Samwise European Soccer Newsletter
Friday, July 10, 2026
France 2-0 Morocco: Mbappe and Dembele Fire Les Bleus into World Cup Semifinals
France booked their place in the 2026 World Cup semifinals with a commanding 2-0 victory over Morocco in the quarterfinals on July 9. Kylian Mbappe missed a first-half penalty but made amends with a superb curling shot into the far corner in the second half. Ousmane Dembele scored his fifth goal of the tournament in the 66th minute to seal the result. Les Bleus generated 3.04 expected goals compared to Morocco’s 0.14, reflecting their complete control. France have now reached three consecutive World Cup semifinals and will face the winner of Friday’s Spain vs Belgium quarterfinal in the last four.
Sources: ESPN Sky Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
England’s Jarell Quansah Hit with Two-Match World Cup Ban After Red Card vs Mexico
England defender Jarell Quansah has been handed a two-match World Cup suspension following his red card against Mexico in the round of 16. FIFA determined that Quansah’s high tackle on Mexico defender Jesus Gallardo in the 54th minute violated Article 14 of its disciplinary code, resulting in an extended ban. Quansah will miss England’s quarterfinal against Norway on Saturday and a potential semifinal, meaning he cannot feature again unless England reach the final. Bukayo Saka described the ruling as “very frustrating” but said England must adapt and deal with the decision ahead of Saturday’s clash in Miami.
Sources: ESPN Sky Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Arsenal Face British-Record £130m Demand as Aston Villa Dig In Over Morgan Rogers
Arsenal are pursuing Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers this summer but have been told they must pay a British-record fee to sign the 23-year-old. Villa are demanding £130 million, which would surpass the current British record of £125 million Liverpool paid Newcastle for Alexander Isak last summer. Rogers, currently at the 2026 World Cup with England, scored 10 goals in 37 Premier League appearances last season and is among Mikel Arteta’s primary transfer targets. With five years remaining on Rogers’s contract, Villa are standing firm and Arsenal face a significant financial decision before the window’s September 1 deadline.
Sources: ESPN Sky Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Arsenal and Tottenham Enter Tug-of-War for RB Leipzig’s Norway Winger Antonio Nusa
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are competing for the signature of RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa, with the Bundesliga club having set a £51 million asking price for the 21-year-old Norway international. Nusa, currently featuring for Norway at the 2026 World Cup, scored four goals and provided three assists in 31 league appearances last season, attracting interest from both north London clubs. The Premier League is expected to be his next destination despite Barcelona also monitoring the situation. Nusa is reported to be open to a new challenge after the tournament concludes, and Leipzig are expected to sanction a sale at their stated valuation.
Mbappe’s 8 Goals Lead World Cup as France Set Another Record-Breaking Standard
Kylian Mbappe’s quarterfinal goal against Morocco elevated him to the top of the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot standings with eight goals, extending his career World Cup total to 20 in 20 appearances. His 11 goal involvements at this tournament represent the most in a single World Cup edition since Gerd Muller posted 13 in 1970. Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise have combined for 23 goal involvements at this tournament, three more than Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho managed during Brazil’s triumphant 2002 campaign. France will face the winner of Friday’s Spain vs Belgium quarterfinal in the semifinals, scheduled for Tuesday in Arlington.
Newcastle Captain Bruno Guimaraes Tells Club He Wants Arsenal Move After Brazil’s World Cup Exit
Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes has told the club he wants to join Arsenal this summer, according to Sky Sports, following Brazil’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup. The combative midfielder is eager to make the switch to north London, but Newcastle have maintained a consistent stance all summer that their captain is not for sale. The club has insisted Guimaraes is not available despite the Brazilian’s clear desire for the move. Arsenal have been linked with the midfielder as part of a wider recruitment push this summer, with the Premier League transfer window remaining open until September 1.
Sources: Sky Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
World Cup 2026 — Quarterfinal Week
Completed Quarterfinals
France 2–0 Morocco (Jul 9) — France advance
Upcoming Quarterfinals
Spain vs Belgium — Jul 10, 15:00 ET (SoFi Stadium)
Norway vs England — Jul 11, 17:00 ET (Miami)
Argentina vs Switzerland — Jul 11, 21:00 ET (Kansas City)
Semifinals
France vs Spain/Belgium winner — Jul 14 (Arlington)
Norway/England vs Argentina/Switzerland — Jul 15 (Atlanta)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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