Swiss striker for Rennes, World Cup contender
Switzerland has named its Nations League squad as captain Granit Xhaka withdraws from duties after media reported a fake vaccination certificate. Boteli scores again for club; Johan Manzambi and Zeki Amdouni are among players bridging youth and experience ahead of matches in Scotland and North Macedonia.
Switzerland has beaten Algeria 2-0 in a World Cup knockout match. Breel Embolo opened in the 10th minute after a Johan Manzambi run; Dan Ndoye doubled the lead within a minute of the second half after an Algerian clearance. Algeria pressed and made attacking changes but failed to score, ending their tournament while Switzerland advances to the last 16.
Bosnia and Herzegovina secures a crucial win against Qatar, while Switzerland’s campaign ends in a heavy loss after a late surge from Switzerland’s rivals; Edin Dzeko remains a key figure as the group concludes.
Germany has exited the World Cup in the last-32 after a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay. Julian Nagelsmann has stepped down; Jurgen Klopp is set to discuss replacing him. The German Football Association will pursue talks with Klopp while weighing the team's need for structural change to reclaim form.
Portugal has beaten Croatia 2-1 after Gonçalo Ramos scored a stoppage-time header to win the last-32 tie. Cristiano Ronaldo has converted a penalty — his first World Cup knockout goal — after Ivan Perišić had opened the scoring. Croatia thought they had equalised late, but VAR used ball-sensor "snicko" data to rule the goal out for offside.
Switzerland has defeated Algeria 2-0 to reach the World Cup knockout stage, with Johan Manzambi setting up Breel Embolo for the opener and Dan Ndoye adding a second early in the second half. Algeria pressed but could not convert chances as Switzerland controlled proceedings and will face Colombia or Ghana next.
Real Madrid has clarified it has no interest in signing Enzo Fernandez, dismissing speculation from Marca and others. The club reaffirmed respect for Chelsea and for Fernandez, whose 2022 World Cup win with Argentina preceded a 2023 move to Chelsea. The denial comes amid ongoing chatter about a potential deal, as Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season.
The International Football Association Board has updated VAR protocols this summer, enabling interventions for mistaken identity in yellow-card cases. Embolo’s red card after a review at the World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina has intensified debate over the new rule. Critics warn of potential chaos at club level, while supporters see it as a step toward deterring simulation.
Refereeing decisions at the World Cup have intensified debates over VAR, with calls surrounding Embolo’s red card and other key moments shown to hinge on judgement as much as technology. Critics say the system has yet to deliver consistent fairness, while supporters point to clearer ref calls in some instances.
The New York Post reports that Chris “Mad Dog” Russo has no immediate plans to retire, saying he will continue with ESPN and his radio show for the next few years as he weighs steps back. He notes he still feels able to contribute and is not planning to take on numerous jobs. The piece also mentions that a separate interview covers his ongoing influence on sports talk.
World Cup controversy surrounds Balogun’s suspended ban after a call from Donald Trump to FIFA president Infantino. The ban was suspended for 12 months, allowing Balogun to play in the last-16. European football bodies and critics say the decision undermines the game’s credibility ahead of 2027–31 reform talks.