Football - News - SPORT.TV

Without Messi, Argentina would have been eliminated early. The 39-year-old veteran scored and assisted in a dramatic comeback against Egypt, extending his World Cup goal streak to nine games and leading the all-time scorers list with 21 goals. However, Argentina relies too heavily on Messi, has faced weak opponents, and struggles defensively, while Martinez and Alvarez are out of form. A Plan B is urgently needed against stronger teams.

This article argues that Australian football's recurring problems stem not from a lack of strategic plans, but from a failure to implement existing ones like the National Football Curriculum and the '11 Principles.' It criticizes the new FA executive director's call for yet another strategy, highlighting persistent structural issues such as high youth fees, underdeveloped coaching pathways, and poor governance. The author calls for bold leadership to dismantle these entrenched frameworks for meaningful change.

Manchester City have officially announced the full coaching staff under Enzo Maresca, including Roberto Vitiello (assistant coach), Willy Caballero (first-team coach), Danny Walker, Denis Silva, Michele De Bernardin (goalkeeping coach), Marcos Alvarez (fitness coach), and Javier Molina (analyst). Maresca returns to City for his third coaching spell, succeeding Pep Guardiola on a deal through 2027.

Chelsea officially announce the signing of Sporting Lisbon's 19-year-old star Geovani Quenda on a contract until 2034, with a transfer fee of up to €52 million. Quenda can play as a winger or wing-back, helped the team win a domestic double last season, and won the Primeira Liga Best Newcomer award.

Morocco coach Walid Regragui confirmed that striker Sofiane Sebari is ruled out of the World Cup quarterfinal against France with a hamstring injury. Sebari has been outstanding at the tournament, scoring several key goals and has already transferred to Bayern Munich. The coach said the team will rely on collective strength, and defender Riad is expected to return.

Former Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as Fulham's new head coach on a three-year deal, replacing Marco Silva who moved to Benfica. The club's owner stated Arbeloa was the top choice, confident in his coaching abilities. The former Spain international, who coached Real Madrid without trophies last season, returns to the Premier League. Fulham finished 11th in the Premier League last season.

Latest financial reports show Premier League clubs' pre-tax losses soared from £135m to £948m in a year, a nearly sevenfold increase, driven by surging transfer spending and a lack of one-off profits. Net debt rose to £3.6bn, while Championship losses also grew by 12%. The report warns of revenue gaps and stalled broadcast rights negotiations, calling for enhanced commercialisation and sustainable growth.

Ed Sheeran recently performed a secret set at England's training camp to inspire their World Cup bid. After a 3-2 comeback win over Mexico, Sheeran predicts a final against France and backs England to win the title.

Belgium FA confirms midfielder Amadou Onana is out of the World Cup with an ACL tear. The injury occurred in the first half of the round of 16 match against the US, which Belgium won 4-1. Onana made four appearances in the tournament, starting twice. Medical team is coordinating rehabilitation plans with the player and Aston Villa. Belgium will face Spain in the quarter-finals.

In the World Cup Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt, 39-year-old Messi scored again, extending his personal record of consecutive World Cup goals to 9 matches. From Qatar 2022 to USA-Canada-Mexico 2026, Messi has netted 13 goals across tournaments, showcasing remarkable consistency and an ageless legend.

The last eight teams of the USA-Canada-Mexico World Cup have been decided: 6 from Europe, 1 from the Americas and 1 from Africa, with Asia missing out. Quarter-final matchups: France vs Morocco (July 10, 4:00 AM), Spain vs Belgium (July 11, 3:00 AM), Norway vs England (July 12, 5:00 AM), Argentina vs Switzerland (July 12, 9:00 AM). Exciting clashes are ahead.

In the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, Switzerland and Colombia played to a 0-0 draw before entering a penalty shootout. Swiss goalkeeper Kobel made several outstanding saves, while Lucumi and Campas missed golden chances. Switzerland ultimately won on penalties, advancing to the quarterfinals for the first time, where they will face the winner of Argentina vs Egypt.

In the World Cup Round of 16, Argentina came from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2. Messi assisted Romero's header in the 79th minute, then equalized himself in the 84th minute. Enzo Fernandez headed in Lautaro Martinez's cross in the 92nd minute for the winner. Messi had a goal and an assist, scoring his 21st World Cup goal to extend his record. Argentina will face the winner of Switzerland vs. Colombia in the quarterfinals.

In the 2026 World Cup round of 16, Belgium beat the USA 4-1 to advance to the quarterfinals. Balogun's red card suspension was deferred before the match, sparking strong discontent from Belgium, who later mocked Balogun on social media and crossed out the word 'soccer.' The US, who topped their group, fell to the round-of-16 curse once again, while Belgium responded with a victory amid the controversy.

World Cup Round of 16: Belgium eliminate hosts USA 4-1, De Ketelaere creates three goals (two goals, one assist) setting a national team record. The early blitz and the forced substitution of Vanaken were key, while USA's substitutions proved ineffective, leading to their elimination.

Switzerland's pre-match training saw an unexpected incident as Manzanbi, Vargas, and Sow left early, potentially missing the crucial qualification match against Colombia. Manzanbi has been a standout star of the tournament, scoring three goals. Coach Yakin said they need to wait for medical results, and the team has multiple alternatives. Colombia received a boost, but a Swiss win would see them reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954.

Folarin Balogun starts for the USA in the round-of-16 match against Belgium after FIFA suspends his red-card ban. Pochettino uses the same lineup, while Belgium benches Doku and De Bruyne. Trump intervenes to inquire, the Belgian FA protests strongly, and Infantino defends the independent panel's decision. The USA aims for the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.

USA and Belgium have announced their starting lineups. USA's top scorer Balogun is able to play due to a FIFA reprieve, while Belgium have rotated De Bruyne and other key players. Trump intervened in the controversy by calling FIFA, and the Belgian FA has protested. Historically, Belgium has the upper hand in head-to-head meetings; USA hopes for revenge at home. The referee is Jordan's Adham Makhadmeh.

In the World Cup round of 16, Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 with a stoppage-time winner from substitute Merino, returning to the quarter-finals after 16 years. They will face the winner of the United States vs. Belgium match in the next round.

Tottenham have officially announced the signing of Newcastle midfielder Tonali for up to £100m, with a fixed fee of £92.5m plus £7.5m in add-ons, setting a new club transfer record.