FOOTBALL

Argentina Beat Switzerland in Extra Time

Argentina, Switzerland and Julián Álvarez
Saturday in Kansas City

Argentina reached the World Cup semi-finals with a 3-1 extra-time win over Switzerland, setting up a clash with England in Atlanta. Alexis Mac Allister scored first before Dan Ndoye equalised and Julián Álvarez struck the decisive late goal.

Switzerland were furious after Breel Embolo received a second yellow for simulation following VAR review, leaving them with 10 men. Lautaro Martínez later sealed the result, while Lionel Messi praised Argentina’s resilience after another stressful knockout escape.

Rice Illness Explained by Tuchel

Declan Rice, Thomas Tuchel and England
After England’s win over Norway

Thomas Tuchel said Declan Rice spent most of the three days before England’s World Cup quarter-final win over Norway in bed with sickness. Rice started the match but was substituted at half-time as England chased the game.

Tuchel said Rice was also managing a neural issue affecting his hamstring and lower back, so England removed him early to avoid wasting a later substitution. The update matters as England prepare for Argentina in Wednesday’s semi-final.

Senegal Sack Pape Thiaw

Senegal and Pape Thiaw
Sunday after Senegal’s World Cup exit

Senegal have sacked manager Pape Thiaw after their World Cup last-32 exit. The federation said the decision followed a review of results and future prospects, ending his spell less than two years after taking charge.

Thiaw’s position weakened after Senegal collapsed from 2-0 up against Belgium and amid wider fallout from their disputed AFCON final walk-off. Midfielder Pape Gueye had also said he would pause international duty while the current staff remained.

FIFA Reviews 64-Team World Cup

FIFA and Gianni Infantino
After the 2026 World Cup

FIFA will examine a possible 64-team World Cup before the 2030 tournament after Gianni Infantino confirmed the proposal will go to relevant committees. The idea follows South American lobbying and would expand the competition again after 2026’s 48-team format.

Infantino argued smaller nations need a chance to dream, but UEFA and CONCACAF leaders have already criticised the plan. A 64-team event could reshape qualification, increase host demands and risk making some regional qualifying paths less meaningful.

Jayden Adams Dies Aged 25

Jayden Adams, South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns
Saturday

South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has died aged 25, just weeks after playing at the World Cup. His death was confirmed by Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa’s sports ministry and the country’s professional footballers’ union.

The cause of death has not been confirmed, with officials asking for privacy for Adams’ family. Tributes described him as one of South African football’s brightest talents after he appeared in three World Cup matches this summer.

Chelsea Push Garnacho Exit

Chelsea and Alejandro Garnacho
Saturday

Chelsea are prioritising a permanent exit for Alejandro Garnacho after the winger did not report for pre-season training. ESPN sources say the club want €50m for the former Manchester United attacker, who wants regular first-team football.

Garnacho joined Chelsea last summer for £40m but started only 22 matches, scoring eight goals and assisting four. Clubs in the Premier League, Serie A and Saudi Pro League have shown interest, with progress expected within two weeks.

Gotham Near O’Sullivan Loan Deal

Gotham FC, Liverpool and Denise O’Sullivan
Saturday

Gotham FC are finalising a deal to sign Ireland midfielder Denise O’Sullivan on loan from Liverpool, with an obligation to buy. The NWSL champions expect the 32-year-old to join when the transfer window opens on Monday.

The structure helps Gotham manage salary-cap pressure after signing Sam Kerr and re-signing Emily Sonnett. O’Sullivan would return to the NWSL after a short Liverpool spell, having previously won major trophies with North Carolina Courage.

Italy Hire Maldini and Leonardo

Italy, Paolo Maldini and Leonardo
Saturday

The Italian federation has appointed Paolo Maldini as technical director and Leonardo as advisor as part of a major national-team rebuild. The move follows Italy’s failure to qualify for a third straight World Cup.

New federation president Giovanni Malago said the appointments are the first step toward hiring the next Italy coach. Maldini and Leonardo will help shape a four-year plan through Euro qualification and the 2030 World Cup cycle.

Spain Win U19 Euros in Wrexham

Spain Under-19s and Germany Under-19s
Saturday in Wrexham

Spain won the UEFA Men’s Under-19 Championship for the 10th time with a 2-0 victory over Germany at the Racecourse Ground. Hugo Lopez and Mario Rivas scored as Spain retained the trophy won in 2024.

Paco Gallardo’s side dominated the tournament, scoring 19 goals across five matches without conceding. The win also completed a youth double after Spain’s women beat Germany in the Under-19 final earlier the same day.

FIFA Official Refuses Ban Questions

FIFA, Mohammad al Kamali and Folarin Balogun
Saturday before England faced Norway

FIFA disciplinary chair Mohammad al Kamali refused to answer BBC questions about the decision that allowed Folarin Balogun to avoid suspension after his red card. The silence came after England’s Jarell Quansah received a two-match ban for a similar offence.

BBC sports editor Dan Roan asked whether FIFA president Gianni Infantino influenced the decision and why Balogun and Quansah were treated differently. Al Kamali gave no response, keeping pressure on FIFA’s disciplinary transparency.