World Soccer news

• 🚨 Referee confirmed for France - Spain

  13-07-2026 05:58 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  🚨 Referee confirmed for France - SpainFIFA revealed the referee who will take charge of France vs. Spain in the first World Cup semifinal: Iván Bartón. 
  The Salvadoran referee has experience in highly demanding Concacaf matches, such as the Gold Cup, Copa América, World Cup qualifiers, and the Concacaf Nations League. During his World Cup campaign, he officiated the matches between Turkey and Paraguay, Japan and Sweden, as well as the round of 16 clash betw
  
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• Exit-linked Real Madrid midfielder ‘incredibly motivated’ to prove he deserves a place in the team

  14-07-2026 08:20 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Exit-linked Real Madrid midfielder ‘incredibly motivated’ to prove he deserves a place in the teamDepartures are often difficult at a club like Real Madrid, where players do not really have a reason to leave.Barring a few situations where players may honestly understand their situation and lack of minutes to push for an exit, in most cases players do not consider leaving the club under any circumstances.After all, their contract ties them down to the club that represents the pinnacle
  
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• Diego Simeone wants Barcelona wonderkid at Atletico Madrid but club won’t entertain any approach

  14-07-2026 08:20 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Diego Simeone wants Barcelona wonderkid at Atletico Madrid but club won’t entertain any approachWhile Barcelona remain focused on finding a formula to sign Julian Alvarez, Atletico Madrid have reportedly identified teenage midfielder Marc Bernal as the player they would like to take in the opposite direction.The latest Barcelona transfer news suggests that Atletico manager Diego Simeone is a long-time admirer of the La Masia graduate. However, despite ongoing contacts between the two
  
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• Barcelona prepared to sell Ferran Torres to avoid additional payment to Manchester City

  14-07-2026 08:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Barcelona prepared to sell Ferran Torres to avoid additional payment to Manchester CityBarcelona are prepared to sell Ferran Torres this summer to avoid making an additional payment to Manchester City, per The Athletic. The 26-year-old joined the La Liga club in January 2022 for an initial €55 million fee plus €10m in add-ons. Barcelona have already paid City €10m in add-ons, but they would have to fork out a further €8m if Torres extends his contract. The Blau
  
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• Who is Ismail Elfath? England v Argentina referee for World Cup semi-final

  14-07-2026 08:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Ismail Elfath will take charge of the World Cup semi-final clash between England and Argentina in Atlanta.Born in Morocco, Elfath moved to the United States as an 18-year-old after winning a diversity visa lottery, and graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in mechanical engineering in 2006.He made his refereeing debut in Major League Soccer in 2012 before becoming a Fifa-listed official in 2016, earning selection for the U20 World Cup in 2019.Three years later, he made his bow at
  
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• Liverpool searching for new sporting director with Richard Hughes exit confirmed

  14-07-2026 08:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Liverpool searching for new sporting director with Richard Hughes exit confirmedThere are big changes coming for Liverpool’s leadership. Andoni Iraola was appointed new head coach in June - inking a two-year deal. But above his head alterations are being made over the course of this off-season.Michael Edwards has left his post as Fenway Sports Group’s CEO of Football. The former Reds’ sporting director returned to the fold back in 2024 as part of the post-Jurgen Klopp shakeup.H
  
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• Wolfsburg reject Stuttgart’s opening bid for Dženan Pejčinović

  14-07-2026 08:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Wolfsburg reject Stuttgart’s opening bid for Dženan PejčinovićVfB Stuttgart have seen their opening offer to sign VfL Wolfsburg’s Dženan Pejčinović (21), according to a report from Felix Arnold.The Swabian club, looking to strengthen their attack ahead of a UEFA Champions League campaign, opened their bidding at €18m including bonuses, which was subsequently rejected by the now 2. Bundesliga club, who want a reported €25m.Pejčinović,
  
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• Lamine Yamal on Spain vs France World Cup semi-final clash: “This is the biggest and most important game of my career, no doubts”

  14-07-2026 08:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Lamine Yamal on Spain vs France World Cup semi-final clash: “This is the biggest and most important game of my career, no doubts”Spain take on France in the semi-final of the 2026 World Cup later today at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, with a place in the final up for grabs.La Roja’s Mikel Oyarzabal, Alex Baena, and Lamine Yamal are up against the fearsome force that is Les Bleus.France talisman Kylian Mbappe is in sensational form, and so are Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane
  
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• Juventus eye Oyarzabal and Balogun as Kolo Muani deal stalls

  14-07-2026 08:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Juventus eye Oyarzabal and Balogun as Kolo Muani deal stallsJuventus have been trying to sign Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani for some time but have made no progress.According to Gianluca DiMarzio, the Bianconeri are considering turning to Mikel Oyarzabal and Folarin Balogun, two players who caught the eye at the 2026 World Cup. Oyarzabal has established himself as Spain’s number nine with 29 goals in 59 appearances for La Roja.He bagged 15 goals in 34 La Liga appearance
  
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• A return home may be on the cards for a Manchester City wonderkid

  14-07-2026 08:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  A return home may be on the cards for a Manchester City wonderkidClaudio Echeverri finds himself in a difficult situation at Manchester City. Echeverri spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen and Girona. Echeverri’s loan spell with Bayer Leverkusen during the first half of last season was nothing short of a disaster. He couldn’t break into the Leverkusen side and returned to City in January before being sent out on loan to Girona. Claudio Echeverri showed flashes of his
  
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• Real Madrid reach verbal agreement with Serie A side over academy defender’s transfer

  14-07-2026 08:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Real Madrid reach verbal agreement with Serie A side over academy defender’s transferReal Madrid’s young academy stars have been central in the ongoing summer transfer window, forming a major revenue stream through transfer fees for the club.While Los Blancos have indeed profited well through windfalls earned on second-order transfers of former academy graduates, several of the academy’s current proteges have also attracted interest from domestic and international cir
  
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• Declan Rice expected to recover in time for Argentina clash

  14-07-2026 08:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Declan Rice expected to recover in time for Argentina clashEngland have been handed a fitness boost ahead of their World Cup semi-final against Argentina, with Declan Rice expected to recover in time to start Wednesday’s blockbuster clash in Atlanta.According to The Times, the Arsenal midfielder has made significant progress after battling a stomach illness that disrupted his preparations for the quarter-final victory over Norway.Rice has rejoined the squad after no longer needing to isola
  
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• Barcelona receive major transfer boost as priority target refuses Premier League move – report

  14-07-2026 08:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Barcelona receive major transfer boost as priority target refuses Premier League move – reportBarcelona’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez has received an encouraging development after fresh reports suggest the Argentine forward is not considering a move back to the Premier League this summer. According to journalist Pedro Morata, interest from England is unlikely to change Alvarez’s plans. Notably, Arsenal have been among the clubs monitoring the situation closely, while Li
  
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• Kylian Mbappe sparks injury fears ahead of World Cup semi-final – but set to be fit for Spain clash

  14-07-2026 07:55 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  France captain Kylian Mbappe sparked injury fears after missing a portion of training ahead of the World Cup semi-final – but is set to be fit to face Spain in Dallas.Mbappe was absent from a period of France’s preparations ahead of a mouthwatering meeting of European heavyweights, though manager Didier Deschamps insisted that his absence was planned and insignificant.“Yes, he trained,” Deschamps stressed when asked if his captain was involved. “He is ⁠allowed
  
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• Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard set for Besiktas medical

  14-07-2026 07:45 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard set for Besiktas medicalArsenal’s Leandro Trossard is nearing a move to Turkish outfit Besiktas with a medical scheduled for Tuesday, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.The Premier League club are set to receive €20m for the Belgian international, who played a key role in Arsenal’s title win having scored six goals and created another six in 31 appearances in England’s top flight.According to Plettenberg, Trossard and his
  
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• Who will win the World Cup? The view from the semi-finalists

  14-07-2026 07:43 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  France (1), Spain (3), England (4) and Argentina (2) are the top four teams in Fifa's rankings [BBC]The World Cup is now at the business end.One of France, Spain, Argentina or England will be crowned world champions on Sunday in New York.But who will it be?Is France against Spain on Tuesday in the semis the real final, as many are suggesting? Can Argentina become just the third team to defend their title? Will England end 60 years of hurt?BBC Sport has spoken to journalists and fans from the cou
  
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• Is the hunt for a right-back for Manchester City pointing in one direction?

  14-07-2026 07:40 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Is the hunt for a right-back for Manchester City pointing in one direction?For now, it does seem that the summer transfer window is on pause as the 2026 World Cup reaches its crescendo. Manchester City have completed the signings of Elliot Anderson, Pierce Charles, Mathys Detourbet, and Jeremy Monga. However, there are other areas of Enzo Maresca’s squad that need to be refined. The positions that City look to be focused on strengthening are right-back, another midfielder and potentially a
  
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• Enzo Maresca has all of his pieces in place at Manchester City

  14-07-2026 07:40 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Enzo Maresca has all of his pieces in place at Manchester CityIn just over a month, Enzo Maresca will take charge of his first official match as the manager of Manchester City. City take on Arsenal in the FA Community Shield at the Principality Stadium on Sunday, August 16, following their preseason tour of Asia. Ahead of that match and the beginning of his first preseason as Manchester City’s manager, Enzo Maresca now has his coaching staff all in place. All of the pieces needed for Mares
  
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• Game over for £35m Liverpool midfielder as new offer is coming

  14-07-2026 07:35 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Game over for £35m Liverpool midfielder as new offer is comingLiverpool have been tipped to shake up their midfield options this summer. The likes of Manu Kone and Adam Wharton are reportedly on the radar as Richard Hughes and Andoni Iraola put plans in place for the season ahead.Last season Arne Slot got diminishing returns from certain members of the midfield - including Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch.Curtis Jones lined up by Inter MilanThe Dutchman ultimately lost his job as L
  
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• Frankfurt submit opening bid for Anton Gaaei

  14-07-2026 07:35 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Frankfurt submit opening bid for Anton GaaeiEintracht Frankfurt have submitted a €5m bid for Ajax defender Anton Gaaei (23), according to a report from Florian Plettenberg.Die Adler recently re-appointed Adi Hütter as head coach with the task of bringing European football back to the Deutsche Bank Park after missing out on European football completely under Albert Riera.And with Rasmus Kristensen’s departure to Midtjylland for €6m, Frankfurt are working on a deal to sign com
  
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• France out against Spain? Yamal's run against Mbappé is mad

  14-07-2026 07:35 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  France out against Spain? Yamal's run against Mbappé is madIt could just as well have already been the final: on Tuesday evening, two absolute heavyweights of international football, France and Spain, will face off in the World Cup semi-final.Although Spain are the reigning European champions, Les Bleus go into the match as slight favorites. The superstars led by Kylian Mbappé and World Player of the Year Ousmane Dembélé have looked simply too good so far.But Mbapp&ea
  
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• Eintracht Frankfurt hold talks with Karlsruhe for Louis Ben Farhat

  14-07-2026 07:25 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Eintracht Frankfurt hold talks with Karlsruhe for Louis Ben FarhatEintracht Frankfurt are in advanced negotiations with 2. Bundesliga side Karlsruhe regarding the transfer fee for Louey Ben Farhat (19). According to a report by Sky Germany, talks are progressing between the two clubs after Die Adler reached a verbal agreement with the Tunisian forward.Frankfurt’s interest comes after Ben Farhat’s breakout 2025/26, having scored six goals and provided two assists in 20 2. Bundesliga g
  
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• Time for Lamine Yamal to ignite? Or another Mbappe World Cup masterclass?

  14-07-2026 07:22 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Both Lamine Yamal and Mbappe are looking to win a major tournament for the second time in their careers [Getty Images]The footballing world is set to witness the showdown it has been waiting for.France and Spain will renew one of the most tantalising international rivalries in Dallas on Tuesday, with a place in the World Cup final at stake.2018 champions France are aiming to reach a third successive final, while 2010 winners Spain are bidding to become just the fourth team to hold both world and
  
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• What time is France v Spain kick-off? TV channel and how to watch World Cup semi-final

  14-07-2026 07:18 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  France and Spain meet in a blockbuster World Cup 2026 semi-final and in a clash of the two best teams at the tournament so far. While France have dazzled with their attacking play, led by Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise, Spain have conceded only one goal as the European champions look to win back-to-back major tournaments. Spain defeated France in a thrilling Euro 2024 semi-final two years ago, which saw Lamine Yamal become the youngest goalscorer in European Championship histor
  
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• Manchester United in transfer battle with Liverpool for Serie A star

  14-07-2026 07:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Manchester United in transfer battle with Liverpool for Serie A starManchester United and Liverpool are competing for the signature of Roma star Manu Kone. The 25-year-old has caught the attention of the two English giants after starting four matches for France at the World Cup 2026. According to Corriere dello Sport, Roma have slapped a £51m price tag on Kone after his excellent displays at the World Cup. United made a slow start to the summer transfer window, but they have
  
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• 'We are very clear on how much work we have to do'

  14-07-2026 05:31 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  [Huw Evans Picture Agency]Cardiff City continue their pre-season campaign at Cork City on Tuesday (19:45 BST) with boss Brian Barry-Murphy acknowledging they have a lot of work to do before competitive football returns next month.Barry-Murphy will lead Cardiff in his home city as the Bluebirds face a Cork side currently top of the League of Ireland First Division, the nation's second tier.While it is still early in pre-season, Cardiff will hope for an encouraging evening at the Turner's Cross St
  
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• World Cup 2026: Kylian Mbappé is '100 percent' for semifinal match vs. Spain, France's Didier Deschamps says

  14-07-2026 03:36 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  French superstar Kylian Mbappé has scored 20 World Cup goals in 20 World Cup appearances. He's poised to take the pitch again on Tuesday against Spain in the 2026 World Cup, according to his manager, Didier Deschamps, who told reporters that Mbappé is "100%" heading into the semifinal match.Mbappé left France's quarterfinal victory over Morocco last week in the 77th minute with what he characterized as a "minor ankle injury," per The Athletic. Even though Mbappé, 27,
  
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• World Cup 2026: After 100 matches, the semifinals belong to soccer's heavyweights

  14-07-2026 03:11 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  ARLINGTON, Texas — Cape Verde’s Blue Sharks brought joy and revelation. Mexico reintroduced the world to the wonders of Azteca. The U.S. performed with energy, excitement and elegance … until it all ended abruptly and horrifically.Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić made curtain calls. Brazil, Germany and Uruguay tottered and crashed. Egypt left furious and shattered. Morocco showed 2022 was no fluke. A tip of the cap to Curaçao’s Blue Wave, Ivory Coast’s
  
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• Deschamps predicts 'spectacular' France v Spain semi-final

  14-07-2026 02:35 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Didier Deschamps' France (2) and Luis de la Fuente's Spain (1) have won the World Cup three times between them [Getty Images]France boss Didier Deschamps is predicting a "spectacular" semi-final when his exciting side take on Spain in a heavyweight World Cup showdown in Dallas on Tuesday.Spain beat France in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 on their way to being crowned European champions before defeating Les Bleus in a nine-goal last-four thriller in the Nations League last year."The past is in the
  
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• Champions already? Spain defend ABSURD World Cup record, explained

  14-07-2026 02:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Champions already? Spain defend ABSURD World Cup record, explainedJust one goal conceded after six matches played.That is Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Luis de la Fuente’s side will face France this Tuesday (14), relying on a defensive system that was breached only in the quarter-finals.
  La Roja are only the THIRD national team to reach a World Cup semi-final having conceded just one goal. The others? France in 1998, with Barthez, Thuram and Desailly, and Italy in 2006, with
  
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