France lost to Spain 2-0 in the World Cup 2026 semi-final, ending their chance to reach a third straight final. Spain secured their place in the final, while Argentina will face England in the other semi-final match.
Key Facts
Spain defeated France 2-0 in the World Cup 2026 semi-final.
France aimed to reach their third consecutive World Cup final, a rare achievement.
Only two other nations have reached three finals in a row before.
Argentina and England will play the other semi-final match.
The semi-final game took place in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas.
The match featured key players like France’s Kylian Mbappe and the Spanish team.
This World Cup is part of the 2026 tournament cycle.
The article also mentions other sports news, such as transfers at Manchester United and cycling results, but the main focus is on the World Cup semi-finals.
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Scotland and England have a long-standing football rivalry dating back to 1872. While England is close to reaching the World Cup final, many Scottish fans feel conflicted about supporting England due to historical and cultural reasons, with some choosing to back England for family or personal reasons.
Key Facts
England and Scotland have the oldest international football rivalry, starting in 1872.
England won the World Cup in 1966; Scotland has never passed the first round.
Scotland qualified for the World Cup in 2026 but did not advance far.
Some Scottish fans do not want England to win, based on historical and media concerns.
About 31% of Scots said they hoped England would do badly in a YouGov poll before the World Cup.
Around 10% of Scots and English said they would support their neighboring country's team.
Family ties lead some Scots, like Robbie McSkimming, to support England in late tournament stages.
The "anyone but England" attitude is common but considered by some a lighthearted part of football culture.
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Argentina’s football team is built around Lionel Messi, who plays alongside close friends and teammates that support him like a family. After overcoming challenges in the World Cup, Messi showed strong emotions, reflecting relief and happiness in a team environment that suits him well.
Key Facts
Lionel Messi cried after Argentina came back from being 2-0 down to win a World Cup quarter-final match.
His tears reflected relief that he did not let his team down after missing a penalty earlier in the tournament.
Messi has a close friendship with teammate Rodrigo de Paul, who supports him daily with shared routines like drinking mate (a South American tea).
Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, values the team’s friendship and unity over tactics and formations.
The Argentina squad is designed to give the 39-year-old Messi the best chance to win a second World Cup in a row.
The team shares daily rituals like drinking mate and playing card games, creating a close-knit team atmosphere.
Messi prefers to be treated like a regular teammate rather than a superstar, and his teammates respect this balance.
During matches, the team arranges itself protectively around Messi, showing their support and focus on him.
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England's national football team, the Three Lions, will play Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, their biggest match since winning the tournament in 1966. This game gives England the chance to reach their first men's World Cup final in 60 years, under the leadership of head coach Thomas Tuchel.
Key Facts
England last won the World Cup in 1966.
England has reached the semi-finals only twice since then, in 1990 and 2018.
England lost the Euro finals in 2020 and 2024.
Head coach Thomas Tuchel is leading the team in this World Cup.
The semi-final match against Argentina is scheduled for 15 July 2026 at 20:00 BST.
The match will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
England's recent major tournament history includes losing crucial matches against Croatia, Italy, France, and Spain.
The team hopes to overcome past disappointments and reach the World Cup final for the first time since 1966.
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The American League pitchers combined to shut out the National League 4-0 in Tuesday’s MLB All-Star Game, marking the first shutout since 2013. Dylan Cease led the effort by striking out the side in the first inning, and Cody Bellinger was named MVP for his two-run single.
Key Facts
The American League won the All-Star Game 4-0 against the National League.
Dylan Cease struck out three batters in the first inning.
Cody Bellinger was named the All-Star MVP for hitting a two-run single.
American League pitchers allowed only three hits total and combined for 15 strikeouts.
Miguel Vargas hit an eighth-inning home run, the only extra-base hit of the game.
The National League failed to get any runners past first base.
The game was held in Philadelphia and included special ceremonies honoring U.S. history.
Some star players like Shohei Ohtani were not available for the game.
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The Milwaukee Bucks signed Gary Trent Jr. to a four-year, $64 million contract, which has raised questions because Trent’s performance has declined. Some NBA insiders and commentators have called for the league to investigate this contract, especially as the NBA is already probing a separate case involving player Kawhi Leonard and possible salary cap violations.
Key Facts
Gary Trent Jr. signed a four-year contract extension with the Milwaukee Bucks worth $64 million, keeping him through the 2029-2030 season.
Trent’s recent performance has declined, with career-low stats last season and a shooting percentage of 38.7%.
His average annual salary ($16 million) is comparable to other players with better recent performance.
ESPN analyst Tim MacMahon criticized the contract and suggested the NBA should investigate it.
The NBA is currently investigating Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers for salary cap issues connected to endorsement deals.
Leonard’s trade between the Clippers and Raptors is on hold pending the investigation.
The Leonard investigation increases pressure for the NBA to look into other questionable contracts like Trent’s.
Some believe there could be undisclosed agreements or cap circumvention in Trent’s contract.
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Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni says his team is ready and not worried about tiredness before their World Cup semifinal match against England. The game recalls their historic 1986 quarterfinal and the ongoing Falkland Islands issue, but Scaloni wants to keep the focus on football.
Key Facts
Argentina will play England in a World Cup semifinal match on Wednesday in Atlanta.
Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, says the team feels in good shape despite a tough path through recent matches.
The team is led by 39-year-old Lionel Messi, who is one of the oldest players on the squad.
Argentina and England have met five times before in World Cups, including the famous 1986 quarterfinal.
The 1986 match included Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal and a memorable winning goal.
The match recalls political tensions from the 1982 Falkland Islands conflict between the two countries.
Scaloni wants to keep politics separate from the game and focus on the sport.
England’s key players include Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, who have scored most of their goals in this tournament.
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LeBron James is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers after eight years, but his son, Bronny James, is expected to stay with the team. The Lakers signed several new players and extended Austin Reaves’ contract to start a new team era focused on star Luka Doncic.
Key Facts
LeBron James will play for a different team next season after eight years with the Lakers.
Bronny James, LeBron’s son, will likely remain with the Lakers and is popular with teammates.
The Lakers signed Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, and Kevon Looney.
They drafted Cameron Carr from Baylor University.
Austin Reaves signed a four-year contract extension worth $185 million.
LeBron’s agent has talked with over 20 teams, and LeBron might join the Cavaliers, Heat, 76ers, or Warriors.
The Lakers’ new team plan centers on Luka Doncic and building around him and Austin Reaves.
Bronny is still developing as a player and has been active in the Lakers’ Summer League games.
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Conor McGregor suffered a serious knee injury and plans to have surgery before finishing his last UFC fight. Dustin Poirier, who retired recently, said he would come out of retirement to fight McGregor again when McGregor is ready.
Key Facts
Conor McGregor injured his right knee in a fight against Max Holloway.
McGregor plans to have surgery and then complete his final UFC fight contract.
Dustin Poirier retired after his last UFC fight but is willing to return for a fourth fight with McGregor.
Poirier and McGregor have fought three times before, with McGregor winning the first fight.
Poirier won the second and third fights by technical knockout (TKO).
The last fight ended when McGregor broke his left leg.
Poirier’s win in their second fight helped him compete for the lightweight title.
Both fighters compete in weight classes around 170 pounds.
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Philadelphia hosted the MLB All-Star Game, which featured a patriotic theme and special player activities. However, the TV broadcast by Fox had major problems with players' audio, making interviews hard to hear during the game.
Key Facts
The MLB All-Star Game took place in Philadelphia with players signing a lineup sheet using a quill pen.
Fox broadcast the game but faced significant audio issues with player microphones.
Detroit Tigers' Justin Verlander was difficult to hear during multiple interviews.
Audio problems affected interviews both on the field and in the dugout.
Spain beat France 2-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals in Dallas. Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente said his team feels unbeatable after this big win.
Key Facts
Spain scored two goals: one by Mikel Oyarzabal from a penalty and another by Pedro Porro.
France's player Lucas Digne caused the penalty by accidentally kicking Lamine Yamal in the box.
Spain has not allowed any goals in six straight World Cup games, a new record.
Spain has only allowed one goal in the entire tournament so far.
Coach Luis de la Fuente has been with Spain's team since 2013 and took over the senior team in 2022.
De la Fuente has faced France six times in semifinals across different age levels, winning five times.
The other World Cup semifinal is between England and Argentina, held in Atlanta, Georgia.
The World Cup final will be on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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French captain Kylian Mbappe said his team made tactical and technical mistakes in their 0-2 loss to Spain in the World Cup semifinal. Mbappe said France struggled in midfield and failed to play their game plan, leading to their defeat and missing a chance to reach the final.
Key Facts
France lost 0-2 to Spain in the World Cup semifinal in Dallas.
Mbappe was aiming for his third straight World Cup final appearance.
Mbappe said France did not execute their strategy well, especially their pressing.
Spain outnumbered France 3-on-2 in midfield, causing problems for the French team.
France scored 8 goals in the tournament before this loss.
Mbappe expressed deep disappointment but said the team will learn from the defeat.
He encouraged the team to move forward and prepare for new challenges.
The match took place at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
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Alan Shearer, a former England football captain, recalls the painful loss to Argentina in the 1998 World Cup and talks about the upcoming England vs. Argentina semi-final match. He highlights the importance of staying calm, the rivalry between the teams, and the impact of referee decisions on the game.
Key Facts
The 1998 World Cup match between England and Argentina was decided by penalties, with England losing.
Alan Shearer was captain of England in that 1998 match.
England is preparing to face Argentina again in a World Cup semi-final in Atlanta.
Lionel Messi, Argentina's key player, has never played England before.
The 1998 match included events like a red card for David Beckham and a disallowed goal for Sol Campbell.
Shearer expects a tense game, possibly with another red card, and is concerned about refereeing and VAR decisions.
Argentina is the defending World Cup champion.
Shearer emphasizes the need for England players to keep calm and avoid rash actions during the match.
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New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo is recovering well from a serious ankle and leg injury he suffered last season. The Giants’ head coach, John Harbaugh, says Skattebo is expected to be ready early for training camp and likely ready to play when the season starts in September.
Key Facts
Cam Skattebo injured his ankle and broke his fibula during Week 8 of last season.
Before his injury, Skattebo ran for 410 yards and scored five touchdowns.
He also caught 24 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns.
Recovery was expected to take 6 to 9 months.
Head coach John Harbaugh said Skattebo and teammate Malik Nabers are both rehabbing well and on schedule.
Skattebo participated in some team drills during minicamp.
Training camp starts on July 28, and both players aim to return by the season opener on September 13.
Harbaugh is optimistic but did not guarantee their availability for the first game.
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Kevin Durant spoke about the Philadelphia 76ers' trade to get Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics. Durant called the 76ers a "dangerous" team after the trade that also involved Paul George going to the Celtics.
Key Facts
The 76ers traded for Jaylen Brown, a five-time NBA All-Star.
The Celtics received Paul George and draft picks in the trade.
The trade took place following the 76ers’ win over the Celtics in the playoffs.
The 76ers now have three All-Stars: Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid.
Durant said the 76ers' new lineup looks exciting and appreciated Brown’s fresh start.
Durant is familiar with big NBA trades, including his own moves to the Suns and Rockets.
LeBron James’s next team is unknown, but the 76ers are one possibility.
James is expected to sign a shorter, less expensive contract and wants to compete for another title.
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US soccer player Folarin Balogun had his one-game ban at the World Cup lifted after President Donald Trump requested a review by FIFA. Balogun was sent off in a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina but was allowed to play against Belgium after FIFA suspended the ban, a decision that caused controversy.
Key Facts
Balogun received a red card for stepping on a Bosnian player’s ankle during a World Cup match.
A red card normally leads to an automatic one-game ban in the tournament.
President Donald Trump asked FIFA to review Balogun’s suspension.
FIFA suspended the ban for a one-year probation, allowing Balogun to play the next game.
The decision upset many people in the football community, including Belgium’s football association and former football officials.
Critics said political influence over sports decisions hurts the fairness of the tournament.
Balogun said he expected controversy and found it hard to ignore the outside talk before the next game.
The USA lost 1-4 to Belgium, and Balogun had less impact in that game despite scoring three goals earlier in the tournament.
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Mauricio Pochettino coached the U.S. men's national soccer team (USMNT) during the 2026 World Cup and helped the team win early matches but they lost 4-1 to Belgium in the Round of 16. His contract ended after the loss, and players like goalkeeper Matt Freese hope he will stay, although Pochettino may consider other coaching jobs.
Key Facts
Mauricio Pochettino led the USMNT to wins over Paraguay and Australia in the World Cup group stage.
The USMNT defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32.
The team lost 4-1 to Belgium in the Round of 16, missing a chance to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.
Pochettino was hired in 2024 with the goal of reaching the quarterfinals in the 2026 World Cup.
His contract ended after the USMNT’s loss to Belgium.
USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese praised Pochettino and expressed a desire for him to stay as coach.
Pochettino might leave for another coaching opportunity since he is considered a top-level coach.
Fans and players hope the USMNT can re-sign him to prepare fully for the 2030 World Cup.
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ESPN NFL draft analyst Matt Miller was in a serious car accident that led to the amputation of his left arm. A video showing Miller’s vehicle crossing into an oncoming lane before the crash was shared online, and ESPN has placed him on leave as he recovers.
Key Facts
Matt Miller, an NFL draft analyst for ESPN, was in a car crash weeks ago.
The crash caused Miller to lose his left arm and suffer several other serious injuries.
Video of the crash shows Miller’s vehicle crossing a double yellow line and hitting a semi-truck’s lane.
The semi-truck driver was not injured in the accident.
Miller was wearing a seat belt, but it was cut in the collision, and he was thrown from the vehicle.
A GoFundMe to help with Miller’s medical bills raised $50,000 but was paused amid allegations Miller scammed fantasy football players.
ESPN placed Miller on leave due to his recovery, not because of the allegations.
No explanation was given for why Miller’s vehicle crossed lanes before the crash.
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The Colorado Buffaloes football team had a tough 2025 season with a 3-9 record after losing key players to the draft. Starting quarterback Julian "JuJu" Lewis said the team was not well prepared last season, especially in studying opposing defenses.
Key Facts
The Colorado Buffaloes finished the 2025 season with 3 wins and 9 losses.
The team lost four important players to the draft, including Travis Hunter, a Heisman Trophy winner.
Starting quarterback Shadeur Sanders was also drafted, along with two wide receivers.
JuJu Lewis, a talented freshman quarterback, said last year the team did not study defenses carefully.
Lewis described last season’s play as more like "high school" style without much preparation.
Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmer is a former NFL coach but may not have focused enough on teaching defensive strategies.
Lewis threw four touchdowns and no interceptions in limited playing time but the team lost both games he started.
The team might need to spend more time reviewing game film to improve their offensive performance.
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