Shafaq News- Atlanta

Thomas Tuchel called for England to change their football “DNA” after Argentina overturned a 1-0 deficit to win their 2026 World Cup semifinal 2-1.

The England manager argued that his players lacked the ability to slow the match through possession once Anthony Gordon gave them the lead in the 55th minute. “It’s maybe not in our DNA like it is in the Spanish, Argentinian or Brazilian DNA to take the ball and control the game.”

He denied ordering England to retreat, explaining that the team lost duels and dropped progressively deeper under Argentina’s pressure, but then defended his switch to a back five, as the structure was intended to “close gaps” and confront Argentina’s wide players more aggressively.

“We encouraged everyone to step out and be more active, but we struggled,” he added. “We couldn’t find any duels.”

England held 12% possession between Gordon’s goal and Enzo Fernandez’s 85th-minute equalizer, the lowest recorded share for a team leading a World Cup match for at least 10 minutes since 1966. During that period, Argentina completed 160 passes in the attacking third to England’s four and recorded 97.6% field tilt.

Tuchel replaced Gordon, Declan Rice, and Reece James with defenders Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn, and Nico O’Reilly. Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, and Ollie Watkins remained unused. The changes left Harry Kane isolated and removed England’s counterattacking outlet before Lionel Messi assisted Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez.

UEFA-licensed analysts at Coaches’ Voice found that the back five failed to close England’s shape, with space remaining between midfield and defence as Argentina pushed more players forward.

Former Premier League manager Alan Pardew argued that Tuchel’s substitutions reinforced a negative mentality, while Kane acknowledged that England tried to protect the lead rather than continue playing.

The defeat continued England’s record of losing major knockout matches after scoring first. They led Croatia before a 2-1 extra-time defeat in the 2018 World Cup semifinal and opened the scoring against Italy before losing the Euro 2020 final on penalties.

England have also lost all seven World Cup knockout matches against FIFA top-10 opponents since 1998. Their only successful World Cup semifinal remains the 1966 victory over Portugal, the year they won their sole major men’s trophy.

The 60-year wait has sustained the “It’s Coming Home” refrain, taken from the 1996 song Three Lions and revived at every major tournament.

Tuchel rejected the idea of a curse but acknowledged that England must impose themselves more effectively in decisive matches, and confirmed his intention to remain through Euro 2028.

Shafaq News- Madrid

Atletico Madrid President Enrique Cerezo dismissed Barcelona’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez, stating that counterpart Joan Laporta “already knows” where the Argentina striker will play next season.

Laporta had confirmed that Barcelona submitted a substantial offer for the 26-year-old, with the club unwilling to leave the proposal open indefinitely, but Atletico have maintained that Alvarez is not for sale and remains central to their plans, with his contract running until June 2030.

Barcelona first contacted Atletico in April before publicly confirming their bid on July 1. Arsenal have also been linked with the forward, although Barcelona are reportedly his preferred destination.

The pursuit has revived scrutiny of Barcelona’s failure to sign Alvarez earlier in his career. Agent Josep Maria Minguella previously explained that the club were offered the River Plate striker for about $23 million in 2021 but instead signed Ferran Torres from Manchester City for approximately $69 million.

Alvarez later joined City before moving to Atletico in 2024.

He recorded 20 goals and nine assists in 49 appearances during the 2025-26 season, including 10 Champions League goals.

The striker is currently focused on Argentina’s World Cup campaign and has not addressed the latest transfer claims. La Albiceleste will face Spain in Sunday’s final at New York/ New Jersey Stadium.

Shafaq News- Atlanta

Jude Bellingham ended England’s 2026 World Cup with six goals and growing acclaim from Wayne Rooney, Gary Lineker, and other former internationals who placed him among football’s leading players.

Rooney, a legend of Manchester United, called the 23-year-old the tournament’s best performer before England’s 2-1 semifinal defeat by Argentina, while Lineker suggested he could become the country’s greatest-ever footballer.

Meanwhile, ex-Manchester City right-back Micah Richards described Bellingham as England’s best player and a “genuine superstar,” citing his personality, Champions League experience, and record in major matches.

Bellingham strengthened those claims with four goals in two knockout games. He scored twice in England’s 3-2 round-of-16 victory over Mexico, then struck another double against Norway, including the extra-time winner in a 2-1 quarterfinal victory.

The midfielder finished level with Harry Kane as England’s leading scorer and matched Lineker’s national record of six non-penalty goals at one major tournament.

“Enough said. He does it every single match. World-class,” England coach Thomas Tuchel stated after the Norway win.

Bellingham also became the first player since Diego Maradona in 1986 to score twice in consecutive World Cup knockout matches.

Jordan Henderson had called him a “big-game player” before the tournament, while Michael Owen argued that his performances had placed him in the Ballon d’Or discussion.

The campaign added international production to a career already containing a Champions League title, the Golden Boy award, and the Kopa Trophy with Real Madrid. Nine of Bellingham’s first 12 England goals came at major tournaments, underlining his impact in high-pressure matches.

Still, he could not prevent Argentina from overturning England’s lead in Atlanta, leaving a distinction between Rooney’s claim that he was the tournament’s best player and the broader debate over football’s top star. Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, and other leading players remain part of that discussion, while the World Cup’s individual awards will be decided after Sunday’s final.

England will face France in Saturday’s third-place playoff, giving Bellingham one final chance to add to his six goals.

Shafaq News- Atlanta

Lionel Messi supplied two assists as Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1 after extra time and reach the 2026 World Cup final against Spain.

Anthony Gordon opened the scoring in the 55th minute, finishing Morgan Rogers’ delivery beyond Emiliano Martinez.

Argentina increased the pressure and nearly equalized when Alexis Mac Allister struck the post. Messi then created the breakthrough in the 85th minute, working a short corner before finding Enzo Fernandez, whose finish forced extra time.

The Argentina captain then set up Lautaro Martinez for the winner, threading the ball into the penalty area for the striker to beat Jordan Pickford.

England pushed forward late through Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham but failed to find another goal.

The result repeated the 2-1 scoreline from the countries’ famous 1986 World Cup quarterfinal, when Diego Maradona scored the “Hand of God” and Goal of the Century.

Argentina advanced to a second successive final and moved one victory from becoming the first nation to retain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962, while England’s defeat ended their bid to reach a first final since winning the tournament in 1966.

Shafaq News- Atlanta

FIFA banned Falklands/ Malvinas flags from Atlanta Stadiumbefore Wednesday’s England-Argentina World Cup semifinal, with 1,600 officersdeployed around a fixture under heightened US security.

Media reports stated that planning involved the FBI, AtlantaPolice, FIFA officials, and other federal agencies over concerns of disorderbetween the rival fan bases. England and Argentina supporters were assignedseparate stadium entrances, while patrols were reinforced around the venue,downtown Atlanta, and areas where fans were expected to gather.

Argentina’s Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva confirmedthat banners asserting sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, known in Argentinaas the Malvinas, would be blocked from entering the stadium. Political, racial,and other provocative messages were also prohibited.

Thousands of Argentina supporters gathered at UndergroundAtlanta before kickoff, waving flags, beating drums, and carrying images ofDiego Maradona, and Malvinas-related banners appeared during the gatheringbefore FIFA’s stadium restriction took effect.

No major clash involving England fans was officiallyconfirmed before kickoff.

The countries fought a 74-day war over the islands in 1982.Four years later, Maradona scored the disputed “Hand of God” goal inArgentina’s 2-1 World Cup quarterfinal victory over England.

The winner today will face Spain in Sunday’s World Cupfinal.

Shafaq News- Atlanta

England and defending champions Argentina meet in the second 2026 World Cup semifinal on Wednesday, renewing one of the tournament’s most historic rivalries with a place against Spain in the final at stake.

Kickoff at Atlanta Stadium is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. Baghdad time. The winner will advance to Sunday’s final, while the loser will face France in the third-place playoff.

England are seeking their first World Cup final since winning the title on home soil in 1966. Thomas Tuchel’s side reached the last four with a 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway, led by two goals from Jude Bellingham.

Argentina, meanwhile, are pursuing a second consecutive final and the first successful World Cup title defence since Brazil retained the trophy in 1962. Lionel Scaloni’s team defeated Switzerland 3-1 after extra time, with Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez scoring the decisive late goals.

The semifinal will also mark Lionel Messi’s first appearance against England. The 39-year-old has faced most of international football’s leading nations across six World Cups but has never played the Three Lions.

England and Argentina have met five times at the World Cup, with England winning three and Argentina two. But their rivalry intensified in the 1966 quarterfinal at Wembley, when Argentina captain Antonio Rattin was dismissed during England’s 1-0 victory and initially refused to leave the pitch.

The most famous meeting followed in Mexico in 1986. Diego Maradona opened the scoring by using his hand to beat England goalkeeper Peter Shilton, producing the goal later known as the “Hand of God.”

Four minutes later, Maradona collected the ball inside his own half, passed several England players, rounded Shilton, and completed the strike later voted the World Cup’s Goal of the Century. Argentina won 2-1 and went on to lift the trophy.

The countries met once again in the 1998 round of 16, when Argentina advanced on penalties after a 2-2 draw. David Beckham was sent off for kicking out at Diego Simeone, becoming the central figure in England’s elimination.

Beckham answered four years later by converting the penalty that gave England a 1-0 victory at the 2002 World Cup, their most recent tournament meeting.

Wednesday’s semifinal places that history beside a new generation. Bellingham and Harry Kane carry England’s scoring threat, while Argentina rely on Messi, Alvarez, Martinez, and Alexis Mac Allister.

Spain and England: From 1950 to Euro 2024

A Spain-England final would revive a rivalry shaped more by European competition than the World Cup.

The countries have met twice at the tournament. Spain won their first encounter 1-0 during the final group stage of the 1950 World Cup in Brazil, a result that eliminated England from contention.

Their second World Cup meeting came in Spain in 1982. The match ended 0-0 during the second group phase, leaving England unbeaten but eliminated after failing to score the victory required to advance.

More recent encounters have carried greater consequences. England defeated Spain 3-2 in Seville during the 2018 Nations League, scoring three times in the first half before surviving a Spanish response.

Spain later eliminated England on penalties in the Euro 1996 quarterfinal at Wembley after a goalless draw, while England defeated La Roja in a Nations League meeting two decades later.

But their defining modern contest came in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin. Nico Williams put Spain ahead, Cole Palmer equalized for England, and Mikel Oyarzabal scored the late winner in a 2-1 victory that delivered Spain’s fourth European title.

A World Cup final between them would therefore give England an immediate chance to answer their Euro 2024 defeat, while Spain would seek a second major-final victory over the same generation in two years.

Spain and Argentina: A Rare Rivalry

A Spain-Argentina final, on the other hand, would bring together the reigning European and South American champions in their first competitive meeting for six decades.

Their only previous World Cup match came during the 1966 group stage, when Argentina won 2-1 at Villa Park.

The countries have met more frequently in friendlies, producing several notable results.

Argentina defeated Spain 4-1 in Buenos Aires in 2010, only weeks after La Roja won their first World Cup title.

Spain produced the heaviest result in the rivalry eight years later, winning 6-1 in Madrid. Isco scored a hat-trick, while an injured Messi watched from the stands.

The teams were due to meet in the Finalissima as champions of Europe and South America, but the fixture was cancelled.

A World Cup final would replace that missed meeting with a larger prize –Spain would be chasing their second title after 2010, and Argentina would be seeking a fourth crown and the first successful defence of the trophy in 64 years.

Before either final becomes reality, England and Argentina must settle another chapter of a rivalry defined by Rattin, Maradona, Beckham, penalties, controversy, and redemption.

Shafaq News- Dallas

Spain reached the 2026 World Cup final with a 2-0 semifinal victory over France at Dallas Stadium.

La Roja will face England or defending champions Argentina in the July 19 final.

Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute after Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal inside the area. Pedro Porro doubled the lead in the 59th minute, finishing a return pass from Dani Olmo after breaking into the box from the right.

France lost William Saliba to injury before halftime and struggled to create clear chances against Spain’s compact defence.

Lamine Yamal later had a goal ruled out for offside as La Roja controlled the closing stages and preserved the clean sheet.

The victory was Spain’s third consecutive semifinal win over France, following their triumphs at Euro 2024 and the 2025 Nations League. France had won the countries’ only previous World Cup meeting 3-1 in the 2006 round of 16.

La Roja’s only previous appearance in the decider ended with Andres Iniesta scoring the extra-time winner against the Netherlands in Johannesburg in 2010. Spain will now pursue a second world title and another major trophy after winning Euro 2024.

Shafaq News- Madrid

Real Madrid has askedUEFA to strip Barcelona of titles won during the period linked to the Negreiracase, Spanish newspaper AS reported.

The move forms part ofthe club’s parallel action before European football authorities and the Spanishcourts.

Real Madrid previouslyconfirmed that it had submitted a written case to UEFA seeking the resumptionof disciplinary proceedings over Barcelona’s payments to companies linked toJose Maria Enriquez Negreira, the former vice-president of Spain’s referees’technical committee.

AS reported thatMadrid wants UEFA to remove honours won by Barcelona during the years underinvestigation, although the club’s public statement did not specify thesanctions requested. In the judicial case, Real Madrid asked the judge to orderBarcelona to provide its complete compliance and internal control system from2010 to 2018.

The filing also seeksinvoices, payment authorizations, internal procedures, and audit reportsrelated to Tresep, Radamanto, and Best Norton. According to AS, Madrid arguesthat the documents were previously requested but are not included in the casefile.

Barcelona hasacknowledged the payments but maintains they covered technical reports andrefereeing advice. The club denies influencing match results or buyingreferees.

The investigationremains ongoing, with no final ruling issued.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

The Iraq Football Association is preparing to open formalcontract talks with national team coach Graham Arnold after his leave, with theproposed agreement tied to a four-year rebuilding project focused on youngplayers.

A federation source told Shafaq News that the plan wouldgive emerging talent a larger role while gradually replacing members of thecurrent squad, allowing Arnold to develop a team capable of competing acrossthe next international cycle.

The talks would move the renewal process into its formalstage after the federation repeatedly expressed its intention to retain theAustralian despite Iraq’s group-stage exit from the 2026 World Cup. Theproposed four-year agreement would be worth $1 million annually and includeyearly performance reviews, alongside a clause allowing the IFA to terminatethe contract if agreed targets are not met.

The federation also formed a negotiating committee after thetournament, while spokesperson Ahmed Al-Mousawi publicly affirmed itscommitment to Arnold and the continuity of his technical project.

Arnold has placed youth development at the center of his ownplans for Iraqi football. He recently called for stronger domestic competition,sustainable academies, and an integrated system capable of producing playerswho can progress beyond the current generation.

The former Australia coach took charge in May 2025 andguided Iraq back to the World Cup for the first time since 1986. Iraq laterfinished bottom of Group I after defeats to Norway, France, and Senegal,scoring once and conceding 12 goals.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

FIFA fined Iraq $60,000 for disciplinary cards collected during the 2026 World Cup, according to a notice received by the Iraq Football Association.

The sanction included $40,000 for four yellow cards and $20,000 for one straight red under FIFA’s disciplinary regulations.

Defender Rebin Sulaka received the dismissal during Iraq’s 5-0 loss to Senegal in their final Group I match, with VAR upgrading the referee’s initial yellow card.

Iraq exited the tournament without a point after defeats to Norway, France, and Senegal in their first World Cup appearance since 1986. The Lions of Mesopotamia scored once and conceded 12 goals, with Aymen Hussein netting their only goal in the 4-1 opening loss to Norway.

Shafaq News- Dallas

France and Spain meet in the first 2026 World Cup semifinal on Tuesday, with kickoff scheduled for 10:00 p.m. Baghdad time at Dallas Stadium in Arlington.

The winner will advance to Sunday’s final against Argentina or England, while the losing side will enter the third-place playoff.

France are seeking a third successive World Cup final after winning the title in 2018 and finishing runners-up in 2022. Didier Deschamps’ side reached the last four with a 2-0 quarterfinal victory over Morocco, secured by goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.

Mbappe has led the French campaign with eight goals and three assists in six appearances. His pace, movement, and finishing remain central to a side capable of attacking through Dembele, Michael Olise, and a deep group of midfield runners.

Meanwhile, Spain booked their first World Cup semifinal since lifting the trophy in 2010 by defeating Belgium 2-1. Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring before Mikel Merino delivered the winner.

Luis de la Fuente’s team have relied on controlled possession, aggressive pressing, and width from Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, who has again emerged as Spain’s primary creative threat from the right, combining direct dribbling with an ability to move inside and link with midfield.

The meeting extends a rivalry shaped by several major knockout encounters. France won the countries’ only previous World Cup clash, recovering from a goal down to claim a 3-1 round-of-16 victory in 2006 before reaching the final, but Spain have held the upper hand more recently, after La Roja defeated France 2-1 in the Euro 2024 semifinal, when Yamal scored the equalizer, then prevailed 5-4 in the 2025 UEFA Nations League semifinal.

Shafaq News- Kansas City

Argentina completed the 2026 World Cup semifinal lineup with a 3-1 extra-time victory over ten-man Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium.

Julian Alvarez broke the deadlock with a spectacular 112th-minute strike before Lautaro Martinez added a third in stoppage time, ending Switzerland’s historic run and setting up a semifinal against England.

Argentina opened the scoring in the 10th minute when Alexis Mac Allister met Lionel Messi’s corner with a near-post header beyond Gregor Kobel.

Switzerland recovered from the early setback and equalized through Dan Ndoye in the 67th minute after a quick exchange with Ricardo Rodriguez.

Their momentum lasted only five minutes. Breel Embolo received a second yellow card after a VAR review determined that he had simulated contact with Leandro Paredes, leaving Switzerland with ten men for the remainder of the contest.

Switzerland dropped into a compact defensive shape and resisted sustained Argentine pressure through the end of regulation time and the opening period of extra time.

The resistance finally broke in the 112th minute. Jose Manuel Lopez, introduced two minutes earlier, found Alvarez near the left edge of the penalty area, and the forward curled a right-footed shot into the top corner for his first goal of the tournament.

Lautaro Martinez then sealed the result in added time at the end of extra time, finishing Argentina’s final attack to make it 3-1 and end Switzerland’s first World Cup quarterfinal appearance since 1954.

Shafaq News- Miami

England reached the World Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway at Miami Stadium, where Jude Bellingham scored twice to overturn Andreas Schjelderup’s opener.

Thomas Tuchel’s side will face Argentina or Switzerland on July 15 for a place in the final.

Norway took the lead in the 36th minute when Schjelderup’s inswinging effort beat Jordan Pickford, rewarding a disciplined approach built around quick transitions and the movement of Erling Haaland and Alexander Sorloth.

Bellingham equalized in first-half stoppage time, finishing England’s clearest opening before the break to register his fifth goal of the tournament.

Norway thought they had restored their advantage through Torbjorn Heggem in the 56th minute, but VAR disallowed the goal for a foul by Haaland during the buildup.

Neither side found a winner in regulation, sending the quarter-final into extra time after a demanding contest in Miami’s heat and humidity.

Bellingham struck again during the opening period of extra time, completing England’s comeback and giving his team the lead for the first time. England were later awarded a penalty in the 101st minute, but VAR overturned the decision, leaving Norway within one goal of forcing a shootout.

The Scandinavian side pushed forward late, but England protected the advantage to end Norway’s deepest World Cup run and secure their place in the last four.

Norway leave after victories over Ivory Coast and Brazil carried them into their first World Cup quarter-final, while England now await the winner of Argentina and Switzerland.

Shafaq News- Zurich

FIFA will consider expanding the men’s World Cup to 64 teamsafter the 2026 tournament, President Gianni Infantino stated, reviving aproposal that would further enlarge a competition already facing scrutiny overits new 48-team format.

Speaking to Switzerland’s Blue Sport, Infantino argued thatevery country should be able to dream of reaching the World Cup and that thetournament must represent regions beyond Europe and South America.

His remarks do not amount to approval, however, because anyexpansion would require a formal decision by FIFA’s governing bodies, whichhave already reviewed a South American proposal for a one-off 64-teamtournament in 2030.

Uruguay introduced the idea in 2025 to mark the centenary ofthe first World Cup, held in Montevideo in 1930. CONMEBOL later promoted itduring meetings involving Infantino and football and political leaders fromUruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. The 2030 World Cup is scheduled to be stagedmainly in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with centenary matches in Uruguay,Argentina, and Paraguay.

Expanding to 64 teams would continue the tournament’s steadygrowth. The inaugural edition featured 13 countries, before the field operatedmainly with 16 teams, rose to 24 in 1982, expanded to 32 in 1998, and reached48 in 2026.

The current World Cup placed 48 teams in 12 groups of four.The top two in each group advanced alongside the eight best third-placed teams,creating a new round of 32. That change increased the schedule from 64 matchesin 2022 to 104 across five weeks in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, anda finalist must now play eight matches instead of seven.

The larger field widened qualification access, but thethird-place system complicated the group stage. Teams finishing third wereranked across separate groups using points, goal difference, goals scored,disciplinary records, and other criteria, leaving some dependent on resultselsewhere after completing their own fixtures. Researchers studying the bracketidentified hundreds of possible round-of-32 combinations and warned that thestructure reduced scheduling certainty, created uneven knockout paths, and leftgroup winners unable to identify their next opponents in advance.

A 64-team World Cup could remove that problem. The mostlikely structure would feature 16 groups of four, with the top two from eachsection advancing to a 32-team knockout phase, simplifying qualification, butincreasing the tournament to 128 matches, twice the number played at Qatar 2022and 24 more than in 2026.

The additional fixtures would deepen concerns over analready congested football calendar. Player unions across Europe, Asia, and thetwo Americas have repeatedly warned that heavier workloads, limited recovery,long-distance travel, and extreme heat increase injury and health risks.

Meanwhile, the expanded field challenged predictions ofwidespread mismatches. Several lower-ranked teams competed strongly, whiledebutants and smaller nations progressed beyond the group stage. For example,Cape Verde became the smallest country to reach the knockout rounds, while nineof Africa’s 10 representatives advanced, supporting FIFA’s argument thatadditional World Cup places can accelerate development outside traditionalfootball powers.

Infantino has previously linked broader participation togreater investment in infrastructure, academies, and national-team programmes,particularly in Africa and Asia, and a larger World Cup would also create moretelevision markets, sponsorship opportunities, ticket sales, and nationalaudiences.

Either way, FIFA has not published a proposed schedule,qualification allocation, or hosting model for a 64-team World Cup. Thegoverning body is expected to assess the sporting, financial, and logisticalresults of the 2026 tournament before deciding whether to advance the proposal.

Shafaq News- Cape Town

South Africa international Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, just weeks after representing Bafana Bafana at the 2026 World Cup, the country’s Sports Ministry confirmed on Saturday.

No cause of death was announced, and football authorities urged the public to respect his family’s privacy and avoid speculation following reports that the player took his own life.

The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder appeared in all three of South Africa’s group-stage matches, starting against Mexico and Czechia before coming off the bench in the 1-0 win over South Korea that sent Bafana Bafana into the knockout stage for the first time. He did not feature in the round-of-32 defeat to Canada.

His tournament carried added personal weight after he played against Czechia one day after the death of his grandmother.

Adams began his professional career with Stellenbosch FC, becoming the club’s first academy graduate to sign a senior contract in 2020. He joined Sundowns in early 2025 and later helped them win the 2025-26 CAF Champions League.

He made his South Africa debut in 2022, earning 13 international caps and scoring twice during the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie described Adams as one of the country’s brightest football talents, while the South African Football Players’ Union called his death an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, and the nation. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also joined the tributes.

Shafaq News

The final two World Cup semi-final places will be decided early Sunday in Baghdad, with Norway facing England at 00:00 before defending champions Argentina meet Switzerland at 04:00.

Norway and England play at Miami Stadium, while Argentina and Switzerland meet in Kansas City. The two winners will face each other in the second semi-final on July 15.

Norway vs England

Norway enter the biggest match in their World Cup history after Erling Haaland scored twice to eliminate Brazil 2-1 and send the country into its first quarter-final.

The result surpassed Norway’s previous best performance in 1998, when they reached the round of 16 after another celebrated victory over Brazil. Stale Solbakken’s current side have since grown beyond the early nerves of their first World Cup appearance in 28 years, with the coach insisting they are ready to play their own game against England.

Haaland has scored seven goals, but Norway’s threat extends beyond their centre-forward. Martin Odegaard directs the midfield, while Alexander Sorloth, Antonio Nusa, Oscar Bobb, and Jorgen Strand Larsen give Solbakken several ways to attack. Former Norway international Morten Gamst Pedersen credited the team’s progress to cohesion and depth rather than one player alone.

England reached a third successive quarter-final by beating Mexico 3-2. Jude Bellingham scored twice and Harry Kane added a penalty before Thomas Tuchel’s side protected their lead with 10 men following Jarell Quansah’s dismissal.

Kane enters with six tournament goals, one behind Haaland, while Bellingham has scored four. Kane is also set to equal Wayne Rooney’s England record of 120 appearances by an outfield player, but the captain played down both the personal milestone and comparisons with Norway’s striker.

Quansah is suspended and Jordan Henderson remains unavailable with a broken arm, but Declan Rice, Marc Guehi, and Reece James returned to full training, leaving Tuchel with an otherwise fit squad.

Miami’s heat and humidity add another variable. Norway adjusted their training workload before the match, while patience and control could become increasingly important as the conditions take effect.

Argentina vs Switzerland

Argentina continue their attempt to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup, but their knockout campaign has exposed both their resilience and vulnerability.

Lionel Scaloni’s side beat Cape Verde 3-2 before producing a remarkable recovery against Egypt. Two goals down with 11 minutes remaining, Argentina responded through Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi, and Enzo Fernandez to survive another elimination scare.

Messi has scored eight tournament goals, level with France’s Kylian Mbappe, and remains central to Argentina’s title defence at 39. Scaloni praised his physical preparation and consistency, arguing that his influence should no longer surprise anyone familiar with the forward’s standards.

Switzerland arrive in the quarter-finals for the first time since hosting the tournament in 1954. Murat Yakin’s side beat Algeria 2-0 before overcoming Colombia 4-3 in a shootout following 120 goalless minutes.

Gregor Kobel emerged as the decisive figure against Colombia, saving Cucho Hernandez’s penalty before Ruben Vargas converted Switzerland’s winning kick. The result ended a sequence of Swiss last-16 eliminations and completed a 72-year return to the last eight.

Switzerland will be without Johan Manzambi, whose three goals and two assists made him one of their leading contributors before a knee injury. Yakin indicated that his side must retain the ball rather than spend the entire match defending against Messi, while Granit Xhaka argued that Switzerland possess enough quality to hurt Argentina.

The Swiss defensive structure, led by Kobel, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez, and Xhaka, will be tested by an Argentina attack that can pair Messi with either Julian Alvarez or Lautaro Martinez. Scaloni must also decide between Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel at right-back.

The teams last met at a World Cup in 2014. Switzerland held Argentina until the 118th minute, when Messi released Angel Di Maria for the goal that sent the eventual finalists into the quarter-finals.

Argentina enter with greater tournament pedigree and attacking depth, but Switzerland’s organization and penalty-shootout confidence make them a difficult opponent for a defending champion that has conceded in each of its last three matches.

The winners in Miami and Kansas City will meet on July 15 for a place in the final, leaving England, Norway, Argentina, and Switzerland separated by two victories from the World Cup trophy.

ShafaqNews- Najaf

NajafSports Club is carrying debts worth roughly 3.3 million dollars, its presidentsaid on Saturday, as a new administration moves to restructure the club'sfinances and expand its revenue base.

The bulkof that figure sits with local players. Ammar Najm, president of Najaf SportsClub, told Shafaq News that unpaid dues from last season alone reach 550million Iraqi dinars, ($417K), on top of older obligations of 3.2billion dinars, ($2.42M). A further 500,000 dollars is owedto foreign players following disciplinary cases and penalties. Repaymenttimetables have been set for all three, he said. All dinar conversions arecalculated at the Central Bank of Iraq's official rate of 1,320 dinars to thedollar.

Revenuearrives from two directions. The first is the club's old stadium, which housesmore than 100 commercial shops and generates rental income alongside a numberof other investment projects. The second is a one-million-dollar sponsorshipdeal with Najaf International Airport, which the administration has ring-fencedfor the senior team and will draw down over 10 months. Najm said the club isalso courting donors and grant-making bodies.

Reviewingthe books, the incoming administration found gaps. It has asked the governor ofNajaf to appoint specialized committees to examine several files, chief amongthem buildings and shops that have stopped paying rent.

Operatingcosts are being cut to free up cash for repayments. The club has refurbishedthe players' residential wing, installed modern fittings, and serviced itselectrical generators. Najm noted that Najaf fields teams across every agegroup, not only the senior side, which means equipment, coaching andadministrative salaries, match-day expenses, and staff payroll all draw on thesame strained budget.

NajafInternational Stadium is a separate problem. It needs full maintenance at anestimated 500,000 dollars, Najm said, listing failing electrical, water,camera, and door systems, ground subsidence, and accumulated bird droppings,which he described as one of the most persistent issues facing stadiummanagement.

Najmcalled on Najaf residents, businesspeople, and supporting institutions to backthe club.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq national team head coach Graham Arnold said Thursdaythat developing football in the country requires meeting a set of basicconditions, foremost a stronger domestic league and youth academies, followingIraq's first-round exit from the 2026 World Cup.

Arnold said any effort to raise the national team's levelmust start with building an integrated and sustainable football system fromwithin, as well as strengthening the local league and establishing academiescapable of producing players who can turn professional and surpass the currentgeneration that reached the World Cup.

The Australian coach took charge of Iraq in May 2025,replacing Spanish coach Jesus Casas during the World Cup qualifying campaign,and led the team to its first World Cup appearance since 1986.

Iraq exited the 2026 tournament in the first round withthree defeats and no points, losing to France, Norway and Senegal. The teamended its campaign with a 5-0 defeat to Senegal.

A source told Shafaq News that despite the group-stage exit,the association intends to keep faith with Arnold to preserve technicalstability and build on the qualification while addressing weaknesses exposedduring the tournament, particularly in defensive organization and physical andtechnical gaps against leading teams.

Arnold confirmed that he had delegated responsibility forthe contract renewal to his agent, and he was not directly handling thenegotiations.

Shafaq News- Los Angeles

Spain reached the World Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Belgium, as Mikel Merino struck late at Los Angeles Stadium after Charles De Ketelaere had cancelled out Fabian Ruiz’s opener.

Luis de la Fuente’s side will face France in the last four after the two-time champions defeated Morocco 2-0.

Spain controlled the early possession and moved ahead through Ruiz, but Belgium responded through De Ketelaere, whose equalizer ended Spain’s long run without conceding at the tournament.

The contest remained level through most of the second half, with Spain applying sustained pressure while Belgium threatened through Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku, and De Ketelaere.

With extra time approaching, Merino restored Spain’s lead in the 89th minute, delivering another decisive late contribution four days after his stoppage-time winner against Portugal.

Belgium had entered the match without captain Youri Tielemans, who withdrew during the warm-up with a hamstring problem. Hans Vanaken replaced him, while De Bruyne took the armband.

Belgium pushed forward in the closing minutes, but Spain preserved the advantage to extend their unbeaten run and reach the World Cup semi-finals.

Shafaq News

Fourteen coaches have left their posts after their nationalteams were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup, turning the tournament into amajor reset point for several federations.

The departures cover 13 teams, with Tunisia accounting fortwo coaching changes after replacing Sabri Lamouchi during the group stagebefore Herve Renard also left following elimination.

The wave of changes came during the first 48-team World Cup,staged in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. FIFA says the tournament isthe first edition with 48 teams and three host countries, with 12 groups offour feeding into the knockout rounds.

Several of the exits followed high-profile knockout defeats.Croatia’s Zlatko Dalic, 59, left after the round-of-32 loss to Portugal,closing a long tenure that included the 2018 final and the 2022 semi-final.

Mexico’s Javier Aguirre, 67, departed after the co-hostswere knocked out by England in the round of 16, while Germany’s JulianNagelsmann, 38, left after the former champions lost to Paraguay in the roundof 32.

Portugal also moved on from Roberto Martinez, 52, aftertheir round-of-16 defeat to Spain, a result that ended Cristiano Ronaldo’sfinal World Cup. Ronald Koeman, 63, stepped down after the Netherlands lost toMorocco on penalties in the round of 32.

Ecuador’s Sebastian Beccacece, 46, announced his departureafter the 2-0 defeat to Mexico, while Carlos Queiroz, 73, left Ghana followingtheir round-of-32 elimination.

The group stage brought another set of changes. JamalSellami, 55, left Jordan after first-round elimination, Marcelo Bielsa, 70,decided to leave Uruguay after the team failed to reach the knockout stage, andMiroslav Koubek, 74, departed Czechia days after their exit.

South Korea’s Hong Myung-bo, 57, resigned after eliminationin the first round and public criticism from President Lee Jae-myung, whileScotland’s Steve Clarke, 62, also announced his departure after the groupstage.

Tunisia had the tournament’s most turbulent coachingsequence. Lamouchi was dismissed after a 5-1 loss to Sweden in Tunisia’sopening match, with Renard appointed for the remainder of the campaign, thoughhis spell lasted 18 days with Tunisia’s group-stage exit and the team beingunable to recover from defeats that left their campaign among the tournament’smost disappointing.

More decisions could follow as the remaining teams movethrough the quarter-finals, with federations balancing short-termdisappointment against the next qualifying cycle.

Shafaq News- Los Angeles

Spain face Belgium in the World Cup quarter-finals on Friday at 22:00 Baghdad time, with France awaiting the winner in the semi-finals after eliminating Morocco 2-0.

The match at Los Angeles Stadium brings together the tournament’s strongest defensive record and one of its most improved knockout attacks. Spain are unbeaten in 35 matches and have not conceded at the World Cup, while Belgium have scored seven goals in victories over Senegal and the United States.

Luis de la Fuente described Belgium as Spain’s toughest opponent so far, despite his side reaching the last eight through a 3-0 win over Austria and a 1-0 victory against Portugal.

Spain’s run has been built on control without the ball as much as possession with it. They have kept five consecutive clean sheets, gone 609 minutes without conceding, allowed only five shots on target in five matches, and averaged 66% possession.

Lamine Yamal remains Spain’s main source of unpredictability on the right –although the 18-year-old has scored once, he has grown into the tournament through his passing, dribbling, and defensive contribution, while Mikel Oyarzabal leads Spain with four goals. De la Fuente is still managing concerns over Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino, neither of whom had featured in the knockout rounds before the quarter-final.

Belgium, meanwhile, arrive with greater attacking momentum, with Rudi Garcia’s side coming from behind to beat Senegal 3-2, then overwhelming the United States 4-1, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice in the last-16 win.

Romelu Lukaku has become Belgium’s decisive option from the bench, scoring three goals and providing one assist despite limited minutes. His physical presence could become especially important if Spain’s control keeps the match tight into the closing stages.

The Red Devils will be without Amadou Onana after the midfielder suffered a tournament-ending knee injury against the United States.

Thibaut Courtois has identified Yamal as a player Belgium must contain collectively, arguing that one defender may not be enough against his speed, balance, and ability to create from the right.

The quarter-final also carries historical weight. Spain won their only World Cup in 2010, while Belgium’s best finish was third place in 2018.

Belgium also hold one of the most significant results in the fixture’s history, having eliminated Spain on penalties in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals. Spain, however, have dominated the rivalry in more recent decades, with Belgium winless against them since 1980.

Shafaq News- Washington

Ticket prices for a FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal fell sharply after Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, and tournament co-host the United States were eliminated from the competition, according to Forbes.

Friday's quarterfinal had been widely anticipated as a potential showdown between Portugal and the United States, offering the prospect of Ronaldo facing the host nation. Instead, Spain will meet Belgium after both expected contenders were knocked out in the round of 16.

Portugal exited the tournament with a 1-0 defeat to Spain in what was widely described as Ronaldo's final World Cup appearance, while the United States suffered a 4-1 loss to Belgium.

Citing ticket marketplace TickPick, Forbes reported that the lowest resale price for Friday's quarterfinal dropped from $2,950 to about $1,200, a decline of nearly 60%. The fall extended across the tournament's quarterfinals, with average resale ticket prices dropping 31.5% over the past day and 50.4% over the previous three days.

The number of tickets listed on the secondary market also increased from about 28,000 to more than 49,000, suggesting weaker demand following the elimination of Portugal and the United States.

Despite the decline, the 2026 World Cup remains the most expensive in the tournament's history for ticket buyers. The cheapest available ticket for the final was still priced above $9,000, with prices expected to fluctuate depending on which teams advance.

Forbes also reported that Thursday's quarterfinal between Morocco and France in Foxborough, Massachusetts, had the lowest entry price among the last-eight matches, with tickets starting at $989.

Shafaq News- Foxborough

France reached the World Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 win over Morocco on Thursday, with Kylian Mbappe recovering from a missed penalty to score the breakthrough before Ousmane Dembele sealed the quarter-final at Boston Stadium.

France will face Spain or Belgium in the last four, with the other quarter-final in their half of the draw deciding their semi-final opponent.

The match revived the 2022 World Cup semi-final, which France also won 2-0, and again ended with Les Bleus cutting short Morocco’s historic run. This time, Morocco arrived as a proven knockout side, but France controlled the key moments.

Mbappe had the chance to put France ahead in the first half after a VAR review led to a penalty, but Yassine Bounou saved his effort to keep Morocco level. France still carried the greater threat before the break, with Lucas Digne also striking the crossbar.

Morocco reached half-time at 0-0, but their defensive resistance broke after the restart. Mbappe curled France in front around the hour mark, turning a difficult night into another decisive World Cup performance.

Dembele doubled the lead six minutes later with a low finish, giving France the cushion they needed and forcing Morocco into a chase they never controlled.

Morocco made changes in search of a route back, but France stayed compact, managed the tempo, and limited the Atlas Lions to few clear chances.

The result ended Morocco’s bid to reach a second straight World Cup semi-final after their breakthrough run in Qatar. Their campaign still added another milestone after they became the first African team to reach back-to-back World Cup quarter-finals.

For France, the win reinforced their tournament credentials after a narrow last-16 victory over Paraguay. Didier Deschamps’ side were not flawless, but Mbappe and Dembele gave them the attacking edge when the match opened.

Shafaq News-Foxborough

France faceMorocco in the only World Cup match on July 9, with the quarter-final at BostonStadium scheduled for 23:00 Baghdad time and a place in the semi-finals atstake.

The winner willface Spain or Belgium in the last four, after both teams reached the otherquarter-final in the same half of the draw.

The fixture isa rematch of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, when France ended Morocco’shistoric run in Qatar. This time, Morocco are a confident side no longerentering the meeting as surprise outsiders.

France reachedthe quarter-finals after beating Paraguay 1-0 in the round of 16, with KylianMbappe scoring his seventh goal of the tournament. Didier Deschamps’ side hadearlier beaten Sweden 3-0, but Morocco will offer France their first completeexamination of the campaign.

Moroccoadvanced with a 3-0 win over Canada after coming through a difficult groupunbeaten, collecting seven points against Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti, makingMorocco the first African team to reach back-to-back World Cup quarter-finals.

Franceassistant coach Guy Stephan said the Paraguay match had strengthened Franceafter a physically and mentally demanding tie, but described Morocco as a“well-organized” and “well-structured” team with solidity, transition threat,and individual quality on both sides.

France arelikely to be without Aurelien Tchouameni because of a muscle injury, whileMorocco are expected to miss Ismael Saibari.

Mbappe, OusmaneDembele, Michael Olise, and Bradley Barcola give France one of the tournament’sstrongest attacks, but Morocco’s organization and speed on the break make thequarter-final a different test from France’s previous knockout matches.

Shafaq News

The World Cup quarter-final line-up is finally complete, with France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, Norway, England, Argentina, and Switzerland left in the 2026 title race after a last-16 round shaped by Brazil’s shock exit, Argentina’s late comeback, Portugal’s elimination, and Switzerland’s penalty drama.

France face Morocco on July 9 at 23:00 Baghdad time, before Spain meet Belgium on July 10 at 22:00. Norway play England on July 12 at 00:00, while Argentina face Switzerland later the same day at 04:00. The winners of France-Morocco and Spain-Belgium will meet in the first semi-final, while the winners of Norway-England and Argentina-Switzerland will meet in the second.

The 2026 tournament is the first 48-team World Cup and the first edition with a 32-team knockout stage. The expanded format sent group winners, runners-up, and the eight best third-placed teams into the knockouts, creating a larger and more complex route to the final.

France vs Morocco: 2022 Rematch

France reached the quarter-finals by beating Sweden 3-0 in the round of 32 and Paraguay 1-0 in the last 16, keeping Didier Deschamps’ side alive in another deep World Cup run –but Morocco’s path has carried greater historical weight. They eliminated the Netherlands on penalties in the round of 32, then beat Canada 3-0 in the last 16 to set up a rematch of the 2022 semi-final, when France ended Morocco’s historic Qatar run.

Morocco are also extending African football’s strongest modern World Cup run as the first African team to reach back-to-back World Cup quarter-finals, while Opta figures showed Morocco now account for half of all African World Cup knockout-stage victories.

Spain vs Belgium: Control vs Reinvention

Spain advanced after a 3-0 win over Austria and a 1-0 victory over Portugal, Mikel Merino scoring the late goal that ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career. Spain, champions in 2010, have built this run on control and defensive stability –before the Belgium tie, La Roja have gone five matches at the tournament without conceding.

Belgium reached the last eight by beating Senegal 3-2, then the United States 4-1, ending the final co-host’s tournament and giving Belgium their clearest statement win since moving beyond the core of their 2018 generation.

The matchup gives Spain a chance to confirm their defensive authority against one of the tournament’s most flexible attacks. For Belgium, it is a test of whether their new structure can carry them back toward the semi-finals after finishing third in 2018, their best World Cup result.

Norway vs England: Haaland’s Surge

Norway produced one of the defining shocks of the tournament by beating Brazil 2-1 in the last 16, with Erling Haaland scoring twice after Bruno Guimaraes missed an early penalty and Neymar struck too late to save the five-time champions. Norway had already beaten Ivory Coast 2-1 in the round of 32, but eliminating Brazil gave them their first World Cup quarter-final.

England reached the same stage after a 2-1 win over DR Congo and a 3-2 victory over Mexico. Jude Bellingham scored twice, Harry Kane added a penalty, and England held on with 10 men after Jarell Quansah’s red card.

The tie brings together two different pressures. Norway are trying to turn their best World Cup campaign into a semi-final run, with Haaland among the tournament’s leading scorers. England, winners in 1966, are again deep enough for title expectation to define the mood, with semi-final appearances in 1990 and 2018 and five previous quarter-final campaigns.

Argentina vs Switzerland: Messi Momentum

Argentina reached the quarter-finals through two 3-2 knockout wins, first against Cape Verde and then against Egypt. Lionel Scaloni’s side trailed Egypt 2-0 with 11 minutes left before goals from Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi, and Enzo Fernandez completed a dramatic comeback.

The defending champions now face a Switzerland side that ended a 72-year wait for a World Cup quarter-final. Switzerland beat Algeria 2-0 in the round of 32, then defeated Colombia 4-3 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in Vancouver. Reuters reported that Gregor Kobel saved Cucho Hernandez’s penalty, Davinson Sanchez hit the crossbar, and Ruben Vargas converted the decisive spot kick.

Argentina –as three-time world champions, in 1978, 1986, and 2022– are trying to become only the third nation to defend the title. Switzerland, by contrast, are chasing their first World Cup semi-final after repeated last-16 exits in 2006, 2014, 2018, and 2022.