Lionel Messi made amends for missing a second penalty at the 2026 World Cup by inspiring the most dramatic of comebacks, as Argentina came from 2-0 down with just over 10 minutes remaining to beat a heroic Egypt side 3-2 in a last-16 clash for the ages in Atlanta. Lionel Scaloni's side started as sluggishly as they had performed in their lucky win over Cape Verde by the same scoreline, and Egypt took advantage, with an unmarked Yasser Ibrahim burying a cross from Marwan Attia past Emiliano Martinez with just 15 minutes gone.
Ruben Vargas slotted home the decisive spot-kick as Switzerland defeated Colombia 4-3 on penalties to progress to the quarter-finals of the World Cup after one of the worst games of the tournament so far had unsurprisingly finished scoreless. A tight and tense encounter had been expected in Vancouver, given how both sides had performed on their respective runs to the last 16.
The inquest into Brazil's disastrous World Cup exit is well underway after the five-time winners were unceremoniously dumped out of the tournament at the hands of dark horses Norway and the goals of Erling Haaland. In truth, the Selecao never really got going in North America - hamstrung by an ageing, rag-tag squad that was yet to gel as they often relied on Vinicius Jr to deliver the goods.
The USMNT had a chance to change perceptions on home soil, but a 4-1 loss to Belgium instead raised familiar questions about progress, pressure and missed opportunity.
Last week was really quite something for Tottenham Hotspur. Despite finishing 17th in each of the past two Premier League seasons, the north Londoners have signed two of the most coveted midfielders presently operating in England, Matheus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali. Spurs may have overpaid for both, but the club's long-suffering supporters are nonetheless delighted after seeing their transfer record broken twice in a matter of days, given former executive chairman Daniel Levy repeatedly refused to push the boat out to sign top talent.
U.S. Soccer says that the federation will reengage in conversations about Mauricio Pochettino's future after a period of rest and reflection following the U.S. men's national team's World Cup exit. The USMNT lost 4-1 to Belgium on Monday, ending the team's World Cup run and, potentially, ending Pochettino's time in charge of the team.
Belgium’s World Cup dream has been hit by a devastating setback after midfielder Amadou Onana was ruled out with a serious knee injury. The Aston Villa star suffered the blow during the Red Devils' round-of-16 victory over the United States, leaving Rudi Garcia with a major selection headache ahead of their quarter-final against Spain.
Pierluigi Collina has issued a firm rebuttal to United States President Donald Trump following explosive comments regarding the integrity of World Cup match officials. The legendary former referee, now serving as FIFA's Referees Committee Chairman, moved quickly to protect the reputation of the tournament's officiating staff after personal attacks were directed at Brazilian referee Raphael Claus.
Wayne Rooney described Cristiano Ronaldo's final appearance at a World Cup as "a sad day for football". It wasn't, though. Not really. Ronaldo may be one of the most iconic figures in sporting history, but Spain's victory over an insipid Portugal side, taken in conjunction with Belgium battering the United States, actually made July 6, 2026 a pretty good day for the game.
Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career was brought to a bitterly disappointing close as Portugal were defeated 1-0 by their neighbours Spain in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup on Monday. The legendary attacker was peripheral before Mikel Merino's stoppage-time strike settled an underwhelming heavyweight tie in Dallas.
Substitute Mikel Merino scored a late winner as Spain edged Portugal 1-0 in an unexpectedly drab World Cup round-of-16 clash on Monday. The Arsenal midfielder was introduced in the 85th minute and won the game in the 91st with a tidy finish that was just about deserved. La Roja were ineffective for long stretches, and created little, but Merino proved to be the difference-maker.
Manchester United are ready to break the bank to secure their top midfield target as INEOS look to overhaul the squad under interim manager Michael Carrick. Having missed out on primary targets earlier in the window, the Red Devils are now refocusing their efforts on a statement signing from Real Madrid.
Former Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry has called for Kylian Mbappe to test himself in the Premier League before his career concludes. Barry believes the Frenchman should make the move to the Etihad Stadium to ensure he does not mirror Lionel Messi in never playing in England's top flight.
Liverpool have developed a strong interest in signing Club Tijuana attacking midfielder Gilberto Mora following his exceptional performances at the 2026 World Cup. However, the Premier League side face fierce competition from European giants such as Real Madrid and Barcelona for the signature of the highly-rated Mexican teenager ahead of a potential transfer.
Newcastle United are ready to accelerate their summer transfer business by opening formal negotiations for Switzerland’s World Cup breakout star Johan Manzambi. The Magpies have identified the Freiburg midfielder as a priority addition to Eddie Howe’s squad as they look to reinvest the significant funds generated by recent high-profile departures from St James' Park.
Robert Lewandowski has completed his move to Chicago Fire after leaving Barcelona, but the transfer has brought mixed emotions for his family. Wife Anna Lewandowska admitted she is "incredibly scared" about relocating to the United States, opening up on the sacrifices involved in supporting one of football's biggest stars.
Victor Osimhen has enjoyed a spectacular campaign at Galatasaray, but the prolific Nigerian forward has been warned that a high-profile move to Barcelona is highly unlikely to materialise. A former Super Lig rival believes that while Osimhen is an incredibly gifted goalscorer, he lacks the refined technical ability required to fit into the tactical system at Camp Nou.
Atletico Madrid have reportedly made former Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah their primary transfer target ahead of the upcoming campaign. The 33-year-old winger is currently a free agent after bringing his legendary nine-year spell at Anfield to an end, presenting a massive market opportunity for the Spanish heavyweights.
Arsenal have reportedly identified former Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka as a potential summer signing following his recent World Cup campaign with DR Congo. The Gunners are increasingly concerned about the future of Ben White, who is attracting significant interest from rival clubs abroad and in the Middle East.
Paris Saint-Germain have completed the signing of highly-rated Italian goalkeeper Alessandro Longoni on a five-year contract keeping him in France until June 2031. The 18-year-old prospect arrives at the Parc des Princes on a free transfer from AC Milan following the expiry of his youth contract, bolstering the club's long-term options.
Chelsea have secured the long-term future of one of English football's brightest talents after Aggie Beever-Jones signed a new contract at Stamford Bridge. The homegrown forward, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise through the club's ranks, has committed her future to the Blues until 2030.
Lionesses star Georgia Stanway has opened up on her decision to join Arsenal, after the Gunners' announced her arrival on Friday morning. It's a move that ends Stanway's four-year spell in Germany with Bayern Munich and she has now explained why she wanted to return to England and what made her choose Arsenal, amid interest from both Chelsea and Lyon.
Barcelona are pushing to complete a deal for Brazil international forward Kerolin which would represent a club-record transfer. The reigning European champions have already had two bids rejected by Manchester City but the two clubs are working to finalise the move, with Kerolin reported to be open to the transfer and City having no objection to selling the 26-year-old.
It's here. The 2026 summer transfer window has arrived and it promises to be an extremely eventful one in the women's game, with several stars on the move. There are also plenty of deals that have been rumoured and reported for some time, with only the official announcements seemingly left to be done, while there will be some shocks along the way, too, as always.