Samwise European Soccer Newsletter
Monday, June 22, 2026
Spain Back to Winning Ways With Commanding 4-0 Rout of Saudi Arabia
Spain ended their stuttering start in style on Sunday, routing Saudi Arabia 4–0 in Atlanta to jump to four points in World Cup Group H. Lamine Yamal opened his account for the tournament in the 10th minute with a composed finish, before Mikel Oyarzabal bagged a clinical brace inside the first half-hour. A second-half own goal from Al Tambakti completed a dominant afternoon for Luis de la Fuente’s side. The victory erases the memory of Spain’s goalless draw with Cabo Verde in their opener and all but assures La Roja a place in the knockout rounds. Yamal, 18, looks every inch the tournament’s breakout star.
Ten-Man Belgium Held by Iran as Ngoy Red Card Compounds Group G Crisis
Belgium’s World Cup campaign spiralled further into trouble on Sunday in Los Angeles, as they were held to a goalless draw by Iran in Group G — and finished with ten men. Defender Nathan Ngoy received a straight red card in the 66th minute for serious foul play, leaving Rudi Garcia’s side to play out the final quarter with a numerical disadvantage. Despite Kevin De Bruyne’s involvement in set pieces, Belgium could not manufacture a breakthrough. The result leaves both Belgium and Iran level on two points from two matches, with Belgium second on goal difference. Garcia acknowledged his side “lacked efficiency up front.”
Sources: Sky Sports, ESPN
Yamal’s World Cup Arrival: Teenager Stars as Spain Dismantle Saudi Arabia
Lamine Yamal capped a stunning performance with the opening goal in Spain’s 4–0 victory over Saudi Arabia on Sunday, the 18-year-old Barcelona winger netting in the 10th minute with a composed low finish in Atlanta. Yamal’s sharpness in and around the penalty area was prominent throughout the first half, and coach Luis de la Fuente withdrew him at half-time alongside Oyarzabal, with the match already at 3–0. The teenager had featured in Spain’s goalless draw with Cabo Verde in the opener but could not find the net. With Spain now firmly on course in Group H, Yamal has established himself as a standout figure of the tournament’s opening week.
Undav Brace Off the Bench Sends Germany Into World Cup Last 32 With Perfect Record
Germany secured their place in the World Cup last 32 with a dramatic late comeback over Ivory Coast on Saturday, with substitute Deniz Undav scoring twice in the final 30 minutes to seal a 2–1 victory in Houston. Kessié had given the African side a shock lead in the 30th minute, but Undav equalised in the 68th minute before completing his brace deep into stoppage time. The substitute was mobbed by teammates after his 94th-minute winner secured Germany’s progression from Group E with six points from two matches. Germany had opened the tournament with a 7–1 victory over Curaçao and are now through to the knockout stage ahead of schedule.
Sources: ESPN, CBS Sports
Newcastle Reject Tottenham’s £80m Bid for Sandro Tonali as Spurs Face Fight for Italy Midfielder
Newcastle United have knocked back an opening transfer bid worth approximately £80 million from Tottenham Hotspur for Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali, sources tell Sky Sports and ESPN. The 26-year-old has emerged as the marquee summer target for incoming Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi, who is prioritising midfield reinforcements after steering Tottenham clear of relegation last season. Newcastle insist the midfielder is not for sale at that figure and are seeking a fee closer to £100 million, with Tonali still holding three years left on his contract. Manchester City are also monitoring the situation as new manager Enzo Maresca looks to rebuild their midfield this summer.
Sources: Sky Sports, ESPN
Liverpool’s £90m Diomande Bid Rejected as Reds Chase Salah Replacement
Liverpool have had an opening bid for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande rejected but remain firmly in the race to sign the 19-year-old this summer, according to Sky Sports. The Reds submitted a package worth around €90 million for the Ivory Coast international, but Leipzig knocked back the offer and are seeking more than £86 million. PSG are also pursuing Diomande, who has indicated a willingness to leave Leipzig. Liverpool are looking to the teenager as the long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah, who departed Anfield at the end of his contract this summer. Sources suggest an improved Liverpool bid is expected imminently, with the player’s situation attracting growing attention.
Sources: Sky Sports, Football365
France’s Saliba Playing World Cup With ‘Gritted Teeth’ as Arsenal Defender Manages Ongoing Back Injury
Arsenal defender William Saliba has revealed he has been playing through persistent back pain since before the World Cup began, describing the challenge as a test of resolve. The France centre-back told reporters he has been managing the injury “with gritted teeth,” inspired by the ambition to make history with his country in the United States. Saliba was initially a major doubt for France’s squad after aggravating the problem during Arsenal’s Champions League final against PSG in late May. The defender eventually passed fit and kept a clean sheet in France’s 3–1 opening win over Senegal on June 16. France face Iraq today in their Group I second match.
World Cup 2026 — European Groups
Group E (Germany)
1. Germany — 6 pts (2 played)
Group F (Netherlands)
1. Netherlands — 4 pts (2 played)
Group G (Belgium)
1. Iran — 2 pts (GD +1)
2. Belgium — 2 pts (GD -1)
Group H (Spain)
1. Spain — 4 pts (2 played)
Group I (France / Norway)
1. France — 3 pts (1 played)
2. Norway — 3 pts (1 played)
Group L (England)
1. England — 3 pts (1 played)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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