English footballer on the move in 2026
Spain has beaten Argentina 1-0 in extra time in the New Jersey final and the match has drawn record U.S. audiences. Fox’s English broadcast averaged 38.9 million viewers and Telemundo/Peacock added 23.9 million, combining to far exceed the 22.3 million who watched the 2022 final.
The Council of Europe and European journalists warn that FIFA’s Balogun decision has exposed political influence, betting concerns, and governance gaps at the 2026 World Cup. Lise Klaveness argues for an ethics complaint and stronger oversight ahead of 2030.
The World Cup controversy over Balogun’s suspended ban has intensified, with European leaders and football bodies accusing FIFA of political influence and flawed governance as the 2027–31 cycle looms.
Kevin Keegan has died at 75 after battling cancer. The former England manager and star, who won two Ballon d’Or awards and led Newcastle to top-flight success, has been mourned by clubs and fans. The family says he passed away in the company of his wife and daughters.
Ipswich Town has signed 29-year-old Moroccan international Issa Diop on a contract until 2030, adding Premier League experience to a newly promoted squad. The deal follows a busy summer of signings, including Abdul Fatawu and Emersonn, and Crosing paths with Diop’s World Cup participation.
England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina features enforcement of a new rule allowing red cards for players who cover their mouths during verbal confrontations. Paredes questioned Kane’s actions; Hincapié and Almirón were punished earlier in the tournament for similar moves. The IFAB and FIFA have supported the measure, signaling stricter enforcement going forward.
A wave of debate surrounds FIFA’s proposed 64-team World Cup. Proponents argue the format could broaden inclusion and revenues, while critics warn it could dilute competition and strain logistics. The 2026 edition in North America has showcased new stories from debutants to knockout shocks, intensifying questions about the next step.
France has been eliminated from the World Cup by Spain in a semi-final that exposed tactical limits and compact Spain control. Mbappé’s late pressing plus Spain’s suffocating midfield defined the result; bronze medal match awaits in Miami.
Citizens across the United States express resilience, unity, and pride ahead of a 250th Independence celebration. AP interviews capture personal takes on freedom, patriotism, and the role of national symbols, set against a backdrop of political division and public gatherings.
Portugal defeats Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic World Cup clash, with Gonçalo Ramos' stoppage-time header sealing progress to the last 16 as VAR denies a late Croatian equaliser and Cristiano Ronaldo features in what could be his World Cup swan song.
Jude Bellingham scores twice as England overturn a Norway lead to beat the Norwegians 2-1 after extra time and secure a place in the World Cup semi-finals; Haaland is limited and a disallowed goal shapes the second half in Miami, in searing heat.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has suspended the enforcement of Balogun’s red card for a year, allowing him to play in the USA’s last-16 match against Belgium. The decision follows controversy and questions over FIFA’s processes and Article 27 of the disciplinary code.
Folarin Balogun has been ruled to continue for the World Cup knockout clash after FIFA suspends his automatic red-card ban following a personal appeal from President Trump. The decision has drawn sharp reactions from Belgium and other observers as the co-hosts push toward the quarterfinals.
FIFA has suspended the implementation of Balogun’s red-card sanction following a direct appeal by Donald Trump to Gianni Infantino, prompting wide criticism and reigniting questions about political influence in football. The move allows Balogun to play in the next World Cup match against Belgium, marking a rare departure from standard disciplinary practice.
The U.S. World Cup striker Balogun has a suspended one-match ban lifted, allowing him to play against Belgium in the last-16. The decision follows FIFA reviewing the red card in the Bosnia match and is drawing mixed reactions from officials and pundits.
The Balogun red card has been reversed, allowing the US striker to play in the World Cup last-16 match against Belgium after FIFA lifted the automatic one‑match suspension. Belgium had sought a review and urged FIFA to uphold the ban.
The FIFA appeals committee has declared the RBFA’s challenge inadmissible, confirming that Balogun is eligible to play against Belgium. Belgium plans further action while the US awaits the match in Seattle. The dispute has drawn in political figures and sparked questions about FIFA’s integrity.
Keir Starmer has intervened to oppose FIFA’s plan to move England’s World Cup kick-off, arguing against an earlier start to protect acclimatization at altitude. The match against Mexico was delayed by thunderstorm protocols, and England advanced to a quarter-final after a 3-2 win.
Graham Platner has withdrawn from the Maine Senate race after a former girlfriend accused him of sexual assault. He denies the allegations, saying the decision is about protecting campaigns from power structures. The Maine Democratic Party must nominate a replacement before the July 27 deadline as it races to defend Susan Collins in November.
Balogun remains at the centre of the World Cup narrative as controversy over his red card and Trump’s intervention continues to unfold, with ongoing debates about birthright citizenship and American identity shaping coverage.
Egypt led 2-0 before a stoppage-time comeback by Argentina secures a 3-2 victory. Egypt alleges bias and calls for an investigation into referees and VAR decisions. The federation has filed complaints with FIFA amid claims of double standards and external influence.
Argentina has rallied to reach the 2026 World Cup final after a dramatic late comeback against England, with Lionel Messi providing decisive assists and a late winning cross. Messi’s performance has cemented his status as the tournament’s standout, as Argentina seeks back-to-back titles.
Keir Starmer hints at a bank holiday if England wins the World Cup; multiple outlets report upcoming announcements at NATO summit and talks over timing of a potential holiday after the final.
Egypt has complained about officiating after a 3-2 World Cup loss to Argentina, with calls for investigations into the referees. FIFA chief referee Collina defends the officiating, saying the integrity of match officials is not in question as Argentina reaches the quarterfinals.
The dispute over moving the Mexico City kick-off and related disciplinary actions around Balogun has been resolved. FIFA has kept the start time, while discussions highlighted the PM’s and US President’s differing approaches to interference and safety concerns.
Christian Pulisic has a microfracture and a bone bruise in his right tibia/fibula. He is set to miss multiple weeks after the World Cup defeat to Belgium, with AC Milan and US Soccer coordinating a rehab plan. His return timeline is uncertain but he is expected to resume training ahead of Milan’s Serie A opener.
Spain advances to the World Cup quarter-finals after Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time winner in Dallas, sealing a 1-0 victory over Portugal. Ronaldo’s World Cup run ends as La Roja prepare to face the USA or Belgium in the next round.
England has advanced to the World Cup semi-finals following a 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway in Miami, with Jude Bellingham scoring the decisive goal. The Guardian, Independent, and BBC coverage highlight how England now faces Argentina in the semi-final in Atlanta, while questions swirl over manager Tuchel and the team’s prospects against Messi and co.
FairSquare has lodged complaints with the IOC accusing Infantino of breaching political neutrality. The Balogun ban was suspended by FIFA’s disciplinary committee after a call from Donald Trump. FIFA says the committee acted independently, while critics warn the governance balance between FIFA and the IOC is shifting.
The US captain Balogun’s red card has been suspended after President Trump urged FIFA to review the case. The decision has sparked a political neutrality inquiry and a broader backlash from European football bodies and rights groups. Balogun has expressed mixed feelings as Belgium eliminated the US, and FIFA investigates the process.
Graham Platner has withdrawn from the Maine Senate race after a sexual assault allegation. Democrats are replacing him and will hold a nominating convention by July 27 to select a new candidate to challenge Susan Collins in November. Several contenders are weighing runs as the party grapples with the upheaval and the race tightens.
The World Cup final between Argentina and Spain is set to feature 30 bespoke championship rings for the winners, with 1,996 rings for fans. Donald Trump is attending and will present the trophy, a move that has fueled controversy over the tournament’s political optics. Balogun’s suspension reversal is central to ongoing debates about integrity and influence in the event.
Bryson DeChambeau has been penalised two strokes for inadvertently improving his backswing by trampling on long grass at Royal Birkdale. The Open field reacts as Rory McIlroy criticises the episode as a poor look, while Lucas Herbert leads, and Ryan Fox climbs the leaderboard. The incident unfolds in a tense Friday to Saturday transition.
The Guardian reports that FIFA has raised its revenue projections to $15bn for the current cycle, driven by ticketing and hospitality growth. The boost is prompting renewed interest in hosting the 2038 World Cup in North America, with talks involving the United States and possible involvement from Netflix and other bidders. The story also notes political sensitivities around previous hosting decisions and ongoing tensions within FIFA member associations.
The World Cup has concluded with the United States framed as a winner by some leaders, while the White House navigates immigration policies, ticketing backlash, and diplomatic frictions. Controversies around refereeing calls and international reception have shaped the event’s legacy.
The US president has attended the World Cup final in New Jersey, sitting with FIFA president Infantino. He has presented medals to officials and players as Spain defeats Argentina 1-0 after extra time, amid audible boos from the crowd. The event follows weeks of political signaling and a lobbying effort around a suspended red card. The atmosphere has been tense, with the global spotlight on a controversial figure at a global sports showcase.
Spain has won the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Ferran Torres scores the decisive goal in extra time against Argentina. Lionel Messi is left in tears after a final that ended Argentina’s title defense. A star-studded halftime show featured Madonna, BTS, Shakira and Justin Bieber. Trump attended the ceremony with FIFA President Infantino amid security chatter and mixed reactions from fans.
The Fox pregame show for the World Cup final is marked by fast travel through a ferry, a helicopter, and a police-escorted car ride, with Zlatan Ibrahimović sweating over the flight. The crew faced delays but reached MetLife Stadium in time as viewership broke records.
Tebas has criticised FIFA president Infantino, calling his tenure “rotten at its core” and arguing for fewer national teams to protect domestic football. He also criticises hydration breaks and a 64‑team World Cup idea, saying the sport’s industry is at risk if decisions focus on the World Cup alone.
The Confederation of African Football has rescheduled the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, now beginning in Rabat with Algeria vs. Senegal and Morocco vs. Kenya. The expanded 16-team tournament runs July 26 to August 16, culminating in a final that will determine Africa’s World Cup qualifiers.