Samwise European Soccer Newsletter
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
France and Spain Meet in World Cup Semifinal Today, Vying for Final Spot
Two of European football’s greatest rivals, France and Spain, meet today in Dallas at AT&T Stadium in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal, with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m. ET. France have dominated the tournament, scoring 16 goals across six matches and keeping three consecutive clean sheets in the knockout rounds, led by Kylian Mbappé with eight goals and Ousmane Dembélé with five. Spain have conceded just once in six games, advancing via a late Mikel Merino goal past Belgium in the quarterfinals. Lamine Yamal and Rodri are identified as Spain’s keys to stopping Mbappé’s side. The winner meets England or Argentina in the final on July 19.
Sources: ESPN Sky Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Bellingham’s Brace Sends England to World Cup Semifinal Against Argentina
England face Argentina in Wednesday’s 2026 World Cup semifinal in Atlanta after Jude Bellingham’s brace sealed a 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway on July 11. Andreas Schjelderup gave Norway the lead in the 36th minute, but Bellingham equalised in stoppage time by latching onto Anthony Gordon’s cutback and firing low past Ørjan Nyland, then converted the winner after Nyland spilled a Morgan Rogers shot in extra time, his brace bringing him to six tournament goals. Argentina await after Julián Álvarez’s 112th-minute screamer helped settle a 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland. Kickoff is Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET in Atlanta.
Sources: ESPN Sky Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Manchester United Complete £50m Signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea
Manchester United have completed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50 million, with the 22-year-old agreeing a contract through 2031. The deal is structured as a guaranteed £48 million plus £2 million in performance add-ons, with Chelsea retaining a ten per cent sell-on clause, Sky Sports and ESPN confirmed on Monday. Santos requested a move from Stamford Bridge after Moisés Caicedo agreed a new long-term deal at Chelsea, limiting the Brazilian’s prospects of regular first-team football. Director of football Jason Wilcox confirmed Santos was United’s key midfield target. Manager Michael Carrick’s side had missed out on Mateus Fernandes before pivoting to Santos.
Sources: Sky Sports ESPN Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Manchester United’s £38m Deal for Atalanta’s Éderson Stalls Over Medical Concerns
Manchester United’s proposed £38 million transfer of Atalanta midfielder Éderson has stalled following concerns raised during the player’s medical examination, Sky Sports reported on Tuesday. The deal broke down after the second stage of the medical process, conducted in England following an initial examination in the United States where Éderson had been competing with Brazil at the World Cup. United raised concerns over the Brazilian’s right knee, which previously underwent an arthroscopic procedure to address meniscus inflammation. Atalanta strongly disputed the findings, insisting there are no physical issues with the player. AC Milan have emerged as an alternative destination for Éderson, per Goal.com.
Sources: Sky Sports Goal.com Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Arsenal Intensify Pursuit of Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez
Arsenal have intensified their pursuit of Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez as sporting director Andrea Berta moves to secure the club’s primary attacking target before pre-season, Sky Sports reported. The Gunners have positioned themselves as the leading candidate after Atlético declined to sell to Barcelona, with Paris Saint-Germain also among the interested clubs. Berta’s prior working relationship with Atlético is expected to aid negotiations, though the Madrid club are demanding more than €100 million for the Argentine, who registered 20 goals and nine assists in 49 appearances last season. Manager Mikel Arteta intends to deploy Álvarez on the left of the attack rather than as a traditional centre-forward.
Sources: Sky Sports ESPN Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Aston Villa Hijack Newcastle’s Move for Freiburg Midfielder Johan Manzambi
Aston Villa are finalising a deal to sign Switzerland midfielder Johan Manzambi from Freiburg, derailing a Newcastle United move that had appeared complete, Sky Sports reported on Tuesday. Newcastle had agreed a package worth more than £50 million with Freiburg, but Manzambi’s preference for Champions League football swayed his decision to Villa Park. Villa’s interest intensified following Amadou Onana’s knee ligament injury during Belgium’s World Cup campaign. Manzambi, who helped Switzerland reach the World Cup quarterfinals before losing 3-1 to Argentina, becomes the tenth player in two years to turn down Newcastle for a rival Premier League club, per Sky Sports.
Sources: Sky Sports Goal.com Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
2026 FIFA World Cup — Semifinals
Today — July 14
France vs Spain — 3 p.m. ET, Dallas (AT&T Stadium)
Wednesday — July 15
England vs Argentina — 3 p.m. ET, Atlanta
Route to Semis
France 2–0 Morocco (QF, Jul 9)
Spain 2–1 Belgium (QF, Jul 10)
England 2–1 Norway AET (QF, Jul 11)
Argentina 3–1 Switzerland AET (QF, Jul 11)
Final
Sunday, July 19 — East Rutherford, NJ
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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