Samwise European Soccer Newsletter
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Merino’s Late Strike Sends Spain Past Portugal Into World Cup Quarterfinals
Spain advanced to the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals with a narrow 1-0 victory over Portugal on Monday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The match appeared heading to extra time until substitute Mikel Merino, introduced in the 85th minute, latched onto a precise Ferran Torres pass to slot past goalkeeper Diogo Costa in the 91st minute. Spain’s sixth successive clean sheet of the tournament made them the first team in World Cup history to achieve that feat in a single edition. Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, failed to deliver in what proved his final World Cup match. Spain face Belgium in the quarterfinals on July 10 in Los Angeles.
Sources: ESPN Sky Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
De Ketelaere Double Lifts Belgium Past USA 4-1 in World Cup Round of 16
Belgium eliminated World Cup co-hosts the United States 4-1 on Monday in East Rutherford, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice to end American hopes. De Ketelaere opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a tap-in before heading home a Leandro Trossard cross early in the second half. Malik Tillman briefly equalized for the United States, but De Ketelaere subsequently set up Hans Vanaken after goalkeeper Matt Freese dawdled outside his penalty area, and Romelu Lukaku added a fourth late on. Belgium now face Spain in the quarterfinals on July 10 in Los Angeles as one of three all-European last-eight ties.
Sources: ESPN Sky Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Tottenham Complete Club-Record £100m Signing of Sandro Tonali From Newcastle
Tottenham Hotspur have signed Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United in a club-record deal worth up to £100 million, confirmed on Monday. Tottenham agreed an initial £92.5 million fee with £7.5 million in performance-related add-ons. Tonali cited manager Roberto De Zerbi, a fellow Italian, as the decisive factor in choosing Spurs over other interested clubs. The deal follows Tottenham’s £85 million signing of Mateus Fernandes, taking their total summer outlay to £237 million. De Zerbi’s side finished 17th in consecutive Premier League seasons, and the record spending signals a substantial shift in transfer strategy ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
Roberto Martínez Resigns as Portugal Manager After World Cup Round-of-16 Exit
Roberto Martínez confirmed his departure as Portugal head coach on Monday following their 1-0 round-of-16 defeat to Spain at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Speaking at the post-match news conference, Martínez said: “I came to Portugal to win the World Cup, and I think that, without winning it, there’s no point in continuing.” His contract was set to expire after the tournament. Portugal had also been eliminated in the quarterfinals of Euro 2024 under Martínez. Despite the exit, the departing coach insisted his side had not failed, describing the loss as “a game against a team that’s one of the favourites.”
Ronaldo Confirms 2026 Was His Last World Cup But Delays Decision on International Future
Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed on Tuesday that the 2026 FIFA World Cup is the last of his international tournament career, though he indicated he will not make a “rash” decision about his overall international future. The 41-year-old had signalled before Monday’s round-of-16 match against Spain in Arlington, Texas that 2026 would be his final World Cup. Ronaldo appeared at his sixth World Cup, a record, and became the first player to score at six separate editions of the tournament when he netted against Uzbekistan in the group stage. Portugal’s elimination by Spain ended his campaign without a major international title.
Sources: Sky Sports ESPN Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Henderson Ruled Out of World Cup After Freak Celebration Injury vs Mexico
Jordan Henderson has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2026 World Cup after suffering a freak injury during post-match celebrations following England’s 3-2 round-of-16 victory over Mexico on July 5. The England midfielder landed awkwardly after jumping over advertising hoardings at the Azteca and will miss England’s quarterfinal against Norway on July 11 in Miami. England advanced despite finishing with 10 men, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice and Harry Kane adding a penalty after Jarell Quansah was sent off. The loss of Henderson is a significant setback for Thomas Tuchel’s squad ahead of the all-European last-eight tie.
Sources: Sky Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Gary Neville Names England Favourites for Norway Clash but Warns of Haaland Threat
Gary Neville has named England as favourites for their World Cup 2026 quarterfinal against Norway on July 11 in Miami but urged caution over Erling Haaland’s threat. Speaking to Sky Sports on Tuesday, the former England full-back said Haaland demanded respect despite England’s overall quality in the tournament. Haaland has scored seven goals at the 2026 World Cup, including twice in Norway’s 2-1 defeat of Brazil in the round of 16, and sits among the tournament’s leading scorers. England were reduced to 10 men in their 3-2 win over Mexico, while Norway produced arguably the tournament’s biggest upset by eliminating the five-time champions.
Sources: Sky Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
FIFA World Cup 2026 — Quarterfinals
European QF Matchups
France vs Morocco — Jul 9, Foxborough
Belgium vs Spain — Jul 10, Los Angeles
England vs Norway — Jul 11, Miami
Round of 16 Results (Jul 6)
Spain 1–0 Portugal (Merino 91')
Belgium 4–1 USA (De Ketelaere x2)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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