French football icon, manager and ex-player shaping the game
Argentina has advanced to the World Cup final after a gripping extra-time win. Messi has delivered decisive moments, setting up late goals and demonstrating why he is widely regarded as one of the game’s greatest. England faces a bronze final as they prepare for a different challenge.
PSG has retained the Champions League title after a 1-1 draw with Arsenal in Budapest, winning 4-3 on penalties. Ousmane Dembélé converted the decisive spot kick after Gabriel Magalhaes had missed Arsenal's final penalty. Luis Enrique has now won three European Cups as a coach, while Arsenal miss out on back-to-back European crowns.
Lionel Messi has extended the men’s World Cup scoring record and continued a prolific tournament run. He has scored in consecutive World Cup matches, netting goals from open play and set pieces while helping Argentina secure group-stage wins and progress toward the knockout rounds in the 2026 tournament.
France hosts Senegal in a high-stakes World Cup clash at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. Didier Deschamps is managing Mbappé’s public profile while protecting the squad from distractions; Senegal brings defensive strength and pace to challenge the defending champions.
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.
The Guardian and Independent reports confirm Arthur Fery has advanced to the Wimbledon third round after defeating Otto Virtanen in four sets, aided by home support and a nosebleed that interrupted play midway through the match. This victory keeps British hopes alive and ensures Fery enters the world’s top 100 for the first time.
England has reached the World Cup semi-final after a 2-1 win over Norway in Miami. Jude Bellingham has scored twice to take his tally to six for the tournament, while Thomas Tuchel criticises the performance as sloppy despite the result. The team now prepares for a semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta.
France has been eliminated from the World Cup after a 2-0 defeat to Spain in the semi-final in Dallas. Deschamps has spent 14 years in charge, winning the 2018 World Cup and reaching another final in 2022, but Spain’s victory ends France’s bid for a third consecutive final. Spain advance to the final, while Deschamps’ tenure faces a named successor discussion.
France's football federation has announced that Zinedine Zidane will be named the new coach, succeeding Didier Deschamps. Zidane, 54, has not coached since 2021 and is expected to be introduced at a Paris news conference. France's recent World Cup and European Championship results are referenced as context for the transition.
Italy is evaluating options for a new national team coach after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, with Paolo Maldini and Leonardo steering talks. Candidates include Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola, Antonio Conte, Andrea Pirlo, and Roberto Mancini as the federation seeks a long‑term technical project.