FOOTBALL

Onana Ruled Out With ACL Rupture

Amadou Onana, Belgium and Aston Villa
After Belgium’s win over the United States

Belgium midfielder Amadou Onana has ruptured the ACL in his right knee and is out of the World Cup. The Aston Villa player went off 21 minutes into Belgium’s 4-1 last-16 win over the United States.

Belgium’s team doctor called the injury devastating, with Onana seen on crutches and wearing a knee brace after the match. He will remain with the squad for now, but typical ACL recoveries can sideline players for six to nine months.

Arsenal Set to Sign Meslier

Arsenal, Leeds United and Illan Meslier
Tuesday

Arsenal are set to complete the signing of goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer from Leeds United. An agreement has been reached, with Meslier at Arsenal’s training centre to finalise terms and undergo a medical.

Meslier is out of contract and would initially arrive behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga. Arsenal are planning ahead in case Kepa leaves, while teenager Tommy Setford is expected to go out on loan this summer.

Galaxy Sell Pec for Club Record Fee

LA Galaxy, Cruzeiro and Gabriel Pec
Tuesday

LA Galaxy have sold Brazilian attacker Gabriel Pec to Cruzeiro for a club-record fee. The MLS side did not disclose the amount, but reports put the transfer at $12m plus up to $1.5m in add-ons.

Pec leaves after becoming MLS Newcomer of the Year, an All-Star and an MLS Cup winner during less than three years in Los Angeles. Galaxy called him a major contributor and wished him success on returning to Brazil.

Kirk Appointed Durham Head Coach

Willie Kirk and Durham Women
Tuesday

Willie Kirk has been appointed head coach of Women’s Super League 2 side Durham, marking his first English football role since Leicester City sacked him in 2024 for breaching their code of conduct over a player relationship.

The appointment is sensitive because player-coach relationships have been criticised over power imbalance concerns in women’s football. Durham praised Kirk’s experience and player-development record, while BBC Sport contacted the club, FA and PFA for comment.

Pochettino Silent on US Future

Mauricio Pochettino and USMNT
After the United States’ World Cup exit

Mauricio Pochettino refused to say whether he wants to remain USMNT head coach after the World Cup exit to Belgium. His contract expires after the tournament, and U.S. Soccer had reportedly approached him about an extension before kick-off.

Pochettino said the team must first assess the tournament and discuss the future in coming weeks. He urged supporters to keep faith, arguing the current player pool and younger generation have built the mindset needed for long-term growth.

Rosenior Takes Paris FC Job

Liam Rosenior and Paris FC
Tuesday

Liam Rosenior has returned to management with Paris FC on a two-year contract after leaving Chelsea in April. The 41-year-old replaces Antoine Kombouare at the ambitious Ligue 1 club backed by the Arnault family and Red Bull.

Paris FC cited Rosenior’s youth development record and attacking style after his strong Strasbourg spell. His quick return to France follows a difficult Chelsea stint, where he lost his final five league matches before being replaced by Xabi Alonso.

Belgium Dump US Out of World Cup

Belgium, United States and Charles De Ketelaere
Monday in Seattle

Belgium beat the United States 4-1 in Seattle to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, ending the co-hosts’ home run in the last 16. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice, while Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku punished costly American errors.

Belgium used the Balogun controversy as fuel after FIFA suspended his red-card ban, with players later mocking the episode through Trump-style celebrations. The US exit left Mauricio Pochettino’s future unclear and exposed the gap to elite tournament sides.

Everton Weigh Spence Move

Everton, Tottenham and Djed Spence
During the summer transfer window

Everton are considering a surprise move for Tottenham defender Djed Spence as David Moyes looks to strengthen at right-back. The 25-year-old wants regular Premier League minutes despite making 30 league appearances for Spurs last season.

Tottenham’s defensive rebuild under Roberto De Zerbi has increased competition, creating possible uncertainty around Spence’s role. Everton believe the chance of consistent starts at Goodison Park could tempt him, but still need to establish Tottenham’s valuation.

Newcastle Close In on Steur

Newcastle United, Ajax and Sean Steur
Tuesday

Newcastle United are closing in on a deal for 18-year-old Ajax midfielder Sean Steur as they reinvest after Sandro Tonali’s £100m move to Tottenham. The Ajax academy graduate has a contract running until 2028 now.

Ajax face pressure because Steur’s value could drop if he enters the final year of his deal next summer. Opta data marks him as one of the Eredivisie’s strongest teenage midfielders for chances created, carries and duels.

Ancelotti Commits to Brazil Job

Carlo Ancelotti and Brazil
After Brazil’s World Cup exit

Carlo Ancelotti has vowed to continue as Brazil head coach despite their 2-1 World Cup exit to Norway. The defeat marked Brazil’s worst major tournament result since 1966, but the CBF is backing him through the next cycle.

Ancelotti said the pain is great but trust in the project remains unchanged. Brazil’s national team coordinator Rodrigo Caetano called for calm, saying the squad needs stability and adjustments rather than another immediate reset after elimination.