AF WC Roundup: Spain eliminate France; La Roja set their sights on New York

Welcome to the All-New AF World Cup Roundup, your One-Stop Destination for World Cup News & Updates!

Match Highlights

France 0-2 Spain: Les Bleus kicked out of the hope of champion as Oyarzabal & Porro score

European champions Spain are into the World Cup final after beating lacklustre France 2-0 in Dallas.

Key Stats Board

Mbappe Lost in Semifinal: 0 shots on target, 3 offsides, 1 successful dribble from 6 attempts

In the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, France lost 0-2 to Spain. Mbappe started and played the full match, attempting 3 shots with 0 on target, and successfully completing only 1 out of 6 dribbles.

De La Fuente Sets Record: Undefeated in First 14 Major Tournament Matches with European Team

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, Spain defeated France 2-0 to advance to the final, with De la Fuente becoming the first coach in history to remain undefeated in his first 14 major tournament matches with a European national team.

Spain dominates semifinals with 11 wins, 2 losses, 7 World Cup advancements only 1 exit

In the FIFA World Cup semifinals, Spain defeated France 2-0. In the semifinal stage, Spain's historical record is 11 advancements and 2 eliminations.

Spain wins Euro and reaches World Cup final, sets european record with 8 consecutive knockout wins

In the Canada-Mexico-USA FIFA World Cup semi-finals, Spain eliminated France 2-0, securing their 8th consecutive victory in major international tournament knockout stages, becoming the first European team to achieve this.

Olise goes scoreless against Spain & subbed early

French forward Olise was substituted in the 72nd minute of the FIFA World Cup semi-final match against Spain.

World Cup 2026: Why has England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo failed to play a single minute for Thomas Tuchel's side this summer?

Kobbie Mainoo has cut a pretty forlorn-looking figure at this World Cup. 

These Things Happen

Romano: Didier Deschamps’ cycle as France head coach comes to an end as Zidane coming

According to Fabrizio Romano, Deschamps' time at Les Bleus is over.

OFFICIAL: Man United sign 35-year-old ex-Leeds United goalkeeper Darlow on a free transfer

OFFICIAL: Manchester United sign 35-year-old ex-Leeds United goalkeeper Darlow on a free transfer

OFFICIAL:  United announce Tielemans signing until June 2031

Manchester United is pleased to confirm that Youri Tielemans has joined the club, subject to registration.

OFFICIAL: 31-year-old Trossard joins Besiktas for a total fee of 20 million euros

OFfiCIAL: 31-year-old Trossard joins Besiktas for a total fee of 20 million euros

OFFICIAL: Mason Greenwood joins Fenerbahce for a 4-year contract

Mason Greenwood is a new player for Fenerbahce.

Man United's midfield rebuild: Who is the perfect fit for third signing after Santos and Tielemans?

The saga that is Manchester United's midfield rebuild took yet another twist over the last 48 hours.

Barcelona refuse to give up on Argentina World Cup star and Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain target

Barcelona are not giving up on signing Arsenal target Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid and could raise their offer after the World Cup.

Yamal's sibling goes viral before 19 y/o's semi-final - as he opens up on his chaotic family life

Every major tournament brings a wave of excitement about the young talent poised to burst onto the scene.

Gunners explore possible swap deal involving Viktor Gyokeres in Julian Alvarez talks

The top stories and transfer rumours from Wednesday's newspapers...

Liverpool-linked Mora will 'surely be a great player', says Mac Allister

Alexis Mac Allister believes Liverpool target Gilberto Mora will "surely be a great player", as speculation continues to swirl around the teenager's future.

Argentina's Lionel Messi uses sleep method and unusual drink for peak fitness

The captain has a well-documented sleep routine and specific drink he uses to maximise his power.

Atalanta 'stunned' Man Utd pulled out of Ederson deal

Atalanta director of sport Cristiano Giuntoli admitted the club were "stunned" after Ederson's move to Manchester United fell through.

Arsenal's busy summer continues with signing of RB Leipzig's Baum

Lisa Baum has become Arsenal's fifth summer signing after the Women's Super League side announced her arrival from RB Leipzig on Tuesday. 

England vs Argentina: Lionel Messi out to emulate Diego Maradona as he plays England for first time - can they stop him?

England beat one of the hosts in their own backyard when they went to the Azteca and won with 10 men. Then they saw off Erling Haaland and his pals in the last eight. Now it is the holders and the small matter of knocking out Argentina led by Lionel Messi.

OFFICIAL: Luka Vuskovic joins Brighton from Tottenham

According to Brighton Official announcement, the club signs a 5-year contract with the 19-year-old Croatian center back Luka Vuskovic. Luka joined Croatia National Team's squad list in the World Cup 2026, he starts in the group match against England.

Ayyoub Bouaddi: Manchester City interested in Morocco and Lille wonderkid after impressive World Cup

Manchester City are showing interest in Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. 

What They Say

Deschamps: We didn't play to our level, but was the referee up to standard?

According to Tycsports, France coach Didier Deschamps admitted the team was not up to standard after losing 0-2 to Spain, and also complained about the referee.

Henry: Spain was the better team today, their systematic football brings success

FIFA World Cup semi-final, France 0-2 Spain. Henry commented on the match during the broadcast.

Rodri unhappy with referee: opponents fouled too often, Yamal knocked down over 10 times

On July 14th, in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, Spain defeated France 2-0 to advance to the final. After the match, Spanish midfielder Rodri criticized the referee in an interview.

Brazil legend Ronaldo pleads Neymar to rethink international retirement

Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario has urged Neymar not to rush into any decisions about retiring from international football following the Selecao's exit from the World Cup.

Lewandowski: after Barca, no other European club; I consulted Schweinsteiger, Muller

Lewandowski attended a press conference following his move to the Chicago Fire on Tuesday, July 14, local time.

Zabaleta: English and Argentine fans share the same love for football

Zabaleta, a former Argentine international and member of the FIFA Technical Study Group, was interviewed by FIFA.com.

Neville: Porro and Cucurella outplayed the French full-backs, while Yamal also stepped up

Spain defeated France 2-0 in the World Cup semi-final. England legend Gary Neville provided commentary on the match for ITV.

Sutton: Dembele was awful and looked like he had his boots on backwards tonight

In the World Cup semi-final, France lost 0-2 to Spain. English football legend and BBC pundit Chris Sutton said Spain gave France a "footballing lesson" and completely dominated them as they advanced emphatically to the World Cup final.

De la Fuente: Porro may have muscle overload; Yamal has no problems

De la Fuente was interviewed by Cadena COPE after Spain's victory over France in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals.

Fixtures of the Day

World Cup Semi-Final

England vs Argentina 2026/07/15 19:00 UTC