask for a small discount in negotiations.
Juve had the opportunity to bring Muharemovic back to Turin at half-price, at a cost of just €18m, but had instead preferred someone with Lucumi’s experience and characteristics.
The Colombia international turned 28 last month and is down to the final few months of his contract at the Stadio Dall’Ara, set to expire in June 2027.
Bologna had paid €8m to buy him from KRC Genk in the summer of 2022.
Tottenham Hotspur are demanding €50m to sell defender Cristian Romero, claim Sportitalia, so Inter are very unlikely to beat Barcelona to his signature.
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – JULY 10: Cristian Romero #13 of Argentina attends a training session one day ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match at Sporting Kansas City Training Centre on July 10, 2026 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images)
Notably, this was an idea put forward by Tottenham directors and not a request for information by Inter.
Cuti Romero asking price set for Inter
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 24: Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur applauds the fans following the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
That is just under what the Premier League side paid to buy him from Atalanta in 2022, the fee then €53.8m after an initial loan spell in 2021-22.
Although he only recently signed a new contract in August 2025, the rapport between the defender and Tottenham has plummeted in recent months.
Both club and player believe their time together is over, but with a contract until 2029, they need to reach an agreement.
Inter had already baulked at paying €50m for Marco Palestra, a young player with future sale value, so are unlikely to shell out a similar sum for a centre-back, not to mention his wage demands.
The 28-year-old already knows Serie A well, having played for Genoa, Juventus and Atalanta.
Inter and Barcelona are interested in signing Cristian Romero, claims Fabrizio Romano, as the Argentina international could leave Tottenham Hotspur.
The 28-year-old’s future has been up in the air for a while, as his current contract runs to June 2029, but he is frustrated at their difficulties after risking relegation.
Sportitalia had already reported that he was pushing for an exit this summer.
Romero proposed to Inter
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 07: Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur controls the ball during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 07, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
He claims that it was Tottenham who suggested Inter look into the possibility of buying Romero.
The Nerazzurri are seeking an experienced centre-back and Cuti would fit the bill, especially as there is already a strong Argentine flavour at the club with Lautaro Martinez and vice president Javier Zanetti.
More importantly, Romero already knows Serie A well, having come to Italy for Genoa in 2018, then playing for Juventus and Atalanta, where he made the €53.8m move to Tottenham in the summer of 2021.
It seems everyone involved in the Christos Tzolis to Arsenal transfer deal expects this to happen soon, according to the reliable Hand of Arsenal account.
Tzolis, currently of Club Brugge, has shone during his time in Belgium, as well as with his performances for the Greek national team, and it could be that he’s about to earn himself a big move this summer.
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The 24-year-old scored 22 goals in total in the season just gone, so looks very much like the kind of prolific goal-scoring winger Arsenal will need to replace the departing Leandro Trossard.
See below for HoA’s latest update on all the major Arsenal transfer news, which features a line on Tzolis looking like happening soon…
Julian Alvarez
– From my last update, every single point still remains true – Arteta sees Julian as a major marquee transformational signing – There are direct fresh contacts between the ownership at Arsenal and Atleti regarding a possible transfer. There is still a gap in the…
“People around the Tzolis deal on both sides expect it to progress soon,” HoA said.
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Christos Tzolis looks like a smart signing for Arsenal
While there may be bigger names being linked with Arsenal at the moment, such as Julian Alvarez, Morgan Rogers, and Bruno Guimaraes, all mentioned in the post above, it looks like Tzolis could be a smart purchase.
The Greece international probably won’t be very expensive, and he arrives in fine form after performing so well with Brugge.
Given that he’d probably mostly be coming in to be a squad player, Tzolis looks pretty much the ideal profile, and there’s always the chance that he’ll improve further as he gains more experience.
In many ways, Tzolis looks like someone who could develop into the kind of player Trossard was for Arsenal, and that can only be a good thing.
Gooners will be keen to see more established world class stars arriving, but they’ll also know the value or having reliable squad players who know where the back of the net is.
Arsenal centre-back William Saliba has gone off injured in the first half of tonight’s World Cup semi-final clash between France and Spain.
The Frenchman was unable to continue as he seemed to have a sudden problem with his back, and he’s been replaced by Maxence Lacroix.
It is not yet clear how serious this injury for Saliba will prove to be, but it’s perhaps not a great sign that he was taken off immediately despite suffering this problem when there wasn’t anyone around him.
Watch below for the moment Saliba simply had to stop playing as he fell to the ground…
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Saliba was a star performer for Arsenal as they won the Premier League title in 2025/26, and he’s been key for France at this World Cup as well.
It remains to be seen if this will now be his final moment at this tournament, with France 1-0 down to Spain at the time of writing, while one imagines there could be doubts over his fitness for the start of the new club season as well.
William Saliba’s injury concerns going into this World Cup
This is not the first time we’ve heard about Saliba having a back problem, as it was reported as being an issue for him ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
The 25-year-old was reported as looking likely to miss the World Cup, as per ESPN, though in the end he was able to take part, at least until this evening’s flare-up.
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Meanwhile, L’Equipe also reported that Saliba may require surgery after the tournament, which could mean a delay to the start of the 2026/27 campaign with Arsenal.
After playing so much football for Arsenal as they won the title and reached two cup finals in the season just gone, it’s not too surprising that it’s all caught up with Saliba a little bit.
AFC supporters will just be hoping this doesn’t mean he’ll be out for a really lengthy period, or they’re surely going to find it very hard to replace him.
Arsenal have reportedly had fresh contacts over a potential transfer deal for Julian Alvarez, though there remains an issue with Atletico Madrid’s valuation.
The Gunners have been linked several times with the Argentina international, and it seems this story is not going away.
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There are direct fresh contacts between the ownership at Arsenal and Atleti regarding a possible transfer. There is still a gap in the valuation of the Argentine. W/@HandofArsenal#AFC
“There are direct fresh contacts between the ownership at Arsenal and Atleti regarding a possible transfer. There is still a gap in the valuation of the Argentine,” Bendoni posted on X.
This information was shared with the reliable Hand of Arsenal account, and there’s further information on Alvarez and other Arsenal targets there.
More on Julian Alvarez and other Arsenal transfer targets
– From my last update, every single point still remains true – Arteta sees Julian as a major marquee transformational signing – There are direct fresh contacts between the ownership at Arsenal and Atleti regarding a possible transfer. There is still a gap in the…
It seems Atletico are also really not keen to sell Alvarez to rivals Barca, so that could end up benefiting Arsenal, as long as they’re prepared to pay up.
Alvarez scored 20 goals in 49 games in all competitions last season, which was actually less than Viktor Gyokeres scored for Arsenal.
Still, most fans would surely agree that Alvarez’s all-round qualities would likely make him a significant upgrade on Gyokeres and also on the likes of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
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Alvarez is also Premier League-proven from his time at Manchester City, so this wouldn’t be too big a culture shock for him.
Whether or not that makes him worth paying such huge money for remains to be seen, especially when Arsenal also seem to have other big targets.
As HoA notes, the Premier League champions also want Morgan Rogers and Bruno Guimaraes, so unless they make several big sales this is all going to be very tricky to do in line with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
“EXCLUSIVE: Cuti Romero to leave Tottenham this summer, Inter held talks with Spurs over recent days. Romero has been offered as option during talks for Djed Spence. Inter keen but costs very high. Barça also like Cuti Romero,” Romano posted.
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What next for Cristian Romero?
Romero could be a decent signing for someone like Barcelona, while Inter also makes sense for him, even if that currently looks complicated due to how expensive the deal would be.
For now, it seems there isn’t much possibility of Romero staying in the Premier League, and that makes sense given that he hasn’t always appeared that settled here.
Despite some moments of quality, Romero hasn’t always looked that well suited to the physical demands of English football.
Still, it’s easy to imagine the 28-year-old still having the quality to perform at a high level in a different league, and perhaps in a more settled environment than he’s had at Tottenham.
Spurs have been poor in the last two seasons, finishing 17th in 2024/25 and 2025/26, so even if Romero could have done better at various points, he’s far from the only one under-performing, and the frequent managerial changes and poor decisions in the transfer market won’t have helped.
Facing Spain in the 2026 World Cup semifinals, France star defender William Saliba had to exit the game.
France and Spain are battling for a place in the 2026 World Cup final at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, but Les Bleus suffered an early setback when William Saliba was forced off the field under concerning circumstances.
In the 28th minute, with France chasing the ball in midfield and under no immediate pressure, Saliba went down and signaled to the bench to be replaced. The nature and severity of the injury have not yet been confirmed, but the sight of one of France’s key defenders leaving the field so early in a semifinal immediately raised alarm.
Didier Deschamps turned to Maxence Lacroix as Saliba’s replacement, slotting the Crystal Palace defender alongside Dayot Upamecano in the center of the backline. Lacroix’s only previous minutes in the World Cup came in the final group stage match against Norway, with the defender serving as an unused substitute in every other game.
According to RMC Sport‘s Fabrice Hawkins, Saliba’s exit may not have come as a complete surprise to those inside the France camp. Hawkins reported that the Arsenal defender “has been gritting his teeth since the start of the World Cup” while continuing to perform at a high level despite the discomfort. The only match in which he did not feature was the final group stage game against Norway, having completed the full 90 minutes in every other appearance until being forced off against Spain.
William Saliba #17 of France walks off the pitch with medical staff after sustaining an injury.
Saliba and his ongoing back pain
While France have yet to release an official injury report, it is known that Saliba has been managing a back problem that predates the tournament. The first signs emerged during the UEFA Champions League final between Arsenal and PSG, where the defender was spotted receiving treatment from Arsenal’s medical staff during extra time.
With Arsenal competing for both the Champions League and the Premier League title in the final weeks of the club season, Saliba was determined to remain available for the run-in. Arsenal’s medical staff put a managed protocol in place to allow him to feature in those final matches, but the underlying issue has clearly persisted, and it has now caught up with him at the worst possible moment.
As the very foundation of the club trembles, desperate supporters are left to wonder if their star-studded armada can weather this monumental turmoil and conquer the battlefield.
While icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, and Sadio Mane stand ready to fight for Al-Nassr once more, a dark storm of financial turmoil is brewing off the pitch. The Saudi titan has been plunged into a sudden and devastating crisis, casting a heavy shadow over their upcoming campaign. As the very foundation of the club trembles, desperate supporters are left to wonder if their star-studded armada can weather this monumental turmoil and conquer the battlefield.
The Saudi Pro League champion has ambitions of challenging for major honors under new manager Ange Postecoglou, but recent developments have cast doubt over those plans. Reports indicate that financial issues have disrupted transfer activity and even affected player payments, creating fresh challenges before the new campaign begins.
According to Al-Riyadiyah,Al-Nassr has yet to submit the financial documentation required to prove its ability to register new contracts. Club officials reportedly remain responsible for completing those procedures, while mounting financial obligations have placed the organization under significant pressure.
The report claims that the club’s debts have now exceeded its revenues, leaving Al-Nassr unable to meet several financial commitments from its existing budget. As a result, new signings have effectively been placed on hold until the situation improves.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr lifts the Saudi Pro League Trophy
What’s more, it’s said that several first-team players have only received part of their June salaries, while the club is also struggling to bring in a foreign replacement following Marcelo Brozovic’s departure. Those restrictions have slowed the club’s transfer plans during one of the busiest periods of the summer.
Why the crisis has emerged
Despite speculation, an informed source told Al-Riyadiyah that the Ministry of Sports and the Saudi Pro League have already fulfilled every financial obligation owed to Al-Nassr. The club has reportedly received all payments linked to government support programs as well as the recruitment initiative for the current season.
The source explained: “It is up to Al-Nassr’s management to decide whether those funds should be used to settle part of the club’s existing financial obligations.”
According to the same source, the club’s problems stem from financial decisions and contractual commitments accumulated over recent years, rather than missing payments from Saudi soccer authorities. Until those obligations are addressed, the Knight of Najd cannot take on additional contractual commitments or complete transfer registrations.
Salary concerns and transfer restrictions
The financial issues appear to extend beyond transfer activity. Reports claim some players are still waiting to receive their full salaries, while bonuses linked to previous league achievements also remain outstanding. Al-Nassr has reportedly been unable to renew contracts for several young players, adding another layer of uncertainty as preparations continue for the new season.
Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after defeat in the AFC Champions League 2 Final between Al Nassr and Gamba Osaka.
Those setbacks have fueled concern among supporters about how quickly the club can stabilize its finances. Earlier reports also suggested that Cristiano Ronaldo briefly stopped playing earlier this year because of delayed wage payments and concerns over support for the squad, before returning after outstanding salaries were settled and management issues were addressed.
Not everyone believes the situation will last. The club’s former legal department director, Saad Al-Subaie, insists the difficulties are only temporary because several sponsorship agreements have already been secured.
He wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Four companies have already transferred funds to Al-Nassr. The remaining companies are expected to transfer their funds within the next two weeks. The current financial crisis is only temporary, and work is underway to resolve it. Al-Nassr are expected to make signings this summer.”
Which players are staying and who could leave?
While departures continue to be assessed, Jhon Duran has already been confirmed to leave the club. Meanwhile, Saad Al-Subaie has indicated several players remain under evaluation regarding possible exits, including Bento Krepski, Wesley Texeira, Haydeer Abdulkareem, Haroune Camara, Mohammed Maran, and Sami Al-Najei.
Player
Nationality
Status
Bento Krepski
Brazil
Under evaluation
Wesley Teixeira
Brazil
80% chance of departure
Haydeer Abdulkareem
Saudi Arabia
70% chance of departure
Haroune Camara
Saudi Arabia
Under evaluation
Mohammed Maran
Saudi Arabia
Under evaluation
Sami Al-Najei
Saudi Arabia
Under evaluation
Jhon Duran
Colombia
Confirmed departure
At the same time, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Simakan, Inigo Martinez, Joao Felix, Kingsley Coman, Sadio Mane, and Angelo Gabriel have all been identified as players expected to remain at Al-Nassr. Their presence gives Postecoglou an impressive core, provided the club resolves its financial issues in time.
Player
Nationality
Status
Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal
Confirmed to stay
Mohamed Simakan
France
Confirmed to stay
Inigo Martinez
Spain
Confirmed to stay
Joao Felix
Portugal
Confirmed to stay
Kingsley Coman
France
Confirmed to stay
Sadio Mane
Senegal
Confirmed to staya
Angelo Gabriel
Brazil
Confirmed to stay
Joao Felix (left), Cristiano Ronaldo (center), and Sadio Mane (right)
France and Spain face off in a crucial 2026 World Cup semifinal, both looking to become the tournament's first finalist.
France and Spain clash in what promises to be a great match at Dallas Stadium, with the winner becoming the first finalist of the 2026 World Cup.
France head into this match ranked 1st in the FIFA World Rankings, with 1,948.97 points, having jumped two spots over the course of the tournament after putting together a strong campaign so far.
Didier Deschamps‘ men have been unbeaten across all six of their matches so far, topping their group before edging past Sweden in the Round of 32 and beating Paraguay in the Round of 16. They then dispatched Morocco 2-0 in the quarterfinals behind goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele to book their spot in the last four.
Standing in their way is a Spain side ranked 3rd in the world, with 1,934.79 points. Luis de la Fuente’s men needed to grind through the knockout rounds, beating Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16 before edging Belgium 2-1 in the quarterfinals on Mikel Merino’s late winner.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates a goal. (Getty Images)
France looking for a third straight final
Beyond the ranking gap, France arrive at this semifinal chasing a piece of modern history. A win over Spain would send them to a third consecutive World Cup final, a feat no nation has managed since Brazil made three straight finals from 1994 to 2002.
The first of those two previous finals ended in triumph. At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, France beat Croatia 4-2 to lift the trophy for a second time in their history.
Four years later, at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, France came agonizingly close to going back-to-back, drawing 3-3 with Argentina after Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick forced extra time, only to lose 4-2 on penalties in one of the greatest finals in tournament history.
The Trionda will have a change of design starting from the 2026 World Cup semifinals.
The 2026 World Cup is down to its final four, with France vs Spain and England vs Argentina set as the semifinal matchups for a place in the final at MetLife Stadium. Alongside the shift in stakes, the tournament’s official match ball is also getting a new look for the final stages of the competition.
The Trionda’s familiar blue, red, and green color scheme is being replaced by gold and black detailing. The change is a deliberate FIFA decision, in keeping with a tradition the governing body has maintained across recent World Cup editions.
The updated ball, officially called the Trionda Final, will be used from the semifinals onward. That means four appearances in total: the France-Spain semifinal, the England-Argentina semifinal, the third-place playoff, and the final on Sunday, July 19th.
FIFA marked the unveiling with an official statement: “A premium gold finish references the World Cup trophy, set against a black base to elevate the ball’s look and feel, creating a bold and refined visual identity for the final stages of the competition.“
FIFA and the tradition of changing the ball for the final stages
The original Trionda design was built to represent the three host nations, with Canada, Mexico, and the United States each reflected in the color palette. With all remaining games taking place on U.S. soil, the ball’s transformation also marks that symbolic handoff to the final chapter of the tournament.
The tradition of introducing a gold-themed ball for the final stages dates back to the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where the Teamgeist received gold detailing to evoke the iconic trophy. The same approach was applied to the Jabulani in South Africa 2010, the Brazuca in Brazil 2014, and the Al Rihla in Qatar 2022, which was replaced by the Al Hilm starting from the semifinals, mirroring the same threshold as this year.
The one deviation from that pattern came at Russia 2018, when the Telstar 18 gave way to the red-colored Telstar Mechta, though that change was introduced at the start of the knockout rounds rather than the semifinals.
Set to face France in the 2026 World Cup semifinals, Spain has recently suffered a drop in the FIFA Rankings.
Spain has reestablished itself as one of the clear favorites at the 2026 World Cup, now standing two wins away from a second world title following the 2010 triumph in South Africa. With France standing between them and a place in the final, a victory would also send La Roja to the top of the FIFA Rankings.
In the most recent official update, Spain sits third with 1,934.79 points. They entered the tournament in second with 1,874.71 points, meaning that despite accumulating more points during the competition, France’s stronger results pushed La Roja down one spot in the standings.
With France currently occupying first place, a win over Les Bleus in the semifinal would give Spain a significant rankings boost and reclaim the top spot in world soccer.
It would not be the first time they have sat there. Fueled by back-to-back European Championship titles in 2008 and 2012 and the 2010 World Cup triumph, Spain dominated the number one position in the FIFA Rankings for much of the period between 2008 and 2014, before a group-stage exit in Brazil brought that era to an end. They returned to the summit most recently between September 2025 and January 2026, and are now within reach of doing so again.
Lamine Yamal of Spain celebrates after scoring his first World Cup goal.
Spain have not been outside the FIFA top 10 since September 2017, when they slipped to 11th. Their all-time low sits at 25th, but that feels like a distant memory for a program that has been one of the sport’s most consistently dominant forces in recent years, with Lamine Yamal now ensuring the next generation of Spanish soccer looks just as bright.
Spain’s recent dominance over France a positive omen
Despite France holding the higher ranking, it is Spain who have had the upper hand in the most important recent meetings between the two nations. Back-to-back victories in the Euro 2024 semifinal and the 2025 UEFA Nations League semifinal have given Yamal’s side significant momentum heading into yet another knockout stage collision, this time on the biggest stage of all.
Spain face France in a crucial 2026 World Cup semifinal, and Mikel Merino will once again begin the match on the bench.
France clash with Spain and Mikel Merino will not be on his team’s starting eleven in today’s 2026 World Cup semifinal at Dallas Stadium, despite arriving at this stage of the tournament as arguably one of the country’s most in-form players.
Manager Luis de la Fuente is keeping the same setup that has carried Spain through the knockout rounds: Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Alex Baena feeding Mikel Oyarzabal up front. There’s no space in that XI for Merino, who will once again start the match among the substitutes.
It isn’t a form issue, and it isn’t fitness-related, either — it’s a matter of not wanting to break a winning formula. De la Fuente has leaned on the same core group for most of the tournament, reserving Merino for a specific job late in games rather than folding him into the starting shape.
In midfield, the manager opted to stick with Rodri and Fabian Ruiz, just as he did against Belgium, while Pedri began among the substitutes and came on in the second half as a replacement for Rodri.
Mikel Merino celebrates a goal for Spain vs Belgium. (Getty Images)
Spain’s most dangerous man off the bench
That job has paid off twice in as many knockout rounds. Merino came off the bench in the Round of 16 against Portugal and needed only a handful of minutes to win a free-kick that sparked Spain’s winning move, before finishing it himself in stoppage time to eliminate Cristiano Ronaldo’s side 1-0.
He repeated the trick in the quarterfinals against Belgium, entering as a substitute and scoring the 88th-minute winner in a 2-1 victory that punched Spain’s ticket to the semifinals.
With two of Spain’s last two knockout goals both belonging to Merino, de la Fuente has every reason to keep saving him for the same role against France — even if it means the Arsenal midfielder starts yet another must-win match on the bench.
Dan Riccio and Blake Price host a massive preview edition of The 90th Minute, breaking down Lamine Yamal's bold comments and the tactics behind Spain vs. France.
The final four has arrived, and the psychological warfare is officially in full swing. On the latest edition of The 90th Minute, co-hosts Dan Riccio and Blake Price dive headfirst into a blockbuster World Cup Semifinal preview as European giants Spain and France prepare to renew their modern rivalry in Dallas.
The show leads with the fascinating war of words that has taken over the buildup. Spain’s teen sensation Lamine Yamal set social media ablaze with a highly confident public statement, reminding everyone that La Roja have beaten Didier Deschamps’ side in their last two major tournament meetings.
The hosts debate whether Yamal’s words represent youthful, elite self-belief or unnecessary arrogance that could serve as bulletin board material for Kylian Mbappé and Les Bleus. Dan and Blake also analyze Deschamps’ calculated decision to keep his squad quiet and play subtle mind games of his own ahead of the clash.
Tactically, the duo highlights the absolute necessity of Spain’s high press. If Luis de la Fuente’s side wants to throttle France’s transitions, they must disrupt the French engine room before Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise can gather momentum in the channels. To celebrate the sheer volume of superstar talent on display, the guys build an incredible, highly controversial combined all-time XI featuring legendary figures from both Spanish and French football history.The program concludes with a look at the other side of the bracket.
The hosts discuss the referee appointments for Wednesday’s heated, historic England vs. Argentina semifinal, pay tribute to Erling Haaland’s soaring global stardom following Norway’s heroic welcome-home reception, and evaluate how Harry Kane is navigating the intense pressure of the English media.You can stream the entire preview right now.
Check out The 90th Minute on Spotify to get the ultimate breakdown of matchday tactics, key player matchups, and official score predictions.
Kylian Mbappe of France and Lamine Yamal of Spain.
Multiple sources in Italy confirm Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic is ready to join Leeds United after the clubs agreed a €40m fee, with half going to Juventus.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Tarik Muharemovic of US Sassuolo celebrates after scoring the 1-1 goal during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and US Sassuolo Calcio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The centre-back had participated in the 2026 World Cup with Bosnia and Herzegovina this summer, and was widely expected to move on after two years at Sassuolo.
He made his way up from the Juventus youth academy and was sold to Sassuolo for just €2m in 2025 following the initial loan spell, but with the Bianconeri promised 50 per cent of the future sale fee.
It had been reported Juve considered bringing him back to base, as it would only cost them €18m instead of the €40m fee, but they preferred to just cash in on the sale.
The central defender is expected in England over the next 48 hours to undergo a medical and sign the contract, once the final details have been ironed out.
Nicolò Zaniolo is refusing to train with Udinese after failing to agree a new contract, so there are reports he was offered to Milan over the last 24 hours.
The Italy international is in a rather odd situation, as he joined Udinese last summer on loan for €2.5m with option to buy for a further €5m, plus Galatasaray getting a 50 per cent cut of the future sale fee.
UDINE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 01: Nicolò Zaniolo of Udinese celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Atalanta BC at Stadio Friuli on November 01, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
However, as it was a rushed job, it was done with the promise to re-evaluate his salary once the campaign was over.
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 14: Nicolò Zaniolo of Udinese makes a run past Lloyd Kelly of Juventus during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Friuli on March 14, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
It remains to be seen if they are interested in a player who did have a good season, but also has a terrible injury record and hasn’t been able to find any consistency in recent years.
Since forcing the exit from Roma in February 2023, he has played for Galatasaray, Aston Villa, Atalanta, Fiorentina and Udinese.
The contract with Udinese technically runs to June 2029, so this could get ugly if a solution is not found soon for the 27-year-old.
He has also been linked with a return to the Stadio Olimpico, this time for Lazio.
Check out today’s Serie A transfer updates with Roma directors reportedly meeting the agents of Crysencio Summerville and Aston Villa’s warning to Juventus that Emiliano Martinez won’t leave.
It’s been another rather busy day for Serie A clubs, which are working to strengthen their teams for the 2026-27 campaign.
Juventus were previously linked with Roma’s Mile Svilar, although the Bianconeri’s main target in goal has always been Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – MAY 20: Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez reacts during the UEFA Europa League Final 2026 match between SC Freiburg and Aston Villa FC at Besiktas Park on May 20, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
The Premier League club, however, have clearly stated today by their director, Damian Vidagany, that the Argentine is not for sale.
According to Gazzetta, the Bianconeri are preparing an offer to sign Franck Kessié as a free agent and have identified Folarin Balogun as a potential reinforcement in attack as they are struggling to reach an agreement with PSG for Randal Kolo Muani.
Multiple sources claim that Noussair Mazraoui is Milan’s main target to replace Pervis Estupinan, who has received an offer from Aston Villa. According to SportMediaset, Milan have demanded €18m for the Ecuador international.
According to Gazzetta, Milan remain interested in Antonio Silva, who has rejected a contract extension offer from Benfica. The Portuguese centre-back has attracted interest from Bournemouth as well.
Inter are still chasing a replacement for Denzel Dumfries, with Djed Spence and Nahuel Molina among their targets. Guela Doué is another right-back on their shortlist, but his club, Strasbourg, has requested over €35m.
Ederson, Napoli chasing Fiorentina defender and more news
Atalanta director Cristiano Giuntoli spoke for the first time about the collapsed Manchester United transfer for Ederson: “We were stunned,” he admitted. “He is happy to remain, and we are working on a new contract.”
According to Gazzetta, Sassuolo are interested in Daniel Maldini, who has returned to Atalanta after a six-month loan spell at Lazio.
Hamed Traoré has undergone his medical tests with Genoa today.
Ex-Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer has joined Club Brugge on a free transfer, signing a three-year deal.
Fiorentina have a verbal agreement to sign Real Madrid defender Víctor Valdepeñas, according to multiple sources, including Sky.
Napoli are interested in Fiorentina full-back Niccolò Fortini, according to Gazzetta.
Domenico Tedesco, Bologna’s coach, has said the club is “confident” that Riccardo Orsolini will sign a contract extension.
New Como signing Luis Milla: “Fabregas was very important in the choice to go to Como. I was glad he called me because of what he conveyed and his ambition to grow. I have high expectations. I could have arrived in January, but Getafe were not doing well, and it wasn’t the right time.”
Frosinone are close to signing Sebastiano Desplanches on loan from Palermo.
Serie A – Official done deals on July 14, 2026
Danilho Doekhi joins Lazio as a free agent
Danilho Doekhi joins Lazio as a free agent
Felipe Jack from Como to Cremonese (Serie B) on loan
Lorenzo Gori from Frosinone to Grosseto (Serie C) on loan.
Matteo Agrimi from Lecce to Flaminia (Serie D) on a free transfer
Giuseppe Battimelli from Bologna to Lecco (Serie C) as a free agent
Maat Daniel Caprini from Fiorentina to Cesena (Serie B) on loan)
The bad news has already started for Roma before the season even kicks off, as Robinio Vaz has been ruled out for several weeks by a knee ligament injury.
The pre-season training only began this week at Trigoria under the guidance of coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
Last term was ruined by a series of injuries, almost all of them to the attacking players, and 2026-27 is starting on the same foot.
Robinio Vaz already injured for Roma
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 22: Robinio Vaz of AS Roma runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Tiago Gabriel and Oumar Ngom of US Lecce during the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Lecce at Stadio Olimpico on March 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images)
Multiple reports including Sky Sport Italia state that Robinio Vaz sustained a right knee injury during training today and has been diagnosed with a lesion to the collateral ligament.
It is not a very serious issue, but still enough to keep the Brazilian out of action for several weeks while Roma staff evaluate the development of his recovery.
Milan stars Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot start for France in the World Cup semi-final against Spain, but Roma midfielder Manu Koné drops back to the bench.
The winners will play either England or Argentina in the World Cup Final on July 19.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JULY 04: Adrien Rabiot #14 of France arrives at the stadium before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Paraguay and France at Philadelphia Stadium on July 04, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
France have emerged as the undoubted favourites to win the trophy after a series of dominant performances in USA, Canada and Mexico, winning all six matches with 16 goals scored and just three conceded.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 22: Manu Kone #6 of France arrives at the stadium before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between France and Iraq at Philadelphia Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Kylian Mbappé leads the way with support from Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé, but Bradley Barcola is preferred to Désiré Doué.
There are no Serie A players in the Spain squad, but after a dismal start with the shock 0-0 against Cape Verde, they’ve gone from strength to strength in this World Cup.
Unai Simon set a new record for most minutes without conceding at the World Cup, ended by Charles De Ketelaere in a 2-1 quarter-final win over Belgium.
They start the same line-up as that game, meaning late goal hero Mikel Merino is again going to come off the bench as a super-sub after scoring in the Round of 16 and the quarter-final.
Mikel Oyarzabal is top scorer with four goals, supported by Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Alex Baena.
Former Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz again pushes Pedri onto the bench.
Luka Modric is increasingly likely to commit to a new one-year contract with Milan, claim reports, and could join their pre-season tour of Australia.
The midfielder turns 41 in September, and his contract with the Rossoneri expired on June 30.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Luka Modric of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
He was focused on Croatia’s performance at the 2026 World Cup and is only now getting over the disappointment of their early exit.
Milan have won Modric over
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Luka Modric of AC Milan celebrates the victory at the end of the Serie A match between AC Milan and Inter at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
If confirmed, Modric will join up with the squad during their pre-season tour of Australia, which begins on July 26.
Despite his age, the Ballon d’Or winner played 37 games for Milan last season, scoring two goals and providing three assists in 2,864 minutes of football.
It would’ve been more, but he was ruled out for two matches by a fractured cheekbone in April.
Manchester United have officially announced the arrival of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, with club chief Jason Wilcox explaining why they signed him.
The Belgium international shone for Aston Villa, and was previously also a star performer at Leicester City, with Man Utd director Wilcox praising him.
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Wilcox is clearly delighted to bring Tielemans in, explaining three qualities he feels the 29-year-old will add to this United squad – composure, creativity, and leadership.
Jason Wilcox on Youri Tielemans transfer
“Youri has consistently been one of the most outstanding midfielders in the Premier League throughout the past seven years. He has all of the technical qualities, as well as the ambition and mentality, to thrive at Manchester United,” Wilcox said in a club statement.
“Youri’s consistency is exceptional, and he will add further composure, creativity and leadership to our squad. We are delighted to welcome a player of his influence and experience, both on the pitch and within the dressing room, as we continue to build a team ready to challenge for the biggest honours.
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Man United have added a top passer to their squad
Tielemans is not the youngest, and perhaps not always the most consistent performer, but there’s no doubt about the quality he brings when he’s really on form.
This is highlighted in United’s statement, which explains that the former Monaco youngster really excelled when it comes to line-breaking passes last season.
United stated: “Amongst attackers and midfielders, Tielemans broke the most defensive lines per 100 passes in the Premier League as well as making the second most line-breaking passes under pressure.”
While that might not sound like the most eye-catching kind of detail, it’s a stat that managers love, and it will surely help the rest of this United team to shine even brighter next season.
This is the kind of quality on the ball that MUFC arguably didn’t have last season, and it should help Michael Carrick improve this team after he already did such a good job as interim manager.
Declan Rice is looking better after a recent battle with a sickness bug that left him bed-ridden for three days, according to Sky Sports.
Watch below for a video update from England’s training base earlier today as Rice could be seen taking part in a session ahead of tomorrow’s World Cup semi-final clash against Argentina.
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France take on Spain in today’s first semi-final, and by tomorrow night we’ll know whether or not it’s England joining one of those two in this year’s World Cup final.
Luckily for England manager Thomas Tuchel, it now looks like he should have Arsenal midfielder Rice fit and available and in good condition to take on Argentina…
England are training for the final time before their World Cup semi-final with Argentina ???????
Declan Rice is with the squad, who looks to have fully recovered from illness ? pic.twitter.com/MeaoKiOnnz
The report explains that everyone is in England training now, apart from Jordan Henderson, who injured his arm in that freak incident celebrating the Three Lions’ victory over Mexico.
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Can England beat World Cup holders Argentina?
England face old rivals Argentina tomorrow and it’s sure to be their toughest test of the World Cup so far.
Tuchel’s side have shown remarkable character and resilience at times in this year’s competition, but they’ll really need to up their game once again if they are to get past Lionel Messi and co.
Argentina are the reigning world champions and will no doubt be desperate to win the trophy again for what seems highly likely to be Messi’s last ever World Cup.
If England can get past Lionel Scaloni’s side, it’s a huge statement that they can go all the way and win this competition for the first time since 1966.
Atalanta director Cristiano Giuntoli has admitted to being left “stunned” by Manchester United’s decision to pull the plug on the Ederson transfer.
The Red Devils had everything more or less done to sign Ederson from the Serie A club, before pulling out of the deal late on.
BBC Sport were among the outlets to report that this was due to an injury concern that came up during Ederson’s medical, though Atalanta have denied that there’s any problem with the player’s fitness.
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The Brazilian midfielder has been a star player for Atalanta, so they’ll surely be glad to keep him, with Giuntoli adding that they’re now working on tying him down to a new contract.
Romano posted: “Atalanta director Cristiano Giuntoli: “We were stunned [by Man United calling Ederson deall off]”. “Now we are working on a new contract for him”.”
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Will Manchester United live to regret Ederson transfer decision?
United clearly decided that signing Ederson wasn’t quite worth the gamble for one reason or another, and of course it would have been a big waste of money if they’d brought him in only to find that he wasn’t up to scratch fitness-wise, or ended up missing a lot of games through injury.
Still, Ederson looks like a top player and this surely won’t be the end of this summer’s saga, with other top clubs surely likely to also take a look at the 27-year-old.
MUFC, meanwhile, have turned to other options, so they’ll hope that new signing Andrey Santos can prove a success, while Youri Tielemans looks like being next, according to the Athletic and others.
Santos and Tielemans are both Premier League-proven, which is a nice bonus to have when signing a player, but Ederson would have arrived more at ‘peak age’ than either of those two, and might arguably have acted as more of a level-raiser for this team.
Spain beat France with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro to reach the World Cup final with a 2-0 victory.
A huge match was expected in the 2026 World Cup semifinals, and France and Spain delivered as they battled for a place in the final, with Spain finishing with a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro.
The first half had few goal-scoring chances, but Spain took the lead through a penalty after Lamine Yamal was brought down by Lucas Digne while trying to reach the ball. Oyarzabal stepped up and fired a powerful shot to the left side of Mike Maignan, who went the right way but could not stop it.
Spain’s superior ball control became even more evident in the second half, with France unable to react. After a great combination between Porro and Dani Olmo, Porro went one-on-one against the goalkeeper and finished with precision to secure the victory.
Despite dealing with numerous injuries throughout the 2026 World Cup, England have managed to reach the semifinals, where they will face Argentina. Ahead of the match, Thomas Tuchel has received a major boost, as Declan Rice is reportedly available to play.
England have been one of the teams most affected by injuries throughout the 2026 World Cup. Despite losing several stars for parts of the tournament, they have managed to maintain a high level of competitiveness, defeating Norway to reach the semifinals. Although Declan Riceappeared to be a doubt for the match against Argentina, he is reportedly expected to be available, providing a major boost for Thomas Tuchel‘s team.
Declan Rice had been dealing with stomach issues that left him significantly limited in recent days. He was forced to stay almost three days in bed before facing Norway, head coach Thomas Tuchel reported. Despite this, the Three Lions have received a positive update, as the 27-year-old star is now fully fit and available to start against Argentina, according to Sky Sports, via X, formerly Twitter.
Being a cornerstone of Tuchel’s system, he is expected to start again alongside Elliot Anderson. With this duo in midfield, England may look to dominate Argentina by controlling the midfield battle and imposing their own rhythm on the game. Nonetheless, they may need Reece James’ contribution from right-back to provide additional defensive solidity in midfield.
While Declan started the previous match, he was only able to play 45 minutes because of his physical issues. Unlike it, he is expected to be available for the full 90 minutes against Argentina, looking to make the same kind of impact he had in earlier matches. As in previous games, head coach Thomas Tuchel is expected to make very few changes to his lineup, with the main uncertainty remaining on the wings.
Rice scored in the first half
England will still be without two players vs. Argentina
England have had to adapt to the absences of Reece James, Declan Rice, and several other players, all of whom have significantly affected their tactical approach. However, Thomas Tuchel will have both players available again. That does not mean they will not have to make adjustments to their squad, though, as they still have two key absences ahead of the match against Argentina.
Head coach Thomas Tuchel will be without Jarell Quansah, as he was handed a three-match suspension following his red card against Mexico. As a result, England lose a valuable defensive backup who could also cover at full-back, forcing them to adapt. Jordan Henderson will also be unavailable after suffering a fractured arm during the celebrations, ruling him out for the remainder of the tournament.
Declan Rice #4 of England during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match.
Watch Rabona TV's official 2026 World Cup semifinal predictions video. Get expert score lines and tactical analysis for France-Spain and Argentina-England.
The margins have narrowed to absolute zero at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For the first time since the inception of the official FIFA rankings, the top four teams on the global ladder have successfully occupied the final four slots of the bracket.
With the semifinal stage officially set, we are treated to a pair of legendary cross-border rivalries in Dallas and Atlanta.
To break down the tactics, team news, and critical individual matchups, Adrian Sousa of Rabona TV has released his complete, game-by-game preview guide detailing who will survive to contest the ultimate prize in New Jersey.
Watch: Full Semifinal Tactical Forecast
The Ultimate Slate: Key Battles & Video Chapters
The final four features two high-profile, box-office matchups that could easily serve as a World Cup Final in their own right. The video guide organizes these monumental clashes into clear, chronological chapters:
Video Chapter Navigation Guide
00:00 – The Final Four: Analyzing the historic mathematical anomaly of having the top four teams in the global rankings make up the semifinals.
00:57 – Spain vs. France (Dallas – Tuesday): A tactical heavyweight battle pitting the tournament’s most feared attacking front line—spearheaded by a fit Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise—against the most stubborn defense left in North America. La Roja have conceded just once all tournament, setting up a true “unstoppable force vs. immovable object” script.
05:57 – Argentina vs. England (Atlanta – Wednesday): Reigniting one of international football’s most historically charged, emotional rivalries. England chases their first final appearance since 1966 behind the genius of Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, though they must cope with the suspension of defender Jarell Quansah. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi and the defending champions are hunting back-to-back global glory after surviving three consecutive knockout scares.
France face Spain in a crucial 2026 World Cup semifinal, where Manu Kone will begin the match from the bench.
France face Spain in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup at Dallas Stadium, and manager Didier Deschamps opted to leave Manu Kone out of his starting eleven.
For this crucial match, France have Aurelien Tchouameni back from a muscle injury, and Deschamps has named him in the starting midfield alongside Adrien Rabiot.
It’s a tactical decision, as Tchouameni is fully recovered and viewed by Deschamps as the player who gives France’s midfield more balance, pushing Kone back to the bench as depth.
Tchouameni’s return ends Kone’s run as a starter
Tchouameni’s absence traces back to a muscle injury he picked up in training shortly after France’s Round of 32 win over Sweden. The issue, affecting his left adductor, ruled him out of the team’s next two knockout matches: a 1-0 win over Paraguay in the Round of 16 and a 2-0 victory over Morocco in the quarterfinals.
Aurelien Tchouameni #8 of France lying on the floor after a foul against Sweden. (Getty Images)
In his place, Kone stepped into the starting lineup for both of those matches, helping France keep a clean sheet in each and playing a part in the team’s run to the last four without their usual midfield anchor.
With Tchouameni now declared fit and Deschamps eager to restore the balance he provides against a possession-heavy Spain side, Kone reverts to a squad option, leaving him without a start for the first time since the Round of 16.
Facing Spain for the 2026 World Cup semifinals, Desire Doue has been left out from France's starting XI.
France faces Spain on Tuesday, July 15th, in the 2026 World Cup semifinals at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, looking to reach a third consecutive final. Desire Doue is one of the more notable absences from the starting lineup, and the reason behind the decision is tactical.
Doue has been left out by head coach Didier Deschamps in favor of a profile better suited to exploiting Spain‘s right side. While Doue has been a regular starter for France throughout the tournament, Deschamps has opted for a more direct threat down the left flank to target Pedro Porro.
In his place, Bradley Barcola gets the nod on the left wing. His PSG teammate brings a more explosive, pace-driven profile to that position compared to Doue, whose strengths lie more in technical ability and creativity in tight spaces.
With Lamine Yamal typically cutting inside for Spain, Porro pushes forward aggressively with constant overlapping runs and has even appeared in advanced positions, as evidenced by his goal against Austria in the Round of 32. While both Doué and Barcola offer defensive tracking, it is the former Olympique Lyonnais forward who poses the greater threat in transition and gives Porro more to think about defensively.
Bradley Barcola #12 of France celebrates with Desire Doue #20 after scoring.
Barcola has featured in all six of France’s games at this World Cup, averaging 47 minutes per appearance and contributing two goals and one assist. His pace and directness fit Deschamps’ plan of sitting back and exploiting the space Spain tends to leave in behind their high defensive line.
Tchouameni also returns to France’s starting lineup
A persistent hamstring issue has kept Aurelien Tchouameni out of the lineup since the Round of 32 against Sweden. Manu Kone stepped in admirably during his absence alongside Adrien Rabiot and delivered convincing performances, but Deschamps has opted to restore the Real Madrid midfielder now that he is fit.
Tchouameni serves as vice-captain for Les Bleus and brings a defensive balance to the midfield that has been a constant for France since the 2022 World Cup. With the biggest match of the tournament so far on the horizon, Deschamps is wasting no time reintegrating him into the starting eleven.
Pedri has officially been named to the bench, and fans are absolutely buzzing and wondering why the brilliant Barcelona playmaker is absent from the starting lineup.
The stage is set in Arlington for an absolute blockbuster 2026 World Cup semi-final between Spain and France, but La Roja will be kicking things off without one of their brightest stars. Pedri has officially been named to the bench, and fans are absolutely buzzing and wondering why the brilliant Barcelona playmaker is absent from the starting lineup.
The semi-final brings together the tournament’s most prolific attack and one of its stingiest defenses, with France arriving after scoring 16 goals in six matches while Spain has conceded only once throughout the competition. The winner will advance to the 2026 World Cup Final, making every tactical decision even more significant.
Les Bleus enter the match in outstanding form after winning all six of their matches, powered by an attack led by Kylian Mbappe, who has already scored eight goals in the tournament. Didier Deschamps’ side also benefits from the creativity of Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise, giving Les Bleus one of the deepest attacking units in international football.
La Roja, on the other hand, approaches the contest from a different angle. Luis de la Fuente’s side has relied on disciplined defending, patient possession, and the influence of Rodri in midfield, while Lamine Yamal continues to provide creativity from the wing as La Roja chases another appearance in the World Cup final.
Date
Competition
H2H Result
June 5, 2025
UEFA Nations League Semifinal
Spain 5-4 France
July 9, 2024
UEFA Euro 2024 Semifinal
Spain 2-1 France
October 10, 2021
UEFA Nations League Final
France 2-1 Spain
March 28, 2017
International Friendly
France 0-2 Spain
September 4, 2014
International Friendly
France 1-0 Spain
Why Pedri isn’t starting against France
The biggest surprise from Spain‘s lineup is Pedri beginning on the bench for the second consecutive knockout match, but the decision is based on tactical considerations rather than injury.
According to De la Fuente, Spain asks something different of the Barcelona midfielder than his club does. “Pedri can’t play for us the way he plays for Barca. Our style of play is different. We might have some similarities, but it’s different,” the Spain manager explained to El Larguero earlier.
Pedri of Spain celebrates after scoring
The coach expanded on that idea by explaining that the national team requires different qualities depending on the opponent and the midfield structure around Rodri. “Playing for Spain demands something different,” De la Fuente said, adding that the national team “has a different approach to football” than Barcelona.
Fabian Ruiz earned another opportunity
Fabian Ruiz’s outstanding display against Belgium played a decisive role in Spain’s selection. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder replaced Pedri in the quarter-final, scored the opening goal in the 2-1 victory, and convinced the coaching staff to keep faith with the same midfield combination.
Rather than making changes before one of the biggest matches of the tournament, Spain has chosen continuity, trusting the trio of Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, and Dani Olmo that successfully carried the team through the previous round.
De la Fuente also admitted he sees value in both midfielders. “Each one has their strengths. Each player offers what we need… But they can also both play together. So if I have that doubt, we’ll put both in, and the problem is solved,” he joked with a smile before the match.
Pedri has controlled possession well throughout the tournament, but he has yet to produce the decisive attacking contributions many expected. Entering the semi-final, he has not registered a goal or an assist, despite remaining one of Spain’s most technically gifted players.
La Roja’s coaching staff believes Fabian Ruiz currently offers greater directness around the penalty area, especially against a French side that can punish mistakes with devastating counterattacks. That tactical preference has outweighed Pedri’s creativity for this particular matchup.
At the same time, Spain’s exceptional midfield depth gives De la Fuente several options. Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena, and Pedri all provide different qualities, allowing the manager to tailor his lineup according to the opponent.
France and Spain will face off in one of the most competitive matchups of the 2026 World Cup semifinals. Despite the importance of the encounter, head coach Luis de la Fuente has once again decided to leave Nico Williams on the bench, losing one of his team's best one-on-one threats.
Spain and France will be involved in one of the most competitive matchups of the 2026 World Cup semifinals. Even though they have gone five years without losing to Didier Deschamps’ team, Spain now face their most important match in recent years, with a chance to reach the tournament final. Despite the importance of the encounter, head coach Luis de la Fuente has decided to leave Nico Williams on the bench once again.
Nico Williams arrived at the 2026 World Cup with a thigh issue that prevented him to start in the opening matches. However, he recovered a few weeks ago, as both the player and Luis de la Fuente have acknowledged. Despite this, the head coach has decided to stick with the tactical approach that has taken Spain to the semifinals, opting to keep the 24-year-old star on the bench.
Instead of Williams, Alex Baena returns to the starting lineup for Spain on the left wing to face France. Throughout the 2026 World Cup, he has been Luis de la Fuente’s preferred option, as he complements Marc Cucurella perfectly. While he has scored just one goal and provided one assist, he has been vital to the team’s play through the middle, creating space for his teammates, who have taken full advantage of it.
Despite once again being listed as a substitute for Spain, Nico Williams could be essential off the bench against France. Facing a very dominant team, he could be key in launching efficient counterattacks and creating space with his dribbling. In addition, he has shown a strong goalscoring instinct, so he could surprise Mike Maignan as an impact substitute, as he has yet to score in the tournament.
Pedro Porro #12 and Nico Williams #17 of Spain celebrate.
Nico Williams face uphill battle to recover his starting spot in Spain
Unlike a few years ago, Nico Williams is no longer considered one of the best wingers in the world. After his numerous physical problems, he has lost his place as an undisputed starter for Spain. While Luis de la Fuente considers him a key part of the squad, the reality is that Alex Baena has been the preferred option and has performed brilliantly. For this reason, the 24-year-old star faces a very difficult task in trying to regain his starting role.
If Spain manage to advance to the 2026 World Cup final, Nico Williams would not be expected to start. Head coach Luis de la Fuente does not usually make many changes to his starting lineup, especially when the team has put together several consecutive victories. However, the 24-year-old star will need to make a decisive impact against France and lead his team to victory if he wants to change his current situation with the national team.
France and Spain are facing off in one of the most competitive matches of the 2026 World Cup. Despite the significance of the game itself, much of the attention has been focused on the moment of silence that will be hold before kickoff.
France and Spain are facing off in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup. Battling for a place in the final, the match is expected to be highly competitive at Arlington Stadium, as both teams feature star-studded rosters. Despite the importance of the contest, much of the attention has centered on the announced minute of silence before kickoff. French President Emmanuel Macron revealed the reason behind the tribute.
“Before France-Spain, a minute of silence will be observed in tribute to the victims of the Nice attack, 10 years after July 14, 2016. Thank you to the President of FIFA for responding to the request of France and of all French people who have mobilized. We will never forget,” France president Emmanuel Macron said yesterday as per Le Monde.
Ten years after the tragedy in Nice, the French people continue to remember the event that claimed the lives of 86 people and left 400 others injured. After a public petition that gathered more than 10,000 signatures, FIFA decided to support the gesture and honor the memory of that tragic event.
Although no player on the French national team has yet posted anything related to this tragedy, they have agreed to wear commemorative symbols during the match against Spain. If they secure a place in their third consecutive World Cup final, they may also make a commemorative gesture. So far, however, no official statement has been made by any of the team’s stars, including Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé.
Kylian Mbappe of France shoots during the UEFA Nations League 2025.
FIFA paid tribute with a minute of silence at its last two games
Just as will happen in today’s match between France and Spain semifinal clash, FIFA observed a minute of silence in honor of Jayden Adams. Following his passing on July 11, 2026, the matches between Argentina vs Switzerland, and Norway vs England, also featured the same tribute before kickoff.
“M99 (Norway-England) and M100 (Argentina-Switzerland): a minute of silence will be observed in both matches in memory of Jayden Adams, who unfortunately passed away at the age of 25. The South African midfielder made his FIFA World Cup debut during this tournament,”FIFA posted on its official website.
While the two commemorations are unrelated, they share a clear message: Soccer can go beyond what happens on the pitch by making a social impact. In addition, FIFA has shown considerable flexibility when it comes to these kinds of tributes. As a result, the match between France and Spain will not only be significant from a sporting perspective but will also carry an emotional social backdrop.
France players take a moment of silence prior a FIFA World Cup game.
There are some free agents eager to remain in Serie A for new clubs, as Lecce have made an offer to ex-Lazio defender Elseid Hysaj, while Juan Jesus could join Venezia from Napoli.
Lazio Spanish midfielder #10 Luis Alberto (L) and Albanian dfender #23 Elseid Hysaj fights for the ball against Atalanta Belgian midfielder #17 Charles De Ketelaere (R) during the Italian Serie A football match between Lazio and Atalanta at the Olympic stadium in Rome on October 8, 2023. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP) (Photo by FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images)
Hysaj is an Albania international, but spent practically his entire career in Italy for Empoli, Napoli and since 2021 at Lazio.
Sky Sport Italia report that the 32-year-old has received a formal proposal to join Lecce, but has not yet made a decision, which should be expected over the next 24 hours.
As for Juan Jesus, his contract was not renewed at Napoli, but he has been linked with newly promoted Venezia for a new Serie A adventure.
Como have been very active, but also need to whittle down their squad, as Felipe Jack joins Cremonese, Southampton want Ivan Azon, while Club Brugge and Freiburg target Yannik Engelhardt.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – APRIL 17: Cesc Fabregas, Head Coach of Como 1907, looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Como 1907 at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on April 17, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The focus therefore now has to be on whittling down those who won’t get playing time.
Como seek Jack, Engelhardt and Azon buyers
CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 24: Lucas Da Cunha of Como 1907 celebrates after scoring the 1-3 penalty during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Como 1907 at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 24, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
A transfer was already made official today, as defender Felipe Jack joined Serie B side Cremonese on loan for the rest of the season.
Fabrizio Romano claims that Southampton have started formal talks with Como for Azon, the 23-year-old Spanish striker who spent last season on loan at Ipswich Town.
The aim is to get a permanent sale for €9-10m, which is a big profit considering Como paid €2m to get him from Real Zaragoza in February 2025 and he never made a single appearance for the club.
The same pundit also states that both Club Brugge and SC Freiburg have made offers for German midfielder Engelhardt.
The Belgians have the upper hand with circa €10m on the table compared to the €8m for Freiburg, but the decision will be made soon.
Engelhardt also spent last season on loan, at Borussia Monchengladbach, and was bought from Fortuna Dusseldorf for €8m in 2024.
There are reports Argentina will start one Serie A player in the World Cup semi-final against England, but it is not going to be Lautaro Martinez of Inter or Como’s Nico Paz.
The big match kicks off in Atlanta on Wednesday at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).
The winners go onto the Final on July 19 against either France or Spain to decide who lifts the trophy.
Argentina hoping to defend World Cup title
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – OCTOBER 15: Lautaro Martinez of Argentina celebrates with teammate Lionel Messi after scoring the team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 South American Qualifier match between Argentina and Bolivia at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on October 15, 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
Argentina were pushed to the limit in the knockout rounds so far in the defence of the title they won in 2022.
They needed extra time to get the better of Cape Verde 3-2, fighting back from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2, then again requiring extra time to defeat 10-man Switzerland 3-1.
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 18: Nicolas Gonzalez of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus and Udinese at Allianz Stadium on May 18, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)
Cristiano Giuntoli assures Marco Carnesecchi and Honest Ahanor will stay with Atalanta under new coach Maurizio Sarri, is quiet on Kerim Alajbegovic, and hits back at Inter over Marco Palestra’s Chelsea move.
The former Napoli and Juventus director was appointed by Atalanta this summer, and held his presentation press conference this afternoon.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 02: Honest Ahanor of Atalanta BC in action challenges for the ball with Vitinha of Genoa FC during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Genoa CFC at Gewiss Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
There are plenty of other players who have attracted interest from the Premier League and more Serie A sides, but La Dea are adamant they won’t dismantle their squad.
“We want to keep our jewels,” assured Giuntoli when asked about the Ahanor offers from England.
“There are many rumours around, but we do not want to sell anyone. Carnesecchi will remain with Atalanta, and we are certain this group can do well.”
TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 18: Marco Palestra of Atalanta BC is challenged by Simone Pieraccini of Cesena FC during the Coppa Italia match between Atalanta BC and Cesena FC at Gewiss Stadium on December 18, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
There have already been some sales, most notably wing-back Palestra to Chelsea after his successful loan spell with Cagliari.
“Everyone was fully aware of everything that went on. Palestra went to a big club and will represent Italy abroad. We were perfectly fair and correct with all parties,” insisted Giuntoli.
“On the right side we have Raoul Bellanova and Davide Zappacosta, so we’re pleased to have them. We believe that we have a strong squad all over the park, and we’re satisfied with the arrival of Gianluca Gaetano. Atalanta have always been alert for opportunities on the market.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 22: Davide Zappacosta of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Hellas Verona FC at Gewiss Stadium on March 22, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
“You read many things, we are focused on the pitch,” was Giuntoli’s only response.
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 22: Maurizio Sarri, Head Coach of Lazio, reacts during the Coppa Italia semifinal match between Atalanta BC and SS Lazio at New Balance Arena on April 22, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The director of sport is not the only new face, because Sarri was hired as the Atalanta coach after his Lazio adventure.
“Sarri has a very clear identity and style of play, so we are convinced this squad has a lot of quality he can draw on, including in the youth academy.
“When you see Atalanta from the outside, you can’t help but fall in love with this project. It has a youth academy that is the envy of the world, there are people here who truly understand football. I accepted in a second when they approached me.”
Atalanta were ‘stunned’ that Manchester United abandoned their Ederson transfer, and confirm ‘he is happy to remain, so we’re working on a new contract.’
The deal had been done last month for €45m including add-ons, but could not be completed until after he had finished his participation in the 2026 World Cup with Brazil.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 02: Ederson of Atalanta BC in action challenges for the ball with Vitinha of Genoa FC during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Genoa CFC at Gewiss Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
When he returned from that tournament, Manchester United made him undergo intensive medical tests, then pulled out of the deal, claiming that his knee had shown significant problems.
Atalanta have faith in Ederson
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 22: Ederson of Atalanta BC celebrates with his team-mates his goal that was later disallowed by VAR during the Coppa Italia match between Atalanta BC and SS Lazio at New Balance Arena on April 22, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
He first came to Atalanta in 2022 for €22.9m from Salernitana, where he had joined from Corinthians just six months earlier.
Ederson holds up the trophy as Atalanta’s players celebrate after the UEFA Europa League final football match between Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen at the Dublin Arena stadium, in Dublin, on May 22, 2024. Atalanta won the game 3-0. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Ederson helped them win the Europa League trophy and reach two Coppa Italia Finals with 16 goals and six assists in 180 competitive games.
Juventus are still trying to find a new club for Jonathan David, but there are reports he is more excited by the idea of Paris FC than Trabzonspor.
The centre-forward was a free agent when joining Juve last summer, albeit far from low cost because of the €12.5m in various commissions and signing-on fees, plus the salary at €6m plus €2m bonus net per season.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – JUNE 18: Jonathan David #10 of Canada celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match between Canada and Qatar at BC Place Vancouver on June 18, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
According to Tuttosport and Calciomercato, the first real approach has come from Trabzonspor, but David is not particularly excited by the idea of the Turkish Super Lig.
Instead, a proposal from Paris FC might be more intriguing, considering he impressed in Ligue 1 with LOSC before coming to Juve.
Arsenal are hoping to sign Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge during the summer transfer window.
According to a report from HLN, they have already made the ‘first contact’ with the Belgian club regarding a move for the 24-year-old, but they are yet to submit an offer.
The opportunity to play for Arsenal will be tempting for him. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and they can offer him the platform to fight for the league title and the UEFA Champions League. The attacker will certainly hope that the two clubs can finalise a deal in the coming weeks.
Arsenal have the financial muscle to get the deal across the line, and it remains to be seen whether they follow up on their enquiry with an official proposal. They have a quality team at their disposal, but they need to improve their attacking unit if they want to consistently compete with elite clubs. Apart from a top-quality creator, they also need to invest in a reliable finisher.
Manchester United are looking to sign the Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes during the summer transfer window.
According to Football Insider, the 25-year-old will be made available for £30 million. The Brazilian wants to leave Wolves after their relegation, and the opportunity to play for Manchester United will be hard to turn down for him.
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Man United could use Joao Gomes
Manchester United need more quality and control in the middle of the park, and Gomes could be an excellent option for them for a reasonable fee. He impressed with Wolves despite their relation, and he has the quality to play for a bigger club. He will add control, composure, and physicality in the middle of the park for Manchester United.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are also interested in signing the Brazilian midfielder. It will be interesting to see if the two clubs are willing to pay the £30 million asking price for him. They have the resources to get the deal done, and the demands are quite reasonable for a player of his experience and quality. He is well settled in the Premier League, and he could make an immediate impact.
The midfielder will be desperate to sort out his future quickly and join a big club before the new season begins. Manchester United and Liverpool will be able to offer him Champions League football in the upcoming campaign. He will certainly hope that either of the two clubs will come forward with an acceptable offer for him in the coming weeks.
Chelsea are hoping to agree on a new contract with Sol Gordon.
The 18-year-old winger is highly rated within the club and has made his mark in the youth teams. According to Football Insider, Arsenal, Leeds United and Everton are keeping tabs on Gordon, and they could look to make a move in the coming months.
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Chelsea eyes a new deal for Sol Gordon
Chelsea are determined to keep him at the club and are prepared to offer him a contract extension. He has a contract with Chelsea until 2027. The Blues will not want to lose a talented young player like him, and it remains to be seen whether they can convince him to commit his long-term future to the club.
Chelsea are looking to build a team for the future and need to keep the club’s best young players. Gordon has the potential to develop into an important first-team player for them with the right guidance. They will probably have to offer him assurance about gametime to convince him to sign a new deal. He is at a stage in his career where he needs first-team exposure to improve further.
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Chelsea have done well to groom young players in the past, and they could play a role in his development as well. It remains to be seen whether Xabi Alonso is prepared to give him the exposure he needs right now.
Meanwhile, Arsenal, Leeds and Everton are keeping tabs on his situation, and it would not be a surprise if they decided to in the coming weeks. If Chelsea failed to secure an agreement with the player, the 18-year-old could prove to be a solid future investment for all three clubs.
France and Spain face off in a crucial 2026 World Cup semifinal, with a place in the final on the line.
The 2026 World Cup semifinals get underway at Dallas Stadium, where France and Spain meet in a heavyweight clash as both sides look to book their place in Sunday’s grand final.
Spain reached this stage by beating Belgium 2-1 in the quarterfinals, a match settled by Mikel Merino’s 88th-minute winner after Fabian Ruiz’s opener had been canceled out by Charles De Ketelaere. It capped a knockout run that also included a 1-0 win over Portugal in the Round of 16.
For this crucial match, Lamine Yamal will start and be one of the attacking focal points alongside Mikel Oyarzabal, the team’s top scorer with four goals.
France, meanwhile, arrive unbeaten through six matches, having swept past Morocco 2-0 in the quarterfinals behind goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.
Kylian Mbappe celebrates a goal for France vs Morocco. (Getty Images)
Mbappe leads all scorers at the tournament with eight goals, more than half of France’s total output in the competition, and will start and captain his side once again.
France’s confirmed lineup
Didier Deschamps’ main decision centers on Aurelien Tchouameni, who is available again after missing two matches with a muscle injury but has been described as not fully fit. However, Deschamps could still hand him the start over Manu Kone.
France‘s confirmed starting XI: Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; AurelienTchouameni, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola; Kylian Mbappe.
Spain’s confirmed lineup
Luis de la Fuente is expected to stick with the same approach that got past Belgium, keeping Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo both involved through the middle of the park rather than turning to Pedri, who remains an option off the bench.
Spain‘s confirmed starting XI: Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal,Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal.
Kylian Mbappe of France and Lamine Yamal of Spain.
Instead of just sharing the spotlight, the two superstars bring an unbelievable head-to-head record into this matchup that simply cannot be ignored.
The 2026 World Cup has delivered an absolute dream semi-final at AT&T Stadium, where France and Spain will battle for a ticket to the final. At the heart of this heavyweight clash is the spectacular rivalry between Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal. Instead of just sharing the spotlight, the two superstars bring an unbelievable head-to-head record into this matchup that simply cannot be ignored.
France enters the match hoping to reach a third consecutive World Cup final, while Spain looks to continue its rise after winning Euro 2024 and establish itself among soccer’s modern dynasties. At club level, Real Madrid and Barcelona have already witnessed plenty of battles between the two stars, but this meeting carries greater stakes than anything they have faced before.
Mbappe remains France’s driving force
France has enjoyed another impressive tournament under Didier Deschamps, who is leading the national team for the final time after 14 years in charge. Les Bleus have powered through the knockout rounds with victories over Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco, building momentum without appearing stretched to their limits.
The attack has been the tournament’s biggest weapon. Mbappe has scored eight goals, sharing the lead in the Golden Boot race, while Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, and the rest of the supporting cast have given France one of the most dangerous forward lines in the competition.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France
However, a few players have enjoyed a World Cup career like Mbappe. The Real Madrid star already owns a World Cup winner’s medal from 2018, produced a memorable hat-trick in the 2022 final, and has become France’s all-time leading scorer.
Tournament Stat
Kylian Mbappe
Lamine Yamal
Matches Played
6
6
Goals
8
1
Expected Goals (xG)
5.39
1.51
Shots per Game
5.0 (3.2 on target)
3.8 (1.7 on target)
Accurate Passes per Game
26.8 (87%)
26.0 (83%)
Top Speed
35.3 km/h
35.5 km/h
Average Sofascore Rating
8.28
7.25
Yamal continues to grow into soccer’s next superstar
Spain has reached the last four by combining defensive discipline with trademark possession soccer. The national team has conceded only one goal throughout the tournament, while producing knockout victories over Austria, Portugal and Belgium.
Although Yamal has not matched Mbappe’s scoring numbers during this World Cup, the teenager remains Spain’s most exciting attacking talent. After overcoming a hamstring injury before the tournament, the Barcelona winger has gradually rediscovered his rhythm.
Lamine Yamal of Spain
The head-to-head record adds another layer to the rivalry
While the semi-final is about two elite national teams, the individual duel between Mbappe and Yamal has developed into one of soccer’s most fascinating rivalries.
Yamal has won eight of his previous 10 meetings with Mbappe for club and country, giving the Barcelona winger an 80 percent success rate against the France captain. Those victories include Euro 2024, the 2025 UEFA Nations League semi-final, multiple El Clasicos, the Copa del Rey final, and the Spanish Super Cup.
Season / Tournament
Match
Result (Winner)
Mbappe Contributions
Yamal Contributions
2023–24 Champions League (QF)
PSG vs Barcelona
2-3 (Yamal)
–
–
2023–24 Champions League (QF)
Barcelona vs PSG
1-4 (Mbappe)
2 Goals
1 Assist
Euro 2024 (Semi-final)
Spain vs France
2-1 (Yamal)
1 Assist
1 Goal
2024–25 La Liga
Real Madrid vs Barcelona
0-4 (Yamal)
–
1 Goal
2025 Supercopa de España (Final)
Real Madrid vs Barcelona
2-5 (Yamal)
1 Goal
2 Goals
2024–25 Copa del Rey (Final)
Barcelona vs Real Madrid
3-2 (Yamal)
1 Goal
2 Assists
2024–25 La Liga
Barcelona vs Real Madrid
4-3 (Yamal)
3 Goals
1 Goal
2025 Nations League (Semi-final)
Spain vs France
5-4 (Yamal)
1 Goal
2 Goals
2025–26 La Liga
Real Madrid vs Barcelona
2-1 (Mbappe)
1 Goal
–
2026 Supercopa de España (Final)
FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid
3-2 (Yamal)
–
–
Mbappe has enjoyed memorable individual performances during those encounters, including scoring nine goals across the meetings, but the overall results have frequently favored Yamal’s side.
Their rivalry began in the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, before carrying over into international soccer and then into several memorable clashes between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Tuesday’s semi-final marks their first-ever meeting at a FIFA World Cup, making it arguably the most important chapter of the rivalry so far.
Stat
Kylian Mbappe
Lamine Yamal
Total Wins
2
8
Draws
0
0
Goals Scored (in H2H)
9
6
Assists (in H2H)
2
3
Elimination Match Wins
0
5
Kylian Mbappé of France (L) and Lamine Yamal of Spain (R)
According to reports, Lionel Scaloni is considering changes around Lionel Messi ahead of the clash with England, with Rodrigo De Paul potentially left out of the starting lineup.
Lionel Messi‘s Argentina remain firmly on course in their bid to defend their title, and they now face England in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup, with a place in the final on the line.
For this crucial match, Lionel Scaloni is reportedly set to make changes to the side that defeated Switzerland in the quarterfinals, and according to ESPN Argentina’s Diego Monroig, Rodrigo De Paul is one of the players who could be dropped from the starting eleven.
The Inter Miami midfielder is reportedly in danger of losing his starting spot against England, with Nicolas Gonzalez and Giuliano Simeone under consideration to replace him.
De Paul was one of the low points in Argentina‘s win over Switzerland, which is why Scaloni could opt to bring in both Gonzalez and Simeone out wide in midfield. Up front, the coach is expected to keep Messi alongside Julian Alvarez, again leaving Lautaro Martinez among the substitutes.
Giuliano Simeone #17 of Argentina is defended by Nizar Alrashdan #21 of Jordan. (Getty Images)
Nicolas Otamendi could earn a spot as well
Among the variants Scaloni is weighing is a change in formation. During much of Monday’s training session, the coach tested a back-five setup, with Nicolas Otamendi coming in as a center back alongside Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez, aiming for a more solid structure against England’s attacking threat.
That scheme would cost Rodrigo De Paul his spot in midfield to bring the veteran defender into the back line, a call Scaloni could hold off on until just before Wednesday’s clash in Atlanta.
Playing with five defenders isn’t new for Scaloni — he made the same switch during Qatar 2022, changing his approach against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals, a match Argentina went on to win on penalties.
After several weeks of competition, the 2026 World Cup is nearing its conclusion. France, Spain, Argentina, and England are battling for two spots in the final. However, there will also be a third-place match, and we will analyze when and where it will be played.
Despite serious doubts about its competitiveness, the 2026 World Cup has been full of surprises, with several teams exceeding expectations through their performances. However, France, Spain, Argentina, and England are the four teams battling for the two spots in the tournament final. In addition, there will also be a special match to determine the tournament’s third-place finisher, with the date and venue of the match already confirmed.
Since 1934, FIFA has included the third-place match in every edition of the World Cup. As a result, the teams that lose in the semifinals still have the chance to finish on the tournament podium in recognition of their outstanding performances. While there have been recent changes to the tournament’s regulations and format, FIFA has decided to keep this tradition.
The participants in the 2026 World Cup third-place match have not yet been determined, but the date and venue of the fixture are already confirmed. On Saturday, July 18, the tournament’s third-best side will be decided. In addition, the venue will be Miami Stadium, also known as Hard Rock Stadium, in Miami Gardens, Florida. Despite having a capacity of only 64,478 spectators, the venue has been one of the most frequently used stadiums during the tournament.
2026 World Cup: Third-place team prize money revealed
The winner of the 2026 World Cup third-place match will receive a significant financial reward. Although they did not reach the final, they will earn a $29 million prize from FIFA. The fourth-place team is not far behind, as it will receive $27 million. This compensation is made possible by the nearly $900 million prize pool approved for the tournament.
A general view of Miami Stadium.
Not only will these prizes be distributed, but every national team will receive a financial reward based on the position they finish in at the tournament. As a result, several national teams such as Belgium, Norway, Switzerland, and others will receive substantial payouts that, a priori, they were not expected to earn.
Recent FIFA World Cup third-place matches
Over the last three editions of the World Cup, several national teams have pulled off surprising victories in the third-place match. At Qatar 2022, Croatia defeated Morocco 2-1, despite the African team being considered the favorite. At Russia 2018, Belgium surprisingly defeated England, producing a historic performance.
While Brazil disappointed by failing to win the 2014 World Cup as hosts, many expected them to at least finish in third place. However, they lost 3-0 to the Netherlands. Coming off the infamous 7-1 defeat, this loss marked one of the biggest disappointments in the nation’s history, leaving the team significantly weakened for several years—a decline that is reflected in the current 2026 edition.
A fan holds a replica of the FIFA World Cup Trophy.
The stakes couldn't be higher, and fans are buzzing to see exactly how this do-or-die result will define the ultimate road to the tournament's biggest prize.
France and Spain are squaring off in an absolutely massive Semi-finals showdown at the 2026 World Cup. Didier Deschamps’ squad is gearing up to battle Luis de la Fuente’s reigning European champions in Arlington. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and fans are buzzing to see exactly how this do-or-die result will define the ultimate road to the tournament’s biggest prize.
France enters the contest after an impressive run through the knockout rounds, while Spain has continued to showcase the possession-based soccer that has become its trademark. With stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Desire Doue, Rodri, and Lamine Yamal expected to feature, the semifinal promises to be one of the standout matches of the competition.
France arrives with confidence
Les Bleus have looked like one of the tournament’s most complete teams. They topped their group before defeating Sweden, Paraguay, and Morocco to reach the semifinal without conceding a goal in the knockout rounds.
Didier Deschamps has built an attack capable of hurting opponents in several different ways. Mbappe leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals. At the same time, Dembele continues to justify his reputation after winning the Ballon d’Or, and Olise has emerged as one of the tournament’s leading creators.
Date
France’s Opponent
Stage
Result
July 9, 2026
Morocco
Quarter-finals
Win (2-0)
July 4, 2026
Paraguay
Round of 16
Win (1-0)
June 30, 2026
Sweden
Round of 32
Win (3-0)
June 26, 2026
Norway
Group Stage
Win (4-1)
June 22, 2026
Iraq
Group Stage
Win (3-0)
June 16, 2026
Senegal
Group Stage
Win (3-1)
The team has also become increasingly balanced as the tournament has progressed. Adrien Rabiot and Manu Kone have provided stability behind an explosive front four, allowing Deschamps to play with greater attacking freedom than in previous World Cups.
Spain continues to trust its identity
Spain has taken a different route to the semifinals. Luis de la Fuente’s side has relied on patience, possession and defensive discipline, conceding only once throughout the tournament.
Rodri continues to dictate the tempo in midfield, while Lamine Yamal remains one of soccer’s brightest young stars despite not yet reaching his peak scoring form in North America. Mikel Merino has repeatedly delivered from the bench, scoring decisive late goals against both Portugal and Belgium.
Date
Spain’s Opponent
Stage
Result
July 10, 2026
Belgium
Quarter-finals
Win (2-1)
July 6, 2026
Portugal
Round of 16
Win (1-0)
July 2, 2026
Austria
Round of 32
Win (3-0)
June 27, 2026
Uruguay
Group Stage
Win (1-0)
June 21, 2026
Saudi Arabia
Group Stage
Win (4-0)
June 15, 2026
Cabo Verde
Group Stage
Tie (0-0)
Spain’s confidence also comes from recent history against France. La Roja defeated Les Bleus in the Euro 2024 semifinal and again in the 2025 UEFA Nations League semifinal, giving them belief that another victory is possible.
What happens if France wins and Spain loses?
A French victory would send Les Bleus into another World Cup final, where they would meet the winner of the Argentina vs England semifinal.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates with Dayot Upamecano #4 and Michael Olise #11.
Spain would then be eliminated from title contention and move into the Third-Place Match.
A place in the final would also continue France’s remarkable consistency at the highest level, adding another chapter to one of international soccer’s strongest modern eras.
What happens if France and Spain are level after 90 minutes?
Although the match could finish level after regulation, the semifinal itself cannot end in a draw.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France converts the penalty to score
Instead, the teams would play 30 minutes of extra time, and if neither side finds a winner, the contest would be settled by a penalty shootout.
Only after those stages would the World Cup bracket be completed, with one team advancing to the final and the other dropping into the third-place playoff.
Date
Competition
H2H Result
June 5, 2025
UEFA Nations League Semifinal
Spain 5-4 France
July 9, 2024
UEFA Euro 2024 Semifinal
Spain 2-1 France
October 10, 2021
UEFA Nations League Final
France 2-1 Spain
March 28, 2017
International Friendly
France 0-2 Spain
September 4, 2014
International Friendly
France 1-0 Spain
What happens if Spain wins and France loses?
Should Spain prevail in regulation, extra time, or penalties, La Roja would book its place in the World Cup Final and face either Argentina or England for the championship.
Marc Cucurella #24 of Spain celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal.
France would instead head to the Third-Place Match, where it would play the loser of the tournament’s other semifinal.
While missing out on the final would be disappointing for Deschamps’ squad, Les Bleus would still have the opportunity to finish the tournament with a podium place.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France and Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain.
France and Spain will square off in the FIFA World Cup semifinal. Here’s everything you need to know to watch the highly anticipated clash live in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch France vs Spain on US television and via legal streaming:
Franceenters this colossal semi-final clash with history in its sights, aiming to become only the second nation ever to reach three consecutive World Cup finals. Didier Deschamps‘ squad has been a force of nature throughout the tournament, marching to the final four as the only team to win all six of their matches in normal time. Their attack has been relentless, consistently overwhelming defenses and validating their status as the team to beat.
Standing in their way is a Spanish side built on an unshakable foundation. La Roja arrives on the back of a historic 36-match unbeaten streak and boasts the most formidable defense in the competition, having conceded just a single goal. As the reigning European champions, Luis de la Fuente’s men have methodically dismantled top-tier opponents, blending tactical discipline with moments of individual brilliance. This match isn’t just a semi-final; it’s a monumental collision between the world’s most potent attack and its most impenetrable defense.
Tactical Analysis & Match Context
The two finalists have navigated the tournament with contrasting narratives. France has been dominant from the outset, showcasing their offensive firepower and winning every match with authority. Spain, after a surprising opening-day draw with Cape Verde, has steadily grown in stature, rediscovering their rhythm and eliminating European powerhouses Portugal and Belgium in the knockout rounds. While France has maintained peak form, Spain has built unstoppable momentum at the perfect time.
The tactical battle is a classic clash of styles. France, with the tournament’s highest Expected Goals (xG), will look to leverage the explosive pace of Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé on the counter-attack. Spain, conversely, will aim to control the tempo through their possession-based midfield, anchored by Rodri. The key to the match will likely be on the flanks, where Spanish wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams will test a French defense that has shown potential vulnerability at the full-back positions.
For France, the motivation is cementing a legacy. A victory puts them on the cusp of a historic third consecutive final, a feat not achieved since Brazil in 2002. For Spain, this is an opportunity to reclaim their throne at the pinnacle of world soccer. After winning Euro 2024, adding the World Cup would signify a new golden era and justify their pre-tournament billing as one of the top favorites.
Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends
In 11 official encounters, this rivalry has been tightly contested, with France holding a slight edge with six victories to Spain‘s four, alongside two draws. However, the recent momentum has swung firmly in Spain‘s favor. La Roja has emerged victorious in their last two critical meetings, both of which were tournament semi-finals.
Recent history suggests this fixture guarantees goals and drama. Spain defeated France 2-1 in the Euro 2024 semi-final before an unforgettable 5-4 thriller in the 2025 Nations League semi-final. In fact, both teams have found the net in each of their last three competitive matches, with those games producing an astonishing average of 5.0 goals per game. France‘s last victory in this fixture came back in 2021.
The data points to an open, attacking contest. With both sides consistently scoring against each other and recent matches being high-scoring affairs, another offensive spectacle is expected. While France has a stronger overall World Cup record against European opposition, Spain‘s recent dominance in this specific head-to-head cannot be ignored.
Squad News & Projected Lineups
Both managers face crucial selection decisions, though Spain enters the clash with a fully available squad while France monitors a couple of key players.
For France, the potential return of midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni from injury could provide a significant boost to their engine room. However, forward Marcus Thuram remains a doubt, which could influence Didier Deschamps‘ attacking configuration. The primary concern remains at full-back, where the defensive responsibilities will be immense against Spain‘s elite wingers.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has the luxury of a full complement of players, with no injuries or suspensions to contend with. His biggest tactical choice involves the left wing, where he must decide between the in-form Álex Baena or the explosive pace of Nico Williams to target France‘s right flank, a decision that could shape the entire attacking approach for La Roja.
France Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Kone, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Doue; Mbappe. This lineup is built around the devastating attacking quartet led by Kylian Mbappé. With Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise providing creativity and goals, France’s primary strategy will be to use their speed in transition to overwhelm the Spanish defense.
Spain Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Simon; Cucurella, Laporte, Cubarsi, Porro; Pedri, Rodri; Baena, Olmo, Yamal; Oyarzabal. Spain’s strength lies in its midfield control, with Rodri and Pedri dictating the game’s tempo. The lineup is designed to dominate possession and create one-on-one opportunities for wingers Lamine Yamal and Álex Baena to exploit any space left by the French full-backs.
More details on how to watch
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A monthly subscription to Fubo costs just $14.99. This plan offers access to all live matches, on-demand content, and exclusive analysis, providing comprehensive value for any soccer fan.
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Kylian Mbappé of France (L) and Lamine Yamal of Spain (R)
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 12: Aaron Ramsdale of Newcastle United looks on as he warms up prior to the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Newcastle United at Selhurst Park on April 12, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
He spent last season on loan at Newcastle United, and before that played for Arsenal, Sheffield United, Bournemouth and Wimbledon.
The 28-year-old earned five senior caps for England, and he would be the second English goalkeeper at Torino after Joe Hart in 2016-17.
Sky Sport Italia and Sport Mediaset are confident that Ramsdale can be in Serie A this season for the Granata, on loan with an option to buy, as his contract with the Saints runs to June 2028.
HEIDENHEIM, GERMANY – APRIL 11: Danilho Doekhi of 1.FC Union Berlin in action during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 and 1. FC Union Berlin at Voith-Arena on April 11, 2026 in Heidenheim, Germany. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)
There is some Serie A link for the player, because he is the nephew of former Milan man Winston Bogarde.
A central defender, he will go into the squad now coached by Gennaro Gattuso.
Doekhi is the second free agent to join Lazio this summer, after Alfonso Pedraza.
New centre-backs were required after Mario Gila was sold to Milan, while Alessio Romagnoli is heading to Al-Sadd, although the latter has not yet been completed weeks after the clubs reached an agreement.
Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis outlines his plans for a 70,000-seater stadium, but also warns football clubs are ‘all puppets at the service of UEFA and FIFA, who get rich off us.’
NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 26: Aurelio De Laurentiis, President of SSC Napoli, celebrates the victory of Serie A TIM during the SSC Napoli Trophy Parade on May 26, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
De Laurentiis has long been critical of the way the financial side of football is run, and aims to bring some of his experience as a Hollywood movie producer to this world.
“There is not a big gap in football terms between Serie A and other leagues, but rather one of legislation from one country to the next,” he added.
“We continue working within a football world that is not run by us. We clubs ought to be the ones in charge, but instead we are run by institutions who make themselves rich off our backs, and the same goes for many other leagues.
NAPLES, ITALY – DECEMBER 12: Aurelio De Laurentiis SSC Napoli President during the UEFA Champions League match between SCC Napoli and SC Braga at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on December 12, 2023 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“In Italy, just as in England, there are some clubs that are of a certain standing, yet if you look at their balance sheets, they too end up running at a loss, even with three or four times our revenue.
“That means something in football does not work for a whole series of reasons.”
De Laurentiis has also been bitterly critical of the higher institutions of the sport, and particularly the rapport between clubs and international football.
“In Europe we are all puppets at the service of UEFA and FIFA, who effectively get rich off us. It’s not even possible to get a good look at their finances to study them.”
Inter are still looking for a replacement for Denzel Dumfries, and according to Italian sources, Djed Spence of Tottenham and Atletico Madrid’s Nahuel Molina are among the Nerazzurri’s targets, while Strasbourg demand more than €35m for Guela Doué.
Inter haven’t yet signed a replacement for Dumfries, who has joined Real Madrid in a €20m deal this summer.
Inter: What’s next after Palestra and Khalaili deals fell through?
The Nerazzurri had reached an agreement with Atalanta and Marco Palestra before the Italian defender picked Chelsea instead.
The deal for Anan Khalaili was also practically done, but the Israel international failed medical tests, as Inter President Beppe Marotta confirmed on Monday.
This means the Nerazzurri effectively need to start their search for a new right-back from scratch.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JUNE 30: Djed Spence #25 of England participates in a drill during the England training session one day ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between England and Congo DR at Swope Soccer Village on June 30, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)MADRID, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 08: Nahuel Molina of Atletico de Madrid is put under pressure by Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid CF during the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and Atletico de Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 08, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Doué was seen as one of Inter’s main targets after the Palestra and Khalaili deals fell through, but according to Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport, Strasbourg’s asking price exceeds €35m.
Nahuel Molina remains a long-time Nerazzurri target, while Spence is also being considered.
Another English defender, Genoa’s Brooke Norton-Cuffy, is also said to be on Inter’s radar, according to Sportmediaset and Corriere dello Sport.
According to Tuttosport, the list of potential Dumfries replacements also includes Verona’s Rafik Belghali, who is valued at €15m; Monaco’s Vanderson; Givairo Read of Feyenoord; and Dan Ndoye, a former Bologna winger who is valued at €40m by his club, Nottingham Forest.
Multiple sources in Italy claim that Milan demand €18m from Aston Villa for Pervis Estupinan, with Noussair Mazraoui emerging as Ruben Amorim’s favourite option to replace the Ecuador international.
Sportmediaset provides the latest updates on Aston Villa’s negotiations for Milan defender Estupinan.
Amorim targets Mazraoui to replace Estupinan at Milan
The Italian broadcasters claim that the Premier League club is ready to invest a fee between €10m and €12m for the ex-Brighton left-back who failed to impress in his first season at Milan in 2025-26.
The Rossoneri are ready to let Estupinan go, but have set their asking price at €18m, the report claims.
Ruben Amorim, however, has already identified the ideal replacement for Estupinan as both SportMediaset and Daniele Longo of Calciomercato.com claim that the Portuguese wants to reunite with Manchester United full-back Mazraoui at San Siro.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JULY 09: Noussair Mazraoui #3 of Morocco controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between France and Morocco at Boston Stadium on July 09, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
The versatile 28-year-old is under contract at Old Trafford until 2028 and played 49 games under Amorim with the Red Devils.
According to Sportmediaset, Milan have already opened talks with the player’s agent Rafaela Pimenta, but haven’t yet made a formal offer to Manchester United.
Liverpool are reportedly keeping tabs on the Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence.
The 25-year-old could be on his way out of the London club this summer, and the likes of Inter Milan and Newcastle United are also interested in him, as per TEAMtalk.
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Djed Spence could be a handy option
Liverpool could use more quality in the full-back department, and Spence would be the ideal acquisition. He has shown his quality with Tottenham, and he is impressing in the World Cup with the England national team as well.
He is versatile enough to operate on either flank, and he could be the ideal utility man for Liverpool. Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley struggled with injuries last season, and Liverpool needs more depth in the full-back areas.
Andrew Robertson has also left the club, and Spence will be able to provide cover and quality in both positions. It will be interesting to see if he’s willing to join Liverpool. He might not be a guaranteed starter for them. It would be a similar situation for him, where he would be a squad player.
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He needs to play regularly at this stage of his career, and the 25-year-old is certainly good enough to start for Premier League teams. Perhaps moving to Newcastle or Inter Milan would be ideal for him if they are prepared to provide him with guaranteed first team action. Spence has also been linked with Everton.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool follows up on their interest with an official offer to get the deal done. They will have to promise him gametime in order to convince the player to join.
Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes really wants the transfer to Arsenal, but the Gunners are currently unsure about paying his asking price.
The Brazil international has shone during his time at St James’ Park and looks like he’s ready to go to the next level, with Newcastle currently unable to offer him Champions League football.
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Fletcher says the Guimaraes story is still rolling on, with the player really keen on the move, but Arsenal unsure about paying so much for him.
This follows the Telegraph reporting that Newcastle could demand close to £100m for the former Lyon man, which might have been feasible a few years ago, but surely not when he’s at this stage of his career.
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Will Arsenal give in to the demands of this inflated market?
Unfortunately for Arsenal, who have never really been the biggest spenders, the market changes all the time and prices tend to just keep going up and up.
It’s easy to forget now, but eyebrows were raised when Liverpool paid £75m for Virgil van Dijk, which now arguably looks like a bargain.
Fees keep being inflated, and that means some slightly eye-watering fees for players like Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali.
It also surely means Guimaraes is going to cost slightly more than some fans expect, but that doesn’t mean it wouldn’t still be a worthwhile investment for Arsenal.
The Premier League champions could do with something different in the middle of the park, as well as more rotation options after Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi played so much football without rest last season.
Chelsea are hoping to sign the Portuguese international goalkeeper Diogo Costa during the summer transfer window.
The 26-year-old has done quite well for Porto and impressed with the Portuguese national team at the World Cup. PSG and Bayern Munich are also keeping tabs on his development.
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Can Chelsea afford Diogo Costa?
He has a £51 million release clause in his contract, and Chelsea will have to pay to get the deal done. According to reports from Correio da Manha, Chelsea are willing to pay £34 million to sign the goalkeeper. They believe he would be an upgrade on Robert Sanchez. Sanchez has been quite underwhelming since joining Chelsea, and they desperately need an upgrade.
However, they will need to pay the asking price in order to get the deal done. With other top clubs interested in signing the 26-year-old, the Premier League outfit might need to accelerate their pursuit in order to win the race for his signature.
Costa will be hoping to sort out his future quickly so that he can focus on his football again. He is at the peak of his career, and the opportunity to play in the Premier League will be exciting for him. Chelsea are among the biggest clubs in the world, and they could provide him with the platform to fight for major trophies. The move could be ideal for all parties.
Christian Norgaard has been linked with a move away from Arsenal this summer.
Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in signing the 32-year-old midfielder. He struggled to get regular opportunities at Arsenal last season, and he needs to move to play more often. At this stage of his career, he will not want to sit on the bench regularly.
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He has a contract with Arsenal until 2027, and it would be ideal for the Premier League champions to cash in on him. They will not want to lose him for free next year. Also, he is not a guaranteed starter for them, and it makes no sense for Arsenal to keep him. They should look to recoup as much as possible from his departure and bring an upgrade.
Arsenal have been linked with players like Bruno Guimaraes in recent weeks.
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Norgaard will be hoping to sort out his future quickly and focus on his football. Crystal Palace could be an attractive opportunity for him. They will be able to provide him with European football, and they have a competitive team as well.
The player is likely to be available on a nominal fee due to his contract situation, and he could prove to be a bargain for the Eagles. They need more quality and experience in the team, especially when it comes to juggling European football and the Premier League. Signing a Premier League-winning midfielder would be ideal for them.
The 32-year-old could prove to be a solid acquisition for them in the short term.
Arsenal have reportedly missed out on the transfer of Real Madrid defender Victor Valdepenas, who is set to join Fiorentina instead.
The talented young Spaniard is closing in on an €8m move from Real Madrid to Fiorentina, according to Fabrizio Romano in a post on his official X page today.
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See below as Romano claims Valdepenas will have a 50% sell-on clause and some form of first refusal option with his new club, putting Real Madrid in control over his long-term future…
?? Fiorentina reach verbal agreement to sign Víctor Valdepeñas from Real Madrid, here we go! ??
€8m transfer fee, contract until June 2031, Real Madrid mantain 50% sell-on clause and future control in case of any bids.
“Fiorentina reach verbal agreement to sign Víctor Valdepeñas from Real Madrid, here we go!” Romano posted. “€8m transfer fee, contract until June 2031, Real Madrid mantain (sic) 50% sell-on clause and future control in case of any bids. Clubs started exchanging documents today.”
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How Arsenal missed out on Victor Valdepenas transfer
However, when you look at the terms of this deal with Fiorentina, they’re very favourable towards Los Blancos, and it’s hard to imagine Arsenal would’ve agreed to anything like that.
In truth, this looks like a sale that is very much set up for Valdepenas to come back to Madrid at some point in the future.
Otherwise, even if he leaves Fiorentina for big money, that should be profitable for Real, whereas a club like Arsenal would not generally be in the business of selling star names in that way.
What it could mean, however, is that the Gunners can come back in for Valdepenas in the future if he impresses at Fiorentina, and whatever fee they pay would be split evenly between La Viola and Los Merengues.
Either that, or it could force Real into re-signing Valdepenas themselves.
Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola is reportedly high on Liverpool’s list of transfer targets for this summer, according to David Ornstein.
The France international, currently at the World Cup 2026 with his national side, is an exciting talent, and looks like someone who could improve this Liverpool side after they were dealt the blow of losing Mohamed Salah this summer.
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Ornstein, speaking in the video below, says that PSG ideally don’t want to sell Barcola, but are “realistic” about his situation as he hasn’t been a regular starter at the Parc des Princes.
This could surely help Liverpool if they do decide to pursue a deal, with the 23-year-old also likely to be attracted to becoming a key player for such a big name in English and European football.
David Ornstein on Bradley Barcola to Liverpool
“Liverpool really like Bradley Barcola. PSG would like to keep him, but they are realistic. He has only two years left on his contract. He’s not a regular starter, and he wants to be, so I suspect he would be open to a move if the right opportunity arose,” Ornstein said.
“Liverpool have him high in their thinking, and I imagine Barcola himself would be attracted to clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal, and so on.
“The price would be very high. Of course, we’ve got to keep a close eye on Barcola and Liverpool, but at this moment I’m not sure it’s at an advanced stage. France are still in the tournament. PSG, I’m told, don’t want to trouble him or take his focus away from the World Cup.
“So, like with many situations, I would imagine this one starts to develop, in whatever shape or form, if that means staying, going, Liverpool or elsewhere, post-tournament.”
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With the Gunners having just won the Premier League title, perhaps that could be seen as the more tempting destination for Barcola, but LFC will likely be in next season’s title race, even if they dipped significantly in 2025/26.
Manu Kone continues to be linked with a move to the Premier League this summer.
The 25-year-old had an impressive season with AS Roma last year, and he has done well in the World Cup with France. Gian Piero Gasperini heaped praise on him recently, claiming he is “having a great World Cup”.
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Man United and Villa eye Manu Kone
Manchester United are interested in securing his signature, and a report from AS Roma Live claims that Aston Villa have now joined the race for him. There have been reports that Roma could sell Kone to balance the books.
The West Midlands club are losing Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and is looking to bring in a replacement. On the other hand, Manchester United need a quality replacement for Casemiro. They need more physicality and defensive steel in the middle of the park.
The French International could be an outstanding acquisition for both clubs. He has the physicality and technical attributes to make an impact in English football, and he could make a big difference for both teams.
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Manchester United and Aston Villa will be able to offer him Champions League football next season, and he is likely to be tempted to join either club. It remains to be seen which of the two outfits can get the deal done.
Kone is at the peak of his career and could be a key player for both teams for the foreseeable future. However, the asking price is quite high, and the two English clubs will probably hope to sign him for a more reasonable fee.
The midfielder has shown his quality in Germany and Italy, and he could be an asset in the Premier League as well.
Only one other nation has won more World Cups than Italy, and only two have appeared in more finals. But as the rest of the world has been captivated by football’s most prestigious international tournament going on in North America this summer, Azzurri fans have been excluded again, possibly taking a quick glance at the results to see which team has taken Italy’s place at the top table.
It is a painful reminder that Italy has not kicked a ball at a World Cup finals since losing to Uruguay in the last game of the group stage of the 2014 finals in Brazil. Three tournaments have now gone by without Azzurri representation. Ironically, in the meantime, Italy set the record for the longest unbeaten run in competitive men’s football. But even with continental success, an absence on the global stage still hurts.
Some of the best Italian players have been enjoying – or enduring – an extra-long holiday this summer, as their club teammates have strived to lift the most important trophy in the game. There are no easy passes in world football, and a successful past does not guarantee qualification for a World Cup. But a team like Italy should be playing at this summer’s finals. How can the Azzurri ensure that they can challenge again?
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Players of Italy show their dejection of Italy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
Not Good Enough
Before we go any further, it should be said that Italy has simply not been good enough to qualify for a World Cup in the last 12 years. Even with an expanded format that allowed 48 nations to go to North America, the Azzurri failed to do enough to either win their group or navigate what seemed a relatively straightforward playoff route.
It could be argued that Italy was unlucky to be grouped with a resurgent Norway that has proved just how powerful it is at this year’s finals. It is also unfortunate that the new qualification system allowed only the group winner to advance. But failing to get past both Northern Ireland and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the playoffs showed that the current Italy team is just not good enough.
Greater Intensity
One of the most dispiriting parts of watching Italy’s failures over the last few years has been the team’s inability to deal with opponents who seem to have adapted their style of play in ways the Azzurri haven’t. Tactical trends come and go, but Italy seem to be stuck relying on what has worked in the past.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and SSC Napoli at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Successful teams have shown over the last few seasons that an overreliance on ultra-possession-based football, typified by Pep Guardiola’s sides, can be a problem in itself. But failing to adapt at all has failed the Azzurri. Italy needs greater intensity – with and without the ball – and an overall increase in the speed of its play to improve against all opponents.
Trusting Young Talent
Unfortunately for Italy, turning the national team into one that can qualify and challenge at World Cups is not as simple as switching tactics on the pitch. There has to be a bigger change to how the national side plays, and trusting the young talent Italy produces would be a good start.
Although Serie A has a higher percentage of homegrown players than some other big leagues in Europe, this percentage is declining, and there remains reluctance to integrate Italian players into first-team squads. The knock-on effect is that they are then not playing for the Azzurri when they are young. Trusting these young players to perform is vital for a new-look Italy.
Infrastructure Reform
If we are talking about changing things away from the international field of play, it is also crucial that there is reform throughout Italy’s football infrastructure. It would help at the club level, strengthening the league and reclaiming its place as one of the very best in the world. But the FIGC is also in dire need of reform.
The good news is that there has been some change since Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for a third time in a row. But switching out establishment names for more establishment names will not work. More merit-based leadership is needed, with professional insight into the game needed from those who can contribute more from experience.
Getting Behind a New Man
At the time of writing, the identity of the new head coach of the Italy national team is still unknown. There are strong rumours that it will be Antonio Conte, although Roberto Mancini has been mentioned as a potential return to the role he vacated in 2023. There have even been calls for Pep Guardiola to be given the job.
There has never been a non-Italian head coach, although Helenio Herrera did help oversee the squad in the 1960s, and there probably isn’t any need to look elsewhere now. We need a coach with a more modern mindset. Then the nation as a whole needs to get behind whoever is appointed to provide a collective front.
Next Steps
We have seen in Serie A recently that new ideas can be successful. Cesc Fabregas may have been fortunate to have wealthy owners to provide him with the tools to turn Como into a top team, but it is his tactical changes that have transformed the club. The new Azzurri head coach must look at what has failed in the past and implement his own new ideas if Italy is to thrive.
The next step will then be the Nations League campaign at the end of this year. Türkiye, Belgium, and particularly France, will offer strict tests for the new head coach and his squad. But Italy mustn’t fall further behind the elite of world football now. Momentum can do wonders for a team, and some good results here can then inspire the Azzurri to do better in the future. Hopefully, that will ultimately result in qualification for the 2030 World Cup.
In this episode of the Football Italia Summer Show, Lorenzo Bettoni sits down with Jonathan Grade, the producer behind Channel 4’s iconic Football Italia, to revisit one of the most influential football programmes ever broadcast in the UK.
Together, they explore how Football Italia captured the imagination of millions of supporters and introduced an entire generation of fans to the drama, passion, and quality of Serie A during its golden era.
From legendary players and historic clubs to unforgettable moments that shaped Italian football’s global appeal, the discussion looks back at a period when Italy was the centre of the football world.
The conversation also examines the challenges Italian football has faced over the past three decades and what has been missing in Serie A’s evolution.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: A general view of the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium San Siro ahead of the Serie A match between AC Milan and Inter at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 20: An Italy flag is waved by a fan prior to the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Italy and Germany at Stadio San Siro on March 20, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Lorenzo and Jonathan discuss the decline of stadium experiences, the importance of modern marketing, the changing landscape of television coverage, and how these factors have impacted the league’s ability to compete with Europe’s biggest competitions.
Paolo Maldini, Leonardo and Giovanni Malagò will finalise a shortlist of candidates for the Italy head coach role, with a final decision expected by next week, according to Gazzetta.
Italy will appoint a new head coach in the coming days and, according to Gazzetta, FIGC President Malagò will hold talks with technical director Maldini and his advisor Leonardo today.
Maldini, Leonardo and Malagò hold Italy coach talks
It’s not guaranteed that the trio will meet in person, but they are expected to make contact today to discuss the candidates for the job for the first time.
Gennaro Gattuso, a former teammate of Leonardo and Maldini at Milan, resigned after failing to secure World Cup qualification in March and was temporarily replaced by U21 coach Silvio Baldini for friendly games against Luxembourg and Greece in June.
Conte and Mancini were mentioned as the main candidates for the Italy job until yesterday, but Gazzetta notes that Conte is no longer in the first row, while Mancini holds a solid bond with Malagò.
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 16: AC Milan Sporting Strategy & Development Director Paolo Maldini and AC Milan Club Sporting Director Leonardo De Araujo before the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia on February 16, 2019 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The likes of Andrea Pirlo and Pep Guardiola have also been linked with the Italy job in recent hours, but Gazzetta highlights that securing a deal with the former Manchester City boss might prove tricky for the federation, primarily for financial reasons.
Maldini, Leonardo and Malagò are expected to agree on a shortlist today, while the final decision over the new Italy coach will reportedly be made by next week.
Arsenal are reportedly now expected to step up their transfer pursuit of Morgan Rogers and Christos Tzolis after the sale of Leandro Trossard.
The Gunners are reigning Premier League champions but will want to build on that success and try to improve even further after notably reaching the Champions League final but losing to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.
It looks like the major changes could take place in attack, with Trossard confirming to Arsenal that he plans to accept an offer to join Besiktas, according to TEAMtalk.
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Arsenal to revamp their attack with new signings and sales
The report also adds that Gabriel Martinelli could leave the Emirates Stadium this summer, though Arsenal can also spend significant money on Rogers and Tzolis even if Trossard is the only one departing.
It’s important in modern football to be careful with squad planning due to Financial Fair Play laws, but it seems Arsenal are confident they could invest in signings even without selling Martinelli on top of Trossard.
The north London giants spent big last summer and it helped them take that crucial step forward to land their first title in 22 years, so if they show similar ambition this year they’ll surely feel they can keep improving and perhaps finally land that elusive Champions League title.
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How to improve this Arsenal team
Even if AFC were fully deserving champions in the end, and unlucky to lose on penalties after a 1-1 draw with PSG, there is clearly room for improvement in Mikel Arteta’s side.
Some fans will feel the title could have been wrapped up even earlier with a bit more spark and flair in the front three, and that’s where someone like Rogers could have a major influence.
And in that final against PSG, Arteta’s side struggled to keep the ball and create enough, even if they were defensively solid, so in future we could perhaps see a more even game with the presence of players like Rogers and Tzolis who can give them more initiative and forward momentum.
Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the Benfica attacker Andreas Schjelderup.
The 22-year-old has 15 goals and 15 assists to his name since joining Benfica, and he has impressed at the international level in Norway.
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Spurs want to sign Andreas Schjelderup
According to reports from Portugal via Sport Witness, the player will cost €50 million. Tottenham are keen on securing his signature, and it remains to be seen whether they are prepared to pay the asking price.
They need more quality on the flanks, and the Norwegian International will add peace, flair, and unpredictability. He can create opportunities and score goals. He scored an outstanding solo goal against England in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
However, the asking price is quite high, and it could complicate any potential move. Tottenham need to improve multiple areas of the squad, and they have already invested significantly in the midfield. €50 million is considered too expensive for an unproven talent.
Other clubs are also interested in the 22-year-old, and it will be interesting to see how the situation develops. His performance in the World Cup has seen his value skyrocket, and Benfica are unwilling to yield.
Unless the player decides to force an exit, the Portuguese outfit will hold all the cards in the transfer battle.
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Tottenham must improve the attacking unit before the window closes. Adding a quality wide player and a striker should be top priorities. It remains to be seen whether they can bring in the necessary additions and turn things around after a disappointing season.
The opportunity to play in the Premier League will be exciting for the Norwegian, and regular game time in England could help him improve further. There is no doubt he will be excited to move to the Premier League if the opportunity presents itself.
Stefan Bajcetic has been linked with a permanent move away from Liverpool this summer.
The 21-year-old defensive midfielder was highly rated within the club, but he has suffered multiple serious injuries and has had barely any gametime in recent seasons. Naturally, there are rumours that he could be sold in the coming weeks.
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Iraola could hand Stefan Bajcetic another chance
However, a report from Radio Marca claims that the newly appointed Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola admires the talented young midfielder, and he could give the 21-year-old a lifeline at the Premier League club.
It will be interesting to see whether the Spanish midfielder can impress during the preseason and convince the manager to keep him at the club.
When he broke into the first team scene at Liverpool, he was regarded as one of the finest young talents at the club. He has the maturity, composure, technical ability, and intelligence to compete at a high-level.
There is no doubt that he had the potential to play regularly for the first team. However, injuries have halted his development. It remains to be seen whether he is at the level to play for a club like Liverpool.
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It seems that a massive pre-season is now ahead of the young midfielder, and he will need to seize the opportunity and prove to the manager that he is good enough to continue at a top club like Liverpool.
However, if he stays at the club, he needs to secure gametime assurance. At this stage of his career, sitting on the bench every week would be detrimental to his growth. He will need ample opportunities to express himself and to continue improving.
Aston Villa’s director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, insists Juventus target Emiliano Martinez is a ‘key element’ in the team, and the club has ‘no intention of letting him go.’
Aston Villa won’t let Emiliano Martinez leave this summer, the Premier League club’s director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, said on Tuesday.
Aston Villa tell Juventus they won’t sell Dibu Martinez
Speaking to 365Scores, the Aston Villa director said: “Emiliano is a very important player for us, and he is a key element in Aston Villa. All the talk about him leaving during the current summer transfer window is just rumours, and we rely on him heavily in the team’s project for next season.
“The goalkeeper’s future is settled; he is staying with us, and we have no intention of letting him go this summer,” Vidagany added.
“The team needs his efforts and extensive experience, and he is a very important element in our project for next season.”
LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Michele Di Gregorio of Juventus FC during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Juventus had made Martinez their top summer transfer target for the goalkeeping role, as the Bianconeri are preparing to part ways with Michele Di Gregorio and potentially Mattia Perin as well.
With Aston Villa unwilling to sell Martinez this summer, the Bianconeri will likely look to Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario and Parma’s Zion Suzuki, who are two other goalkeepers linked with a move to Turin.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – MAY 20: Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez reacts during the UEFA Europa League Final 2026 match between SC Freiburg and Aston Villa FC at Besiktas Park on May 20, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Several Italian sources have reported over the last few weeks that Martinez was open to joining Juventus, having already reached a principle of agreement with the Bianconeri.
Juventus, however, failed to strike a deal with the Premier League side as the Bianconeri were unwilling to pay more than €10m for the Argentine.
Crysencio Summerville’s agents met with Roma executives this morning, where they were informed that the Giallorossi will only pursue a deal for the West Ham winger if the total transfer fee does not exceed €40m and the player’s salary is capped at €4m per year, reports Alfredo Pedullà.
Roma met with Summerville’s agents in Rome this morning.
According to transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà, the meeting lasted around one hour.
Roma meet Summerville’s agents
The report claims that Roma confirmed their strong interest in the West Ham winger, but set their condition for the transfer.
The Giallorossi are ready to move negotiations forward as long as the transfer fee does not exceed €40m and the salary does not exceed €4m per season.
According to Pedullà, Summerville has attracted interest from some Premier League clubs, but they are not currently in advanced talks.
GUADALUPE, MEXICO – JUNE 29: Crysencio Summerville of Netherlands looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Netherlands and Morocco at Monterrey Stadium on June 29, 2026 in Guadalupe, Mexico. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Roma expect an answer from the player’s agent and West Ham in the coming hours, perhaps as early as tonight, Pedullà says.
It was previously reported that Summerville’s agents had been in Rome since Monday, when they landed in the capital with another of their clients, Danilo Doekhi, who is on the verge of joining Roma’s city rivals, Lazio.
Massimiliano Allegri says that Scott McTominay and Noa Lang will be the first players to return to Napoli training after the World Cup, while Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne will be back on August 5.
The Italian tactician was asked his thoughts on Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne, who had a tough 2025-26 campaign under Antonio Conte.
Allegri: ‘De Bruyne and Lukaku return on August 5’
“I learned from an old coach. Until I see and coach players, making judgments from outside is always very difficult,” Allegri replied, via TuttoNapoli.
“I’m taking it with me. Starting tomorrow, we’ll get to know each other. Values are important. They’ll arrive on August 5. McTominay and Lang will arrive before.
“We’ll leave with whoever is available to start the work.”
Napoli had five of their players at the World Cup: Mathias Olivera, McTominay, Lang, Lukaku and De Bruyne.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JULY 01: Romelu Lukaku #9 of Belgium reacts after scoring the team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Belgium and Senegal at Seattle Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
However, Olivera, McTominay and Lang were eliminated in the opening stages, while Lukaku and De Bruyne’s Belgium progressed until the quarter-finals.
Napoli will start the pre-season tomorrow, Wednesday, July 15.
The Partenopei finished second in 2025-26, but during Conte’s two-year spell, they won a Scudetto and a Supercoppa Italiana.
Massimiliano Allegri insists he was never in talks for the Italy job before accepting the Napoli offer, refuses to reply to Milan owner Gerry Cardinale, but notes: ‘I’m happy to coach Rasmus Hojlund.” Last season, I dodged him…’
New Napoli coach Allegri was unveiled at a big event at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples on Tuesday.
The Tuscan tactician has signed a three-year contract at the Stadio Maradona.
Allegri was joined by President Aurelio De Laurentiis and directors Giovanni Manna and Andrea Chiavelli, answering questions from reporters.
Allegri’s first Napoli press conference
“For me, this unveiling is too much. It’s the first time it has happened to me, and I thank the president,” Allegri said, smiling (via TuttoNapoli).
“Antonio Conte has shown all his worth in his career. I’m lucky; this is already the second time I’ve inherited Antonio’s team. Let’s hope it bodes well. Luck is important in life.”
During his two-year spell at Napoli, Conte won both the Scudetto and the Supercoppa Italiana.
“It will be important to work seriously and professionally, especially to find the foundations to get to March, as I always say, seasons are decided there,” Allegri continued.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MAY 03: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on May 03, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
“Staying in contention for the Scudetto, Champions League, and Coppa Italia would be important.”
Napoli will start their pre-season tomorrow.
“We’ll begin a wonderful adventure for me; it’s a crazy city,” Allegri continued.
“I immediately felt the affection, a passionate city, and I’m very happy.”
Allegri was reported to be on the Italian FA’s radar to replace Gennaro Gattuso, but the newly appointed Napoli coach said he was never in talks with any representative of the FIGC.
It’s worth mentioning that Allegri reached an agreement with Napoli way before Giovanni Malagò was elected as the new FIGC President on June 22.
“I haven’t had any contact about the [Italian] federation,” insisted Allegri.
“I’ve spoken to the [Napoli] president, and I was already close a few years ago. I’m happy to work with him, with all of Napoli.
“I have players who can play with multiple systems; the important thing is to have enthusiasm and a desire to achieve goals through sacrifice and hard work, and, as I said, I believe I inherit a team that has these qualities,” Allegri added.
“Football is debatable; everyone talks about it. It’s the most beautiful sport in the world, and it’s unpredictable. The modules, the systems, we have an important team, it has had successes in recent years, and it is important to continue the work.”
Milan sacked Allegri at the end of the 2025-26 season after failing to qualify for the Champions League.
“It’s not a matter of revenge; some seasons end a certain way. I’m sorry about how last season ended,” he said.
“I’ll take a moment to thank those who collaborated with me in Milan; it’s been an intense season. Winning or achieving goals is not easy, so we start from the understanding that nothing is a given, despite recent successes. Tomorrow is another season.”
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 03: Gerry Cardinale of AC Milan looks on before the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 03, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I absolutely do not comment on the ownership’s words. Again, I can only thank those who have supported me all season,” insisted Allegri.
“Then, unfortunately, we are sorry for the missed goal, but another year begins, beautiful to experience. We have three competitions, and we start with great enthusiasm.”
Talking about Napoli’s transfer strategy, Allegri noted: “The club takes care of the transfer market. We work closely together. Once I’ve seen the whole team, I’ll give some evaluations, and we’ll see what’s missing.
“With the director and the president, we will talk about how we can improve. An important collaboration, in today’s football, the challenge is to be competitive and sustainable. The team is already strong, then we’ll see what to do.”
Last summer, Allegri’s Milan failed to secure an agreement with Hojlund, who instead joined Napoli from Manchester United. When asked about the Denmark international, Allegri replied with a smile: “I’m happy to coach him. Last season, I dodged him; this year I took him.”
Lastly, the Italian tactician discussed the goalkeeper situation with Alex Meret and Vanja Milinkovic-Savic often rotating under Conte in 2025-26.
“Napoli have two excellent goalkeepers; they are important. Surely there will be hierarchies; there will be a first and a second choice. But I’ll see this during the pre-season.”
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing the Napoli attacking midfielder Antonio Vergara.
The 23-year-old impressed with his cameos last season, and Spurs have expressed interest in signing him. According to a report from Area Napoli, multiple other Italian clubs are keeping tabs on his situation.
However, Napoli is unwilling to let him leave, and they are already holding talks with his representatives regarding a contract renewal. It will be interesting to see if Spurs follow up on their interest with an official offer to sign the player.
They could use more depth in the final third, and Vergara would be the ideal utility man for them. He can operate centrally as well as on the flanks. He could add technical ability, creativity, and flair to the team.
The 23-year-old was not a guaranteed starter for Napoli last season, and if Tottenham can provide him with the necessary assurances, he could be drawn to the idea of moving to England. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.
Tottenham have been very active in the market this summer, and they have already spent a substantial amount of money to improve the squad. However, they must add more quality in the final third before the window closes.
Apart from creativity, they also need a reliable goal scorer who can find the back of the net regularly.
They finished 17th in the league table last season, and it is clear that the club hierarchy does not want to be in that position once again. They are spending heavily so that they can bounce back strongly. It remains to be seen whether Tottenham and Roberto De Zerbi convince the 23-year-old Italian to join the club this summer.
Chelsea are looking to improve their attacking unit with the signing of Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup.
The talented young attacker has performed well in the Portuguese league and impressed at the World Cup with Norway. Naturally, top clubs are monitoring his situation, and Chelsea are one of the interested parties. However, the asking price could complicate any potential move. He has a €100 million release clause in his contract, and Benfica are unwilling to sell him for cheap.
The Portuguese outfit is not demanding his release clause to be paid in full, but they want around €40 million for his signature. That is still a high asking price for a young player who is still largely unproven at the highest level.
Chelsea Chronicle reports: “Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham are all closely monitoring his development and situation.
“Sources close to Chelsea indicate that the London club could look into the player’s situation, but they will not rush into a €40 million move. Benfica, on the other hand, are absolutely unwilling to sell Schjelderup for anything less than €40 million. Furthermore, the player’s contract includes a €100 million release clause, which significantly limits the bargaining power of interested clubs.”
It will be interesting to see if Benfica is willing to be more reasonable with their demands. Chelsea needs more quality on the flanks. Alejandro Garnacho has been linked with a move away after a disappointing campaign, and they need to replace him.
The Norwegian could be ideal for them. He is a left-sided winger, but he is versatile enough to operate on either flank. He will help create opportunities for his teammates and find the back of the net as well.
The build-up to England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina has taken a controversial turn following FIFA’s choice of referee.
With Thomas Tuchel’s side attempting to reach their first final since 1966 and the defending champions chasing consecutive titles, every decision in Atlanta will face enormous scrutiny.
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Argentina’s knockout run has already produced complaints about VAR and refereeing, so the appointment was always likely to attract attention.
However, previous connections between the selected official and matches involving Lionel Messi have intensified the debate before a ball has even been kicked.
FIFA appointment adds pre-match controversy
According to the Daily Mail, concerns about possible favouritism have grown after FIFA appointed Ismail Elfath to referee Wednesday’s semi-final.
The Moroccan-born American will be assisted by Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins, while Italy’s Maurizio Mariani has been named fourth official.
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ESPN has also confirmed Elfath’s appointment for the match at Atlanta Stadium. He has already handled three games at this World Cup, although this will be his first involving either England or Argentina.
Elfath served as fourth official when Argentina defeated France in the 2022 World Cup final.
He has also refereed several Inter Miami matches since Messi moved to MLS, including the 2023 Leagues Cup final against Nashville.
Calling him Messi’s “favourite referee”, however, remains a media description rather than evidence of an improper relationship or biased decision-making.
Officials face scrutiny ahead of Argentina vs England
The wider concern comes from controversy surrounding Argentina’s victories over Egypt and Switzerland.
Reuters reported that opponents have repeatedly complained about decisions benefiting Argentina, although former FIFA referee Christina Unkel said the incidents she reviewed did not clearly demonstrate poor officiating.
FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina has also rejected allegations of bias, insisting that World Cup officials work independently and that questioning their integrity without evidence is unacceptable.
Elfath should be judged on Wednesday’s performance rather than his previous contact with Messi.
Referees frequently oversee the same leading players, especially when they work in the league where those players compete.
Still, FIFA must understand why the appointment has created nervousness. After several disputed decisions involving Argentina, even a correct but marginal call could trigger another major backlash.
Manchester United’s midfield transformation has taken another significant step, with the club moving quickly to complete a deal for one of the Premier League’s most experienced central players.
Michael Carrick entered the summer wanting greater control, creativity and leadership in the middle of the pitch, and the latest arrival should provide all three.
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The move also signals a clear change in United’s recruitment strategy. After investing in the long-term potential of Andrey Santos, they are now adding a proven performer who should be capable of contributing immediately.
It leaves Carrick with more tactical flexibility, but it could also create uncertainty for existing midfielders such as Mason Mount.
Medical completed as five-year deal is finalised
According to Fabrizio Romano, Youri Tielemans has completed his Man United medical and is expected to sign his contract today.
The agreement will run for five years until June 2031, with the transfer described as done and sealed.
Sky Sports reported that United triggered a release clause worth around £35m in the Belgium captain’s Aston Villa contract.
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Negotiations advanced rapidly following Belgium’s World Cup elimination, allowing the club to complete the deal before pre-season preparations intensify.
Tielemans arrives with extensive Premier League experience from spells at Leicester City and Villa.
His passing range, ability to control the tempo and threat from outside the penalty area should give United a different dimension.
Youri Tielemans has completed his medical and signs today at Man United.
Understand the agreement will be valid until June 2031, five years.
Carrick will have a new look midfield at Man United
The Belgian will join Santos, whose arrival from Chelsea was confirmed earlier this week. Reuters reported that United paid an initial £48m for the Brazilian, who also signed until 2031.
Tielemans represents sensible business at £35m. He is entering his prime, knows the league and should not require a long settling-in period.
His composure could be particularly valuable in matches where United previously struggled to retain possession.
However, Carrick must now manage a crowded midfield carefully. Tielemans and Santos will expect regular opportunities, while Bruno Fernandes remains central to the team.
That could be bad news for Mount, whose playing time may become increasingly limited.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus are interested in USMNT striker Folarin Balogun and are preparing the first offer to sign Franck Kessié as a free agent.
Juventus have made just one summer signing so far, welcoming Italian winger Jeff Ekhator from Genoa, but new directors Giovanni Carnevali and Frederic Massara are working to give coach Luciano Spalletti more reinforcements.
Kessié agent’s demands for Juventus revealed
According to Gazzetta, the Serie A giants are ready to send an offer to sign ex-Milan and Atalanta star Franck Kessié as a free agent.
The 29-year-old refused to sign a contract extension with Al-Ahli and is open to returning to Serie A, but his agent has demanded over €5m in signing bonus, Gazzetta claims.
TORONTO, ONTARIO – JUNE 20: Franck Kessie #8 of Cote d’Ivoire celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Germany and Cote D’Ivoire at Toronto Stadium on June 20, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
According to Gazzetta, Monaco striker Folarin Balogun has emerged as an option for the Bianconeri, who are also keeping a close eye on Parma’s Mateo Pellegrino.
PARMA, ITALY – MAY 24: Mateo Pellegrino of Parma Calcio 1913 celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Ennio Tardini on May 24, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The Athletic reported in June that Balogun is considering leaving Monaco this summer, with the French club’s asking price being €50m, making the USMNT star no cheaper than Kolo Muani.
Manchester United’s defensive rebuild could soon move towards the left-back position, with Michael Carrick keen to add a younger long-term option before the new season.
Luke Shaw remains an experienced and dependable player when fit, but United need greater competition and a clear succession plan as they prepare to return to the Champions League.
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The player being targeted would offer Premier League experience, strong technical ability and the energy to contribute in both halves of the pitch.
However, Newcastle’s turbulent summer means persuading them to lose another important first-team player could prove extremely difficult.
Man United believes left-back wants to join them
According to TEAMtalk, Lewis Hall remains Man United’s first-choice option at left-back, with the club convinced that he would welcome a move to Old Trafford.
The 21-year-old is reportedly attracted by the opportunity to work under Carrick and establish himself as Shaw’s eventual successor.
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Hall would initially be expected to compete for minutes rather than arrive with a guaranteed starting position.
That pathway could still appeal because United want a specialist left-back, while Patrick Dorgu is increasingly viewed as a more advanced attacking option.
Shaw is approaching 31, while young defenders Harry Amass and Diego Leon are not yet considered ready to become regular first-team starters.
Newcastle have already lost Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham, while Bruno Guimaraes has expressed a desire to join Arsenal.
Sky Sports reports that the Magpies are undergoing a major squad transition and remain determined to prevent further damaging exits.
Hall would be an excellent long-term signing for Manchester United. He is young, comfortable in possession and already understands the demands of the Premier League.
However, United should avoid paying an excessive fee simply because he is Carrick’s preferred option. Newcastle have strong reasons to resist, and negotiations could easily move beyond the reported £60m valuation.
Manchester United face an important decision over one of their senior midfielders as Michael Carrick begins reshaping his squad for the new season.
Aston Villa and Newcastle United are showing interest, but the Old Trafford hierarchy currently appear more focused on retaining useful depth than accepting an early offer.
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Carrick values experienced players who can perform in several roles and contribute positively around the dressing room.
But United’s latest recruitment could significantly reduce the opportunities available in midfield. With one major arrival already confirmed and another moving closer, competition for starting places is about to become much more intense.
Carrick keen to keep Mount at Man United
According to TEAMtalk, Man United have received several enquiries for Mason Mount, with Aston Villa and Newcastle among the interested clubs.
Carrick is reportedly determined to keep the 27-year-old because of his versatility, pressing ability and influence within the squad.
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Mount can operate as a No.8, an attacking midfielder or from a wider position, which gives Carrick useful tactical flexibility.
Nevertheless, his future may depend on whether he believes he can secure enough meaningful playing time rather than becoming a rotation option.
The signing of Andrey Santos creates an immediate challenge.
Santos is younger, technically secure and capable of playing in central and deeper midfield positions, so the club will naturally want to give its new £48m investment regular opportunities.
The expected arrival of Youri Tielemans could make Mount’s position even more difficult.
The Guardian reports that United are in advanced negotiations for the Belgium international, who has a £35m release clause and offers considerable Premier League experience.
Carrick is right to value Mount, but United’s transfer activity suggests he may no longer be close to the first-choice midfield. Santos represents the future, while Tielemans would likely arrive expecting an important role immediately.
Mount should stay only if Carrick can offer him a clear pathway to regular minutes. Otherwise, interest from Villa or Newcastle could become increasingly attractive.
Sky Sport Italia reports that Crysencio Summerville’s agents are already in Rome and are likely to meet Roma directors in the coming days, while the Giallorossi have sent offers for both Diego Moreira and Alejandro Garnacho, which are being evaluated by Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali.
Sky Sport transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio notes that Summerville’s agents are already in Rome, as they are the same representatives as Danilo Doekhi, who is undergoing medical tests with Lazio before completing a free transfer.
According to the report, it’s likely that they’ll meet Roma directors in the coming days.
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – MAY 24: Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea looks on prior to the Premier League match between Sunderland and Chelsea at Stadium of Light on May 24, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Roma have already sounded out West Ham about the availability of the Netherlands international this summer.
According to the same source, the Giallorossi have also made offers for Garnacho and Moreira.
Chelsea and Strasbourg are owned by the same group, so, according to Di Marzio, Roma’s proposals are being evaluated by Behdad Eghbali, the co-owner of both clubs.
According to Di Marzio, Garnacho and Moreira’s agent, Jorge Mendes, is now in talks with Eghbali to convince him to accept the Giallorossi’s proposals.
Italy legend Roberto Baggio feels Lionel Messi is better than Pelé and Diego Armando Maradona ‘for what he’s been doing for 20 years’, while Marco Materazzi picks ‘the real’ Ronaldo.
Baggio and Materazzi joined other football legends for a debate on football, including the best player of all time.
Baggio picks Messi over Maradona and Pelé
The former Azzurri stars were joined by other legends, including Gabriel Omar Batistuta, Ronaldo, and Romario.
When the debate focused on the best player of all time, with Messi, Pelé and Maradona in contention, Baggio said: “It’s very hard; it’s even ugly to rank, as we are talking about the absolute essence of football. These three have been above the others.
“As of today, I’d say Messi for what he’s been doing for 20 years, in terms of quality and quantity. If I have to pick one, I’ll say his name, but we are talking about three incredible players.”
Materazzi, on the other hand, picked another player sitting at the same table: “I always say this, for me, it’s him [Ronaldo]. Because what he did without two knees, going 150 km/h, nobody has done it. I’m a boomer, but when I watch YouTube, and I see what he used to do, at a time when defenders hit hard, you feel he was Martian, and he really was a Martian.
Roberto Baggio smiles during a press conference at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on June 03, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)Materazzi waves at Inter fans at San Siro (GETTY)
“Sorry, Diego, Pelé and Messi. To me, it was him, the Phenomenon. The Real Ronaldo, but respect to Cristiano.”
Materazzi won the 2006 World Cup with the Italy national team, scoring two goals during that tournament, including the equaliser in the Final against France. That was the only World Cup Materazzi played.
Baggio, on the other hand, took part in three editions of the World Cup in 1990, 1994 and 1998 and famously missed a penalty in the 1994 Final against Brazil.
Sky Sport Italia reports that Fiorentina have reached a verbal agreement with Real Madrid to sign 19-year-old defender Víctor Valdepeñas.
Fiorentina are close to completing their fifth summer signing as, according to Sky Sport Italia transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, the Viola have reached a verbal agreement with Real Madrid for versatile defender Valdepeñas.
Fiorentina close to signing Valdepeñas from Real Madrid
The 19-year-old can play either as a centre-back or a left-back.
According to the report, Fiorentina have effectively reached an agreement on a permanent transfer that includes a 50% sell-on clause for the Merengues.
VITORIA-GASTEIZ, SPAIN – DECEMBER 14: Victor Valdepenas of Real Madrid duels for the ball with Lucas Boye of Deportivo Alaves during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Deportivo Alaves and Real Madrid CF at Estadio de Mendizorroza on December 14, 2025 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
The two clubs are now sorting out the final details and, more importantly, the timing of the defender’s transfer.
Real Madrid, in fact, are still unsure whether to send the 19-year-old to Florence right away or wait a few more weeks to let their new coach, José Mourinho, assess the player during the pre-season.
Fiorentina have been among the busiest Serie A clubs so far this summer, having already signed defenders Viery, Radu Dragusin and Alex Jimenez as well as midfielder Arthur Atta.
Pirlo gamble: Maldini and Leonardo consider a surprise coach
Ex-coach of Juve and Samp, now he works in Dubai. Malagò: ‘Guardiola? You need to be compatible.’
Inter: Khalaili deal falls through, now they chase Spence
Milan, there’s Ramos with the No.9, Amorim at full speed
Juve, offer made for Kessié, Roma want Garnacho and Moreira
Final assault
France favourite, but Spain await Yamal
Corriere dello Sport
Inter, now Doué
Khalaili deal falls through.
CONI denies the eligibility of the Israeli wing-back. Dumfries’ heir still missing, relaunch for the Ivorian
Pressing on Strasbourg. Chivu: ‘We have no limits.’
Tug of war for the full-back, brother of PSG winger. Spence, Belghali, Ndoye and Molina sounded out too. Cristian: ‘After Scudetto and Coppa, we want to improve.’
Juve, Pellegrino advances
Cardinale, like Berlusconi, arrives at Milanello by helicopter.
Allegri hugs Napoli
Roma: Garnacho and Moreira
Dinner with Mbappé and Yamal
World Cup: The first semi-final France-Spain at 21:00
Tuttosport
Juve against everything
Not just refusals on the market: Yildiz and Thuram’s knees concern Spalletti and the fans
Patellofemoral syndrome for the Frenchman, as well as tendinopathy for the Turkishman, the season resumes with Douglas Luiz, the ‘star’ of the first day of pre-season. Carnevali’s ultimatum to PSG for Kolo Muani, then he gathers the players and staff members, highlighting the responsibility of being Bianconeri. David offered to Paris FC.
National team: Pirlo is on the rise
The new Italy technical director and his right-hand man want to rely on one of the Berlin heroes. Malagò is favourable to the idea of building a coach in-house.
Liverpool’s search for greater quality and long-term security in wide attacking areas has led them towards another of Europe’s rising talents.
With the Reds continuing to plan beyond Mohamed Salah, their recruitment team appear to be assessing younger wingers who can develop into major contributors rather than expecting one player to replace the Egyptian’s extraordinary output immediately.
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A move for a player already producing at Champions League and international level would fit that approach.
However, Liverpool are not alone in the race, and his impressive World Cup campaign has only increased Benfica’s negotiating power.
Liverpool join crowded Premier League race
According to A Bola, Liverpool are interested in Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup, with Chelsea and Tottenham also closely monitoring his situation.
The 22-year-old is considering taking on a new challenge despite having two years remaining on his contract, but Benfica are expected to demand at least €40m before considering a sale.
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Liverpool’s admiration was reported before the World Cup reached its closing stages.
Liverpool’s transfer media watch previously identified Schjelderup as an attacking option for the Reds, while also noting Tottenham’s interest in the Norwegian international.
Schjelderup appeared six times as Norway reached the World Cup quarter-finals, using the tournament to demonstrate his confidence, direct running and ability to create danger from the left.
His finest World Cup moment came against England, when he opened the scoring with a superb effort before Norway eventually suffered a 2-1 extra-time defeat.
The Guardian described how his strike put England under major pressure in Miami.
Schjelderup would offer Liverpool a technically gifted winger who can drift inside, carry the ball and contribute goals. At €40m, he would also be considerably cheaper than several of the club’s other reported attacking targets.
Liverpool should explore this deal seriously. Schjelderup is still developing, but his age, European experience and strong international performances make him an attractive long-term investment.
However, the Reds should avoid being dragged into a bidding war with Chelsea and Tottenham. He would arrive as a promising option rather than a guaranteed Salah replacement, so Liverpool must ensure the final fee reflects that reality.
Bayern Munich are working to remove any uncertainty surrounding their leading striker before his contract situation becomes a serious distraction.
With only one year remaining on his current agreement, speculation has naturally increased, particularly as several of Europe’s biggest clubs are searching for an experienced centre-forward.
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Tottenham continue to dream of an emotional reunion, while Barcelona and Real Madrid are closely monitoring developments.
However, Bayern remain relaxed and believe the England captain is happy in Munich, leaving interested clubs waiting for a contract breakdown that may never arrive.
Contract talks leave interested clubs waiting
According to TEAMtalk, Bayern are confident Harry Kane will sign a new long-term contract, with negotiations between the club and his representatives progressing positively.
The German champions reportedly view an extension as a matter of “when, not if,” despite interest from Tottenham, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
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Kane’s existing deal expires in June 2027, as confirmed by Bayern Munich’s official player profile.
That places Bayern under some pressure to secure an agreement, as allowing talks to drift into 2027 could weaken their control over his future.
Barcelona have already explored the possibility of signing him. talkSPORT reported that representatives of the Spanish champions had made contact while Bayern planned to resume negotiations after the World Cup.
Real Madrid have also requested updates, while Tottenham remain hopeful that Kane will eventually return to north London.
Staying in Bayern Munich may be the sensible choice
Kane’s situation is very different from when he left Tottenham in 2023.
He is settled in Germany, remains Bayern’s attacking leader and continues to compete for the biggest trophies.
A Saudi Pro League move is reportedly not under consideration, while any switch to MLS would be viewed as a longer-term possibility.
Staying at Bayern is currently the most logical decision. He remains the central figure in their attack and would be difficult to replace, which should give him considerable influence during contract negotiations.
A Tottenham return would carry emotional appeal, while Barcelona or Real Madrid would offer a fresh challenge.
However, leaving a stable and successful environment at this stage of his career would involve significant risk.
Chelsea’s preparations for the new Premier League season are beginning to gather momentum under Xabi Alonso, and one of the manager’s first major decisions has been to add more flexibility to his defence.
Following an inconsistent campaign, the Blues need players who can operate in different systems without weakening the balance of the team.
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That makes their latest defensive addition particularly interesting. Chelsea have not simply signed a conventional right-back, they have recruited a physically strong, tactically adaptable player who could be used on either flank or as part of several different defensive structures.
Alonso’s early comments suggest that versatility was one of the main reasons behind the move.
Alonso highlights versatility and strong mentality
According to Xabi Alonso, he is “very happy” with Marco Palestra and believes the Italian offers valuable positional flexibility.
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The Chelsea manager highlighted his ability to play in a back four or a back five, while also noting that he has previously operated on the left side.
Palestra looks like a signing made with the manager’s system firmly in mind. His ability to play as a full-back or wing-back should allow Alonso to switch formations without needing to make substitutions.
However, Chelsea supporters should still give him time to adapt.
Serie A and the Premier League place very different demands on defenders, particularly in terms of pace and physical pressure.
Manchester City’s search for a specialist right-back has become one of the key stories of Enzo Maresca’s first transfer window at the Etihad.
The new manager wants a defender who can contribute in possession, move into advanced areas and adapt between different structures without disrupting the team’s rhythm.
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A reunion with a player Maresca previously coached at Chelsea would reduce the usual adaptation period.
However, the significant difference between the clubs’ valuations means City must decide whether to increase their offer or move quickly towards a more affordable alternative.
Chelsea full-back open to a move to Man City
Sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffsidethat Man City have identified Malo Gusto as one of their leading defensive targets and believe the France international would be open to joining them.
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The price gap remains the biggest obstacle. City Xtra reports that City will not meet Chelsea’s current valuation, although further discussions are expected after the World Cup.
Chelsea are not completely against a sale, but they will only negotiate seriously if their financial expectations are respected.
Gusto’s familiarity with Maresca’s methods is a major attraction. He made 72 appearances under the Italian at Stamford Bridge, producing two goals and six assists, so City would be signing someone who already understands the manager’s tactical demands.
High valuation could force City towards other targets
Chelsea hold a strong negotiating position because Gusto remains under a long-term contract and they have little reason to strengthen a domestic rival cheaply.
His versatility and Premier League experience also make him more valuable than an unproven overseas option.
But City consider Chelsea’s demand ‘excessive‘ and they may now turn their attention towards other targets.
Gusto would be an excellent tactical signing for Maresca, but £75m is too much. City need a natural right-back, yet paying a premium simply because the manager knows the player would be poor financial planning.
Chelsea are entitled to protect their asset, especially when selling to a rival.
England’s preparations for their World Cup semi-final against Argentina have been complicated by a late fitness concern in midfield.
Thomas Tuchel’s side are one victory away from reaching their first World Cup final since 1966, making the availability of every senior player especially important.
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The Three Lions showed resilience to defeat Norway 2-1 after extra time in the quarter-final, but the demanding conditions and quick turnaround have taken a physical toll.
With Argentina likely to crowd central areas and look to control possession through Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul, England will want their strongest possible midfield available in Atlanta.
England remain optimisitc despite illness concern
According to the BBC, England will make a late decision on Declan Rice’s availability for Wednesday’s semi-final.
The Arsenal midfielder is still experiencing the effects of a sickness bug, although his condition is improving and the England camp remain optimistic that he will be able to start.
Rice missed training sessions before the Norway game and was substituted at half-time after struggling physically.
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However, The Guardian reports that he is winning his fitness battle, with Tuchel hoping to pair him with Elliot Anderson against the defending champions.
The midfielder’s importance goes beyond his defensive work. Rice gives England experience, protects the centre-backs and provides the physical power needed to compete with Argentina’s aggressive midfield.
If he cannot start, Kobbie Mainoo or Eberechi Eze could be considered, although either selection would change the balance of the team.
England’s official match information confirms that the semi-final will be played at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday evening, with the winner advancing to Sunday’s final.
It will be the countries’ first meeting for 21 years and their first World Cup encounter since 2002. England Football has also highlighted the long and often controversial history surrounding the rivalry.
Rice should start only if England’s medical staff are convinced he can maintain his intensity. A semi final against Argentina is not the match to carry a midfielder who is still feeling weak.
However, his influence makes waiting until the last possible moment understandable.
A fully functioning Rice could be crucial to stopping Argentina from controlling the game, but an unwell version may leave England exposed when the tempo rises.
Arsenal’s pursuit of another elite midfielder has reached an unexpected crossroads, with the club now deciding whether the deal still represents good value.
The Gunners originally believed a rare market opportunity had emerged, but Newcastle United’s actual asking price is considerably higher than the figure discussed during early conversations.
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That difference matters because Arsenal are also trying to strengthen their attack and other areas of Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Sporting director Andrea Berta must now determine whether spending close to £90m on one midfielder is sensible or whether those funds would be better divided across several positions.
Arsenal discover £50m agreement does not exist
According to The Telegraph, Berta held discussions with intermediaries after receiving encouragement that Bruno Guimaraes could leave Newcastle for approximately £50m.
It was suggested that the Magpies had privately promised their captain a reduced-price departure if they failed to qualify for the Champions League.
However, after checks involving former Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley, Arsenal reportedly discovered that no such agreement had ever been made.
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Newcastle instead want at least £80m, with some indications that the final cost could reach £90m.
The midfielder would also reportedly expect wages of around £300,000 per week.
The player’s desire may still give Arsenal encouragement. Sky Sports reported that Guimaraes has told Newcastle he wants to join the Premier League champions, although Arsenal had not formally contacted the club at the time.
Gunners could reassess their options in the market
The Guardian also reported that Arsenal were preparing an offer of around £60m after holding talks with the Brazilian’s representatives.
Guimaraes has two years remaining on his contract, plus an option for another season, leaving Newcastle in a strong position.
Arsenal should remain interested but refuse to meet an inflated price. Guimaraes is Premier League-proven, technically excellent and capable of improving the midfield immediately.
However, a package approaching £90m alongside £300,000-a-week wages would be a major commitment for a 28-year-old. Arsenal should make one serious offer and walk away if Newcastle refuse to compromise.
The original £50m opportunity looked exceptional. At nearly double that amount, the transfer becomes a much more difficult gamble.
Chelsea’s preparations for the new season have begun with one major question hanging over their midfield.
After a disappointing campaign and another change in the dugout, Xabi Alonso must decide which senior players will form the foundation of his Stamford Bridge rebuild.
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Enzo Fernández’s future has been the subject of growing speculation, with the Argentina international linked with a possible move away from west London.
However, Alonso’s first public comments on the situation suggest he sees the midfielder as an important part of his plans rather than someone Chelsea should actively look to sell.
Alonso makes his position clear on Fernández
According to Fabrizio Romano, Alonso confirmed that he has already spoken directly with Fernández.
The Chelsea manager refused to reveal the contents of their conversation, explaining that it would remain private, but gave a clear response when asked whether he wanted to keep the player:
“Yes, yes.”
That stance was also reported by Reuters, which noted that Alonso wants Fernández to remain as he attempts to establish a stronger identity and restore stability following Chelsea’s tenth-place finish last season.
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The midfielder is currently away with Argentina at the World Cup, meaning more detailed discussions over his future may have to wait until his international commitments are completed.
Transfer rumours have continued despite Alonso’s position.
talkSPORT reports that Fernández has attracted interest from Real Madrid, although Chelsea would be in a powerful negotiating position because of his long-term contract and major valuation.
Alonso is right to push for Fernández to stay. Chelsea already face another summer of squad changes, and losing one of their most experienced midfielders would create an unnecessary problem.
Fernández’s passing range, movement and ability to influence games from deeper areas could suit Alonso’s possession-focused approach. A more structured system may also help Chelsea get greater consistency from him.
Alonso needs leaders and technically gifted players around whom he can build, and the Argentine remains one of the strongest candidates to become central to Chelsea’s new project.
Manchester United’s midfield rebuild may not stop with the expected arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.
The Red Devils are attempting to add greater energy, physical strength and Premier League experience in central areas after identifying the position as one of their biggest summer priorities.
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Signing another midfielder would leave United with a significantly different engine room heading into the new season.
However, the club must decide whether three major additions are necessary or whether some of their remaining transfer budget should be reserved for other positions.
Man United turn attention to Premier League proven option
According to Football Insider, Man United are preparing a fresh move for Wolves midfielder João Gomes.
The Brazilian is a long-term target at Old Trafford and could be allowed to leave Molineux following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.
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The report claims United are extremely keen on the 25-year-old and hope to add him alongside Tielemans, with a verbal agreement reportedly in place for the Aston Villa midfielder.
The Guardian has also reported that United are in advanced negotiations for Tielemans after deciding to activate his £35m release clause.
Gomes would offer a different profile. His aggression, ball-winning ability and familiarity with English football could give United more protection in demanding matches, while his experience means he should require less time to adapt than an overseas prospect.
Michael Carrick is set to have a new look midfield
Man United have already completed the signing of Santos from Chelsea.
Gomes would be a strong addition if United can secure him at a reasonable price. He would bring intensity and defensive bite, while Santos and Tielemans offer more progression and creativity.
This looks like a sensible opportunity following Wolves’ relegation. Gomes is entering his prime, already understands the Premier League and could give United the balance their midfield has often lacked.
Set to face England in the 2026 World Cup semifinal, Lionel Scaloni is reportedly set to make changes to Lionel Messi's Argentina XI, with two key doubts yet to be solved.
Argentina are through to the 2026 World Cup semifinals after another unconvincing performance, this time against Switzerland, with Lionel Messi once again carrying the load. With England up next and a place in the final on the line, head coach Lionel Scaloni is reportedly planning changes to his starting lineup, with two positions in particular still up in the air.
The 3-1 scoreline at Arrowhead Stadium was flattering. Argentina struggled for long stretches playing eleven against eleven, and it took Breel Embolo’s red card and an extra-time comeback to seal the result. England, ranked fourth in the FIFA Rankings, represent the toughest opponent Argentina have faced in the entire 2026 World Cup, and Scaloni appears to recognize that adjustments are necessary.
On Monday, Argentina held their final training session in Kansas City at the Compass Mineral Center before departing for Atlanta. The AFA’s official report noted that the squad “focused on possession drills, recovery after turnovers, and attacking progression,” closing the session with small-sided games.
Argentina to hold the system
According to Diario Ole‘s Hernan Claus, an insider close to the Argentina national team, Scaloni has been working between a 4-3-3 and a 4-4-2, consistent with the formations used throughout the tournament. However, with the current group of starters struggling to find the right balance, the coach experimented with several personnel changes in key positions during Monday’s session.
— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) July 14, 2026
Bayer Leverkusen’s Exequiel Palacios featured in the starting lineup for part of the training session, offering a ball-retention profile in midfield that Argentina lacked against Switzerland. Giuliano Simeone also got some minutes, providing a wider, more direct option down the flank as an alternative to the more technical Mac Allister-Fernandez-Paredes-De Paul setup Scaloni has favored.
The right back position also saw rotation, with both Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel cycling through the role as they have done throughout the tournament, with neither player having done enough to make the spot their own.
According to the Argentine outlet, nine players appear close to certain starters against England: Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, Lionel Messi, and Julian Alvarez. Of those who started against Switzerland, Rodrigo De Paul and Nahuel Molina appear most at risk of losing their places.
Scaloni considering a 5-3-2 system?
One of the more significant possibilities reported by Diario Oleis a switch to a 5-3-2 for the England semifinal. In Monday’s session, Scaloni trialed a back three of Nicolas Otamendi, Cristián Romero, and Lisandro Martinez, with Molina and Simeone as right wing backs, Tagliafico and Nicolas Gonzalez on the left, a midfield three of De Paul, Fernandez, and Mac Allister, and Messi and Alvarez as the two forwards.
It would not be the first time Scaloni has made such a tactical shift under pressure, having deployed a similar approach in the 2022 World Cup quarterfinal against the Netherlands, a match Argentina controlled for long stretches despite finishing 2-2. The final decision is expected to come after Tuesday’s training session in Atlanta, but one thing already appears clear: Scaloni will not be sending out the same lineup that started against Egypt or Switzerland.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni (L) and Lionel Messi (R) of Argentina.
While Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé are the two frontrunners for the 2026 World Cup's best player award, the statistical impact across the four remaining semifinalists is far more evenly distributed than those two names might suggest.
The 2026 World Cup has lived up to its billing as a tournament of stars, with the four remaining teams ranked inside the FIFA top four and all former world champions. While Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe have set the pace at the top, the statistical picture across the semifinalists is more nuanced than it might appear.
Messi and Mbappe are the undisputed headliners, both leading the Golden Boot race with eight goals apiece and sitting first and second on the all-time World Cup scoring chart with 21 and 20 goals respectively. But Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have surged into contention with six goals each and two matches remaining, making the race for the tournament’s top scorer genuinely wide open heading into the final two rounds.
Beyond the strikers, players who arrived in form have carried that momentum into the competition, with Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise standing out as examples. The statistical breakdown across the four semifinalists tells an interesting story, with some categories spread across multiple contributors and others entirely dominated by a single name.
Spain
Lamine Yamal remains Spain’s marquee name, but the Barcelona star has not yet hit his ceiling at this tournament, still working his way back from the hamstring injury that disrupted his buildup. Despite that, Spain have been the most defensively disciplined side in the competition, conceding just once across six matches, with their output spread across a deep and balanced squad.
Mikel Oyarzabal #21 of Spain celebrates with Alex Baena #15 after scoring a goal.
Most Goals: Mikel Oyarzabal (4).
Most Assists: Marc Cucurella (2).
Most Key Passes (p90): Pedro Porro (2.3)
Most Successful Dribbles (p90): Lamine Yamal (3.5).
Most Big Chances Created: Marc Cucurella (3).
France
Mbappe is once again the driving force for Les Bleus, replicating his 2022 World Cup form with eight goals. But France have shown genuine balance this time around, with a solid defensive foundation complemented by clinical contributions from Dembele and Olise alongside their captain.
Most Goals: Kylian Mbappe (8).
Most Assists: Michael Olise (5).
Most Key Passes (p90): Kylian Mbappe (2.7).
Most Successful Dribbles (p90): Michael Olise (2.5).
Most Big Chances Created: Michael Olise (5).
England
Under Thomas Tuchel, England have been built around two players to a degree rarely seen at a major tournament. Kane and Bellingham account for 12 of England’s 13 goals in the competition, and while that level of dependency carries risk, a supporting cast featuring key contributors has allowed both stars to thrive.
Most Goals: Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham (6)
Most Assists: Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka (3).
Most Key Passes (p90): Declan Rice (2.6).
Most Successful Dribbles (p90): Jude Bellingham (2).
Most Big Chances Created: Jude Bellingham, Noni Madueke, and Declan Rice (3).
Argentina
The defending champions have been far from convincing as a collective, relying more on spirit and resilience than on controlled, dominant performances. But with a 39-year-old Lionel Messi producing some of the most complete individual displays of any player in the tournament, Argentina have navigated every obstacle and remain unbeaten in World Cup semifinals.
Most Goals: Lionel Messi (8).
Most Assists: Lionel Messi (2).
Most Key Passes (p90): Lionel Messi (3.7).
Most Successful Dribbles (p90): Lionel Messi (2.5).
Most Big Chances Created: Lionel Messi (6).
Lionel Messi of Argentina, Kylian Mbappe of France, and Lamine Yamal of Spain.
Argentina's request to use the blue kit in the 2026 World Cup semifinals against England has been accepted, but questions over the nature of the petition started to raise.
Argentina and England meet again at a World Cup, this time with a place in the 2026 final on the line. One of the more intriguing stories to emerge ahead of the match is Argentina’s formal request to FIFA to wear their blue away kit, a decision rooted in history and superstition.
On Sunday, the day after both semifinalists secured their quarterfinal victories, TyC Sports journalist and Argentina insider Gaston Edul reported that the Albiceleste national team had submitted a request to Argentina Football Association (AFA) FIFA to wear their navy blue away kit against the Three Lions.
With England designated as Team A and Argentina as Team B for the semifinal, Argentina were already slated to wear the blue kit by default, but England retained the option to request a change if they wished. Argentina’s formal submission was made to remove any doubt and lock in the choice. The request was approved, with England wearing white and Argentina taking the field in navy blue.
The reason behind Argentina’s blue kit request
The decision was driven by the blue kit’s remarkable record in Argentina’s World Cup history against England, a jersey associated with some of the most iconic moments in the rivalry and treated by the Albiceleste as a powerful good omen.
Jorge Valdano of Argentina faces Terry Fenwick in the 1986 World Cup. (Michael King/Getty Images)
The most legendary chapter came at the 1986 World Cup quarterfinals, a 2-1 victory that produced both Diego Maradona’s Hand of God and his Goal of the Century. The blue kit delivered again in the 1998 Round of 16, a match remembered for David Beckham’s red card following a clash with Diego Simeone, with Argentina advancing via penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw.
The 2026 World Cup in Atlanta will mark the fourth time Argentina wear the blue navy kit against England. The first was at Chile 1962, a 3-1 group stage defeat. Notably, the two times Argentina have worn the traditional white and light blue against England in the World Cup, they lost both, 1-0 in the 1966 quarterfinals and 1-0 in the 2002 group stage.
One last positive omen for England
While the blue kit holds a strong record in World Cup encounters between these two nations, the most recent head-to-head in that jersey offers England some encouragement. The last time Argentina wore navy blue against the Three Lions was on November 10th, 2005, and England came away with a 3-2 win.
Argentina dominated possession and led 2-1 heading into the final ten minutes, with goals from Hernán Crespo and Walter Samuel against Wayne Rooney’s reply. But Michael Owen had other ideas, leveling in the 86th minute before completing the turnaround in stoppage time to hand England the victory, albeit in a friendly rather than a competitive fixture.
Roma have reportedly made the first offer to Chelsea for Alejandro Garnacho, on loan with option to buy for total €40m, but also approached West Ham for Crysencio Summerville.
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 18: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, reacts during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The Giallorossi are ready to begin building their team for the Champions League after ending a seven-year absence from the competition.
The priority is to give coach Gian Piero Gasperini some attacking wingers to suit his style of football.
Garnacho next on Roma list after Greenwood
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 26: Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea reacts during the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Chelsea and Leeds United at Wembley Stadium on April 26, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
With Mason Greenwood finally agreeing every detail of his transfer to Fenerbahce this evening, for €40m plus €2m add-ons and a salary at €10m per season, the next target is Garnacho.
The option could become an obligation if certain conditions were met.
That is not all, because the same source also notes that Roma have approached West Ham United for Summerville, fresh from participation in the 2026 World Cup with the Netherlands where he scored two goals and provided two assists.
The 24-year-old is not going to remain after the Hammers were relegated from the Premier League, but there is a lot of competition for his signature, including Galatasaray, Manchester United and Chelsea.
Another candidate for Roma is Diego Moreira, with a proposal to Strasbourg worth €30m plus a 10 per cent of the future sale fee.
Leandro Trossard is expected to join Turkish club Besiktas from Arsenal this summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have already authorised the move and are now waiting for the Belgian to greenlight the transfer.
Romano wrote on X: “Besiktas remain locked in talks with Leandro Trossard’s camp to sort details and try to get the player’s final green light to the move. Arsenal have already authorized travel and medical. Up to Leandro.”
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Leandro Trossard needs a move
The 31-year-old has been an important player for Arsenal since joining the club from Brighton, and he played a key role in their Premier League title win last season. However, he is in the twilight stages of his career, and this is the right time for Arsenal to move him on.
He will not want to sit on the bench at a big club at this stage of his career. He will be able to play every week in Turkey and showcase his qualities. He has already proven himself in England, and this is the right time for him to take on a new challenge.
It will be interesting to see whether Arsenal can properly replace him. They need a dynamic attacker who can score goals and create opportunities. The Belgian was versatile enough to slot into multiple attacking roles as well.
Chelsea have agreed on a deal to sign the highly talented midfielder Harrison Bettoni on a free transfer.
The 18-year-old has joined the club as a free agent from Wigan Athletic. Chelsea will pay compensation for him. He is highly rated across England, and he has a bright future ahead of himself. He could prove to be a solid long-term acquisition for the club.
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Harrison Bettoni joins Chelsea
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the player has signed a long-term contract with Chelsea until 2030.
Chelsea have shown a willingness to invest in talented players in recent years, and it is no surprise that they have snapped up the 18-year-old on a bargain. They will look to help him improve further and establish himself as a first-team player in future.
Meanwhile, the opportunity to join Chelsea will be exciting for the player. He is expected to join the youth team for now, but he will look to force his way into the first-team scene in the future.
Meanwhile, Wigan will be disappointed to lose a prized young prospect like him. However, his contract situation left them powerless to stop him from leaving.
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Chelsea have helped multiple young players develop and fulfil their potential in recent years. The 18-year-old midfielder will certainly hope to follow in their footsteps and reach his potential in the near future.
If he manages to improve and establish himself as a first player for Chelsea in future, the deal could prove to be a shrewd long-term investment. The 18-year-old midfielder could end up saving millions in the market for Chelsea.
Bettoni will be delighted to have sorted out his long-term future, and he will now focus on his football.
Kylian Mbappé is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in World Cup history, having won the trophy and established as a prolific goalscorer. However, he faces a major challenge against Spain as he pursues an achievement he has yet to accomplish.
Although he is only 27 years old, Kylian Mbappé is already one of the greatest players in World Cup history. After winning the 2018 edition, he has become a regular presence for France. In addition, he has remained one of the top scorers in all three World Cups he has played. Despite this, the French striker faces a major challenge against Spain, as he is chasing a feat he has yet to achieve.
Kylian Mbappé looks to score in a World Cup semifinal for the first time against Spain. While he is the tournament’s second all-time leading scorer, he failed to find the net against Morocco at Qatar 2022 and against Belgium at Russia 2018. Therefore, the 27-year-old striker will be aiming to score for the first time at this stage of the tournament and lead France to a third consecutive World Cup final.
Mbappé has yet to score in a World Cup semifinal, but he has found the net in both finals he has played. In the Russia 2018 final, he scored against Croatia in the 4-2 victory. In addition, he scored a hat trick against Argentina in the Qatar 2022 final, proving to be a truly decisive player. Because of his goalscoring prowess, he will be looking to make his mark for the first time in every stage of the tournament.
Kylian Mbappé’s record vs Spain ahead of World Cup clash
Throughout his professional career with France, Kylian Mbappé has played 104 matches, scoring 64 goals. Even though he is the national team’s all-time leading scorer, he has faced Spain only four times, recording just one victory and producing a relatively modest goalscoring record against them.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France walks off the pitch.
Mbappé has scored only two goals for France against Spain. The first goal came in the 2021 UEFA Nations League final, giving his national team the title. His most recent goal came from the penalty spot in the semifinals of the same tournament, in the 2025 edition. With his last victory coming in 2021, he is looking to end his drought in World Cup semifinals, but also to beat Luis de la Fuente’s team again.
Mbappé has another motivation vs Spain: World Cup scoring record
Kylian Mbappé is having his best performance at the 2026 World Cup, recording a goal contribution in every match he has played. With that, he arrives fully motivated for the match against Spain. Not only is he looking to end his drought in the tournament’s semifinals, but he is also chasing the all-time World Cup scoring record.
The 27-year-old striker has scored 20 goals in 20 World Cup matches with France, surpassing Miroslav Klose in the all-time World Cup scoring rankings and moving into second place on the list. As a result, he is competing directly with Lionel Messi, who has 21 goals and leads the standings. With both teams reaching the tournament’s semifinals, Mbappé appears highly motivated to shine against Spain.
Kylian Mbappé #10 of France controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Facing Spain in yet another semifinal, France star Adrien Rabiot confirmed that they won't have an "anti-Yamal" plan for the 2026 World Cup clash.
Lamine Yamal enters the 2026 World Cup semifinal between Spain and France as one of the most dangerous players in the world, but France midfielder Adrien Rabiot has made clear that Les Bleus will not be building their defensive gameplan around stopping him.
Yamal has already made France suffer on multiple occasions, scoring the equalizer in the Euro 2024 semifinal and netting twice in the Nations League semifinal. Now 19, he faces Les Bleus once again at the semifinal stage, this time at a World Cup, with the head-to-head record firmly in his favor.
Yet when asked about how France plans to handle the Barcelona star, Rabiot was straightforward. “There is no anti-Yamal plan. We’re focused on the Spanish team. No, we’re not focusing on one player, we know they are dangerous in every aspect, whether it’s him or the forwards in possession of the ball, attacking the tight spaces near the box, the combination play,” he said at Monday’s press conference.
Spain rank sixth in the tournament in goals scored with 11, but have conceded just once, and sit second among the four semifinalists in shots on target behind only France, reflecting a team that wins through collective effort rather than individual brilliance. “So we need to stay focused on that, not necessarily on one individual,” the AC Milan midfielder added.
— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) July 13, 2026
Yamal had already turned up the heat after Spain’s win over Belgium, declaring: “I think that if France has to fear anyone, it’s us, as we’re the ones who have knocked them out before.” Those words appear to have landed with the French camp, who will now be looking to eliminate Spain for the first time in three years after falling short in both the Euro and the Nations League.
Yamal’s 2026 World Cup so far
Yamal has been one of Spain’s most important players in both the Euro and the Nations League, but his first World Cup has not yet seen him reach those same heights. Despite featuring in all six of Spain’s matches, with limited involvement against Cape Verde, he has managed just one goal against Saudi Arabia and has yet to register an assist.
By comparison, he contributed one goal and four assists across seven games at Euro 2024, and three goals and one assist in seven games during the 2024-25 Nations League. The serious injury he suffered at Barcelona before the tournament may still be a factor, and despite being nearly a month removed from his return to the pitch, his sharpest form has remained elusive.
Currently, Mikel Oyarzabal leads Spain’s scoring chart with four goals, while Marc Cucurella tops the assists list with two. The semifinal against France represents Yamal’s best opportunity yet to announce himself on the World Cup stage.
Adrien Rabiot of France and Lamine Yamal of Spain.
Marco Palestra’s agent hit back angrily at Inter President Beppe Marotta and reveals when Chelsea got involved. ‘Over 45 days, Inter never reached an agreement with Atalanta.’
The Italy international had been on the verge of joining Inter last month in a deal believed to be worth €40m plus €5m add-ons.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – JANUARY 02: Marco Palestra of Cagliari looks on before the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and AC Milan at Stadio Sant’Elia on January 02, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Inter President Marotta bitterly criticised Palestra today during a press conference and mentioned agent Alessandro Lucci too.
“Take the case of Palestra, for example. It was the result of a decision made by the player, who backed out of a verbal agreement,” said Marotta.
“His agent could have steered him in a different direction, but chose this path instead, and we had to accept seeing another Italian player move to a league that is not in direct competition with ours.”
Palestra agent replies to Inter attack
Marco Palestra has completed his transfer to Chelsea from Atalanta (chelseafc.com)
“I listened with great sadness and at the same time enormous shock at the words of Inter President Marotta, who I’ve had a professional rapport with for over 25 years, doing many deals together,” said Palestra’s agent.
“The Inter directors, represented by Piero Ausilio, carried on constant and constructive talks with us on the opportunity to complete this transfer.
“However, the element that decided the outcome was not described accurately in today’s press conference. Over 45 days the two clubs, who were in daily contact, were never able to reach a definitive agreement.
PISA, ITALY – MARCH 15: Marco Palestra of Cagliari Calcio in action during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Cagliari Calcio at Arena Garibaldi on March 15, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“This allowed Chelsea, with whom contact began only two weeks earlier, as I had quickly informed the two clubs, burst in during the final days and sealed a deal with Atalanta, the player and with us to close the move rapidly.
“At this point, I hope that we can all turn the page and look to the future with calm, without more attacks as a pretext against a player who deserves respect.”
It was no secret that several months ago Palestra was approached by Inter and told them he would be more than happy to wait it out for a move to San Siro.
However, the failure to work out a deal with Atalanta stalled the process, and ultimately Chelsea came in with an equally strong project.
It is not the first time that Inter have struggled to agree terms with Atalanta, as they also came close with no progress for Ademola Lookman and Ederson.
Cagliari have officially signed Jacopo Fazzini from Fiorentina, on loan with an option to buy for a total €8m, with Harry Winks set to follow from Leicester City.
The Sardinians are very active on the transfer market this summer after securing their coach Fabio Pisacane to a new and improved contract.
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Pedro Porro on Tottenham future
“Right now, as I said before, I’m very happy at Spurs because they’ve supported me,” he said (h/t SportWitness).
“They’ve given me a renewal that I think I’ve earned. So, in that respect, I’m very happy there.”
“Right now, I’m focused on the national team, my club, and the renewal. I’m very happy, as I said before. They’ve given me everything, and I’m grateful for that.”
The Spanish international has been outstanding in the Premier League, and he is undoubtedly one of the best right backs in Europe right now. He has been very impressive in the World Cup with Spain.
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It is no surprise that he has been linked with Barcelona. The Spanish champions need more quality in wide areas, and the Tottenham defender could be an exceptional acquisition for them. But he has a contract with the London club until 2031, making it extremely difficult for Barcelona to sign him anytime soon. They would have to pay an absurd amount of money in order to convince Tottenham.
Meanwhile, the defender has maintained that a footballer’s future can be uncertain and that he does not know where he will end up.
“Regarding what you said about Barca and all that, people talk and want the best for their clubs.
“I’m focused right now on the national team and Tottenham. We’ll see what happens tomorrow, because you never know what can happen in football.”
It is evident that the 26-year-old is not ruling out a potential exit in the near future. However, Tottenham certainly hope to keep a player of his quality at the club for as long as possible.
Lionel Messi is set to face England in the 2026 World Cup semifinal, adding the last World Cup champion he had yet to play against in his career.
Lionel Messi faces England for the first time in his career when Argentina and the Three Lions meet in the 2026 World Cup semifinals on Wednesday, July 16th at Atlanta Stadium. The milestone means Messi will have now faced every World Cup champion at least once, completing a remarkable checklist across two decades of international football.
The Argentina-England rivalry runs deep, with 14 previous meetings between the nations and a history of tension that extends well beyond the sport. Yet despite making his international debut in August 2005, Messi has never shared a field with England, and the one opportunity he had slipped away under unusual circumstances.
On November 12, 2005, Argentina and England met in a friendly in Switzerland ahead of the 2006 World Cup. Messi was part of the squad but was serving a one-game FIFA suspension following the red card he received on his debut against Hungary, forcing him to watch from the sidelines as Argentina fell 3-2 in what would have been his first taste of the rivalry.
Now, 24 years after their last World Cup meeting, a 1-0 England win in 2002, the two nations meet again on soccer’s biggest stage. With Argentina holding a record of just one win, one draw, and three defeats against England historically, Messi will be looking to tip the balance in the Albiceleste‘s favor.
A general view of Atlanta Stadium, the venue for the England vs. Argentina clash. (Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Messi’s record against World Cup champions
Brazil
In arguably the fiercest rivalry in the sport, Messi has faced Brazil 14 times in the Argentina shirt. His most significant win came in the 2021 Copa America final, and his most recent appearance in the fixture came during the 2023 World Cup qualifying campaign. The overall record is about as even as it gets.
14 games.
5 goals.
0 assists.
6 wins.
2 draws.
6 losses.
France
Messi has faced France three times, twice in the World Cup and once in a friendly, and has consistently delivered in those moments. The record remains level, with the 2022 World Cup final standing as the defining encounter between the two sides.
3 games.
3 goals.
2 assists.
1 win.
1 draw.
1 loss.
Germany
Germany has historically been one of Argentina’s most difficult opponents, and Messi’s personal record reflects that. Both of Die Mannschaft‘s wins came in the World Cup, most painfully in the 2014 final in Brazil.
4 games.
1 goals.
0 assists.
2 wins.
0 draws.
2 losses.
Italy
Messi has faced Italy only once, in the 2022 Finalissima, and made his presence felt with two assists as Argentina claimed the unofficial title. It stands as one of the few World Cup champions where Messi holds an unblemished record.
1 game.
0 goals.
2 assists.
1 win.
Spain
All three of Messi’s meetings with Spain have come in international friendlies, with no World Cup crossovers. The most memorable of those came when a reigning world champion Spanish side was dismantled 4-1 by Argentina.
3 games.
2 goals.
0 assists.
1 wins.
0 draws.
2 losses.
Uruguay
Uruguay is Messi’s most favorable matchup among World Cup champions, with a commanding head-to-head record built largely through competitive fixtures. The most recent meeting, however, went La Celeste’s way with a 2-0 win on Argentine soil in the 2023 World Cup qualifiers.
Despite already being 39 years old, Lionel Messi remains one of the best players at the 2026 World Cup. Amid the reported tensions, Barcelona president Joan Laporta praised the Argentine star's performances.
Lionel Messi has emerged as one of the best players of the 2026 World Cup, showcasing his scoring prowess and exceptional creativity. Even at 39 years old, he has remained an undisputed starter for Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina, demonstrating outstanding fitness while competing for the tournament’s Golden Boot. Amid reported tensions, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has praised the Argentine legend’s performances.
“Messi’s World Cup is extraordinary. Eight goals, some of them of great quality. With that talent, Messi is always good. Other players in the world of soccer, when they reach a certain age, because they don’t have the talent Leo has, it becomes more noticeable… they are fortunate to have Leo up front, because as soon as the ball reaches him, he puts it in the back of the net,” said Joan Laporta as reported by Fox Sports.
After his departure from Barcelona in 2021, the relationship between Joan Laporta and Lionel Messi has reportedly been damaged. While the Argentine legend has chosen not to make any public comments, the executive has repeatedly reaffirmed that his decision not to renew Messi’s contract was the right one. However, he has now sought to ease tensions by acknowledging the 39-year-old’s remarkable talent and outstanding performances.
Under Lionel Scaloni, Argentina have once again dominated at the 2026 World Cup, keeping Messi as the team’s central figure. Having been on the bench in just one match, the Argentine legend has shone even in extra time, delivering his best version. With the semifinal against England still to come, he still has the chance to further cement his legacy in the tournament’s history.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates with Julian Alvarez #9 after scoring against Egypt.
Lionel Messi’s 2026 World Cup is rewriting the record books
Unlike previous editions, Lionel Messi did not arrive at the 2026 World Cup as one of the favorites to shine. Despite that, he has managed to compete to be the tournament’s best player. After playing in six matches, he has scored eight goals and provided two assists. His outstanding performances at the tournament have led the 39-year-old legend to rewrite the World Cup record books.
Following his eight goals in the tournament, Messi is directly competing with Kylian Mbappé to finish as the top scorer. In addition, he already stands as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer, with 21 goals in 31 matches. Not satisfied with that, Lionel also became the tournament’s all-time leading assist provider, with 11 assists, holding the record outright. With this, he rewrote the tournament’s record books.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina and Joan Laporta, President of FC Barcelona.
Alex Jimenez is officially a Fiorentina player, on loan with an option to buy from Bournemouth, where he was forced to leave under a cloud after suspended for inappropriate messages.
The deal was somewhat surprisingly done last week, and he was already in Florence to undergo medical tests.
It’s widely believed the move is worth a total of €20m plus a 30 per cent cut of the future sale fee, if the option to make it permanent is taken up at the end of the season.
It is reported that the option has several clauses making it an obligation to buy, including once he reaches 30 appearances with the Viola.
Jimenez is training with Fiorentina
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 19: Alex Jimenez of Bournemouth in action during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Bournemouth at Amex Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
He was formally excluded from playing domestically in this country while it investigates claims he direct messaged a 15-year-old girl on social media.
The allegations with screenshots were made in May, after which he was dropped from the Bournemouth squad.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 20: Alex Jimenez of AC Milan warms up prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 20, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“AFC Bournemouth are aware of posts circulating on social media involving right-back, Alex Jiménez,” read a statement from the Premier League side in May.
“The club understand the seriousness of the matter and it is currently being investigated.”
Milan had their first training session under new coach Ruben Amorim today and there were already some surprises, including Samuel Chukwueze following in Amad Diallo’s Manchester United footsteps.
Samuel Chukwueze of Fulham celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal during the Premier League match between Fulham and Manchester City at Craven Cottage on December 02, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Chukwueze is usually an attacking winger on the right flank, so could’ve been one of the support strikers in this system, but is instead placed in a deeper role.
He returned to Milan after a loan spell at Fulham last season, where he scored three goals and provided four assists in 25 games.
The first Milan goal of pre-season was scored by youngster Andrej Kostic.
Andrea Pirlo is the new favourite to take over as Italy coach, claims La Gazzetta dello Sport, as Paolo Maldini and Leonardo hope to reunite with a former Milan teammate.
The Nazionale can begin taking shape now that the decision has finally been made to appoint a technical director, a role that until now did not exist within the Azzurri set-up.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 8: Former New York City FC player Andrea Pirlo waves to fans prior to the MLS match against Orlando City at Yankee Stadium on March 8, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Vincent Carchietta/Getty Images)
However, the Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Pirlo is emerging as a genuine candidate.
The 47-year-old was of course part of the squad that won the 2006 World Cup, and he is currently a coach in Dubai with United FC.
Official: Andrea Pirlo is the new head coach of the Dubai-based United FC of the UAE first division.
His management experience is limited to Juventus in 2020-21, where he won the Coppa Italia, then in the Turkish Super Lig with Karagumruk, and a brief spell at Sampdoria that ended in August 2024.
Pirlo knows both Maldini and Leonardo well from their time together at the successful Milan side, where the midfielder played from 2001 to 2011.
It is reported that Maldini had wanted to hire him as the coach of Milan in 2023.
Unlike the other alternatives on the list, Pirlo’s wage demands would not break the bank of the FIGC.
After turning down reported offers of over €25m for Trevoh Chalobah, it’s now reported in Italy that Chelsea are frustrated Inter and Como are looking elsewhere.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 21: Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea during the warm up during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea at Amex Stadium on April 21, 2026 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
The defender is currently at the World Cup with England preparing for Wednesday’s semi-final against Argentina, but his future remains up in the air.
A bidding war had broken out for the 27-year-old, between Serie A sides Inter and Como, but the asking price of €35m has put them off.
Chalobah too expensive for Inter and Como
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 01: Trevoh Chalobah #12 of England arrives at the stadium before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between England and Congo DR at Atlanta Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Another change was the Gazzetta dello Sport report last week that the two Italian clubs had agreed on a pact not to one-up each other, so Como backed off Chalobah and instead focused on Galatasaray defender Davinson Sanchez.
It is not just the Chelsea demand that is causing problems, but also the salary his agents are requesting.
Inter have the added problem of now needing to seek a new wing-back, seeing as Marco Palestra was poached by Chelsea and Anan Khalaili failed a medical.
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Gilberto Mora linked with a Premier League move
Mora is regarded as one of the finest young midfield talents around, and he has been linked with Liverpool. Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has been questioned regarding Liverpool’s interest in Mora.
The Argentine international has claimed that the 17-year-old must be an exceptional talent, and that is why Liverpool have been mentioned as a potential destination.
“Honestly, I didn’t see anything about it. When these things happen, you’re always careful what you say, out of respect for the player and the club he belongs to. But if they’re mentioning him as a possible Liverpool player, he’s surely a great player. There’s a reason they’re mentioning him,” he said to Claro Sports.
The 27-year-old midfielder has recently helped his country reach the semi-finals of the World Cup with an important goal in the quarter-finals against Switzerland. His comments regarding Mora will certainly fuel further speculation surrounding a Liverpool move for the Mexican.
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The 17-year-old is an attacking midfielder who could be a quality long-term acquisition for the Premier League club. They could use more technical ability and creativity in the final third. They have done well to nurture young players in the past, and they could help the Mexican develop further and fulfil his potential.
It remains to be seen whether they follow up on their interest with an official offer to close the deal.
The opportunity to join Liverpool will be exciting for the young playmaker as well. Regular football in England could bring out the best in him and help him improve further.
Manchester United have been linked with a move for the French International midfielder Manu Kone in recent weeks.
The 25-year-old has been outstanding for Roma and has impressed with France at the World Cup. Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing the player, and they have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of the midfielder.
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Manu Kone to be sold?
AS Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini has now confirmed that the club will have to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations. He has hinted at a potential sale for the French midfielder.
He said (h/t AllRoma): “His future? I think these Financial Fair Play conditions are never so precise and defined; they vary from team to team. Roma also need to balance the books, which have been burdensome in recent years.
“I hoped that returning to the Champions League would be enough, but it’s clear that financial statements are crucial for clubs. I believe there will be more clarity in the coming weeks.”
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After impressing with Roma, Kone could be tempted to take the next step in his career. Joining one of the biggest clubs in the world will be exciting for him. Manchester United could provide him with the platform to fight for major trophies.
Manchester United have improved the midfield unit with the signing of Andrey Santos, and they are closing in on Youri Tielemans as well. The addition of Kone will take them to a whole new level and complete their midfield unit for the upcoming campaign.
The opportunity to play for the Red Devils will be exciting for the Belgian international. It will be a step up for him, and he can showcase his qualities at the highest level. Meanwhile, Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has confirmed that the player will undergo his medical ‘later this week’, and all details have been agreed between the two clubs.
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Manchester United have also signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea. It is clear that they are looking to significantly improve the midfield. Two quality central midfielders will certainly help them next season. However, they also need to invest in a specialist defensive midfielder. They look quite mediocre at the back, and someone who can break up the opposition attack and protect the defensive unit would be ideal.
Casemiro has left the club, and they need to replace them properly. It will be interesting to see who they end up with. In addition to the departure of Brazilian, Manuel Ugarte has been hugely underwhelming and is currently sidelined with a serious long-term injury.
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup semifinals against Lionel Messi's Argentina, England legend John Terry heated up the game with a bold claim: "Man for man, we're better."
Lionel Messi is set to face England for the first time in his illustrious career, and he will do so on one of the sport’s grandest stages in the 2026 World Cup semifinals. Ahead of the clash against Argentina, England legend John Terry delivered a bold assessment of the matchup: “Man for man, we’re better.”
Speaking on the FIFA Podcast on YouTube, the former Chelsea captain argued that Argentina should hold no fear for the Three Lions: “I’m not worried with Argentina. I don’t look at Argentina and I see it kind of worried about them being better than us. I think man-for-man we’re better than Argentina.“
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have been England‘s standout performers with six goals apiece, while Argentina’s attack has leaned heavily on Messi to provide the spark. As a broader measure of squad quality, Transfermarkt values England’s World Cup roster at €1.36 billion, with Bellingham leading the way at €130 million, compared to Argentina’s €807 million squad valuation, with Julian Alvarez’s €100 million price tag the highest on their books.
Terry did acknowledge, however, that squad value does not tell the whole story. Despite England’s edge on paper, he conceded that Argentina’s experience in deep tournament runs at the World Cup and Copa América could prove decisive. “But the experience they have at these later stages in the competition could kind of serve them well,” he concluded.
Argentina players pose for a photo prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final.
Only Kane, John Stones, Jordan Pickford, and Marcus Rashford remain from the England squad that reached the 2018 World Cup semifinals, where they fell 2-1 to Croatia. Argentina, by contrast, have won their last four major finals, including the Finalissima against Italy, and that battle-hardened core represents one of the biggest challenges England’s less experienced players will face in the later stages of a major tournament.
Terry speaks out over Messi
At 39 years old, Messi has once again proven to be Argentina’s driving force, particularly with the rest of the attack struggling to contribute consistently. Of Argentina’s 17 goals in the tournament, eight have come from Messi, and despite going scoreless against Switzerland, he delivered an assist that moved him to the top of the competition’s assists chart.
Terry had nothing but admiration when the conversation turned to the Argentine captain: “He will be one of the top players that kind of turn up on the big occasions, and he certainly does that. When you look at them against Egypt and you think they’re out, but with him on your side, when you got someone like that, I can only compare that to a Hazard at Chelsea.“
The former England defender went on to describe Messi’s effect on Argentina as a whole. “When you always know you’re in with a chance of coming back in the game, whether you go 1-0 or 2-0 down, and these guys are just incredible and he’s that for Argentina,” Terry said.
While Spain have been one of the most solid teams at the 2026 World Cup, Lamine Yamal has failed to make an impact in front of goal. Nevertheless, Rodri Hernandez has advised the 19-year-old star to calm down a bit just before Spain's match against France.
Spain have remained one of the best teams at the 2026 World Cup, shining through their collective performances. Although Lamine Yamal has been key to the team’s overall play, he has failed to make an impact in front of goal, drawing heavy criticism. In response, Rodri Hernandez decided to praise the 19-year-old star for his collective impact ahead of their clash with France, but also asked him to calm down a bit.
“I think he needs to calm down a bit, that anxiety that sometimes he has to prove himself. He’s a very important player for us because of what he does with and without the ball, and he’s a very intelligent guy. It’s true that he’s 19 years old and that we have to calm him down at certain moments of the game,” reveals Rodrigo Hernandez in the latest mixed zone.
Far from trying to publicly criticize Lamine, Rodri is looking to take him away from the pressure of having to score or “meet expectations.” As he is not a center forward, Yamal does not base his game on producing goals, but on creating imbalance and breaking defensive lines. Therefore, focusing only on proving his goalscoring ability causes him to lose his greatest strength: Enhancing the team’s collective play.
Lamine Yamal addresses criticism of his low scoring average
After his outstanding season with Barcelona, Lamine Yamal arrived at the 2026 World Cup as one of the favorites to finish as the tournament’s top scorer. However, he has managed to score just one goal and has not recorded any assists in six matches. Amid criticism from the fans, the 19-year-old star has decided to respond to his lack of goals, echoing the opinion of Rodri Hernandez.
Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain
“If we win the World Cup, I think nobody will remember how many goals I scored or how many I didn’t. If we win, we’ll all be happy, that’s all I want. I know that with my movement I draw a lot of opponents away; I can create space for a teammate. Anything I can do to help, even if I don’t touch the ball in a play, will be a positive. I think everyone’s obsessed with scoring goals,” says Lamine Yamal, via COPE.
Lamine Yamal’s biggest World Cup opportunity arrives vs. France
For the first time in several years, Spain have reached the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup. However, they will not have it easy, as they are set to face France, a top contender that have played two consecutive finals. While securing victory will be a major challenge, Lamine Yamal has to see it as the best opportunity to silence the criticism surrounding his name.
If he manages to score and/or provide an assist against France, Lamine Yamal could silence the doubts surrounding his name by leading Spain to victory. Facing a team that usually dominates possession, the 19-year-old star needs to shine on the counterattack, finding spaces in the opposition’s solid defense. In addition, he could have the chance to play in the 2026 World Cup final, leading Spain to victory after a 16-year drought.
Anan Khalaili has not passed his medical tests with Inter, while Roma have confirmed that Paulo Dybala signed a contract extension until 2027. Check out today’s transfer news from Serie A and Italian football.
Paulo Dybala has officially signed a new contract at Roma, extending his stay in the capital until June 2027.
PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 05: Giuseppe Marotta Chairman of FC Internazionale looks on prior to the Serie A match between Parma and FC Internazionale at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 05, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Inter President Beppe Marotta announced at a press conference on the first day of pre-season that Anan Khalaili had failed his medical tests, so he would not be joining the club. According to Gazzetta, the Nerazzurri will now focus on Guela Doué, 23, currently under contract with Strasbourg.
Milan are waiting for offers for Rafael Leao and Santiago Gimenez. Neither has formal proposals on the table. However, according to Gazzetta, Aston Villa have enquired about another Milan player, Pervis Estupinan, who joined the Rossoneri a year ago from Brighton.
Juventus’ General Manager Giovanni Carnevali has spoken about negotiations with PSG for Randal Kolo Muani, warning: “The demands are too high, so either we reach an agreement, or we will turn to a different player.”
Regarding transfer speculation on Inter midfielder Davide Frattesi, Carnevali added: “He is an extraordinary lad who would do well at all big clubs, but we do not need a player of his characteristics.”
Elsewhere at the Allianz Stadium, according to Gazzetta, Leeds are the favourites to sign Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo, followed by Newcastle, Sunderland and Bournemouth. The Neroverdi’s asking price is €40m, which would be just €20m for Juventus, who hold a 50% sell-on clause.
The Bianconeri, however, have reportedly dropped out of the race after both the player and Sassuolo increased their financial demands. The Bianconeri would still be entitled to €20m if Muharemovic is sold for €40m.
Danilho Doekhi has arrived in Rome to undergo medical tests for Lazio before completing a free transfer. His contract with Union Berlin expired on June 30.
According to Sky, Lazio are also close to Dinamo Zagreb’s defender Sergi Dominguez, while Gazzetta maintains that the Biancocelesti won’t match the €15m asking price.
TORONTO, ONTARIO – JUNE 20: Christ Inao Oulai #26 of Cote d’Ivoire runs with the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Germany and Cote D’Ivoire at Toronto Stadium on June 20, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Gazzetta adds that Bologna are interested in Carlos Espì, Levante centre-forward with a €25m release clause, while Fiorentina’s next target is Ivory Coast international Christ Inao Oulai, a central midfielder for Trabzonspor.
The Tuscans have also reached an agreement with Basel to sell Italian midfielder Jonas Harder, according to Sky.
Italy international Diego Coppola will land in Paris today to complete a permanent €20m transfer to Paris FC, where he spent the second half of the 2025-26 season on loan (via Gazzetta).
Atalanta are preparing an opening offer for Kerim Alajbegovic, with the Bayer Leverkusen talent open to joining La Dea, reports Sportitalia.
Genoa will take legal action against Elliot Stroud’s agents, as the Mjällby winger had reportedly signed a pre-contract agreement with the Grifone before making a late decision to join Hull City instead, according to Sky.
The Rossoblu are also preparing to welcome Hamed Traorè, a former Sassuolo and Bournemouth midfielder, who will undergo medical tests tomorrow.
Transfer round-up July 13 – official transfers
Valentino Lazaro from Torino to Al-Ain (free agent)
Alex Jimenez to Fiorentina from Bournemouth (loan)
Napoli are finally beginning to progress in pre-season, as new coach Max Allegri arrived ahead of tomorrow’s press conference, while Antonio Vergara has agreed an improved contract.
The Partenopei have been fairly static compared to many of the other Serie A sides so far this summer, as they are forced to sell players before they can bring any more in.
A Napoli è tutto pronto per l’era #Allegri: domani alle ore 11:30 l’allenatore toscano verrà presentato al Teatro San Carlo. La conferenza sarà visibile in diretta su #Sportitalia
They were also urged to wait until recently to finally announce Allegri as their coach, as first he had to terminate his existing contract with Milan after his sudden dismissal.
The tactician arrived in Naples this evening and he will be presented to the media at the historic Teatro San Carlo on Tuesday at 11.30 local time.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The 23-year-old creative midfielder and winger had been on the verge of an exit on loan last season, but ended up having a starring role due to the injury crisis reducing other options.
According to Sky Sport Italia, Watford have agreed a deal with Bologna for goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia, on loan with an option to buy that could become an obligation.
The details of the arrangement are that this is a one-season loan with an option to buy at the end of the term.
However, the condition to activate the obligation and make it permanent would be Watford earning promotion into the Premier League.
There is a very Italian feel developing at Watford, because their coach is Alessio Dionisi, and they had already brought in Edoardo Bove as a free agent last term.
Ravaglia ready to leave Bologna
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 22: Adam Marusic of SS Lazio compete for the ball with Federico Ravaglia of Bologna FC during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and SS Lazio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on March 22, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
The 26-year-old came up through the Bologna youth academy, going on a series of loans to Sudtirol, Gubbio, Frosinone and Reggina, until returning to the Stadio Dall’Ara in 2023.
Last season, the goalkeeper made 25 competitive appearances between Serie A, the Europa League, Supercoppa Italiana and Coppa Italia.
His previous clubs include Ajax and Vitesse, moving to Germany for free in the summer of 2022.
There is a family connection to Serie A, as he is the nephew of former Milan player Winston Bogarde.
Lazio are in need of new defenders after selling Mario Gila to Milan and agreeing the transfer of Alessio Romagnoli to Al-Sadd, although the latter has not been finalised yet.
Fiorentina and Fenerbahce made a late attempt to sign free agent Zeki Celik, but the Turkiye international has reportedly already agreed to sign a new contract with Roma.
The 29-year-old is currently free to do as he wishes, because his contract with the Giallorossi expired on June 30.
This has made him an appetising prospect on the transfer market, with Fenerbahce making a proposal, while Fiorentina have also seemingly approached the versatile defender.
Celik eager to remain at Roma
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Zeki Celik of AS Roma is challenged by Remo Freuler of Bologna during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Much like his teammate Paulo Dybala, who put pen to paper earlier today, the deal is to take a pay cut in order to fit within the new financial parameters at the Stadio Olimpico.
Celik is expected to earn circa €3m per season at Roma, who have just sealed their return to the Champions League.
He first joined Roma in the summer of 2022 from Lille at a cost of €7.4m plus a 15 per cent cut of the sell-on fee, going on to make 151 competitive appearances for the club with two goals and 10 assists.
Lecce are the favourites to snap up Scotland Under-21 international striker Robbie Ure, currently at IK Sirius, but seem a long way off the €4m asking price.
However, their proposal so far is believed to be just €1.8m plus a 20-25 per cent cut of his future sale fee.
That is nowhere near the asking price set by Swedish club Sirius, which is of €4m plus add-ons and a percentage of the sell-on fee.
Lecce face tough fight for Ure
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MAY 17: Fans of US Lecce show their support prior to the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and US Lecce at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on May 17, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Aston Villa are intensifying talks with Milan for Pervis Estupinan, as a replacement for Lucas Digne after Paris Saint-Germain decided to activate his release clause.
It has been a tough day for Aston Villa, because in the space of a few hours they learned that Manchester United would pay the €41m to trigger the clause for €41m, then that Paris Saint-Germain would do the same for Digne at circa €10m.
That won’t be completed until after Digne has finished playing in the World Cup with France, but it is a heads up for the Birmingham club to seek a replacement.
Estupinan to fill Digne gap at Aston Villa
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Pervis Estupinan of AC Milan walks off after receiving a red card during the Serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Bruno Guimaraes has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal this summer.
The Gunners are hoping to add more creativity, composure, and technical ability in the middle of the park, and the Brazilian would be an exceptional acquisition.
He has been one of the best central midfielders in the league in recent seasons. He is at the peak of his career, and there have been rumours that he wants to join Arsenal.
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Bruno Guimaraes move seems complicated
Meanwhile, reports have surfaced that Newcastle promised they would let Guimaraes leave for the right price, but Luke Edwards from the Telegraph has now spoken to Mehrdad Ghodoussi and Amanda Staveley, who have confirmed that no such promises have been made to the player or his representatives. This will certainly complicate any potential move for Arsenal. It seems that Newcastle are prepared to dig their heels in, and they want to keep the midfielder.
Newcastle have lost multiple players in recent transfer windows, and losing the Brazilian would be another devastating blow. He is one of the best players at the club. They have recently sanctioned Sandro Tonali’s departure, and losing two of their best midfielders in one window could prove catastrophic for them.
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Man United to return for Ederson?
According to Sky Sports, Manchester United could still return for the Brazilian midfielder towards the end of the window, depending on how the transfer window develops for them.
Meanwhile, the 27-year-old midfielder will be thoroughly disappointed with the situation. The report claims that Manchester United are sympathetic to the player and his family after the move collapsed at the very end. Manchester United agreed a £38 million deal with the Italian club, and personal terms were also agreed with the player.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have already signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea, and they are set to wrap up the signing of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. It remains to be seen whether they are prepared to return for the Brazilian in the coming weeks.
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Man United need a defensive midfielder instead of Ederson
They should invest in a quality defensive midfielder instead. It is no secret that they need more quality in the middle of the park, and the likes of Santos and Tielemans will add control, composure, and technical ability there. Now, they need someone who can break up the opposition attack and protect the back four.
While there is no doubt that Ederson is a quality player and he can help out at both ends of the pitch, he is not a specialist defensive midfielder. It remains to be seen what Manchester United decide over the next few weeks.
Chelsea are currently working to sign the Rayo Vallecano defender Pep Chavarria.
The 28-year-old left back has impressed in La Liga, and he is a specific request from Xabi Alonso. Chelsea sanctioned Marc Cucurella’s departure to Real Madrid, and they need to replace him properly.
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Pep Chavarria to replace Cucurella
The 28-year-old could be the ideal alternative to the Spanish international. According to a report from MARCA, Chelsea are currently locked in negotiations with the Spanish club, and they are set to submit an offer of around €25 million. They have already had an offer of around €15 million for the defender rejected.
The player has already agreed personal terms with Chelsea, and he is dreaming of the Premier League. The opportunity for one of the best clubs in the world will be exciting for him. He will certainly hope that the two clubs can finalise an agreement quickly so that he can focus on his football and sort out his long-term future.
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Chelsea have now accelerated their effort to wrap up the move, and it remains to be seen whether Rayo Vallecano is prepared to accept the improved offer when it is presented. They will not want to hold onto the defender against his wishes. It is clear that he is distracted after the interest from Chelsea, and he will look to secure a summer exit soon.
It would be ideal for the two clubs to find common ground and get the deal across the line. Rayo Vallecano will need to replace a key player like Chavarria, and they need time in the market. They will not want to sell the defender lead on in the window, with little time to properly replace him.
In France's most recent victory over Morocco, head coach Didier Deschamps decided to start Manu Koné in midfield. Despite his impressive performance, Aurélien Tchouaméni is reportedly expected to return to the starting lineup.
Maintaining an attacking approach, France have remained one of the top contenders at the 2026 World Cup. To defeat Morocco in the quarterfinals, head coach Didier Deschamps decided to make a change in midfield, opting for Manu Koné alongside Adrien Rabiot. Although he emerged as one of the team’s best players, he could return to the bench. Aurélien Tchouaméni is reportedly expected to return to the starting lineup against Spain.
According to L’Equipe, Didier Deschamps has decided to bring Tchouaméni back into the lineup. During a training session before facing Paraguay, he was diagnosed with a minor muscle injury, leaving him out of the previous two games. Even if Koné performed very well in midfield, head coach believes that Aurélien can provide more balance in midfield, as he has already been fully recovered.
While Aurélien Tchouaméni was not coming off his best season with Real Madrid, he established as a starter for France throughout the 2026 World Cup. Without being the team’s most eye-catching player, he has managed to be key in the high press, controlling the tempo of the game. In addition, he has developed a strong understanding with Adrien Rabiot, who plays more as a box-to-box midfielder, moving with freedom while remaining solid defensively.
Report: Deschamps makes little changes to France’s starting XI vs Spain
France will face Spain in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup. After Tchouaméni returned to full fitness, they no longer have any absences in the roster, as Kylian Mbappé’s physical issues are not considered serious. As a result, head coach Didier Deschamps has reportedly decided to stick with his tactical approach, making only one change by bringing Aurélien back into midfield, as he looks to lead France to a third consecutive World Cup final.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates with teammates after scoring
In case of keeping a similar lineup, Les Bleus could lineup as follows: Mike Maignan, Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Digne; Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot; Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Desiré Doué; Kylian Mbappé.
France’s path to beating Spain may start in the midfield
Spain are one of the most dominant teams at the 2026 World Cup. Not only do they possess outstanding goalscoring quality, but their midfield also controls the tempo of the game. Because of this, France will have greater difficulty imposing their style of play, as Spain will approach the match offensively. With that in mind, Didier Deschamps will need to dominate the opposition’s midfield in order to pursue victory.
If France manage to control the midfield, they would force Spain to play in transition. Without their wingers at their best, Luis de la Fuente’s team would lose the strongest part of their game: their collective build-up play. As a result, Rabiot and Tchouaméni need to be at their best, but Ousmane Dembélé will also need to contribute in order to put their opponent to sleep and control the game.
Aurelien Tchouameni #8 of France during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The Arab-Israeli player had been in Italy since last week undergoing various tests, including those at club level, to complete the €30m transfer from Union Saint-Gilloise.
Why Khalaili move was blocked
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – OCTOBER 01: Anan Khalaili of Union Saint-Gilloise looks dejected during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between R. Union Saint-Gilloise and Newcastle United FC at RSC Anderlecht Stadium on October 01, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
“Perhaps you dislike something which is good for you and like something which is bad for you.”
Anan Khalaili in prayer after failed Inter medical (Instagram Stories)
The rest of the verse notes that “Allah knows and you do not know,” so he is hoping that God has a plan for this twist in his life and career.
WATFORD, ENGLAND – APRIL 18: Edoardo Bove of Watford in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between Watford and Sheffield United at Vicarage Road on April 18, 2026 in Watford, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Italian rules on these fitness tests are extremely strict, which is why players like Edoardo Bove and Christian Eriksen were forced to leave Serie A to continue their careers elsewhere.
Other leagues would allow for players to have implanted defibrillators, but the Italian legislation does not.
Italian reports suggest Roma turned down a €40m offer from Atletico Madrid for Manu Koné, but would be ready to sell if they, Manchester United or Liverpool came in with at least €60m.
WALSALL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Manu Kone of AS Roma looks on prior to the pre-season friendly match between Aston Villa and AS Roma at Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium on August 06, 2025 in Walsall, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
The midfielder had already been targeted by Inter in recent months and was given a price tag of €50m, but that has risen considerably thanks to his stellar performances for France at the 2026 World Cup.
As they prepare to face Spain in the semi-final tomorrow evening, his profile continues to soar and attract attention.
Kone asking price will not budge
PARIS, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 13: Manu Kone of France in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between France and Ukraine at Parc des Princes on November 13, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)
Roma have never disguised that the 25-year-old is potentially on the transfer market, but also that they will only part with Koné if a suitable offer arrives.
He was purchased from Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer of 2024 for just €18m plus up to a further €2m in add-ons.
Roma owner Ryan Friedkin is expected at the Trigoria training camp today for talks with coach Gian Piero Gasperini and new director of sport Tony D’Amico to clarify their transfer strategy.
Juventus director Giovanni Carnevali warns Paris Saint-Germain ‘demands are too high’ for Randal Kolo Muani and they could look elsewhere, but they ‘do not need’ Davide Frattesi from Inter.
The Bianconeri have been negotiating with PSG practically since the moment he arrived on loan in January 2025, but never seem to reach a new agreement.
That loan cost €3.6m and was extended to cover the Club World Cup in July 2025, but then he was loaned out to Tottenham Hotspur and sent back to base this summer.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 04: Randal Kolo Muani of Tottenham in action during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 04, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
“The cost of players is growing constantly, with figures that are practically impossible, while Serie A club revenue cannot keep up with the likes of the Premier League,” continued Carnevali.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Giovanni Carnevali CEO of US Sassuolo during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and US Sassuolo Calcio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“We need to reduce costs and have an economic balance, which is difficult to achieve. There’s no point denying it, you can all see that our league is in a situation of stasis for the transfer market.”
A cheaper option within Serie A for the midfield would be Frattesi, who is on the market at Inter, but Carnevali insists Juventus can be ruled out of that race.
“Frattesi is an extraordinary lad who would do well at all big clubs, but we do not need a player of his characteristics.”
Juventus are trying to offload flop Lois Openda, but after a Coventry City approach, his old club RC Lens are eager to bring him back, with one significant problem.
The Belgium international was a costly disaster on the transfer market last summer, signed from RB Leipzig on loan for €3.25m with an obligation to buy at the end of the season for a further €42.75m plus add-ons.
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 03: Lois Openda of Juventus looks dejected following the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Lecce at on January 03, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Had it only been an option and not an obligation, the Bianconeri certainly would not have made the move permanent after a pitiful two goals in 34 competitive games.
Openda not wanted by Juventus
VERONA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Lois Openda of Juventus FC enters the pitch the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Juventus FC at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on September 20, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
He played there in the 2022-23 season, impressing so much with 21 goals and four assists in 38 games that he earned an immediate €40m transfer to RB Leipzig.
The idea would be for RC Lens to bring him back in on loan, but the source warns that in order to make it work, Juventus would have to cover a large portion of his wages.
Unlike Juve, RC Lens have qualified for the Champions League this term, so can give him the chance to play regularly at the top level.
Harry Winks and Jacopo Fazzini have arrived in Cagliari to complete their transfers from Leicester City and Fiorentina respectively. ‘I’m really happy to be back in Italy,’ said the England midfielder.
The Sardinians have done the double deal and both landed this afternoon at the airport, greeted by media and supporters.
Parma had also been interested in Fazzini, who was struggling for playing time at Fiorentina.
It’s reported he has made the move to Cagliari on loan with an option to buy for circa €8m.
This represents a return to Italy for the 30-year-old, who already had a loan experience from Tottenham Hotspur to Sampdoria in the 2022-23 campaign.
“I’m really happy to be back in Italy and I can’t wait to meet my new teammates,” Winks told the reporters.
“I learned a lot at Sampdoria.”
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 30: Harry Winks of Leicester City during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leicester City and Wrexham AFC at The King Power Stadium on September 30, 2025 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
The pair will have their medical tests today and then sign the contracts, ready to begin pre-season training under coach Fabio Pisacane.
“It is the right moment to come here for my career,” said Fazzini.
Paulo Dybala assures signing a new contract with Roma was ‘what we all wanted’ and is looking forward to continuing his career at the Stadio Olimpico.
The decision had been in the air for many weeks, even though his contract had technically already expired on June 30.
epa11832091 Paulo Dybala of Roma jubilates after the goal 3-1 during the Italian Serie A soccer match AS Roma vs Genoa CFC at Olimpico stadium in Rome, Italy, 17 January 2025. EPA-EFE/ALESSANDRO DI MEO
He had plenty of other proposals, including from his beloved Boca Juniors, and lucrative salaries on offer in the Saudi Pro League.
VERONA, ITALY – MAY 24: Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Paulo Dybala during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AS Roma at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on May 24, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“That’s the club, me, and I hope the fans too. I am happy to have another season here, in this city and this country, and to be able to defend the Roma jersey, which is a privilege.”
Something that inevitably affected his decision to remain was the fact that Roma qualified for the Champions League, earning their place back in the top competition after a seven-year absence.
“Roma means many things for me, responsibility, honour, beauty. On a personal level too, these elements all kept me here, and it is a real honour to wear this shirt.”
Dybala was asked if he had a message for the fans, especially after season tickets were snapped up in their thousands on the first day alone.
“I am happy to be here with you again for next year too, and to see you at the Olimpico and in away games, especially when the wonderful music plays that we were all waiting to hear, so we can make you proud on European nights.”
The 32-year-old Argentina international had arrived as a free agent from Juventus in 2022, having first come to Italy for Palermo in 2012.
Harvey Elliott was on loan at Aston Villa last season, and the West Midlands club had an option to sign him permanently.
However, he did not play regularly for them, and they have decided to send him back to his parent club. There has been speculation surrounding his future at Liverpool, but newly appointed manager Andoni Iraola has now thrown him a major lifeline.
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Harvey Elliott is set for a fresh start
The Spanish manager has revealed that Elliott will be given a chance to prove himself during pre-season, and Liverpool could use a player like him. It remains to be seen whether Elliott can grab the opportunity and showcase his quality during pre-season.
Iraola said (h/t This is Anfield): “I’ve seen him with this eagerness to show himself, to get himself ready again. He will have a chance during the pre-season; we will need him.”
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He is a versatile player who can slot into multiple attacking roles. He could help Liverpool create opportunities in the final third and score goals as well. He is still relatively young with plenty of room for improvement. He could grow into a quality player for Liverpool with the right guidance.
Liverpool needed creativity and ingenuity in the final third last season, and someone like Elliott could be a very handy option for them. He has previously showcased his qualities with the Liverpool first team, creating and scoring important chances. There is no reason why he cannot get his career back on track and establish himself as a useful player for Iraola.
Alejandro Garnacho has been linked with a move away from Chelsea this summer.
Multiple clubs have been linked with the move for the Argentine attacker, and Chelsea are open to letting him leave. Manager Xabi Alonso has now confirmed interest in the player, and he’s hoping a resolution will be reached that suits all parties.
Alonso said (h/t Fabrizio Romano): “There is interest in him from other clubs. Hopefully it finishes in the best possible way for everyone”.
Garnacho has been underwhelming since joining Chelsea from Manchester United, and the Blues should look to sanction his departure before the window closes. They need an upgrade on him if they want to compete at the highest level. They looked quite mediocre in the attack last season, and they need more creativity and goals from the wide areas.
While there is no doubt that Garnacho is a talented player with a bright future, he has not performed consistently since joining the London club. It would be ideal for Chelsea to seek an upgrade.
It remains to be seen whether any club will come forward and offer him an exit route. He has been linked with clubs from Spain and Italy. He has the technical attributes to compete at a high level, and he is still very young.
There is plenty of room for improvement, and he could develop into a quality player with the right guidance. However, he needs to work on his consistency and end product. Joining the right team could bring out the best in him. It remains to be seen where he ends up.
After shining against Belgium, Spain secured their place in the 2026 World Cup semifinals, where they will face France. Ahead of the match, young defender Pau Cubarsí revealed that he is not afraid of facing Kylian Mbappé, while analyzing their upcoming showdown.
Spain have remained highly competitive throughout the 2026 World Cup, conceding just one goal in the entire tournament. After their recent victory over Belgium, they secured a place in the semifinals, where they will face France. While many fans have serious doubts about their chances of winning the matchup, Pau Cubarsí revealed that he is not afraid of facing Kylian Mbappé, while analyzing their upcoming encounter.
Despite being only 19 years old, Pau Cubarsi already has considerable experience at the top level in Europe. Showing confidence in his talent, he remains confident ahead of his matchup against Kylian Mbappé. “Not scare us, no, but everyone knows the qualities he has. Even if he’s not involved in the game, he can change it with one quick play. He’s unique, just like Lamine. We have to stay alert for the full 90 minutes,“ he said in an interview with Diario AS.
Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Cubarsí has remained an undisputed starter for head coach Luis de la Fuente. While Pedri, Lamine, and others have received the praise, the young defender has been key to stopping opponents’ progressions and preventing the team from conceding many goals. Moreover, he has already faced Mbappé on several occasions, proving that it is not impossible to stop his goalscoring progression.
Kylian Mbappé is in outstanding goalscoring form, having scored eight goals in six matches, making him the tournament’s top scorer alongside Lionel Messi. With that in mind, Pau Cubarsí faces the toughest challenge of the tournament: Stopping his outstanding form. As Mbappé is a very physical striker, the young defender will need a collective strategy, as Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, and Désiré Doué also pose a clear threat in France.
Kylian Mbappe of France shoots during the UEFA Nations League 2025.
Spain hold the edge over France in recent encounters
France have established one of the most competitive sporting projects in the world. Head coach Didier Deschamps has opted for a deep attacking unit, something similar to Luis Enrique’s PSG. Even though they have dominated soccer in recent years, Spain have been one of the few national teams capable of competing with them. In their most recent meetings, Spain have come out on top.
The last meeting between Spain and France took place on June 5, 2025, in the UEFA Nations League. There, Luis de la Fuente’s team secured a 5-4 victory, advancing to the tournament final. Before that match, they had faced each other in the semifinals of UEFA Euro 2024, where Spain also defeated France and went on to win the tournament. With that in mind, Pau Cubarsí has one thing clear: they already know how to beat France, so there is no fear.
Pau Cubarsi #22 of Spain and Kylian Mbappe #10 of France.
Despite coming off an incredible season, Casemiro decided to leave Manchester United, forcing the club to make drastic changes in midfield. As a result, the Red Devils have already secured his replacement, signing Andrey Santos for $67 million.
Even though Casemiro is coming off an impressive season, he decided not to renew his contract with Manchester United, leaving as free agent. The veteran midfielder has not yet signed with any club, but the Red Devils have moved to strengthen their midfield. Despite the 2026 World Cup still being underway, the Red Devils have announced the signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea for $67 million.
Manchester United have announced the signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea. Regarded as one of the game’s brightest prospects, he has been offered a contract until 2031, along with a unilateral option for an additional year. While the Red Devils did not disclose the financial details, Fabrizio Romano revealed that the deal was completed for $67 million, along with a 10% sell-on clause in favor of the Blues.
During the 2025-26 season, Andrey did not become an undisputed starter for Chelsea, but he still played a significant role. Across 43 appearances, he scored three goals and provided four assists. With Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo ahead of him, the Brazilian was destined for a secondary role. As a result, his move to the Red Devils appears to be the ideal opportunity to establish himself in European soccer.
Unlike at Chelsea, Andrey Santos will find the ideal opportunity at Manchester United to play an important role. With Casemiro gone and Manuel Ugarte expected to leave soon, the young Brazilian appears to be arriving as a regular midfield option, serving as the team’s stopper. At just 22 years old, he has the perfect opportunity to establish among the Premier League elite under head coach Michael Carrick.
Andrey Santos hails Michael Carrick as the ‘perfect’ coach
Throughout his tenure at Chelsea, Andrey Santos never had a head coach who fully committed to his talent. As a result, his move to Manchester United appears to be the perfect opportunity, as head coach Michael Carrick considers him a key part of both the club’s present and future. During his official presentation, the 22-year-old midfielder decided to praise Carrick, making it clear that he is the perfect coach for his professional career.
“Everything about Manchester United is special. It is an incredible feeling to join a club that some of my biggest idols have represented. As a midfielder, I am really excited to have the opportunity to learn from Michael Carrick, he is the perfect coach to help me take the next step in my career and push to achieve my dreams,” reveals Andrey Santos, via Manchester United website.
With only Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount in midfield, Andrey is expected to play a very important role during the 2026-27 season. Carrick has consistently shown a strong commitment to developing young talent, something that will be key to the Brazilian’s growth. Unlike other young foreign players, he has already played in the Premier League with two clubs, so he understands how to play in the league and that will be crucial to his adaptation.
Andrey Santos of Chelsea celebrates scoring a goal.
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso confirms Roma and Napoli target Alejandro Garnacho is not part of their plans. ‘Hopefully it finishes in the best possible way for all parties.’
The winger was only purchased last year from Manchester United at a cost of €46.2m, but struggled to get any regular playing time.
Chelsea admit Garnacho is for sale
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 26: Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea reacts during the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Chelsea and Leeds United at Wembley Stadium on April 26, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
It had already been reported that he was not going to remain at Stamford Bridge beyond this summer, and that was effectively confirmed by Alonso in today’s presentation press conference.
“We have spoken with the sporting directors and there is interest in hm from other clubs. Let’s see how it develops. Hopefully it finishes in the best possible way for all parties,” said Alonso.
Serie A clubs are certainly interested, above all Roma and Napoli, although both are hoping to get Garnacho on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season.
Juventus has been very active in the final days of June, especially in the Italian market.
The Bianconeri have secured two agreements in the last few hours, sending 21-year-old goalkeeper Giovanni Daffara to Parma on a permanent €6m deal and signing Jeff Ekhator in a €18m transfer from Genoa. The agreement for Ekhator also includes David Puczka’s transfer to Genoa.
Juventus are rebuilding their team after failing to qualify for the Champions League in 2025-26, and even in a transition period, the odds already indicate that the Bianconeri among the favourites to win the Europa League in 2026-27 and the offers on BestBettingSites.co.uk make placing a bet a no brainer.
Both Ekhator and Daffara recently received their first senior Italy call-up under caretaker coach Silvio Baldini.
Jeff Ekhator has completed his transfer from Genoa (juventus.com)
Daffara did not make his debut against either Luxembourg or Greece, while Ekhator, 19, played his first international game at the senior level, starting against Greece.
Scorer of five goals in 57 games with Genoa, Ekhator already has considerable Serie A experience despite being still very young, and he can cover several roles in attack, from right and left winger to centre-forward.
It will be up to Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti to find the best position on the field for the promising Italian attacker.
Surely, Daniele De Rossi, the current Genoa coach and a former Roma player under Spalletti, is a big admirer of Ekhator as, this past April, he claimed: “Ekhator is growing before our eyes and is finally training like a true champion. Everyone has their own limits and timeline for reaching professional maturity, and he’s a young man who is well-liked by everyone. Physically, he possesses raw strength, outstanding agility and explosive power. It would be a serious mistake for a coach or a club to waste all that potential.
“He knows how to move, attack space, and make the most of his pace. What he needs now is consistency and stronger defensive tactical discipline. He’s working incredibly hard. In a few years, he’ll be worth tens and tens of millions of euros.”
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 24: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on May 24, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Juventus remain on the lookout for another reinforcement in attack, especially after Dusan Vlahovic’s departure as a free agent at the end of his contract on June 30.
Multiple sources claim that PSG outcast Randal Kolo Muani remains the Bianconeri’s main target up front.
The Frenchman has now returned to Paris after a disappointing one-season loan spell at Tottenham, but has already scored 10 goals in 22 appearances at Juventus in 2024-25.
“Kolo is a possibility because the talk has gone on for a long time. You know there were previous difficulties, so we are rebuilding our rapport with PSG, but we also need the right and acceptable conditions,” Juventus director Giovanni Carnevali recently said.
“Concluding these talks is never easy. We have clear ideas, we know what we want to do and where we want to go.”
Inter President Beppe Marotta notes that new Chelsea signing Marco Palestra ‘backed out of a verbal agreement’ with the Nerazzurri, but blames the defender’s agent as well: ‘He could have steered him in a different direction.’
Inter President Marotta joined coach Cristian Chivu for a press conference on Monday, on the first day of the Nerazzurri pre-season.
The defending Serie A champions are still looking for a replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who joined Real Madrid in a €20m deal.
Marotta: Palestra ‘backed out of a verbal agreement’ with Inter
Their primary target, Marco Palestra, joined Chelsea two weeks ago despite having reached an agreement with Inter.
“We need to keep costs under control, not investments. I’m referring to players we can’t sign because their wages are too high and to agents, whose influence on the club’s finances is becoming increasingly significant,” Marotta said via FcInternews.
PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 05: Giuseppe Marotta Chairman of FC Internazionale looks on prior to the Serie A match between Parma and FC Internazionale at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 05, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“We have to deal with these realities, which have a major impact on the transfer market.
“Take the case of Palestra, for example. It was the result of a decision made by the player, who backed out of a verbal agreement,” Marotta added.
“His agent could have steered him in a different direction, but chose this path instead, and we had to accept seeing another Italian player move to a league that is not in direct competition with ours.”
CAGLIARI, ITALY – FEBRUARY 16: Marco Palestra of Cagliari in action during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and US Lecce at Stadio Sant’Elia on February 16, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
During his press conference, Marotta announced that Inter’s second target, Anan Khalaili, had failed his medical tests, meaning that his €25m transfer from Union Saint-Gilloise has fallen apart.
Inter have won three Serie A titles during Marotta’s reign, but the one conquered in 2025-26 under Chivu was his first one as the Nerazzurri’s president.
Inter began their pre-season today and will make their 2026-27 Serie A debut at home against Monza on August 22.
Goncalo Ramos is showing just how eager he is to start his new Milan adventure, arriving at the training camp today despite still being on vacation after the World Cup with Portugal.
He was participating in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico with Portugal, and as that experience just concluded in the quarter-final, he is due several more weeks of vacation time.
Goncalo Ramos pays surprise Milan visit
𝐕𝐎𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐀 𝐃𝐈 𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐀𝐍
Sorpresa a Milanello: Gonçalo Ramos nonostante sia ancora in ferie è venuto a fare un primo salto e parlare con Ruben Amorim
It’s believed he wanted to get a good idea of the training facilities before coming to work in earnest over the summer, and will now return to Lisbon for more vacation time.
Reports in Italy claim that Atalanta have stepped forwards with a proposal for Bosnia and Herzegovina talent Kerim Alajbegovic, who has also been linked with a move to Milan and Roma, and the latest updates claim that the teenager has given his approval to Bergamo as a potential destination.
Atalanta preparing €20m bid for Alajbegovic after receiving player approval
Alajbegovic has attracted the interest from a number of top-flight clubs in Italy including Roma, Milan and according to the latest reports from Alfredo Pedullà, Atalanta as well.
The exciting 18-year-old winger scored nine goals from 28 appearances for RB Salzburg in 2025-26, which was enough for Bayer Leverkusen to immediately activate their buy-back clause for the teenage talent.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 24: Kerim Alaibegovic #19 of Bosnia and Herzegovina scores his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar at Seattle Stadium on June 24, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Alajbegovic was born in Germany, spent eight years with the academy of 1. FC Köln before joining the youth ranks in Leverkusen in 2021.
Bayer Leverkusen are expected to listen to offers for Alajbegovic this summer, and according to Pedullà’s report, Atalanta are expected to step forwards with an offer of €20m plus bonuses.
Already, this is not expected to be enough to convince Leverkusen into selling, but Pedullà insists that La Dea have made their intentions clear. Monday’s report adds that Atalanta have already received a ‘yes’ from Alajbegovic and his representatives.
Cristian Chivu insists Inter ‘do not fear anybody’ in Serie A or Europe, will wipe the slate clean after winning the Double, and has fresh ideas for Benjamin Pavard and Andy Diouf.
Last season was his first full campaign in Serie A, yet he finished it with the Serie A and Coppa Italia trophies, so now the pressure is on to continue that extraordinary start.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 17: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, poses for a photo with the Coppa Campioni d’Italia and Coppa Italia trophies following the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“The most important thing right now is motivation, because it’s never enough in terms of ambition and what we want to do next. It was a strong season, but we don’t want to stop here,” said Chivu.
“I have 50 games under my belt now, no longer 13. I’ll do my best, we want to be competitive on every front, and have the ambition to do even better than last year.”
Inter are revitalising the squad, as veterans like Yann Sommer, Stefan de Vrij, Francesco Acerbi and Denzel Dumfries have left.
“We lost players who wrote the history books here, and we want to thank them. We have a mixture of youth and experience, our squad is competitive. We want to have intensity and courage, without complaining.”
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 17: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano lifts the Coppa Campioni d’Italia trophy following the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
While last year so many coaches insisted the target was a top four finish, Chivu stood out by never hiding the depth of his ambition to win the Scudetto.
So he has a similar approach this time around when going in as reigning Champions of Italy.
“We do not fear anybody,” assured the Inter coach.
“I have nothing to prove, if not to myself. I still have a lot of responsibilities, doubts and duties towards these lads, even if I lifted two trophies last season, we always start from scratch.”
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu celebrates after being confirmed as Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Whereas they excelled domestically in Serie A and the Coppa Italia, Chivu’s Inter did not go far in the Champions League, crashing out in the play-offs.
“You cannot have everything in life. We got two games wrong, but I take the positives from the experience. We lost at the last second to both Atletico Madrid and Liverpool, I took responsibility for my mistakes in the play-offs, but we overall played on level terms with everyone.
“I’d like us to improve in our courage, being more determined and going for the victory, not resting on our laurels. We can always be the best version of ourselves.
“I don’t think about what we won, but about what we need to do.”
When it comes to the transfer market, Chivu gave an update on the Benjamin Pavard situation after his failed loan at Olympique Marseille.
“He is our player, we all know the choices he made last year. He’s back now, we’ll see him at work, and then make a decision.”
Instead, Chivu revealed he has a cunning plan to revitalise his squad.
“I have this crazy idea to use Andy Diouf as a wing-back, and at times in games he really does have the right courage to take men on. He changed some games like that, for example against Como.
“There will be matches where he is used in midfield, but I like him as a wing-back, he has characteristics we are lacking.”
Gian Piero Gasperini says that Manu Kone is ‘having a great World Cup’, and though he is aware of the fact that Roma still need to balance their budgets, he insists that there will be ‘more clarity’ surrounding the Manchester United target in the coming weeks.
Gasperini: ‘Kone having a great World Cup, there will be more clarity in the coming weeks’
Kone is enjoying a starring role with the France national team, who are among the favourites to go the distance at the 2026 World Cup.
As a result of his strong 2025-26 performances and his impressive audition on the world stage, the Giallorossi midfielder is beginning to attract interest from high-profile clubs across Europe, most recently Manchester United.
United have dropped a deal with Atalanta for Ederson, have arranged a deal for Andrey Santos from Chelsea and are in talks to sign Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, but there is every chance that Michael Carrick looks to add a third option to a midfield department that is lacking in numbers at Old Trafford.
When asked about Kone’s status in an interview with Radio Rai 1, Gasperini said: “Kone had a great first half of the season, and then was out of action due to injury for a bit during the second half.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 26: Manu Kone #6 of France is challenged by Patrick Berg #6 of Norway during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between Norway and France at Boston Stadium on June 26, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
“He’s having a great World Cup. He didn’t play with the France national team last year, but now he’s been able to claim a starting spot. It shows his potential and the work he’s put in.”
For several weeks at the beginning of the summer, it had been reported that Roma would need to sell a big-name player such as Kone if they are to comply with the terms of their financial fair play settlement agreement with UEFA.
Gasperini admits that Roma still need to ‘balance the budgets’, but insists that there will be a clearer picture in the near future.
He said: “The financial fair play conditions are never exactly precise or defined, they vary from team to team. It’s undeniable that Roma know that we have to balance the budgets, which has been tough in recent years.
VERONA, ITALY – MAY 24: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AS Roma at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on May 24, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“I’d hoped that entry into the Champions League would have been enough, but budgets are important for clubs and must be respected. I think there will be more clarity in the coming weeks.”
Reports in Italy claim that Premier League side Brentford are interested in a potential deal for Italy and Inter youth star Jamal Iddrissou, who has also been the subject of an unsuccessful bid from Bundesliga side FC Köln.
Brentford, Köln and Wolfsburg want Inter and Italy talent Iddrissou
According to Sky Sport Italia reporter Luca Bendoni, Brentford are keen on 18-year-old Inter winger Iddrissou, who has represented Italy at every age group from the U18s up to the U20s. The young winger has two goals from five caps to his name with the U20s over the last year.
The Italy youth international, born in Brescia with Ghanaian heritage, is beginning to attract interest from a number of clubs across Europe.
CAERNARFON, WALES – JUNE 29: Jamal Iddrissou celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA European Under-19 Championship 2026 match against and Serbia on June 29, 2026 in Caernarfon, Wales. (Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images)
1. FC Köln have already seen a bid in the region of €7m-€8m for the talented teenager turned down by the Nerazzurri according to reports from various journalists including Orazio Accomando. Fellow Bundesliga side Wolfsburg are also among the clubs said to be interested.
Inter, meanwhile, are keen to keep control of Iddrissou if they are to sell this summer, i.e. with a reasonable buy-back option.
Inter President Beppe Marotta has confirmed that Anan Khalaili failed his medical with the Italian authorities, so the €30m move from Union Saint-Gilloise is off. ‘The rules are very strict.’
The transfer had been agreed for €25m plus add-ons, and the Israel international underwent his regular club tests with no problems.
UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Federico Dimarco of Italy battles for possession with Anan Khalaili of Israel during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
However, before joining an Italian club, he also needed to go through the strict CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) medical stress tests, and these flagged irregularities.
The player underwent another day of testing today, but although more were expected tomorrow, Inter President Marotta announced during this afternoon’s press conference that the decision had already been made.
Khalaili cannot play in Serie A
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – OCTOBER 01: Anan Khalaili of Union Saint-Gilloise looks dejected during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between R. Union Saint-Gilloise and Newcastle United FC at RSC Anderlecht Stadium on October 01, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
“We had negotiated the purchase of Khalaili, but he failed the medical tests, the CONI just informed us and I wanted to let you all know,” said Marotta.
“In Italy there are very strict rules on medical tests, so it is not a choice made by the club, we simply have to accept it, because this is about looking after the health of the player.
“When the CONI don’t give the certificate, he is not allowed to participate in any official sporting event in Italy.
“It’s sad, because we had carried on the negotiations with great effort, but now unfortunately we will have to think about an alternative.”
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – MAY 14: Anan Khalaili of Union Saint-Gilloise lifts the trophy following his teams 3-1 win in the Coupe de Belgique Final match between Union Saint-Gilloise and RSC Anderlecht at Stade Roi Baudouin on May 14, 2026 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
Italian rules are extremely strict, to the degree that players with an implanted defibrillator like Edoardo Bove and Christian Eriksen have been forced to continue their careers outside of Serie A.
Khalaili was set to be the replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who has joined Real Madrid for the €20m release clause in his contract.
“Dumfries preferred to conclude his career at a prestigious club like Real Madrid, so we had to find a substitute. Some of the fees going around are crazy, which make Italian football a mere spectator compared to the role we had in the past,” added Marotta.
They had been on the verge of an agreement worth €50m with Atalanta for Marco Palestra, only to be blown out of the water by a much bigger proposal from Chelsea.
Sky Sport Italia reports that Genoa will take legal action against Elliot Stroud’s agents, as the Mjällby winger had reportedly signed a pre-contract agreement with the Grifone before making a late decision to join Hull City instead.
Elliot Stroud’s imminent move to Premier League side Hull City is likely to lead to a legal dispute between Genoa and the winger’s representatives.
Stroud’s transfer decision infuriates Genoa
According to Sky Sport Italia, Genoa had an agreement in place with Stroud and his club Mjällby, with the 24-year-old having already signed a pre-contract agreement with the Serie A side.
Stroud later made a surprise decision to join Hull City instead, with Genoa believing the move breached the pre-contract agreement he had already signed.
Hull City haven’t announced Stroud’s transfer yet.
SOLNA, SWEDEN – JUNE 4: Elliot Stroud of Sweden looks on prior to the international friendly match between Sweden and Greece at Strawberry Arena on June 4, 2026 in Solna, Sweden. (Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images)
The 24-year-old Sweden international scored seven goals and provided two assists in his last 15 appearances with his club.
He featured in the 2026 World Cup with the Swedish national team, making four appearances, two as a starter.
Inter President Beppe Marotta feels retaining the Scudetto would be ‘an historic achievement,’ but they also ‘must do better in the Champions League’ while competing with financial powerhouses.
Their pre-season training started today at the Appiano Gentile complex, where they are going into the new season as the reigning Champions of Italy, having won both the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia.
Marotta raises the bar for Inter
PISA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 30: Giuseppe Marotta of FC Internazionale looks on prior to the Serie A match between Pisa SC and FC Internazionale at Arena Garibaldi on November 30, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“We are privileged to be here starting the new season as reigning holders of the Serie A and Coppa Italia titles,” said Marotta in his press conference.
“We’re very proud of two hard-fought victories, won thanks to our work ethic, sense of belonging, and the abilities of the coach, players and support of the club.
“Now we start by wiping the slate clean. We have fresh objectives, we are the only team participating in four competitions: Serie A, Champions League, Supercoppa Italiana and Coppa Italia. The Supercoppa will be just a one-off game with Lazio.”
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 17: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, poses for a photo with the Coppa Campioni d’Italia and Coppa Italia trophies following the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“These are all prestigious targets, but we must do better in the Champions League,” continued Marotta.
“Last season we went out to Bodo/Glimt, but that’s part of what makes this sport so wonderful.”
PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 05: Giuseppe Marotta Chairman of FC Internazionale looks on prior to the Serie A match between Parma and FC Internazionale at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 05, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“We are well aware that we have difficulties and are up against European powerhouses, also in terms of their investment capabilities, but we participate with our work ethic that has always helped us stand out.
“It’s not guaranteed that whoever spends the most money will then win, but we can substitute money with a winning project thanks to consistency, quality, value of players and many other situations,” insisted the Inter President.
While the Champions League remains a target, Marotta warns that domestically the bar keeps getting raised too.
“Since 2020, no team has been able to win two Serie A titles in a row, so this can be an historic achievement. Our enemy within is the risk of feeling sated, so we must resist that at all costs, maintain the hunger that got us to these results.
“We must also do that via a sustainable modus operandi. The football world often sees clubs go bankrupt, and we know that our owners Oaktree arrived during a moment of difficulty. Now we are out of the Settlement Agreement with UEFA, they invested and accepted our needs to improve the infrastructure with €100,000 of investment in the Interello camp.
“Sustainability also means using our youth academy, as we have easily four players who can be used in Europe, whereas other clubs are struggling to meet those criteria. We also have the Under-23 team, the women’s team, all this make us a successful club.
“We’re missing something big lately, but we will try to achieve it, aware of our capabilities, and keep raising the bar.”
Beppe Bergomi insists that Paolo Maldini is the best choice for Italy and the FIGC in his new role as technical director, but says that he is still willing to offer his assistance if called upon: “If Paolo called me, I would listen to someone like him.”
Bergomi on Maldini and Italy’s next head coach: ‘He’s the best choice by some distance’
Maldini has recently been appointed as the new technical director of the Italian FA under recently-elected FIGC President Giovanni Malagò. He will be tasked with ‘rebuilding’ the Italy national team after three successive World Cup disappointments and with reshaping the wider state of football and youth development in Italy.
“I was pleased to be on the list,” said Bergomi in an in-depth interview with La Repubblica.
“There’s a lot of respect between myself and Malagò, he was the one who let me carry the torch during the opening ceremony for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, one of the most exciting moments of my life.
“Had Paolo not accepted, I would have been among the possible alternatives and for me, that is a source of pride. Maldini is the best choice, by some distance.
EMPOLI, ITALY – OCTOBER 01: Paolo Maldini of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Empoli FC and AC MIlan at Stadio Carlo Castellani on October 1, 2022 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“Paolo has experience, he has already been a director at a high level. He has good values, he is competent. I love him, I think he’s the best Italian player I’ve ever played with. He has a new position now, he will be able to make the difference.”
Later, when pushed on whether he would still be willing to assist in the Italy set-up if given the opportunity, Bergomi replied: “If Paolo called me, I would listen to someone like him.
“I like being a commentator with Sky, but the Italy shirt has characterised my career, from 1982 all the way to 1998. I played in four World Cups. If I can help, I won’t back down.”
Maldini has also brought former Milan teammate, ex-Rossoneri and PSG director Leonardo with him as an advisor.
ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 03: (L-R) Paolo Maldini and Leonardo of Milan look on before the Serie A match between AS Roma and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on February 3, 2019 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Bergomi says that this is “a smart move. There will be a lot of work, you could have every possible quality, but it’s always better with two. Maldini is practical in the way he manages, Leo is a dreamer, it’s an interesting mix.
“They will have to understand how to get the best out of the youth sectors, get the Azzurri supply chain working well. They tell me that there are two promising vintage years, the boys born in 2007 and 2010.
“We all need to have the same principles, the same shared guidelines. The various age categories have to play with the same ideas. Think about the national team like a club. I recently watched a youth tournament won by a group of Spanish U11s, they all have a similar way of playing.
“We also have a lot of talent, let’s not waste it. We need the courage to let our youngsters play and make mistakes.”
It remains to be seen who will be appointed as the next head coach of the Italy national team. Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte remain the frontrunners, and the candidacy of the ‘dream’ option Pep Guardiola has re-emerged over the last few days.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 27: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, acknowledges the fans after the team’s victory during the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on April 27, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
“There is no one right choice, it depends on the football you believe in,” said Bergomi when discussing the candidates for the role of Italy CT.
“Guardiola intrigues me, and when you have Paolo in your camp, you have the strength and the standing to go and talk to Pep. They can give it a try.
“I’m a football romantic. These coaches have made a lot of money. I often hear that if they lower their demands, their status isn’t valued. But I would say, does someone like Guardiola, a football genius, need to think about his status?
“Leading a national team can be a stimulating challenge, he could see it as that, as a challenge. Of course, that doesn’t mean that the other candidates aren’t strong either.”
Reports on Monday indicate that Mancini is the current favourite for the Italy job.
“He’s perfect as a coach,” says Bergomi. “And he has the desire to return. He has vision, he knows how to identify talent, he deserves another opportunity.”
FIGC President Giovanni Malago (left) with coach Roberto Mancini (right): @coppa_canottieri via Instagram.
And as for Conte, Bergomi says: “He knows how to build a team in a short period of time, both on the pitch and in the dressing room. He demands a lot but gives just as much.”
Bergomi has offered his own alternative option that he feels is worth looking at: “I’d also like a profile like (Cesc) Fabregas. His Como side is a model to study, He knows how to work with youngsters, he knows how to develop talent. A shame that he isn’t free and available.”
Turkish football continues looking to Serie A with reports Trabzonspor have started talks with Bologna for Riccardo Orsolini, who they see as an alternative to Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica.
There are strong bonds growing between the two football nations, as shown by the fact Vincenzo Montella is the coach of the Turkiye national team and Besiktas just hired Vincenzo Italiano.
Orsolini on radar for Trabzonspor
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 22: Riccardo Orsolini of Bologna misses a penalty during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and SS Lazio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on March 22, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
According to Fanatik, now Trabzonspor have set their sights on Bologna winger Orsolini, as the 29-year-old is only a few months away from the end of his contract.
Inter are in contact with free agent John Stones, claim reports in Italy, but the former Manchester City man would not be considered a first choice for central defence.
He still has much to give, as confirmed by the fact he is playing for England at the 2026 World Cup and now preparing for Wednesday’s semi-final against Argentina.
Stones offered to various Serie A sides
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 23: John Stones of England walks out the tunnel to inspect the pitch before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Ghana at Boston Stadium on June 23, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Napoli and Juventus had been in talks, but didn’t seem particularly eager to pursue the deal.
However, it is noted that this would only be if Benjamin Pavard was first sold, and that Stones would not be guaranteed regular playing time, as he is not a first choice at centre-back for the Italian giants.
Roma have officially announced that Paulo Dybala has put pen to paper on a new contract extension that ties him to the club until the end of the 2026-27 season.
La Joya had technically been a free agent for the first fortnight in July as his previous deal with Roma had expired on June 30.
The Giallorossi have confirmed on Monday that Dybala will remain with the club for the 2026-27 season and reports from various outlets indicate that the 32-year-old has also agreed to take a significant cut in wages in order to extend his stay.
Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio confirms that this is a one-year contract, without an option to extend, and that Dybala will earn a base salary slightly under €3m per season, not including bonuses.
Dybala was Roma’s highest earner last season on a net wage reported to be worth €8m.
Roma confirm Dybala’s contract extension
VERONA, ITALY – MAY 24: Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AS Roma at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on May 24, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“AS Roma is delighted to announce that Paulo Dybala has signed a contract extension with the club until 30 June 2027,” read a statement on the club website.
“Since arriving in the capital in the summer of 2022, Dybala immediately ignited the passion of the Giallorossi faithful. Over the course of 139 appearances and 45 goals, he has established himself as a key figure on the pitch and a leader both on and off the field.
“The story between Roma and La Joya continues, with many more chapters left to write. Forward together, Paulo!”
Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has weighed in with his opinions on the general state of football in Italy, the need for reforms across the board and the state of affairs in the capital as Roma get back to work at the beginning of pre-season.
The Giallorossi are back at Trigoria for their first day of pre-season training on Monday, and head coach Gasperini stopped to give an interview to Radio Rai 1 before stepping back onto the training pitch.
He assured supporters that the ‘real’ work on the transfer market will begin from today, and that most clubs at the top level have had a slow start to the window on account of the ongoing 2026 World Cup in the United States.
Gasperini also insists that Roma must become regulars in the Champions League before they start dreaming of the Serie A title, that consistent qualification into Europe’s premier competition will help them financially, which will then in turn push them on to fight for trophies.
Gasperini also spoke about the recent appointment of Paolo Maldini to the position of technical director with the FIGC and the changes that he would like to see brought in across Italy, beginning with a review of how youth systems operate across the board.
Gasperini on Roma’s ‘sleepy’ transfer window long-term goals
Beginning with his assessment of the transfer window thus far, Gasperini said: “Apart from a few teams, it’s been a fairly sleepy window up until now because of the World Cup, so many players are involved in the United States, their agents as well.
“The clubs haven’t armoured themselves yet. The ‘real’ window will begin this week for most teams. All teams seem very keen to strengthen.”
He also gave his opinions on the World Cup and the controversial hydration breaks that many argue are fundamentally changing the way the sport is played.
“I think there are two types of football,” Gasperini hypothesised. “The one that is played in August and the one that is played in normal weather conditions. Playing football at certain temperatures is not the same type of sport.
“I think it’s been a great World Cup with full stadiums, it’s been a great success in the United States. But from an aesthetics point of view, playing in these conditions isn’t ideal. I believe that the pauses are only because of these factors.”
Returning to the topic of Roma and the transfer window, his aims for the 2026-27 season and his long-term ambitions, Gasperini added: “Lots of teams want to strengthen in July, but we’ll have to see what happens in the window.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, gestures from the touchline during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Inter are always the favourites, then there are another five or six teams who want to do well. Milan and Juve are out of the Champions League and will want to improve, they all have potential.
“Roma must continue on its own journey: We shouldn’t think about results, we have to try and stabilise at the top, to stay in the Champions League, which then guarantees the possibility of strengthening from an economic point of view.
“If we manage to stay in those positions for multiple years, then we can aspire to even more and also aim for the Scudetto.”
Gasperini: ‘Most Serie A sides struggle to field Italians, it’s a cultural fact’
Gasperini was asked if he thinks there will be a bigger presence of Italian players in Serie A this season.
ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Niccolo Pisilli of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team’s third goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Cremonese at Stadio Olimpico on February 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
He replied: “It’s a speech that applies to everyone, not just to Roma. There are quotas in the Serie A and UEFA lists, such as the 4+4 rule. Hardly anyone, including Roma, can tick those boxes, it’s a cultural fact. Even with the players from our own youth teams, those four players are almost never actually part of the team.
“This has to become a fundamental talking point. Even if the clubs are made up of mostly foreign players, it has to be a focal point that we have to fight for.”
Gasperini was then asked for his opinion on the appointment of Paolo Maldini as the new technical director of the FIGC and what this means for the ‘rebirth’ of football in Italy.
EMPOLI, ITALY – OCTOBER 01: Paolo Maldini of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Empoli FC and AC MIlan at Stadio Carlo Castellani on October 1, 2022 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“There will be a rebirth, but not just because of one or two individuals, nor with the new coach,” he replied. “It has to be a system, which evidently hasn’t been working until now, it hasn’t been able to bring through players of the required level.
“Aside from good people, there will have to be bigger reforms. There are lots of kids in the academies. If none of them come through, the problem is with the adults, not with the children. I believe that there is more quality in our football than what has been achieved with the national team in recent years.
“It won’t be easy, but I think we’ll be able to put a competitive national team out onto the pitch. But, the system has to be reviewed, particularly the youth sector.”
Gasperini on Kone and Dybala
Gasperini was also asked if he thinks Roma will have to sell a key player like Manu Kone in order to help with the club’s financial fair play situation.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Manu Kone of AS Roma gestures during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Olimpico on October 29, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
He said: “The financial fair play conditions are never exactly precise or defined, they vary from team to team. It’s undeniable that Roma know that we have to balance the budgets, which has been tough in recent years.
“I’d hoped that entry into the Champions League would have been enough, but budgets are important for clubs and must be respected. I think there will be more clarity in the coming weeks.”
And on Kone specifically, he added: “Kone had a great first half of the season, and then was out of action due to injury for a bit during the second half. He’s having a great World Cup. He didn’t play with the France national team last year, but now he’s been able to claim a starting spot. It shows his potential and the work he’s put in.”
Lastly, Gasperini hinted that a contract extension may be close when asked for an update on Paulo Dybala.
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma celebrates a goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on January 18, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
He said: “We’ve been stuck in the starting blocks for a little while. Partly because of holidays, partly because of the strong end to the season. We’ve enjoyed that this summer. From today onwards, there will be important steps forward. The work begins now, the 2026-27 season starts now, last year is over.”
Paolo Maldini has accepted the Italian Football Federation’s offer to become the new technical director of the Azzurri, with his former Milan teammate Leonardo set to join him in an advisory role.
What to expect from Maldini as Azzurri legend appointed as Italy technical director
The pair will be entrusted with overseeing the long-term development of Italian football while playing a key role in shaping the national team’s future. Their first major responsibility will be appointing the next head coach of the Azzurri.
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 16: AC Milan Sporting Strategy & Development Director Paolo Maldini and AC Milan Club Sporting Director Leonardo De Araujo before the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia on February 16, 2019 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Lorenzo Bettoni and Adam Summerton analyse what the arrivals of Maldini and Leonardo could mean for Italy, the vision they are expected to bring, and the challenges they will face as they attempt to guide the national team into a new era.
The Juventus squad are in for their first full day of pre-season training on Monday, and reports indicate that Luciano Spalletti has a squad of 28 players available to him, made up of 22 first-team players and six who have been called up from the Next Gen squad.
The Bianconeri are getting their pre-season preparations underway on Monday, but do not yet have their full squad of players available, as six first-team stars are still on holiday after their involvement at the 2026 World Cup.
Those players who were called up to the tournament in the USA are: Bremer (Brazil), Teun Koopmeiners (Netherlands), Weston McKennie (USA), Francisco Conceicao (Portugal), Jonathan David (Canada) and Kenan Yildiz (Turkey).
This leaves Juventus with 22 first-team players available for the first day of pre-season training on Monday.
That list includes a range of players and situations, from those who are expected to be part of the first-team group in 2026-27 such as Pierre Kalulu, Manuel Locatelli, and new signing Jeff Ekhator, to those whose futures with the Bianconeri remain in doubt, including Michele Di Gregorio, Lois Openda and Edon Zhegrova.
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 03: Lois Openda of Juventus looks dejected following the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Lecce at on January 03, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
There is also a list of players that Juventus are expected to shift this summer, whether that be on loan or on permanent transfers, such as Arthur Melo, Douglas Luiz and Daniele Rugani.
The six players that have been called up from the Juventus Next Gen squad, according to Tuttosport, are Pedro Felipe, Javier Gil Puche, Shane van Aarle, Augusto Owusu, Arman Durmisi and Justin Odoavwoduo.
Juventus squad on first day of pre-season
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 19: Khephren Thuram of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Allianz Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Goalkeepers: Di Gregorio, Perin, Pinsoglio
Defenders: J.Cabal, Cambiaso, Gatti, Kalulu, Kelly, Rugani, J.Mario, Rouhi, P.Felipe, Gil Puche, van Aarle.
A deal between Atalanta and Manchester United for central midfielder Ederson appears to be ‘off’ for the time being, but updates on Monday claim that the Premier League side could look to ‘revisit’ the situation later on in the summer transfer window, despite their talks over deal for Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans.
Report: Manchester United could still ‘revisit’ Ederson this summer
Back in June, it was reported that United had struck an agreement with Atalanta to sign Brazil international Ederson for a total package worth up to €45m including bonuses and add-ons.
Reports last week, however, indicated that a deal was not a complete certainty due to concerns around the midfielder’s medical and fitness.
Ederson had an initial medical in the United States before the start of Brazil’s World Cup campaign and was then flown over to the UK for further checks with club doctors from Manchester United before reports from multiple outlets confirmed that the deal was off.
Now, according to reports from David Ornstein of The Athletic, United are in advanced talks to sign 29-year-old Aston Villa and Belgium midfielder Tielemans instead.
That is on top of a £50m deal that has been agreed with Chelsea for Andrey Santos.
Yet, The Athletic report claims that United could still potentially look to ‘revisit’ the Ederson deal later on in the summer transfer window as Michael Carrick looks to rebuild his midfield department with at least two, if not three new arrivals. Monday’s report adds that it ‘remains to be seen’ whether Atalanta and Ederson will be willing to do the same.
MUNICH, GERMANY – MARCH 18: Ederson of Atalanta looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Bayern München and Atalanta BC at Football Arena Munich on March 18, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, reports in Italy claim that Atalanta are keen to tie Ederson down to a new contract. He is into the final year of his deal in Bergamo, expiring in the summer of 2027, and Atalanta feel that a new contract will strengthen their position in negotiations if the Brazilian does seek a move away at a later date. La Dea are also adamant that the player is injury free.
Manchester United are proceeding with the transfer of Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans, according to a surprise exclusive dropped today by David Ornstein.
The Athletic journalist has posted on X about Man Utd being in advanced talks to sign Tielemans, who has been a star performer for Villa, and who also shone for the Belgian national team at this summer’s World Cup.
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Praised by his national team manager Rudi Garcia as “outstanding” (via Flashscore), Tielemans now looks set to earn himself a big move, which has some somewhat out of the blue.
? Youri Tielemans move from Aston Villa to Manchester United through £35m release clause in midfielder’s contract. #AVFC had no wish to sell + offered new deal but left with little choice due to mechanism & #MUFC set to proceed on transfer @TheAthleticFChttps://t.co/KbWwD1jxov
“Youri Tielemans move from Aston Villa to Manchester United through £35m release clause in midfielder’s contract. #AVFC had no wish to sell + offered new deal but left with little choice due to mechanism & #MUFC set to proceed on transfer,” Ornstein said.
Youri Tielemans transfer comes after Ederson blow
United need to strengthen in midfield this summer after losing Casemiro at the end of his contract, while Manuel Ugarte has been mostly underwhelming during his time at Old Trafford, and is now injured.
Ederson looked to be on his way to MUFC, but Ornstein has confirmed that the deal is off for now, even if it’s one they could potentially look to revisit later in the summer.
? EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United in advanced talks to sign Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. All parties in contact as #MUFC try to finalise – 29yo midfielder keen on move. Ederson deal off for now; #MUFC may look to revisit later this summer @TheAthleticFChttps://t.co/KbWwD1jxov
Tielemans was a top performer for Leicester City back in the day, and at that time it was perhaps a bit surprising that he didn’t end up earning himself a move to a big six club.
The Belgium international has continued to perform at a high level for Villa, though, and it now looks like he’s finally going to get the chance to shine at the very highest level.
It will be intriguing to see how Tielemans gets on at United, but he looks like just the kind of Premier League-proven player this squad needs.
Sandro Tonali has recently joined Tottenham Hotspur in a deal that has made him the most expensive Italy international of all time, and the former Milan man also sits comfortably at the top of the list of Italian players with the highest cumulative transfer fees, leading Al-Qadsiah’s Mateo Retegui in second place.
Tonali has recently joined Tottenham in a deal believed to be worth around €115m (just shy of £100m) including bonuses and add-ons, making him the most expensive Italy international of all-time.
Tonali had already cost Newcastle a package worth a potential €70m when he moved to St James’s Park from Milan in the summer of 2023, and had cost the Rossoneri a double-figure fee when he joined them from Brescia. That means he has raked in just shy of €200m in total transfer fees across his career already.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 28: Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton at St James’ Park on February 28, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Tonali is one of three Italy internationals past and present whose combined transfer fees exceed the €100m mark.
Second on the list is Al-Qadsiah’s Retegui, who held the Italian transfer record when he joined the Saudi Pro League outfit from Atalanta last summer. La Dea earned in excess of €65m from that particular transfer.
Leonardo Bonucci completes the top three for most expensive Italy players by cumulative transfer fees. His most expensive move came when he joined Milan for €42m in 2017, but was signed back by the Bianconeri the following season in a deal reported to be worth €35m.
Leonardo Bonucci of AC Milan celebrates the victory at the end of the TIM Cup match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on December 27, 2017 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)
Below is the full list of the top 10 Italy players by their cumulative transfer fees.
Dino Zoff has weighed in on the appointment of his former ‘pupil’ Paolo Maldini to the role of technical director in the Italy national team set-up, and says that he must be given the freedom to ‘follow his beliefs’ and make the changes that he sees fit.
Zoff comments on Maldini’s Italy appointment: ‘A perfect appointment in terms of character’
Maldini has recently been confirmed as the new technical director of the FIGC, signing a four-year contract that will see him through until the end of the 2030 World Cup.
He will be joined by former Milan teammate, ex Rossoneri and PSG director Leonardo, who will serve as an advisor. They will work in close collaboration with Giovanni Malago, who has recently been elected as the replacement for Gabriele Gravina as President of the FIGC.
This has been described as the beginning of a new era for Italy, who have failed to qualify for each of the last three editions of the FIFA World Cup.
“It’s a choice that I fully understand,” said World Cup-winning captain and former Italy head coach Zoff in an interview with Il Resto del Carlino.
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 18: Dino Zoff, former of SS Lazio attends the former SS Lazio player Felice Pulici funeral at Sacro Cuore of Cristo Re on December 18, 2018 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images)
He continued: “Paolo has given so much for our football, to Milan in particular but also for the national team. He was also one of my players when I was in charge and I can’t forget his father Cesare either, who was Bearzot’s assistant when I won the World Cup in 1982.
“Maldini is a perfect appointment in terms of character, charisma and competence. I also understand the choice of Leonardo as an advisor. It’s right that a leader surrounds himself with people he trusts.
“It has to be the same assessment for the next coach that comes in. Maldini has to be free to follow his beliefs, without external interference. It won’t come from me, I don’t have a name to suggest for the role.”
EMPOLI, ITALY – OCTOBER 01: Paolo Maldini of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Empoli FC and AC MIlan at Stadio Carlo Castellani on October 1, 2022 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Asked what advice he would give to Maldini if he had the chance, Zoff said: “It is essential that there is clarity on the roles and responsibilities. I don’t doubt Malago, I know him well. I hope that there is an awareness of where we are at the moment across the whole organisation surrounding the national team.”
Ederson will not be joining Manchester United this summer, and the latest reports claim that Atalanta will instead offer the Brazilian a new contract in an attempt to keep him in Bergamo.
What next for Ederson after failed Manchester United move?
Manchester United and Atalanta had shaken hands over a €45m package for Ederson, who was set to move to the Premier League after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.
However, reports over the last few days have made it clear that the move will no longer be happening after concerns that emerged during the player’s medical.
Ederson had the first stage of his tests done while in the United States during the World Cup, but this did not satisfy United, who brought the player over to the UK for further checks before deciding against proceeding with the deal.
Ederson is currently into the final year of his contract with Atalanta, expiring in the summer of 2027, and according to the latest updates from Fabrizio Romano, La Dea will seek to offer the Brazilian a new contract now that his move to Manchester United is off.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 02: Ederson of Atalanta BC in action challenges for the ball with Vitinha of Genoa FC during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Genoa CFC at Gewiss Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
Atalanta remain clear in their stance that there are no major fitness or medical issues hampering the midfielder and they are keen to sit down and discuss the player’s future with his agents and representatives in the coming weeks.
Atalanta are reportedly ‘prepared’ to welcome Ederson back into the squad, but offering him a new contract could also help strengthen the club’s position if the player is to seek another move away this summer or in January.
Ederson is currently on holiday after his involvement with the Brazil squad at the World Cup.
Italy have a new President and a new technical director of the FIGC, which means that the appointment of a new head coach is up next on the agenda, and Monday’s reports indicate that Roberto Mancini remains the frontrunner for two key reasons.
Why Mancini is the current favourite for the Italy national team head coach role
The Italy national team is undergoing a revolution of its staff at the highest levels: Giovanni Malagò has replaced Gabriele Gravina as President of the FIGC, Paolo Maldini has recently been appointed as technical director and President of Club Italia, Leonardo has joined as an advisor and now they turn their focus to finding a replacement for Gennaro Gattuso as CT.
For several weeks, Mancini and Antonio Conte have been tipped as the two leading candidates to step in as head coach of the Italy national team. Both have done the job before, both are vastly experienced at the highest levels and both are reportedly willing to return to the Azzurri set-up.
Reports on Sunday indicated that Pep Guardiola has also re-emerged as a possibility following the appointment of Maldini as technical director. Other outsiders that have been mentioned include Andrea Pirlo and Carlo Ancelotti.
However, reports from the Corriere dello Sport indicate that Mancini is still the favourite for the Italy national team job for two key reasons.
FIGC President Giovanni Malago (left) with coach Roberto Mancini (right): @coppa_canottieri via Instagram.
First is his long-standing relationship and the fact that he reportedly sees eye-to-eye with newly-elected FIGC President Malagò.
Secondly is the fact that a large number of the Italy national team players are keen for Mancini to return. The players reportedly pushed for Mancini to return after Luciano Spalletti left his position as head coach in 2025.
The fact that he has also delivered a trophy for Italy in the past, the fact that he is keen to focus on the development of young talents and his general familiarity with Coverciano and the national team set-up are, of course, of benefit to Mancini as well.
Roberto Mancini, Head Coach of Italy interacts with Alberigo Evani, Assistant Coach of Italy during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Round of 16 match between Italy and Austria at Wembley Stadium at Wembley Stadium on June 26, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Tallis – Pool/Getty Images)
However, nothing is set in stone yet, and as Malagò has recently insisted: “There could also be a surprise” in the offing as well.
Manchester United’s search for midfield reinforcements could lead them into direct competition with Manchester City for one of the breakout stars of the World Cup.
United need more composure, mobility and long-term quality in central areas, but the growing demand for Europe’s best young players means any deal is likely to be expensive.
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The teenager’s performances for Morocco have transformed him from an exciting Ligue 1 prospect into one of the most discussed names of the summer.
However, Man United must decide whether to invest heavily in a player for the future when their midfield also requires experienced reinforcements capable of making an immediate impact.
Man United consider move for Ayyoub Bouaddi
According to source on X, Man United are planning to hijack Manchester City’s pursuit of Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The claim has not yet been confirmed by either club, but United are reportedly preparing to enter the race after the midfielder played an important role in Morocco’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals.
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His calmness in possession, tactical awareness and ability to handle pressure have attracted interest from several leading European clubs.
talkSPORT reported that United, City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Bayern Munich have all monitored Bouaddi, with Lille potentially demanding as much as €100m for an immediate transfer.
A deal worth closer to €80m could reportedly be considered if the player remains in France on loan for another season.
Huge valuation creates difficult decision for United
The competition is already becoming complicated.
FourFourTwo reported that Arsenal and Liverpool are prepared to accept Lille’s loan-back condition, while Manchester City are also among the interested clubs.
Bouaddi is contracted until 2029, leaving Lille in a strong negotiating position.
Manchester United’s search for an elite centre-forward could eventually lead them back to one of the biggest names in English football.
The club are understood to be watching developments in Germany closely, knowing that a rare opening may appear if Bayern Munich fail to secure their star striker on a new contract.
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From United’s perspective, the appeal is obvious. They would be signing a proven Premier League goalscorer, England captain and experienced leader capable of raising standards immediately.
The difficulty is that Bayern remain confident of keeping him, while several of Europe’s biggest clubs are also monitoring the situation.
Man United prepared to fund ambitious move
According to TEAMtalk, Harry Kane remains on Man United’s wishlist, and the club would be prepared to finance a move if a genuine opportunity arises.
The 32-year-old has entered the final year of his Bayern contract, but the German champions have been speaking with his representatives for months and reportedly view an extension as a matter of “when, not if.”
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe is a long-standing admirer and that United are ready to invest significant funds if Kane becomes available.
Barcelona and Real Madrid have made enquiries, while Tottenham continue to follow their former captain’s situation closely.
Bayern confidence leaves United waiting for an opening
Any summer deal still looks difficult. The Independent reported earlier this year that Bayern had entered intensive extension talks with Kane, whose current agreement runs until June 2027.
His extraordinary scoring record in Germany explains why Bayern are determined to avoid losing control of his future.
Man United should keep themselves informed without building their entire transfer plan around Kane. He would provide goals, leadership and the immediate authority required to improve a developing side.
However, United cannot afford to wait too long for a transfer that may never become realistic.
Bayern are confident, and competition from Madrid, Barcelona and Tottenham would make the financial package enormous.
If Kane genuinely becomes available, United should act decisively. Until then, they need alternative striker targets ready, because ambition is important, but smart planning matters even more.
Newcastle United’s summer rebuild is beginning to focus on one of the most important positions in the squad.
The Magpies want a goalkeeper capable of becoming their long-term No.1, rather than simply adding another short-term option behind Nick Pope.
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That approach makes sense with Pope now 34 and entering the final year of his contract.
Newcastle have already added young French goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, but he is expected to develop as an understudy.
The next arrival, therefore, could be trusted with an immediate starting role at St James’ Park.
Newcastle open talks over long term goalkeeper target
According to the Newcastle Chronicle, Newcastle have held talks over Parma and Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki as they search for a new first-choice option.
The 23-year-old has built a strong reputation in Serie A and further raised his profile with a series of impressive displays for Japan at the 2026 World Cup.
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Football Italia has also reported that Newcastle held initial discussions with Suzuki and his representatives.
Suzuki’s appeal goes beyond his age. He is physically imposing, comfortable with the ball and already has experience in Japan, Belgium and Italy.
FourFourTwo highlighted his outstanding saves against Brazil at the World Cup, while noting that he remains Parma’s established No.1 despite missing several months last season with a fractured hand.
Newcastle should pursue Suzuki seriously. He fits the club’s need for a younger goalkeeper who can grow with the squad, and his international experience suggests he would not be overwhelmed by the pressure.
However, the Magpies should avoid being pulled into an inflated bidding war.
Suzuki is highly talented, but he is still developing and has not yet played in the Premier League.
Chelsea’s search for another wide attacker is beginning to gather pace, even after the club recently added more young talent to an already crowded forward line.
The Blues appear determined to increase competition on the flanks while also preparing for possible departures before the transfer window closes.
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The latest target offers a slightly different profile. He already has experience in English football, can operate from either wing and has continued his development in France and Italy.
However, Chelsea are still assessing several alternatives, suggesting no final decision has been made over which winger they will pursue most aggressively.
Fresh contact made as Chelsea assess attacking options
According to respected Bologna newspaper Il Resto del Carlino, Chelsea have made fresh contact with Jonathan Rowe’s representatives.
No formal offer has been submitted, and Bologna remain keen to retain the winger, but discussions with his camp suggest the interest is genuine.
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Rowe joined Bologna permanently from Marseille in August 2025. In their official announcement, the Italian club highlighted his speed, technical quality and ability to play on both flanks.
Those qualities would suit a Chelsea side looking for attackers who can beat defenders individually and move comfortably between different positions.
West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville and Sporting CP’s Francisco Trincão are also reportedly being considered, showing that Chelsea are keeping their options open rather than committing immediately to one deal.
Chelsea have already strengthened out wide by completing the arrival of Geovany Quenda.
His arrival means any additional winger must offer immediate value rather than simply adding another development project.
Rowe could be a sensible option if Chelsea can secure him for a reasonable fee. He knows English football, has gained valuable European experience and offers flexibility on both sides of the attack.
Shane Duffy described Rowe as a player with “a bit of magic” in the past.
However, Chelsea must first create space in the squad. Signing another winger without moving players on could leave too many attackers competing for limited minutes.
Sinner: He’s still the King. Historic double at Wimbledon
Jannik triumphs in four sets against a great Zverev. It’s his fifth grand slam. Cahill and Vagnozzi: ‘A liberation’
‘I saw my mum stepping out of the stadium a couple of times, it was tough for her’
Corriere dello Sport
And the Sinner is …
Galactico | Beats Zverev in four sets, the fifth slam of his career
Wimbledon is his home: Second triumph in a row. Jannik is the pride of Italy
He falls 1-0 behind, fights back and shines: 6-7, 7-6, 6-3 and 6-4 in around four hours. ‘I give my life to tennis. The sporting movement in our country is special: We’re incredibly strong in Moto GP and Kimi is a golden boy’
Tuttosport
His majesty
Sinner, a crowning double at Wimbledon
On the hallowed turf, in an exhilarating surge of momentum, Jannik turns the tables on a formidable Zverev (6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-4). His fifth grand slam banishes the ghosts of Roland Garros: ‘We had endless days after Paris. I give my entire life to tennis. I didn’t think I’d win again here. Am I a symbol of Italy? We have an incredible movement in our country across all sports, happy to be part of it’
Manchester United could be preparing to reopen a chapter that appeared finished only a few months ago.
After spending more than a year away from Old Trafford on loan, one of the club’s most recognisable academy graduates is expected to return for pre-season and discuss whether he can rebuild his career under Michael Carrick.
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The situation has changed considerably since his breakdown with former head coach Ruben Amorim.
Carrick’s arrival has created a possible route back into the first team, although United remain open to a permanent transfer if the right proposal arrives.
The coming talks will therefore be important for both the player’s future and the club’s attacking plans.
Carrick could open door to Rashford’s return at Man United
According to Fabrizio Romano, Marcus Rashford will hold direct discussions with Carrick after England’s World Cup campaign ends.
The 28-year-old has already informed United that he is available for pre-season and will initially rejoin the squad before both sides consider any offers that may arrive.
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The Guardian reports that there are no personal problems between Rashford and Carrick.
It adds that United expect to reintegrate the forward, although they would still consider a permanent exit and have no interest in arranging another loan.
Rashford remains under contract until 2028 after spells with Aston Villa and Barcelona.
United contacted Rashford’s representatives and made it clear he would be welcomed into Carrick’s pre-season group. Barcelona declined to activate their purchase option, leaving his long-term future unresolved.
Man United should give Rashford a genuine opportunity to impress before making a final decision.
Carrick offers a fresh tactical environment, and a motivated Rashford could still provide pace, goals and valuable Premier League experience.
Chelsea could soon face a major decision over one of their longest-serving academy graduates, with interest growing from Italy and the Premier League.
The Blues appear open to a permanent sale as they continue reshaping their defence, but the player’s preference may ultimately be more important than the size of the offers arriving at Stamford Bridge.
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Several clubs can offer European football and an important first-team role.
However, Inter currently hold the strongest position because the defender is prioritising a move to San Siro, leaving Chelsea to negotiate with a club that knows the player is firmly on their side.
Inter take control as Como prepare to step aside
Sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffsidethat Trevoh Chalobah has reached an agreement with Inter and wants to join the Serie A champions, although the Italian club have not yet finalised a fee with Chelsea.
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Como initially offered around €25m before discussing an improved package worth €30m plus €5m in bonuses, which would effectively meet Chelsea’s valuation.
Como are willing to withdraw if Inter make a serious push, but could return should the Milan club abandon negotiations.
Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Inter and Como have agreed to avoid a bidding war, with Como ready to step aside once the Nerazzurri formally accelerate their pursuit.
AC Milan and Aston Villa are also monitoring the situation, but Chalobah’s preference for Inter gives those clubs little encouragement unless talks collapse.
Chelsea could also use Chalobah in their pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix. talkSPORT reported that the Blues are prepared to offer several defenders, including Chalobah, in a part-exchange proposal.
Chelsea should respect Chalobah’s preferred destination, but only if Inter submit an offer close to their valuation.
His academy background should not mean the club accepts a discounted fee.
Inter would be an excellent tactical fit, offering Champions League football and a realistic chance of regular starts.
However, Chelsea must avoid letting the player’s preference weaken their negotiating position too much.
Overall, a clean permanent sale appears best for everyone. If Inter delay or attempt to force the price down, Chelsea should seriously consider Como’s stronger financial package or explore the Palace swap instead.
Argentina’s preparations for their blockbuster World Cup semi-final against England have taken an unexpected turn, with the reigning champions making a special request regarding the kit they will wear in Atlanta.
The decision may seem like a minor detail compared with team selection and tactics, but shirts often carry emotional and historical meaning in international football.
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With Argentina and England sharing one of the World Cup’s most famous rivalries, the choice of colours has already created another talking point before Wednesday’s meeting.
Argentina await FIFA decision over blue kit
According to journalist Gastón Edul, Argentina have requested permission to wear their blue away jersey against England.
A final decision is expected on Tuesday, just one day before the two teams compete for a place in the World Cup final.
Argentina have worn the blue strip only once during this tournament, in their 3-1 group-stage victory over Jordan.
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England have been designated as the home team for the semi-final, which provides a practical explanation for Argentina’s request, although the traditional light-blue-and-white shirt would not necessarily create a major colour clash.
There may also be a superstitious element. Argentina wore darker away colours during their famous World Cup victories over England in 1986 and 1998, creating a possible sense of good fortune around the shirt.
The Football Association has confirmed that England and Argentina will meet in Atlanta on Wednesday, 15th July, at 8pm BST.
England reached the last four by beating Norway 2-1 after extra time, while Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 following another extended quarter-final.
The kit request adds another fascinating layer to an already enormous match.
Argentina are usually instantly recognisable in their striped home shirt, but the dark-blue jersey carries its own history against England.
Ultimately, the colour will not decide the result. Tactics, fitness and handling the pressure will matter far more.
Still, football is full of rituals, and if Argentina believe the blue shirt gives them even a small psychological lift, it is understandable that they want to wear it.
With Karim Adeyemi's deal on the verge of being completed, president Joan Laporta shed some light on Raphinha's future at FC Barcelona.
Raphinha‘s future at Barcelona has been called into question, both by the reported interest he has attracted from abroad and by the club’s recent agreement to sign Karim Adeyemi, which is pending only a formal announcement. With speculation mounting over a potential departure, president Joan Laporta has now weighed in on the Brazilian’s situation.
Barcelona have been among the most active clubs in the summer transfer window, even with the 2026 World Cup still underway, securing Anthony Gordon and now closing in on Adeyemi. According to Fabrizio Romano, the club reached an agreement with Borussia Dortmund for €22 million plus up to €7 million in add-ons tied to appearances and title bonuses.
Speaking to reporters in Dallas, where he traveled to attend the World Cup semifinal between France and Spain, Laporta was enthusiastic when asked about the Adeyemi deal: “We are very excited about Adeyemi. We’ve liked him for a while now. He is dangerous and fast, and the signing was handled very well by Deco. The news came out exactly when it was supposed to.“
What about Raphinha?
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently reported that Al Hilal have expressed interest in signing Raphinha, who has been a target for Saudi clubs for some time. While the Brazilian’s preference is to remain at Barcelona, the club’s aggressive spending in the attacking positions signals a rebuild that will likely require departures.
Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona carry the 2025-26 La Liga trophy.
Laporta, however, was unequivocal when asked about Raphinha’s future. “Raphinha is going to stay. We have absolutely no interest in him leaving Barca. He is a mainstay. With Gordon and Adeyemi, I see that we are reinforcing the attack, but that doesn’t mean we are going to part ways with Raphinha, who is key for us,” the president said.
Laporta also reflected on Raphinha’s 2025-26 season, which fell short of the standards he set the year before when he was among the Ballon d’Or contenders. “The shame about last season is that he wasn’t able to be at full capacity during that final stretch of the League, Champions League, and Copa. The results would have been different,” he added.
With Marcus Rashford now expected not to return, Barcelona’s attacking roster remains heavily stocked. Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez, Ferran Torres, Rony Bardghji, Gordon, and Adeyemi all compete for positions across the wing and attacking midfield roles, and with the club still navigating a difficult financial situation, outgoings this summer appear inevitable.
France and Spain will be clashing in the 2026 World Cup semifinals, with stars in every single line of the pitch.
France and Spain have been drawn to clash in the 2026 World Cup semifinals, with only one nation advancing to the final at MetLife Stadium. The game is set for Tuesday, July 15th, at Dallas Stadium, and both sides boast star power at every position.
Kylian Mbappe is chasing history once again, looking to reach his third consecutive World Cup final with his goal tally sitting at 20, just one behind Lionel Messi’s all-time record of 21. A commanding 2-0 win over Morocco sent Les Bleus through in what has been a near-flawless tournament run under Didier Deschamps.
On the other side, Lamine Yamal will be turning 19 ahead of the match, looking to cap a historic first World Cup. Spain arrive having claimed Euro 2024, though they fell short in the 2025 UEFA Nations League final, and will be hunting a second World Cup star to add to their 2010 triumph in South Africa. The semifinal sets up compelling head-to-head battles across every position on the field.
GK: Mike Maignan vs Unai Simon
Mike Maignan (L) and Unai Simon (R). (Justin Setterfield & Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Mike Maignan has established himself as Hugo Lloris’s successor between the posts for France, and while he has not been tested frequently, he has responded with crucial saves when called upon. Unai Simon, meanwhile, has set a remarkable record, going 649 minutes without conceding in this World Cup, surpassing Italy’s Walter Zenga as the goalkeeper with the most consecutive minutes without a goal allowed in the competition’s history.
RB: Jules Kounde vs Pedro Porro
Jules Kounde (L) and Pedro Porro (R). (Al Bello & Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Jules Kounde has retained his place as France’s starting right back since the 2022 World Cup, taking on a more disciplined defensive role with the national team than he typically plays at Barcelona. Pedro Porro, meanwhile, has been one of Spain‘s most dynamic contributors going forward, capping his tournament with his first international goal in the group stage win over Austria.
RCB: Dayot Upamecano vs Pau Cubarsi
Dayot Upamecano (L) and Pau Cubarsi (R). (Dan Mullan & David Ramos/Getty Images)
Dayot Upamecano has been a cornerstone of France’s defense since the 2022 World Cup, combining physical dominance with composure on the ball. Pau Cubarsi, despite his youth, has been one of the most technically gifted center backs in the tournament, ranking among the leaders in key passes per game from the heart of Spain’s backline.
LCB: William Saliba vs Aymeric Laporte
William Saliba and Aymeric Laporte. (Justin Setterfield & Carl Recine/Getty Images)
William Saliba barely featured at the 2022 World Cup, but with Raphaël Varane retired, the Arsenal defender has stepped into the role of one of the world’s best, having also reached the UEFA Champions League final during the 2025-26 club season. Aymeric Laporte made his way back into the Spain squad after missing the Nations League Final Four and has formed a commanding partnership with Cubarsí at the back.
LB: Lucas Digne vs Marc Cucurella
Lucas Digne (L) and Marc Cucurella (R). (Justin Setterfield & Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Lucas Digne began the tournament as a backup behind Théo Hernández, but his technical quality and clinical left foot have earned him the starting spot under Deschamps, a role he also impressed in while helping Aston Villa win the Europa League. Marc Cucurella, on the other hand, is firmly established as one of the best left backs in the world, having recently completed a high-profile move to Real Madrid from Chelsea.
CDM: Manu Kone vs Rodri
Manu Kone (L) and Rodri (R). (Mattia Ozbot & David Ramos/Getty Images)
Manu Kone stepped into a more defensive midfield role with France amid Aurelien Tchouaméni’s fitness struggles and has responded with composure and character despite not being a first-choice starter coming into the tournament. Rodri, by contrast, is widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders on the planet and leads all players in this World Cup with 99.5 completed passes per game.
CDM: Adrien Rabiot vs Pedri
Adrien Rabiot (L) and Pedri (R). (Justin SetterfieldMichael Steele/Getty Images)
Adrien Rabiot has been a consistent presence in France’s midfield since the 2022 edition, bringing a physically imposing box-to-box profile that bridges the gap between defense and attack. Pedri is an entirely different kind of player, a creative force who is nearly impossible to dispossess and has a knack for unlocking defenses with incisive through balls.
CAM: Michael Olise vs Dani Olmo
Michael Olise (L) and Dani Olmo (R). (Kevin C. Cox & David Ramos/Getty Images)
Michael Olise has been one of the breakout performers of the tournament after a stellar 2025-26 season at Bayern Munich, and his transition to a more central role for France has been seamless, with five assists leading all players at this World Cup. Dani Olmo operates in the space behind the striker, combining intelligent forward runs into the box with the technical quality to finish chances.
RW: Ousmane Dembele vs Lamine Yamal
Ousmane Dembele (L) and Lamine Yamal (R). (Kevin C. Cox & Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Ousmane Dembele, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, has backed up his Champions League triumph with a dominant World Cup, contributing five goals and two assists as one of France’s most dangerous attackers. Yamal, who finished as Ballon d’Or runner-up, arrived at the tournament still working his way back from a significant injury and has not yet hit his ceiling, with just one goal to his name against Saudi Arabia.
ST: Kylian Mbappe vs Mikel Oyarzabal
Kylian Mbappe (L) and Mikel Oyarzabal (R). (Mattia Ozbot & Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Mbappe has reaffirmed that the World Cup is the stage where he thrives most, already at eight goals in this edition and 20 for his career at just 27 years old, with history firmly within his reach. Mikel Oyarzabal is not a traditional number nine, but the Real Sociedad forward has been one of La Roja’s most effective weapons, using his sharp movement and technique to drag defenders out of position and create space for teammates.
LW: Desire Doue vs Alex Baena
Desire Doue (L) and Alex Baena (R). (Kevin C. Cox & Harry How/Getty Images)
Desire Doue has emerged as one of PSG’s most exciting young talents and carried that form onto the international stage, combining elite dribbling ability with explosive pace on France’s left flank. Alex Baena has stepped into a starting role on the opposite side for Spain, bringing creativity and unpredictability in the absence of a fully fit Nico Williams.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France and Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain.
Leandro Paredes and Cristian Romero have reportedly received a positive injury update as both Argentina stars will be fit to face England in the 2026 World Cup semifinals.
Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes both left the field during Argentina‘s thrilling win over Switzerland with physical concerns, setting off alarm bells ahead of the semifinal. However, reports now indicate that both players will be fit to face England in the 2026 World Cup semifinal.
Romero had already been managing a recurring issue with his right knee earlier in the tournament, but recovered to start against Cape Verde and play through extra time against Egypt. Against Switzerland, however, he was forced off at halftime of extra time, with cameras catching him in visible discomfort on the turf.
Paredes faced a similar situation, earning his place in Argentina‘s starting lineup before being seen limping in the second half of extra time following a defensive clearance. He signaled to the bench to be replaced, exiting in the 110th minute for forward Jose Manuel Lopez, who immediately made an impact by assisting Julian Alvarez’s decisive 2-1 goal.
According to TyC Sports journalist and Argentina insider Gaston Edul, both Romero and Paredes will be available for Wednesday’s World Cup semifinal against England. Both players came off with cramps rather than structural injuries, and the minor nature of the discomfort means neither is expected to miss training ahead of the match.
Lautaro Martinez #22 of Argentina celebrates with Leandro Paredes #5 after scoring.
Lionel Messi also raised concern
Beyond the two substitutions, cameras also picked up a cut around Lionel Messi’s eye, sustained from a challenge by Granit Xhaka in the second half and requiring medical attention on the sideline.
Despite the pain, Messi played the full 120 minutes and was spotted in the mixed zone afterward with his vision partially affected by the swelling. The cut has since been treated and is not expected to pose any concern ahead of the England game.
Paredes on Switzerland’s red card
Paredes was also at the center of one of the match’s most controversial moments, when referee Joao Pinheiro initially booked the wrong player before correcting himself and sending off the Swiss player who was already on a yellow card after Breel Embolo appeared to simulate a foul. For Paredes, the call was straightforward.
Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone, Paredes was direct when asked about the incident: “I don’t see where the controversy is. The rules are clear. The opposing player simulated, I didn’t touch him. The decision was correctly made.”
Amid Switzerland's heroic performances, Johan Manzambi emerged as the team's biggest star. Following his breakout displays, he is reportedly close to completing a €70 million transfer to Aston Villa.
Switzerland surprised at the 2026 World Cup, reaching the quarterfinals and putting in a highly competitive performance. While most of the players produced their best form, Johan Manzambi was the team’s standout performer, excelling both as a goalscorer and a playmaker. Following his impressive performances, he is reportedly close to completing a €70 million transfer to Aston Villa, after the club hijacked the deal from Newcastle United.
According to Keith Downie of Sky Sports, Newcastle United were quite close to an agreement with SC Freiburg to sign Johan Manzambi. They made a €47 million offer, agreeing everything with the player for his arrival in the Premier League. However, the German team was asking for a slightly higher transfer fee, so negotiations were paused. Because of this, Aston Villa entered and hijacked the deal.
After making an impressive €70 million offer, including add-ons, Aston Villa clearly lead the race for Manzambi’s signing. The English side already have an agreement with SC Freiburg, and the player has already informed of his desire to join the team, ruling out Newcastle United. Because of this, Johan will have a long-term contract, arriving as a great prospect. However, the deal has yet to be officially completed, Fabrizio Romano reports.
Johan Manzambi starred for Switzerland at the 2026 World Cup
Before the 2026 World Cup, the leadership of Switzerland’s attack was centered around Breel Embolo and Noah Okafor. Johan Manzambi was not coming off his best season at SC Freiburg, as he scored 7 goals and provided 9 assists in 47 matches. However, he produced the best version of himself at the anticipated tournament, becoming the national team’s best player.
Johan Manzambi #9 of Switzerland celebrates scoring his team’s third goal.
Manzambi scored three goals and provided two assists in the four matches he played at the 2026 World Cup. Beyond his productivity, he was the focal point of the attack, with the entire game revolving around him while also shining collectively. However, his impact was limited by a minor knee injury, which ruled him out of action for about two weeks.
The Premier League will be Manzambi’s biggest test yet
Johan Manzambi is one of Switzerland’s most promising players. At just 20 years old, he has already spent two years playing with SC Freiburg’s first team. However, he has not yet managed to show his best version on a day-to-day basis, as he is a regular starter but does not stand out in terms of goalscoring or creativity. After his outstanding performances at the 2026 World Cup, he seems to have earned a place in the Premier League, but he will face a huge challenge.
Unlike the Bundesliga, the Premier League is one of the most physical and competitive leagues in the world. With Morgan Rogers playing in his position, he would have to adapt to another role, such as the wings, or compete with him to become a starter. His biggest challenge will continue to be maintaining his high level, as he has not yet managed to shine in European leagues the way he did at the World Cup.
Johan Manzambi #9 of Switzerland celebrates scoring a goal.
With Marcelo Bielsa's resign after a disastrous 2026 World Cup, legend Diego Forlan is set to be appointed as next Uruguay's national team head coach
Uruguay‘s 2026 World Cup campaign stands as one of the tournament’s biggest disappointments, ending in a shocking group-stage exit. With Marcelo Bielsa stepping down from the head coaching role, Diego Forlan is now set to take over and lead La Celeste into the next cycle.
Tipped to challenge Spain for top spot in Group H, Uruguay’s campaign collapsed under the weight of a defeat to La Rojaand back-to-back draws against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde, with the latter one advancing as the second-placed team in the group. Following one of the most stunning early exits in recent Uruguayan football history, Bielsa announced his resignation at a lengthy press conference, leaving the position open.
Uruguay Football Federation president Ignacio Alonso confirmed the development in an interview with Teledoce: “If an agreement is reached with Diego Forlan in the coming hours, he will be the coach of the Under-20 national team and for the upcoming friendly matches. He is enthusiastic, although there are still a few details left to finalize.“
The original plan had been for Forlan to take charge of the Uruguay Under-20 side ahead of the South American Championship in January 2027. With AUF elections scheduled for later this year, however, committing to a long-term senior project was not a viable option for either party.
Jose Maria Gimenez of Uruguay shows dejection after the 0-1 defeat and elimination against Spain.
Given those circumstances, Forlan will serve as interim head coach of the senior national team until March 2027. Whether the arrangement is extended beyond that point will depend entirely on the AUF and whoever holds the federation presidency following the elections.
Within that window, Forlan, Uruguay’s third all-time leading scorer with 36 goals and an icon of the country’s memorable 2010 World Cup run, will oversee the September, October, and November international windows, which include 2030 World Cup qualifying fixtures, as well as March 2027 friendlies. In total, the former Manchester United and Villarreal forward will be in charge for eight matches.
Forlan on Uruguay’s World Cup
Heading into the World Cup, the expectation was that Spain and Uruguay would battle it out for top spot in Group H, with second place likely leading to a Round of 32 clash against Argentina. Instead, just two points from three games sent La Celeste home without even qualifying as one of the best third-placed nations.
Forlan has had two previous spells in senior management, taking charge of 11 matches at Peñarol in 2020 and 12 at Atenas de San Carlos in the Uruguayan Second Division in 2021. But when asked about replacing Bielsa during an appearance on La Casa del Kun, the ESPN show hosted by Sergio Agüero, the former forward did not hesitate: “Sure, of course I’d go. Do you have any idea how fast I’d accept?“
Beyond his eagerness to take the job, Forlan was candid about the state of the national team, suggesting the problems ran deeper than the tournament itself: “I prefer a Uruguayan coach, because we have them, although I didn’t dislike the choice of Bielsa. Given where we stand right now, it’s not the time to be tossing around names. Unfortunately, we were already coming in with internal problems; we didn’t arrive in the best shape.”
Diego Forlan on the red carpet prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw.
Adrian Sousa from Rabona TV recaps an extraordinary night of extra-time quarterfinal drama as England and Argentina set up a monumental semifinal.
The quarterfinal stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has delivered an absolutely legendary night of extra-time drama, crushing fairy tales, and locking in one of international football’s most iconic rivalries. On the latest daily recap from Rabona TV, Adrian Sousa breaks down a breathtaking double-header where the tournament’s absolute superstars dragged their nations through pure exhaustion.
The opening blockbuster in the intense Miami heat saw Norway’s historic tournament run come to a heartbreaking conclusion. The underdogs took a shock lead through a spectacular curling effort from Andreas Schjelderup before Jude Bellingham single-handedly put the Three Lions on his back. Bellingham struck an equalizer in first-half stoppage time, then buried a dramatic 93rd-minute winner in extra time to seal a grueling 2-1 victory. The structural defensive performance from England successfully neutralized Erling Haaland, snapping his historic 14-game international scoring streak and dragging England to their first semifinal since 2018.
Meanwhile, reigning world champions Argentina lived dangerously yet again in their final-eight clash with Switzerland. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring with a thumping header from a Lionel Messi corner, but a resilient Swiss side leveled through Dan Ndoye. Following a costly Breel Embolo red card, Switzerland collapsed deep into extra time under relentless pressure. Julián Álvarez unleashed a sensational golazo to break the deadlock before Lautaro Martínez put the game completely out of reach to seal a 3-1 win. While Messi’s record nine-game World Cup scoring streak was broken, his crucial assist keeps the champions rolling forward.
The daily wrap-up concludes by setting the stage for a truly legendary semifinal. With both football powerhouses surviving extra-time scares, England and Argentina are officially scheduled to collide on Wednesday in a high-stakes blockbuster clash in Atlanta. Adrian evaluates early tactical shapes, disciplinary concerns, and key individual matchups.
You can stream the entire matchday overview right now. Check out the Rabona TV World Cup Recap on Spotify to stay completely updated on final scorelines, updated bracket tracking, and expert single-elimination analysis.
While the match was closely contested, England defeated Norway 2-1, securing their place in the 2026 World Cup semifinals. Unexpectedly, Jude Bellingham emerged as the hero, scoring a brace that saw him join an exclusive list of players to score braces in consecutive World Cup matches.
England and Norway faced off in one of the most competitive matches of the tournament, with the game being decided in the final minutes of extra time. Even though Harry Kane is the team’s biggest star, Jude Bellingham emerged as the most important player, scoring a crucial brace to seal the victory. As a result, the 23-year-old star has joined an exclusive list of players to score braces in consecutive World Cup matches.
According to MisterChip, a well-known soccer statistician, via X, Jude Bellingham has joined Kylian Mbappé, Diego Maradona, Garrincha, Pelé, Sándor Kocsis, and Silvio Piola as the only players to score braces in two consecutive World Cup knockout-stage matches. With these performances, the 23-year-old star has established as England’s most important player alongside Harry Kane.
Following a rather inconsistent season at Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham arrived at the 2026 World Cup amid criticism. Playing in a more attack-oriented role, he has rediscovered his best form. Across the six matches he has played, he has scored six goals and provided one assist, matching Harry Kane as England’s most productive player.
Without being a creative midfielder or a playmaker, Bellingham has found his best position on the field, close to the goal. His performances at the 2026 World Cup send a clear message to Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid: He needs to play close to the center forward. Despite his great performances, Jude still has a lot to do in the tournament, as he faces Argentina, the reigning champions, looking for another performance that validates his great level.
Bellingham scored in extra time
Kane is the key to Jude Bellingham’s resurgence with England
Jude Bellingham is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world. However, he is coming off two difficult seasons at Real Madrid, which seemed to leave him without a specific role. In response, Thomas Tuchel has found the key to maximizing the performances of the 23-year-old star: Harry Kane. By forming a solid attacking partnership, the two constantly improve each other, creating space and drawing defenders out of position.
As Kane usually drops deep to receive the ball and act as a playmaker, Jude often ends up as the center forward. The veteran striker tends to create a lot of space with his freedom of movement, something Bellingham takes great advantage of. With space to shoot, he has rediscovered his goalscoring instinct, playing more as a second striker rather than an attacking midfielder.
At Real Madrid, Jude will not have the same system to shine. Kylian Mbappé is the center forward, being a more physical and goalscoring profile than a creative one. Because of this, Bellingham would have to adapt his profile once again, while always looking to stay close to the box. However, Jose Mourinho has the difficult task of creating a partnership between the Frenchman and the Englishman, something that will be key to maximizing their performances.
Jude Bellingham #10 of England holds of Torbjorn Heggem #17 of Norway.
Sky Sport Italia report that Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic must choose between three Premier League sides, Leeds United, Bournemouth and Sunderland.
While transfer pundit Fabrizio Romano notes that Leeds United are the most confident of achieving a deal, having presented a verbal proposal to the centre-back, this is by no means to be taken for granted.
Muharemovic heading to Premier League
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Tarik Muharemovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina competes for the ball with Marco Palestra of Italy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
Instead, Sky Sport Italia expert Gianluca Di Marzio claims this evening that a final decision will be made over the next few days, with two other Premier League teams definitely still in the running.
They are named as Bournemouth and Sunderland by the Italian reporters.
Sassuolo set an asking price of €40m, aware that 50 per cent of that will go to his former club Juventus.
The Bianconeri had also been interested in bringing the Bosnia and Herzegovina international back to Turin, especially as they would effectively get him half-price, but ultimately decided against it.
Muharemovic was in the Bosnia and Herzegovina squad at the World Cup this summer and turned 23 in February.
After Norway's World Cup elimination against England, Elring Haaland's father Alfie hit out at the referee Clement Turpin.
Erling Haaland‘s 2026 World Cup run came to an end in the quarterfinals as England secured their place in the semifinals. In the heated aftermath of a controversy-filled match, the Manchester City striker’s father, Alfie Haaland, directed his frustration squarely at the referee over Norway‘s eliminatio.
As the elimination sank in, Alfie Haaland, who was in the stands at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his displeasure. Responding to a Fabrizio Romano post highlighting Jude Bellingham‘s match-winning brace, he kept it short and pointed: “Well done Bellingham and referee.”
He followed that up by responding to a post from journalist Henry Winter, going further with his criticism. “Saved by the referee. Hope you win the WC now. But feel we got robbed today,” he wrote, making clear his belief that referee Clement Turpin had played a significant role in Norway’s elimination.
Andreas Schjelderup gave Norway the lead in the 36th minute, but Jude Bellingham had other ideas, equalizing in the 47th minute before completing the comeback with a goal in the 93rd minute of extra time to send England through.
The World Cup match was far from free of controversy, however. Turpin disallowed a Norway goal from Torbjorn Heggem in the 57th minute, with the score still level at 1-1, ruling that Haaland had fouled Elliot Anderson off the ball, ordering the corner to be retaken.
At his post-match press conference, head coach Ståle Solbakken relayed what his players had told him about the incident: “I can’t say anything about that because FIFA. If there’s no been no sound or there has been no (reading) in the chip, what can I say against that? But the ball drops down straight from heaven says everyone, including Orjan (Nyland), who is the goalie, including the guy who is going to receive the ball. I saw another way just then, so I wonder also what happened. I think it’s pretty clear that it did and it was a strange thing.“
After inconsistent performances in the 2026 World Cup with the USMNT, Christian Pulisic is preparing to compete for his future at AC Milan. While some resting time will be needed, the 27-year-old star is getting ready to train in the preseason tour with the Rossoneri's new Ruben Amorim's project.
Christian Pulisic managed to become as the cornerstone of AC Milan. Despite the lack of strikers, he managed to shine under Massimiliano Allegri during the first half of the season. However, he experienced a notable decline in form, going many matches without scoring. Following his inconsistent 2026 World Cup performances, the 27-year-old star looks to regain his best version in the Rossoneri with Ruben Amorim.
After already completing the 2025–26 season with AC Milan, Christian Pulisic will have a period of rest following the 2026 World Cup. However, the USMNT star will not return to action until August 2026, when he begins preseason. As announced by the Rossoneri, they will travel to Jakarta to face Chelsea FC at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Saturday, August 8.
Even though Pulisic began the season as AC Milan‘s best player, he suffered a notable drop in form. After playing 34 matches, he managed to score only 10 goals and provide 4 assists, going through the second half of the season with almost no goal contributions. While the 27-year-old star was expected to shine with the USMNT, he had a inconsistent impact, raising doubts.
Pulisic faces huge test after inconsistent World Cup
Following an inconsistent season with AC Milan, Christian Pulisic arrived into the 2026 World Cup, looking for a decisive performance. However, he had a calf injury that affected his performances, limiting him during the tournament. During the four games that he played, he just contributed one assist, playing just a couple of minutes. Fot that reason, the USMNT now faces a huge task at AC Milan.
Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States looks on as he walks off at the end of the first half
Due to his poor end to the season, the reported interest from numerous Premier League clubs gradually faded. In addition, Pulisic found himself in a worse position to renegotiate his contract extension with the Rossoneri, as he did not shine during the 2026 World Cup. Because of this, he needs to recover his starting role under Ruben Amorim, the new head coach.
Unlike the last season, AC Milan are reportedly preparing a roster overhaul, targeting strikers, midfielders and even defenders. In case he does not manage to shine in the preseason, his future might be unclear, losing his privileged spot that he had under Massimiliano Allegri. However, head coach Ruben Amorim supposedly considers him a cornerstone in the wings, similar to Francisco Trincao’s role at SP Sporting.
Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States react after the FIFA World Cup 2026.
After Lamine Yamal claimed that France should be the ones afraid of Spain, defender Ibrahima Konate issued a straight response: "He can say whatever he wants."
France and Spain meet in the 2026 World Cup semifinals on Tuesday, July 15th, and Lamine Yamal has already turned up the heat ahead of kickoff. Les Bleus defender Ibrahima Konate was asked about the Spanish star’s comments and did not hold back: “He can say whatever he wants.”
Fresh off Spain’s win over Belgium, Yamal wasted no time setting the tone for the semifinal: “If anyone should be afraid, it’s them—we’ve eliminated them. We are two great teams, for me the two best, but we have absolutely no fear. Since the World Cup started, everyone has been waiting for this game, and I really wanted it to get here. We are the two best national teams in the World Cup. With absolutely no fear, if anyone can go into a match against France with confidence, it’s us.“
The Barcelona teenager was also pointing to recent history, with Spain having beaten France in both the Euro 2024 semifinal and the 2025 Nations League final. The margins were tight each time, 2-1 and 5-4 respectively, but the results went Spain’s way on both occasions, and now the two sides meet again at the same stage of a major tournament.
Konate replies to Yamal
While Yamal is experiencing his first World Cup, several of his French opponents are either already world champions from 2018 or carry the memory of falling short in the 2022 final. Konate belongs to the latter group, and he responded to the Spanish teenager’s remarks with measured firmness.
Lamine Yamal of Spain celebrates scoring against France in the UEFA Nations League 2025 semifinals.
Speaking Sunday at a press conference at Bentley University, Konate was asked whether France were intimidated by Yamal’s words: “No, no, no… In all honesty, we don’t listen to what’s being said. You shouldn’t be afraid of anyone; we need to remain humble and not fall into that trap, especially at this stage of the competition.“
The newly minted Real Madrid defender, who will face Yamal as a club rival in La Liga next season, closed with a pointed message of his own. “Now, he can say whatever he wants, we are going to try to prepare the best we can. And at the end of the match, we’ll see who it favors,” Konate added.
France’s record against Spain
Over the past decade, France and Spain have established themselves as two of the most dominant nations in world soccer, neither dropping out of the FIFA top 10 throughout that stretch. In head-to-head meetings, however, Spain has had the upper hand when it mattered most.
The two sides have met four times in the last ten years, with Spain winning three of those encounters to France’s one. Les Bleus’ lone victory came in the 2021 UEFA Nations League final, a 2-1 win, while Spain’s most recent triumph in that 2017 friendly, 2-0, completed the overall picture in their favor.
Since Yamal’s arrival in the Spanish setup, La Roja has extended that dominance, beating France in both the Euro 2024 semifinal and the 2025 Nations League final. Adding to France’s concern is Yamal’s personal record in head-to-head elimination games against Kylian Mbappe, with the young winger having won all five of their meetings in knockout competition.
Ibrahima Konate of France (L) and Lamine Yamal (R) of Spain.
Lazio are in advanced negotiations for two new central defenders, Dinamo Zagreb’s Sergi Dominguez and free agent Danilho Doekhi, but probably not Diogo Leite.
The Aquile are forced to revamp their squad following the sale of Alessio Romagnoli to Al-Sadd and Mario Gila to Milan.
Lazio want both Doekhi and Sergi Dominguez
BERLIN, GERMANY – MAY 02: Danilho Doekhi of 1. FC Union Berlin celebrates his team’s second goal scored by teammate Livan Burcu (obscured) during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Union Berlin and 1. FC Köln at Stadion An der Alten Foersterei on May 02, 2026 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – AUGUST 12: Sergi Dominguez of FC Barcelona run with the ball during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and AS Monaco at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on August 12, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
They already agreed personal terms with the former Barcelona man, but reaching the €12m asking price set by his club is proving more difficult.
Lazio director Angelo Maria Fabiani travelled to Croatia for the talks earlier this week, but the proposal of a loan worth €3.5m and option to buy for another €8m was rejected.
Now they are hoping to step up the process with a new bid that can convince Dinamo Zagreb to sell the 21-year-old.
As expected, Fiorentina have left Robin Gosens and Jacopo Fazzini out of pre-season training, but quite a few others are frozen out too by new coach Fabio Grosso.
The Viola had a dismal campaign, spending most of it in the relegation zone and only surging at the end to secure their Serie A status.
They intend to completely revamp the side under Grosso, and have already been very active on the transfer market.
Arthur Atta Joins Fiorentina (Source: acffiorentina.com)
That is far from over, as today the club announced the list of 29 players called up for pre-season training at the Viola Park complex in Florence on Monday.
So has Fazzini, who is on the verge of a move to Cagliari, while impressive teenager striker Riccardo Braschi is heading to Padova on loan.
More players left out include those who are returning to Fiorentina after loans, and who evidently are not expected to remain.
They are Riccardo Sottil, M’Bala Nzola, Amir Richardson, Antonin Barak and Paolo Bianco.
Fabiano Parisi will continue working separately following the rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee, while Marin Pongracic has extra vacation time after the World Cup with Croatia.
Udinese are in a bidding war for Partizan Belgrade midfielder Ognjen Ugresic at €6m, competing with Sassuolo, Bologna, Club Brugge, Eintracht Frankfurt and AS Monaco.
That would be enough to out-bid fellow Serie A club Sassuolo, who had previously been prepared to offer €5m, while Bologna are also known to be tracking his progress.
Udinese targeting Ugresic
BELGRADE, SERBIA – OCTOBER 11: Vanja Dragojevic, Vasilije Kostov, Veljko Milosavljevic and Ognjen Ugresic of Serbia inspect the pitch prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Serbia and Albania at on October 11, 2025 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
Despite the victory over Norway, Thomas Tuchel decided to be self-critical of his team's performances. In response, Jude Bellingham reacted emphatically, sparking controversy. As a result, the head coach decided to clarify his statements while maintaining his stance.
While they arrived as a top contenders, England struggled to defeat Norway, needing extra time to secure the victory. Acknowledging the problems his team has been dealing with, Thomas Tuchel was highly self-critical. Jude Bellingham responded emphatically, making his frustration clear. As a result, the head coach later clarified his statements, maintaining his perspective while trying to soften his tone.
Despite their victory over Norway, Thomas Tuchel revealed that he was not happy with his team performances, denoting that there are aspects to work on. “The result is fantastic, being in the last four is amazing, but not happy with the performance… we made life very, very difficult with the way we played, sloppy, a lot of technical mistakes, not fast enough, not repetitive enough,” he said in the post-game interview.
Unlike Tuchel, Bellingham made it clear that he was proud of England’s overall performance. When asked about Tuchel’s criticism, he replied: “Maybe he doesn’t know what it’s like to play in those kind of conditions against Erling Haaland, [Martin] Ødegaard, [Antonio] Nusa, [Alexander] Sørloth. That’s not an easy team to play against,” he said in the post-game interview.
In an effort to avoid controversy and tension in the locker room, head coach Thomas Tuchel decided to clarify his comments. “I am impressed with the shift that they put in, the effort, the belief…but I am also soccer coach. I think that we can play better. In general, I think it was not a high- level game. I think that we had better games… I am not saying that we are lucky to win, but we are lucky in decisive moments,” he said in today’s press conference.
Harry Kane #9 of England celebrates with teammates Declan Rice #4 and Anthony Gordon #18.
Tuchel’s approach has England hopeful for World Cup semifinal
Far from regretting his comments, Thomas Tuchel made it clear that England need to improve their performances while also emphasizing how proud he is of his team’s commitment. As a result, the fans remain hopeful, as the team’s displays have disappointed many. Facing a top contender like Argentina, England need to regain control of matches with a clear tactical identity that does not rely on individual performances.
With a roster full of talent, England have struggled to win every knockout-stage match. Without imposing a dominant style of play, they have suffered defensively, conceding four goals in their last three matches. If they want to reach the 2026 World Cup final, they need to control the midfield, as that would significantly limit Argentina.
Tuchel’s team need to be efficient on the counterattack, taking advantage of Argentina’s defensive issues. That is why Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka need to be at their best and improve their goalscoring and creative impact. Pushing for tactical adjustments and a better performance on the pitch, England are aiming to reach the final under the high standards of Thomas Tuchel, who is striving to get as close to perfection as possible.
Thomas Tuchel, Manager of England and Jude Bellingham.
In a highly competitive match, Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1, advancing to the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup. Although Lionel Messi did not score, he did provide an assist, becoming the tournament's all-time leading assist provider. Here it is the full assist ranking.
Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1, showcasing their resilience and goalscoring power in clutch moments. Although Lionel Messi has been the team’s leading goalscorer, he did not find the net in the most recent 2026 World Cup match. Nevertheless, he still made the difference by providing an assist to Alexis Mac Allister. As a result, the 39-year-old star became the tournament’s all-time leading assist provider.
According to MisterChip, a well-known soccer statistician, Lionel Messi has become the all-time leading assist provider in World Cup history. After assisting Alexis Mac Allister for Argentina’s first goal against Switzerland, he reached 11 assists, becoming the outright leader in this category. At 39 years old, he is expected to continue expanding his legacy in the tournament, with the match against England and a potential World Cup final still ahead of him.
Despite being 39 years old, Messi is delivering a historic performance at the 2026 World Cup. Tied with Kylian Mbappé, the two lead both the goalscoring chart of this edition and the all-time goalscoring chart in World Cup history. While the Frenchman is at the peak of his career at 27 years old, the Argentine star is playing in one of the final seasons of his career. Therefore, his performances are even more remarkable.
How does the full all-time assist ranking look?
Lionel Messi has a golden opportunity to further expand his legacy in World Cup history. If he scores or provides an assist against England, he could extend his lead as the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer and all-time leading assist provider. After reaching 11 assists, Messi has surpassed numerous legends, including Fritz Walter, Raymond Kopa, Uwe Seeler, and Diego Maradona. Here is the all-time World Cup assist ranking.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrating.
Name
Assists
1. Lionel Messi
11
2. Fritz Walter
10
3. Raymond Kopa
8
4. Uwe Seeler
8
5. Diego Maradona
8
Messi joins Mbappé as World Cup history’s only 10+ goal contributors
Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi has already recorded 8 goals and 2 assists for Argentina. Despite being in outstanding form, he has not been the only player to shine at the tournament. Kylian Mbappé has also imposed as one of the standout performers, registering 8 goals and 3 assists. As a result, the two have become the only players in World Cup history to record 10 + goal contributions in two different editions of the tournament.
At the 2022 and 2026 World Cups, Messi and Mbappé have both reached and/or surpassed 10 goal contributions, becoming the only players in the tournament’s history to achieve this feat, reveals MisterChip, via X. While the Frenchman recorded 10 in the first edition and 11 in the second, the Argentine legend registered 10 goal contributions in both tournaments.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match.
Roma midfielder Manu Koné could be benched in favour of Aurelien Tchaouameni for the World Cup semi-final against Spain, though Milan’s Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot will start.
The match is scheduled for Tuesday evening, with the winner going on to face either Argentina or England in the Final.
According to L’Equipe, Real Madrid midfielder Tchaoumeni has fully recovered from his muscular issues and is going to be risked from the start.
Koné set to step aside for France
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JULY 09: Manu Kone #6 of France and Ayyoub Bouaddi #6 of Morocco compete for the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between France and Morocco at Boston Stadium on July 09, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Nonetheless, the reports from the Bleus camp suggest he will be pushed to the bench for the big match by Tchaouameni.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JUNE 30: Manu Kone #6 of France inspects the pitch before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between France and Sweden at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 30, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
The Roma star was on the bench for the games against Senegal and Sweden, but started the others with Iraq, Norway, Paraguay and Morocco.
There is still going to be Serie A representation in the form of Milan pair Maignan and Rabiot.
The trio of Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappé are untouchable, but the other big choice for Didier Deschamps is between Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola.
Other than that, it is set to be the same XI that beat Morocco in the quarter-final.
He made only 22 competitive appearances for the Rossoneri last season, contributing one goal and one assist, but also getting sent off once.
Milan don’t want to keep Estupinan
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Pervis Estupinan of AC Milan controls the ball during the Serie A match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 18, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Estupinan is not believed to be part of Milan’s plans under new coach Ruben Amorim, so his agents are looking around for alternative solutions.
Argentina’s dramatic extra time win over Switzerland to set up a World Cup semi-final with England was not just a strain for the players on the pitch, but also Como’s Nico Paz off it.
The reigning world champions have stuttered throughout the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Despite playing against 10 men after Breel Embolo’s red card, Argentina were still forced to go to extra time last night, eventually squeezing through 3-1 with Julian Alvarez’s curler and a late Lautaro Martinez goal.
Nico Paz feeling the stress
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – MAY 31: Nicolas Paz (left) and Enzo Fernandez (right) of Argentina arrive for the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Kansas City International Airport on May 31, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images)
It took a lot out of the players on the field, and those off it too, as confirmed by Nico Paz.
The 21-year-old Como player revealed on social media that his wearable technology showed his stress levels as ‘high’ during the match, when he was just sitting on the bench.
The technology is worn by all players to monitor their vital signs as well as track their performances on the field.
Nico Paz has made two appearances in the World Cup so far, as a substitute in the 3-0 victory over Algeria, and then starting the 3-1 win over Jordan.
Argentina will play England in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, with France taking on Spain on Tuesday.
The shot-stopper had already made a strong name for himself with his Serie A performances, but his profile stepped up several levels thanks to the heroics for Japan at the 2026 World Cup.
He is widely expected to leave the Stadio Tardini this summer and there is no shortage of options for his signature.
Suzuki wanted by many clubs
TOKYO, JAPAN – MAY 31: Zion Suzuki of Japan applauds fans after the international friendly match between Japan and Iceland at MUFG Stadium on May 31, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Kenta Harada/Getty Images)
They have Nick Pope as their first choice, but he is 34 years old and has only one year left on his contract, while they decided not to sign Aaron Ramsdale from Southampton after a loan.
There is competition, as Juventus have him on their list, as well as Aston Villa and rumours even about Paris Saint-Germain.
The big surprise for Italy is the arrival of Leonardo as a special advisor, as FIGC President Giovanni Malagò reveals it was ‘Paolo Maldini’s suggestion’ he be involved.
It was no secret that he was the first choice for new Federation chief Malagò, but an unexpected part of the announcement was the inclusion of Leonardo as an advisor.
Leonardo takes key role for Italy
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 16: AC Milan Sporting Strategy & Development Director Paolo Maldini and AC Milan Club Sporting Director Leonardo De Araujo before the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia on February 16, 2019 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“From the start, Paolo told me that he would be happy to bring in Leonardo as a consultant, because there is a lot of work to be done, it’s going to be a tough challenge,” Malagò told TG2 Post.
“I am pleased too, because I have great respect for Leonardo. They are two sides of the same coin.”
The Brazilian turns 57 in September and has had a deep bond with Italian football for many years.
He played for Milan from 1997-2001, then again at the end of his career in 2002-03.
ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 03: (L-R) Paolo Maldini and Leonardo of Milan look on before the Serie A match between AS Roma and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on February 3, 2019 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
After retirement, Leonardo started work with the Rossoneri as a talent scout, upgraded to technical director for 2008-09, and then as coach in 2009-10.
In a shock move, he then crossed over to city rivals Inter as coach in December 2010, where he remained until the end of the season.
Leonardo has since bounced around different jobs, including as Antalyaspor coach for just a few months in 2017.
He returned to Milan as technical director in 2018-19, where he worked alongside Maldini, and had two different spells at Paris Saint-Germain in 2011-13 and 2019-22.
Despite the growing doubts surrounding the expansion to 48 teams, the 2026 World Cup has been competitive, thrilling fans around the world. However, FIFA president Gianni Infantino revealed that they are already considering a possible expansion to 64 national teams for the 2030 edition.
FIFA decided to change the World Cup format for the 2026 edition, expanding to 48 national teams. Despite the growing doubts, the tournament has been highly competitive. Far from being satisfied, Gianni Infantino revealed that they are reviewing the possibility of expanding once again to 64 national teams for the 2030 edition.
“That’s definitely an issue that will be examined and discussed in the relevant committees (expanding it to 64 national teams) after this World Cup. When organizing a World Cup, it’s important to organize it for the whole world—not just Europe and South America… If you don’t give smaller countries a chance to participate in the World Cup, they’ll lack the incentive to keep improving,” reveals Infantino, via BlueWin.
Not only does Infantino consider this proposal a strong possibility, but so does CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez. In an interview in November 2025, he revealed that his dream would be to see the tournament played with 64 national teams. However, this does not mean the change has been approved, as internal discussions are still ongoing.
Unlike Domínguez and Infantino, UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin is not entirely convinced that expanding the World Cup format to 64 teams is the right decision. During a UEFA media conference in Belgrade in April 2026, he revealed that he considers it a bad idea, as it would significantly affect the qualification process. Therefore, FIFA still has important discussions to hold before adjusting the format once again.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks about the 2026 World Cup with U.S. President Donald Trump
China and India: Potential key markets for FIFA
Throughout the past few years, FIFA has decided to make numerous changes to soccer. Beyond the adjustment to 48 national teams at the World Cup, they have introduced changes to the rules. In addition, technology has taken on an increasingly important role. However, the possible expansion to 64 national teams could be a more commercial move, one that could have a positive impact on the sport in India and China, two key markets.
Both China and India are among the most populous countries in the world. Despite this, neither of them has played in a World Cup edition, meaning that commercial rights in those markets tend to be relatively low. With the expansion of the tournament format, they could have a greater chance of qualifying for the first time in history, representing a significant commercial shift.
This does not mean that FIFA is considering the change to a 64-team World Cup because of including China and India. However, this adjustment would have, as its main consequence, their possible qualification. If they manage to qualify, both countries could become more interested in television rights, sponsorships, and more, boosting the tournament. In addition, this could make investment in soccer in these countries grow, benefiting the sport.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino arrives before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match.
Alessandro Costacurta claims the choice of Paolo Maldini as Italy technical director is ‘more important than the new coach’ of the Nazionale, while giving insight into the rapport with Leonardo.
EMPOLI, ITALY – OCTOBER 01: Paolo Maldini of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Empoli FC and AC MIlan at Stadio Carlo Castellani on October 1, 2022 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
FIGC President Giovanni Malagò confirmed that Maldini was always his first choice for the position, and that now the technical director will be tasked with picking the new coach.
“Malagò made the best possible choice. In fact, picking Maldini is perhaps more important than choosing the new coach,” added Costacurta.
NAPLES, ITALY – JULY 12: Paolo Maldini AC Milan Technical director and Stefano Pioli AC Milan look on coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio San Paolo on July 12, 2020 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“They have different characteristics. Leo is more of a dreamer, a visionary, whereas Paolo is more practical, looks to his knowledge and instinct,” noted Costacurta.
“The best thing about them is that they listen to each other, despite starting from different ideas, and always manage to find a common solution.”
Leonardo spent much of his career in Italy, as at Milan he was a player, a talent scout, a coach and a technical director, while he also had one season as coach of rivals Inter.
His most recent job was that of assistant technical director at Paris Saint-Germain.
Having long been a target for Roma, it is reported that Mason Greenwood is heading to Istanbul for a Fenerbahce medical, with precise details of the fee to Olympique Marseille, Manchester United and Getafe.
The Giallorossi made no secret that Greenwood was their first choice for the wide left role in attack, and had been preparing a package close to the €50m asking price.
Roma lose Greenwood to Fenerbahce
MARSEILLE, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 25: Harvey Barnes of Newcastle United is challenged by Mason Greenwood of Olympique de Marseille during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Olympique de Marseille and Newcastle United FC at Stade de Marseille on November 25, 2025 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
However, Fenerbahce took a different route and started talks with the player early, agreeing personal terms on a vastly superior salary worth up to a reported €9m per season.
Because of the deal struck with Manchester United, the Premier League side is owed 40 per cent of the profit.
However, Sport Mediaset argue that Manchester United are instead getting 30 per cent, with an additional 10 per cent going to another of his former clubs, Getafe.
While the Italian sources have the total fee at €45m plus bonus, Fanatik in Turkiye set it at €39.5m plus add-ons, including a significant additional payment in case they win the Super Lig title.
Venezia are on the verge of securing Sevilla striker Akor Adams in a deal worth €16m plus add-ons, as director Filippo Antonelli confirms ‘talks are at a very advanced stage.’
The Nigeria international is 26 years old and made the move from Montpellier to Sevilla for €5.5m in January 2025.
In the last season, he scored 10 goals with three assists in 32 LaLiga appearances for Sevilla.
Adams close to Venezia move
LEIRIA, PORTUGAL – JUNE 10: Akor Adams of Nigeria during the International Friendly match between Portugal and Nigeria at Estadio Dr Magalhaes Pessoa on June 10, 2026 in Leiria, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
According to multiple sources including Sky Sport Italia, Sportitalia and Tuttomercatoweb, the agreement is very close to completion.
The fixed fee will be worth around €16m plus performance-related bonuses that are linked to both the personal achievements and those of the team.
Hamed Junior Traore is expected in Italy for his Genoa medical on Monday, ready to complete a loan with option to buy move from Olympique Marseille for up to €10m.
UDINE, ITALY – MAY 06:Hamed Junior Traorè of SSC Napoli looks on during the Serie A TIM match between Udinese Calcio and SSC Napoli at Dacia Arena on May 06, 2024 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
It’s believed that Traore will arrive on Italian soil for his medical tests and to sign the contract on Monday.
He can then travel to join the rest of Daniele de Rossi’s Genoa squad in their pre-season training camp at Moena.
This represents a return to Serie A for the Ivory Coast international, who started out in the Empoli academy before moving on to Sassuolo, Napoli and Auxerre.
The 26-year-old had been sold to Bournemouth in 2023 for €25.6m, but his career stalled due to repeated injury problems, and he moved to Marseille for €7.7m.
After an important victory over Switzerland in the final minutes, Argentina secured their place in the 2026 World Cup semifinals. They will face England, in a highly competitive clash. With that in mind, Lionel Messi reflected on the upcoming encounter, recalling that famous 1986 clash.
Argentina have managed to become one of the best teams at the 2026 World Cup. Even though they had to go to extra time, they managed to defeat Switzerland, reaching the semifinals in convincing fashion. There, they will face England in a match that brings back memories of the historic 1986 encounter. With that in mind, Lionel Messi decided to reflect on the upcoming clash, making his position clear.
“Obviously, I remember everything (about the 1986 match between Argentina and England) through videos and photos. As Argentines, we constantly watch it. But I think this group is used to playing these kinds of matches. To playing games no matter who the opponent is. Playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse. Personally, it will be the first time I’m going to play against them,” Lionel Messi said in the mixed zone after the match.
Lionel Messi has played 205 matches for Argentina but has never faced England. Despite the tensions that exist between the two national teams, the 39-year-old star has chosen to stay away from any historical narrative, a perspective that differs from that of many fans and Argentina legends. Instead, he has emphasized that Thomas Tuchel’s team are a powerhouse and that Argentina’s focus is simply on defeating them.
Unlike previous editions, the rivalry between Argentina and England is purely soccer-related on the pitch. With both teams having struggled to reach the semifinals, the match appears to be more evenly balanced than expected. As a result, Lionel Messi’s team could once again depend on individual talent to make the difference. In addition, head coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged that the team still needs to improve.
Lionel Messi celebrates a goal for Argentina.
Argentina vs England: Revisiting their latest World Cup encounters
Argentina and England have faced each other five times in World Cup history. There is a 40-year gap between their first and most recent meeting. Although political tensions fueled the rivalry, the two sides have not faced each other in 24 years, making this encounter particularly significant. In their first meeting in 1962, England claimed a 3-1 victory, a result they repeated in 1966, proving to be the clear favorites.
After several years without a victory, Argentina defeated England at the 1986 World Cup in the so-called “Match of the Century,” where Diego Maradona delivered a legendary performance. They then defeated England again at the 1998 World Cup, winning on penalties in the Round of 16. However, Argentina lost their most recent meeting, which came at the 2002 World Cup, meaning the overall record does not favor Lionel Messi’s team.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final.
HEIDENHEIM, GERMANY – APRIL 11: Danilho Doekhi of 1.FC Union Berlin in action during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 and 1. FC Union Berlin at Voith-Arena on April 11, 2026 in Heidenheim, Germany. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)
According to Romano, their next target is 28-year-old Doekhi, who is available after his deal with Union Berlin ran down on June 30.
The Dutch centre-back has no shortage of other interested parties, including Aston Villa, Leeds United, Crystal Palace, Besiktas, Fenerbahce, Borussia Dortmund and PSV Eindhoven.
However, most of those approaches were earlier in the summer and the focus on him appears to have cooled, allowing Lazio to push their way into the queue.
A product of the Excelsior and Ajax youth academies, he moved to Union Berlin from Vitesse as a free agent in 2022.
Newly-promoted Frosinone have announced that Gabriele Calvani, Seydou Fini and Giorgio Cittadini have renewed their loans from Genoa and Atalanta.
The Canarini finished second in the Serie B table last season, securing automatic promotion back to the top flight.
They did it largely thanks to a squad packed with young talent on loan from Serie A sides.
Now those are allowed to continue the project at the Stadio Benito Stirpe, as they renewed their loan agreements for one more season.
Fini, Calvani and Cittadini stay
GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 9: Seydou Fini of Genoa looks on during the Coppa Italia match between Genoa CFC and Reggiana at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on August 9, 2024 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Genoa have formally loaned defender Calvani and striker Fini for the 2026-27 campaign.
Atalanta also sealed the loan of defender Cittadini for another season.
All of those are temporary moves without options to make them permanent.
Roma could end up doing a double deal with Chelsea, because negotiations can intensify for both Alejandro Garnacho and Diego Moreira, who is at RC Strasbourg.
The Giallorossi have abandoned hope of securing Mason Greenwood from Olympique Marseille, as he has agreed a move to Fenerbahce instead.
Moreira and Garnacho on Roma radar
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JULY 01: Diego Moreira of Belgium in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Belgium and Senegal at Seattle Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Both clubs are under the same banner of consortium BlueCo and owner Todd Boehly.
As part of that agreement, Chelsea have first refusal on the player, one that they do not seem interested in activating.
However, Sportitalia transfer pundit Alfredo Pedullà insists that the fact the clubs are owned by the same people could see them potentially work out more favourable terms if combined with a swoop for Chelsea’s Garnacho.
Considering Garnacho’s career has stalled due to a lack of playing time, first at Manchester United and then Chelsea, he would relish the opportunity to play regularly under Gian Piero Gasperini.
Their qualification for the Champions League has also helped the situation, along with the presence of Garnacho’s good friend Paulo Dybala.
Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic remains a Premier League target, with Newcastle United, Sunderland, Leeds United and Bournemouth focus on the €40m player, as Juventus still wait.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina international impressed at the 2026 World Cup and in Serie A for the Neroverdi, so is widely expected to move on this summer.
Muharemovic hot property for Sassuolo
SASSUOLO, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Tarik Muharemovic of US Sassuolo Calcio celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and ACF Fiorentina at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on December 06, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The asking price has been set at €40m, though Juventus would be able to get him for half that figure.
Lautaro Martinez struck in the 121st minute to help Argentina on their way to the 2026 World Cup semi-final in the early hours of Sunday morning, but some feel that the Inter skipper was fortunate to avoid a second yellow and a suspension for the upcoming last-four tie with England. Here’s why El Toro escaped punishment.
How Lautaro Martinez escaped second yellow card in Argentina 3-1 Switzerland
Lautaro was initially named on the substitutes’ bench for Argentina’s eventual 3-1 quarter-final win against Switzerland in Kansas City, but emerged off the bench in the 84th minute and contributed his nation’s third goal of the night in the 121st minute of the tie to put the game beyond any doubt.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JULY 11: Lautaro Martinez #22 of Argentina celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Argentina and Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Lautaro was on a booking at the time of his goal, and some eagle-eyed fans believe that he should have been shown a second yellow and sent off for his celebrations. Had that been the case, the Inter striker would have been suspended for the World Cup semi-final against England coming up on Wednesday night.
That is because Lautaro jumped over the advertising hoardings and went right up to the Argentina supporters behind the goal while celebrating his 121st-minute settler.
Under the IFAB laws of the game, a player should be shown a yellow card if he approaches supporters in a way that creates any potential crowd safety issues.
However, as Lautaro’s celebrations in front of the stands only lasted for a brief moment, and given that he didn’t even attempt to touch or engage with the fans in front of him, the officials felt that this specific incident did not require further punishment.
Paolo Maldini and Leonardo are the new technical leaders of the Italy national team set-up, and reports on Sunday claim that Pep Guardiola has again become an option for the vacant national team head coach role under the new leadership.
Could Italy make a move for Guardiola under Maldini and Leonardo leadership?
The FIGC have recently confirmed that Maldini has been appointed as the federation’s new technical director and President of Club Italia on a four-year contract that will see him through until the end of the 2030 World Cup. He will be joined by his former Milan teammate, ex-Rossoneri and PSG director Leonardo as an advisor.
Maldini’s is a four-year project, and with unprecedented powers in his new role, he is expected to make widespread changes to the way that the national team and youth systems operate.
However, up first on his agenda is the appointment of a new head coach.
NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 11: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 11, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
For weeks, the two frontrunners have been Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte. Conte has the backing of the Serie A clubs, while Mancini has a long-standing relationship with FIGC President Giovanni Malagò.
FIGC President Giovanni Malago (left) with coach Roberto Mancini (right): @coppa_canottieri via Instagram.
Both have held the role previously, boast vast levels of management experience, but both come with their fair share of complaints as well: There are concerns that Conte might not be the best fit on a tactical level, while Mancini’s decision to leave Italy in order to join Saudi Arabia 2023 is still a bitter pill for some to swallow.
According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, neither Conte nor Mancini are ‘at the top of Maldini and Leonardo’s list’. Now, Guardiola has come back into the frame and the pink paper insists that the former Manchester City and Barcelona tactician is no longer a ‘fantasy’ option.
The biggest issue with Guardiola is his salary, which La Gazzetta dello Sport claims was close to €25m gross during his final season with Manchester City in 2025-26.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and SSC Napoli at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
The Serie A clubs are expected to make a contribution towards the salary of the new head coach in order to help bring in a top-level CT, but even so, they would not be able to provide for a salary anywhere near the level that Guardiola was earning at The Etihad.
La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that there is still hope, but much will depend on the discussions that take place between the key figures in this new Italy project, i.e. Maldini and Leonardo. The fact that Guardiola is reportedly keen to step into international management at some stage of his career also helps Italy.
La Gazzetta dello Sport also suggests that Carlo Ancelotti and Andrea Pirlo could be among the alternative options if Italy decide against Conte, Mancini or Guardiola.
Coach Ruben Amorim has named a 26-man squad for the first part of Milan pre-season training, including new buy Mario Gila, while some young and loan players will get a chance to impress him.
The Rossoneri come together at the Milanello training camp on Monday July 13, where the work really begins for the new tactician.
Gila is thrown straight into the mix after completing his transfer from Lazio, but Goncalo Ramos is still on vacation after Portugal’s World Cup campaign.
PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY – JULY 11: Goncalo Ramos #9 of Paris Saint-Germain looks on during a Paris Saint-Germain Training Session ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Rutgers University on July 11, 2025 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Amorim has said he wants to evaluate the squad at his disposal before making any further decisions on who Milan should buy or sell this summer.
Players returning from loan who are eager to impress him include Samuel Chukwueze, Francesco Camarda and Yunus Musah.
Youngsters trying to keep a spot at Milan include 18-year-old winger Aurelien Guernier, who just joined from Birmingham City, and striker Andrej Kostic.
Christian Comotto is fresh from Italy’s participation in the European Under-19 Championship.
Kevin Zeroli is not included, as he finished the season late with Juve Stabia in the Serie B promotion play-offs, but is not expected to remain with the Rossoneri.
Warren Bondo is not part of their plans and will work separately with a trainer until he can find a new club.
Milan squad for pre-season:
Bouyer, Pittarella, P Terracciano, Torriani; Athekame, Bartesaghi, Gabbia, Gila, Karaca, Odogu, Pavlovic, F Terracciano, Tomori; A Cisse, Comotto, Fofana, Loftus-Cheek, Musah, Ricci; Camarda, Chukwueze, Guernier, Idrissi, Kostic, Nkunku, Ossola
Fabio Capello believes that the FIGC have made the right call in appointing Paolo Maldini as its new technical director, is pleased to see Leonardo joining him as an advisor, but says that Roberto Mancini’s previous mistakes are too great to simply forget: ‘I’ve already said I would go with Conte’.
Maldini has recently been appointed as the new technical director of the FIGC and has also been named the President of Club Italia on a four-year contract that will see him through until the end of the 2030 World Cup. He will be joined by former Milan teammate Leonardo, who will serve as an advisor.
Gravina has recently been replaced by Giovanni Malagò, who, as of Saturday night, has made his first significant appointment in the Italy national team set-up by bringing in Maldini. Next up is a decision on a new head coach with Mancini, Antonio Conte and even potentially Pep Guardiola, again, among the frontrunners.
Capello has given his verdict on the recent appointment of Maldini, Leonardo and the potential next CT in an in-depth interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Capello: ‘Maldini was the first name on Italy’s list, he’s the person we need’
Capello is convinced about Maldini’s qualities, telling La Gazzetta dello Sport: “Nobody better than him would be able to do it.”
He continued: “I’m really happy about it. Paolo was the first name on their list and they’ve got him, he’s definitely the person we need. I’m happy for the national team and also for him. He’s serious, capable and attentive. He doesn’t speak, he works. He has ideas, he will have a well-defined project in his mind already.”
Capello also gave his verdict on the appointment of Leonardo, who will serve as an advisor to Maldini.
“He’s another guy who knows a lot about football,” said Capello. “If Maldini wanted him to be close by, bringing together a partnership that was born in Milan, it is because there is so much to do.
“We have to recover on multiple different fronts, obviously starting with the young talents. They’ve chosen to take on a big commitment because they are clearly convinced by it. I will repeat: They are both serious, and more importantly, they understand football.”
EMPOLI, ITALY – OCTOBER 01: Paolo Maldini of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Empoli FC and AC MIlan at Stadio Carlo Castellani on October 1, 2022 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
What did Capello learn from watching Maldini up close during his time with Milan?
“Everyone has seen what he did with the Rossoneri,” said Capello. “He’s not a yes man, he wants to have the freedom to change things, he has an exact plan and wants to make that happen.”
And how important is it that Maldini is given full control to make the changes that he wants to?
“It’s very positive. Without that, he would have never accepted,” Capello insists. “Someone like him has to be free to put his ideas to good use. I’m sure that he won’t have made much of a fuss on an economic level, more so that he wants to be able to put the ideas he has in mind into practice, and in that way, he can be really useful.”
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 03: Gerry Cardinale (L) of AC Milan and AC Milan Sporting Strategy & Development Director Paolo Maldini (R) before the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 03, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Milan won the Serie A title with Maldini as a director, but he ended up leaving the club at the end of the following season after a series of disagreements with the club ownership.
Capello says: “We have to consider that relationship with the owners. It’s difficult when yo hit turbulence. You really have to understand the history behind that. The Scudetto victory was incredible, but it’s true that things got a bit complicated after that. I know Paolo has charisma, that he is a winner and has been a key figure everywhere he has been.”
Leonardo also has plenty of history with Milan, and also as a director at PSG. Asked if he is ‘too’ used to having money readily available to spend at those clubs, Capello said “But money has nothing to do with it. It’s all about ideas, not resources.
“You have to be able to understand what is missing and what needs to happen, and then find the way to achieve those goals. Additionally, Leo is a great person, which doesn’t hurt. He and Paolo are coming in strong in their beliefs, ideas and skills. Theirs will be a clear project and I’m curious to see how it will develop when they present it, beginning with the next head coach.”
And who would Capello pick if he were in charge?
NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 11: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 11, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“I’ve already said Conte, who has done well with the Azzurri, Mancini is also good, but leaving the national team up the creek a few days before a series of important matches is too big to forget.”
Reports in Italy claim that Ruben Amorim is interested in the possibility of reuniting with his former Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui, who remains under contract at Old Trafford until 2028.
Report: Milan head coach Amorim likes Manchester United defender Mazraoui
Milan are seeking new reinforcements for their defensive department this summer, and according to reports from Matteo Moretto on Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube channel, Mazraoui is a player and individual that Amorim likes.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JULY 09: Noussair Mazraoui #3 of Morocco controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between France and Morocco at Boston Stadium on July 09, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
There have not been any direct talks between the two clubs at this stage, but the Morocco international is a player that is of interest to the Rossoneri according to the latest updates.
Mazraoui is under contract with Manchester United until the summer of 2028, with a club option to extend that deal for a further 12 months until the summer of 2029.
Ruben Amorim smiles at his first Milan press conference (acmilan.com)
The recently-eliminated World Cup quarter-finalist brings versatility that will be useful for Amorim in Milan. The Rossoneri played in a 3-5-2 under Massimiliano Allegri last term and are expected to start in a 3-4-2-1 under Amorim, and Mazraoui could feasibly cover in a number of roles in both of those formations, as he has done with Manchester United.
If Milan were to progress with a deal to sign Mazraoui, it is expected that they would seek to deploy him on the right of their back three.
Greatness recognises greatness: Lionel Messi was photographed alongside Italy legend Roberto Baggio and gave him a match-worn shirt shortly after Argentina’s 2026 World Cup quarter-final victory over Switzerland in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Baggio was photographed alongside the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, widely recognised as the greatest player of all time, and was given one of his match-worn shirts after the full-time whistle.
“Thank you, Leo, for your precious gift and for your affection. I love you lots, my friend,” wrote Baggio , all smiles in a picture posted to his Instagram profile.
Reports in Italy claim that Juventus have sent an opening offer to Parma for centre-forward Mateo Pellegrino, which has been turned down by the Gialloblu.
Report: Parma turn down opening Juventus offer for Pellegrino
Juventus are on the hunt for a new striker now that Dusan Vlahovic’s contract has expired, and despite negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain for Randal Kolo Muani, reports over the last few days indicate that Juventus are beginning to shift their focus to a deal for Parma’s Pellegrino instead.
The Old Lady have already brought in 19-year-old Jeff Ekhator from Genoa, but are keen to add another, more experienced option to their ranks. Juve are also expected to listen to offers for Jonathan David, Lois Openda and Arkadiusz Milik should they come in.
According to reports from Tuttosport, Juventus have sent an opening proposal to Parma for Pellegrino, who reportedly has suitors in the Premier League and LaLiga as well.
Juventus have reportedly offered an initial loan deal with a conditional obligation to buy for €30m. The obligation to buy clause would be ‘easily achievable’, potentially linked to a top-half finish in Serie A next season.
PARMA, ITALY – MAY 24: Mateo Pellegrino of Parma Calcio 1913 misses a chance during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Ennio Tardini on May 24, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
This proposal has reportedly been turned down by Parma, although the two parties are not a million miles apart.
Pellegrino himself is said to be keen on the move, Parma are reportedly willing to sell for a fee in the region of €30m, but either want this upfront, or if they are to agree to a loan, they would want a larger loan fee.
According to Calciomercato.com, the relevant parties are due to discuss the matter again within the coming hours.
Nicolo Zaniolo is not currently training with Udinese and has presented a medical certificate to explain his absence, but reports on Sunday claim that his ongoing salary dispute has not yet been fully settled either.
Zaniolo not in training with Udinese and has not yet settled salary dispute
Zaniolo spent the 2025-26 season at Udinese, on loan from Galatasaray with an option to buy which has since been activated. The Bianconeri reportedly paid a fee of €5m to secure his signing on a permanent basis, and Galatasaray have kept hold of a 50% sell-on clause.
However, Zaniolo’s agent has recently explained that his client accepted a lower salary offer from Udinese last summer in order to push through a move in a race against time at the end of the summer transfer window. The feeling on the player’s side is that this salary does not reflect Zaniolo’s true value now that the transfer has been made permanent.
The agent claimed that Udinese had agreed to sit down and discuss a new set of personal terms before making Zaniolo’s transfer permanent, but this has not happened and the player has been left feeling ‘bitterly disappointed’.
Recent reports claimed that Zaniolo was earning an annual net salary of around €3m while he was still with Galatasaray, but that he accepted a cut to €1.2m per year in order to join Udinese last summer.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Nicolo Zaniolo of Udinese Calcio is put under pressure by Davide Bartesaghi of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Reports earlier this week claimed that a verbal agreement had been found with Udinese for an increase to €1.8m per season, but updates from Corriere dello Sport suggest that the new deal has not been entirely close and that Zaniolo is still open to moves elsewhere.
Meanwhile, the player is not currently in pre-season training and has presented a medical certificate from his doctors in order to justify his absence.
The quarter-final stage of the 2026 World Cup is complete, and a total of six Serie A players will be progressing through to the tournament’s semi-finals, which will kick off with France vs. Spain on Tuesday evening.
France eliminated Morocco 2-0 in their quarter-final on Tuesday, Spain overcame Belgium 2-1, England defeated Norway 2-1 in extra-time on Saturday night and Argentina needed the full 120 minutes again to get past Switzerland in the early hours of Sunday morning, eventually finishing at 3-1.
Now, only six Serie A players are left heading into the World Cup semi-finals. Four of them represent France and two represent Argentina.
The France squad boasts Milan pair Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot, along with Roma midfielder Manu Kone and Inter forward Marcus Thuram. Argentina have Thuram’s regular strike partner Lautaro Martinez as well as Como superstar Nico Paz in their ranks.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JULY 04: Mike Maignan #16 of France celebrates after the 1-0 victory during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Paraguay and France at Philadelphia Stadium on July 04, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
A total of 15 Serie A players were eliminated at the quarter-final stage, including Norway’s quintet of Italian-based players: Morten Thorsby, Leo Ostigard, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, Torbjorn Heggem and Kristian Thorstvedt.
Belgium also had five Serie A players in their ranks, namely Napoli pair Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne, Milan duo Koni De Winter and Alexis Saelemaekers and Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere.
Roma’s Neil El-Aynaoui (Morocco) and Switzerland quartet Manuel Akani (Inter), Remo Freuler (Bologna), Ardon Jashari (Milan) and Michel Aebischer (Pisa) were the other Italian-based players to be eliminated during the World Cup quarter-finals.
Which Serie A players are left standing at the 2026 World Cup?
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JUNE 30: Marcus Thuram #9 of France walks out of the tunnel with teammates for warm ups before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between France and Sweden at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 30, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
France: Manu Kone (Roma), Marcus Thuram (Inter), Adrien Rabiot (Milan), Mike Maignan (Milan).
Paolo Maldini has officially been appointed as the new technical director of the FIGC (Italian FA) and will be joined by former Milan teammate Leonardo as an advisor, the federation has confirmed.
Official: Maldini appointed new FIGC technical director
The revolution of the Italy national team is well and truly underway: Former FIGC President Gabriele Gravina resigned following Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup at the end of March, as did head coach Gennaro Gattuso and delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon.
ROME, ITALY – JUNE 19: Gianluigi Buffon, Italy new head coach Gennaro Gattuso and FIGC president Gabriele Gravina pose during the press conference at Hotel Parco dei Principi on June 19, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Giovanni Malagò was elected as the successor to Gravina as the new President of the FIGC in June, and he has since been hard at work to appoint a new technical director, who will play a key role in the imminent appointment of a new head coach.
Legendary former Milan and Italy defender Maldini has been chosen as the new technical director of the FIGC, and according to recent reports, will have ‘unprecedented’ powers as he looks to rebuild a national team that has won four World Cups but has failed to qualify for the last three editions of the tournament.
He, along with advisor Leonardo, have signed four-year contracts with the Italy national team set-up, which is intended to take them through until the end of the 2030 World Cup.
“With great pleasure, Giovanni Malagò, President of the FIGC, announces that Paolo Maldini has accepted the position of the federation’s technical director,” read a statement on the FIGC website.
“Giovanni Malagò will also entrust Paolo Maldini with the Presidency of Club Italia.”
Malagò himself commented: “Maldini has always been my goal. I thought he would be the right person to oversee the technical sector of the FIGC, which doesn’t only involve the senior national team, but the entire supply chain of the youth national sides.
EMPOLI, ITALY – OCTOBER 01: Paolo Maldini of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Empoli FC and AC MIlan at Stadio Carlo Castellani on October 1, 2022 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“Over the last two weeks, we have talked about all the projects, going into specifics, and Paolo immediately told me that he would like to involve Leonardo as a consultant because of the demanding, challenging and time-consuming nature of the role.
“I am happy, because I have deep respect for Leonardo. They are two sides of the same coin. It is a four-year commitment which must take us from now until 2030, the next World Cup, also passing through a European Championship.”
Up next for Maldini, Leonardo and Malagò is the appointment of a new head coach of the Italy national team. The latest reports indicate that Roberto Mancini is the current frontrunner, over challenger Antonio Conte.
Adrien Rabiot has sat down for a meeting with his mother-agent Veronique in the United States as he weighs up his next steps at club level, with Napoli and former Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri said to be keen on a reunion with the France international.
Rabiot meets with agent while weighing up Milan future
Rabiot is currently away in the United States with the France national team, who will be taking on Spain in the 2026 World Cup semi-final on Tuesday evening.
Back at club level, Rabiot remains under contract with Milan until the summer of 2028, but his future remains in doubt after just one season in San Siro following a disappointing end to the 2025-26 season, which saw the Rossoneri miss out on Champions League qualification and also led to the departure of Allegri, who brought Rabiot to the club from Marseille.
Since Allegri was appointed as the head coach of Napoli, there have been reports that he is keen to bring Rabiot with him. The pair have a long-standing relationship dating back to their time together at Juventus.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 23: Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan applauds the fans following the final whistle of the Coppa Italia Frecciarossa Round of 16 match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
While the Frenchman is not expected to make any definitive decisions about his club career until his World Cup campaign is complete, reports from various outlets in Italy confirm that the midfielder sat down for a meeting with his mother-agent Veronique in the United States over the weekend to start discussing potential options for the 2026-27 season.
Milan’s stance is clear: They and new head coach Ruben Amorim are keen to keep hold of Rabiot, who was credited as being one of Milan’s most consistent performers in 2025-26 with five goals and six assists to his name in the league.
TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 08: Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Matteo Gabbia during the Serie A match between Torino FC and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on December 08, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
La Gazzetta dello Sport indicates that Rabiot, at this stage, is not intending to leave Milan either, aware of the fact that he has two years remaining on a lucrative contract in San Siro. However, nothing can be ruled out in the time being and much depends on whether Napoli step forwards with an enticing offer for Rabiot and for Milan.
Sunday’s reports claim that Inter could challenge their city-rivals Milan to the signing of right-back Guela Doué following the concerns that cropped up during Anan Khalaili’s medical.
Inter and Milan both keen on Strasbourg’s Doué
Inter are on the hunt for a new starting right wing-back after losing Denzel Dumfries to Real Madrid. The Nerazzurri had initially target a deal for Marco Palestra from Atalanta, but he has since joined Chelsea in a big-money move instead.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – MAY 14: Anan Khalaili of Union Saint-Gilloise lifts the trophy following his teams 3-1 win in the Coupe de Belgique Final match between Union Saint-Gilloise and RSC Anderlecht at Stade Roi Baudouin on May 14, 2026 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
Khalaili was the next target and a deal had been agreed with Union Saint-Gilloise, but the Israel international now needs further medical checks, with reports on Sunday indicating that there were concerns over potential heart issues during those tests with the doctors.
According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, if Inter are unable to get Khalaili over the line, then their next alternative will be Strasbourg right-back Doué, who has also been linked with a move to Milan this summer.
Doué, an Ivory Coast international and older brother of France star Désiré, has been linked with a move to Serie A on several occasions in the past, including to Milan in the summer of 2025.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez struck in the 121st minute of Argentina’s World Cup quarter-final against Switzerland in the early hours of Sunday morning to confirm his nation’s spot in the semis, where they will go up against archrivals England.
Argentina required extra-time to overcome Switzerland in their 2026 World Cup quarter-final, which ended 3-1 thanks to Lautaro’s tie-settling strike right at the end of proceedings. Lionel Scaloni’s side have had to play 120 minutes in all three of their knock-out matches at the tournament so far.
Alexis Mac Allister gave the reigning World Champions a 10th-minute lead, which was cancelled out by former Bologna winger Dan Ndoye in the 67th minute. Julian Alvarez sent Argentina 2-1 up in the second half of extra-time and Lautaro put the game to bed in injury-time.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JULY 11: Martinez #22 of Argentina celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Argentina and Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
It was Thiago Almada who had carried the ball into the area and tested Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel with a low shot, which was saved and parried to Lautaro, who made no mistake with his first-time finish on the rebound.
Malago lands his first target. The Azzurri legend will be the new technical director, will be accompanied by Leonardo. Signed a four-year contract, will nominate the new CT within the next week
Sinner, make history
Jannik looking for a fantastic double
Wimbledon final against Zverev, whom he has beaten in his last nine matches. The Italian could earn his place among the Wimbledon greats
Bellingham fairytale
England in the semi-finals, Norway knocked out
Khalaili stop
Problem with the medicals in Milan
The winger needs more heart tests, Inter on Guela Doue
Corriere dello Sport
Milan, Italia
The national team turnaround: Malago calls Paolo, Leonardo is his advisor
Maldini as new technical director | The Azzurri relaunch, full powers to two former Rossoneri
The FIGC President’s relaunch begins: Four-year contract signed. The surprise is the inclusion of the Brazilian. Now the choice for CT: Mancini is the favourite
Turn it on, it’s Sinner
Wimbledon at 16.00 (Sky and TV 8), Jannik for the double
He could win his first slam of the season and replicate his 2025 triumph against Alcaraz. Now it’s Zverev, transformed from his success in Paris
Inter, Khalaili at risk
Announcement postponed: CONI asks for further checks
Amorim, doubts about Rabiot
Future in question
The Mother Veronique talks to Milan: Decision postponed
Viola boom: Jimenez
Fourth signing
The Spanish full-back arrives on loan from Bournemouth
Juve-Kolo obstacle course
Also difficulties for Dibu
An extra-large squad: Selling is Carnevali’s priority
Gattuso: ‘Putting on my hard hat’
Lazio, Rino’s battle
‘I know what the problems are’
Tuttosport
Sinner, our World Cup
Wimbledon on TV 8 at 16.00, Jannik looking for the second title in a row against Zverev. With him, Italy hopes to make up for the World Cup flop
Juve goal, Hope for Suzuki now. Pellegrino maybe, here’s Ederson again
The Dibu stall could open a double deal with Parma
Carnevali doesn’t want to spend more than 8 million on the Argentine goalkeeper, the Japanese is champing at the bit. The first offer for the centre-forward is turned down, but there’s hope. The Brazilian intrigues Spalletti after United’s no because of physical doubts. Muharemovic, Ekhator the key
Maldinin Azzurri technical director with Leonardo
Malago has convinced the former Milan captain: The Brazilian as his advisor
Four-year contract: A symbol of the national team ever since he was a boy, Paolo will also be President of Club Italia. He also worked with his former teammate as a director with the Rossoneri. Now one week to make a decision on the CT
The fans’ test for Toro
The first open training session under Abate, then setting off for the pre-season retreat. In goal: Perri the closest option
Inter freeze on Khalaili
Stop after the visits
New heart tests have been requested for the Israeli. Guela Doue is the Plan B: Battle with Milan
With the quarterfinals being history, the 2026 World Cup will be the first edition in history with the four ranked teams in the top of the FIFA Ranking qualified to the semifinal round.
The 2026 World Cup quarterfinals are complete, and the final four have been decided. In a historic first, the four remaining teams are the same four nations that occupied the top spots in the FIFA Rankings entering the tournament.
France opened the quarterfinal round on Thursday with a commanding 2-0 win over Morocco, followed by Spain edging Belgium 2-1 on Friday. Saturday closed out the bracket, with England defeating Norway 2-1 and Argentina dispatching Switzerland 3-1.
While the sport’s heavyweights tend to advance deep into the tournament, this marks the first time in 23 editions of the World Cup that the four semifinalists are all ranked inside the top four of the FIFA Rankings. Despite some shuffling of positions throughout the competition, all four nations remained within that elite group both before and after each update.
FIFA Ranking positions prior to World Cup
Argentina: 1877.27 points.
Spain: 1874.71 points.
France: 1870.70 points.
England: 1828.02 points.
Julian Alvarez #9 of Argentina.
FIFA Ranking’s Top 4 after latest update
France: 1948.97 points.
Argentina: 1943.47 points.
Spain: 1934.79 points.
England: 1889.42 points.
No new World Cup champion in 2026
With the semifinal pairings set as France vs Spain and England vs Argentina, the stakes could not be higher. One thing, however, is already guaranteed: this World Cup will not produce a first-time champion, a rare occurrence in the competition’s history.
With all four remaining nations being former world champions, this will be just the third time in World Cup history that every semifinalist has previously lifted the trophy. The only other editions where that was the case were 1970, featuring Brazil, Italy, West Germany, and Uruguay, and 1990, with Argentina, West Germany, Italy, and England.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina, Kylian Mbappe #10 of France, and Harry Kane #9 of England.
The manager of Norway described why Erling Haaland left the match early against England.
It was a great run at the 2026 World Cup for Norway until England beat them 2-1 after extra time. However, the main doubt after the elimination was Erling Haaland‘s exit before the second half of extra time, which Ståle Solbakken explained was mainly due to fatigue.
Solbakken said: “It was not a tough decision because he was finished and maybe I should’ve taken him out 10 minutes before. He obviously had a tremendous World Cup.” The manager also revealed that Haaland was dealing with a “dead leg.”
This loss may not have been unexpected with all the quality England put on the field, but it certainly hurts more because Norway had been ahead. Even with the quarterfinal elimination, the team achieved the best World Cup run in its history.
After the qualification against Switzerland, head coach Lionel Scaloni delivered a grounding message ahead of the 2026 World Cup semifinal against England: "We have to be realistic, we have to be better."
Argentina secured a hard-fought place in the 2026 World Cup semifinals with a 3-1 win over Switzerland, setting up a blockbuster clash with England. Despite the emotion of the moment, head coach Lionel Scaloni kept his feet firmly on the ground, delivering a candid message to his squad.
In his post-match interview, Scaloni was honest about the difficulties Argentina faced at Arrowhead Stadium: “The truth is that today we suffered. We knew they were a very physical team, and we weren’t able to get out of certain situations. We have to be realistic, we need to be better.“
He also took a moment to acknowledge the significance of reaching another semifinal, while quickly shifting focus to what lies ahead. “It is historic. It doesn’t matter whether it’s England or Norway, we are going to face a team that has a great coach. Now we need to recover. That is the important thing,” he concluded.
Scaloni also reflected on how the red card changed the game for Argentina, stating that “the luck was on our side tonight” since from that moment, the team recovered the momentum and the spaces to attack once again.
Breel Embolo #7 of Switzerland gets sent off.
Scaloni also highlighted the turning point for his team being in the 72nd minute, when Breel Embolo got sent off with his second yellow card. The action came after the “mistaken identity” protocol was triggered, with referee Joao Pinheiro overturning his decision, removing the yellow card from Leandro Paredes and then sending off the Swiss player in a controversial play.
Julian Alvarez on the win
With the match locked in a stalemate, Alvarez broke the deadlock with a stunning finish into the top corner to make it 2-1 in extra time for Argentina, and put Switzerland on the back foot. Lautaro Martinez then added a third to put the result beyond doubt.
Reflecting on his first goal of the 2026 World Cup, Alvarez was visibly emotional: “Very happy! We kept trying until the end; things got difficult. There is always a lot of talk, but we have to focus on our own things, on what we do day to day. The group is in a good place, now it’s time to rest and think about the next one. We would have preferred to win it earlier, but we know it’s not easy. There are two more left and we are going to go for it all.“
The quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup have wrapped up, and the four remaining teams now know where and when they'll face off for a place in the final.
The quarterfinal round of the 2026 World Cup has delivered its final four, and the road to the title has never been clearer. Across four matches spread over three days, the tournament trimmed its final eight down to the semifinalists who will battle for a place in the championship game.
France were the first side through, dispatching Morocco 2-0 at Boston Stadium, with goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele sealing the tournament’s first semifinal spot.
A day later, Spain followed them into the last four with a 2-1 win over Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium, a match settled by Mikel Merino’s 88th-minute rebound after Fabian Ruiz’s opener and Charles De Ketelaere’s equalizer had cancelled each other out.
The final two semifinal berths were decided on Saturday, where England needed a stoppage-time equalizer and a Jude Bellingham extra-time winner to get past Norway, while Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez gave Argentina a 3-1 win over Switzerland to reach the semifinals.
The date, kickoff time and stadium for the semifinal of the 2026 World Cup match between England and Argentina.
The second semifinal of the 2026 World Cup was set, with England becoming the first team to qualify after beating Norway, while Argentina reached it after defeating Switzerland to set up one of the tournament’s biggest matches with a place in the final on the line.
This match is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15. What comes after this match is the biggest prize in international soccer, as the winner will advance to the final with the chance to lift the trophy.
Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET at Atlanta Stadium, where another packed crowd is expected for a semifinal between two teams dreaming of reaching the last match of the competition.
Their previous matches
The paths taken by these teams to reach the semifinals have been impressive. England finished first in Group L with a victory over Croatia, a draw against Ghana and a win over Panama, while Argentina won Group J with victories over Algeria, Austria and Jordan.
Jude Bellingham scored two goals for England in the quarterfinals (Dustin Satloff/Getty Images for Rexona)
England advanced to the semifinals after defeating DR Congo 2-1 in the Round of 32 before beating Mexico 3-2 despite playing most of the second half with 10 men, and then overcoming Norway 2-1 after extra time in the quarterfinals.
Argentina reached this stage after beating Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time before coming back from 2-0 down to defeat Egypt 3-2 and beating Switzerland 3-1 in extra time.
Their furthest World Cup run
England won the World Cup in 1966 as their best run, while Argentina are three-time World Cup champions and have also finished as runners-up three times.
Jude Bellingham's performance against Norway has helped him to reach Pele's mark at the age of 23, with Kylian Mbappe being the star remaining at the top.
Jude Bellingham sent England to the 2026 World Cup semifinals with a clinical brace in a 2-1 comeback win over Norway at Miami Stadium. The performance also saw him draw level with Pele’s goalscoring record in the competition at age 23, leaving only Kylian Mbappe ahead of him in the all-time standings for players that age or younger.
With England trailing 1-0 after Andreas Schjelderup’s opener, Bellingham found the equalizing goal in the 45+2 minute after a great control from an Anthony Gordon pass to get inside the box and kick with his left foot. In extra time, he completed the comeback by pouncing on a rebound after Orjan Nyland failed to hold a Morgan Rogers effort, sending the Three Lions through.
The brace brought Bellingham’s career World Cup tally to seven goals, matching the mark Pele had set at the same age and underlining his remarkable productivity in the competition with plenty of years still ahead of him.
In this tournament alone, Bellingham has now scored six times. Alongside the brace against Norway, he found the back of the net twice in two minutes against Mexico in the Round of 16, and added one goal each in the group stage wins over Croatia and Panama.
Jude Bellingham #10 of England scores his team’s second goal past Orjan Nyland #1 of Norway.
His World Cup account was opened at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, where he was part of Gareth Southgate’s squad representing England out of Borussia Dortmund. He scored just once in that campaign, against Iran in the group stage opener, but that solitary goal now forms part of a seven-goal haul that has him in elite company.
Mbappe the only one standing above
Bellingham’s achievement is all the more remarkable given that he is a midfielder, not a natural goalscorer, yet the only player to have found the net more times in the World Cup at age 23 or younger is Kylian Mbappe, who leads the category with 12 goals.
Mbappe announced himself on the World Cup stage at just 19 in Russia 2018, scoring four goals including one in the group stage, two against Argentina in the Round of 16, and one in the final against Croatia. He then raised the bar further in Qatar 2022, adding eight more through the group stage, a brace against Poland in the Round of 16, and a stunning hat trick in the final, again against Argentina.
Jude Bellingham #10 of England and Kylian Mbappe #10 of France.
FIFA explained the controversial goal that England scored to level the match against Norway.
FIFA has moved to defend the officiating in England’s dramatic World Cup quarterfinal victory over Norway, addressing a controversial passage of play that saw Jude Bellingham’s equalizer stand despite replays appearing to show the ball striking an overhead camera cable moments earlier.
The incident unfolded in the first half at Miami Stadium, where Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland sent a goal kick upfield that appeared to clip one of the suspended cables connected to the stadium’s robotic skycam system, altering its trajectory before it dropped to Elliot Anderson.
After Anderson got the ball, England worked the ball forward and two passes later it found Bellingham, who finished emphatically to make it 1-1 just before halftime.
Norway’s players and coaching staff, including manager Stale Solbakken, immediately protested to the officials, arguing the ball should have been ruled out of play once it made contact with an object outside the field of play.
Before England’s goal in minute 45+2 against Norway, the sensor in the Connected Ball showed no peak in the 'heartbeat of the ball' when in the air, and therefore no evidence that the ball touched the overhead wire and changed the movement of the ball. pic.twitter.com/gYf9ukfveT
Referee Clement Turpin allowed play to continue without a VAR intervention, and FIFA later confirmed why. According to the governing body, the tournament’s connected match ball is fitted with a sensor that registers even minimal contact, and a check of that data showed no anomaly, or “peak,” at the moment in question, meaning there was no recorded evidence the ball had struck the cable at all.
England awaits for rival
Having sealed their place in the last four, England now know only half of the equation. The Three Lions will face the winner of Argentina and Switzerland, who meet at Kansas City Stadium for the tournament’s final semifinal spot. England’s semifinal is set for Wednesday, July 15, at the Atlanta Stadium.
The other half of the bracket is already decided. France and Spain, both already through, meet a day earlier, on Tuesday, July 14, at Dallas Stadium, in a rematch of the 2024 Euro semifinals that will produce the first finalist of this tournament.
Set to face Argentina in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, Johan Manzambi will be one of the main absences for Switzerland national team.
Switzerland faces Argentina at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Saturday, July 12th, with a semifinal spot on the line. However, heading into one of the toughest challenges of their 2026 World Cup run, La Nati will be without one of their standout performers.
Manzambi has been ruled out of the quarterfinal against Argentina due to a knee injury. The Swiss midfielder picked up the problem during a training session that kept him out of the Colombia match, and he has been unable to recover in time to face the Albiceleste, with head coach Murat Yakin leaving him off the substitution bench entirely.
Yakin addressed the situation at Friday’s press conference, acknowledging the efforts made to get him ready: “We tried everything that we could to get him back, unfortunately, he’s unable to perform tomorrow.”
He issued an update on the player’s status, and how the team is affected over his absence. “Johan Manzambi is in a lot of pain. It was a shock to all of us. This momentum was on his side, and there is so much joy when he plays football,” Yakin concluded.
Manzambi Johan #9 of Switzerland stretches during a training session.
In his absence, Switzerland will line up with Dan Ndoye and Fabian Rieder on the flanks, while Djibril Sow steps into the attacking midfield role Manzambi would have occupied behind striker Breel Embolo.
Manzambi, Switzerland’s breakout star of the 2026 World Cup
Manzambi began the World Cup on the bench but quickly forced his way into Yakin’s plans with a series of eye-catching performances. He scored a brace in the 4-1 group stage win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, then added a goal and an assist in the 2-1 victory over Canada, contributing to both goals.
He carried that form into the Round of 32, providing the assist for Breel Embolo’s opener in a 2-0 win over Algeria. The knee injury brought his remarkable run to a halt, ruling him out of both the Colombia quarterfinal qualifier and now the match against Argentina.
His performances have already had a tangible impact on his career, however. According to The Athletic, Newcastle United and Freiburg have reached an agreement for the midfielder to join the Premier League side in a deal worth in the region of £50 million ($67 million).
Argentina face Switzerland in a crucial 2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash, where Lautaro Martinez will begin the match from the bench.
Argentina face Switzerland in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup at Kansas City Stadium, and manager Lionel Scaloni opted to leave Lautaro Martinez out of his starting eleven.
This time, Scaloni again chose Julian Alvarez to line up alongside Lionel Messi up front, keeping the same forward pairing that started Argentina’s comeback win over Egypt in the Round of 16.
The decision is purely tactical rather than fitness-related — Martinez is fully available from a physical standpoint and remains an option to be introduced from the bench if the match calls for it.
Scaloni’s ongoing attacking dilemma
The question up front is something Scaloni has been weighing since the start of the tournament. While Alvarez had been Argentina‘s starting striker in the matches leading up to the World Cup, he arrived at the tournament managing an ankle issue that limited his preparation, keeping him out of the starting lineup for Argentina’s first two group games, against Algeria and Austria.
Julian Alvarez of Argentina. (Getty Images)
In his place, Martinez took over the striker role alongside Messi, and the Inter Milan forward started in each of Argentina’s first four matches. However, the forward managed just one goal and one assist before Alvarez took over for the Round of 16 clash against Egypt.
Alvarez brings a different set of qualities to Argentina’s attack, with more pace that allows him to roam across the entire front line, unlike Martinez, who tends to operate through the center.
That’s why, for this match against Switzerland, Scaloni opted to stick with Alvarez’s attributes and keep the same forward line that got the job done against Egypt.
With Argentina set to clash against Switzerland, questions are rising over the presence of Lionel Messi in the game.
Argentina faces Switzerland on Saturday, July 12th, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals. With the defending champions looking to reach the semifinals, the central question heading into the match is whether Lionel Messi will be on the field from the start.
Lionel Messi has been included in the starting lineup against Switzerland. Having played every minute of every game at this World Cup, including the full 90 against Egypt, the Inter Miami star is fit and available with no concerns heading into the quarterfinal.
Argentina arrive on the back of one of the most dramatic moments of the tournament, completing a 3-2 comeback against Egypt that began in the 79th minute, the latest in World Cup history. Switzerland, meanwhile, advanced through a penalty shootout against Colombia after 120 goalless minutes.
La Nati also provide Argentina with a favorable omen. The two sides last met at the 2014 World Cup, when the Albiceleste edged them 1-0 in the Round of 16, and Switzerland hold the added distinction of being the first team against whom Messi scored a hat trick in an Argentina shirt. With five wins and two draws in the all-time head-to-head, the Europeans will be eager to finally end that streak.
Lionel Messi and Ricardo Rodriguez will meet again in an Argentina-Switzerland game after 2014.
Scaloni fields an unchanged lineup
Throughout his successful tenure, Lionel Scaloni has consistently tailored his lineups to specific opponents, rarely naming the same starting XI in back-to-back matches. Against Switzerland, however, that pattern will be broken.
At Friday’s press conference, Scaloni left the door open for an unchanged side: “Well, I’ve already done that a few times. It wouldn’t be crazy if I field the same team, just as it wouldn’t be crazy if there’s a change or two. In principle, they would play very similarly to the other day. Beyond how crazy the match turned out to be, in terms of the actual play, the team did some very good things. I liked it.“
Confirmed lineups for Argentina and Switzerland
Argentina’s confirmed lineup (4-4-2): Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez. Head coach: Lionel Scaloni.
Switzerland’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Gregor Kobel; Denis Zakaria, Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi, Ricardo Rodriguez; Remo Freuler, Granit Xhaka; Fabian Rieder, Djibril Sow, Dan Ndoye; Breel Embolo. Head coach: Murat Yakin
Switzerland face Argentina in a crucial 2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash, with a place in the semifinals on the line.
The final quarterfinal of the 2026 World Cup takes place at Kansas City Stadium, where Switzerland and defending champions Argentina meet for a place in the semifinals.
Switzerland head into this match ranked 14th in the FIFA World Rankings, with 1,710.88 points, a position they’ve earned throughout the tournament. Murat Yakin’s men went unbeaten across their four matches so far, opening with a draw against Qatar on Matchday 1 before picking up wins over Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada to close out the group stage.
They then cruised past Algeria 2-0 in the Round of 32, and needed a penalty shootout to see off Colombia in the Round of 16 following a goalless draw.
Standing in their way is an Argentina side ranked 3rd in the world, with 1,925.15 points. Lionel Scaloni’s men topped Group J with a perfect nine points, then survived an extra-time scare against Cape Verde in the Round of 32 before pulling off a stunning comeback from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16.
Switzerland players react during the penalty shootout vs Colombia. (Getty Images)
Switzerland chasing history
Beyond the ranking gap, there’s a bigger prize on the line for Switzerland,as a win would send them into the semifinals for the first time since 1954, snapping a 72-year drought at this stage of the tournament.
Argentina and Switzerland’s head-to-head record
History strongly favors Argentina heading into the quarterfinal clash. The two nations have met twice at the World Cup, and Switzerland have never beaten Argentina in either meeting. The first came at the 1966 World Cup in England, where Argentina defeated Switzerland 2-0 at the group stage.
The second came at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where Argentina needed until the 118th minute of extra time to break the deadlock, with a strike from Angel Di Maria sending them through to the quarterfinals on their way to the final that year.
For the last two World Cup quarterfinal rounds played on Saturday, FIFA will be holding a minute of silence.
The final two quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup take place today, July 11th, with Norway facing England at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami and Argentina taking on Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Before both matches begin, a minute of silence will be observed.
FIFA has announced that the tribute is being held in honor of Jayden Adams, the South African footballer who participated in this World Cup and passed away on Saturday, July 11th, after returning to his home country.
FIFA’s official statement confirmed the protocol: “M99 (Norway-England) and M100 (Argentina-Switzerland): a minute of silence will be observed in both matches in memory of Jayden Adams, who unfortunately passed away at the age of 25. The South African midfielder made his FIFA World Cup debut during this tournament, playing three matches as Bafana Bafana qualified for the knockout stage for the first time in their history.”
A midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns, who featured in the most recent FIFA Club World Cup, Adams earned his place in the national team through his performances at club level. The news of his passing broke on Saturday morning, with the cause of death not yet made public.
Jayden Adams #23 of South Africa looks on during a training session.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also paid tribute on social media: “It’s so incredibly sad to hear that South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has passed away just weeks after featuring in his nation’s historic FIFA World Cup campaign. My thoughts and condolences, as well as those of everyone at FIFA and the global football community, are with his family, friends and teammates. The Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.“
Jayden Adams at the 2026 World Cup
Adams was part of South Africa’s starting lineup for the tournament opener against Mexico, one of the most anticipated games of the opening round. He was substituted off in the 61st minute for Themba Zwane in a match that ended in a 2-0 defeat for Bafana Bafana.
Before the second group game against Czechia, Adams received the devastating news that his grandmother, Marianna, had passed away. He chose to play through the grief, starting the match before being taken off at halftime in a game that finished 1-1.
For the final group stage fixture against South Korea, Adams came on as a second-half substitute in a 1-0 victory that sealed South Africa’s place in the Round of 32. Their knockout run ended there, falling 1-0 to Canada in a match Adams did not feature in, bringing his World Cup to a close in what would prove to be the final chapter of his life.
Argentina will face off against Switzerland in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals. Here’s everything you need to know to watch the game live in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Argentina vs Switzerland on US television and via legal streaming:
The reigning world champions Argentinacontinue their title defense in a high-stakes quarter-final clash against a disciplined Switzerland side. La Albiceleste have walked a tightrope through the knockout stages, requiring a dramatic late comeback to overcome Egypt 3-2 after being down two goals. Their journey has been a testament to their resilience and the enduring brilliance of Lionel Messi, but it has also exposed moments of vulnerability that Switzerland will be eager to exploit.
Switzerlandenters this match as the clear underdog, but with a quiet confidence built on defensive solidity. They secured their spot in the last eight for the first time since 1954 by grinding out a penalty-shootout victory over Colombia after a tense 0-0 draw. Having kept clean sheets in both of their knockout fixtures, Murat Yakin‘s squad has proven they are organized, tough to break down, and possess the tactical discipline to frustrate even the most potent attacks.
Tactical Analysis & Match Context
This quarter-final presents a classic clash of styles. Argentina, on a 12-match winning streak, has dominated possession throughout the tournament, averaging over 60% of the ball. Their strategy revolves around controlling the tempo and creating opportunities for their world-class attackers. However, their path has been anything but smooth, with narrow victories against Cape Verde and Egypt highlighting a dependence on late-game heroics rather than comfortable dominance.
In contrast, Switzerland‘s success has been built on a foundation of defensive organization. They were tactically astute against Colombia, neutralizing their attack and forcing the game into a war of attrition. While they struggled to create chances themselves, generating a meager 0.07 expected goals (xG), their primary objective will be to replicate that defensive structure. Expect the Swiss to sit deep, absorb pressure, and look to disrupt Argentina‘s rhythm with a physical approach.
The motivations for both teams are starkly different. For Argentina, the pressure is immense as they carry the weight of being defending champions. Anything less than another title would be seen as a disappointment. For Switzerland, this is a golden opportunity to make history. Having already exceeded expectations by reaching this stage, they can play with a degree of freedom, knowing that a victory would be a monumental achievement for the nation.
Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends
Historically, Argentina has had the upper hand in this fixture. The two nations have met twice before at the World Cup, with Argentina emerging victorious on both occasions. The first encounter was a 2-0 group stage win in 1966, but the more recent matchup provides a more relevant benchmark for what to expect in this game.
In the Round of 16 of the 2014 tournament, Switzerland held Argentina to a 0-0 stalemate through 90 minutes, frustrating them with a disciplined defensive performance. It took a moment of magic from Angel Di Maria late in extra time to finally break the deadlock and send Argentina through. This history suggests that another tightly contested, low-scoring affair is highly probable.
Broader trends also favor the South American side. Argentina has an excellent record against European opposition, having lost just one of their last 10 fixtures against UEFA teams. Conversely, Switzerland has historically struggled against CONMEBOL opponents at the tournament, winning just one of their 10 matches in 90 minutes. While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, they paint a clear picture of the challenge Switzerland faces.
Squad News & Projected Lineups
Both managers approach this crucial quarter-final with relatively healthy squads, though a key potential absence for Switzerland could heavily influence their game plan.
For Argentina, Lionel Scaloni has a full complement of players to choose from and is expected to name an unchanged lineup from the side that fought back to defeat Egypt. The team has shown its character, and the manager will likely trust the same group to maintain their momentum.
Switzerland, however, is anxiously awaiting news on midfielder Johan Manzambi. The 20-year-old has been a breakout star of the tournament, contributing three goals and two assists. His absence due to a knee injury against Colombia was keenly felt, as the team’s attacking output plummeted. If he is unable to play, Fabian Rieder is expected to step in, but Manzambi’s creative spark would be a significant loss.
Argentina Projected XI (4-1-3-2): E. Martinez; Molina, L. Martinez, Romero, Tagliafico; Paredes; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Alvarez, Messi This formation has served Argentina well, with Leandro Paredes anchoring the midfield to allow the creative trio of De Paul, Fernandez, and Mac Allister to support the attack. Julian Alvarez‘s relentless work rate creates space for Lionel Messi to operate in dangerous areas, where he remains the ultimate difference-maker.
Switzerland Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Kobel; Zakaria, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka; Ndoye, Rieder, Vargas; Embolo This is a pragmatic and defensive-minded setup. The veteran duo of Granit Xhaka and Remo Freuler will form a protective shield in front of the back four, aiming to deny Argentina space between the lines. Breel Embolo will lead the line, but much will depend on the wide players and attacking midfielder to provide support on the counter-attack.
More details on how to watch
You can watch Argentina vs Switzerland in the World Cup Quarter-Finals on Fubo. The platform is available on a wide array of devices, ensuring you can catch the action from anywhere. Compatible devices include Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and mobile devices on iOS and Android.
In addition to broadcasting every game of the 2026 tournament, a subscription to [Streaming Platform] gives you access to other premier soccer competitions. You can stream matches from top leagues like Liga MX, LaLiga and other international tournaments throughout the year.
A subscription to Fubo is available for $14.99 per month or as part of a bundle package. This gives you live and on-demand access to all the matches and related studio programming.
SEE MORE: For the full broadcast schedule, check out our comprehensive World Cup TV schedule.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
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Argentina enter this match ranked 3rd in the FIFA World Ranking with 1,925.15 points. They are two spots lower than the June 11 update, with only France and Spain ahead of them after advancing to this round by winning Group J with victories over Algeria, Austria and Jordan.
The team has continued to prove why they are among the best by beating Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in the Round of 32 before coming back from 2-0 down to defeat Egypt 3-2 in the quarterfinals.
Switzerland’s ranking
This should be a difficult match for Argentina as Switzerland also arrive after improving their position. Their rivals are currently ranked 14th in the FIFA World Ranking with 1,710.88 points, five spots higher than the June 11 update.
Gregor Kobel was very important for Switzerland in the penalties (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Their campaign began with a first-place finish in Group B after drawing with Qatar and beating Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada. Switzerland then defeated Algeria 2-0 before drawing 0-0 with Colombia and advancing on penalties in the quarterfinals.
Switzerland have remained among the world’s most competitive teams for several years with consistently strong rankings. They reached their highest-ever FIFA ranking of 3rd in 1993, while their lowest came in 1998 when they dropped to 83rd.
Argentina’s highest ranking
Argentina’s place among the best teams in the world has been built by generations of great players. They reached the top of the FIFA World Ranking for the first time in 2007 and have returned to 1st on several occasions since, while their lowest position was 24th in 1996.
England face Norway in a crucial 2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash, where Jarell Quansah won't be available for this match.
England face Norway in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup at Miami Stadium, and Jarell Quansah won’t be involved at all for manager Thomas Tuchel — the defender is serving a suspension rather than being left out by choice.
Quansah received a red card in England‘s victory over Mexico in the Round of 16, after a video review determined that he had made a sliding tackle with his cleats leading, which resulted in an automatic two-game suspension.
That suspension rules him out of the quarterfinal clash and would also keep him sidelined for a potential semifinal, should England advance past Norway, where they would clash with the winner of the game between Argentina and Switzerland.
How Tuchel plans to cover the gap at right-back
With Quansah unavailable, Tuchel is shifting Ezri Konsa out to right-back to fill the void left behind. At center-back, John Stones returns to the starting lineup for the first time since England’s tournament opener against Croatia, partnering Marc Guehi, who passed his fitness test this week after battling a hamstring issue.
Ezri Konsa of England. (Getty Images)
The reshuffle leaves England’s backline looking notably different from the one that started the win over Mexico, but it’s the closest thing to a like-for-like swap Tuchel has available with Quansah unavailable, while Reece James and Djed Spence are only fit enough for a place among the substitutes.
England’s confirmed lineup
For this crucial game, the German manager has already confirmed the team that will take the field at Miami Stadium in search of a place among the final four teams of the 2026 World Cup.
England’s starting XI: Jordan Pickford; Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly; Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham; Noni Madueke, Harry Kane, Anthony Gordon.
Norway vs England takes place on Saturday evening, for a place in the World Cup semi-finals, in a quarter-final pitting the tournament’s most feared striker against the Three Lions’ title ambitions.
The two sides arrived by contrasting routes. England survived a 3-2 thriller against hosts Mexico at the Azteca, holding on with ten men to progress, while Norway followed up Erling Haaland’s late winner against Ivory Coast by dumping out five-time champions Brazil, the win that carried them to a first World Cup quarter-final.
Haaland has been the driving force, scoring five goals in his first three appearances at the finals.
There is a strong Serie A flavour to the Scandinavian squad.
Alexander Sorloth, linked with Juventus this window as a possible Dusan Vlahovic replacement, supports Haaland in attack, while Sassuolo midfielder Kristian Thorstvedt provides an option on the bench.
Bologna’s Tobjorn Heggem starts in central defence for Norway.
In the England camp, Trevoh Chalobah, the subject of Inter interest and a rebuffed €25 million bid from Como this summer, is among the defensive contingent, as is John Stones, who starts for the Three Lions amid interest from the likes of Inter.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 23: John Stones of England walks out the tunnel to inspect the pitch before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Ghana at Boston Stadium on June 23, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Once Norway's lineup against England was unveiled, the exclusion of Antonio Nusa raised some eyebrows among fans.
Norway are in the midst of a historic World Cup run and will look to extend it to the semifinals when they face England in the quarterfinals. However, the absence of Antonio Nusa from the starting lineup was one of the first talking points when the teams were announced.
Nusa has been dropped from the starting XI by head coach Stale Solbakken following an underwhelming performance in the Round of 16 against Brazil. The RB Leipzig winger was unable to make his mark on that match, and Solbakken has decided to make a change on the left flank as a result.
Andreas Schjelderup gets the nod in his place. The Benfica forward was the standout substitute against Brazil, coming off the bench to deliver two assists for Erling Haaland and effectively deciding the match, a showing that has earned him a start against England.
Nusa had been a near-permanent fixture in Solbakken’s starting lineup throughout the tournament, with his only substitute appearance coming in the group stage against France, when qualification was already secured and rotation was expected. But his exit at halftime against Brazil opened the door for Schjelderup, who made the most of his opportunity and has not looked back.
Antonio Nusa #20 of Norway competes for the ball against Matheus Cunha #9 and Danilo #13 of Brazil.
Nusa could miss an eventual semifinal
His place on the bench is not necessarily a long-term concern, as Solbakken regularly rotates his attacking line and Nusa is likely to see minutes at some point against England. The more pressing issue, however, is the disciplinary risk he carries into this match.
Nusa is the only Norway player currently one booking away from a suspension, having been shown a yellow card in the Round of 32 against Ivory Coast. A caution against England would rule him out of a potential World Cup semifinal against either Switzerland or Argentina.
While Norway went ahead, England came back to earn a 2-1 victory with goals from Bellingham.
A great match was expected with a spot in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup on the line as Norway and England faced off in the quarterfinals. In a hard-fought match, England came out victorious in extra time with two goals from Jude Bellingham.
In the first half, there were not many chances, with Norway taking the lead through a fantastic goal from Andreas Schjelderup. However, it was not enough to go into halftime ahead, as Bellingham equalized in stoppage time.
Not much happened in the second half except for a Norway goal that was disallowed after a VAR review because of a foul by Erling Haaland before the corner kick was taken. With neither team able to find another goal, the match went to extra time. Just when it started, a weak shot from Morgan Rogers forced Ørjan Nyland into a poor rebound, allowing Bellingham to score what ended up being the winning goal.
England face Norway in a crucial 2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash, where Bukayo Saka will begin the match from the bench.
England face Norway in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup at Miami Stadium, and manager Thomas Tuchel has once again opted to leave Bukayo Saka out of his starting eleven.
Tuchel is sticking with Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon on the wings, the same pairing that has featured heavily throughout the tournament, with Saka continuing to build up his fitness after arriving in North America still managing an Achilles tendon issue.
The Arsenal winger played through discomfort at the end of the club season to help his team win the Premier League and reach the Champions League final, and Tuchel opted not to risk him from the start in England’s World Cup opener against Croatia either, handing that role to Madueke instead.
Saka has gradually gained rhythm off the bench since, even earning starts in the group-stage match against Panama and during the Round of 16 clash against Mexico, and while he’s now fit enough to play, the German manager has opted to hold him back for this matchup.
Gilberto Mora #19 of Mexico competes for the ball against Bukayo Saka #7 of England. (Getty Images)
England’s other absences for the Norway clash
Saka’s situation isn’t the only selection headache facing Tuchel heading into the quarterfinal. Jarell Quansah is suspended for the match after picking up a red card in the Round of 16 win over Mexico, ruling him out of both the quarterfinal and a potential semifinal.
England will also be without Jordan Henderson, who is out for the remainder of the tournament after breaking his wrist in a freak accident, tripping over an advertising board during the team’s celebrations following the win over Mexico. The midfielder underwent surgery on the injury shortly after.
For this match, Declan Rice, Marc Guehi, and Reece James were also in doubt with various fitness issues, though the first two will start, while James is available off the bench.
With England facing Norway, the absence of both Reece James and Sjed Spence in the starting lineup raised some eyebrows among fans.
England face Norway on Saturday, July 12th, in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals at Miami Stadium, but Thomas Tuchel will be without his two recognized right backs from the start. The absence of both Reece James and Djed Spence from the lineup has understandably raised concern among England supporters.
James will not start after suffering a hamstring strain that has kept him sidelined for much of the tournament. Although he was able to take part in Friday’s training session, Tuchel has decided against rushing him back into the starting XI, unwilling to risk a setback in a quarterfinal.
Spence, meanwhile, has also been managing a minor injury that caused him to miss training sessions in the buildup to the Round of 16 against Mexico. He was able to contribute some minutes off the bench in that match, but remains short of full fitness and is not ready to start.
With both recognized options unavailable, Tuchel has turned to Ezri Konsa at right back to face Norway. While the Aston Villa defender has primarily been used as a center back at club and international level, he did cover the right back role earlier in his career, and Tuchel is now calling on that experience to fill one of England’s most pressing positional gaps.
Ezri Konsa #2 of England.
England’s right back headache
The problems at right back actually predate the tournament itself. Tino Livramento was ruled out of the World Cup after suffering a calf injury in training back in June, with Tuchel bringing in Trevoh Chalobah as a replacement, confident that the position was otherwise well covered.
That confidence was quickly tested. Reece James started all three group stage matches before a hamstring strain ended his run in the team, and he has yet to return for either of England’s knockout games against DR Congo and Mexico.
With James and Spence both short of full fitness and Quansah banned, Konsa has emerged as the only viable solution at right back. It is an experiment born out of necessity, and how it holds up against Norway’s attack remains to be seen.
While the national team had received encouraging updates before the match, uncertainty continued to surround the Arsenal star, leaving supporters wondering why he would not feature in one of England's biggest matches of the tournament.
Marcus Rashford has been included in England’s matchday squad for the 2026 World Cup quarter-final against Norway, but the forward starts on the bench rather than in the starting XI. While many supporters expected the forward star to feature from kickoff, manager Thomas Tuchel has opted for a different tactical approach.
England enters the quarterfinal after a dramatic victory over Mexico, while Norway arrives full of confidence following its historic elimination of Brazil. With a semifinal place at stake, both national teams approach the contest carrying momentum. Rashford remains an important part of England’s plans despite not being selected in the starting lineup.
The Three Lions booked their place in the last eight by defeating Mexico 3-2 in one of the tournament’s most demanding matches. Playing the final 36 minutes with 10 men after Jarell Quansah’s dismissal, the European side showed resilience to protect its lead despite relentless pressure.
Jude Bellingham scored twice in the opening half before Harry Kane added a penalty after the break. Although Mexico fought back with two late goals, England’s defense held firm to preserve the victory and extend its unbeaten World Cup campaign.
Round
Norway’s Results
England’s Results
Group Stage Match 1
Won 4–1 vs. Iraq
Won 4–2 vs. Croatia
Group Stage Match 2
Won 3–2 vs. Senegal
Drew 0–0 vs. Ghana
Group Stage Match 3
Lost 1–4 vs. France
Won 2–0 vs. Panama
Round of 32
Won 2–1 vs. Ivory Coast
Won 2–1 vs. DR Congo
Round of 16
Won 2–1 vs. Brazil
Won 3–2 vs. Mexico
Norway, meanwhile, produced one of the biggest surprises of the competition by eliminating Brazil 2-1. Erling Haaland scored twice in the final 11 minutes, continuing his outstanding tournament after reaching seven goals in five matches.
Why Marcus Rashford is on the bench against Norway
Why isn’t Marcus Rashford starting for England against Norway?
The biggest reason behind Rashford’s absence from the starting XI is Anthony Gordon’s impressive displays during the tournament.
According to The New York Times, Tuchel has preferred Gordon on the left wing after the Newcastle United attacker produced standout performances, including his display against Mexico. Those performances helped Gordon move ahead in the current selection order as England prepares for the knockout clash.
Rather than making changes because of fitness concerns, Tuchel’s decision reflects the competitive battle for places across England’s attacking positions.
Rashford remains an important option
Although he starts among the substitutes, Rashford continues to play a significant role in England’s World Cup campaign.
The forward has already made valuable contributions during the tournament, including scoring against Croatia, demonstrating his ability to influence matches when called upon. His pace, direct running and finishing ability make him one of England’s most dangerous options later in games.
England heads to the Norway game in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals with the possibility of reaching its best mark in the FIFA Rankings.
England entered the 2026 FIFA World Cup widely regarded as one of the strongest national teams of the tournament, and now, sitting just three wins away from glory, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch as the Three Lions prepare to battle Norway in the quarterfinal round. Yet, despite putting together a highly impressive run in North America, their official positioning in the global FIFA world rankings has remained relatively stagnant.
England currently occupies the No. 4 spot in the official FIFA rankings, boasting 1,871.39 total points. The squad, led by manager Thomas Tuchel, actually entered the tournament already locked into that fourth-place position with 1,828.02 points, meaning their recent success has allowed them to comfortably maintain their distance from the chasing pack while failing to quite close the gap on the world’s top three nations.
As the historic birthplace of modern soccer and home to the pioneering Football Association, England is currently in an ideal position to rewrite its own international record books regarding the global leaderboard.
The Three Lions have climbed into the top three of the FIFA rankings on exactly three occasions in program history, achieving the feat in 2012, 2021, and most recently in 2023. Despite reaching those lofty heights, England has never managed to crack the top two spots, an institutional drought they will be incredibly eager to finally break by lifting the trophy this July.
Declan Rice #4, Harry Kane #9 and Elliot Anderson #8 of England celebrate the team’s 3-2 victory.
While Erling Haaland remains the top menace of a dangerous Norway squad, England still holds a definitive historical edge over their Scandinavian counterparts. Across 12 all-time meetings between the two European nations, England has claimed victory seven times, paired with three draws and just two losses, though this highly anticipated clash will mark their first-ever World Cup meeting.
England looking to end its legendary championship drought
England is firmly established as one of international soccer’s most historic brands, currently ranking fifth all-time for the most total matches played in World Cup history. However, during this year’s showcase, the primary objective for the Three Lions is simply putting an end to decades of tournament heartbreak.
In their lone World Cup final appearance, England delivered a clinical performance to secure a legendary 4-2 extra-time victory over West Germany back in 1966, but the program has famously failed to return to the grandest stage ever since. The Three Lions came agonizingly close to snapping their broader trophy drought recently, but consecutive, heartbreaking defeats in the 2021 and 2024 Euro finals against Italy and Spain have only prolonged the nation’s wait for a major honor.
Norway face England in a crucial 2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash, with a place in the semifinals on the line.
The 2026 World Cup quarterfinals continue at Miami Stadium, where Norway take on England in a matchup that pits one of the tournament’s biggest overachievers against one of its most consistent heavyweights.
Norway entered the tournament ranked just 31st in the FIFA World Rankings, but their run through the knockout rounds has pushed their live position up to 19th, with 1,651.29points ahead of the quarterfinal clash.
After getting through Group I — one of the toughest in the draw alongside France and Senegal — Norway beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in the Round of 32 before producing the biggest result of their tournament, eliminating Brazil in the Round of 16 behind a brace from Erling Haaland.
England, meanwhile, sit comfortably inside the top five at 4th in the world, with 1,871.39 points, trailing Argentina, Spain and France among the teams still alive in the tournament.
Erling Haaland celebrates a goal for Norway vs Brazil. (Getty Images)
Thomas Tuchel’s men won Group L without much difficulty, ground out a 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo in the Round of 32 thanks to a Harry Kane brace, and followed it up with a 3-2 win over Mexico at Estadio Azteca to punch their ticket to the quarterfinals.
Norway and England’s head-to-head record
Despite their long shared soccer history, Norway and England have never met at a World Cup before, making Saturday’s quarterfinal a first in the competition’s history. Across their 12 previous meetings — all friendlies or qualifiers — England hold a clear edge with seven wins, two losses, and three draws.
The Three Lions won the first five encounters comfortably, including a 6-0 rout in their first-ever meeting back in 1937, though Norway has pulled off a couple of famous upsets along the way, most notably a 2-1 win in Oslo in 1981. The two sides last met in a 2014 friendly, which England won 1-0 on a Wayne Rooney penalty.
Defending champions Argentina and an undefeated Switzerland are ready to leave it all on the pitch.
Gearing up for a massive Quarter-final battle this Saturday, defending champions Argentina and an undefeated Switzerland are ready to leave it all on the pitch. While the defending champion enters the clash as the favorite, the Swiss arrives unbeaten and determined to produce one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. Whatever the final score, the outcome will have enormous consequences for the road to the World Cup final.
La Albiceleste arrives in Kansas City after surviving two dramatic knockout matches. Lionel Scaloni’s side needed extra time to eliminate Cape Verde before producing an incredible comeback from two goals down to defeat Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16.
Lionel Messi once again led the charge despite missing a penalty before scoring the equalizer, while Cristian Romero and Enzo Fernandez completed the turnaround. The defending champion has now extended its unbeaten World Cup run while continuing its pursuit of becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title.
Switzerland has quietly put together one of its strongest World Cup campaigns in decades. Murat Yakin’s team topped its group beforedefeating Algeria and then eliminating Colombia via penalty shootout after a scoreless draw.
Date
Argentina’s Opponent
Stage
Result
June 16, 2026
Algeria
Group Stage
Win (3–0)
June 22, 2026
Austria
Group Stage
Win (2–0)
June 27, 2026
Jordan
Group Stage
Win (3–1)
July 3, 2026
Cape Verde
Round of 32
Win (3–2 AET)
July 7, 2026
Egypt
Round of 16
Win (3–2)
The Swiss have conceded only three goals throughout the tournament and have relied heavily on goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, captain Granit Xhaka, and a disciplined defensive structure. However, the Rossocrociati will once again be without midfielder Johan Manzambi, whose knee injury continues to sideline one of the team’s most productive attacking players.
Date
Switzerland’s Opponent
Stage
Result
June 13, 2026
Qatar
Group Stage
Draw (1–1)
June 18, 2026
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Group Stage
Win (4–1)
June 24, 2026
Canada
Group Stage
Win (2–1)
July 2, 2026
Algeria
Round of 32
Win (2–0)
July 7, 2026
Colombia
Round of 16
Draw (0–0, won 4–3 on penalties)
What happens if Argentina wins and Switzerland loses?
Should Argentina win in regulation, extra time, or penalties, the defending champion will book a place in the semifinals, where it will meet the winner of the England vs. Norway quarterfinal.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrating.
Victory would also keep alive Argentina’s dream of becoming the first back-to-back World Cup champion in more than six decades. The semifinal would take place in Atlanta on July 15, leaving the Albiceleste just one victory away from another appearance in the World Cup Final.
What happens if the match is tied after 90 minutes?
Unlike group-stage matches, this quarterfinal cannot finish as a permanent draw. If the teams remain level after regulation, the match will proceed to 30 minutes of extra time, and if neither side finds a winner, the semifinal place will be decided through a penalty shootout.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina take a penalty kick
That possibility feels realistic considering Switzerland’s defensive organization and Argentina’s recent habit of producing late drama throughout the knockout rounds.
Current 2026 World Cup Playoff Bracket
The left side of the bracket is already locked in, while the right side will be determined by the final quarterfinal matches. [1, 2]
Tournament Round
Left Side of Bracket
Right Side of Bracket
Quarter-finals
France 2-0 Morocco Spain 2-1 Belgium
England vs. Norway Argentina vs. Switzerland
Semi-finals
France vs. Spain (July 14)
England/Norway vs. Argentina/Switzerland(July 15)
World Cup Final
Winner Semifinal 1 (July 19)
Winner Semifinal 2 (July 19)
What happens if Switzerland wins and Argentina loses?
A Swiss victory would immediately become one of the biggest stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Not only would Switzerland eliminate the reigning world champion, but it would also secure its first-ever World Cup semifinal appearance, continuing what has already been one of the nation’s finest international tournaments.
Breel Embolo #7 of Switzerland celebrates a goal vs Algeria.
Captain Granit Xhaka knows exactly what his team is facing. “I don’t know that we can stop Lionel Messi over 90 minutes. It’s going to be difficult. But we have to be smart, compact, close the gaps, and not give him too many spaces.”
Emiliano Martinez #23, Rodrigo De Paul #7, Lionel Messi #10 and Exequiel Palacios #14 of Argentina applaud fans.
Paolo Maldini has agreed to become the Italian federation’s new technical director, taking on a role created specifically for him as the FIGC begins the task of rebuilding the national team.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Milan and Italy legend has accepted the proposal of new federation president Giovanni Malagò after a long wait, signing a four-year contract on terms described as favourable to the FIGC.
Maldini will serve as technical director and president of Club Italia, a position without precedent in the federation, with sweeping responsibility that extends beyond appointing the next head coach to overseeing the entire national-team pathway.
In a surprise addition, Leonardo, his former Milan teammate and colleague, joins him in an advisory capacity.
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 16: AC Milan Sporting Strategy & Development Director Paolo Maldini and AC Milan Club Sporting Director Leonardo De Araujo before the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia on February 16, 2019 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Maldini and Leonardo to lead search for new Italy coach
The pair’s first task is the most pressing: identifying the man to lead the Azzurri into the next cycle. The names favoured by Malagò have been circulating for some time, Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini foremost among them, and it now remains to be seen whether they meet with the approval of the new technical leadership.
The appointment lands at the lowest ebb in the national team’s modern history. Italy have missed three consecutive World Cups, watching this summer’s tournament from home while former internationals queue up to lament the decline.
The project, as framed by the federation, is to relaunch the Azzurri with the next World Cup as the horizon, and in turning to Maldini, a man who lifted five European Cups and embodied Italian defending for a quarter of a century, the FIGC has reached for the most respected figure available.
For Maldini, it marks a return to the front line three years on from his acrimonious exit as Milan’s technical director, this time with the weight of a footballing nation’s expectations on his shoulders.
Kevin De Bruyne has reassured Napoli supporters that he will come back stronger next season, hours after Belgium’s World Cup ended in quarter-final heartbreak.
The Red Devils bowed out following a tight 2-1 defeat to Spain, undone late on by Mikel Merino’s winner.
De Bruyne was among Belgium’s key men across the tournament, and he was stopped by DAZN in the mixed zone afterwards and asked whether he had a message for the Napoli faithful.
“Let me take a break, I’ve just finished the last game of the season. It’s been a tough year, I worked hard and I’ve shown I can return in top condition after a very serious injury,” he said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.
“Let me take a break and then I’ll be back.”
NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 06: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Torino FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
De Bruyne eyes strong Napoli return after injury-hit year
The comments speak to what has been a testing first campaign in Naples for the former Manchester City playmaker, whose debut season was disrupted by a significant injury.
That he was able to recover in time to play a leading role for Belgium at the World Cup underlines the point he was keen to make.
Now the focus shifts to next season under Massimiliano Allegri, with De Bruyne set for a short rest before returning to build on his first year at the club.
For Napoli, keeping their marquee signing fit and firing will be central to their bid to wrestle back the ground ceded to the division’s front-runners.
Born in Rennes on 14 January 2003, Atta arrived in Italian football via Metz and broke through in Friuli, where his final season announced him as one of Serie A’s most promising young midfielders.
Arthur Atta arrives for his Fiorentina medical tests (@acffiorentina)
Fiorentina win race for Udinese midfielder Atta
The 23-year-old made 36 appearances across Serie A and the Coppa Italia last season, scoring six goals and providing four assists, production that did not go unnoticed.
The midfielder had been tracked by some of the division’s biggest clubs, with Juventus, Inter and Milan all credited with interest in recent weeks, making Fiorentina’s swoop a notable statement of intent.
It caps a productive spell in the market for the Viola, who have moved quickly on several fronts this window: Radu Dragusin has arrived from Tottenham, Alex Jimenez is set to join from Bournemouth, and the club have pursued reinforcements across the pitch as they prepare for a European campaign under Grosso.
In Atta, they add a young, physically mature midfielder with top-flight pedigree and room to grow, precisely the profile ambitious sides build around.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a powerful reminder that reputation alone will not guarantee a place under Jorge Jesus, while Neymar unexpectedly became part of the conversation as the new Portugal boss outlined his coaching philosophy.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a powerful reminder that reputation alone will not guarantee a place under Jorge Jesus, while Neymar unexpectedly became part of the conversation as the new Portugal boss outlined his coaching philosophy. With Carlo Ancelotti also navigating the challenge of managing superstar personalities at international level, Jesus’ comments offer an intriguing glimpse into how elite coaches balance respect for legends with difficult decisions.
Portugal enters a new era after Roberto Martinez stepped down following the national team’s Round of 16 exit at the 2026 World Cup, ending a disappointing campaign far earlier than expected. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) moved swiftly, appointing 71-year-old Jorge Jesus on a four-year contract that will run through Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal will co-host alongside Spain and Morocco.
Jesus takes over after enjoying a successful season alongside Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, where the pair helped deliver the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title. Their previous working relationship has naturally raised questions about whether Ronaldo will continue playing an important role for Portugal despite suggesting the recently concluded World Cup was his final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
The veteran coach made it clear that personal history would never outweigh what benefits the national team. While praising Ronaldo’s professionalism and influence, Jesus stressed that every selection decision would ultimately be made according to his own soccer judgment: “He is a symbol of Portuguese football, of the national team, of Portugal. That will always be part of history, and I had a great pleasure working with him this year.”
Jesus also explained that communication would remain open with every player in the squad: “When I have to make a decision, I will speak to him. But not only to him, I will speak to everyone individually. I’m not going to speak to Cris just because he’s Cris.”
The Neymar story that explains Jesus’ philosophy
During his introductory press conference, Jesus revealed the striking anecdote that quickly became one of the biggest talking points surrounding his appointment.
Looking back on his managerial career, the Portuguese coach reminded reporters that he has already worked with two modern soccer icons before referencing a brutally honest conversation he once had with Neymar during their time together at Al-Hilal. “I’ve already coached two of the three best players in the world; I won’t coach the third, who is Lionel Messi. I coached Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.”
He then recalled the moment that perfectly illustrates how he approaches even the world’s biggest stars: “One day I had to tell Neymar straight to his face: ‘You’re finished.’”
🚨 AGORA! Jorge Jesus fala sobre Neymar em sua apresentação por Portugal:
"O passado e o nome para mim não contam. Eu já treinei 2 dos 3 melhores jogadores do mundo. E um dia eu disse ao Neymar: 'tu, finish'."
— Planeta do Futebol 🌎 (@futebol_info) July 10, 2026
The comment stemmed from Neymar’s difficult spell in Saudi Arabia after arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023. A devastating ACL injury severely limited the Brazilian’s appearances before foreign-player registration rules eventually saw him left out of the Saudi Pro League squad, leading to his departure from Al-Hilal.
Neymar of Al-Hilal prepares to be substituted
Ronaldo’s future remains open despite World Cup farewell
Although Ronaldo stated after Portugal’s elimination that the 2026 World Cup would be the last of his career, Jesus stopped well short of announcing the end of the captain’s international journey. Instead, the new manager emphasized that current performance, not age, would determine whether the veteran striker continues representing Portugal.
“If he’s playing and is in condition to play, if he’s eligible for the national team, I’ll call him up, within the limits and conditions that I deem best for the team.” The veteran boss also dismissed concerns about Ronaldo’s age by highlighting the physical standards he witnessed firsthand at Al-Nassr.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus
According to the coach, Ronaldo remained injury-free throughout their season together, regularly covering around eight kilometers per match while reaching speeds exceeding 25 km/h. Those numbers convinced Jesus that age alone should never become a deciding factor when evaluating elite players.
Jorge Jesus (left), Cristiano Ronaldo (center), and Neymar (right)
Before the match is even played, the spotlight has shifted beyond tactics and results, as Paredes shared an emotional insight into what truly motivates the squad, while Argentina continues its quest to reach the semifinals.
Argentina is preparing for a crucial 2026 World Cup quarterfinal against Switzerland, with Lionel Messi and Leandro Paredes once again at the heart of the defending champion’s story. Before the match is even played, the spotlight has shifted beyond tactics and results, as Paredes shared an emotional insight into what truly motivates the squad, while Argentina continues its quest to reach the semifinals.
As Argentina gets ready for another high-pressure knockout clash, questions continue to surround its performances despite advancing through the tournament unbeaten. Dramatic comeback victories over Cape Verde and Egypt have kept Lionel Scaloni’s side alive, but they have also highlighted the resilience that has become a defining trait of this generation.
Although La Albiceleste entered the tournament as one of the favorites to retain the World Cup, the knockout rounds have tested every part of the squad’s character. After needing extra time to defeat Cape Verde, the defending champion looked to be heading home when Egypt established a two-goal lead in the Round of 16.
Instead, Scaloni’s players produced one of the most memorable comebacks of the tournament. Lionel Messi scored the equalizer before Enzo Fernandez completed the turnaround, keeping the team’s World Cup dream alive and setting up a quarterfinal meeting with Switzerland.
Those performances have sparked debate over whether the team has relied too heavily on Messi throughout the tournament. While the captain has delivered eight goals and remains among the favorites for the Golden Boot, many observers believe the rest of the squad must shoulder more responsibility as the competition becomes increasingly difficult.
Rank
Player
National Team
Goals
Assists
1.
Kylian Mbappe
France
8
3
2.
Lionel Messi
Argentina
8
1
3.
Erling Haaland
Norway
7
0
4.
Harry Kane
England
6
1
5.
Ousmane Dembele
France
5
2
Switzerland presents different kind of challenge
Unlike some of Argentina’s previous opponents, Switzerland is built around defensive discipline and organization. Led by captain Granit Xhaka, the team has frustrated opponents by limiting space in central areas while remaining patient throughout matches.
The Swiss squad has shown it can survive under pressure for extended periods, making it a dangerous opponent despite lacking the individual star power of Argentina. Another disciplined defensive display could force the defending champion into another tense knockout battle.
Still, history favors Argentina. The South American nation has never lost to Switzerland, winning both previous World Cup meetings, including a memorable 1-0 extra-time victory in the Round of 16 at the 2014 tournament.
Lionel Messi of Argentina (C) shakes hands with Granit Xhaka of Switzerland at 2014 FIFA World Cup
Leandro Paredes reveals what truly drives Argentina
While winning consecutive World Cup titles remains a historic objective, Paredes revealed another mission motivates the dressing room every single day. “We play so that Leo’s last match never arrives”, he admitted to Clarin.
“The national team’s willingness to represent an entire country, of this team that for me, as I always say, is a privilege to be a part of. We are here to help, for everyone to give what they can at any given moment, and I think we did that until the very end,” Paredes said.
Lionel Messi and Leandro Paredes
He also spoke about the emotional connection between the players and Argentina’s fans. “There aren’t many words to describe what we go through, what we experience, what we feel when playing in this shirt. For me, it is a source of pride to be part of this national team; I have no other words because it truly is a pleasure,” he explained.
Lionel Messi (L) and Leandro Paredes of Argentina celebrate
Norway and England will square off in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals. Here’s everything you need to know about watching the match live in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Norway vs England on US television and via legal streaming:
Norwayenters its first-ever quarter-final at the tournament as one of the most exciting teams to watch. After topping their European qualifying group as the highest-scoring nation, they’ve carried that firepower to North America, culminating in a stunning Round of 16 upset over five-time winners Brazil. Led by the unstoppable Erling Haaland, Norway‘s attack is a constant threat, but their high-risk style often leaves them defensively exposed, making every match a potential goal-fest.
England, meanwhile, arrives with the weight of expectation and a history of deep tournament runs. The Three Lions showcased immense resilience in their 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico, playing with ten men at the high altitude of Estadio Azteca. This marks their third consecutive appearance at this stage of the competition, and with stars like Harry Kaneand Jude Bellingham in top form, anything less than a semi-final berth would be seen as a disappointment for Thomas Tuchel‘s experienced squad.
Tactical Analysis & Match Context
This quarter-final presents a fascinating clash of narratives and styles. Norway, the tournament’s dark horse, has defied expectations by reaching the final eight for the first time. Their journey has been fueled by an explosive offense that saw them dominate European qualifiers and stun Brazil. In contrast, England represents the established elite, a team hardened by recent finals appearances that navigated a treacherous Round of 16 test against Mexico with tactical discipline and grit.
The tactical battle will likely pit England‘s potent counter-attack against Norway‘s possession-based approach. Against Mexico, England registered its lowest possession in a World Cup match since 1966 (33.2%), yet remained lethal in transition. Norway, while controlling the ball against Brazil, was vulnerable to turnovers and conceded significant chances. The game could be decided by whether England’s backline can withstand Norwegian pressure and how clinically the Three Lions can punish any defensive lapses on the break.
For Norway, the motivation is to make history and continue their dream run without the immense pressure faced by their opponents. Every step forward is a new national achievement. For England, the stakes are sky-high. With a squad deep in talent and experience, the expectation is to advance. The urgency to capitalize on this golden generation and secure a place in the semi-finals will drive their performance.
Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends
Historically, the competitive meetings between these two nations have been infrequent but tightly contested. In four official World Cup qualifying matches, Norway holds a slight edge with two wins to England‘s one, alongside a single draw. However, England has had the upper hand in friendly encounters, remaining undefeated across four games, including a narrow 1-0 victory in their most recent meeting back in September 2014.
There is little recent history to draw upon, as the teams have not faced each other in a competitive fixture in over three decades. This lack of familiarity adds an element of unpredictability to the quarter-final clash. Both teams will be analyzing recent tournament form rather than historical precedent to gain an edge.
A key trend to watch is Norway‘s record against fellow European nations at the tournament. They have failed to win any of their six such matches, recording two draws and four losses. Furthermore, Norway has been a magnet for action-packed games in this competition, with both teams scoring in all five of their matches. They average 2.40 goals scored per game but concede 1.80, pointing towards another potentially high-scoring affair.
Squad News & Projected Lineups
Norway enters this historic match with a full-strength squad, while England must contend with key absences that will force tactical adjustments.
Norway manager Ståle Solbakken has no new injury or suspension concerns and is expected to name the same starting eleven that brilliantly overcame Brazil. The team’s cohesion and momentum are significant advantages, with key players like Martin Ødegaard hitting peak form at the perfect time to support the phenomenal Erling Haaland, who has scored in 14 consecutive competitive appearances for his country.
England, on the other hand, faces defensive challenges. Jarell Quansah is suspended following his red card against Mexico, and midfielder Jordan Henderson is out for the remainder of the tournament. While Reece James is nearing a return from a hamstring injury, he is not expected to start, meaning Djed Spence will likely continue at right-back, forcing Thomas Tuchel to reshuffle his defensive line.
Norway Projected XI (4-3-3): Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe; Berge, Berg, Odegaard; Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa. This lineup provides continuity from the historic win against Brazil. The midfield trio of Berge, Berg, and Ødegaard offers a perfect blend of physicality and creativity, tasked with controlling the tempo and supplying chances for the lethal front three led by Haaland.
England Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane. Tuchel’s selection is shaped by necessity. Ezri Konsa is expected to partner Marc Guehi in central defense, with Djed Spence filling in at right-back. The attacking unit remains England’s greatest strength, with the dynamic Jude Bellingham playing in an advanced role behind Harry Kane, who is tied as the tournament’s top scorer.
More details on how to watch
You can watch the Norway vs England match on Fubo. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and gaming consoles, as well as web browsers on your computer and apps for mobile devices.
In addition to the 2026 tournament, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to a host of other top soccer competitions from around the world. You can stream leagues and tournaments such as LigaMx and LaLiga.
The service is available for a monthly fee of $14.99. This single subscription provides comprehensive coverage of the beautiful game, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the action from North America and beyond.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as Nord VPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.
Erling Haaland of Norway (L) and Harry Kane of England (R)
Roma have found a willing target in their search for attacking reinforcements, with Nicolò Tresoldi keen to make the move to the capital, and the Giallorossi may have an unlikely ally working in their favour.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, via RomaPress, momentum behind a deal is growing, with Tresoldi himself pushing to join.
One of Roma’s own players could prove decisive: the Club Brugge striker has spoken by phone in recent days with midfielder Nicolò Pisilli, the pair having struck up a friendship at youth level.
PARMA, ITALY – MAY 10: Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AS Roma at Stadio Ennio Tardini on May 10, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Tresoldi lined up as Roma’s backup to Malen
The interest is rooted in Roma’s need for a deputy to Donyell Malen, the Dutchman having become central to Gian Piero Gasperini’s attack.
Tresoldi fits the profile they want: a Cagliari-born forward with German and Italian roots off the back of a prolific campaign in Belgium, scoring more than 20 goals across all competitions as Club Brugge claimed the title.
That form has not gone unnoticed elsewhere, with Atlético Madrid and Arsenal also credited with an interest.
Club Brugge, for their part, have set an asking price of around €30 million, and the Giallorossi’s recruitment team will spend the coming days working out how to persuade the Belgian side to soften that valuation, mindful, too, that outgoings may be needed before any bid can be finalised.
Milan have turned their attention to Guéla Doué, opening talks with the defender’s representatives over a possible move to San Siro.
According to Tuttosport, via MilanNews.it, the Rossoneri have made contact with the entourage of the Strasbourg defender, who is said to be enthusiastic about the prospect of joining.
The Ivory Coast international racked up 34 appearances for the Ligue 1 club last season.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Rafael Leao of AC Milan battles for possession with Guela Doue of Stade Rennais during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 Knockout Round Play-offs First Leg match between AC Milan and Stade Rennais FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 15, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Milan ready to offer Doue five-year deal
Milan are prepared to hand the defender a five-year contract worth €2.5 million per season plus bonuses, though an agreement with Strasbourg still needs to be struck before the deal can move forward.
The interest fits the defensive overhaul Ruben Amorim has prioritised since taking charge.
Milan have already brought in Mario Gila, and with Fikayo Tomori’s future uncertain amid interest from Juventus, the club regard a further defender as a priority.
Doué, young and fresh off a full campaign in France, offers exactly the profile they are chasing.
Mario Balotelli has made Inter the team to beat in Serie A next season, but the striker named Roma as his surprise pick to gatecrash the title race.
According to Sport Mediaset, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Balotelli, now with Al-Ittifaq in Dubai, predicted champions Inter to remain at the summit while singling out an outsider.
Asked whether Napoli, Milan and Juventus were genuine contenders, he replied: “Yes, but I want to add a surprise: Roma.” On the reigning champions, he was unequivocal: “Inter remain the team to beat.”
That verdict chimed with his admiration for former Inter teammate Cristian Chivu, now in the San Siro dugout.
“He was always switched on, even as a player, already a coach on the pitch, tactically ready and intelligent,” Balotelli said of the man he won the 2010 treble alongside.
Mario Balotelli acts as fashion model for KidSuper runway show.
Balotelli reveals near-Juventus move and backs Allegri at Napoli
The former Manchester City man also lifted the lid on a transfer that never materialised.
“Yes, after Manchester City. Then I ended up at Milan, so no regrets, it was a choice,” he said. “Of course, that Juventus side was strong.”
He had warm words, too, for Massimiliano Allegri as the coach starts afresh at Napoli. “Recently I’ve read a lot of criticism of him, but when I had him at Milan I liked him a great deal,” Balotelli said. “If he’s still that man, he’ll do well.”
There was a more sombre note when talk turned to the national side. Balotelli remains Italy’s last World Cup scorer, a mark unbroken since 2014, with the Azzurri absent from a third straight tournament this summer, and he took no pride in it.
“It’s nothing to be proud of, quite the opposite, it’s a sad thing,” he said. “Too many years have passed.”
Chelsea have opened talks with the representatives of Bologna winger Jonathan Rowe as they look to add attacking width this summer.
According to Il Resto del Carlino, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the Blues have again placed the England Under-21 international on their shortlist in recent weeks, with fresh contact between the London club and Rowe’s camp said to have taken place in the past few days.
No formal bid has yet been made, and the Englishman is one of several wingers under consideration, alongside West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville and Francisco Trincão.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 17: Jonathan Rowe of Bologna FC in action during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Bologna FC 1909 at Gewiss Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)
Chelsea eye Bologna’s Rowe for left flank
Rowe, 23, finished last season strongly, scoring and creating goals across Serie A and Bologna’s European and cup runs.
Bologna would prefer to keep him and have not put him up for sale, though a significant offer would likely force a decision.
Before kickoff in Miami, fans are eager to learn whether both superstar strikers will feature from the opening whistle and how each national team plans to approach the high-stakes showdown.
Norway is preparing for the biggest match in its modern soccer history as it faces England in the 2026 World Cup Quarter-finals, with Erling Haaland and Harry Kane expected to headline one of the tournament’s most anticipated battles. However, before kickoff in Miami, fans are eager to learn whether both superstar strikers will feature from the opening whistle and how each national team plans to approach the high-stakes showdown.
The quarterfinal brings together two sides whose journeys have captivated supporters for different reasons. Norway has emerged as the surprise package of the tournament. At the same time, England has continued its pursuit of a first World Cup title since 1966, relying heavily on the leadership of Kane and the brilliance of Jude Bellingham.
Norway’s remarkable journey continues as England survives major tests
Few expected Norway to reach this stage when the tournament began. After ending a 28-year absence from the World Cup, the Scandinavian nation has embraced the occasion, advancing to its first-ever World Cup quarterfinal after memorable victories over Ivory Coast and five-time champions Brazil.
The victory against Brazil became one of the defining moments of the tournament. Erling Haaland scored twice in the 2-1 triumph, further cementing his reputation as one of the world’s deadliest finishers while helping Norway make history.
Erling Haaland #9 of Norway celebrating.
On the other hand, England has also experienced its share of drama during the knockout rounds. Thomas Tuchel’s side produced an impressive 3-2 victory over co-host Mexico, overcoming difficult conditions and even playing with ten men after Jarell Quansah’s dismissal.
Harry Kane of England celebrates after scoring a goal.
The Three Lions have now reached their 11th World Cup quarterfinal, extending a consistent run of success at major tournaments. While defensive issues have occasionally surfaced, England’s attack has remained productive thanks to Kane, Bellingham and Bukayo Saka.
Round
Norway’s Results
England’s Results
Group Stage Match 1
Won 4–1 vs. Iraq
Won 4–2 vs. Croatia
Group Stage Match 2
Won 3–2 vs. Senegal
Drew 0–0 vs. Ghana
Group Stage Match 3
Lost 1–4 vs. France
Won 2–0 vs. Panama
Round of 32
Won 2–1 vs. Ivory Coast
Won 2–1 vs. DR Congo
Round of 16
Won 2–1 vs. Brazil
Won 3–2 vs. Mexico
Will Erling Haaland and Harry Kane play?
Both Erling Haaland and Harry Kane will start for their respective national teams, setting up one of the tournament’s most intriguing individual duels.
The former enters the quarterfinal in sensational form after scoring seven goals, placing him among the leading contenders for the Golden Boot. Meanwhile, the latter has been equally influential, contributing six goals while continuing to lead England’s attack with his movement, finishing, and experience.
Erling Haaland of Norway (L) and Harry Kane of England (R)
Both forwards approach the game differently. Haaland remains high up the pitch, constantly searching for space behind defenders, while Kane frequently drops deeper to link midfield with attack before arriving inside the penalty area.
Ciro Immobile has installed Inter as the team to beat in Serie A next season, pointing to the upheaval among their closest rivals as the champions’ biggest edge.
“I think Inter are favourites. I’ve seen a lot of managerial changes and therefore a need to settle, whereas they’re already well-drilled,” he said. “Milan, Napoli and Juventus have to gear up to trouble them.”
That churn is hard to argue with. Milan are starting afresh under Ruben Amorim, Napoli have replaced Antonio Conte with Massimiliano Allegri, and Juventus continue to build around Luciano Spalletti.
Inter, by contrast, keep faith with Cristian Chivu and the spine that carried them to the Scudetto, a stability their pursuers cannot currently match.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 13: Cristian Chivu of FC Internazionale celebrates after winning the Coppa Italia final match between SS Lazio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico on May 13, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Immobile weighs in on Italy’s Conte-or-Mancini call
Immobile also turned to the vacant Italy job, with the succession appearing to come down to Conte or Mancini. On that, he refused to split them.
“They’ve both done well. I remember we did well at the Euros with Conte too, after ending up in a group with Spain and Germany,” he said. “Mancini’s was the last winning Italy side, one that left a nice memory for the children of today too.”
Having played under both men with the Azzurri, Immobile is well placed to judge, and his verdict offers little to separate two of the frontrunners now being weighed to lead Italy’s rebuild.
Fiorentina are on the verge of a surprise signing, with Alex Jimenez set to join from Bournemouth and return to Serie A.
According to Sky Sport and Gianluca Di Marzio, via FirenzeViola, the Viola have wrapped up a loan deal with an option to buy set at €20 million.
The move is at an advanced stage, with the Spaniard already in Florence and undergoing his medical after completing the first round of tests earlier in the day.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 19: Alex Jimenez of Bournemouth in action during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Bournemouth at Amex Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Fiorentina to land ex-Milan full-back Jimenez on loan
The 2005-born right-back arrives to bolster Fabio Grosso’s options down the flank, and the switch reunites him with Italian football after a brief spell in the Premier League.
The Cherries have opted to cash in barely six months later, moving him on this window after an off-the-pitch scandal involving supposed online messages with a teenage girl.
For Fiorentina, it represents an opportunistic piece of business: a young, Serie A-proven defender secured on a loan that hands them the choice, rather than the obligation, of a permanent deal further down the line.
Fiorentina have been knocked back in their attempt to sign Tolu Arokodare, with Wolves rejecting an approach for the forward.
According to Fabrizio Romano, via FirenzeViola, the Viola tabled a proposal for the striker, only for the Premier League club to turn it down.
The move is part of Fiorentina’s search for a wide attacker to hand straight to Fabio Grosso, with the club looking at options while they wait on Luca Koleosho.
Arokodare, though, looks a difficult target on more than one front.
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – MAY 31: Toluwalase Emmanuel Arokodare of Nigeria during the Unity Cup Final match between Jamaica and Nigeria at Gtech Community Stadium on May 31, 2025 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)
Arokodare reluctance a stumbling block for Fiorentina
Wolves’ rejection is not the only obstacle.
Trabzonspor have also shown interest in the 2000-born Nigeria international and made their own unsuccessful move for him, but the bigger issue for any suitor may be the player’s own stance: Arokodare is reported to have little appetite for a transfer at this stage.
For Fiorentina, then, attention is likely to turn back to alternatives as they seek to reinforce Grosso’s attack, with Koleosho among the names still in the frame.
Paulo Dybala is set to put pen to paper on a new Roma contract today, ending any uncertainty over the Argentine’s future in the capital.
The playmaker had reached the end of his previous deal, and his signature will formally restore his status as a Roma player after a spell as a free agent.
Dybala had initially hoped for a longer commitment, but an improved salary, worth close to €3 million net plus bonuses, bridged the gap and left both parties satisfied.
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma in action during the Serie A match between Torino FC and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on January 18, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
He is due back in the capital on Sunday with the contract signed, before reporting to the Trigoria training base on Monday to link up with Gian Piero Gasperini for pre-season.
Roma have every reason to want him tied down. Dybala remains a technical leader in the dressing room and one of the players Gasperini intends to build around.
His influence was clear at the tail end of last season: in his first three starts back from injury, he supplied four assists to help steer Roma to third place and Champions League qualification.
Juventus have revived their interest in Fikayo Tomori, roughly 18 months after a move for the Milan defender collapsed when the player turned it down.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, via CalcioMercato, the Bianconeri are once again weighing up the centre-back, drawn to his experience and Serie A grounding, a profile that fits Luciano Spalletti’s wishes.
Any deal, however, depends on outgoings. Giovanni Carnevali’s hierarchy want to lighten the squad before adding to it, and Federico Gatti is among those who could make way.
Squeezed out by Bremer and seeking more regular minutes, Gatti would command a fee that generates a healthy profit, with Napoli and moves to Turkey lingering in the background as possible routes out.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Federico Gatti of Juventus celebrates scoring their third goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Juventus ready to move for Tomori if Gatti departs
Should Gatti go, Juventus are prepared to press ahead for Tomori.
The England international, whose Milan contract expires in 2027, looks set for a reduced role following the arrival of Gila, and this time may be more open to a switch than he was previously.
For Milan, a sale would raise funds; for Juventus, it represents a market opportunity, but only once space has been cleared.
Tomori has been a mainstay at San Siro since joining in 2021, racking up 214 appearances and seven goals, and helping the club to the 2022 Scudetto and the Supercoppa Italiana.
Whether his Milan chapter now nears its end may hinge, in the first instance, on what Juventus can do at the other end of their own defence.
England's quarterfinal against Norway is one of the biggest matches remaining at the 2026 World Cup, and the outcome could dramatically reshape the tournament bracket. The Three Lions enter the contest after a thrilling victory over Mexico, while Norway arrives full of confidence following a stunning upset of Brazil. Before the first whistle in Miami, […]
England’s quarterfinal against Norway is one of the biggest matches remaining at the 2026 World Cup, and the outcome could dramatically reshape the tournament bracket. The Three Lions enter the contest after a thrilling victory over Mexico, while Norway arrives full of confidence following a stunning upset of Brazil. Before the first whistle in Miami, fans are already wondering how each possible result could alter the road to the final.
England heads into the knockout clash following a 3-2 victory over Mexico, while Norway earned a memorable 2-1 triumph over Brazil to reach its first-ever World Cup quarterfinal. With Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard all preparing for another high-pressure occasion, the winner will move one step closer to lifting soccer’s biggest prize.
The Vikings have become one of the tournament’s biggest surprises after ending a 28-year World Cup absence by reaching the last eight. Stale Solbakken’s side has combined fearless attacking soccer with remarkable resilience, eliminating Brazil after also overcoming Ivory Coast in the previous knockout round.
Date
Norway’s Opponent
Stage
Result
June 16, 2026
Iraq
Group Stage
Win (4–1)
June 22, 2026
Senegal
Group Stage
Win (3–2)
June 26, 2026
France
Group Stage
Loss (1–4)
June 30, 2026
Ivory Coast
Round of 32
Win (2–1)
July 5, 2026
Brazil
Round of 16
Win (2–1)
On the other hand, the Three Lions’ journey has been equally dramatic. Thomas Tuchel’s squad survived an exhausting battle against co-host Mexico, winning despite playing with ten men for a significant portion of the second half.
Date
England’s Opponent
Stage
Result
June 17, 2026
Croatia
Group Stage
Win (4–2)
June 23, 2026
Ghana
Group Stage
Draw (0–0)
June 27, 2026
Panama
Group Stage
Win (2–0)
July 1, 2026
DR Congo
Round of 32
Win (2–1)
July 5, 2026
Mexico
Round of 16
Win (3–2)
What happens if England wins and Norway loses?
If England defeats Norway, Thomas Tuchel’s side will secure a place in the 2026 World Cup Semi-finals. The Three Lions would then face the winner of Argentina versus Switzerland, keeping alive hopes of reaching another World Cup final.
Harry Kane #9 of England celebrates with teammates Declan Rice #4 and Anthony Gordon #18.
Victory would also maintain England’s pursuit of its first world title since 1966. With Kane and Bellingham leading the attack, England would remain on the same side of the bracket as Argentina or Switzerland before a potential final against the winner emerging from the opposite half.
England enters the Quarter-finals carrying momentum after winning three consecutive matches while scoring at least twice in each victory. Despite lingering injury concerns, squad depth remains one of its greatest strengths entering the decisive stage of the tournament.
What happens if the match is level after 90 minutes?
If England and Norway are tied at the end of regulation, neither nation advances immediately. Instead, the quarterfinal would move into two 15-minute periods of extra time, with penalties deciding the winner if the deadlock remains.
Harry Kane #9 of England converts a penalty
This scenario introduces another layer of drama, especially for players already carrying yellow cards. England stars such as Jude Bellingham and several teammates could risk suspension for the semifinals if they receive another booking before eventually advancing.
Extra time would also test both squads physically after demanding knockout campaigns. Miami’s expected heat could become another significant factor as tired legs begin to influence the contest.
Tournament Round
Left Side of Bracket
Right Side of Bracket
Quarter-finals
France 2-0 Morocco Spain 2-1 Belgium
England vs. Norway Argentina vs. Switzerland
Semi-finals
France vs. Spain (July 14)
England/Norway vs. Argentina/Switzerland(July 15)
World Cup Final
Winner Semifinal 1 (July 19)
Winner Semifinal 2 (July 19)
What happens if Norway wins and England loses?
If Norway eliminates England, the Scandinavian nation would complete another historic achievement by reaching its first-ever World Cup semifinal. Such a result would become one of the greatest moments in Norwegian soccer history, following the already remarkable victory over Brazil.
Norway players celebrate
The Vikings would then advance to face Argentina/Switzerland in Atlanta. England’s campaign would come to an end at the quarterfinal stage despite entering the tournament as one of the favorites.
Haaland has played a central role in Norway’s remarkable run, scoring seven goals to establish himself among the Golden Boot leaders. Martin Odegaard’s creativity, combined with the pace of Norway’s supporting attackers, has transformed the team into one of the competition’s most dangerous outsiders.
Dodo appears to be on his way out of Fiorentina this summer, and Nottingham Forest have become the latest club to register an interest in the Brazilian full-back.
According to reports from FirenzeViola, the right-back has made no secret of his wish to move on, and the Viola, working alongside his representatives, are now trying to find him a new home.
A quick sale is far from guaranteed, though: with his contract ticking down to 2027, Fiorentina are still holding out for around €15 million, a fee that complicates any swift departure.
FLORENCE, ITALY – DECEMBER 11: Domilson Cordeiro dos Santos known as Dodo of ACF Fiorentina in action during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between ACF Fiorentina and FC Dynamo Kyiv at Stadio Artemio Franchi on December 11, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Napoli push hardest for Dodo as Nottingham Forest enquire
Napoli have been the most persistent of his admirers, returning to the 1998-born defender repeatedly in recent weeks.
A route to a deal may lie in an exchange: Fiorentina are keen on Napoli winger Noa Lang, raising the possibility of a swap with a cash element tilted in the Partenopei’s favour.
Forest, for their part, have made contact from the Premier League as they search for a wide defender of Dodo’s type.
They are not the only ones circling.
Como look, for now, the likeliest to firm up their interest with a concrete offer, while Inter had made earlier soundings and could yet come back into it. Roma’s interest, keen at the start of the month, has since faded. What seems settled is Dodo’s determination to leave the Viola.
Mario Gila has spoken for the first time since completing his move to Milan, crediting the club’s standing and Ruben Amorim’s vision as the factors that swayed him.
“I chose Milan because it’s one of the strongest teams in the world. The history it has and everything around it was exactly what I needed to reach a certain level,” Gila said.
“We can do many great things, there are lots of objectives and I promise to help the team by giving everything I have. It’s a wonderful challenge for me. The coach’s ideas and everything that Milan represents led me to choose the Rossoneri.”
Mario Gila shows off Milan jersey (@acmilan)
Gila eager to get started under Amorim at Milanello
The centre-back made no secret of his excitement at joining the club, and at the prospect of getting to work under his new coach.
“I was very emotional about arriving at such an important club. These have been days full of positive emotions and I’m very happy,” he added.
“I’m someone who feels comfortable anywhere, and I’m sure I’ll settle in well with my teammates. I’m really curious to see Milanello, the fans will be there on Monday. I can’t wait to meet the coach and see how he works.”
Gila becomes Milan’s second major arrival of the summer, following the club-record capture of Gonçalo Ramos, and forms part of the defensive overhaul Amorim has prioritised since taking charge.
Alejandro Garnacho could be on his way out of Chelsea this summer, and the Argentine’s situation has caught the attention of Serie A, with Roma his preferred destination and Napoli the latest club to make enquiries.
Barely a year on from his move from Manchester United, the Argentine has slipped down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, and the Blues are now open to cashing in.
According to Fabrizio Romano, via CalcioMercato, Garnacho is expected to leave in the coming weeks, with Chelsea holding firm, for now, on a permanent sale rather than a loan. That resolve could ease if no firm bids arrive, potentially opening the door to a loan-with-obligation or option-to-buy structure that would suit the Italian sides far better.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 26: Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea reacts during the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Chelsea and Leeds United at Wembley Stadium on April 26, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Roma lead race for Chelsea’s Garnacho as Napoli enquire
Roma have had Garnacho on their radar for some weeks, and Alfredo Pedullà reports their interest remains strong and very much alive, with the player himself keen on the move.
The Giallorossi are seeking attacking reinforcements for Gian Piero Gasperini, and with their pursuit of Mason Greenwood having grown complicated, the budget earmarked for that deal could be redirected.
Roma are weighing alternatives too, among them Nottingham Forest’s Dan Ndoye, valued at around €30m and familiar with Serie A from his Bologna days, as well as Noa Lang, Assane Diao and, further afield, West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville.
Napoli, meanwhile, have entered the frame. Pedullà reports the Partenopei made an enquiry in the last few hours, though Garnacho is no new name for a club that tracked him for months.
For now, though, Aurelio De Laurentiis’s side cannot move for incomings until they first trim Massimiliano Allegri’s squad.
Adrien Rabiot has played down speculation about his Milan future for now, insisting talks with new head coach Ruben Amorim can wait until after the World Cup.
The midfielder, a key figure in an impressive France campaign, was approached by Rai outside Didier Deschamps’ squad base.
Asked whether Amorim had been in contact with him in recent days, with quotes via CalcioMercato, Rabiot kept it brief: “We’ll speak later on.”
The midfielder is evidently keen to stay locked in on the tournament, with France facing Spain in the semi-final on Tuesday at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 26: Adrien Rabiot of France kicks the ball during the international friendly match between Brazil and France at Gillette Stadium on March 26, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Rabiot’s mother hints at Milan stay
Present alongside him was his mother and agent, Veronique, who manages her son’s affairs.
She rarely gives interviews, but according to the Rai reporter she left the impression that she still sees Rabiot’s future in the red and black.
Once the World Cup concludes, the player is expected to speak again with Amorim, who is said to be intent on making Rabiot a central part of his Milan project.
However, without first offloading Frank Anguissa, the Partenopei are unable to make new additions in midfield, a constraint that, for now, keeps the door at San Siro looking the more likely one.
According to Tuttosport, ex-Tottenham loanee Palhinha has attracted interest from Juventus, who have also been offered Sassuolo’s Nemanja Matic.
Juventus have prioritised the purchase of a goalkeeper and a centre-forward but are also looking for reinforcements in central midfield.
Juventus’ potential midfield targets
According to Tuttosport, ex-Tottenham loanee Palinha is an option for the Bianconeri, who, however, have not yet made a move to sign the Portuguese from Bayern Munich.
The Serie A giants are not yet in talks for any potential reinforcement in the middle of the park and are keeping an eye on several targets.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 24: Joao Palhinha of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after the team secured safety from relegation during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
According to Tuttosport, even Sassuolo midfielder Matic, a former Chelsea and Roma star, has been offered to the Bianconeri.
Giovanni Carnevali signed the experienced 37-year-old central midfielder at Sassuolo last summer, and Matic has the same agents as Emiliano Martinez, who is Juventus’ top target in goal.
Juventus failed to qualify for the Champions League in 2025-26 and will be playing in the Europa League in 2026-27.
Corriere dello Sport confirms that Napoli have an agreement in place with Boca Juniors talent Exequiel Zeballos, whose agent met Giovanni Manna in Naples earlier this week.
Boca Juniors winger Zeballos, 24, is ready to join Napoli and has already agreed to personal terms with the Serie A giants.
Details behind Zeballos’ agreement with Napoli
The news was first reported by Alfredo Pedullà earlier this week, and Corriere dello Sport adds more details about the agreement between Napoli and the Argentine.
According to the report, Zeballos has agreed to sign a four-year deal worth €1.3m per season. Zeballos’ agent reportedly met Napoli director Manna in Naples on Wednesday, confirming his client’s desire to move to the Stadio Maradona.
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – APRIL 14: Exequiel Zeballos of Boca Juniors runs with the ball during a Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 group D match between Boca Juniors and Barcelona SC at Estadio Alberto J. Armando on April 14, 2026 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
The 24-year-old only wants to join Napoli and is eager to wait for an agreement between the Partenopei and his club, Boca Juniors.
The player has a €20m clause, which Napoli won’t match given that Zeballos’ contract runs out on December 31, 2026.
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – FEBRUARY 01: Exequiel Zeballos of Boca Juniors controls the ball during a Torneo Apertura Mercado Libre 2026 match between Boca Juniors and Newell’s Old Boys at Estadio Alberto J. Armando on February 01, 2026 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
Boca have frozen him out of the team as he’s refused to sign a new deal, and Napoli hope to secure a deal with the Argentinian club for around €10m.
Pedullà reported that the Partenopei had already offered €10m, while Tuttosport reported that the Serie A side is preparing an opening bid of €9m.
Gazzetta reports that Manchester United were concerned about the condition of Ederson’s right knee, but Atalanta believe the Brazilian is fully fit and might offer him a new contract, given that he has less than a year left on his current deal.
Manchester United have abandoned the deal to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson for €45m.
The two clubs and the player have had an agreement in place for over a month, but Ederson didn’t pass the second part of his medical tests held in Manchester.
Why Man United decided against signing Ederson
According to Gazzetta, the Red Devils were not convinced about the condition of Ederson’s right knee, which didn’t meet the athletic standards required by the Premier League side.
Ederson did undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right meniscus in August last year, but after that he went on to play 3,169 minutes across all competitions with La Dea, collecting 30 appearances in Serie A and nine in the Champions League.
MUNICH, GERMANY – MARCH 18: Ederson of Atalanta looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Bayern München and Atalanta BC at Football Arena Munich on March 18, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Ederson was the fourth outfield player with the most minutes played at Atalanta last season, and La Dea believes that the Brazilian, regardless of Manchester United’s assessment, is fully fit.
Some Italian media believe that performances from Roma’s Manu Koné at the World Cup have convinced the Red Devils to drop Ederson to try to sign the Frenchman instead.
Manchester United’s decision leaves Atalanta in trouble given that Ederson’s contract in Bergamo expires in 2027 and the Nerazzurri will probably need to offer the Brazilian a new deal unless another club knocks on their door in the coming weeks.
According to Il Corriere dello Sport, Roma will demand at least €55m for Manchester United target Manu Koné, while Matias Soulè’s agent has travelled to England to meet Sunderland and Fulham.
Roma may sell some of their star players in the coming weeks due to financial needs, as UEFA has fined the Giallorossi and they must improve their financial records in the upcoming months.
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 29: Manu Kone of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Genoa CFC at Stadio Olimpico on December 29, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 29: Matias Soulè of AS Roma scores the opening goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Genoa CFC at Stadio Olimpico on December 29, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
According to Corriere dello Sport, however, the Giallorossi won’t let the central midfielder leave for less than €55m.
Argentine winger Soulè is another target of Premier League clubs, and, according to Corriere dello Sport, his agent, Martin Guastadisegno, has travelled to England to meet with executives at Sunderland and Fulham.
Roma value Soulè at €35m. The ex-Juventus talent has an amortised cost of €15.5m in the Roma balance sheet, so a sale for €35m would allow the Giallorossi to make a capital gain of circa €20m.
Inter hoped to announce Anan Khalaili’s transfer on Friday, but according to Italian sources, including Gazzetta, the 21-year-old must undergo further medical tests, which are expected to be completed by Tuesday next week.
Israel international Khalaili requires further medical checks before completing a permanent transfer to Inter from Union Saint-Gilloise.
Khalaili needs more Inter medical tests
The 21-year-old arrived in Milan on Friday to undergo medical examinations and sign his contract with the defending Serie A champions.
However, according to reports in Italy, including Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport, the defender was not allowed to complete his move to Inter yesterday because the Institute of Sports Medicine of CONI demanded further, specific medical examinations to be carried out on Monday and Tuesday.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – MAY 14: Anan Khalaili of Union Saint-Gilloise looks on during warmups ahead of the Coupe de Belgique Final match between Union Saint-Gilloise and RSC Anderlecht at Stade Roi Baudouin on May 14, 2026 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
Therefore, until that day, the Nerazzurri won’t be allowed to confirm the purchase of the 21-year-old.
The Serie A giants have an agreement with Union SG for a €25m deal plus add-ons.
The Nerazzurri need a new starter in the right wing-back position following Denzel Dumfries’ move to Real Madrid for €20m.
Marco Palestra was their main target, but the Italy international eventually joined Chelsea instead.
According to Il Corriere dello Sport, Juventus have ‘booked’ Parma’s Mateo Pellegrino as talks with PSG for Randal Kolo Muani are stalling, with the Ligue 1 giants demanding €55m.
Juventus risk missing out on PSG forward Kolo Muani, as the French club’s asking price appears unaffordable for the Bianconeri.
Juventus turn to Pellegrino
According to Corriere dello Sport, the Ligue 1 giants have further increased their demands for the French striker to €55m, while Juventus’ latest offer was only worth €35m.
Therefore, Juventus have reportedly asked Parma to block any potential transfer for Argentine striker Pellegrino, who is valued at €30m and can leave the Stadio Tardini on loan with an obligation to buy.
According to the report, Juventus want to continue talks with PSG over the next 10 days, until Pellegrino’s agents arrive in Italy to discuss the striker’s future.
If, by then, Juve and PSG have reached no agreement, then the Bianconeri will focus on the Parma centre-forward.
VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Mateo Pellegrino of Parma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 23, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Corriere dello Sport confirms that Luciano Spalletti has demanded two strikers and that neither Lois Openda nor Jonathan David is part of his plans.
The Bianconeri remain interested in Alexander Sorloth as well, while Atletico Madrid want to bring Nico Gonzalez back to the Wanda Metropolitano this summer.
Reports in Italy claim that Roma are ready to send a €30m offer for Strasbourg winger Diego Moreira, but the French club’s demands are much higher.
Roma are ready to send a €30m bid for Belgian winger Moreira, according to Sky Sport Italia and Sport Mediaset. Both sources claim that Roma’s proposal includes a 10% sell-on clause.
Roma set to send offer for Moreira
MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 16: Mason Greenwood of Olymquique de Marseille gestures during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Olympique de Marseille at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Roma are looking for attacking reinforcements for 2026-27, but their main target, Mason Greenwood, is set to join Fenerbahce from Marseille, prompting the Giallorossi to look to Moreira.
According to Sky, however, reaching an agreement with Strasbourg won’t be straightforward, given that the French club’s asking price is €50m.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – SEPTEMBER 07: Diego Moreira of Belgium warms up during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Belgium and Kazakhstan at on September 07, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Omar Havana/Getty Images)
Sky adds that the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes, is working to find an appropriate transfer formula that could convince Strasbourg to sell the player.
A former Chelsea winger, Moreira joined Strasbourg from the Blues in 2024, and the Premier League side holds a buy-back option, which also allows them to match any offer Strasbourg receive.
Moreira was part of the Belgian squad at the 2026 World Cup.
Paolo Maldini still hasn’t decided whether to accept the FIGC offer to become Italy’s technical director, but Giovanni Malagò will only wait until tomorrow, according to Gazzetta.
Italian legend Maldini remains the FIGC’s main target for the technical director role.
Italy keep waiting for Maldini’s decision
It’s a key position in the rebuilding of the Azzurri, as the technical director will have an input in choosing the new head coach and oversee the activities of the national teams, from the youth teams to the first squad.
The meeting between Malagò and Maldini, which was scheduled for Friday, didn’t take place, according to Gazzetta, and the FIGC President is now waiting for the ex-defender’s final decision.
Malagò has stressed that he’ll make a final decision on the technical director by the end of the week, which means he’ll only wait until tomorrow for Maldini.
EMPOLI, ITALY – OCTOBER 01: Paolo Maldini of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Empoli FC and AC MIlan at Stadio Carlo Castellani on October 1, 2022 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Gazzetta confirms that Malagò has already identified potential alternatives to Maldini, but he remains confident that the Milan legend will accept the offer, so he has not yet opened talks with other candidates.
Repubblica reported on Friday that Demetrio Albertini, Gianfranco Zola and Giuseppe Bergomi are seen as potential alternatives if Maldini rejects the FIGC proposal.
Transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri reports that Milan star Rafael Leao has decided to drop his agent and rely on a group of lawyers for his future, while a local agency will represent him for a potential transfer in the Saudi Pro League.
Milan star Leao has decided to ‘stop using a dedicated agent’ and has started working with ‘several lawyers’, according to transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri.
Rafael Leao drops his agent ahead of potential Milan exit
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JUNE 23: Rafael Leao #17 of Portugal celebrates scoring his team’s fifth goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match between Portugal and Uzbekistan at Houston Stadium on June 23, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)
Leao has a €175m release clause at Milan, but the Rossoneri are reportedly looking to sell for at least €60m.
Earlier this summer, Leao admitted that he’d seek a new challenge during the summer transfer window, but no formal offer has yet arrived from any club in Europe’s top-five leagues.
Other sources have reported that Leao has been offered to a number of English clubs, including Tottenham, who don’t appear to be interested in the Portuguese.
According to Tavolieri, initial interest from the Saudi Pro League has already emerged, with Leao now represented by a local agency for a potential transfer to Saudi Arabia.
Multiple reports in Italy claim that Leicester City midfielder Harry Winks will return to Serie A, joining Cagliari for the 2026-27 season.
English midfielder Winks, 30, is set to join Serie A side Cagliari on a permanent deal from Leicester City.
Winks set for Cagliari move
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 30: Harry Winks of Leicester City during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leicester City and Wrexham AFC at The King Power Stadium on September 30, 2025 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Sky Sport Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio claims the two clubs have already reached an agreement, while Alfredo Pedullà, who first broke the news of negotiations two weeks ago, says the Sardinians are getting close to an agreement with the Foxes.
Cagliari have identified Winks as the replacement for Gianluca Gaetano, who was announced as a new Atalanta player earlier this week.
Winks already played in Serie A during the 2022-23 season, making 20 appearances for Sampdoria. The Englishman, a former Tottenham midfielder, has scored two goals in 150 Premier League appearances.
He’s been playing for Leicester City since 2023, but the Foxes were relegated to the English League One last season.
Cagliari, on the other hand, secured Serie A survival with one game to spare in 2025-26.
The midfielder is introduced and scores again. La Roja in the semis against France on Tuesday.
Haaland and Kane, giants of goals; a Premier challenge.
Argentine chants for Messi (with Maradona) for the assault to Switzerland
Corriere dello Sport
Clásico Mundial
Like Real-Barça
Lamine beats Belgium 2-1, semi-final against Kylian
Mbappé meets Yamal again: France-Spain on Tuesday
Sinner dreams of the double
Kolo moves away
Juve, gap with PSG. Pellegrino booked
The French club wants €55m plus add-ons. Carnevali has offered €35m. Two alternatives: the Argentine of Parma and Sorloth of Atletico. Dibu Martinez is uphill; Aston Villa value him at €15m.
Inter pounce on Lucumi
Milan choose: Alajbegovic or Karetsas
Ibra likes the Bosnian, new contact with Leverkusen. The Greek on target, Genk starlet, Gila has signed until 2031.
Roma attraction: Dybala 5 arrives
Fifth season in the Friedkin club: one-year contract without options. From Monday on the pitch in Trigoria under Gasperini.
Napoli, Zeballos waits for the breakthrough
He already has a four-year agreement but is waiting for sales. Vergara’s renewal: on Monday, the meeting between the agent and DeLa.
Ederson deal off, Atalanta tricked
Deal collapsed: he won’t go to Man United. Giuntoli had an agreement for €45m.
Tuttosport
I want the grass
Juve again: Vlahovic believes
Dusan doesn’t empty his locker at Continassa: Massara in action with Carnevali to set the contract renewal talks on more sustainable bases. The director: ‘Brahim and Kessié are not within reach.’ Midfield: Palinha emerges. Ahead for Kolo and Dibu Martinez.
Abate: ‘Toro courage, nobody scares me and I’ll open the Fila.’
Thibaut Courtois left the field early in the loss to Spain, but the goalkeeper of Belgium felt he could continue.
While there was a team expected to reach the semifinal of the 2026 World Cup in Spain, injuries were a huge factor for Belgium. The loss of Youri Tielemans before the match began was joined by Thibaut Courtois‘ muscle issue that made Rudi García substitute him out.
Courtois said: “I felt a lot of pain in my quadriceps. But I had no problem staying in goal, only taking long kicks. In the end, the manager decided to take me off. That’s no problem because the team comes above everything.”
It was a 2-1 loss made even more painful by how it ended. Courtois was attended by the medical staff before being replaced by Senne Lammens in the 71st minute. The issue was that Lammens left a rebound for Mikel Merino to score near the end after a weak shot from Pau Cubarsí.
Courtois wants a long break
There’s no denying that Courtois has made history with Belgium, not just by representing his country at club level with Real Madrid but also by being the national team’s goalkeeper for many years.
Lammens was the goalkeeper who replaced him (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
That period did not come without problems, as he had already been exiled from the team from mid-2023 to 2025 after a disagreement with former manager Domenico Tedesco about the captaincy. Now, he admitted he wants to take a long break from international duty before returning.
Courtois said: “I’d like to take a break from the Nations League, which isn’t that important, and return for the Euro qualifying campaign. It’s a decision that has to be made together with the federation. If they agree with that plan. Otherwise, today would have been my last match.”
Courtois on Real Madrid
Clubs are already making moves to be ready when the competition ends, with Real Madrid among the most active after also hiring José Mourinho as their new manager. Courtois said: “Real Madrid have signed good players and a top manager. Now it’s up to us to respond.”
The expectation for the 2026 World Cup semifinal is huge at it's going to be the sixth time Lamine Yamal plays a knockout match against Kylian Mbappé.
The most anticipated match of the 2026 World Cup so far is the semifinal between Spain and France. While there are going to be many stars on the field, the duel between Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé also creates an interesting storyline.
What’s most curious about these players is their head-to-head record in knockout matches, as Yamal leads Mbappé 5-0. Fueled by a dominant year with Barcelona, in which they beat Real Madrid four times across all competitions, the left-footed star also won their international knockout meetings against France.
Dallas may be the city where these players are going to face each other, but the entire soccer world is waiting to see who comes out victorious as the reward is nothing short of a place in the World Cup final.
The five matches
Playing for two of the biggest clubs in the world, there is no doubt they are going to face each other for many years and build a rivalry that promises to be one for the ages. Representing two of the strongest national teams in the world only makes it even more exciting.
Yamal won three finals for his club (Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Representing Spain, Yamal has won the two knockout matches he has played against France. The first was a 2-1 victory in the UEFA Euro 2024 semifinal, while the second came in the 2025 UEFA Nations League semifinal, when Spain won 5-4.
At the club level, they have faced each other in three domestic knockout competitions. In 2025, Barcelona beat Real Madrid 5-2 in the Supercopa de España final and 3-2 in the Copa del Rey final. Earlier this year, Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-2 again in the 2026 Supercopa de España final to keep Yamal’s perfect record against Mbappé in knockout matches intact.
Their goals
Match 1: UEFA Euro 2024 semifinal — Spain 2-1 France (Yamal scored)
Match 2: 2025 Supercopa de España final — Barcelona 5-2 Real Madrid (Yamal and Mbappé scored once)
Match 3: 2025 Copa del Rey final — Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid (Mbappé scored)
Match 4: 2025 UEFA Nations League semifinal — Spain 5-4 France (Yamal scored twice and Mbappé once)
Match 5: 2026 Supercopa de España final — Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid (neither scored)
England face Norway in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, and the availability of Declan Rice, along with Marc Guehi and Reece James, remains unconfirmed due to fitness concerns.
England face some uncertainty over their fitness heading into Saturday’s 2026 World Cup quarterfinal against Norway, with head coach Thomas Tuchel monitoring the status of three key players in the days before kickoff.
According to Daily Mail, Declan Rice missed a second consecutive training session this week due to a sickness bug, which has aggravated an existing neural issue affecting his hamstring and lower back. The Arsenal midfielder has been managing the problem throughout the tournament, and the illness has only added to the concern within the camp.
Marc Guehi is the other major doubt, having picked up a hamstring strain during England’s 3-2 win over Mexico in the Round of 16. What was initially described as fatigue was later confirmed as a strain, though the Manchester City defender remains hopeful of training Friday and being available for Norway.
There is better news on Reece James, who returned to full training on Thursday for the first time since picking up an injury in the group stage win over Ghana.
Reece James #24 of England is challenged by Gideon Mensah #14 of Ghana. (Getty Images)
His recovery is a significant boost given England’s already thin options at right-back — Jarell Quansah is serving a two-match suspension after his red card against Mexico, leaving Djed Spence as the only fit natural option at the position if James isn’t ready.
The only match Rice didn’t start this tournament
Rice has been a fixture in England‘s midfield throughout the World Cup, with the exception of one match: the Group L clash against Panama. He was left out of the starting eleven after picking up a minor knock in the previous game against Ghana, with the FA describing the calf strapping he wore leaving that match as a precautionary measure rather than a sign of a serious injury.
With qualification already in reach, Tuchel opted not to risk Rice from the start, instead deploying a more attacking double pivot of Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham. Rice was introduced off the bench to manage his fitness ahead of the knockout rounds, and has started every match since.
Norway also dealing with fitness issues of their own
England aren’t the only side managing a rocky injury report. Norway head coach Stale Solbakken confirmed that several players had been battling illness in the buildup to the quarterfinal.
Striker Jorgen Strand Larsen missed Norway’s tournament opener with a bug before recovering, while defender Marcus Holmgren Pedersen sat out the win over Brazil with a similar illness and has continued to deal with a lingering cough and fatigue.
Left-back David Moller Wolfe was forced off in stoppage time against Brazil with what appeared to be an injury, and his status for the match against England remains unclear. Howeve, Norway team doctor Ola Sand has since downplayed the concerns, stating that all players are healthy heading into the quarterfinal.
After the early elimination from the World Cup for Brazil, Vinicius apologized to fans.
There have been five days since the World Cup ended for Brazil as they lost 2-1 to Norway in the Round of 16 to the disappointment of most. Vinícius came out after some time to share his message on social media.
Vinícius wrote: “The feeling of frustration is incredible. We had a group strong enough to achieve more, and we were not able to do it. I apologize, and I will fight for our dream of returning to the top of the world.”
It was not the ending Brazilian fans expected from the team. Vinícius responded mainly at the beginning of the competition, scoring four goals in three matches to help Brazil win their group. However, his best version was not present in the most important matches, which ended with an early elimination.
The full message
Almost four years later and once again thinking about what to write after a World Cup disappointment.
I saw so many people of all ages supporting me and embracing our dream, so it would be unfair to remain silent. But I needed a few days to reflect.
Wearing the national team jersey is the greatest pride of my life, and being eliminated from a World Cup in the Round of 16 is a feeling that is difficult to explain.
I know how much I prepared, how much I focused, and how much I wanted this for you and for my family.
The feeling of frustration is incredible. We had a group strong enough to achieve more, and we were not able to do it. I apologize, and I will fight for our dream of returning to the top of the world.
Lamine Yamal addressed Spain's upcoming clash against France, with a place in the 2026 World Cup final on the line.
Spain booked their spot in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup with a 2-1 win over Belgium, setting up a mouthwatering clash against France on Tuesday, July 14, at Dallas Stadium.
Ahead of the match, Lamine Yamal made clear just how much he’s been looking forward to this exact matchup. “Really excited. When the World Cup started, we were all expecting this match. I think we’re the two best teams in the tournament,” Yamal said after the win over Belgium.
The Barcelona winger also previewed how Spain plans to approach the game tactically, expecting France to come out aggressively before settling into their own rhythm. “I expect a team that comes at us, but not for the whole match. We’ll play the way we know how,” he added.
Yamal didn’t stop there, sending a pointed message about which side should be more concerned heading into the semifinal. “I think that if France has to fear anyone, it’s us, as we’re the ones who have knocked them out before,” he said.
Lamine Yamal celebrates a goal vs Saudi Arabia. (Getty Images)
Yamal leans on Spain’s 2024 Euro semifinal triumph
The comment is a direct reference to the 2024 Euro semifinal, where Spain eliminated France 2-1 in Munich, with a 16-year-old Yamal scoring a stunning long-range goal before Dani Olmo added the winner.
Spain went on to win that tournament, and now, with both nations meeting again on the World Cup’s biggest stage, Yamal made it clear he sees history as being on Spain’s side.
Yamal and Mbappe’s numbers heading into the semifinal
The individual battle between the two biggest stars adds another layer to the matchup. Kylian Mbappe arrives as the tournament’s outright top scorer, with 8 goals and 3 assists through France’s five matches, sitting atop the Golden Boot race (alongside Lionel Messi).
Yamal, by contrast, has just 1 goal and no assists in 6 appearances for Spain, though the underlying numbers tell a different story — he leads the entire tournament in chances created with 17, and has racked up nine shots across his last two matches alone, suggesting a breakthrough could be close even if the finishing hasn’t clicked yet.
In another unexpected twist, there are now reports Manchester United haven’t made a final decision yet on whether to buy Ederson from Atalanta following a medical.
The deal had been done on June 2 for €40.5m plus another €4.5m in add-ons.
It could not be completed because the player was in the United States with Brazil participating in the 2026 World Cup, so he only had initial medical tests there.
Ederson still unsure of future
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 22: Ederson of Atalanta and BC Manuel Lazzari of SS Lazio jump for the ball during the Coppa Italia match between Atalanta BC and SS Lazio at New Balance Arena on April 22, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The Premier League club wanted further medical tests to examine an issue, and after 48 hours of those scans, multiple sources today reported Manchester United had withdrawn from the deal.
FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 26: Ederson of Atalanta BC celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Atalanta BC at Frankfurt Stadion on November 26, 2025 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
It is therefore possible that Manchester United simply want to renegotiate the terms of the deal, but Atalanta might not be willing to do that.
The date, kickoff time and stadium for the 2026 World Cup semifinal between France and Spain.
The first semifinal of the 2026 World Cup has been set, with France reaching it first after beating Morocco, while Spain joined them after defeating Belgium. Now, a place in the final will be on the line.
This match is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14. What comes after this match is the biggest prize in international soccer, as the winner will advance to the final with the chance to lift the trophy.
Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET at Dallas Stadium, where the 80,000-seat venue is ready for another spectacular atmosphere. It will host its ninth match of the tournament after Spain’s victory over Portugal was the most recent match.
Their previous matches
The paths taken by these teams to reach the semifinals have not been very different. They were able to win their groups as France finished first by winning all three of their matches against Senegal, Iraq and Norway, while Spain drew with Cape Verde before beating Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
Mbappé scored the first goal of his team in the quarterfinals (Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
France reached the semifinals after cruising past Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32, edging Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16 and then defeating Morocco 2-0 in the quarterfinals.
Spain are in the semifinals after beating Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32, then struggling to beat Portugal 1-0 with a late goal by Mikel Merino before repeating that late drama with a 2-1 victory against Belgium.
Their furthest World Cup run
France are two-time World Cup champions, having lifted the trophy in 1998 and 2018, while also finishing as runners-up in 2006 and 2022, while Spain won their only title in 2010.
Thibaut Courtois left the field in tears during Belgium's clash against Spain in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals after suffering an injury.
Thibaut Courtois was forced off in tears during Belgium’s2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash against Spain at Los Angeles Stadium, with the match level at 1-1 thanks to goals from Fabian Ruiz and Charles De Ketelaere.
The Real Madrid goalkeeper had kept Belgium in the contest with five saves before going down with an apparent leg injury in the 69th minute, during a hydration break. He initially appeared to be fine to continue, but Belgium ultimately opted to substitute him, bringing on Senne Lammens in his place.
Courtois was visibly emotional as he walked off, wiping away tears while being embraced by his teammates. Despite representing Belgium, Spanish fans in the stands gave him a warm ovation as he left the pitch, a reflection of the status he holds in Madrid after years as one of Real Madrid’s most decorated players.
At 34 years old, this North American tournament is likely to be Courtois‘ last World Cup, a possibility that may explain why he left the field in tears at such a crucial moment of the match.
Thibaut Courtois was visibly emotional after having to sub off for Belgium 🇧🇪
Lammens and a shaky response on Spain’s second goal
Courtois’ absence proved to be a heavy blow for Belgium, who were made to pay on Spain’s second goal, where Lammens played a part in failing to produce a strong enough save.
Just before stoppage time, Pau Cubarsi unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box, and Lammens got a hand to it, but could only parry a short rebound back into the danger area.
Mikel Merino pounced on that rebound, once again playing the hero just as he did in the Round of 16 against Portugal, where he scored the winning goal in the final minutes shortly after coming off the bench.
Thibaut Courtois #1 of Belgium reacts with medical staff after being substituted.
Marking the official 10th anniversary of Portugal's unforgettable UEFA Euro 2016 triumph, the legendary captain took to social media to honor the night his nation lifted its first-ever major international trophy.
Cristiano Ronaldo has just taken the soccer world on a poignant trip down memory lane to celebrate exactly a decade since one of his crowning achievements. Marking the official 10th anniversary of Portugal’s unforgettable UEFA Euro 2016 triumph, the legendary captain took to social media to honor the night his nation lifted its first-ever major international trophy.
The tribute arrived only days after the Selecao das Quinas’ 2026 World Cup campaign came to an end, giving supporters another opportunity to reflect on a victory that transformed the nation’s soccer history. Ronaldo’s post quickly attracted thousands of reactions as fans revisited the remarkable journey that ended with Portugal lifting the European Championship for the first time.
Friday, July 10, 2026, marked exactly 10 years since Portugal defeated France 1-0 after extra time in the UEFA Euro 2016 final at the Stade de France. That victory remains the country’s first major international title and one of the proudest moments in Portuguese soccer history.
Title that changed Portugal forever
Euro 2016 represented far more than another tournament victory for Portugal. It ended decades of heartbreak and delivered the country’s first major international championship after several near misses on the biggest stages.
Portugal reached the knockout rounds after drawing all three group-stage matches before overcoming Croatia, Poland and Wales. Despite criticism during parts of the competition, the squad continued finding ways to progress until reaching the final against host nation France.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal poses for photographs with the Euro 2016 trophy
The decisive match produced one of the most dramatic stories in European Championship history. Ronaldo suffered a knee injury following an early challenge from Dimitri Payet and was forced to leave the field after only 25 minutes.
Although unable to continue playing, Ronaldo remained an emotional presence on the touchline, passionately encouraging his teammates throughout the match. His leadership from the sidelines became one of the defining images of the final.
Eventually, Eder produced the moment that every Portuguese supporter still remembers. The striker scored from outside the penalty area in the 109th minute of extra time, giving Portugal a famous 1-0 victory over France and securing the nation’s first European Championship.
ortugal players and staffs celebrate after their 1-0 win against France in the UEFA EURO 2016 Final
Ronaldo revisits Portugal’s greatest soccer triumph
To commemorate the occasion, Ronaldo shared two iconic photographs from the celebrations following the final. One image showed him lifting the Henri Delaunay Trophy alongside his teammates, while another captured him proudly posing with the silverware.
In the middle of the celebration, Ronaldo revealed the message that accompanied the post. “Uma vitória de milhões!” he wrote, a phrase that translates to“A victory worth millions!” The short caption resonated with supporters, who flooded the comments with messages praising the former Portugal captain and recalling the emotions of that unforgettable night in Paris.
Ronaldo recently explained why Euro 2016 means so much
The anniversary came shortly after Ronaldo reflected publicly on the importance of Euro 2016 following Portugal’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup. “I won three titles for Portugal. Before Cristiano, Portugal hadn’t won any. The best title I won with the national team was the 2016 European Championship, which, for me, is the same size as a World Cup”,the 41-year-old veteran said.
Those comments generated widespread debate. While many supporters viewed the FIFA World Cup as the sport’s ultimate prize, Ronaldo made it clear that Portugal’s first major trophy carried equal emotional value for him because of what it meant to his country. The latest social media post reinforced that message, showing that Euro 2016 continues to occupy a special place in his career.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal holds the Euro 2016 trophy
Mbappe’s latest achievement has created another historic chapter in his career, proving once again that he continues to rewrite the standards expected from a modern World Cup forward.
Kylian Mbappe and Gerd Muller have been linked through World Cup history after the France superstar reached a milestone that places him among the greatest performers the tournament has ever seen. Mbappe’s latest achievement has created another historic chapter in his career, proving once again that he continues to rewrite the standards expected from a modern World Cup forward.
The Real Madrid attacker has already built a remarkable tournament legacy, but his latest performance for France against Morocco showed why he belongs in conversations with legends from previous generations. With the biggest matches still ahead, the 27-year-old has placed himself within reach of records that have stood untouched for decades.
Les Bleus continued their pursuit of another World Cup trophy after defeating Morocco 2-0 in the quarterfinals. Mbappe played a decisive role in the victory, scoring one goal and creating another as France secured a place in the semifinals for the third consecutive tournament.
The forward endured a dramatic evening after missing a first-half penalty opportunity, but he quickly responded when it mattered most. Mbappe found the net after the missed spot kick before assisting Ousmane Dembele shortly afterward, completing another influential performance on the biggest stage.
The result also moved him closer to Argentina captain Lionel Messi in the race for the World Cup’s all-time scoring record. Messi currently leads the historic ranking with 21 goals, while Mbappe has continued closing the gap during his third World Cup appearance.
Rank
Player
National Team
Goals
Assists
1.
Kylian Mbappe
France
8
3
2.
Lionel Messi
Argentina
8
1
3.
Erling Haaland
Norway
7
0
4.
Harry Kane
England
6
1
5.
Ousmane Dembele
France
5
2
The record-breaking World Cup achievement revealed
Mbappe’s performance against Morocco helped him reach a historic mark that had not been achieved since Germany legend Gerd Muller dominated the 1970 tournament.
According to Opta’sstatistics, Mbappe has recorded 11 direct goal involvements at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with eight goals and three assists. That makes him the first player since Muller in 1970 to reach at least 11 combined goals and assists in a single World Cup campaign.
11 – 🇫🇷 Kylian Mbappé has been involved in 11 goals at the 2026 World Cup (8 goals, 3 assists).
That's the most by a player in a single edition since 🇩🇪 Gerd Müller in 1970 (10 goals, 3 assists).
Muller produced one of the greatest individual tournaments in history during the 1970 World Cup, scoring 10 goals and adding three assists for West Germany. Mbappe’s current numbers match that legendary level of influence more than five decades later.
Before Muller’s achievement, France icon Just Fontaine delivered the most extraordinary scoring tournament ever recorded, scoring 13 goals at the 1958 World Cup. Fontaine’s record remains the highest single-tournament goal tally in World Cup history.
Mbappe creates history with consistent World Cup excellence
The French superstar’s latest milestone adds another achievement to an already impressive World Cup résumé. Mbappe has now also become the first player in World Cup history to score at least eight goals in two different tournaments.
The 27-year-old scored eight goals during France’s run to the 2022 final and has matched that total during the 2026 competition. Before Mbappe, only a small group of players had managed to score eight or more goals in a single World Cup.
10 – 🇫🇷 Kylian Mbappe has registered 10 goal involvements in each of his last two FIFA World Cups – he's only the only player on record since 1966 to achieve this in two different tournaments.
8 goals, 2 assists in 2022 8 goals, 2 assists in 2026
His performances have also surpassed some of the greatest individual campaigns in soccer history. Diego Maradona’s iconic 1986 tournament included five goals and five assists as Argentina lifted the trophy, while Mbappe has already produced greater attacking numbers during France’s current campaign.
The French superstar has turned his explosive acceleration into a major weapon throughout the tournament, leaving fans eager to discover just how far ahead he is of the competition.
Kylian Mbappe has once again reminded the soccer world why he is considered one of the most dangerous attackers of his generation, surpassing Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Lamine Yamal in a remarkable 2026 World Cup speed ranking. The French superstar has turned his explosive acceleration into a major weapon throughout the tournament, leaving fans eager to discover just how far ahead he is of the competition.
Mbappe’s incredible physical ability has produced another historic World Cup moment, with the forward recording the fastest sprint speed among several of the tournament’s biggest stars. While goals, assists and trophies often define a player’s legacy, this latest statistic highlights the rare athletic qualities that make the France captain such a nightmare for defenders.
According to data from FIFA and Sofascore,Kylian Mbappe recorded the fastest top speed at the 2026 World Cup, reaching an incredible 37.6 km/h. The number places him comfortably above some of the quickest players in world soccer, including Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Norway’s Erling Haaland and Spain’s Lamine Yamal.
Mbappe’s 37.6 km/h sprint was the highest recorded mark among the leading names tracked during the tournament. His ability to explode into open space has remained one of his defining qualities, allowing France to create dangerous moments through quick transitions and direct attacking moves.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France
The French forward has built much of his career around devastating bursts of speed, and his latest World Cup performance has reinforced that reputation.FIFA’s recorded data once again shows why defenders often struggle when Mbappe has even a small amount of space to attack.
The record-breaking speed list revealed
The complete list of the fastest top speeds among some of the biggest 2026 World Cup stars shows just how impressive Mbappe’s advantage is.
Top speed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
Rank
Player
National Team
Top Speed (km/h)
Top Speed (mph)
1.
Kylian Mbappe
France
37.6 km/h
23.4 mph
2.
Achraf Hakimi
Morocco
35.6 km/h
22.1 mph
=
Erling Haaland
Norway
35.6 km/h
22.1 mph
4.
Lamine Yamal
Spain
35.5 km/h
22.1 mph
5.
Romelu Lukaku
Belgium
31.4 km/h
19.5 mph
5.
Harry Kane
England
31.4 km/h
19.5 mph
7.
Lionel Messi
Argentina
30.9 km/h
19.2 mph
8.
Granit Xhaka
Switzerland
28.9 km/h
18.0 mph
Mbappe finished nearly two kilometers per hour ahead of his closest competitors, Hakimi and Haaland, who both reached 35.6 km/h. The difference may appear small on paper, but at elite soccer level, those extra fractions of speed can decide whether a defender wins or loses a crucial duel.
Haaland and Hakimi show speed is not about position
While Mbappe dominated the rankings, the players behind him also highlighted the changing nature of athleticism in modern soccer. Achraf Hakimi and Erling Haaland both reached 35.6 km/h, proving that elite speed is no longer limited to traditional wingers.
Hakimi’s pace has become one of Morocco’s biggest weapons, with the full-back regularly combining defensive responsibilities with explosive attacking runs. His ability to cover huge distances at maximum speed has made him one of the most complete wing players in the world.
Erling Haaland #9 of Norway celebrating.
Haaland’s inclusion is perhaps even more surprising because of his size and playing style. The Norway striker is known for his strength, finishing and physical dominance, but his top speed shows that defenders must also worry about his ability to run behind the defensive line. The Manchester City forward’s combination of power and pace makes him one of the most difficult strikers to contain at the 2026 World Cup.
Lamine Yamal continues to prove elite potential, but Messi highlights different type of greatness
Another name near the top of the ranking is Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. The Barcelona star reached 35.5 km/h, placing him among the fastest players at the entire tournament despite his young age.
Yamal’s speed adds another dimension to his already impressive technical ability. His close control, creativity and acceleration allow him to beat defenders in multiple ways, making him one of Spain’s biggest attacking threats.
Lamine Yamal of Spain
At only 18 years old, reaching such a high physical level alongside established superstars like Mbappe and Haaland highlights the extraordinary potential of the Spanish winger.
Further down the list, Lionel Messi’s 30.9 km/h top speed still attracted plenty of attention. At 39 years old, Messi remains capable of competing physically with much younger players while continuing to influence matches through intelligence, technique and timing.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrating.
Unlike younger attackers who rely heavily on explosive running, Messi has adapted his style over the years. His ability to read situations, conserve energy, and accelerate over short distances allows him to remain decisive at the highest level.
Kylian Mbappe (left), Lionel Messi (center), and Erling Haaland (right)
Atalanta star Charles De Ketelaere has made history by scoring for Belgium against Spain, ending Unai Simon’s record clean sheet at the World Cup after 649 minutes.
Spread out over two editions of the World Cup, Spain’s Unai Simon had managed to keep a clean sheet for 649 minutes of tournament football.
De Ketelaere ends World Cup clean sheet streak
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JULY 10: Charles De Ketelaere #17 of Belgium celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Spain and Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium on July 10, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
De Ketelaere scored his third goal in two games for Belgium, cancelling out the Spain opener that had been tapped in by former Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz.
Spain have conceded their first goal of the World Cup
It is meant to run for two seasons, with an option for the 2028-29 campaign too.
However, the agreement might be doomed before it even really begins.
Lazio struggle to get shirt sponsors
ROME, ITALY – MAY 17: Matteo Cancellieri of SS Lazio compete for the ball with Vinicius Wesley of AS Rom during the Serie A match between AS Roma and SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico on May 17, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
The prediction market platform is not authorised to offer services related to public gambling in Italy.
This had been a legal battle already last year, when the company argued it was not a traditional betting site, but rather a prediction market based on an exchange of odds between users.
Polymarket had initially managed to keep going during the appeal, but over the last 24 hours was blocked again by the Italian authorities.
It’s not just Lazio who could be affected, because Polymarket also signed a multi-year agreement with the Lega Serie A for the US market, using official Serie A logos and trademarks on its American platform.
Multiple sources reported this evening that Manchester United had informed Atalanta of their intention to abandon the transfer, which had been agreed back on June 2.
It would’ve been €40.5m fixed fee plus a further €4.5m in performance-related add-ons.
Manchester United saw Kone opportunity with Ederson
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 22: Ederson of Atalanta BC celebrates with his team-mates his goal that was later disallowed by VAR during the Coppa Italia match between Atalanta BC and SS Lazio at New Balance Arena on April 22, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The two clubs agreed to wait until after Ederson had finished his participation at the 2026 World Cup with Brazil before completing the necessary medical tests, following an initial quick check-up in the United States.
However, as the weeks wore on, Manchester United started to get cold feet and requested more in-depth medical examinations.
After 48 hours of those scans, today the Premier League side informed Atalanta they would not be going ahead with the move.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JUNE 30: Manu Kone #6 of France inspects the pitch before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between France and Sweden at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 30, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
The two play very similar roles, so buying both for a total cost of around €100m would be excessive even for the Old Trafford side.
He has seen his value and profile soar after performances for France at the 2026 World Cup, where he pushed Aurelien Tchaouameni out of the starting XI.
However, it was not finalised as the player was in the Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Ederson dropped by Manchester United
BERGAMO, ITALY – JANUARY 25: Ederson of Atalanta looks on during the warm up prior to the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Parma Calcio 1913 at Gewiss Stadium on January 25, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
When they were eliminated, Manchester United requested that he undergo extra intensive medical tests before giving the all-clear.
Atalanta are confident that this is not caused by the medical tests or any long-term injury, as they believe Manchester United simply changed their minds about the whole deal.
La Dea insist that if Ederson did have a serious injury, he would not have been part of the squad at the World Cup with Brazil.
His contract only runs to June 2028, so now it remains to be seen if he will be sold elsewhere or become part of the group under new coach Maurizio Sarri.
The unexpected change raised plenty of questions, as Belgium lost one of its most important midfield figures before a massive clash against a Spain side chasing another World Cup title.
Youri Tielemans was expected to play a crucial role for Belgium against Spain in the 2026 World Cup Quarter-finals, but the midfielder was suddenly removed from the starting lineup shortly before kickoff. The unexpected change raised plenty of questions, as Belgium will be without one of its most important midfield figures before a massive clash against a Spain side chasing another World Cup title.
Belgium arrives at the match with growing confidence after overcoming several challenges during the tournament. The Red Devils finished top of their group before producing dramatic knockout performances that restored belief in their chances of reaching the final stages.
Rudi Garcia and his players survived a thrilling encounter against Senegal in the Round of 32, winning 3-2 after extra time after falling behind late in the match. The team then delivered one of its best performances of the tournament with a 4-1 victory over the United States, showing the attacking quality that made it a dangerous opponent.
Spain, meanwhile, entered the quarter-final without conceding a single goal in the tournament, while also carrying a long unbeaten streak. Luis de la Fuente’s team had progressed through the competition with impressive control, combining defensive organization with the creativity of players such as Lamine Yamal, Rodri, and Mikel Oyarzabal.
Belgium entered the quarter-final hoping to continue its impressive turnaround at the tournament, but the team suffered an immediate blow before the match even started. Tielemans was forced out of the lineup after picking up an injury during the warm-up, leaving coach Rudi Garcia with no choice but to make a late adjustment.
According to reports from BEIN Sports France’s John Ferreira and The Athletic, Tielemans experienced discomfort during the warm-up and was removed from the starting XI despite initially being named in the lineup.
The change came only minutes before kickoff, with Belgium confirming the midfielder’s absence through its official channels. The Red Devils stated: “Following an injury during the warm-up, Youri Tielemans is replaced in the starting XI by Hans Vanaken.”
A huge blow for Belgium with Youri Tielemans injured in the warm-up. Hans Vanaken has replaced him in midfield.
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) July 10, 2026
The decision meant Hans Vanaken replaced Tielemans in midfield, joining Nicolas Raskin and Kevin De Bruyne as Belgium attempts to maintain its balance against one of the strongest teams in the competition.
Major loss for Belgium’s midfield structure
Tielemans’ absence represented a significant tactical problem for Belgium because of his ability to influence matches in several areas. The midfielder provides creativity, passing range, defensive work rate, and the ability to arrive in attacking positions at important moments.
The 29-year-old had been one of Belgium’s key players during the 2026 World Cup campaign, helping the team navigate a difficult path toward the quarter-finals. His leadership and experience were especially valuable as Belgium attempted to challenge Spain’s dominant possession-based style.
Youri Tielemans #8 of Belgium celebrates a goal vs Senegal.
The timing of the injury made the situation even more difficult. Belgium was preparing to face a Spain side that had been nearly impossible to break down, entering the match as the only team at the tournament yet to concede a goal.
Without Tielemans, Garcia had to quickly reorganize his midfield setup and rely on Vanaken to provide a different profile alongside De Bruyne and Raskin.
Youri Tielemans of Belgium reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Belgium face Spain in a crucial 2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash, where Romelu Lukaku will begin the match on the bench.
Belgium face Spain in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup at Los Angeles Stadium, and manager Rudi Garcia is once again leaving Romelu Lukaku out of his starting lineup.
Garcia continues to trust Charles De Ketelaere as a false nine up front, the same setup that has anchored Belgium’s attack since the group stage, with Lukaku kept in reserve as an option off the bench.
Part of the decision to use Lukaku as a sub stems from his injury-plagued season leading up to the World Cup. The striker was injured during the preseason with Napoli and was limited to just 64 minutes of action across seven appearances.
That lack of sharpness put his World Cup spot in real doubt heading into the tournament, but Rudi Garcia ultimately trusted the veteran forward, naming him to the final roster in North America.
Romelu Lukaku celebrates a goal for Belgium vs the USMNT. (Getty Images)
Lukaku’s impact as a substitute
That role suits Lukaku just fine — he’s been most effective for Belgium precisely as a substitute this tournament, forcing an own goal in the opening draw with Egypt and scoring against New Zealand in the group finale.
The one time Garcia did hand him a start during the group stage, against Iran, the striker struggled to get into the game, failing to register a shot before picking up a yellow card and being hauled off in the 73rd minute.
Lukaku’s role coming off the bench paid off again in the Round of 32 against Senegal. Coming on at halftime with Belgium trailing 2-0, he scored in the 86th minute to spark a late comeback that forced extra time, where Belgium eventually secured the win. Additionally, the striker scored off the bench once again to seal a 4-1 victory over the USMNT in the Round of 16.
In the interesting match at the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal, Spain rank above Belgium.
Another exciting match awaits at the 2026 World Cup as Spain and Belgium battle for a place in the semifinal in a match between two of the highest-ranked teams remaining in the tournament.
Spain enter this match ranked 3rd in the FIFA World Ranking with 1,912.34 points. They are one spot lower than the June 11 update after advancing to this round by winning Group H with a draw against Cape Verde and victories over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
The team improved as the tournament progressed, first beating Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 before earning a huge 1-0 victory over Portugal with a late goal from Mikel Merino in the quarterfinals.
Belgium’s ranking
It will not be an easy match for Spain because Belgium also arrive with one of the best rankings in the world. Belgium are currently ranked 8th in the FIFA World Ranking with 1,778.36 points, one spot higher than the June 11 update.
Thibaut Courtois leads Belgium in the competition (Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Their campaign began with a first-place finish in Group G with five points after drawing with Egypt and Iran before beating New Zealand. Belgium then produced a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time before a convincing 4-1 victory over the USMNT in the quarterfinals.
Belgium continue to establish themselves among the strongest national teams in Europe, reaching their highest-ever FIFA ranking of 1st for the first time in 2015, while their lowest position was 71st in 2007.
Spain’s highest ranking
Spain’s place among the world’s best teams has been built over decades of success. They reached the top of the FIFA World Ranking for the first time in 2008 and have returned to 1st on several occasions since, while their lowest position was 25th in 1998.
Mario Gila believes he can ‘reach my full potential’ at Milan and recognises the ‘weight’ of the pressure here, then sends a farewell message to Lazio through tears.
He put pen to paper on a contract at San Siro until June 2031 and will wear the Number 34 jersey.
Gila eager to get started with Milan
Mario Gila shows off Milan jersey (@acmilan)
“We can do great things together. I feel like I can reach my full potential here,” Gila told the official club social media channels.
“I think that I can help the team in every phase,” added the Spaniard.
“I’m a real perfectionist; I never give up, and I always aim as high as I can in every aspect of my life, whether that’s on or off the pitch.”
AC Milan announce arrival of Mario Gila from Lazio (acmilan.com)
Although he came up through the Real Madrid youth academy, Gila recognises that Milan represent a different kind of pressure to playing for Lazio.
“This shirt has a really special weight to it, which I’m aware of. I’m here to learn and give my all on the pitch in order to reach the levels that have made AC Milan great.”
Gila then recorded a video message that was published on the official Lazio website to salute his old fans after four years at the Stadio Olimpico.
“Hey guys, how are you? I think this is a goodbye. I want to thank all of you, it’s been emotional since the first moment I arrived here. I was a little kid who just got the first sensation of being a professional football player, but over time I found people and situations to make me who I am today.
“Thank you to the fans, my teammates, to the staff who work inside and outside the dressing room, to my family, those who always believed in me. I thank you all for what you gave me.
“Lazio believe that you can do better things and I too am sure of that. You deserve everything, you are an incredible club. You gave me so much love, made me feel important. I don’t know if I’ll feel that kind of love elsewhere, because this city is incredible and will always remain in my heart.
“I say goodbye to you with an immense pain in my heart. Forza Lazio always,” he added through tears.
Rafael Leao was proposed to Tottenham Hotspur, claims transfer pundit Fabrizio Romano, but Roberto De Zerbi’s club are so far not interested in making an offer to Milan.
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 01: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks dejected during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
The Portugal international put himself on the market this summer when giving several interviews assuring that he had given his all to the Rossoneri, so was ready for the next adventure.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan warms up prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Instead, Leao’s intermediaries proposed him to Spurs, who were not particularly excited by the idea of signing the winger.
The desire to separate goes two ways, because Leao is only under contract until June 2028 and Milan have no intention of offering an extension, eager to get his wages off the books.
That is effectively confirmed by new coach Ruben Amorim, who said that the ‘ideal’ position for Christian Pulisic is on the left side of a trident attack.
That is the position currently held by Leao, forcing the USMNT star to shift over onto the right.
So far, the only genuine interest in him has come from Benfica and Galatasaray.
Roma will push Chelsea for Alejandro Garnacho, who is good friends with Paulo Dybala, but there are different reports on whether it could be a loan or permanent buy.
Garnacho had already been very close to Serie A football last year when in advanced negotiations with Napoli, but ultimately preferred to make the move from Manchester United to Chelsea for €46.2m.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 12: Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea reacts during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on April 12, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
His career stalled at Stamford Bridge with eight goals and four assists in 43 competitive appearances, though only 22 of those were in the starting XI.
Garnacho back on Serie A radar
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 26: Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea reacts during the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Chelsea and Leeds United at Wembley Stadium on April 26, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Multiple sources are confident that Chelsea have put him on the market this summer and do not see him as part of their future plans.
The issue now is the formula, as Fabrizio Romano reports that Chelsea would only be ready to sell Garnacho on a permanent deal, so not on loan with an option to buy.
He insists that Roma are not prepared to accept those terms at those costs.
Garnacho only turned 22 last week and is also still on the Napoli radar, although their finances do not stretch to a permanent buy.
Where Roma might have an advantage, according to Pedullà, is that the player is good friends with Roma star Dybala, who has just agreed a new contract at the Stadio Olimpico.
Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere and Napoli’s Kevin De Bruyne start for Belgium against Spain in the World Cup quarter-final, as Romelu Lukaku is only fit for the bench.
The winners of this tie will go on to face tournament favourites France in the semi-final.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JULY 01: Romelu Lukaku #9 of Belgium reacts after scoring the team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Belgium and Senegal at Seattle Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
De Ketelaere impressed as a False 9 with two goals, while Lukaku scored again when coming off the bench, as he is still not fully fit after missing most of Napoli’s season through injury.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JULY 06: Charles De Ketelaere #17 of Belgium heads to score the team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 06, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
The Atalanta man therefore starts upfront once more, with Lukaku ready to come on later, but the change is De Bruyne returning to the starting XI.
The competition is over for Amadou Onana, who tore the cruciate ligament in his knee and will be out of action for several months.
Youri Tielemans was in the starting XI, but pulled out during the warm-up, replaced by Hans Vanaken.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JULY 06: Charles De Ketelaere #17 of Belgium applauds fans after the 4-1 victory during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 06, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Spain are unbeaten against Belgium since the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals, which they lost in a penalty shoot-out.
They left it late to squeeze past Portugal with a last-gasp goal from Mikel Merino in the Round of 16.
Coach Luis de la Fuente sticks with almost the same starting XI, including centre-forward Mikel Oyarzabal, who has scored four goals this tournament.
Lamine Yamal hasn’t quite delivered on his promise yet at the World Cup, but he plays with Dani Olmo and Alex Baena in support.
Nico Williams returns for a spot on the bench after his injury problems, but the change is ex-Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz preferred to Pedri.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: Mario Gila SS Lazio celebrates a victory after the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
The defender is a product of the Real Madrid youth academy and was sold to Lazio for just €6m in the summer of 2022.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 12: Mario Gila during SS Lazio’s training session before the SS Lazio and FC Internazionale match in the Coppa Italia final at the Formello Sport Centre on May 12, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Gila turns 26 next month and had also been in talks with Napoli, Juventus and Atalanta, but preferred the project put forward to him by the Rossoneri and their new coach Ruben Amorim.
Multiple sources report the cost of the operation was €25m plus €5m in add-ons, while the player has put pen to paper on a five-year contract.
Italian referee Maurizio Mariani is the favourite to officiate the 2026 World Cup Final, although pundit Mark Clattenburg claims the decision ‘would upset a lot of people.’
Speaking on the Daily Mail’s Whistleblowers podcast, Premier League refereeing expert Clattenburg claimed that the biggest job in world football will likely go to Mariani.
Mariani expected for 2026 World Cup Final
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JUNE 15: Referee Maurizio Mariani (C) walks out of the tunnel with match officials for warm ups before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay at Miami Stadium on June 15, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
In this World Cup, Mariani was wielding the whistle for Saudi Arabia’s draw with Uruguay, Colombia’s victory over DR Congo, and most notably Brazil beating Japan in the Round of 32.
However, Clattenburg insists it would be a controversial choice because Italians have already officiated three World Cup Finals since 1978.
Italians are highly critical of their own referees, yet they are still considered the best in the business, as seen by Pierluigi Collina’s role as the chair of FIFA’s referees committee, and Roberto Rosetti having the UEFA equivalent position.
“Infantino’s Italian, Collina’s Italian. Most of the power in the refereeing and wider football world is Italian.”
This is not true, because FIFA President Gianni Infantino is from Switzerland, although his parents did have Italian origins.
“FIFA needs to keep everybody happy, all of the six confederations, and if you look at it, in 2010 the referee was English, in 2014 Italian, in 2018 Argentinian and in 2022 Polish. If we go Italian again, are we saying there’s no other referees but Italian?” added Clattenburg.
“If this year an Italian referee gets the chance again, bearing in mind what’s happened with FIFA at this tournament, it would be a big shock to me.”
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 10: Referee Maurizio Mariani gestures during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 10, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The other issue of course is that the referees in the final stages cannot be from any of the countries in the running for the trophy, so as Italy failed to qualify, it would make them the logical choice for the Final.
“It would upset a lot of people if we had another Italian referee,” added Clattenburg, who refereed the EURO 2016 Final.
“I am not saying an Italian doesn’t deserve it, but there’s an awful lot of talented referees that could referee that match.”
The decision has surprised many supporters given the Barcelona midfielder's importance to the national team. However, head coach Luis de la Fuente has opted for a different approach in one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
Spain takes on Belgium in the 2026 World Cup Quarter-finals without one of its biggest stars in the starting lineup, as Pedri has been left on the bench for the clash in Los Angeles. The decision has surprised many supporters given the Barcelona midfielder’s importance to the national team. However, head coach Luis de la Fuente has opted for a different approach in one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
Spain enters the contest in outstanding form after reaching the last eight without conceding a single goal, while Belgium arrives full of confidence following an emphatic victory over the United States. With a semifinal against France awaiting the winner, every selection decision carries enormous significance.
La Roja has continued the impressive run that began after lifting the UEFA European Championship, extending its unbeaten streak while producing one of the tournament’s strongest defensive displays. The national team topped Group H before defeating Austria and edging past Portugal thanks to Mikel Merino’s dramatic stoppage-time winner.
Belgium has enjoyed a very different path but has gathered momentum at exactly the right time. After drawing its opening two group matches, the national team responded with victories over New Zealand, Senegal, and a dominant 4-1 triumph over the United States to book its place in the quarterfinals.
Stage
Spain’s Results
Belgium’s Results
Group Stage Match 1
Draw 0-0 vs. Cabo Verde
Draw 1-1 vs. Egypt
Group Stage Match 2
Win 4-0 vs. Saudi Arabia
Draw 0-0 vs. Iran
Group Stage Match 3
Win 1-0 vs. Uruguay
Win 5-1 vs. New Zealand
Round of 32
Win 3-0 vs. Austria
Win 3-2 (AET) vs. Senegal
Round of 16
Win 1-0 vs. Portugal
Win 4-1 vs. United States
Both teams have plenty of attacking quality, although they have reached this stage in contrasting fashion. Spain has yet to concede a goal in the competition, while Belgium has scored 13 times in five matches, making Friday’s meeting one of the most anticipated fixtures of the World Cup.
Why Pedri is not starting against Belgium
The biggest surprise ahead of kickoff came when Spain released its official lineup, and Pedri was not included in the starting XI. Instead, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz was selected alongside Rodri, while Dani Olmo retained his place in a more advanced midfield role.
The decision is purely tactical rather than injury-related. Luis de la Fuente chose to reshape his midfield by giving Ruiz the starting role after his impressive performances during the knockout stage, particularly his contribution after coming off the bench against Portugal.
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) July 10, 2026
The New York Times has also suggested that Pedri has not quite reached his highest level during the tournament. While he has remained an important member of the squad, the coaching staff preferred the physicality, balance, and control that Fabian Ruiz provides against Belgium’s midfield.
Several analysts also pointed out that La Roja’s midfield combinations have functioned more smoothly with Rodri and Fabian operating deeper while Dani Olmo plays closer to the attack. That tactical balance appears to have convinced De la Fuente to make the only change from the side that eliminated Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.
De la Fuente backs squad depth in crucial quarterfinal
Leaving Pedri on the bench represents one of Luis de la Fuente’s boldest decisions since taking charge of the national team. However, Spain’s remarkable consistency throughout the tournament has given the coach confidence to trust a system that continues to produce results.
Pedri of Spain celebrates after scoring
The 23-year-old midfielder remains one of Spain’s most influential players and could still play a decisive role later in the match. His creativity and ability to control possession make him a valuable option if Spain needs to change the rhythm of the contest.
For now, though, De la Fuente has placed his faith in Fabian Ruiz, believing the midfielder’s recent performances and tactical profile offer the best solution against Belgium. Whether that gamble proves decisive will become clear as Spain pursues a place in the 2026 World Cup semifinals.
The reason Williams isn’t starting against Belgium is because he is still recovering from a groin injury and is not yet 100% fit. Spain’s coaching staff decided not to risk the winger, who could be used later if the team needs him.
It wasn’t a surprise that Williams isn’t in the lineup because he missed the matches against Austria and Portugal. The winger picked up the injury during the final group-stage match against Uruguay after a tackle by Nicolás de la Cruz.
The replacement
Williams suffered the injury during Spain’s 1-0 victory over Uruguay, a result that secured first place in the group. Even though he was able to leave the field on his own, the discomfort has prevented him from being fully available since then.
Baena was chosen as left winger (Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
There aren’t many players in Spain’s squad with Williams’ profile on the left wing, especially because of the pace he brings, which led Luis de la Fuente to choose a player with more control on the ball but less speed.
The manager’s decision was Alex Baena, who started every match except the opener against Cape Verde, when Gavi played on the left wing. Baena scored against Uruguay and also recorded an assist in the victory over Austria.
Williams’ recovery
Spain have taken a cautious approach with Williams’ recovery, as the winger has not yet fully recovered from the groin injury he suffered against Uruguay. While he has continued working with the team, the coaching staff decided he was not ready to start.
Williams has not played since the final group match
Spain face Belgium in a crucial 2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash, where Mikel Merino will begin the match on the bench.
Spain face Belgium in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup at Los Angeles Stadium, and manager Luis de la Fuente has opted to keep Mikel Merino out of his starting eleven for the occasion.
De la Fuente is set to send out Rodri and Fabian Ruiz in central midfield, behind an attacking line of Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Alex Baena, supporting Mikel Oyarzabal up top.
That setup leaves no room in the XI for Merino, who has spent the majority of this tournament coming off the bench rather than starting, with the exception of Spain‘s third group-stage match against Uruguay.
The decision is purely tactical rather than any reflection of Merino’s form, which has been outstanding in limited minutes. De la Fuente has simply preferred to stick with the same core group that has carried Spain through the knockout rounds, using Merino as an impact option late in matches rather than disrupting the starting shape.
Mikel Merino celebrates a goal for Spain vs Portugal. (Getty Images)
Merino’s five-minute heroics against Portugal
Merino’s role off the bench has already produced one of the biggest moments of Spain’s tournament. Brought on late in the Round of 16 clash against Portugal, the Arsenal midfielder needed only around five minutes on the pitch to make his mark.
At first, he won a quick free-kick that kickstarted the winning move before being played through by fellow substitute Ferran Torres and slotting home in stoppage time to seal a 1-0 win, eliminating Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal from the tournament.
Dan Riccio and Blake Price recap France's 2-0 quarterfinal win over Morocco and preview a massive Spain vs. Belgium clash on The 90th Minute.
The tournament field is thinning out as the business end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup arrives. On the latest matchday edition of The 90th Minute, co-hosts Dan Riccio and Blake Price unpack a monumental result out of Boston and preview the remaining paths to global glory.
The show leads with an analytical review of France’s convincing 2-0 quarterfinal masterclass over Morocco. Didier Deschamps’ clinical side proved exactly why they are heavily favored to claim the trophy, shutting out a resilient Moroccan outfit.
Despite an early first-half penalty miss by Kylian Mbappé, the French captain made history in the second half by hammering home his eighth goal of the tournament, taking his total 2026 tournament contributions to an astonishing 11. Ousmane Dembélé quickly added a second-half insurance goal to book Les Bleus’ ticket to a third consecutive World Cup Semifinal.
The hosts dissect the game’s tactical shapes, a contentious handball incident involving Mbappé, and debate whether this current roster represents the greatest national team ever assembled.
The focus then shifts entirely to the impending blockbuster tie between Spain and Belgium in Los Angeles. The duo previews the crucial tactical elements, questioning if Spain’s possession-heavy framework and depth can suffocated a red-hot Belgian team. The discussion dives deep into whether this is finally the summer where the remnants of Belgium’s Golden Generation, led by Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, push all the way to a historic final.
The program winds down with score predictions for the remaining high-stakes final-eight fixtures. The hosts look at Erling Haaland’s lethal form with Norway ahead of their clash with England, evaluate Rudi Garcia’s tactical impact, and map out the margins separating Lionel Messi’s Argentina from a stubborn Switzerland side.You can stream the entire daily overview right now.
Check out The 90th Minute on Spotify to stay entirely up to date on final scores, updated bracket configurations, and expert knockout coverage.
His glaring absence casts a heavy shadow over this titanic clash, leaving supporters desperate for answers as to why the Aston Villa talisman has been sidelined for such a historic battle.
A monumental trial awaits Belgium in the 2026 World Cup Quarter-finals against Spain, yet the Red Devils must march into the crucible missing their midfield anchor, Amadou Onana. His glaring absence casts a heavy shadow over this titanic clash, leaving supporters desperate for answers as to why the Aston Villa talisman has been sidelined for such a historic battle.
The quarterfinal in Los Angeles brings together two of Europe’s strongest national teams, with Spain chasing a second World Cup title and Belgium hoping to reach the semifinals for the first time since its memorable run in 1986. While Luis de la Fuente’s squad enters the match with remarkable defensive form, Belgium has been forced into a major adjustment before kickoff.
La Roja has enjoyed an impressive tournament under Luis de la Fuente. It topped its group before eliminating Austria and edging past Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16 thanks to Mikel Merino’s dramatic late winner.
Belgium has also recovered from a slow start. After opening the tournament with two draws, the Red Devils responded with victories over New Zealand, Senegal and the United States, scoring 12 goals across those three matches.
Stage
Spain’s Results
Belgium’s Results
Group Stage Match 1
Draw 0–0 vs. Cabo Verde
Draw 1–1 vs. Egypt
Group Stage Match 2
Win 4–0 vs. Saudi Arabia
Draw 0–0 vs. Iran
Group Stage Match 3
Win 1–0 vs. Uruguay
Win 5–1 vs. New Zealand
Round of 32
Win 3–0 vs. Austria
Win 3–2 (AET) vs. Senegal
Round of 16
Win 1–0 vs. Portugal
Win 4–1 vs. United States
Rudi Garcia’s side produced one of its finest displays of the tournament by defeating the United States 4-1 in the Round of 16. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice before Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku added further goals to secure Belgium’s place in the last eight.
Why Amadou Onana is missing against Spain
The lingering questions surrounding Amadou Onana’s absence have been met with a devastating reality. Belgium recently confirmed that their midfield warrior suffered a catastrophic ruptured ACL in his right knee during the fierce battle against the United States, cruelly ending his tournament and leaving a massive void in the heart of the squad.
Amadou Onana #24 of Belgium reacts after sustaining an injury
The injury occurred in the 18th minute when Onana challenged for the ball alongside United States forward Christian Pulisic. The Belgian immediately grabbed his right knee before receiving treatment from the medical staff and attempting to continue.
Although he briefly returned to his feet, it quickly became clear he could not carry on. Belgium substituted him three minutes later, replacing him with Hans Vanaken in the 21st minute. Medical examinations later confirmed the worst fears for Belgium, Aston Villa and the player himself.
Amadou Onana has suffered an ACL tear in Belgium's match vs. USA.
Onana had to be subbed off early in the first-half after a non-contact injury. Clear valgus + pivoting mechanism as seen in the graphic.
— Physio Scout | Football Injury Analysis (@physioscout) July 7, 2026
Belgium confirms devastating diagnosis
Belgium team doctor Brahim Hacene revealed the extent of the injury after further testing. “This is devastating news, both for him personally and for the team,” Hacene said.
The Belgian medical staff has already begun coordinating with Aston Villa regarding the midfielder’s recovery. “We immediately consulted with Amadou and with Aston Villa to agree on the best approach to his recovery. Over the coming days, we will jointly determine the next steps in his medical treatment and rehabilitation.”
Despite being ruled out of the remainder of the tournament, Onana will stay with the Belgium squad through the quarterfinal to continue supporting his teammates.
Amadou Onana #24 of Belgium reacts after sustaining an injury
Huge blow for Belgium’s midfield as Spain looks to capitalize
The injury represents a significant setback for Rudi Garcia’s tactical plans. Onana had featured in every Belgium match during the tournament and had become a crucial presence in midfield because of his defensive work, physicality and ball-winning ability.
The Red Devils’ injury concerns arrive at the worst possible time. Spain enters the quarterfinal with virtually a full-strength squad and continues to build momentum after another disciplined defensive display against Portugal.
While Belgium still boasts attacking stars such as Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Charles De Ketelaere and Jeremy Doku, losing Onana removes one of the team’s most important defensive shields against Spain’s creative midfield led by Rodri, Pedri and Dani Olmo.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – MARCH 14: Davinson Sanchez of Galatasaray reacts during the Trendyol Super Lig match between Galatasaray SK and Rams Basaksehir FK at Rams Park Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
That might not be sufficient, as the Turkish side is holding out for closer to €25-30m, especially after his impressive 2026 World Cup campaign with Colombia.
This is not the only obstacle, because his salary of over €3m per season net is going to be a challenge for Como too.
The Turkish Super Lig is able to offer massive wage deals compared to Serie A because of the different taxation regime.
Galatasaray purchased Sanchez from Tottenham Hotspur in 2023 at a cost of €9.5m, six years after his move from Ajax to Spurs for €42m.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MAY 17: Giovanni Simeone of Torino in contrast with Alberto Dossena of Cagliari during the Serie A match at Stadio Sant’Elia on May 17, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Toro are the latest, having organised a trip to the historic Turf Moor stadium on Sunday August 2.
Kick-off time will be at 15.00 local time (16.00 CEST).
It will be final pre-season test for Burnley before they begin their campaign in earnest with the first round Carabao Cup tie against Notts County on Saturday August 8.
Atalanta have intensified talks with Kerim Alajbegovic, claim Sky Sport Italia, but Roma and Milan are among those still interested in the Bayer Leverkusen talent.
That was a sale for €2m last summer, with the buy-back option set at just €8m activated on July 1.
Alajbegovic impressed at World Cup
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 24: Kerim Alajbegovic #19 of Bosnia and Herzegovina scores his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar at Seattle Stadium on June 24, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
He scored 13 goals with four assists in 44 competitive games for RB Salzburg, then became a hero for Bosnia and Herzegovina when scoring decisive goals in their World Cup play-offs.
This form continued at the tournament itself, where he started three of Bosnia’s four matches, scoring a sensational solo strike.
Primarily playing down the left wing, but also able to work on the right or as a trequartista behind a striker, Alajbegovic has caught the eye of numerous top clubs.
Sky Sport Italia claim that Atalanta are stepping up negotiations with his entourage in the hope of convincing him before they begin the real talks with his club.
Juventus director Giovanni Carnevali warns Franck Kessie, Brahim Diaz and Theo Hernandez ‘cannot be part of the plan at this moment,’ but they’re ‘waiting’ for Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa.
The Bianconeri are rebuilding after a traumatic season that saw them finish sixth in Serie A, missing out on the Champions League to qualify for the Europa League.
That hit their finances hard and affects the strategy going forward, so new director Carnevali urged fans not to listen to the media rumours of big names returning to Serie A for them.
Juventus shrug off big name rumours
Jeff Ekhator and director Giovanni Carnevali (juventus.com)
Sport Mediaset asked specifically about the reports of approaches for Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz, ex-Milan left-back Theo Hernandez, and free agent Kessie.
“There is no truth to them, because these are very important players, but if we analyse their costs and values, they cannot be part of the plan at this moment for the construction of this squad,” replied Carnevali.
TORONTO, ONTARIO – JUNE 20: Franck Kessie #8 of Cote d’Ivoire celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Germany and Cote D’Ivoire at Toronto Stadium on June 20, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
“We have various negotiations in progress, it takes time to reflect, because we don’t want to be frenetic, the market changes every day,” added Carnevali.
“Just look at Dibu Martinez, who is playing at the World Cup, so we need to wait for that to play out. There are many situations, a club like Juventus has to be open on various different fronts and pay attention to what can happen.”
There can be no real progress until his World Cup campaign has concluded, and Argentina are preparing to face Switzerland in the quarter-final this weekend.
Spain and Belgium face off in a crucial 2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash, with a place in the semifinals on the line.
The 2026 World Cup quarterfinals continue at Los Angeles Stadium, where Spain and Belgium clash in a crucial match as both look to book their place among the tournament’s final four teams.
Spain stumbled into the tournament with a scoreless draw against Cape Verde, but have looked sharper with every match since, cruising to the top of Group H before thrashing Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 and edging out Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16 on a late Mikel Merino strike.
Much of the attention heading into Friday’s match falls on Lamine Yamal. The young forward has managed just a single goal through five appearances this tournament and will start today alongside Mikel Oyarzabal, who is leading the squad with four goals.
Belgium, meanwhile, needed a dramatic turnaround to reach this stage, coming from behind to beat Senegal in extra time after topping Group G, before putting together their most complete performance of the tournament in a 4-1 rout of the USMNT to reach the quarterfinals.
Charles De Ketelaere #17 of Belgium celebrates a goal vs the USMNT. (Getty Images)
Spain’s confirmed lineup
Luis de la Fuente will make only one change to the lineup that eliminated Portugal, opting to use midfielder Fabian Ruiz from the start, leaving Pedri on the substitutes’ bench.
Spain’s confirmed starting XI: Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri,Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal.
Belgium’s confirmed lineup
Rudi Garcia will lean once again on Belgium’s veteran core, with Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings in midfield with a front line built for pace and directness.
Belgium’s confirmed starting XI: Thibaut Courtois; Timothy Castagne, Brandon Mechele, Nathan Ngoy, Maxim De Cuyper; Hans Vanaken, Nicolas Raskin; Leandro Trossard, Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku; Charles De Ketelaere.
Lamine Yamal of Spain and Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium.
One of the biggest questions surrounding Jesus' appointment concerned Cristiano Ronaldo's future with Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo will once again work alongside Jorge Jesus after the veteran coach was officially appointed as Portugal’s new manager following Roberto Martinez’s departure. The Portuguese national team is preparing for a new era after its 2026 World Cup campaign ended with a 1-0 Round of 16 defeat to Spain, and attention has quickly shifted toward what comes next under the experienced tactician.
Portugal confirmed the appointment on Friday, ending speculation over who would guide one of Europe’s most talented squads into the next international cycle. According to the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), Jesus has signed a four-year contract that will keep him in charge through the 2030 World Cup.
The Portuguese Football Federation welcomed its new coach with a simple message on social media. “A new journey begins today. Welcome to the National Team, Mister Jorge Jesus.”
Jesus will oversee Portugal in the UEFA Nations League, Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup, with his first assignment coming during the next international window. The 71-year-old becomes the national team’s head coach for the first time after building an impressive club career that included spells with Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, Flamengo, Fenerbahce, Al-Hilal, and most recently Al-Nassr.
His arrival follows the Selecao das Quinas’ disappointing World Cup exit against Spain, a result that prompted the federation to part ways with Martinez after three years in charge. Despite possessing one of Europe’s deepest squads, Portugal failed to progress beyond the Round of 16, extending its frustrating run at the tournament.
Jesus finally addresses Cristiano Ronaldo’s international role
One of the biggest questions surrounding Jesus’ appointment concerned Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with Portugal. The legendary forward previously indicated that the 2026 World Cup would be his final appearance at the tournament, but he has yet to officially announce his retirement from international soccer.
Speaking during his introductory press conference, Jesus made it clear that Ronaldo remains an important figure while also stressing that every decision will be discussed privately. “No, I haven’t spoken to Cristiano yet. Cristiano will never be a problem for the national team, nor for me,” Jesus said.
The new manager explained that Ronaldo deserves the same respect as every other player while acknowledging everything he has accomplished for Portuguese soccer. “Cristiano is an icon of Portuguese soccer, an icon of the Portuguese national team, an icon of Portugal, and he will always remain so in history.”
Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal shows dejection
Relationship already built at Al-Nassr
Unlike many international coaches, Jesus already knows exactly what it is like to manage Ronaldo. The pair worked together at Al-Nassr, where they celebrated the Saudi Pro League title, with Ronaldo producing another prolific campaign in front of goal. The Portuguese captain scored 30 goals in 37 appearances under Jesus last season, continuing a partnership that now appears set to continue on the international stage.
Jesus praised the working relationship they developed in Saudi Arabia, insisting there were never any issues between them. “It has been a great pleasure working with him over the past year. Working with him has been very easy, extremely easy.”
29 – Cristiano Ronaldo scored 29 goals in 33 appearances under new Portugal manager Jorge Jesus last season for Al Nassr, playing an average of 87 minutes per game.
Ronaldo’s future remains open, but selection will depend on one factor
Although Ronaldo has repeatedly suggested the 2026 World Cup would be his final tournament, Jesus indicated that no final decision has yet been made regarding the striker’s international career. The veteran coach revealed that he plans to meet individually with every member of the squad before making any long-term decisions.
“When the time comes to make any decision, I will speak with Cristiano. But I won’t speak with him alone; I will speak with him and all the players, each one individually.” Jesus also explained that their conversation will focus on Ronaldo’s ambitions for the remainder of his playing career. “We’ll discuss his future career plans and whether he wants to continue playing for Al-Nassr.”
Despite Ronaldo’s legendary status, Jesus emphasized that every player will be judged by the same sporting standards. “As long as he continues playing and meets the criteria for selection, I’ll manage him within the boundaries and standards I deem best for the national team.”
Those comments suggest Ronaldo’s experience alone will not guarantee a place in future squads, but neither will his age automatically end his international career. The final decision will depend on his performances and physical condition over the coming months.
While the final result is yet to be decided, today’s showdown could dramatically reshape the road to the trophy.
Spain and Belgium meet in one of the biggest matches of the 2026 World Cup, with a semifinal place hanging in the balance. While the final result is yet to be decided, today’s showdown could dramatically reshape the road to the trophy. Stay with us to discover how every possible outcome could influence the tournament bracket and determine who takes the next step toward World Cup glory.
Spain enters the quarterfinal after an impressive run that has strengthened its reputation as one of the favorites to lift the trophy. Belgium, meanwhile, arrives with renewed confidence after convincingly eliminating the United States and hopes to continue its resurgence against the reigning European champion.
Spain and Belgium arrive with contrasting journeys
La Roja topped Group H with seven points, defeating Saudi Arabia and Uruguay while drawing with Cape Verde before cruising past Austria 3-0 and edging Portugal 1-0 in the knockout rounds. Luis de la Fuente’s side has become one of the tournament’s standout performers thanks to its disciplined defensive structure and patient possession-based approach.
Belgium’s route has been far more dramatic. The Red Devils finished first in Group G with five points, beating New Zealand and drawing with Egypt and Iran before surviving Senegal in extra time and producing an emphatic 4-1 victory over co-host USA in the Round of 16.
Date
Spain’s Opponent
Stage
Result
June 15, 2026
Cabo Verde
Group Stage
Draw (0–0)
June 21, 2026
Saudi Arabia
Group Stage
Win (4–0)
June 26, 2026
Uruguay
Group Stage
Win (1–0)
July 2, 2026
Austria
Round of 32
Win (3–0)
July 6, 2026
Portugal
Round of 16
Win (1–0)
The European champion also arrives carrying remarkable momentum. Spain has not conceded a goal throughout the tournament and became the first national team in World Cup history to keep six consecutive clean sheets. Goalkeeper Unai Simon has also extended his scoreless streak beyond 600 minutes in the competition.
Belgium, however, has shown steady improvement after an inconsistent group stage. Veteran stars Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois continue to provide leadership, while younger players such as Charles De Ketelaere and Leandro Trossard have added another dimension to the attack.
Date
Belgium’s Opponent
Stage
Result
June 15, 2026
Egypt
Group Stage
Draw (1–1)
June 21, 2026
Iran
Group Stage
Draw (0–0)
June 26, 2026
New Zealand
Group Stage
Win (5–1)
July 1, 2026
Senegal
Round of 32
Win (3–2 AET)
July 6, 2026
United States
Round of 16
Win (4–1)
What happens if Spain wins and Belgium loses?
A Spanish victory would send La Roja into the 2026 World Cup semifinals, where France already awaits after the French defeated Morocco 2-0.
Pau Cubarsi #22 of Spain celebrates after a goal scored by Pedro Porro #12 celebrates.
Spain would continue its unbeaten tournament, extend its historic defensive run, and move within one victory of reaching its first World Cup final since winning the competition in 2010. Belgium, meanwhile, would see its tournament come to an end despite its late resurgence.
The victory would also reinforce Spain’s status as one of the leading favorites to capture a second World Cup title under Luis de la Fuente.
What happens if the match is tied after 90 minutes?
A draw at the end of regulation would not decide the bracket. Instead, the quarterfinal would move into two 15-minute periods of extra time.
Alex Baena celebrates a goal for Spain.
Should the teams remain level after 120 minutes, the semifinal spot would be decided through a penalty shootout. Only then would one team officially secure its place against France while the other would be eliminated.
Unlike the group stage, there is no possibility of both teams advancing or sharing points once the knockout rounds begin.
What happens if Belgium wins and Spain loses?
A Belgian victory would produce one of the biggest surprises of the tournament. The Red Devils would advance to their first World Cup semifinal since finishing third in 2018 and earn a meeting with France in Dallas.
Romelu Lukaku #9 of Belgium celebrates with teammates after scoring the team’s fourth goal.
Spain’s impressive unbeaten streak would come to an end, eliminating one of the strongest contenders before the final four. Such a result would also mark another memorable chapter for Belgium’s experienced generation led by Courtois, De Bruyne, and Lukaku.
Marc Cucurella #24 of Spain celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal.
Belgium face Spain in a crucial 2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash, with a place in the semifinals on the line.
The quarterfinal stage of the 2026World Cup continues in Los Angeles, where Belgium take on Spain in a clash between two of Europe’s most experienced World Cup campaigners, with a semifinal berth on the line.
Belgium sit 8th in the latest FIFAWorld Ranking, with 1,778.36 points, a total that fluctuated throughout the group stage. Rudi Garcia’s men dropped points after drawing both Egypt (1-1) and Iran (1-1), before bouncing back with a 5-1 win over New Zealand that was enough to top Group G.
That inconsistency carried into the knockout rounds too, where Belgium needed a dramatic turnaround to see off Senegal 3-2 after extra time in the Round of 32, rallying from two goals down. They looked far sharper in the Round of 16, cruising past the USMNT 4-1 to punch their ticket to the last eight.
Standing across from them is a Spain side ranked 3rd in the world with 1,912.34 points, sitting just behind Argentina and newly crowned No. 1 France. Luis de la Fuente’s men have been the most defensively airtight team left in the tournament, having not conceded a single goal through their first four matches, a run that included a 1-0 win over Portugal in the Round of 16.
Mikel Merino celebrates a goal for Spain vs Portugal. (Getty Images)
Belgium eyeing a shot at their best-ever World Cup finish
A place in the semifinals would put Belgium within reach of matching, and potentially surpassing, their best-ever World Cup result. The Red Devils finished third at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, part of Belgium’s so-called golden generation led by Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne, who beat England in the third-place playoff.
Nearly a decade later, with De Bruyne still on the team alongside a new generation of players like Youri Tielemans, Jeremy Doku, and Leandro Trossard, Belgium find themselves close to achieving a new historic mark at the World Cup.
Spain and Belgium will battle for a place in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals. Here's everything you need to know to watch the match live in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Spain vs Belgium on US television and via legal streaming:
Spainenters this quarter-final clash at SoFi Stadium as one of the tournament’s most formidable teams, built on an unbreakable defense. Luis de la Fuente’s squad has yet to concede a single goal in the competition, a historic run that includes a disciplined 1-0 victory over a talented Portugal side in the Round of 16. La Roja’s campaign is about re-establishing their golden standard on the world stage, and their methodical, possession-heavy style has so far suffocated every opponent they have faced.
In stark contrast, Belgiumarrives as the tournament’s great entertainers, powered by a high-octane offense. For the remnants of their famed ‘Golden Generation,’ this is the definitive last chance to claim a major trophy. After a thrilling injury-time escape against Senegal, the Red Devils delivered a statement performance by dismantling the host United States 4-1. This match is a legacy-defining crossroads where Spain’s control meets Belgium’s chaos for a coveted spot in the semi-finals.
Tactical Analysis & Match Context
The two nations have followed wildly different paths to the quarter-finals. Spain has been a model of consistency, calmly dispatching Austria and Portugal without conceding a goal, relying on their suffocating possession game. Their defense has been historically brilliant, becoming the first team to keep six consecutive clean sheets in the tournament’s history. Belgium, meanwhile, has been defined by thrilling, high-scoring encounters. They have scored 13 goals in five matches but have also shown significant defensive fragility, conceding five times.
This quarter-final presents a classic clash of styles. Spain will aim to control the tempo, targeting upwards of 65% possession to starve Belgium of the ball and prevent the game from becoming a track meet. Belgium will likely concede possession, sitting in a compact mid-block and waiting for opportunities to unleash their devastating counter-attack. The key battle will be whether Belgium’s direct, high-transition offense can exploit Spain‘s high defensive line before La Roja‘s relentless pressure wears them down.
For Spain, victory would validate their patient, possession-based philosophy and cement the status of their new generation. For Belgium, this match carries immense emotional weight. It is the final opportunity for this group of players to turn years of promise into a tangible legacy. A win propels either side from a strong contender into a favorite to lift the trophy, making the stakes incredibly high.
Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends
Historically, Spain has held a clear advantage in this fixture. In 12 meetings, La Roja has secured six victories to Belgium‘s three, with three matches ending in a draw. This dominance is even more pronounced in recent history, though the teams have not met since the qualifiers for the 2010 tournament.
Looking at the last five encounters, Spain has been utterly dominant, winning four and drawing one. During that span, the goal difference stands at a staggering 12-2 in favor of the Spanish side. Their last meeting in 2009 ended in a comprehensive 5-0 victory for Spain, a result that underscores their historical superiority in this matchup.
When facing fellow European nations at the international tournament, Belgium has often struggled, posting a record of five wins, eight draws, and nine defeats. In contrast, Spain has a more favorable record against UEFA opponents and has already defeated two European teams in the knockout stages of this competition. This trend suggests Spain is more comfortable in these high-stakes continental clashes.
Squad News & Projected Lineups
Spain heads into this monumental quarter-final with a clean bill of health and no suspensions, while Belgium is sweating on the fitness of key midfield personnel.
Luis de la Fuente has the luxury of a fully fit squad, allowing him to field his strongest lineup. While the starting eleven has been consistent, the impact of substitutes was crucial against Portugal, with Mikel Merino scoring the late winner. This depth gives Spain a significant advantage in a match that could be decided in the final stages, especially in the California heat.
Belgium‘s preparations have been hampered by injuries. Midfielder Amadou Onana suffered a knee injury against the USA and remains a major doubt for the match. Defender Zeno Debast is also questionable, forcing coach Rudi Garcia to adjust his backline. These potential absences could disrupt Belgium‘s defensive structure and midfield balance against a team that excels at exploiting any weakness.
Spain Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Simón; Cucurella, Cubarsí, Laporte, Porro; Pedri, Rodri; Baena, Olmo, Yamal; Oyarzabal. This lineup is designed for total midfield dominance, with Rodri and Pedri controlling the tempo. The creative burden will fall on the young wingers Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena, who will look to supply striker Mikel Oyarzabal.
Belgium Projected XI (4-3-2-1): Courtois; De Cuyper, Ngoy, Mechele, Castagne; Raskin, Vanaken; Trossard, Tielemans, Doku; De Ketelaere. Forced into changes by injury, this Belgian side will rely on the speed and dribbling of Jérémy Doku and the craft of Youri Tielemans to create chances. Charles De Ketelaere is expected to lead the line, with the powerful Romelu Lukaku providing a game-changing option from the bench.
More details on how to watch
You can watch the Spain vs Belgium live stream on Fubo. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and mobile devices running iOS or Android.
In addition to the 2026 tournament, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to a host of other top soccer competitions from around the world. You can watch leagues such as Liga MX and LaLiga, giving you year-round soccer action.
A subscription to the platform costs just $14.99 per month, offering incredible value for soccer fans who want to follow multiple competitions. The plan includes access to all live games, replays, and expert analysis.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as Nord VPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.
Juventus and Turkiye star Kenan Yildiz is still struggling with a chronic tendon condition and could require surgery, claim reports in Italy.
The forward is the figure around whom the Bianconeri intend to build their squad, having given him a lucrative new contract and the iconic Number 10 jersey.
However, his performances in recent months have been visibly below par due to a recurring injury problem that has still not been resolved.
Kenan Yildiz struggling with knee issue
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus and Devyne Rensch of AS Roma battle for possession during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
According to Tuttosport, this has become a chronic tendonitis that becomes inflamed every time he tries to step up the physical strain on the knee.
Playing for Turkiye at the World Cup further exacerbated the problem, where he played with the aid of heavy strapping and painkillers, and it remains to be seen if conservative treatment can fully resolve the issue.
If it isn’t, then Juventus and the player could decide to opt for surgery in the summer to clean up the tendon and then begin the rehabilitation process.
PISA, ITALY – DECEMBER 27: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus FC reacts during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Juventus FC at Arena Garibaldi on December 27, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Yildiz is currently resting after the tournament and is expected back in Turin for pre-season training from July 20.
Artem Dovbyk continues to be linked with a summer move away from Roma and the latest reports in Italy claim that Ajax head coach Michel, who coached the Ukrainian at Girona, is keen for a reunion in Amsterdam.
Report: Michel keen to bring Dovbyk to Ajax
Dovbyk joined Roma in a deal worth €30.5m plus add-ons in the summer of 2024 and went on to score 12 goals from 32 league appearances during his first season at the Stadio Olimpico. His 2025-26 campaign was plagued by injuries, though limiting him to just three starts in the league across the season.
Recent reports claim that Roma are keen to shift the centre-forward, who remains under contract for another three seasons until the summer of 2029.
There have been reports that Genoa are interested in a deal for Dovbyk, which would bring a reunion with his former Giallorossi head coach Daniele De Rossi, but this might be a tricky transfer for the Rossoblu to pull off on financial grounds.
Instead, it is Dovbyk’s former Girona coach, Michel, now in charge at Ajax, who is said to be interested in exploring a deal with Roma.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 02: Artem Dovbyk of AS Roma misses a penalty during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between AS Roma and LOSC Lille at Stadio Olimpico on October 02, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Dovbyk scored 24 goals from 36 LaLiga appearances playing under Michel at Girona, which was enough for him to claim the top scorer award in the Spanish top flight in 2023-24.
According to certain reports in Italy, Ajax are keen to bring Dovbyk in on a paid loan deal, but Roma would like to include an obligation to buy. Others claim that Ajax are slightly concerned about the striker’s wage packet and his age: At 29 years old, they are wary of the fact that there might not be much resale value in the future.
Torino have made a formal offer for Ben Nelson that was turned down by Leicester City, claim reports, but the negotiations continue and he is eager to come to Serie A.
It was noted at the time that the asking price was circa €7m, as Leicester City are in a weak bargaining position after relegation to the English equivalent of Serie C.
Leicester City resist Torino for Nelson
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 10: Ben Nelson of Leicester City applauds fans after the Sky Bet Championship match between Leicester City and Bristol City at The King Power Stadium on March 10, 2026 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
According to transfer pundit Fabrizio Romano, an official bid from Torino has been lodged and already rejected by the Foxes.
However, Nelson is eager to make the move to Serie A and his current contract is due to expire at the end of the season.
With the real risk of losing the 22-year-old as a free agent, Leicester City are expected to thrash out an agreement with Torino at slightly improved terms.
Torino director of sport Gianluca Petrachi spoke to the media today when presenting new coach Ignazio Abate and hinted at this strategy.
“The priority is a goalkeeper and two central defenders, that is where we are lacking. We’ve targeted our first choices and are waiting to see what happens there.
“At times, it doesn’t just depend on a player who wants to come, or an agent who already said yes, you need to negotiate. Abate has asked for defenders who can play the ball, and they are not easy to find.”
According to Footmercato, Genoa have agreed a loan with option to buy worth €8m for Olympique Marseille midfielder Hamed Traore, formerly of Napoli, Sassuolo and Bournemouth.
The report in France states that the two clubs have shaken hands on the deal, which will allow Genoa the chance to make it permanent at the end of the season.
At the same time, it will take his salary off the books at financially struggling Marseille.
Hamed Traore return to Serie A
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – APRIL 04: Hamed Junior Traore of AFC Bournemouth shoots past Jason Steele of Brighton & Hove Albion and misses during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion at Vitality Stadium on April 04, 2023 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
It represents a return to Serie A for the 26-year-old Ivory Coast international, who already played in Italy for Empoli, Sassuolo and Napoli.
That move last summer was a loan with practically an obligation to buy for €7.7m, which was activated despite injury problems limiting his appearances to just 19 in all competition.
Traore still managed to contribute three goals and two assists for the French side.
Serie A players have contributed to Norway’s World Cup quarter-final qualification, with Torbjorn Heggem featuring regularly in the starting lineup and Marcus Pedersen and Leo Ostigard both on the scoresheet.
Erling Haaland has deservedly made headlines as his Norway side has qualified for the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in history. The Manchester City striker has netted seven World Cup goals so far, just one fewer than Kylian Mbappé, who has already played in the quarter-finals, scoring one goal in a 2-0 win over Morocco.
Two Serie A goals for Norway at the 2026 World Cup
As Gazzetta highlights, however, Norway’s World Cup run has also been inspired by the performances of some Serie A players.
Four footballers from Italy’s top-flight, plus Morten Thorsby, who was relegated to Serie B with Cremonese last season, are part of the Norway team at the World Cup: Marcus Pedersen (Torino), Torbjorn Heggem (Bologna), Leo Ostigard (Genoa) and Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo).
BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Torbjorn Heggem of Bologna leaves the pitch after being shown a red card during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Juventus FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Bologna’s Heggem has started every match except against France and has received no yellow cards so far, despite playing as a centre-back. Torino right-back Pedersen scored against Senegal and has collected three appearances, two as a starter.
Thorstvedt has made two appearances as a substitute. Ostigard played four matches, one as a starter against France, and scored against Iraq on the debut game, becoming the first Serie A player to score a goal at the 2026 World Cup.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 16: Leo Ostigard #4 of Norway celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between Iraq and Norway at Boston Stadium on June 16, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Thorsby was introduced as a substitute against France in the third group stage game.
Italy are fully aware of Norway’s strength, having lost to them twice in the qualifying group stage. Norway won all ten of their games, and by the time they met Italy in the final round, winning 4-1, their goal difference was already far superior to the Azzurri’s.
Reports in Italy suggest that Pietro Comuzzo could be heading towards the exit doors at Fiorentina and that Torino are interested in offering a new home to the 21-year-old centre-back this summer.
Italy international Comuzzo of interest to Torino
Fiorentina have had a busy start to the summer transfer window and have already secured the signings of two new centre-backs in Radu Dragusin from Tottenham on loan with a €19m obligation to buy and Viery from Gremio at a cost of around €15m including bonuses.
With Luca Ranieri and Marin Pongracic still on Fiorentina’s books as well, it appears that Comuzzo may struggle for regular and consistent game-time in Serie A heading into the 2026-27 season.
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 31: Paolo Vanoli ACF Fiorentina head coach with his player Pietro Comuzzo during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 31, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
This could pave the way for his exit, and according to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, Comuzzo is of interest to Torino, who, like Fiorentina, are hoping to add two new centre-backs to their ranks this summer.
Di Marzio has clarified that no formal negotiations have taken place at this stage, but that the interest from Torino is genuine.
Comuzzo already has 91 first team appearances for Fiorentina under his belt at the age of 21, including 64 outings in Serie A.
He earned his first two caps for the Italy national team under interim head coach Silvio Baldini at the beginning of June, but had also been included in multiple ‘full-strength’ squads under Luciano Spalletti from November 2024 onwards.
Torino director Gianluca Petrachi admits he’ll sit down with Ché Adams to discuss the striker’s future at the club, but the Granata are confident of retaining both Giovanni Simeone and Nikola Vlasic.
Torino unveiled their new coach, Ignazio Abate, at a press conference today, during which sporting director Petrachi provided some transfer updates.
Torino: Ché Adams had an offer to leave in January
“When he returns, we’ll talk and see what he wants to do. He received a request in January, and he made himself available to stay, but to talk about it again in the summer.”
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 23: Che Adams of Torino celebrates the opening goal during the Serie A match between Torino and Udinese at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on April 23, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Adams, 29, has less than a year left in his contract with Torino, where he has just completed his second season after a free transfer from Sunderland in 2024.
While Adam’s future in Turin is far from certain, Duvan Zapata has just signed a new contract, agreeing to a pay cut in exchange for a longer deal.
“He proved to be a silent leader; he doesn’t talk much, but he has an impact and says wise things,” Petrachi said.
“He’s spread his salary, making an important gesture. The Zapata we saw in January can give us a lot.”
Petrachi is confident that both Simeone and Vlasic will remain at Torino in 2026-27, even if the Argentine striker had previously pushed to join River Plate.
“There was a situation for which he wanted to return home, but there are moments when a footballer is tired and thinks about the family; everyone has weaknesses,” Petrachi explained.
“But we’ve made him understand that it’s not yet the time to return home. He has understood and is committed. Abate spoke to him for 30 minutes, and he resumed with grit.
“I also asked Vlasic to stay,” Petrachi concluded.
“He is a player worthy of Toro, I’m in love with him on footballing terms.”
Reports in Italy claim that both Roma and Galatasaray have expressed an interest in signing Assane Diao from Como this summer, but it is the Turkish side who are preparing an offer for the Senegal international according to the latest updates.
Galatasaray and Roma interested in Diao, offer being prepared in Turkey
According to reports from Matteo Moretto on Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube channel, Galatasaray have been in contact with Como and are ‘intending’ to submit an offer for the 20-year-old winger.
This would likely be a paid loan deal with either an option or obligation to buy at a later date.
COMO, ITALY – MARCH 22: Assane Diao of Como 1907 celebrates with his team-mate Nico Paz after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Pisa SC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on March 22, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Earlier this week, there were also reports that Roma might be interested in picking up Diao this summer, following the news that their first-choice attacking target Mason Greenwood is set to join Fenerbahce instead.
Reports from TMW claimed that it would take an offer in the region of €25m-€30m to convince Como into selling.
Diao joined Como from Real Betis in January of 2025, arriving at a cost of €12m. The youngster made an immediate impression in Serie A, netting eight goals from his first 15 appearances in the Italian top flight, but a series of injuries from the end of that season onwards limited him to just 17 appearances and two goals in the league in 2025-26.
Fiorentina have announced that they will face Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid in a prestigious pre-season friendly on August 1.
The match is scheduled to take place at the Wörthersee Stadion in Klagenfurt, where both teams are set to have their summer training camps in Austria seeking cooler temperatures.
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 23: Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Pisa SC at Artemio Franchi on February 23, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
It is the second time that the Tuscans have played Real Madrid in a pre-season friendly, as they had visited the Bernabeu in the summer of 2017.
Milan owner Gerry Cardinale insists the new Rossoneri management works ‘as a team’ but notes: ‘I approve every single cent, and I’m the only one who gives the final green light on the transfer market.’
Cardinale: ‘I’m the only one who gives the final green light on the transfer market’
“No one at Milan has approval rights at any threshold in the transfer market, apart from me,” said the Milan owner.
“I approve every single cent, and I’m the only one who gives the final green light on the transfer market.”
The Rossoneri have already secured two summer signings. They first signed Portugal international Gonçalo Ramos from PSG in a deal worth up to €70m, including add-ons.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 03: Gerry Cardinale of AC Milan looks on before the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 03, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Lazio’s Mario Gila is now in Milan to undergo medical tests with the Rossoneri before completing a €30m transfer. This means the Rossoneri have already invested circa €100m in new acquisitions this summer.
“In the way we operate, my power of approval is one-sided,” Cardinale continued.
“And then one important thing: as I said at the press conference, we do things as a team. So the team will continue to make recommendations, and we will work together.
“We have a lot of input from the coach and my team. But in the end, when the time comes to make a decision, I approve it.”
Milan failed to reach the Champions League in the 2025-26 season, so Massimiliano Allegri was sacked and replaced by ex-Manchester United boss Amorim, who has signed a three-year contract at San Siro.
Horacio Elizondo, the referee of the 2006 World Cup Final, reveals Zinedine Zidane reassured him that the red card was correct but also asked: ‘Didn’t you see what happened before?’
July 9 2026, marked the 20th anniversary of Italy’s World Cup victory.
The Azzurri famously beat France on penalties in the final, with Zidane sent off just ten minutes before the penalty shootout for headbutting Materazzi.
Argentine official Elizondo, the referee of that match, described the moments that led to that decision and what Zidane told him before leaving the pitch.
That was also Zidane’s final game as a footballer, making his red card incident even more legendary.
“I saw Materazzi didn’t get up, so I stopped the play and started running towards him,” Elizondo told Gazzetta.
“While I was running, I asked the first assistant: ‘What happened?’ He said: ‘I didn’t see anything.’ Same for the second assistant. We didn’t know what had happened.
“At that moment, Medina Cantalejo, the fourth official, told me: Zidane headbutted Materazzi. In all this, I thought: These guys didn’t see anything, the same goes for the crowd, from TV I don’t know. The fourth official says it’s a red card, so I’ll give a red card, but I need to do something to help the world understand.”
What Zidane told referee after red card in 2006 World Cup final
Elizondo feared that the crowd in the stadium would not understand why he showed red to Zidane, so he pretended to discuss the matter with one of his assistants.
“I started talking to the assistant, pretending that he knew something. I wanted to make this ‘acting’ to make people understand [we were making a decision]. I told him: ‘Ten minutes to go, remain focused.’ Then I turned and gave the red card to Zidane,” Elizondo said.
epa00768064 Italian player Marco Materazzi tries to put a hat over the World Cup trophy after the final of the 2006 FIFA World Cup between Italy and France at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany, Sunday 09 July 2006. EPA/BERND WEISSBROD +++ Mobile Services OUT +++ Please refer to FIFA’s Terms and Conditions.
“I was curious to see Zidane’s reaction and whether he would defend his position. When he saw me running with my hand in the back pocket, he started taking his captain’s armband off.
“So I thought, okay, it’s done, and I started to relax a bit. When I was about to write his name on the sheet, he touched my shoulder and said: ‘Calm, the red card is correct, but didn’t you hear or see what happened before?’ I said: ‘No, what happened?’ But he just turned his back and went out.”
Italy has not played a World Cup knockout game since 2014, having been eliminated in the group stages in 2010 and 2014, and failing to qualify altogether in 2018, 2022, and 2026.
Amorim outlined his ambitions for the Rossoneri, while Cardinale reiterated the club’s commitment to building a competitive side capable of challenging both domestically and in Europe.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 03: Gerry Cardinale of AC Milan looks on before the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 03, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The summer transfer window has already seen Milan make an early statement with the arrivals of Gonçalo Ramos and Mario Gila, strengthening both the attack and the defence ahead of the new campaign.
However, the club’s business is far from complete, with several areas of the squad still expected to be reinforced before the window closes.
Ruben Amorim smiles at his first Milan press conference (acmilan.com)
In today’s episode of the Football Italia Summer Show, Lorenzo Bettoni is joined by SempreMilan’s Ben Dixon to analyse Amorim’s first press conference, discuss the significance of Milan’s early signings, and examine the club’s transfer strategy under Cardinale’s ownership.
Como are preparing for their first ever season competing in the Champions League and Cesc Fabregas’s side have already committed over €100m on new players ahead of their maiden voyage into Europe’s most prestigious competition.
Como’s summer spending doesn’t stop at Nico Paz
Como have the wealthiest ownership group in Serie A and have proved across the last few seasons that they are not afraid to spend significantly in order to jump start their lakeside project.
The summer of 2026 has been no different and has been headlined by the €60m deal that Como have arranged with Real Madrid to keep Nico Paz at the club for at least another season.
The Nico Paz saga had gone on for months across the 2025-26 season: Real Madrid had a low-cost buy-back option set at €9m this summer, which the Spaniards eventually decided to activate before selling Paz back to Como at a cost of €60m. The new deal includes another buy-back option in favour of Real Madrid, but now at €80m and only for the summer of 2027.
ITALY – APRIL 12: Nico Paz celebrates after scoring their team’s second goal during the Serie A match against FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Additionally, Como are set to welcome Yan Couto from Borussia Dortmund at a cost of around €20m. That comes after a deal for Brazilian full-back Kaiki, who has arrived on loan with an obligation to buy €14m.
That brings us close to the €100m mark already, and that is before the signing of midfielder Luis Milla at a cost of around €6m is taken into account. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that a deal for Mattia Liberali is expected to happen, which again, should cost around €6m.
Kaiki Bruno da Silva signs for Como (@como_1907)
La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Como’s summer spending won’t stop there, either. Fabregas and his team are still looking to strengthen in defence with at least one, if not two new signings at the back, plus an alternative option to Tasos Douvikas at centre-forward.
This could bring the eventual bill to €150m for the summer of 2026.
Juventus have officially announced that Francois Modesto has left his position as technical director, just shy of a year after he was brought to the club by former CEO Damien Comolli.
Official: Modesto is no longer Juventus’s technical director
Modesto was appointed on July 15 in 2025 and has had his departure confirmed 360 days later following a restructuring of the Juventus senior management team.
Giovanni Carnevali has replaced Modesto as CEO, Frederic Massara has recently been appointed as the club’s Chief Football Officer, while Marco Ottolini continues in the role of sporting director. Giorgio Chiellini has also recently been promoted to the role of Chief Club Affairs Officer, signalling an all-Italian leadership team on the sporting side of the club.
This means that there is no longer any room for Modesto, who has followed Comolli out of the club after one disappointing season at the helm.
“Juventus announces that a mutual agreement has been reached with Francois Modesto for the termination of his position as the Club’s Technical Director, effective immediately,” read a statement on the club website.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – JANUARY 06: (L-R) Francois Modesto, Technical Director, Marco Ottolini, Sporting Director and Damien Comolli, General Manager talk prior to the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Juventus FC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on January 06, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“The Club would like to thank Francois for the dedication and professionalism he showed during his time in the role, and wish him the very best in his professional future and personal endeavours.”
Before his time with Juventus, Modesto had served as the technical director at Monza between 2022 and 2025, as the technical director at Nottingham Forest between 2019 and 2022, and in various scouting roles with Olympiacos between 2016 and 2022.
Anan Khalaili has been spotted at the airport in Milan on Friday, having flown to Italy to complete the final details of his potential €30m transfer to Inter.
The Nerazzurri had initially seen bids of €20m plus bonuses and then €23m plus bonuses turned down by the Belgian side.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – MAY 14: Anan Khelaili of Union Saint-Gilloise lifts the trophy following his teams 3-1 win in the Coupe de Belgique Final match between Union Saint-Gilloise and RSC Anderlecht at Stade Roi Baudouin on May 14, 2026 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
However, an agreement has now been reached at €25m in guaranteed fees, plus bonuses and a 15% sell-on clause in favour of Union SG.
Khalaili has since been filmed arriving in Milan, and the Israel international is now expected to complete his medical tests and to sign his contract at the Inter headquarters in the city by the end of Friday.
Khalaili looks set to be the replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who has left Inter after five successful seasons to join Real Madrid. The Nerazzurri had initially targeted a move for Italy international Marco Palestra, who has since joined Chelsea in a big-money move.
Khalaili was next on Inter’s list, and despite the fact that he had been of interest to Napoli earlier this window, his next destination will be San Siro.
Reports in the UK claim that Roma’s Manu Kone has emerged as a ‘serious’ option for Manchester United this summer, despite the fact that they have already secured deals for two new midfielders in Atalanta’s Ederson and Chelsea’s Andrey Santos.
Kone on Manchester Untied’s list of midfield options
The Premier League side seem desperate to add to their midfield department this summer and according to reports from TeamTalk, are looking to provide head coach Michael Carrick with a third new midfielder during the off-season.
According to reports from Graeme Bailey of TeamTalk, United still have the budget to add a third new midfielder to their ranks this summer and Roma’s Kone has emerged as a ‘serious’ option.
Kone is among the players to have been linked with a move away from Roma this summer given that the Giallorossi are still working under the restrictions of a financial fair play settlement agreement with UEFA.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JUNE 30: Manu Kone #6 of France inspects the pitch before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between France and Sweden at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 30, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
Reports in Italy during the off-season have linked the France international with a big-money move away from the Stadio Olimpico, including to Premier League champions Arsenal. A price tag of €50m has been rumoured in Italy, although TeamTalk suggests that after a prominent role with the France national team at the 2026 World Cup, this could now be more like €58.5m (£50m).
Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti thought the Bianconeri would sign a new centre-forward and a new goalkeeper by the start of the pre-season, but talks for Randal Kolo Muani and Emiliano Martinez are stalling.
Juventus have not progressed in negotiations for PSG forward Kolo Muani and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Juventus transfers: latest updates on Kolo Muani and Dibu Martinez as Spalletti waits
According to Gazzetta, the time required to complete the transfers has surprised Spalletti, who expected to welcome a new striker and a new goalkeeper by the start of the pre-season on July 13.
Juventus are struggling to reach an agreement with both PSG and Aston Villa, so most likely, Jeff Ekhator will be the only new Bianconeri summer signing to begin pre-season training with the team next week.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Gazzetta reports that Juventus don’t want to spend more than €6m/7m for Martinez, who is currently on Argentina international duty at the World Cup.
At the same time, PSG have raised their demands for Kolo Muani, asking for circa €50m, while Juventus don’t want to spend more than €40m for a loan deal with an obligation to buy.
Kolo Muani has long been Spalletti’s top target for the Juventus attack, but it remains uncertain whether the Italian tactician will work with the French forward anytime soon.
Inter have secured a deal to sign Anan Khalaili from Union Saint-Gilloise, so now their next priority is Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah, who, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, has rejected an offer from Crystal Palace as he’s keen to move to San Siro.
Inter will push to sign Chelsea defender Chalobah in the coming weeks, as the defending Serie A champions look for reinforcements at the back after the departures of Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij as free agents.
Gazzetta: Chalobah wants Inter move, snubs Crystal Palace
Chelsea’s Chalobah is their main target and talks with the player’s camp have been ongoing for weeks. Personal terms are not expected to be an issue, yet Inter have not reached an agreement with Chelsea.
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – JUNE 22: Trevoh Chalobah #12 of England trains during and England Training Session on June 22, 2026 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 21: Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea during the warm up during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea at Amex Stadium on April 21, 2026 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
According to Gazzetta, the Blues’ asking price is €40m, while other sources, including Sky Sport, have said the Premier League giants set their demands at €35m.
According to Gazzetta, Chelsea have tried to include Chalobah in a player-plus-cash swap deal with Crystal Palace for Maxence Lacroix, but Chalobah has rejected the chance to move to South London as he only wants to join Inter this summer.
Como have already had two bids rejected by Chelsea, and the Azzurri’s President, Mirwan Suwarso, reportedly reached out to Beppe Marotta earlier this week to say he would not engage in bidding wars with the Nerazzurri.
Lazio defender Mario Gila has arrived for his medical tests with Milan before completing a €30m deal.
Spanish centre-back Gila arrived at the La Madonnina clinic in Milan this morning to undergo medical tests with the Rossoneri.
ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Mario Gila of SS Lazio prior the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Napoli at Stadio Olimpico on February 15, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio shared the video of Gila’s arrival at the private clinic, which you can see below.
Multiple sources claim that the deal is worth €30m, including add-ons. Gila had only a year left on his contract with Lazio.
A former Real Madrid Castilla player, Gila, 26, will sign his contract with Milan later today.
Video: Gila begins Milan medical
Gila è arrivato alla Casa di Cura La Madonnina per le visite mediche con il @acmilan. Nel pomeriggio è prevista la firma del contratto pic.twitter.com/TqvS7JgpwV
According to La Repubblica, Paolo Maldini will decide today whether to accept the offer to become Italy’s technical director, but the outlook appears pessimistic so FIGC President Giovanni Malagò has identified three potential alternatives, including Gianfranco Zola.
Former Milan and Italy defender Maldini will sit down with FIGC President Malagò for one final meeting today, according to La Repubblica.
Maldini and Malagò set for showdown talks today
Maldini has an offer to become Italy’s technical director, and already talked to Malagò several times in recent weeks, including on Thursday.
According to Repubblica, however, it’s becoming increasingly unlikely that Maldini will ultimately accept Malagò’s proposal.
EMPOLI, ITALY – OCTOBER 01: Paolo Maldini of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Empoli FC and AC MIlan at Stadio Carlo Castellani on October 1, 2022 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Malagò has already offered Maldini unprecedented power as Italy’s technical director, even allowing him to choose the new head coach.
According to Repubblica, however, the former defender is unlikely to accept the offer, primarily because of the impact it would have on his private life, as the role would require him to leave Milan and spend significant time working in Rome or at Italy’s training centre in Coverciano, Florence.
Maldini will inform Malagò about his final decision today, but it’s far from guaranteed that he will provide a positive answer.
According to Repubblica, another ex-Milan star, Demetrio Albertini, would jump to the top of Malagò’s list if Maldini rejects the offer, but Chelsea and Cagliari legend Gianfranco Zola and Inter and Italy legend Beppe Bergomi are also among the names being considered by the FIGC chief.
Brazilian legend Romario hits out at Carlo Ancelotti following Brazil’s World Cup elimination, even arguing that the Italian tactician ‘should be taken to court.’
The Seleçao was knocked out in the Round of 16 for the first time since Italia 90, and Ancelotti’s playing style hasn’t pleased many in the country, including former striker Romário.
Romario: Brazil should sack Ancelotti
“He [Ancelotti] cannot remain Brazil’s head coach,” Romario said via Sky Sport Italia.
“If I had been in charge of the federation, I would have walked into the dressing room, told him to go to hell and torn up his contract on the spot. The match against Norway was a disgrace. I’d even take him to court. Then we’ll see what happens, but he cannot stay.
“I couldn’t even understand what he was trying to do on the pitch,” Romario continued.
“He replaced Bruno Guimaraes and put Ederson wide. He did that because he hadn’t called up any other full-back. One full-back (Wesley) got injured, and he replaced him with a central midfielder. I know there aren’t many options, but surely there’s someone better than Ederson in that position.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JUNE 24: Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Brazil, speaks with Neymar Jr #10 as he prepares to be substituted in during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Scotland and Brazil at Miami Stadium on June 24, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
“We had Dunga. He lost, and he left. We had Luiz Felipe Scolari; he won the World Cup, so he stayed. We had Tite. He lost, he stayed, and then he lost again,” Romario concluded.
“Now we have this damned Ancelotti, who has lost and will keep on losing. He made a lot of mistakes at this World Cup, and none of you in the media are saying a word. If he were a Brazilian coach, you would have torn him apart by now. But because he’s a foreigner, nobody says anything.”
He missed a penalty and then invented the 8th magic, like Leo. Marocco beaten, Dembélé scores too. Today, Yamal guides Spain against Belgium.
Beat of a wing: Inter choose Khalaili
First signing of the champions after the Palestra disappointment. Dumfries’ replacement signed: a 25m deal, now all-in on Chalobah.
Corriere dello Sport
Mbappé like Messi. Yamal, there’s big Rom.
Dumfries’ replacement
The first is Khalaili
A new starter for Inter: 25m to Union SG
An Israeli to play for the Nerazzurri for the first time: Five-year contract
He’s 21, six goals and six assists in the last season. Medical tests today. 2.2m salary. Now the priority is Chalobah: meeting with Chelsea.
Grosso: ‘Atta is a big coup.’
Pellegrino, Juventus pave the way
Contacts with Parma for the Argentine. A new meeting with PSG and Aston Villa for Muani and Martinez
Napoli, Anguissa starts the pre-season
He has one year left in his contract and the coach likes him. Talks are ongoing with Hull City for Milinkovic. Falcone on target, Zeballos booked, the agent in tow.
Tuttosport
Juve, Matic offered for now
Carnevali proposes to Spalletti the 37-year-old from Sassuolo
The experienced Serbian midfielder, ex-United, intrigues as a backup, but the coach expects something different, starting with the attack. Yildiz will start slowly to manage his knee; surgery is not ruled out.
Fantastique
Mbappé-Dembélé, France in the semis
Inter: Khalaili, now Chalobah
25m to Union for the Israeli winger. Medical tests today. The Chelsea centre-back is the next target
Jakic breaks for Torino
Atta too! Viola dreams
Paratici unleashed, many teams of Europe’s top sides beaten for 25m. Grosso: ‘Great coup.’
Romario goes off track: ‘Kick Ancelotti out!’
Malagò: ‘Italy technical director, possible surprise.’
Pierluigi Collina shared his opinion on the controversial plays of the match between Argentina and Egypt.
The Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt was one of the most thrilling of the tournament, with Argentina coming back from 2-0 down to win 3-2. However, Egypt complained about referee François Letexier, who was defended by Pierluigi Collina as he detailed the controversial plays of the match on the official Inside FIFA website while reaffirming that referees are independent from Gianni Infantino.
Collina said: “A foul is a foul, regardless of whether it seems obvious. If the referee did not see it on the field, the VAR can intervene. There is no defined limit regarding the distance from the goal, nor the amount of time that has passed between the incident and the goal.”
This explanation from the chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee referred to the disallowed goal scored by Mostafa Zico after VAR called Letexier to review the play in which Lisandro Martínez was stepped on by Marwan Attia near Egypt’s corner flag.
Collina on the final goal
Even after Zico had a goal disallowed, he scored again a few minutes later on a fantastic counterattack to put Egypt 2-0 ahead. Then the comeback began with a Cristian Romero header before Lionel Messi equalized.
Martínez was fouled on the other end of the field (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
The winning goal also generated controversy from Egypt’s perspective, as Mohamed Salah fell inside the penalty area when Julián Álvarez won the ball back from him in the move that ended with Enzo Fernández scoring the winner.
Collina said: “Stepping on an opponent’s foot is a foul, whereas a defender who plays the ball first and then makes normal contact with the opponent does not commit a foul. The referee and the VAR considered it to be normal contact.”
Collina on possible influence from Infantino
There was plenty of frustration from Egypt after the elimination. Hossam Hassan was the main figure fueling the protests with his gestures toward the referee. It was not just the manager who delayed the match for a few minutes, as several members of the coaching staff were also yelling at Letexier. Collina responded to the claims that the competition had been influenced by Infantino.
Collina said: “No one can claim that FIFA’s refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even the FIFA president. He has always shown his full support, trusting us to work with complete independence. Referees make honest decisions and, just like players and coaches, they always strive to do their very best.”
After athe thrilling 3-2 win over Egypt, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni is reportedly set to keep most of Lionel Messi's lineup unchanged to face Switzerland for the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals.
Lionel Messi is preparing for the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals after another thrilling but unconvincing win, this time a 3-2 comeback over Egypt. With Switzerland up next, head coach Lionel Scaloni is reportedly set to make minimal changes to Argentina’s lineup that started against the African side.
Tuesday’s match looked like it might spell the end of Messi’s World Cup run, with Argentina trailing 2-0 until the 78th minute before the Inter Miami star once again dragged his side to victory. Despite the performance leaving plenty of questions unanswered, the coaching staff appears unwilling to shake things up significantly.
According to TyC Sports journalist and Argentina insider Gaston Edul, no major changes are expected between the Egypt and Switzerland lineups for Saturday’s quarterfinal on July 12th. During Thursday’s training session, Scaloni did not run a full practice game as he typically does at this stage, suggesting the adjustments will be minimal, with Friday’s session expected to be the final one before the match.
Players who earned their spot in the starting XI against Egypt are also expected to retain it. Nicolas Tagliafico, fully fit, will hold the left back position, while Leandro Paredes appears set to keep his place after a standout defensive contribution that included a crucial recovery to stop a dangerous Egyptian counterattack.
Leandro Paredes #5 of Argentina and Mohamed Salah #10 of Egypt compete for the ball.
Julian Alvarez is also expected to remain as Messi’s attacking partner despite continued questions about his form. While Lautaro Martinez has looked the sharper finisher in the final third, Alvarez’s work rate and explosiveness are seen as better suited to breaking down a well-organized Swiss defensive block on Saturday.
Two doubts in Argentina’s squad
The right back position remains a genuine competition, with Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel both pushing for the starting spot. Neither has been particularly convincing throughout the tournament, leaving the position unsettled heading into a quarterfinal.
Montiel came on in the 73rd minute against Egypt with the score at 0-2 and made an immediate impact, setting up Messi for the 2-2 while positioned as a No. 9 inside the box in the 83rd minute. Even so, both players have shown vulnerabilities on and off the ball, and their inclusion may hinge on how they come through Friday’s training session.
The other open question is whether Nicolas Gonzalez will force his way into Argentina‘s midfield picture. The Atletico Madrid winger came on against Egypt as a substitute and immediately injected the pace that had been missing throughout, and with Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul both below their best, Gonzalez’s ability to change the tempo makes him a compelling wildcard option against Switzerland.
Projected lineup for Argentina
Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez.
Defenders: Nahuel Molina/Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, and Nicolas Tagliafico.
Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Leandro Paredes, and Alexis Mac Allister.
Forwards: Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni and Lionel Messi of Argentina.
The performances of great players at the 2026 World Cup continued with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé matching productions.
The clear trend that the 2026 World Cup has followed is that great players have carried their teams. With France beating Morocco in the first quarterfinal, a curious thing occurred as Kylian Mbappé produced an almost identical performance to Lionel Messi with Argentina three days earlier.
Their matches were vastly different, not just because they were played in different rounds. Argentina needed to suffer to come back from 0-2 against Egypt and score three goals in 14 minutes, while France eliminated Morocco with a convincing 2-0 victory.
What those matches had in common was the performance of their main players, as Messi and Mbappé pushed their teams forward by scoring one goal, adding an assist and also missing a penalty kick during the match.
Their goals weren’t surprising
In almost every single match France and Argentina have played in the competition, Mbappé and Messi have scored a goal. Their performances have been so impressive that they are leading the race to be the top scorers with eight goals each.
Bono saved the penalty to his left (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The context was similar because neither of their recent goals came in a decided match in favor of their teams. One helped France open the scoring against Morocco in a goalless match, while the other rescued Argentina by bringing them level against Egypt.
Scoring is not the only way these talented players help their teams, and they showed that again with assists. Mbappé assisted Ousmane Dembélé to seal the victory that sent France into the semifinals, while Messi began Argentina’s comeback with an assist for a Cristian Romero header to make it 2-1.
The missed penalties
The most surprising coincidence was that both players missed a penalty kick, even though it had no consequence for the final results.
Messi missed his second penalty of the tournament while Argentina were trailing Egypt 1-0 in the first half. After previously missing from the spot against Austria, he kicked weakly to the goalkeeper’s left, where the shot was easily saved.
Mbappé also missed from the spot during the first half against Morocco, when the match was still 0-0. The French forward rarely misses penalties but found an experienced opponent in Yassine Bono, who stopped his shot by diving to his left.
Kylian Mbappe and head coach Didier Deschamps shared some insights on why the France star asked to be substituted in the World Cup win over Morocco.
Kylian Mbappe made headlines for two reasons in France‘s 2026 World Cup quarterfinal against Morocco: his goal that helped send Les Bleus through, and his early exit after suffering discomfort in the second half. With a semifinal berth secured, both Mbappe and head coach Didier Deschamps shed light on the decision to bring him off.
The relief was short-lived, however, as Mbappe went down on the pitch in the 76th minute, visibly signaling to the bench to be replaced. He walked off under his own power in the 77th minute, making way for Jean-Philippe Mateta, but the sight of France’s talisman leaving the field raised immediate concern heading into the final stages of the tournament.
Speaking to beIN Sports and M6 after the game, Mbappe played down any serious concern while explaining the substitution: “I’m okay, I took a blow to the ankle but I’m fine. At that moment, JP (Jean-Philipe Mateta) was better suited than I was to play the final 15 minutes, so I came off and he came on. It’s good, plus he almost scored.“
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France is attended to by teammates.
Deschamps echoed that assessment and also addressed the condition of Manu Kone. “With Kylian, it was a bit of his ankle, he was feeling a bit of pain. Manu took a blow to the knee—it’s normal, the matches are coming thick and fast. It’s good for Warren, though I can’t please everyone,” the France boss told beIN Sports and M6.
Third consecutive World Cup semifinal for France
The victory over Morocco sends France to their third straight World Cup semifinal, having also reached the last four in 2018 and 2022. Les Bleus now stand as the third most frequent semifinalists in World Cup history with eight appearances, level with Italy, behind only Brazil with 11 and Germany with 13, and ahead of Argentina with six.
Mbappe reflected on the achievement of reaching the top four once again: “We are aware that there is only one way to relax, and that is to win. We are in the semi-finals, we are very happy, but there is still a long way to go. We are aware that what lies ahead of us is even tougher than what we’ve been through, but we are ready to face anything; we are going to quietly recover and watch tomorrow’s (Friday) match to see who we will be facing.“
Alongside teammates Dembele and Lucas Hernandez, Mbappe is now appearing in his third consecutive World Cup semifinal. The benchmark in that regard belongs to Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who featured in four straight between 2002 and 2014. With the semifinal scheduled for Tuesday, July 14th at Dallas Stadium, Mbappe will have four days to recover from the ankle knock before France’s bid for a place in the final.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France during the Morocco game.
Gavi picked his favorite team to play against if Spain reach the final.
There are still many things to be decided at the 2026 World Cup with just one semifinalist set after France beat Morocco. The next team that can join them is Spain, who face Belgium, but Gavi was asked about who he would like to play in a possible final.
Gavi said: “I hope to be important at the World Cup. I dream of scoring the winning goal. I have always dreamed of scoring an overhead kick in the final. They are dreams, and hopefully they come true. I would like Argentina because of Lionel Messi, but as long as we reach the final, it doesn’t matter who it is.”
It will not be easy for Spain to reach the last match of the competition, as they first need to beat Belgium, a team that has improved throughout the tournament, before a possible semifinal against France.
Gavi does not underestimate Belgium
While Spain may have more chances on paper, Belgium are coming from their best performance of the competition. After struggling to come back against Senegal, they beat the USMNT 4-1 in a convincing performance.
Cape Verde and Austria were the midfielder’s only matches (Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)
Even if they did not look like a team capable of going far at the beginning, Belgium still have many players of great quality who can be competitive, something the midfielder mentioned when discussing their next rivals.
Gavi said: “I don’t like talking about that. Belgium have great players, just like Portugal. We have to do our job very well. If we do that, things will surely go well. The important thing is beating Belgium.”
Gavi on his lack of participation
The competition has not gone as Gavi expected individually, as he has not participated in three matches. Even though he was in the lineup against Cape Verde, the draw made Luis de la Fuente change his plans. This left the midfielder out of the team, with him playing just six minutes against Austria.
Gavi said: “I came here to win the World Cup. The manager knows me better than anyone. We all want to play more, but what really matters is winning the World Cup. He knows he can count on me for whatever he needs.”
Jarell Quansah has been handed with a two-game suspension, dealing another setback to England coach Thomas Tuchel in the right back position.
England advanced to the quarterfinal stage in the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 3-2 win over co-host Mexico in the Round of 16, but the victory came at a cost. Head coach Thomas Tuchel now faces another headache at right back after Jarell Quansah was handed a two-game suspension.
The trouble began in the second half against Mexico, when Quansah brought down Jesus Gallardo and was initially shown a yellow card. Following a VAR review, however, referee Alireza Faghani upgraded the decision to a red card in the 54th minute, leaving England to see out the remaining 36 minutes with ten men.
On Wednesday, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee confirmed the length of the ban. “2-match suspension for a breach of article 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code,” the statement read. “The suspension will be served in the upcoming match(es) of the representative team of England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and in accordance with art. 69 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.“
The Mexico match was only Quansah’s second start of the tournament, having previously featured against Panama before being forced off with an injury. Now recovered, the Bayer Leverkusen defender will miss the quarterfinal against Norway and a potential semifinal against either Argentina or Switzerland, with his earliest possible return coming in the final should England get there.
Jesus Gallardo #23 of Mexico is tackled by Jarell Quansah #26 of England.
Tuchel running short of right-back options
One of the more surprising omissions from Tuchel‘s World Cup squad was Trent Alexander-Arnold, leaving Reece James, Djed Spence, and Quansah as the options at right back. Injuries have steadily thinned that group throughout the tournament.
James started the first two matches against Croatia and Ghana before a hamstring problem ended his run in the team. More than two and a half weeks have passed since that injury, and the Chelsea defender has yet to return to action for England.
With James sidelined, Quansah stepped in at right back, a position he has covered at club level as part of a back three at Bayer Leverkusen. He started against Panama and again against Mexico before the red card and subsequent ban removed him from the equation entirely.
That leaves Djed Spence as Tuchel’s last recognized option at right back, one of the more unexpected names in the original squad selection. The Tottenham Hotspur defender has appeared in every match of the tournament, starting the Round of 32 clash against DR Congo at right back before coming off the bench in subsequent games to cover both flanks.
Spence entered the Mexico game as a substitute in the 74th minute after missing the final training session with a minor issue. With England unable to appeal Quansah’s suspesion and both James and Spence carrying fitness concerns, Tuchel faces a genuine problem heading into the Norway quarterfinal, with center back Ezri Konsa emerging as a contingency option if neither right back is available.
Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane have established themselves as two of the tournament's best strikers, battling for the Golden Boot. With that in mind, let's do a skill-by-skill analysis, leaving the vote open for you to decide who the better player is.
After a historic season at Bayern Munich, Harry Kane arrived at the 2026 World Cup as one of the best players. Without disappointing the fans, he has managed to establish among the top scorers, leading England to the quarterfinals. Nevertheless, Erling Haaland also emerges among the most outstanding players, leading Norway to a historic campaign. We will do a skill-by-skill analysis, leaving the vote open for you to decide who the better player is.
Harry Kane establishes as England‘s undisputed leader. Head coach Thomas Tuchel builds the team around him, making him key in the build-up play and the finishing of attacks. With the freedom to move across the pitch, he is very difficult to mark, as opponents need to defend him zonally rather than man-to-man. As a result, he has scored six goals in five matches, making him one of the tournament’s standout performers.
Despite not coming from his best season, Erling Haaland has managed to deliver an outstanding performance at the 2026 World Cup. Scoring 7 goals in 4 matches, he becomes one of Norway‘s most outstanding players. Being the first time in history that they have reached the quarterfinals, he is facing the best opportunity to enlarge his legacy. Because of this, the debate between the 25-year-old striker and Kane has several angles to discuss.
Pure Box Finishing & Technical Strike
Although Harry Kane and Erling Haaland are among the best strikers in the world, they are far from being similar. The 32-year-old Englishman is one of the most complete forwards in the world. Not only does he drop deep to receive the ball, but he also builds play for Thomas Tuchel’s team. His link-up play elevates him to extraordinary levels, as he creates space in the opposition defense and constantly makes runs from the second line.
Harry Kane #9 of England celebrating.
Unlike the Englishman, Erling Haaland is a striker more focused on physical power and goalscoring ability. The Norwegian star stands out for his excellent vision, which allows him to find spaces. In addition, he is capable of winning counterattacks with his pace and dominating physical duels, making him a lethal player with a conversion rate of 38.89%. Nevertheless, he also possesses brilliant technique, allowing him to score goals in many different ways.
Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Haaland has scored seven goals for Norway, averaging one goal every 14 touches of the ball. As a result, he has been one of the tournament’s most productive players. Not far behind, Kane has already scored six goals in the tournament, posting a conversion rate of 31.58%, which allowed him to surpass Pelé on the World Cup’s all-time scoring list with 14 goals.
Aerial Power & Physical Dominance
Erling Haaland has proven to be one of the most physical strikers in the world. Since making his debut for Borussia Dortmund, he has been a player who thrives attacking space, using his physical strength to overpower defenders. Nevertheless, Harry Kane is not far behind, as he is also a standout player physically, but in different aspects, making him a very different profile from the young Norwegian.
As a veteran striker, Kane has spent many years shining at the highest level of soccer. Standing at 6’2″, he is outstanding in the air, as he showed against Mexico at the 2026 World Cup. Although he is not a particularly fast player on the counterattack, he creates space through his intelligence, while also excelling in physical one-on-one duels against strong defenders. His physicality complements his overall game, but it is not the central aspect of it.
While he is only 25 years old, Haaland is a physical powerhouse, making him lethal against defenders. Standing at 6’4″, he usually wins his aerial duels, which makes him stand out. In addition, he is capable of completely dominating physical battles against strong defenders, showing clear superiority. Although he has good technique, his physical power is a central part of his game, making him especially dangerous when he gets into the penalty area.
Playmaking & Midfield Link-Up
As the strongest aspect of his game, Harry Kane is one of the most complete link-up strikers in the world. Recognizing that pace is not his greatest strength, he has learned to combine with teammates and create space on the pitch. Although he is one of the world’s best goalscorers, he rarely stays fixed in one position. Erling Haaland is not one of the most complete link-up strikers in the world, but he is not ineffective in this aspect either.
Unlike during his time at Borussia Dortmund, Haaland has learned much more about link-up play at Manchester City. However, he does not drop deep to create play. Instead, he serves as a focal point to receive the ball and combine with his teammates in the penalty area to create advantages. In addition, his pace allows him to play out wide on the counterattack and find passes to his teammates, as he has excellent vision.
Harry Kane is one of the best players in the world both inside and outside the penalty area. He is capable of dropping all the way back to the defense to receive the ball and create attacking moves. In addition, he is outstanding at linking up with the midfield, something he has shown alongside Jude Bellingham. It is precisely his playmaking ability and link-up play that make him one of the world’s best goalscorers.
International Pedigree & Leadership
As a 32-year-old veteran star, Harry Kane has already played 119 matches for England, making him the third-most capped player in the national team’s history. Demonstrating his historic impact, he has scored 85 goals, making him England’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing Wayne Rooney, who scored 53 goals. In addition, he is his country’s all-time leading scorer in World Cup history, with 14 goals, making him the undisputed leader of the project.
Despite being only 25 years old, Erling Haaland is already a historic player for Norway. At his young age, he has already played 54 matches for the national team, scoring 62 goals. As a result, he has surpassed Jørgen Juve as Norway’s all-time leading scorer, nearly doubling his total. In addition, he has been the best player of his country’s best-ever World Cup campaign, reaching the quarterfinals. Nevertheless, Martin Ødegaard is the leader of the group on the pitch.
Erling Haaland #9 of Norway and Harry Kane #9 of England.
The next rival at the 2026 World Cup is uncertain for France, but they know the date and stadium.
One of the four semifinalists at the 2026 World Cup has been decided after France beat Morocco 2-0 in a rematch from the previous edition to continue their run in the tournament. Their next challenge puts them in front of the winner of the match between Spain and Belgium.
This semifinal is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, with kickoff set for 3 p.m. ET. The winner will move within one victory of lifting the trophy.
The match will be played at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. With a capacity of 80,000 spectators, it will host its final match of the competition after Spain beat Portugal there a few days earlier.
France’s campaign
France have enjoyed a perfect tournament so far after winning every match. They opened Group I with a 3-1 victory over Senegal, followed it with a 3-0 win against Iraq and completed the group stage with a 4-1 victory over Norway.
Mbappé scored the first goal (Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Their dominance continued in the knockout stage, where they beat Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32 before edging Paraguay 1-0 in the round of 16 to reach the quarterfinals in which they beat Morocco in a clear way with goals from Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé.
The next rival
If France beat the winner of the match between Spain and Belgium, they will advance to the final, where the opponent can be England, Norway, Argentina or Switzerland, depending on who emerges from the other side of the bracket.
Fiorentina have completed their third summer signing by welcoming Arthur Atta from Udinese, while Inter have secured a deal with Union Saint-Gilloise for Anan Khalaili. Check out today’s most important transfer news in the latest Football Italia transfer show.
Juventus are keen to strengthen between the posts ahead of the new season, with talks ongoing as they explore the financial details of a move for Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez.
Top Serie A transfer news: July 9
Fiorentina have completed their third signing of the summer, securing the arrival of promising midfielder Arthur Atta from Udinese. The Viola continue to reinforce their squad as they prepare for the upcoming campaign, with the club showing no signs of slowing down in the transfer market.
Arthur Atta arrives for his Fiorentina medical tests (@acffiorentina)ROME, ITALY – MAY 17: Mario Gila of SS Lazio compete for the ball with Doneyll Malen of AS Rom during the Serie A match between AS Roma and SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico on May 17, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Elsewhere in Serie A, Milan are preparing to welcome Mario Gila, who has left Rome today.
Roma, on the other hand, are being forced to consider alternative attacking targets after Mason Greenwood moved closer to joining Fenerbahce.
With the English forward now expected to continue his career in Turkey, the Giallorossi have shifted their focus to other options as they aim to strengthen their forward line before the transfer window closes.
From Juventus’ pursuit of a world-class goalkeeper to Fiorentina’s latest addition, as well as the latest developments involving Milan and Roma, there is plenty happening across Serie A.
Check out today’s transfer update video for all the latest news, rumours and analysis from the Italian transfer market.
While also missing his first World Cup penalty against Morocco, Kylian Mbappe also wrote unwanted history in France national team, joining Karim Benzema.
Kylian Mbappe had the chance to put France ahead against Morocco in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals from the penalty spot, but a sharp save from Yassine Bounou denied him. In missing his first career World Cup penalty, Mbappe has joined Karim Benzema in an unwanted piece of French football history.
A sharp recovery from Desire Doue sparked a lethal French counterattack, with Michael Olise slipping a through ball into the path of Mbappe to exploit the space in behind. Already inside the box, the Real Madrid forward was brought down by Noussair Mazraoui after cutting to the outside, earning France a penalty in the 25th minute.
After a 3-minute VAR review confirmed the call, play resumed in the 28th minute with Mbappe stepping up to take the spot kick. He waited for Bounou to commit, but the Morocco goalkeeper read the shot correctly, diving to his left to make the save and keep the game level.
The miss not only denied France the lead but also marked the first penalty Mbappe has ever missed at a World Cup. He had previously converted four in the competition, scoring one in regulation and one in extra time against Argentina, plus one in the shootout, and one in regulation against Paraguay, making this his fifth attempt and his first failure on soccer’s biggest stage.
When it comes to the national team, it also ends up being another negative record, being the second miss ever in Mbappe’s career with France after 13 consecutive successful takes during regular and extra time. The last time Mbappe ever missed a penalty with Les Bleus was back in the 2022 UEFA World Cup qualifiers in a 2-0 win against Kazajstan back in March 2021, and more than five years later, that streak has come to an end.
Mbappe joins Benzema in unwanted history
The miss was not only Mbappe’s first penalty failure at a World Cup, but also just the second time a France player has missed a penalty outside of a shootout in the history of the competition. The first was Karim Benzema, who suffered the same fate against Switzerland in 2014.
In that group stage match, France were already leading 2-0 when Benzema stepped up in the 32nd minute, only to be denied by Diego Benaglio. He would go on to score France’s fourth goal in the 67th minute of a 5-2 victory, but the earlier miss etched his name into an unwanted piece of French World Cup history.
Only eight different national teams have won the FIFA World Cup in nearly a century since the tournament's inaugural edition.
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world and, every four years, it captures the attention of fans across every continent. That makes the FIFA World Cup the biggest sporting event on the planet.
Nearly a century has passed since the first edition in 1930, played entirely at Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, where hosts Uruguay claimed the title by defeating Argentina in the final. Thirteen national teams from South America, North America and Europe took part in that tournament, and much has changed since then, culminating in the 48-team format that will debut this summer.
Since then, every World Cup trophy has been won by countries from just two continents. Europe accounts for the majority of champions, with 12 titles shared among five different nations, while South America has claimed the remaining 10 through three countries.
As for hosting the World Cup, Oceania remains the only continent yet to stage the tournament. Eleven editions have been held in Europe, five in South America, four in North America (including this year’s tournament), two in Asia and one in Africa.
Pele is the only player in history to have won three FIFA World Cup titles.
Which countries have won the World Cup?
Uruguay were the first FIFA World Cup champions, lifting the trophy on home soil in 1930. They repeated the feat 20 years later with their famous victory over Brazil at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium in 1950.
The other World Cup titles won by South American nations belong to Brazil and Argentina. Led by Pele, the Brazilians captured the trophies in 1958, 1962 and 1970 before adding titles in 1994 and 2002. Argentina, meanwhile, won their first World Cup in 1978, repeated the feat in 1986 under the leadership of Diego Maradona, and lifted the trophy again in 2022 with Lionel Messi.
The first European champions were Italy, who won back-to-back titles in 1934 and 1938 before adding crowns in 1982 and 2006. Germany have also won four World Cups: 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014. France are next with two titles, having won on home soil in 1998 before triumphing again in 2018. England have one World Cup title, earned in 1966, while Spain claimed their only championship in 2010.
Which national team has won the most World Cup titles?
After 22 editions, Brazil remain the most successful nation in FIFA World Cup history with five titles. Italy and Germany are next with four each, while Argentina have won three. Uruguay and France have been crowned champions twice, while England and Spain have each lifted the trophy once.
Complete list of World Cup winners
YEAR
CHAMPION
RUNNER-UP (RESULT)
1930
Uruguay
Argentina (4-2)
1934
Italy
Czechoslovakia (2-1)
1938
Italy
Hungary (4-2)
1950
Uruguay
Brazil (2-1)
1954
West Germany
Hungary (3-2)
1958
Brazil
Sweden (5-2)
1962
Brazil
Czechoslovakia (3-1)
1966
England
West Germany (4-2)
1970
Brazil
Italy (4-1)
1974
West Germany
Netherlands (2-1)
1978
Argentina
Netherlands (3-1)
1982
Italy
West Germany (3-1)
1986
Argentina
West Germany (3-2)
1990
West Germany
Argentina (1-0)
1994
Brazil
Italy (0-0, 3-2 pen.)
1998
France
Brazil (3-0)
2002
Brazil
Germany (2-0)
2006
Italy
France (1-1, 5-3 pen.)
2010
Spain
Netherlands (1-0)
2014
Germany
Argentina (1-0)
2018
France
Croatia (4-2)
2022
Argentina
France (3-3, 4-2 pen.)
Lionel Messi won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022.
Lamine Yamal arrived at the 2026 World Cup firmly established as one of the best players in the world. Although he has not stood out in terms of goalscoring, Eden Hazard praised the 18-year-old star, drawing a comparison with his own career.
After becoming Barcelona’s cornerstone, Lamine Yamal arrived at the 2026 World Cup as one of the biggest stars. While physical issues prevented him from shining in the opening matches, he now appears to be getting closer to his best form. Impressed by his talent, Eden Hazard drew an interesting comparison between his own professional career and the 18-year-old star, revealing what he needs to shine at the 2026 World Cup.
“Lamine Yamal reminds me a little of when I started playing. I was about the same age, and everyone had great expectations of me. But, ultimately, if he enjoys himself on the pitch the way only he knows how, I’m convinced he’ll have a great World Cup. He’s the kind of player people love to watch. That’s what soccer is all about: Enjoying yourself and making people dream,“ Eden Hazard revealed, via Marca.
Even though the final years of Eden Hazard’s career were affected by injuries and a decline in form, the Belgian established as one of the Premier League’s best players for several years. Scoring 110 goals and providing 88 assists, he cemented his place among Chelsea’s greatest players. Like Lamine Yamal, he operated from the wing before cutting inside, combining exceptional dribbling ability with a strong goalscoring threat.
Lamine Yamal already has nearly half the goals and more than half the assists that Hazard achieved in all his years at Chelsea. In 151 games, he has scored 49 goals and has provided 52 assists. Although Eden played as a left winger and Yamal plays as a right winger, their style of play is quite similar, as they have a lot of impact in the inside game. The 18-year-old star could be destined to surpass the legacy of the Belgian legend.
Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain celebrates scoring a goal.
Lamine Yamal has yet to make an impact at the 2026 World Cup
Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappé have established as the tournament’s standout players, excelling in front of goal. Although Lamine Yamal was expected to make a huge impact, he has not even been Spain’s main player, with Mikel Oyarzabal taking on that role instead. With only a few matches remaining, the 18-year-old star has scored just one goal in the tournament.
After suffering a significant injury, Lamine missed Spain’s opening match and has gradually been regaining his physical condition. Having gone largely unnoticed over the last three matches, he now has his best opportunity to turn things around by scoring and shining creatively against Belgium in the quarterfinals. While it appears unlikely that he will finish as the tournament’s top scorer, he can still lead his national team to the World Cup title.
Eden Hazard of Belgium and Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain.
The great match at the 2026 World Cup between France and Mexico does not include Bradley Barcola from the beginning.
With a place in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup at stake, France are playing against Morocco in a rematch of the previous edition, but Bradley Barcola is not in the starting lineup.
The reason Barcola isn’t starting against Morocco is because Didier Deschamps has chosen Désiré Doué instead. This has been the only spot in doubt during the competition for the manager, as Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise are certain starters.
Even though the talented Paris Saint-Germain winger has been the winger for France, his teammate Doué has rotated with him and has often replaced him during matches.
The replacement
While the attack has been France’s main strength, they didn’t display their best performance against Paraguay. It was precisely Barcola who struggled to make an impact before being substituted.
Doue was important a few days ago (Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
That substitution proved to be crucial in France’s 1-0 victory over Paraguay because Doué entered the field with much better pace on a day when he looked very difficult to stop whenever he had the ball on the left flank.
It was such an important impact that Doué was the player who changed the match when he dribbled into the penalty area from the left before being brought down for a penalty. After the referee reviewed the play on the monitor, the penalty was confirmed and Mbappé converted it.
Doué’s minutes
That position has been the one Deschamps has rotated the most during the competition. Doué will make his third start after previously starting the victories over Senegal and Norway, scoring one goal. He then came off the bench in the other three matches against Iraq, Sweden and Paraguay.
Reports are growing that Romelu Lukaku is a genuine target for Vincenzo Italiano’s Besiktas, but the Turkish club wants to offer just half the Napoli asking price.
The striker probably does not have a place in the squad under new coach Max Allegri at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, having already broken off his relationship with Napoli directors and staff last season.
His decision to go back to Belgium for treatment ahead of the World Cup infuriated the club, so with only one year left on his contract, an exit seems likely.
Lukaku open to Besiktas move
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JULY 06: Romelu Lukaku #9 of Belgium celebrates with teammates after scoring the team’s fourth goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 06, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
According to Fanatik, Besiktas first asked to view the latest Napoli and Belgium fitness reports on Lukaku, then decided it was worth progressing with negotiations.
It is claimed that they have started talks with both Napoli and the player’s entourage, with the striker open to making the move.
Multiple sources confirm Atalanta midfielder Ederson had the first day of intensive medical tests with Manchester United today and will complete them on Friday for €45m.
Ederson question mark for Atalanta and Manchester United
MUNICH, GERMANY – MARCH 18: Ederson of Atalanta looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Bayern München and Atalanta BC at Football Arena Munich on March 18, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
That was pending a medical, which could not be fully dealt with before now because he was participating in the 2026 World Cup with Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil.
There will be another run of examinations on Friday July 10, at which point Manchester United will decide whether or not to go ahead with the transfer.
Atalanta are confident that there are no significant issues, because otherwise he would’ve been sent home from the Brazil camp at the World Cup.
Roma are keeping a close eye on the Alejandro Garnacho situation at Chelsea, with reports he could be allowed to leave on loan or on a permanent transfer.
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – MAY 24: Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea looks on prior to the Premier League match between Sunderland and Chelsea at Stadium of Light on May 24, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
The Giallorossi continue to seek exciting attacking wingers to complete their trident in coach Gian Piero Gasperini’s vision, and represent more of a draw now they have qualified for the Champions League after a seven-year absence.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 26: Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea reacts during the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Chelsea and Leeds United at Wembley Stadium on April 26, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
The Argentina international was a huge €46.2m investment for Chelsea from Manchester United in August 2025, but has struggled for regular playing time.
Now it remains to be seen whether Chelsea want to simply loan Garnacho out to help his development, or consider a genuine sale.
English reports from Graeme Bailey of TEAMtalk claimed that the asking price for a sale would be around €72m, which is clearly not going to be part of the Roma budget.
The 26-year-old was requested by new coach Maurizio Sarri to bring different characteristics to the squad, especially with Ederson on his way to Manchester United.
Gaetano is a new Atalanta player
Gianluca Gaetano joins Atalanta from Cagliari (@atalanta_bc)
Sportitalia’s Alfredo Pedullà claims Napoli have now made a formal €10m offer to Boca Juniors for Exequiel Zeballos, after agreeing personal terms with the player.
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – MAY 19: Otavio of Cruzeiro blocks a shot from Exequiel Zeballos of Boca Juniors during a Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 group D match between Boca Juniors and Cruzeiro at Estadio Alberto J. Armando on May 19, 2026 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
This evening, Sportitalia transfer expert Pedullà announced that has changed with news Napoli sent their first written proposal for €10m.
It could well suffice to get the deal over the line, seeing as Zeballos is only under contract with Boca Juniors until the end of December 2026.
If he has already chosen Napoli as his next destination, then it shouldn’t be too complicated to complete the deal, as he prefers them to CSKA Moscow.
There is just one rather large problem, which is that the Partenopei cannot make any new signings until they have first completed sales due to financial fair play restrictions.
Serie A players Mike Maignan, Adrien Rabiot and Manu Koné start for France in the first World Cup quarter-final against Morocco and Roma’s Neil El Aynaoui and Anass Salah-Eddine.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JULY 04: Adrien Rabiot #14 of France arrives at the stadium before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Paraguay and France at Philadelphia Stadium on July 04, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
France are the absolute favourites to win the tournament, having been the beaten finalists four years ago, and winning every match so far, even if they had to leave it late to defeat Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16.
Inter striker Marcus Thuram returns to the bench after his injury concerns.
Désiré Doué is preferred to Bradley Barcola in the starting XI, alongside untouchable Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JULY 04: Mike Maignan #16 of France celebrates after the 1-0 victory during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Paraguay and France at Philadelphia Stadium on July 04, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Morocco are not to be underestimated, because they are officially unbeaten in 34 matches, although there is still legal action from Senegal over who really won the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations final.
Roma have two players in the squad, midfielder El Aynaoui and left-back Anass Salah-Eddine, who spent last season out on loan.
Bayern Munich star Ismael Saibari is out injured after limping off in the win over Canada.
Former Serie A players include ex-Milan man Brahim Diaz, Achraf Hakimi at Inter, and former Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.
Torino agreed a €2m deal for Spezia goalkeeper Diego Mascardi, but are reportedly still tracking others including Paraguay’s Orlando Gill, Lucas Perri at Leeds United, and Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale.
The Granata are revamping their squad this summer to fit the vision of new coach Ignazio Abate, and the role undergoing the biggest transformation is that of goalkeeper.
Mascardi ready for Torino, but not only new buy
TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 08: Fans of Torino FC during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Torino FC at on November 08, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
Set to face Morocco in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, Aurelien Tchouameni is one of the main absences in France's starting lineup.
France faces Morocco on Thursday, July 10th, at Boston Stadium in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, with a place in the final four on the line. One of the main talking points ahead of kickoff is why Aurelien Tchouameni will not be starting for Les Bleus.
Tchouameni has been left out of the starting XI due to a tactical decision by head coach Didier Deschamps. With Morocco‘s defensive block presenting a specific challenge, Deschamps has opted for a more technical and creative midfield profile, dropping the Real Madrid midfielder in favor of a different approach.
Tchouameni had also been dealing with a minor injury sustained during the tournament, which kept him out of the Round of 16 match against Paraguay entirely, with the midfielder watching from the bench without logging a single minute.
At Wednesday’s press conference, Deschamps offered a cautiously optimistic update on his condition while hinting at a possible return: “Aurelien Tchouaméni is doing better, we’ll see. I can’t say more than that. He might participate in the training session today.“
Aurelien Tchouameni #8 of France lying on the floor after a foul against Sweden.
The coach ultimately decided to deploy Manu Kone in his place, who’ll partner Adrien Rabiot in France’s double pivot. The AS Roma midfielder featured in both the group stage win over Iraq and the Round of 16 victory over Paraguay, and with Deschamps sticking to a similar tactical setup, Koné gets the nod once again for this quarterfinal.
A difficult World Cup for Tchouaméni
At just 25 years old, Tchouameni had established himself as a cornerstone of Deschamps’ setup, starting every match at the 2022 World Cup. But injuries have complicated his journey in the years since, and the 2026 tournament has been no different.
A hamstring injury sidelined him during the November international break, and from that point France played nine matches, four friendlies and five at the World Cup, with Tchouameni appearing in six of them. He went the full 90 minutes against Senegal, Norway, and Sweden, but a recurring fitness issue cost him his place against Paraguay, and that same concern has him starting on the bench against Morocco.
While the veteran captain is already among the tournament's top scorers and remains central to Argentina's title defense, another remarkable achievement has emerged that further cements his legendary status.
Lionel Messi continues to produce unforgettable moments for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, with the reigning champion marching into the quarterfinals after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt. While the veteran captain is already among the tournament’s top scorers and remains central to Argentina’s title defense, another remarkable achievement has emerged that further cements his legendary status.
The 39-year-old has once again become the heartbeat of Argentina‘s campaign, combining goals, assists and world-class creativity to inspire another deep run. His performances have reminded fans why he remains one of soccer’s greatest players, even as younger stars challenge for the spotlight.
Messi played a decisive role in La Albiceleste’s victory over Egypt, scoring once and providing an assist as the defending champion booked its place in the quarterfinals. The result set up a meeting with Switzerland and kept alive the dream of winning a second consecutive World Cup title.
His individual numbers have been equally impressive. Messi has scored eight goals at the tournament, leaving him one behind Kylian Mbappe of France and Erling Haaland of Norway in the Golden Boot race, while sitting two clear of Harry Kane.
Rank
Player
Country
Goals
Assists
1.
Lionel Messi
Argentina
8
1
2.
Kylian Mbappe
France
7
2
3.
Erling Haaland
Norway
7
0
4.
Harry Kane
England
6
1
5.
Ousmane Dembele
France
4
2
6.
Mikel Oyarzabal
Spain
4
1
Messi achieves World Cup record unlike any other
As Argentina celebrated qualification, Opta revealed a statistic that highlighted just how complete Messi’s performances have been throughout the tournament. Since detailed statistical tracking began in 1966, Messi has become the only player in a single FIFA World Cup to create at least 10 chances, complete at least 10 dribbles, make at least 10 through balls, and win at least 10 fouls.
His numbers underline the achievement even further. Messi has created 15 chances, completed 10 successful dribbles, delivered 11 through balls and won 13 fouls, becoming the first player in nearly six decades of Opta‘s records to reach all four milestones in the same World Cup.
10 – 🇦🇷 Lionel Messi in 2026 is the only player to do the following in a FIFA World Cup (since 1966):
Create 10+ chances (15) Complete 10+ dribbles (10) Make 10+ through balls (11) Win 10+ fouls (13)
The record illustrates every aspect of his influence on the field. Beyond scoring goals, the 39-year-old has consistently unlocked defenses with incisive passing, carried the ball through pressure, drawn fouls in dangerous areas, and dictated Argentina’s attacking rhythm.
Defying age on soccer’s biggest stage
Many players excel in one statistical category during a major tournament, but Messi has dominated across several different areas simultaneously. His vision, close control and decision-making have allowed him to remain one of the competition’s most influential performers despite being one of its oldest outfield stars.
Messi missed a penalty in the first half
Rather than relying solely on finishing ability, the Argentina captain has contributed in virtually every attacking phase. Whether creating opportunities for teammates or carrying the ball through crowded defenses, he has remained the focal point of his national team’s offense.
At 39 years old, Messi continues to deliver performances that many expected from players entering their prime instead of approaching the twilight of their careers. His consistency throughout the tournament has surprised even longtime observers, proving that experience, intelligence, and technical brilliance can still dominate at the highest level.
Morocco will be facing France for the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals with Ismael Saibari being one of the main absences for the game.
Morocco opens the quarterfinal round of the 2026 World Cup against France on Thursday, July 10th, at Boston Stadium, but the Atlas Lions will be without Ismael Saibari, one of their most dangerous attacking weapons for the biggest game of their tournament.
Saibari won’t be taking part of the game against France due to an injury. The striker suffered a discomfort in his hamstring during Morocco’s 3-0 Round of 16 win over Canada, which forced him off the field as early as the 22nd minute, and has been unable to recover in time for the quarterfinal clash with Les Bleus.
Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi addressed the situation at Wednesday’s pre-match press conference: “Everyone is available for the match, except for Ismael Saibari, for whom this game comes too soon, although he is not ruled out for the rest of the competition, I hope.“
Saibari has been one of the standout performers of the tournament, carrying the form he showed at PSV Eindhoven during the 2025-26 season directly into the World Cup. He scored in every group stage match and converted the decisive penalty in the shootout victory over the Netherlands in the Round of 32.
Ismael Saibari #11 (C) of Morocco reacts after sustaining an injury against Canada.
His performances have attracted major attention off the field as well, with Bayern Munich announcing his signing in the middle of the tournament. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the deal was completed for a fee of €55 million, making it the second most expensive transfer involving a Moroccan player, behind only the €60 million PSG paid Inter Milan for Achraf Hakimi.
Who will replace Saibari against France?
Having missed the 2022 World Cup, Saibari has established himself as Morocco’s undisputed first-choice striker, registering 12 goals in 35 international appearances. Two names stand out as candidates to fill the void against France.
The frontrunner is Soufiane Rahimi, who has come off the bench in each of Saibari’s absences throughout the tournament, picking up minutes against Brazil, Scotland, and Canada, where he contributed a goal and an assist. The other option, though considered less likely, is Ayoub El Kaabi, who started against Haiti when qualification was already secured and the pressure was off.
Lionel Messi just unlocked another mind-blowing milestone. The legendary Argentine captain shattered a World Cup record that even Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric never managed to touch.
Lionel Messi just unlocked another mind-blowing milestone. The legendary Argentine captain shattered a World Cup record that even Cristiano Ronaldo andLuka Modric never managed to touch. As Argentina fiercely defends its title, Messi is proving age is just a number on soccer’s biggest stage.
The Argentina national team has relied heavily on Messi throughout the 2026 World Cup, and the captain has continued to answer every challenge with decisive performances. His latest accomplishment further strengthens an already unmatched legacy and highlights how he continues to redefine what is possible for players approaching the latter stages of their careers.
Messi’s newest milestone arrived during one of the most memorable matches of the tournament. The Argentina national team produced a stunning 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in the Round of 16 after trailing by two goals late in the second half.
Messi first provided the assist for Cristian Romero’s goal before scoring the equalizer himself, allowing Enzo Fernandez to complete the turnaround with a dramatic stoppage-time winner. Despite missing a penalty earlier in the match, the Argentine captain refused to let the setback define his evening.
Instead, he played a decisive role in keeping the defending champion’s World Cup dream alive. The victory also sent Argentina into the quarterfinals, where it will continue its pursuit of consecutive World Cup titles.
The astonishing record that sets Messi apart
The comeback against Egypt also produced another piece of soccer history. According to Opta,47% of every World Cup goal ever scored by a player aged 38 or older has now been scored by Lionel Messi. What’s more, every one of those goals has come during the 2026 World Cup.
Messi has now scored eight goals at the age of 38 during this tournament, accounting for eight of the 17 goals ever scored by players aged 38 or older in World Cup history. The statistic perfectly illustrates the extraordinary level the Argentine continues to reach long after most players have either retired or accepted significantly reduced roles.
8 – Of all goals scored by players aged 38+ in FIFA World Cup history, 47% have been scored by Lionel Messi just in 2026 (8/17).
Goals from players aged 38 or older have historically been exceptionally rare.
For decades, Roger Milla stood as the symbol of longevity after scoring four memorable goals for the Cameroon national team during the 1990 World Cup. Other veteran players, like Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, andPepe, added isolated goals across later editions, but the overall total remained remarkably low.
Messi’s extraordinary 2026 campaign has completely reshaped those historical numbers. His eight goals alone nearly equal the combined contributions produced by every other player in that age category throughout World Cup history, underlining just how unprecedented his tournament has become.
Cristiano Ronaldo (left), Lionel Messi (center), and Luka Modric (right)
Despite being 39 years old, Lionel Messi has been one of the best players at the 2026 World Cup. Following his outstanding performances, Lamine Yamal decided to praise the Argentine legend, while also mentioning Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi has shown that he remains one of the tournament’s best players. After playing five matches, he has scored eight goals and provided one assist, serving as Argentina’s focal point at 39 years old. Leading his national team to the quarterfinals, Lamine Yamal decided to praise Messi, making it clear his performances and records means to his professional career.
“Incredible. I think everyone knows who Messi is, but nobody expected him to be performing at such a high level. I’m really happy for him, just as I’m happy for Neymar, even though he’s no longer here, and Cristiano. For me, they shaped the childhood of everyone who is playing now, and anything good that happens to them is good for me,” Lamine Yamal revealed, via Mundo Deportivo.
Far from viewing Lionel Messi as competition, Lamine has made it clear that he sees him as a role model for his career. By breaking records, Messi continues to attract more fans to the tournament and raise the bar even higher, while leading the race for the tournament’s MVP award. While the Argentine legend and Yamal do not share an identical playing style, the 18-year-old star has made it clear that Messi has had a major influence on his professional career.
Unlike Messi, Lamine Yamal arrived at the 2026 World Cup as the clear favorite to shine. However, the 39-year-old veteran has outperformed him by a considerable margin. While the Argentine star has scored eight goals, the young Spanish star has managed just one in five matches. With that in mind, Lionel continues to prove why he is one of the greatest players in history, with more matches still ahead to further expand his legacy.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrating.
Lionel Messi vs Lamine Yamal: A potential 2026 World Cup final clash
Before the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi’s Argentina were set to face Lamine Yamal’s Spain in the Finalissima. However, the match was canceled after both sides failed to reach a logistical agreement. As a result, they shifted their focus to shining at the highly anticipated tournament. With both teams having reached the quarterfinals, a showdown between Barcelona’s greatest legend and its brightest young star could still take place in the final.
With Argentina and Spain on opposite sides of the bracket at the 2026 World Cup, they could still meet in the final. If Luis de la Fuente’s team defeat Belgium, they would face either France or Morocco in the tournament’s semifinals. As one of the top contenders, they have a strong chance of reaching the final and competing for the title they have not won in 16 years. There, they could face Argentina.
If Argentina defeat Switzerland in the quarterfinals, they would face either Norway or England in the semifinals. With Messi in outstanding form, they arrive as the clear favorites to reach the final. As a result, the clash between Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi could still happen, but on the biggest stage in international soccer, making it one of the tournament’s most anticipated matchups.
Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain and Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina.
As the tournament heads into its decisive stages, the Manchester City striker has once again proven why he is regarded as one of soccer's most complete forwards.
Erling Haaland continues to find new ways to dominate the 2026 World Cup, and the Norway star has now added another remarkable achievement to his growing list of accomplishments. As the tournament heads into its decisive stages, the Manchester City striker has once again proven why he is regarded as one of soccer’s most complete forwards.
The Norway national team has enjoyed a memorable campaign, with Haaland leading the attack through a series of decisive performances. His latest accomplishment has sparked widespread admiration across the soccer world and strengthened his position among the favorites to finish as the tournament’s leading scorer.
The latest statistic, highlighted by OptaJoe, showcases just how versatile Haaland has been throughout the tournament. The Norwegian star is the only player at the 2026 World Cup to score with his left foot, right foot, header, from inside the penalty area, and from outside the box. The achievement demonstrates an extraordinary level of finishing ability that few players have displayed on soccer’s biggest stage.
Rather than relying on one signature finish, Haaland has shown he can punish defenders from virtually every situation imaginable. Whether attacking crosses, finishing from close range, or striking from distance, the Norwegian has found different ways to influence matches.
1 – Erling Haaland is the only player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup to:
– score with his left foot – score with his right foot – score a header – score from inside the box – score from outside the box
Norway’s star continues to lead historic World Cup run
The milestone arrives during what has already become a historic tournament for the Norway national team. Haaland’s goals have played a central role in helping his country reach the latter stages of the competition while exceeding many pre-tournament expectations.
His performances have included two goals against Iraq, two more against Senegal, another strike versus Ivory Coast, and perhaps his biggest display yet during the Round of 16 victory over Brazil.
Against the Brazil national team, Haaland produced one of the defining moments of the World Cup. He first equalized late in the match before scoring a dramatic winner in the closing minutes to seal a stunning 2-1 comeback victory that booked Norway’s place in the quarterfinals. That performance reinforced his reputation as a striker capable of deciding the biggest matches when his country needs him most.
Erling Haaland #9 of Norway celebrating.
Why the record is so difficult to achieve
Modern soccer has become increasingly specialized, with many forwards excelling in one particular area of attacking play. Some strikers dominate aerially, while others thrive inside the penalty area or depend heavily on their stronger foot. Haaland, however, has displayed excellence across every category.
Scoring with both feet, winning aerial duels, finishing from inside the box, and beating goalkeepers from long distance in a single World Cup requires exceptional technical quality, movement, positioning, athleticism, and confidence. The achievement underlines why opposition defenses continue to struggle against him. Removing one option simply opens another.
Dan Riccio and Blake Price recap a historic day of Round of 16 action on The 90th Minute as Argentina escapes a 2-0 deficit and Switzerland wins on penalties.
The Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has just delivered one of the greatest single-elimination thrillers in modern football history. On the latest edition of The 90th Minute, co-hosts Dan Riccio and Blake Price return to unpack a breathless day of knockout drama defined by heart-stopping fightbacks, penalty shootouts, and heavy bracket ramifications.
The program leads with a comprehensive autopsy of Argentina’s miraculous 3-2 victory over Egypt in Atlanta. Hossam Hassan’s clinical Pharaohs threatened one of the biggest shocks in tournament history, exploiting the high defensive line to build a stunning 2-0 lead through Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico, while goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir brilliantly denied a Lionel Messi penalty. However, the reigning world champions mounted an unprecedented, late 14-minute siege. Cristian Romero initiated the lifeline in the 79th minute, Lionel Messi struck a blistering equalizer to notch his 8th tournament goal, and Enzo Fernández hammered home a dramatic 92nd-minute match-winner—marking the 3,000th goal in World Cup history.
The hosts dissect the intense refereeing controversies and the structural adjustments that rescued the tournament favorites from the brink. The analysis then transitions into a gritty, ultra-defensive battle between Switzerland and Colombia. Following 120 minutes of tense, scoreless tactical chess where the Swiss backline completely suffocated a passive Colombian attack, Switzerland held their nerve to prevail in a high-stakes penalty shootout. The guys evaluate Switzerland’s structural defensive shape and explain why their organized low-block continues to look incredibly difficult to dismantle in single-elimination football.
The episode concludes by laying out the highly anticipated Quarterfinal landscape. With both tournament survivors locking in their places, Argentina and Switzerland are officially set for a massive blockbuster showdown on Saturday in Kansas.
You can stream the entire daily overview right now. Check out The 90th Minute on Spotify to get the latest match reactions, detailed tactical player ratings, and expert bracket projections.
There continue to be conflicting reports on the state of talks between Juventus and Aston Villa for Emiliano Martinez, as some say €7m could suffice, others that it will require far more.
It is no secret that the Bianconeri have targeted the goalkeeper, who is currently preparing for the World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and Switzerland.
Martinez wants Juventus, but Aston Villa hold firm
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – MAY 20: Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez reacts during the UEFA Europa League Final 2026 match between SC Freiburg and Aston Villa FC at Besiktas Park on May 20, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
The player would also seem more than happy to accept a transfer to Turin, as he is set to turn 34 in September and has been at Aston Villa since 2020 when making the €17.4m move from Arsenal.
He had a meeting with the Juve directors and was more than impressed with their proposal, both in terms of wages and the general project.
If that were to be the offer on the table, then he maintains Villa would prefer to just keep Martinez, as after all his contract does run to June 2029.
Romano also reiterates the same reporting seen elsewhere, which is that if Martinez were to leave, then Aston Villa would push for Parma and Japan international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, also a target for Leeds United.
Fiorentina are moving fast, as Arthur Atta underwent his medicals today for a €40m move from Udinese, but Schalke 04 target Robin Gosens was frozen out and is digging his heels in.
The Viola are already beginning pre-season preparations at their Viola Park complex and today new coach Fabio Grosso held his presentation press conference.
Atta arrives for Fiorentina, but Gosens pushed out
UDINE, ITALY – APRIL 06: Arthur Atta of Udinese during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Como 1907 at Stadio Friuli on April 06, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
That means they expect the ultimate valuation for the player to be €40m.
Within hours, Atta was pictured arriving at the Fiorentina camp for his medical tests.
He is set to sign a four-year contract with wages worth around €1.3m per season.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MAY 10: Robin Gosens of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Genoa CFC at Artemio Franchi on May 10, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Sportitalia and Sky Sport Italia both report that Gosens has been informed he is not part of the Fiorentina project, so will not even participate in pre-season training.
It is their attempt to freeze him out and force a transfer to get his wages off the books before his contract expires in June 2028.
Schalke 04 are known to be interested, but Sky Sport Italia warn that getting Gosens to agree to the move might be difficult, as he feels let down by the Viola.
It isn’t entirely a new issue, as Gosens had been on the verge of a move to Nottingham Forest in January when he pumped the brakes.
Anan Khalaili’s father reveals Cristian Chivu ‘took the initiative’ to secure a deal with Inter, after ‘Ipswich Town offered €30m, but Napoli were a long way’ from satisfying Union Saint-Gilloise.
The Israel international seems all set to take his place on the right side of the Inter midfield, replacing Real Madrid bound Denzel Dumfries, after intensive negotiations.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – MAY 14: Anan Khalaili of Union Saint-Gilloise lifts the trophy following his teams 3-1 win in the Coupe de Belgique Final match between Union Saint-Gilloise and RSC Anderlecht at Stade Roi Baudouin on May 14, 2026 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
“I said that I wouldn’t talk until it was all decided. Well, he will sign and the day after tomorrow fly from Brussels to Milan in a private plane they put at his disposal,” said the player’s father.
“What we experienced over the last two or three weeks has been surreal. Yet I’ve never seen someone so calm. I called him after the negotiations were finalised and he was asleep. I told him it was all done and he just replied: ‘Really? Wow.’ That’s what my son is like.”
MUNICH, GERMANY – JANUARY 21: Anan Khalaili of R. Union Saint-Gilloise is challenged by Tom Bischof of FC Bayern Munich during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between FC Bayern München and R. Union Saint-Gilloise at Football Arena Munich on January 21, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
There had been reports weeks ago that Napoli had agreed personal terms, but not with Union Saint-Gilloise, while the father confirmed there were numerous other clubs involved.
“We received requests from Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town who made an offer worth €30m, as well as Cagliari, Atalanta and Napoli.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – MAY 14: Anan Khalaili of Union Saint-Gilloise looks on during warmups ahead of the Coupe de Belgique Final match between Union Saint-Gilloise and RSC Anderlecht at Stade Roi Baudouin on May 14, 2026 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
Khalaili was convinced that Inter was the right club for him after speaking directly with coach Chivu.
“We had a terrible week, Anan almost missed some training sessions, and the negotiations were so close to collapsing. Cristian Chivu took the initiative by calling personally from Miami, telling him he would be the first choice for that role.
“What convinced Inter to really go for him were his Champions League statistics. I am convinced this won’t be the final big move of his career, his strength and aggressive play are what got him to this point.”
Khalaili turns 22 in September and Union Saint-Gilloise had paid €6.5m to buy him from Maccabi Haifa in 2024.
Last season, he scored three goals in just eight Champions League appearances for the Belgian club.
Watch Rabona TV's official 2026 World Cup quarter-final predictions video. Get expert score lines and tactical analysis for each game.
The tournament structure has filtered out the noise, leaving just eight elite nations standing on the absolute threshold of footballing immortality at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Round of 16 delivered high-octane drama, agonizing penalty shootouts, and heavy-pedigree exclusions—leaving a hyper-competitive quarter-final matrix where there is officially no safety net and zero margin for strategic error.
To navigate this elite tactical terrain, soccer analyst Adrian Sousa of Rabona TV has dropped a thorough, game-by-game preview guide detailing who will punch their ticket to the final four, where the tactical battle lines are drawn, and how the global brackets will shake out.
From a massive cross-confederation rematch of a 2022 classic to an unprecedented heavyweight striker duel, the comprehensive video breakdown below exposes the structural adjustments that will mold the tournament’s semi-finalists.
Watch: Full Quarter-Final Tactical Forecast
Mapping the Elite Eight: Key Battles & Video Chapters
The final eight features an exceptional blend of historical heavyweights, reigning holders, and history-making modern powerhouses. For those looking to slide directly to a specific sector of the bracket tree, the video guide coordinates every single fixture using explicit chronological chapters:
Video Chapter Navigation Guide
00:00 – Intro: Outlining the physical constraints, scheduling structures, and baseline fatigue factors governing the quarter-final bracket.
00:27 – France vs. Morocco: An epic reboot of the 2022 semi-final that the French secured 2-0. This time, the Atlas Lions march into the tie as the first African nation in soccer history to secure back-to-back quarter-final appearances.
04:07 – Spain vs. Belgium: A classic European tactical collision. La Roja have looked completely impenetrable, navigating the entire tournament without conceding a single goal, but they must now choke out an in-form Belgian vanguard spearheaded by Romelu Lukaku and Charles De Ketelaere.
07:04 – Norway vs. England: A historic, heavyweight focal point marking Norway’s first-ever appearance in a World Cup quarter-final. The fixture presents a mouth-watering direct forward duel as Erling Haaland clashes with England’s structural talisman Harry Kane.
10:49 – Argentina vs. Switzerland: Lionel Scaloni’s reigning world champions continue their quest to become the first back-to-back crown holders since Brazil in 1962. With Lionel Messi leading the Golden Boot race, they face a stubbornly organized Swiss block appearing in the last eight for the first time in over 70 years.
14:44 – FIFA’s dream come true: Breaking down the commercial landscape, structural narratives, and global television implications of this elite final-eight lineup.
After shining in the Round of 16, France and Morocco will face each other in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup in one of the tournament's most anticipated matches. With that in mind, fans are closely watching Kylian Mbappé's availability, as he is expected to be the difference-maker.
France face Morocco in the quarterfinals in one of the most anticipated matches of the 2026 World Cup. Both Didier Deschamps’ team and Mohamed Ouahbi’s team are among the tournament’s best attacking sides, meaning individual quality could decide the match. Given how competitive the game is expected to be, fans are closely watching Kylian Mbappé‘s availability, as he is expected to be the difference-maker.
Kylian Mbappé will start for France, as he has no suspensions or injuries. Head coach Didier Deschamps continues to view him as an undisputed starter, building the team’s play around him to maximize his goalscoring threat. As one of the tournament’s top scorers, he could arrive highly motivated, looking to score and equal or surpass Lionel Messi in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot.
Alongside Mbappé, Deschamps will keep his attacking trio of Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, and Désiré Doué. Beyond their goals, they will need more than ever to excel in counter-pressing after losing possession to prevent Morocco’s counterattacks. In addition, he will not make many changes to his starting lineup, as his team are in outstanding form and are highly versatile.
While they do not arrive as top contenders, Morocco could still surprise France. Despite the significant absence of Ismael Saibari, they have alternatives in his roster, with Brahim Díaz and Azzedine Ounahi expected to take on leadership roles. Nevertheless, the main challenge will be the defensive aspect, as controlling it would give them a strong chance to hit France on the counterattack and push for victory, requiring quality finishing in front of goal.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates with Dayot Upamecano #4 and Michael Olise #11.
France confirmed lineup vs Morocco
With their outstanding performances at the 2026 World Cup, France arrive as clear favorites for their match against Morocco.Head coach Didier Deschamps appears determined not to make any changes to his starting lineup, keeping Kylian Mbappé as the focal point of his team. Although they are outstanding in attack, their most important aspect will be the defensive recovery of their full-backs, where they can limit Morocco’s attacking threat.
Considering this, Les Bleus will lineup as follows: Mike Maignan; Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot; Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Desiré Doué; Kylian Mbappé.
Morocco confirmed lineup vs France
Unlike France, Morocco arrive for today’s match with absences in their roster. Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi will be without his top scorer, Ismael Saibari, due to a physical issue. As a result, Brahim Díaz will be under the spotlight, as he will have to take on a leading role. Nevertheless, the main challenge will be defensively, as they must contain the goalscoring threat of their opponents, who are one of the tournament’s top contenders.
With this in mind, Morocco will play as follows: Yassine Bounou; Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Chadi Riad, Anass Salah Eddine; Ayyoub Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui; Brahim Diaz, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilel El Khanouss; Chemsdine Talbi.
Powered by the lethal duo of Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, the squad is aiming to push past previous boundaries, leaving fans to eagerly compare their current run against Norway's all-time World Cup records and best historical finishes.
Storming back onto the global stage, Norway‘s new golden generation is ready to fight for their place in the history books. Powered by the lethal duo of Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, the squad is aiming to push past previous boundaries, leaving fans to eagerly compare their current run against Norway’s all-time World Cup records and best historical finishes.
Norway’s history at the World Cup has been short but memorable. The national team has qualified for the tournament only four times: 1938, 1994, 1998, and 2026.
The first appearance came in the 1938 World Cup in France. At that time, the tournament used a straight knockout format, and Norway faced eventual champions Italy in the opening round. The match finished 1-1 after normal time, but Italy eventually won 2-1 after extra time, ending Norway’s campaign immediately.
The 1994 World Cup in the United States brought one of the most unusual eliminations in tournament history. Norway defeated Mexico 1-0 but failed to reach the knockout stage because all four teams in their group finished level on points. The deciding factor was goals scored, leaving Norway painfully eliminated.
Havard Flo of Norway celebrates his goal with team mate Henning Berg during the 1998 World Cup
Four years later, Norway produced its most famous World Cup moment. During the 1998 tournament in France, the national team shocked defending champions Brazil with a dramatic 2-1 victory in the group stage. That result helped the country reach the knockout stage for the first time. However, the journey ended in the Round of 16 after a narrow 1-0 defeat against Italy.
Norway finally returns after 28-year wait
The 2026 World Cup marked Norway’s first appearance since 1998 and represented a major achievement for coach Stale Solbakken. After years of disappointment in qualifying campaigns, Solbakken finally built a team capable of competing at the highest level.
Norway dominated European qualifying extraordinarily. The national team won all eight qualifying matches, scored 37 goals, and conceded only five.
Statistic
Norway Men’s World Cup Record
Appearances
4 (1938, 1994, 1998, 2026)
Matches Played
13 (through the 2026 Round of 16)
Wins / Draws / Losses
6 Wins / 3 Draws / 4 Losses (through the 2026 Round of 16)
Goals For / Goals Against
19 Goals Scored / 17 Goals Conceded (through the 2026 Round of 16)
Maiden World Cup Goal
Arne Brustad (1938 vs. Italy)
Biggest World Cup Win
4-1 vs. Iraq (2026)
The attacking numbers have been historic, with Erling Haaland leading the way. The Manchester City striker scored 16 goals during qualifying, matching the record for most goals by a player in a World Cup qualifying campaign.
The Norway team line up at 1998 World Cup
Norway’s best World Cup finish
Norway’s best World Cup result is now reaching the Quarter-finals in 2026. Before this historic run, the national team’s best finishes were reaching the Round of 16 in both 1938 and 1998, having never progressed beyond that stage until now.
In the 2026 World Cup, Norway shattered their previous ceiling by advancing to the Quarter-finals to face England, marking an unprecedented achievement after their long absence from the tournament.
Tournament
Group Stage Opponents
Record (W-D-L)
Final Result
1938 France
Italy (Round of 16)
0–0–1
Round of 16
1994 United States
Mexico, Republic of Ireland, Italy
1–1–1
Group Stage
1998 France
Morocco, Scotland, Brazil
1–2–1
Round of 16
2026 United States / Canada / Mexico
France, Iraq, Senegal
4–0–1
Quarter-finals (Ongoing)
Although the team entered the tournament with ambitions of making a deep run, reaching the knockout stage already represents a major step forward.
The national team’s journey has also produced a unique World Cup record. Norway remains one of the few teams to have faced Brazil multiple times without losing, earning victories and draws against one of soccer’s greatest powers.
As debate continues over the star forward's tournament and his post-match comments, supporters are now learning when the Milan star could realistically return to action following the injury that ended his World Cup.
Christian Pulisic‘s painful exit from the USMNT’s 2026 World Cup campaign has taken another significant turn, with fresh medical updates finally providing clarity after days of speculation. As debate continues over the star forward’s tournament and his post-match comments, supporters are now learning when the Milan star could realistically return to action following the injury that ended his World Cup.
The United States’ 4-1 Round of 16 defeat to Belgium not only ended the national team’s hopes on home soil, but also left its biggest star facing another spell on the sidelines. While criticism initially centered on Pulisic’s decision to leave the match and his comments afterward, subsequent medical evaluations painted a very different picture.
The injury occurred in the 52nd minute of the United States’ 4-1 defeat to Belgium, when Pulisic attempted a shot and accidentally struck Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans’ leg. Although he initially tried to continue, the pain eventually forced him off the field in the 59th minute.
According to The Athletic, subsequent examinations confirmed that Pulisic suffered a bone bruise along with a microfracture of both the tibia and fibula in his lower right leg. He was later seen using crutches, highlighting that the injury was considerably more serious than first believed.
Christian Pulisic has been diagnosed with a microfracture and bone bruise of the tibia/fibula in his right leg suffered during the match against Belgium. U.S. Soccer and AC Milan will be collaborating on his recovery plan. pic.twitter.com/YMoOedpTxd
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) July 9, 2026
Medical staff later confirmed the extent of the damage after scans, and Pulisic was subsequently seen using crutches at the team hotel. Had the USMNT progressed to face Spain in the quarterfinals, the forward would have been unavailable due to the injury.
Recovery timeline offers positive news for Milan
Despite the alarming diagnosis, the recovery outlook is considerably better than many initially feared.
According to The Athletic and Calciomercato,Pulisic is expected to miss three to six weeks rather than several months, with an anticipated return sometime in August. That timeline could allow him to resume training before AC Milan‘s Serie A opener against Torino on August 23, giving new manager Ruben Amorim reason for optimism ahead of the new campaign.
The injury means that the American will almost certainly miss the Rossoneri’s preseason friendlies, but those matches were already viewed as unlikely appearances following his involvement at the World Cup.
The timing is particularly important for Milan, where new head coach Ruben Amorim is reportedly planning to make Pulisic a central figure next season. After an inconsistent second half of the previous campaign, the American will hope to begin the new season fully fit.
Amorim expressed confidence in his player, saying:“I know he had some criticism after the World Cup elimination, but I am here to say we believe a lot in him, and have a clear plan to use all the qualities that he has. Pulisic is really important for us.”
Frustrating tournament for the USMNT star
The Belgium match marked the forward’s second injury setback of the tournament. He had already aggravated a calf problem during the opening victory over Paraguay, forcing him to miss the following match against Australia before returning later in the group stage.
The tournament itself proved disappointing from an individual perspective. Pulisic finished the competition without scoring a goal, although he did register an assist in the opening match against Paraguay.
Later, he added: “With one earlier and then another injury now, it just sucked. It was tough. It was difficult for me to deal with.” Despite his disappointment, the player praised his teammates for stepping up throughout the tournament: “But we have a great team. There’s so many guys that stepped up this tournament, that should be really the focus.”
Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States reacts after challenged by Youri Tielemans #8 of Belgium
France and Morocco are slated to meet in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals. Here's everything you need to know to watch the match live in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch France vs Morocco on US television and via legal streaming:
France, the tournament favorite, enters this quarter-final clash on a formidable 12-match competitive unbeaten run, having won their last seven straight. Les Bleus have been a scoring machine, netting 14 goals in five games, and are now just one victory away from becoming only the third nation to reach three consecutive World Cup semifinals. Their path has been dominant, and they look to continue their march toward the final against a familiar foe.
Morocco, however, is no longer a surprise package. The Atlas Lions are aiming to become just the second African nation to reach multiple semifinals after their historic 2022 run. Unbeaten in their last 10 matches, they have evolved from a purely defensive side into a potent attacking force, scoring 10 goals so far. This rematch of the 2022 semifinal promises a high-stakes battle between two of the world’s elite international teams.
Tactical Analysis & Match Context
The trajectories of these two nations set the stage for a compelling encounter. France has looked every bit the part of a champion, winning all five of its matches with an offensive power that has overwhelmed opponents. In contrast, Morocco has proven its 2022 performance was no fluke, navigating a tough group and knockout stage to extend a long unbeaten streak. Their progress past the Netherlands and Canada has been a statement of their quality and resilience on the world stage.
The tactical battle will be fascinating. In 2022, Morocco ceded possession and relied on counter-attacks. Now, their style has completely transformed, with the Atlas Lions averaging 60% possession, matching France‘s own metrics. This shift promises a more open, fluid game, but it could also play directly into France‘s hands. If Morocco pushes forward, they risk leaving space for the blistering pace of Kylian Mbappé and France‘s other attackers to exploit on the break.
For France, the motivation is clear: to solidify their legacy by reaching a third straight semifinal and taking another step toward lifting the trophy. For Morocco, this match is about more than just revenge for 2022. It’s an opportunity to make history once again and prove they belong among the world’s best, capable of going toe-to-toe with any opponent and winning.
Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends
History favors the French in this fixture. France remains unbeaten in all six previous meetings with Morocco, recording four wins and two draws. Their most significant encounter was the 2-0 victory in the 2022 World Cup semi-final, which stands as their only competitive matchup to date.
That 2022 clash in Qatar was a tense affair. An early goal from Theo Hernandez gave France the lead, but Morocco dominated possession for large spells of the game without finding a breakthrough. A late goal from Randal Kolo Muani ultimately sealed the win for Les Bleus and ended the Atlas Lions‘ dream run.
France has a strong historical record against African opposition at the tournament, with five wins and three losses in eight matches. Morocco, meanwhile, has a more balanced record against European teams, with five wins, eight draws, and seven defeats. This quarter-final is a true test of whether Morocco‘s new, progressive style can finally overcome a historically dominant French side.
Squad News & Projected Lineups
Both teams enter this crucial quarter-final with significant injury concerns that could impact their starting lineups and tactical approaches.
France is monitoring the fitness of key holding midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, who is recovering from a thigh injury. If he is unable to feature, Didier Deschamps will likely rely on the partnership of Manu Koné and Adrien Rabiot to control the center of the park, a combination that proved effective in the tough match against Paraguay.
Morocco faces a major blow with their top scorer, Ismaël Saibari, likely out after sustaining a hamstring injury against Canada. With three goals to his name, his absence will be felt, with Soufiane Rahimi expected to step into the starting forward role and carry the attacking burden.
France Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Digne; Koné, Rabiot; Dembélé, Olise, Barcola; Mbappé. This is a lineup brimming with attacking talent, led by captain Kylian Mbappé. The creativity of Michael Olise, who has five assists in the tournament, will be vital in breaking down Morocco‘s defense, while the midfield duo of Koné and Rabiot provides a solid foundation.
Morocco Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi; Brahim Díaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Rahimi. Even without Saibari, Morocco fields a technically gifted side. The attacking thrust from PSG’s Achraf Hakimi at right-back is a constant threat, while the playmaking of Brahim Díaz and the dynamic runs of Azzedine Ounahi from midfield will be crucial to their offensive chances.
More details on how to watch
You can watch the France vs Morocco match on Fubo. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and mobile devices, ensuring you can catch the action from anywhere.
In addition to this massive World Cup quarter-final, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to a host of other top-tier soccer competitions. You can stream games from LaLiga or Liga MX.
The service is available for a monthly fee of $14.99/month, offering a comprehensive package for soccer fans looking to follow all the major tournaments and leagues in one place.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as Nord VPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.
Multiple sources in Italy and Argentina claim Bologna are very close to securing Estudiantes creative midfielder Mikel Amondarain for circa €9m.
The 21-year-old is considered a real talent in his homeland and is a product of the Estudiantes youth academy, graduating to the senior squad last year.
So far this season, he has contributed four goals and three assists in 23 appearances for his club.
Amondarain on Bologna list
LA PLATA, ARGENTINA – APRIL 29: Mikel Amondarain of Estudiantes La Plata dribbles past Alex Sandro of Flamengo during a Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 group A match between Estudiantes and Flamengo at Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium on April 29, 2026 in La Plata, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
Roma have identified another target in Belgium’s Diego Moreira of RC Strasbourg, but Fenerbahce and Atletico Madrid continue the battle for Mason Greenwood.
The Giallorossi are in search of a striker who can attack on the left side of a trident, and Greenwood was the first choice for coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
Roma look to Moreira after Greenwood turn
MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 16: Mason Greenwood of Olymquique de Marseille gestures during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Olympique de Marseille at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
It’s reported the Spaniards are offering €45m plus €5m bonus, but that they’d be the preferred option despite a lower salary because Greenwood lived in Madrid previously for Getafe and would like a return.
Either way, Roma look as if they have given up on the England international, and are looking at other candidates.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – SEPTEMBER 07: Diego Moreira of Belgium warms up during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Belgium and Kazakhstan at on September 07, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Omar Havana/Getty Images)
The latest is Moreira, who is currently playing for Belgium at the 2026 World Cup, where he was on the field in the victory on penalties against Senegal.
He was sold to RC Strasbourg by their sister club Chelsea in the summer of 2024 at a cost of €8.5m.
Turning 22 next month, Moreira has represented both Belgium and Portugal at youth level before committing to the country of his birth.
Gasperini and new Roma director Tony D’Amico had already shown an interest in Moreira when they were still working for Atalanta, but the Gazzetta dello Sport warn the asking price is now €40m.
His salary would be considerably lower than the one Greenwood is commanding, though.
With Mario Gila’s move to Milan now agreed, Lazio have wasted no time in lining up his successor, turning their attention to Sergi Dominguez.
According to Sky Sport, sporting director Angelo Fabiani has travelled to Croatia to meet Dinamo Zagreb in a bid to get the deal over the line.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 13: Mario Gila of SS Lazio reacts during the Coppa Italia final match at Stadio Olimpico on May 13, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – Getty Images)
Lazio target Dinamo Zagreb’s Dominguez to fill Gila void
Dinamo value the young defender at €12 million, a figure Lazio are hoping to reach through the inclusion of bonuses.
Fabiani’s personal trip underlines how seriously the Biancocelesti are pursuing the centre-back, whom new head coach Gennaro Gattuso has earmarked as a priority reinforcement for his backline.
Dominguez, 21, is a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy who left the Catalan club for Dinamo Zagreb last summer.
He announced himself immediately in Croatia, playing a central role in the side that swept the domestic double, and his performances quickly drew attention from across Europe. Barcelona, for their part, stand to benefit from a sell-on clause included in that transfer.
For Lazio, the Spaniard represents a younger, long-term profile to inherit the shirt vacated by his compatriot Gila.
Should Fabiani succeed in bridging the gap to Dinamo’s valuation, Lazio will have moved swiftly to turn the proceeds of one Spanish centre-back’s sale into the arrival of another.
Alessandro Del Piero has looked back on Italy’s 2006 World Cup victory, the Azzurri’s most recent triumph on the game’s biggest stage, reflecting on both the joy of that summer and the turmoil that swirled around it.
Speaking to Sky Sport to mark 20 years since the success, the former Juventus forward described a campaign coloured by emotion.
“That goal against Germany has a special flavour, it was everyone’s World Cup,” Del Piero said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.
“Of those who lived it, dreamed it and wanted it: there’s always so much emotion. Now that I no longer play, it’s much easier to celebrate trophies, this one in particular. We keep the chat of that World Cup group alive.”
His reflections carried a note of realism about the present, too.
“Watching these World Cups, you understand that certain national teams have made great strides forward, and qualifying today is no longer so guaranteed,” he added, a pointed acknowledgement, given Italy have now missed three tournaments in a row.
BERGAMO, ITALY – DECEMBER 10: Former football player Alessandro Del Piero looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Atalanta BC and Real Madrid C.F. at Stadio di Bergamo on December 10, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Del Piero recalls staying ‘isolated’ from Juventus turmoil
The context in which Italy triumphed in 2006 was anything but straightforward. The Calciopoli scandal was engulfing Italian football that summer, with Juventus, Del Piero’s club and that of several teammates, at its centre, ultimately stripped of titles and relegated to Serie B in its aftermath.
“What was happening in the Juventus world was inexplicable, even for us inside it,” Del Piero recalled.
“Back then it was essential to stay focused. Within the group we lived very well, we were all focused and we didn’t want external news to harm our serenity. There was enormous tension, that World Cup was at times disarming for everything that was going on. But we were good at staying isolated from it, yes.”
That ability to compartmentalise, as Del Piero tells it, was central to one of the most remarkable triumphs in the country’s footballing history, a feat that looks all the more distant against the backdrop of the Azzurri’s current struggles.
Mario Gila is set to undergo his Milan medical tests on Friday, completing the transfer from Lazio for €30m, with half of that going to Real Madrid.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 13: Mario Gila of SS Lazio reacts during the Coppa Italia final match between SS Lazio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico on May 13, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
The defender turns 26 next month and has been at the Stadio Olimpico since 2022, but was down to the final year of his contract.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 12: Mario Gila during SS Lazio’s training session before the SS Lazio and FC Internazionale match in the Coppa Italia final at the Formello Sport Centre on May 12, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Multiple sources this evening state that Gila will be in Milan tonight, so he can undergo the necessary medical tests on Friday.
He is then ready to sign a five-year contract worth €5m net per season, while his agent is expected to pocket €5m in commission.
Lazio are only getting 50 per cent of the €30m fee, thanks to the arrangement they had agreed with Real Madrid when buying the defender for just €6m in 2022.
As part of the deal, La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Milan will also buy Lazio youth team left-back Lorenzo Calvani for €2.5m.
This is €30m for the total, specifically €27m plus some easy to achieve add-ons.
Nico Gonzalez impressed on loan with Atletico Madrid, but Juventus have reportedly warned he cannot make the move permanent for less than €28m.
The 28-year-old is currently preparing for the World Cup quarter-final with Argentina against Switzerland, having made 55 senior appearances for his country with six goals.
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 18: Nicolas Gonzalez of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus and Udinese at Allianz Stadium on May 18, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)
SEVILLE, SPAIN – APRIL 18: Nicolas Gonzalez of Atletico de Madrid scores his team’s third penalty in the penalty shoot out during the Copa Del Rey Final match between Real Sociedad and Atletico de Madrid at Estadio de La Cartuja on April 18, 2026 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
However, Tuttosport insist that Juventus and specifically coach Luciano Spalletti would more than welcome the Argentine back to Turin in the summer.
With that in mind, the asking price is not going to drop below €28m, which might be beyond Diego Simeone’s valuation.
The negotiations have dried up and it is increasingly likely that Nico Gonzalez will be part of the Juventus squad this term.
He was purchased from Fiorentina for a total of €36.5m plus add-ons, arriving on loan in 2024 with obligation to make it permanent, and the contract runs to June 2029.
Nico Gonzalez had been pushed out by previous coach Igor Tudor, but when he was sacked and replaced by Spalletti, their approach changed.
The difficulties of players like Edon Zhegrova and Lois Openda to deliver in wide areas leaves room for Nico Gonzalez to make his mark for the Bianconeri.
Zion Suzuki could be set for a Premier League move, with Leeds United poised to step up their interest in the Parma goalkeeper after losing Illan Meslier to Arsenal.
WATFORD, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 11: Illan Meslier of Leeds United celebrates his side’s second goal scored by Daniel James of Leeds United during the Sky Bet Championship match between Watford FC and Leeds United FC at Vicarage Road on February 11, 2025 in Watford, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Leeds ready to move for Parma’s Suzuki
Meslier’s exit leaves a vacancy between the posts at Leeds, and the club are reportedly ready to act quickly to fill it.
Suzuki has been identified as the man to do so, with Leeds preparing to lodge a fresh offer for the Parma stopper shortly.
The Japan international has caught the eye during his time in Serie A, and his situation has been closely watched, Juventus were among the Italian clubs credited with contacts over the goalkeeper earlier in the window.
A concrete Leeds bid would now test Parma’s resolve, and potentially open the door to a Premier League switch for one of the division’s more coveted young goalkeepers.
France have remained the best team at the 2026 World Cup. Having faced little trouble in their matches, they arrive in the quarterfinals as clear favorites. After their outstanding performances, they have climbed the FIFA Men's World Ranking ahead of their match against Morocco.
France have remained a top contender for the third consecutive World Cup. Under Didier Deschamps, they have undergone a rebuild by placing their trust in promising young players. After defeating Paraguay in a tightly contested match, they reached the quarterfinals as one of the tournament’s top contenders. After their outstanding performances, they have climbed the FIFA Men’s World Ranking ahead of facing Morocco.
According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, France are ranked first with 1,925.86 points. Reflecting their strong form, they have climbed two places, remaining the best national team in the world. Head coach Didier Deschamps has built a national team that is highly dominant in both defense and attack, making them extremely difficult to beat. In addition, they have remained near the top of the rankings for several years.
While Didier Deschamps’ team are the top-ranked national team in the world, Morocco are not far behind. Mohamed Ouahbi’s team are ranked sixth with 1,803.99 points. Following their strong run of form, they have climbed one place, showcasing their attacking strength and overall quality. With their defensive solidity, they could surprise France and look to win through effective counterattacks.
Facing one of the best African teams, France need to be at their best defensively. Although they excel with their high press, they often leave space behind the back line. Because of this, the defensive recovery of Jules Koundé and Lucas Digne will be essential in stopping any opposition attacks. In addition, the counter-press from Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé will be key, as they are highly effective at winning the ball back.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Desiré Doué and Michael Olise poised for key France roles
Just as they did against Paraguay, France could face a very difficult defensive challenge against Morocco. Although Mohamed Ouahbi’s team are outstanding in possession and attacking quality, they have shown they are capable of sitting deep against elite opponents. Therefore, head coach Didier Deschamps could need the best version of Désiré Doué and Michael Olise on the pitch.
If Doué and Olise shine on the wings, they would create space for Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. In addition, they could dribble inside and create openings, looking to score and break down Morocco’s defensive structure. Although they are not the team’s top goalscorers, they will be essential in allowing the rest of the attack to shine, requiring plenty of individual quality.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates with teammates after scoring
Let's take a closer look at the knockout scenarios and explore how the ultimate victor will impact the rest of the 2026 World Cup bracket.
France and Morocco are colliding in a blockbuster 2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash at Boston Stadium, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. This decisive showdown in Boston guarantees that only one of these dynamic squads will secure a coveted ticket to the semifinals. Let’s take a closer look at the knockout scenarios and explore how the ultimate victor will impact the rest of the 2026 World Cup bracket.
Thursday’s clash at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, is a rematch of the unforgettable 2022 World Cup semifinal, where France ended Morocco’s historic run with a 2-0 victory. Four years later, both nations arrive with ambitions of writing another memorable chapter.
France enters the quarterfinal as one of the tournament favorites after another impressive campaign. Didier Deschamps’ squad has advanced through the competition with a series of convincing performances, although Paraguay pushed Les Bleus harder than any previous opponent during the Round of 16.
Morocco continues to prove that its remarkable run in Qatar was far from a one-time achievement. The Atlas Lions reached another World Cup quarterfinal after eliminating Canada and remain one of the tournament’s most disciplined and dangerous sides.
Kylian Mbappe of France shoots
The fixture also carries emotional significance because several Moroccan internationals were born in France, while multiple French players share North African or Middle Eastern heritage. That unique connection gives this encounter an added layer beyond soccer.
France arrives with confidence, while Morocco hopes to create more history
France has scored freely throughout the tournament thanks to one of the deepest attacking units in international soccer. Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, and Desire Doue have consistently troubled opposing defenses.
Mbappe has already found the net seven times during this World Cup and continues battling for another Golden Boot. France has also produced 14 goals while conceding only two, underlining why many consider Les Bleus the strongest remaining contender.
Date
France’s Opponent
Stage
Result
June 16, 2026
Senegal
Group Stage
Win (3–1)
June 22, 2026
Iraq
Group Stage
Win (3–0)
June 26, 2026
Norway
Group Stage
Win (4–1)
June 30, 2026
Sweden
Round of 32
Win (3–0)
July 4, 2026
Paraguay
Round of 16
Win (1–0)
Morocco, meanwhile, has continued building on the momentum created during its groundbreaking 2022 World Cup campaign. Under head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, the Atlas Lions remain unbeaten in their last ten matches and have become one of Africa’s leading soccer powers.
The reigning Africa Cup of Nations champion has impressed with organization, patience, and technical quality. Players like Achraf Hakimi, Azzedine Ounahi, Brahim Diaz, and Yassine Bounou have given Morocco genuine belief that another upset is possible.
Date
Morocco’s Opponent
Stage
Result
June 13, 2026
Brazil
Group Stage
Draw (1–1)
June 19, 2026
Scotland
Group Stage
Win (1–0)
June 24, 2026
Haiti
Group Stage
Win (4–2)
June 29, 2026
Netherlands
Round of 32
Draw (1–1, won 3–2 on penalties)
July 4, 2026
Canada
Round of 16
Win (3–0)
What happens if France wins and Morocco loses?
If France wins, regardless of whether it comes in regulation, extra time or a penalty shootout, Les Bleus will advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates with teammates after scoring
France would then face the winner of Belgium vs Spain, keeping alive its pursuit of a third consecutive World Cup final appearance. Morocco’s remarkable tournament would come to an end before reaching another semifinal.
What happens if France and Morocco draw?
Although many supporters wonder what a draw would mean, a World Cup quarterfinal cannot finish level.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France converts the penalty to score
If the match is tied after 90 minutes, 30 minutes of extra time will be played. Should neither side find a winner, the semifinal place will be decided through a penalty shootout, ensuring one nation progresses while the other is eliminated.
What happens if Morocco wins and France loses?
A Moroccan triumph would represent one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. France would be eliminated, while Morocco would book another place in the World Cup semifinals, exacting revenge for the 2022 loss to Les Bleus.
Azzedine Ounahi #8 of Morocco celebrates with teammates.
Another semifinal appearance would also strengthen Morocco’s growing legacy on the global stage after its groundbreaking run in Qatar four years ago.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates with Dayot Upamecano #4 and Michael Olise #11.
Italian sources are confident Inter have a deal with Union Saint-Gilloise for Anan Khalaili worth €25m plus add-ons, including a bonus for Maccabi Haifa, and could have his medical this weekend.
The Nerazzurri dived onto the Israel international for the right wing to replace Real Madrid-bound Denzel Dumfries after missing out on first choice Marco Palestra to Chelsea.
EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 16: Anan Khalaili of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between PSV Eindhoven and R. Union Saint-Gilloise at PSV Stadion on September 16, 2025 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – MAY 14: Anan Khalaili of Union Saint-Gilloise lifts the trophy following his teams 3-1 win in the Coupe de Belgique Final match between Union Saint-Gilloise and RSC Anderlecht at Stade Roi Baudouin on May 14, 2026 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
Above all, it includes a 15 per cent cut of the future sale fee for his previous club Maccabi Haifa, who had sold him to the Belgians in 2024 for €6.5m.
The right-back turns 22 in September and last season he was a key figure for USG, contributing six goals and six assists in 42 competitive games.
Italian reports believe Khalaili will be in Milan for his medical tests either tomorrow or Saturday.
Napoli had been close to an agreement earlier in the summer, but could not progress until first making sales, while Como also showed interest.
Milan and USMNT star Christian Pulisic will be out of action for circa six weeks after scans confirmed he suffered a microfracture during the World Cup.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan reacts after seeing his team concede a third goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The forward struggled with several injury problems and poor form in recent months for both club and country, which did not improve by much at the tournament where USA were hosting with Canada and Mexico.
He limped off during the Round of 16 defeat to Belgium, 4-1 on the day, and there were immediately concerns it could be a serious setback.
Pulisic scans show extent of injury
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 12: Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States looks on as he walks off at the end of the first half during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Now multiple reports in America and Italy confirm that Pulisic has been diagnosed with bone bruising and a microfracture of the tibia/fibula.
He was spotted on crutches the next day at the team hotel, raising worries that this could be a long-term absence.
This could enable him to be back in training for the start of the new Serie A season on August 23, where Milan begin the tournament against Torino.
The former Chelsea man had scored 10 goals with four assists in 34 competitive games for Milan last season, but notably none of those goals were in 2026.
He hasn’t found the net for his club since the 3-0 win over Verona on December 28, firing blanks in the successive 19 matches.
Franck Kessie wants to join Juventus, with the midfielder keen on a return to Serie A now that his time at Al-Ahli has come to an end.
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, via CalcioMercato.it, the Ivory Coast international regards the Bianconeri as his first choice for the next stage of his career.
Kessie is a free agent after Al-Ahli opted not to renew his contract, which expired at the end of June, making him available at no cost, an appealing prospect for any suitor.
TORONTO, ONTARIO – JUNE 20: Franck Kessie #8 of Cote d’Ivoire celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Germany and Cote D’Ivoire at Toronto Stadium on June 20, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Kessie makes Juventus his priority for Serie A return
A former Milan man who spent the bulk of his career in the Italian top flight, Kessie knows the league intimately and would face little adaptation on a return.
Juventus, for their part, are in the market for midfield reinforcements and would reportedly be glad to welcome the 29-year-old into their squad.
The free-transfer nature of any deal only strengthens its logic for a Juventus side mindful of their spending under the UEFA settlement agreement confirmed this window.
Fresh from featuring at the World Cup, Kessie offers proven Serie A pedigree and midfield energy, and, crucially, at no transfer outlay.
Serie A is set for a notable refereeing change in 2026/27, with VAR to be used to correct wrongly awarded corners.
Each national federation can decide whether to adopt the measure, and Italy’s top flight will do so, while Serie B and C are still weighing it up, partly due to having fewer cameras available.
According to the Corriere dello Sport, Referees will be able to overturn a corner given in error, provided the review causes no disruption to the game in progress.
VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 03: Referee Andrea Gervasoni during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi on November 3, 2013 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
VAR to review second yellow cards in Serie A
A second, more significant change is also coming: VAR will be able to review second yellow cards that have been shown, though not ones that were missed.
Unlike the corner protocol, this is an IFAB directive and mandatory for all competitions. It follows a string of controversies last season, most notably the Kalulu-Bastoni incident, where the resulting dismissal would have been overturned after an on-field review had the measure already been in place.
Italian officiating is also moving towards a more UEFA-style approach elsewhere: covering the mouth during a dispute with an opponent will not bring an automatic red, with a yellow deemed sufficient, and the same leniency will apply to players who briefly leave the pitch in protest.
It has been 20 years to the day since Italy lifted the World Cup trophy at Olympiastadion in Berlin, the most recent knock-out game that the Azzurri have won on the world stage, and we want to know, are there any current players that would make it into the squad that triumphed in Germany two decades ago?
Italy is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 2006 World Cup final on Thursday, played on July 9.
It was a star-studded side 20 years ago, one that kept the likes of Alessandro Del Piero, Pippo Inzaghi and Alessandro Nesta on the substitutes bench in the final; Francesco Totti, Luca Toni and a Fabio Cannavaro-Marco Materazzi centre-back pairing preferred by Marcello Lippi.
BERLIN – JULY 09: The Italian players celebrate as Fabio Cannavaro lifts the World Cup trophy aloft following victory in a penalty shootout at the end of the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 Final match between Italy and France at the Olympic Stadium on July 9, 2006 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Comparing the Italy side that started the 2006 final to the Italy team that lined up in its most recent competitive match, the infamous World Cup play-off final defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina in March of 2026, it is difficult to argue that any current player would make it into the side became world champions 20 years ago.
Italy’s line-up in the 2006 World Cup final: Buffon; Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Materazzi, Grosso; Camoranesi, Gattuso, Pirlo, Perrotta; Totti; Toni.
Italy’s line-up in the 2026 World Cup play-off final: Donnarumma; Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Politano, Barella, Locatelli, Tonali, Dimarco; Kean, Retegui.
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Players pose for a team photo prior the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
Gianluigi Donnarumma? Certainly not over Gianluigi Buffon. Sandro Tonali? Not over Andrea Pirlo. Riccardo Calafiori? Not over Fabio Cannavaro.
The more sensible question is whether any of the current Italy squad would have even been able to make it into the 23-man 2006 squad, rather than the starting XI.
Would there then be an argument for Donnarumma over perhaps Marco Amelia? A Tonali over a Simone Barone?
Let us know in the comments below if there are any 2026 players who might have made the 23-man squad had they been playing 20 years ago, and if so, who?
Italy squad for the 2006 World Cup
BERLIN – JULY 09: The Italian players and coaching staff celebrate following their victory in a penalty shootout at the end of the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 Final match between Italy and France at the Olympic Stadium on July 9, 2006 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon, Angelo Peruzzi, Marco Amelia.
Defenders: Cristian Zaccardo, Fabio Grosso, Fabio Cannavaro, Andrea Barzagli, Alessandro Nesta, Gianluca Zambrotta, Massimo Oddo, Marco Materazzi.
Midfielders: Daniele De Rossi, Gennaro Gattuso, Mauro Camoranesi, Simeone Barone, Simone Perrotta, Andrea Pirlo.
Forwards: Alessandro Del Piero, Luca Toni, Francesco Totti, Alberto Gilardino, Vincenzo Iaquinta, Filippo Inzaghi.
Italy’s most recent competitive squad in 2026
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Players of Italy sing the national anthem prior the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marco Carnesecchi, Elia Caprile, Alex Meret.
Defenders: Alessandro Bastoni, Alessandro Buongiorno, Riccardo Calafiori, Andrea Cambiaso, Diego Coppola, Federico Dimarco, Federico Gatti, Gianluca Mancini, Marco Palestra, Giorgio Scalvini, Leonardo Spinazzola.
Forwards: Federico Chiesa, Francesco Pio Esposito, Moise Kean, Matteo Politano, Giacomo Raspadori, Mateo Retegui, Gianluca Scamacca.
* This is the Italy squad that was named ahead of the 2026 World Cup play-off campaign. Italy have since played two international friendlies under interim head coach Silvio Baldini at the beginning of June, but took a squad of made up almost entirely of U21 players that were well-known to the temporary CT.
Thomas Berenbruch looks set to leave Inter this summer, with a move to Serie A off the table.
According to transfer reporter Giorgio Musso, of CalcioMercato.it, the young midfielder is on the verge of joining Dutch side Utrecht, ruling out a switch to Cagliari or a stay in the Italian top flight.
The Eredivisie club are no strangers to his situation, having also pursued the youngster last summer before missing out, and are now closing in on their target at the second attempt.
Inter players Petar Sucic and Thomas Berenbruch during a pre-season friendly.
Berenbruch to leave Inter on loan
The deal is reported to be structured as a loan, allowing Berenbruch to gain regular senior minutes away from the San Siro.
For a talented youngster in need of game time, a spell in the Eredivisie, a league with a strong record of developing young players, represents a logical next step, with Utrecht having clearly kept tabs on him since their initial interest a year ago.
Schalke 04 have started negotiations with Fiorentina for Germany international Robin Gosens, claim Sky Sports Deutschland, as the price-tag could be as little as €1m.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MAY 8: Robin Gosens of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Real Betis Balompie at Artemio Franchi on May 8, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
The left-back just turned 32 last week and is widely expected to leave the Viola this summer, even with the arrival of new coach Fabio Grosso meaning a 4-3-3 formation is likely to be adopted.
His contract at the Stadio Artemio Franchi runs to June 2028.
Gosens eager for Schalke
FLORENCE, ITALY – MAY 10: Robin Gosens of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Genoa CFC at Artemio Franchi on May 10, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
According to German transfer pundit Florian Plettenburg, the talks have begun in earnest between the two clubs and the Gosens entourage to discuss terms.
In order to make the move go through, Gosens would need to take a pay cut, but it would be a chance to play for the club he has always supported.
However, Bild maintain that Fiorentina would help by only requesting a symbolic fee of €1m.
The player has spent most of his career in Italian football, first coming to Atalanta in the summer of 2017, then moving on to Inter in 2022.
There was a brief return to Germany for Union Berlin in the 2023-24 campaign, but he rushed back to Serie A for Fiorentina at a cost of €7.1m.
After defeating Canada, Morocco secured their place in the quarterfinals, where they will face France. Ahead of this match, they have climbed the FIFA Men's World Ranking, reflecting their outstanding performances.
Morocco arrived at the 2026 World Cup amid serious doubts about their competitiveness. After parting ways with Walid Regragui and losing stars such as Ez Abde, they appeared to have lost their status as one of the tournament’s favorites. Nevertheless, they managed to defeat Canada, advancing to the quarterfinals to face France. Just before the match, they climbed the FIFA Men’s World Ranking.
According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Morocco are ranked 6th with 1803.99 points. Recognizing their strong form, they have gained one position, remaining among the best national teams of the world. Under Mohamed Ouahbi, they have keep their offensive brightness, emerging as the best scorers national teams. They are experiencing their best position in the ranking in their history, improving their competitiveness.
Despite their historic run, Mohamed Ouahbi’s team remain far behind France in the rankings. Didier Deschamps’s team sit in 1st place with 1925.86 points, having climbed two positions since the start of the tournament. As the best offensive national team, they are expected to shine in the scoring side, having Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé as their leaders. However, they can still have some defensive problems, emerging as the main issue to resolve.
Morocco also arrive in excellent form for their match against France. Not only have they been outstanding defensively, but they have also impressed in attack. Without Ez Abde on the pitch, they have turned to Brahim Díaz and Azzedine Ounahi as their attacking leaders, as Ismael Saibari will be absent through injury despite being one of the team’s biggest stars. They will need to take advantage of the pace of their full-backs to launch counterattacks.
Azzedine Ounahi #8 of Morocco celebrates with teammates.
Morocco’s strategy must first be solid on defense against France
Unlike their previous matches at the 2026 World Cup, Morocco face one of the highest-scoring teams in the world: France. While they also favor an attacking approach, they could suffer a heavy defeat if they maintain that strategy. With this in mind, head coach Mohamed Ouahbi could keep his lineup with only slight changes, while making structural adjustments to the team’s defensive setup.
If Mohamed Ouahbi’s team manage to maintain a compact and deep defensive block, they could limit the space available to Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. While Michael Olise and Désiré Doué can look to create openings with their dribbling, Morocco have proven to be very difficult to break down defensively. Moreover, they could take advantage of France’s high press by hitting on the counterattack and creating dangerous chances.
Both defensively and offensively, Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui will be crucial. They will be responsible for containing the wingers while also providing the team’s first attacking outlet. Meanwhile, the intelligence of Brahim Díaz and Azzedine Ounahi could alsoprove decisive, helping Morocco control possession and distribute the ball efficiently. Nonetheless, their biggest challenge will be being clinical in front of goal.
Gessime Yassine #16 of Morocco celebrates with Soufiane Rahimi #9 after scoring a goal.
Yerry Mina could be on the move this summer, with Fenerbahce showing an interest in the Cagliari defender.
According to Turkish outlet Habergo, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the Super Lig side have stepped up contacts with the Sardinians in recent hours as they look to secure the experienced centre-back.
Mina has been a mainstay for Cagliari of late, one of the key figures around whom the club built their survival in each of the last two Serie A campaigns.
Any suggestion of his departure is therefore likely to unsettle the Rossoblù faithful, given the influence the Colombia international has had at the heart of the defence.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – APRIL 27: Referee Juan Luca Sacchi reacts with Yerry Mina of Cagliari during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Atalanta BC at Stadio Sant’Elia on April 27, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Fenerbahce weigh up move for Cagliari’s Mina
The report indicates that Fenerbahce have identified the 31-year-old as an ideal addition to bolster their backline.
However, the Turkish club are said to be weighing up the move carefully before committing, with particular attention being paid to Mina’s physical condition, a nod to the fitness issues that have punctuated his career.
For now, then, this remains at the exploratory stage: concrete interest and intensifying dialogue, but with Fenerbahce doing their due diligence before deciding whether to press ahead.
Should they move, Cagliari would face the challenge of replacing a defender who has been central to their recent top-flight stability.
The 2026 World Cup is now entering its decisive phase. The quarter-finals are just around the corner, and several Serie A professionals remain in the hunt for the world title. But which Serie A players have the best chances with their respective national teams?
The tournament has already seen its fair share of surprises. Turkey, featuring Juve star Kenan Yıldız, was eliminated in the group stage, as were the Brazilians, who included Serie A players Éderson (Atalanta) and Bremer (Juve). Other major nations, such as Germany and the Netherlands, also had to head home early.
Now, the quarter-finals await. In the first half of the draw, France faces Morocco and Spain takes on Belgium, while in the second half, surprise package Norway meets England, and Argentina plays Switzerland. In total, 22 Serie A players remain in the competition—but which of them have the best shot at the title with their countries? Here is a look at the probabilities and betting odds.
The title underdogs featuring Serie A players
Belgium, Morocco, and Switzerland have already defied the odds in this tournament, managing to beat strong teams on their way to the quarter-finals. However, their chances of pulling off a sensational World Cup victory remain slim.
Belgium, boasting five players based in Serie A, faces reigning European champions Spain in the quarter-finals and could meet France in the semi-finals. These are two formidable opponents that will likely push the Belgian national team—currently in a period of transition—to its limits.
Belgium’s chance to win the World Cup
Odds: 34.00 at bet365 (reference date: 9th of July 2026)
Probability: 2,9%
Morocco is considered one of the tournament’s surprise packages, though the team undoubtedly possesses immense individual quality. Reaching the quarter-finals was a thoroughly deserved achievement, yet France might prove to be a step too far for this strong Moroccan side.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JULY 06: Romelu Lukaku #9 of Belgium celebrates with teammates after scoring the team’s fourth goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 06, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Morocco’s chance to win the World Cup
Odds: 34.00 at bet365 (reference date: 9th of July 2026)
Probability: 2,9%
Switzerland is certainly a team to watch, particularly given their collective unity and the presence of game-changing players like Johan Manzambi. However, he has recently been sidelined by injury, and the match against Colombia likely took a heavy physical toll. Ultimately, Argentina will likely prove an insurmountable hurdle, not least due to the excellent form of Lionel Messi.
Switzerland’s chance to win the World Cup
Odds: 34.00 at bet365 (reference date: 9th of July 2026)
Probability: 2,9%
Norway on the Rise
Norway and its fans are currently writing a minor footballing fairy tale and serving up the tournament’s biggest surprise. Off the pitch, Norwegian supporters have created an outstanding atmosphere in the streets and stadiums since the tournament began. An energy that seems to have translated onto the field as well.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JULY 05: Erling Haaland #9 of Norway gestures towards the fans after scoring his team’s second goal against Brazil during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 05, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Led by superstar Erling Haaland, the team has impressed so far with exciting attacking football and beautifully crafted goals. Consequently, their quarter-final opponents, England, should prepare to face a Scandinavian side playing with freedom and confidence, a squad that boasts no fewer than five Serie A players.
Norway’s chance to win the World Cup
Odds: 17.00 at bet365 (reference date: 9th of July 2026)
Probability: 5,9%
A Repeat of the 2022 World Cup Final?
The two major favourites for the title are, of course, France and Argentina. Even before the tournament began, these two nations were considered the top contenders for World Cup glory, and the French, in particular, have not put a foot wrong so far.
While Argentina struggled somewhat against Cape Verde and Egypt, France impressed against both Sweden and Paraguay, showcasing a variety of strengths. The French will now face Morocco in top form, likely followed by European champions Spain, before a potential rematch of the 2022 final.
Argentina’s chance to win the World Cup
Odds: 5.00 at bet365 (reference date: 9th of July 2026)
Probability: 20%
In the final, should the two teams meet head-to-head, it would be very difficult to pick a favourite. Both squads are packed with quality, and as seen in 2022, the outcome often hinges on form on the day. Nevertheless, both then and now, the French are considered the favourites to win the title, at least according to the bookmakers.
France’s chance to win the World Cup
Odds: 2.87 at bet365 (reference date: 9th of July 2026)
Probability: 34,8%
Note: This article was written in collaboration with the experts at MySportwetten.de/ch. All information regarding sports betting in Switzerland, as well as the current betting providers in the country, is listed there.
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Youri Tielemans has completed his medical and signs today at Man United.
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