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France and Spain have a combined squad value of $3.137 billion, against $2.475 billion for England and Argentina. Yet England-Argentina semifinal tickets are priced higher than France-Spain.
France combined defensive solidity with devastating pace on the counterattack, comfortably progressing to the knockout rounds this year.
Senegal fired its men's football coach Pape Thiaw, according to a statement issued by the national federation on Sunday. The Senegalese Football Federation added that Thiaw's technical staff were also dismissed. The decision followed Senegal's elimination in the round of 16 at the ongoing World Cup. "After an evaluation of the performance of the national team and its prospects, the Executive Committee believes that a change is necessary in the interest of Senegalese football," the federation said. Thiaw, 45, was appointed in 2024 and led the West African nation to a disputed continental title in Morocco earlier this year before the victory was overturned by the Confederation of African Football. Senegal has approached the Court of Arbitration about appealing the decision. Senegal was eliminated from the World Cup by Belgium despite leading 2-0 until the 83rd minute. The team also came close to elimination in the group stage after losses to France and Norway.
Now, with Lionel Messi leading the defending champions and England searching for their first World Cup final appearance since 1966, another historic encounter awaits.
Honouring its promise, Norwegian Air replaced its Instagram profile picture with British Airways' Speedmarque logo shortly after the England vs Norway FIFA World Cup quarter-final match
Argentina are bidding to become only the third nation after Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962) to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title
The decision to caution Embolo for simulation is supported under Law 12 of the IFAB Laws of the Game, which deals with fouls and misconduct
Lionel Messi supplied his 10th World Cup assist, but Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez struck deep in extra time as Argentina beat 10-man Switzerland 3-1 to set up a semi-final against England
Jude Bellingham scored either side of half-time and extra time as England beat Norway 2-1, but Thomas Tuchel said his side were "lucky" after a disjointed World Cup quarterfinal performance
France superstar Kylian Mbappe currently sits at the top of the leaderboard with eight goals and three assists, showcasing his consistency on the biggest stage.
Goals from Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez in extra time made sure the defending champions keep their title defense alive.
A brilliant brace by Jude Bellingham helped England come back from behind to book a semi-final berth in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
England vs Norway (2:30 AM IST) and Argentina vs Switzerland (6:30 AM IST)
South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams, who played at the World Cup, has died. He was 25. His death was confirmed by Gayton McKenzie, South Africa's minister of sport, arts and culture, in a statement on Saturday. "It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams, midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, at the age of 25," McKenzie posted on X. "South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his team-mates and the millions of supporters." Adams helped South Africa reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. Further details of his death were not given. "The cause of Jayden's passing has not yet been confirmed," McKenzie said. "I wish to appeal to members of the media and the public to exercise restraint and compassion, and to refrain from speculation." Adams started South Africa's first Group A game against the Czech Republic and was substituted at hal
Adams, who featured in all three of South Africa's group-stage games at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was found dead at a residence in Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town
Lamine Yamal thinks France should be afraid of Spain with the European giants headed to a World Cup semifinal showdown on Tuesday. "I believe if France has to fear anyone, it should be us, in my opinion," the teenage sensation told broadcast reporters after Spain beat Belgium 2-1 on Friday to secure its first semifinal berth since 2010. "We were the ones who knocked them out before." Spain beat France in the 2024 European Championship semifinals and again in Nations League play last year. Yamal became the youngest player to score in the continental competition. The powerhouses meet again at the home stadium of the Dallas Cowboys next week for a spot in the final. "We don't fear anyone," said Yamal, who was named the man of the match against Belgium. "It's clear that we are two great teams, world-class national teams, and for me they are one of the best. We'll see what happens." Spain advanced on a winning goal by substitute Mikel Merino in the 88th minute of the quarterfinals at S
For Argentina, victory would move them within two wins of retaining the World Cup, while Switzerland are chasing history as they look to reach their first-ever World Cup semifinal
Even the field for the World Cup final is for sale. FIFA, accused of charging high prices for this year's tournament in the United States, is selling the grass that will be used for the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey at USD 450 per piece. FIFA's store says each segment of turf is 17.5 by 17.5 by 17.5, although it doesn't specify whether that figure is inches, centimetres or millimetres. Soccer's governing body did not immediately respond to an email requesting details of the dimensions. "Own a genuine piece of football history with an authentic 2026 FIFA World Cup Piece of the pitch, permanently preserved in a premium acrylic with a USB keepsake," the website says. "Each piece contains an original fragment of the iconic Final playing surface, making it a unique collectible that celebrates one of the world's greatest sporting events." FIFA said "the acrylic USB features an authenticity film, while offering a sleek, contemporary display piece. Presented in a premium .
This FIFA World Cup will be remembered not only for the brilliance of attacking superstars such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, but also for the extraordinary, match-defining performances of goalkeepers, according to former India captain and legendary custodian Subrata Paul. Paul, whose professional career spanned nearly two decades and included 84 senior international appearances for India, believes the teams that have reached the business end of the ongoing FIFA World Cup owe much of their success to their goalkeepers. The former India captain, who played a pivotal role in the country's Nehru Cup triumphs in 2007, 2009 and 2012, said exceptional goalkeeping has been as decisive as the exploits of the tournament's attacking stars. "This World Cup simply belongs to the goalkeepers. I feel goalkeepers are playing a major role in winning matches, securing clean sheets, and keeping the scores level. This World Cup overall is one of the most exciting in ..
While Norway arrives full of confidence, history is firmly on England's side. The Scandinavians have never beaten England at the World Cup and have failed to score in their last four meetings.