Samwise European Soccer Newsletter
Monday, July 13, 2026
Bellingham Brace Sends England to World Cup Semifinals Amid Spidercam Controversy
Jude Bellingham scored twice to send England to the World Cup semifinals with a 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway on Saturday, sending the Three Lions to the last four. Norway took the lead before Bellingham equalised and then struck the winner in extra time, with Harry Kane enduring an off-day by his own high standards. The result was overshadowed by controversy after Norway’s head coach fumed that one of England’s goals had deflected off an overhead TV cable strung above the pitch. FIFA responded on Sunday, declaring there was “no evidence” the ball struck the wire. England face Argentina on Wednesday in Atlanta.
Sources: ESPN Sky Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Álvarez Extra-Time Screamer Fires Argentina Past Switzerland into World Cup Semifinals
Julián Álvarez’s stunning long-range strike in extra time proved decisive as Argentina edged Switzerland 3-1 after extra time on Saturday to book a World Cup semifinal against England. Alexis Mac Allister gave Argentina the lead in the tenth minute following a Lionel Messi corner, but Dan Ndoye equalised for Switzerland in the 67th minute. Breel Embolo was sent off for simulation in the 72nd minute, and Argentina capitalised — Álvarez struck in the 112th minute before Lautaro Martínez added a third late in extra time. Argentina meet England in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Sources: ESPN Sky Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Merino’s Late Winner Edges Spain Past Belgium to Set Up Spain-France Semifinal
Spain advanced to the World Cup semifinals with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium on Friday, substitute Mikel Merino converting an 88th-minute rebound after Belgium backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled a shot to gift him the winner. The match had been level at 1-1 after a first-half exchange of goals, Spain opening the scoring before Charles De Ketelaere equalised for Belgium. Merino’s late intervention sent Spain through to face France in the last four at Arlington on Tuesday. The winner will advance to the World Cup final on July 19 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Mbappé and Dembélé Goals Send France Through to World Cup Semifinals Against Spain
Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé both scored as France defeated Morocco 2-0 on Thursday in their World Cup quarterfinal to advance to the last four. The result ended Morocco’s participation in the 2026 tournament, with France making it look relatively straightforward. Mbappé’s goal was his latest contribution to a strong individual tournament for the France forward, while Dembélé added the second to underline France’s clinical edge. Les Bleus now face Spain on Tuesday in Arlington, with the winner earning a place in the final on July 19 in East Rutherford.
Football Mourns Jayden Adams: South Africa World Cup Midfielder Dies at 25
South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, weeks after representing his country at the 2026 World Cup. Adams’ body was found on Saturday at a premises in Scotscheskloof, Cape Town, with Cape Town Central police registering an Inquest to investigate the circumstances of his death. A cause of death has not been confirmed. Adams featured in all three of South Africa’s group-stage matches at this summer’s World Cup. They were eliminated in the round of 32. FIFA, Mamelodi Sundowns and the South African Football Players Union have released statements expressing their condolences to the Adams family.
Sources: ESPN Sky Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Barcelona Close in on Borussia Dortmund Winger Karim Adeyemi in €29m Deal
Barcelona are closing in on the signing of Borussia Dortmund winger Karim Adeyemi, ESPN reported on Friday, after a breakthrough in negotiations between the two clubs. Barça had their initial offer of around €20 million knocked back by Dortmund before a new agreement was reached, with the deal now structured around a €22 million base fee with a further €7 million in possible add-ons, plus a sell-on clause. The 24-year-old would become Barcelona’s second summer signing after England winger Anthony Gordon arrived from Newcastle for €70 million. Adeyemi scored 10 goals in 39 appearances for Dortmund across all competitions last season.
Chelsea to Sell Garnacho One Year After £40m Signing as Argentina Winger Skips Pre-Season
Chelsea are looking to sell Alejandro Garnacho just one year after signing the Argentina winger from Manchester United for £40 million, with the player failing to report for pre-season training as both club and player push for a swift departure. The Blues are seeking a permanent deal with a fee in the region of €50 million and will not entertain loan proposals, sources have confirmed to ESPN. Garnacho registered eight goals and four assists in 43 appearances during his first season at Stamford Bridge. Interest has emerged from the Premier League, Serie A and Saudi Pro League, with progress expected within two weeks.
Sources: ESPN Sky Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Spalletti Left Waiting as Juventus Stall on Kolo Muani and Emiliano Martínez Deals
Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti has been surprised by the slow progress in negotiations for both striker Randal Kolo Muani and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, with neither deal concluded by the club’s pre-season opening on July 13, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. PSG have raised their demand for Kolo Muani to around €50 million, while Juventus’ latest offer reached only €40 million on a loan-with-obligation structure. Separately, Aston Villa want more than the €6-7 million Juventus are willing to pay for Martínez, currently on Argentina duty at the World Cup. Jeff Ekhator is expected to be the only new recruit joining Spalletti’s squad at the start of pre-season.
Sources: Football Italia Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
2026 FIFA World Cup — Semifinals
Tuesday, July 14 • Arlington, TX
France vs Spain
Wednesday, July 15 • Atlanta, GA
England vs Argentina
Final • July 19 • East Rutherford, NJ
Winner Semifinal 1 vs Winner Semifinal 2
CL Qualifying Round 1
2nd legs: July 14–15 (lower-division clubs)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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