England v Argentina set, France meet Spain at World Cup
If England beat Argentina and win the World Cup, a conditional UK bank holiday on 24 July is planned, with Starmer set to attend the New York final should England reach it.
England, driven by Bellingham and Kane, meet holders Argentina in Atlanta. Messi targets a third final in four World Cups and a title defence, in his first ever match against England.
Fans hail a striking Messi photo from Argentina’s 3-1 win over Switzerland. The 39-year-old has eight goals, level with Mbappe, and now faces England in the semifinal.
Mbappé and Messi lead the 2026 Golden Boot on 8 goals before the semis, with Kane and Bellingham on 6 and Dembélé on 5. Assists and minutes are tiebreakers, with two matches left per player.
AT&T Stadium hosts France vs Spain in the World Cup semi-final. Owner Jerry Jones attends his first match there after ceding control to FIFA, including glare-blocking curtains and VIP use of his suite.
Declan Rice expects to start v Argentina after food poisoning. The vice-captain trained to prove fitness after playing only 45 minutes v Norway, giving Tuchel a key midfield boost for Atlanta.
France chase a third title as Mbappe leads a star-studded attack against Spain’s possession game. Yamal, 19, inspired their Euro 2024 win and says Spain hold the upper hand after recent 2-1 and 5-4 wins.
Pickford reflects on Argentina’s goalkeeper pathway and past duels, with England preparing mentally for a possible semifinal shootout.
Achraf Hakimi tops Africa’s standouts, with Ayyoub Bouaddi, Emam Ashour, Vozinha and Ismael Saibari also lauded. Country bests include Mahrez, Wan-Bissaka, Yirenkyi, Diallo, Sarr and Mbokazi.
Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham eye Norway’s Andreas Schjelderup after four World Cup goals. Benfica could sell for around €50m after his standout tournament and league form.
Barcelona will renew talks after the World Cup for Julián Álvarez, capping the fixed fee at €100m and adding performance-related variables, with possible player exchanges if Atlético Madrid engage.
Real Madrid expect about $2.7m from FIFA’s Club Benefits Programme for 15 players at the 2026 World Cup, calculated per player per day, though less than their Qatar 2022 payout.
FairSquare file IOC complaint alleging Gianni Infantino breached political neutrality after Trump’s call preceded Folarin Balogun’s World Cup ban being lifted. FIFA say committees act independently.
Around 90,000 greet Norway after their 2-1 extra-time quarterfinal loss to England. Captain Martin Odegaard hails support. Haaland, scorer of seven goals, missed the celebration due to travel.
City’s quarter-final roundup: Rodri’s Spain beat Belgium 2-1, Mbappé starred as France beat Morocco 2-0, England edged Norway 2-1. Haaland and Doku exit; six City players reach the World Cup semi-finals.
