Samwise European Soccer Newsletter
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Merino’s Late Strike Sends Spain to World Cup Semifinals With 2-1 Win Over Belgium
Mikel Merino volleyed home a rebound just two minutes after entering as a substitute to send Spain into the 2026 World Cup semifinals with a 2–1 victory over Belgium in Dallas on Friday. Fabán Ruiz opened the scoring after the break before Charles De Ketelaere equalized for Belgium. Merino then struck the decisive late blow. Belgium were twice depleted: captain Youri Tielemans missed the match due to a warmup injury, and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off injured in the second half, with substitute keeper Lammens unable to prevent the winner. Spain will face France in the semifinal on Tuesday.
Sources: ESPN Sky Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Juventus Close to Permanently Signing Kolo Muani From PSG as Pre-Season Nears
Juventus are closing in on permanently signing striker Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain, with the Bianconeri expecting an announcement imminently as they race to have the 27-year-old Frenchman available for pre-season, which begins on July 13. Juventus submitted an offer worth more than €30 million, which PSG initially rejected, but the clubs have since agreed on the deal’s broad structure: a loan with a mandatory purchase option if Juventus qualifies for European competition during the 2027–28 season. Kolo Muani, who spent last season on loan in Turin, has consistently named Juventus as his preferred destination throughout the negotiations.
Sources: Football Italia Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Arsenal, Tottenham and Atlético Madrid All Circle RB Leipzig Winger Nusa
Arsenal, Tottenham and Atlético Madrid are among the clubs battling for RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa, with Manchester United also monitoring the 21-year-old Norwegian international ahead of a potential summer transfer. Leipzig have set a valuation of around £51 million for the player, whose contract runs until 2029. Nusa has shone at the 2026 World Cup for Norway — his performances, including a goal against Ivory Coast, fuelling interest from Europe’s elite. His presence in today’s quarterfinal against England at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami is expected to be a further showcase for the talented winger.
Klopp in Final Talks to Take Germany Job as DFB and Red Bull Meet in New York
Jürgen Klopp is set to become Germany’s next national team manager, with top-level negotiations between the DFB and Red Bull now under way in New York. Klopp, 59, left Liverpool in 2024 and has been serving as Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer, but accepted Germany’s approach after Julian Nagelsmann resigned following the team’s shock World Cup exit to Paraguay in the round of 32. Under a proposed arrangement, Klopp would continue as a Red Bull ambassador while managing Germany, avoiding a costly compensation fee. He is expected to sign a contract through the 2030 World Cup if this weekend’s New York meetings conclude successfully.
Newcastle Captain Bruno Guimarães Tells Club He Wants to Join Arsenal This Summer
Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimarães has told the club he wants to join Arsenal this summer, with the Brazilian midfielder’s intentions becoming clear following Brazil’s World Cup exit. Arsenal have made no direct approach to Newcastle, but deal terms have been explored through intermediaries. Newcastle — who have already lost Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon this summer — insist Guimarães is not for sale, though sources suggest a fee in the region of £80 million would prompt the club to reconsider. The 28-year-old is believed to be seeking Champions League football as his primary motivation for the potential transfer.
Sources: Sky Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Haaland vs Kane: England and Norway Meet in High-Stakes World Cup Quarterfinal Tonight
England face Norway in today’s 2026 World Cup quarterfinal at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, with Erling Haaland and Harry Kane headlining a Golden Boot battle that must end for one of them tonight. Haaland leads with seven tournament goals while Kane sits on six. Norway stunned five-time champions Brazil 2–1 in the round of 16, with Haaland scoring twice; England battled back from a red card to beat Mexico 3–2. The winner will meet either Argentina or Switzerland in the semifinal. RB Leipzig’s Antonio Nusa — whose transfer is the subject of a summer bidding war — is expected to feature prominently for Norway.
Sources: ESPN Sky Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
FIFA World Cup 2026 — Quarter-Finals & Beyond
Quarter-finals (Completed)
✅ France 2–0 Morocco — France advance — Jul 9
✅ Spain 2–1 Belgium — Spain advance — Jul 10
Quarter-finals (Today)
🔴 Norway vs England — Jul 11 — Miami — 22:00 BST
🔴 Argentina vs Switzerland — Jul 11 — Dallas
Semi-finals
France vs Spain — Jul 14, Dallas
Nor/Eng winner vs Arg/Swi winner — Jul 15
Final
Jul 19 — MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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