AF WC Roundup: João Gomes heading to Aston Villa, Szoboszlai extends his stay at Liverpool

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

Key Stats Board

Spain has won 5 of 6 major tournament finals in its history, 4 of them are in this century

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, Spain will face Argentina. Spain has won 5 of 6 major tournament finals in its history, and all 4 major tournament finals this century.

Messi leads World Cup chance creation with 25; four french players make top 10

After the semi-final matches of this FIFA World Cup have concluded, Squawka has compiled a list of the top 10 players who have created the most chances since the start of the tournament.

Transfer News Updates

Here we go! Romano: João Gomes to Aston Villa at €40m fee plus €5m add-ons

According to Fabrizio Romano, Joao Gomes from Wolverhampton is going to Aston Villa.

David Ornstein: Arsenal reach €40m Christos Tzolis agreement with Club Brugge

According to the famous reporter David Ornstein from the Athletic, Arsenal have reached a €40million (£34m) agreement with Club Brugge for the signing of Greek winger Christos Tzolis.

Here we go! Romano: Szoboszlai agreed to sign new 5-year deal at Liverpool, valid until June 2031

According to Fabrizio Romano, Dominik Szoboszlai has agreed to sign new deal at Liverpool.

AS: Olise to meet Bayern to discuss future, wants increased role and wage hike

Olise Demands Meeting with Bayern Officials to Clarify Future, Real Madrid Denies Contact.

Chelsea looking to hijack Man United's move for Roma midfielder Manu Kone

Chelsea are reportedly looking to rival Man United for Roma and France midfielder Manu Kone.

Cesc Fabregas' Como close to reaching Trevoh Chalobah agreement with Chelsea

Cesc Fabregas' Como are reportedly on the verge of agreeing a deal with Chelsea to sign defender Trevoh Chalobah.

Top Headlines

Official: Slovenian referee Vincic to officiate World Cup final

On July 16th, the officiating crew for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final was officially announced. Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić will officiate the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.

FIFA to award World Cup winners 30 championship rings and sell 1996 more

According to FIFA Official,FIFA will award championship rings to the members of the team that wins the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Revealed: The moment that enraged Jude Bellingham so much he slapped Argentina star after World Cup loss

The Argentina star on the receiving end of a slap from Jude Bellingham had goaded England's stars throughout their fiercely-contested World Cup semi-final clash.

Crying Jude Bellingham is consoled by his parents and WAG Ashlyn Castro after England's World Cup semi-final heartbreak

Jude Bellingham fought back tears as he was comforted by family and friends after England's World Cup campaign came to an end with a defeat to Argentina in Atlanta last night.

Official | Arsenal and Monaco target Emmanuel Mbemba joins Paris FC

Emmanuel Mbemba (18) has joined Paris FC from cross-city rivals Paris Saint-Germain, it has been confirmed.

L'Equipe: Deschamps questioned over replacing Rabiot at halftime in World Cup semifinal

After a 0-2 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, the French team failed to advance beyond the top four, while head coach Deschamps' in-game adjustments also became a focus of public opinion. According to L'Équipe, there were disagreements within the team's locker room over some substitution decisions, especially the decision to replace Rabiot at halftime while continuing to use Tchouameni, which puzzled some players.

US media: US Soccer considers retaining Pochettino after World Cup

According to U.S. media outlet B/R, the U.S. Soccer Federation is discussing keeping Pochettino as coach of the U.S. national team after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Sky: Tuchel under scrutiny after England's exit but were his substitutions really the cause?

The same feeling, but worse. England exit the World Cup with a 2-1 defeat just as they did twice under Gareth Southgate and in strikingly similar fashion to that semi-final defeat to Croatia eight years ago. They were leading but sat back and subsequently lost.

The big questions facing Thomas Tuchel and the Three Lions after losing to Argentina

After England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, Sky Sports looks at the big questions facing Thomas Tuchel and the Three Lions squad.

What They Say

Messi: Playing two World Cup finals in a row is insane

Lionel Messi labelled Argentina's achievement of reaching back-to-back World Cup finals as "insane", after their late comeback win over England.

Smug Lionel Messi gloats 'England didn't want it anymore' after sending Three Lions home from the World Cup

Lionel Messi twisted the knife at full-time as he claimed that England 'didn't want' to win a place in the World Cup final after their heartbreaking defeat to Argentina in Atlanta.

Messi: Barcelona is a team I love and always follow, so the final will be very special

In the FIFA World Cup semi-final against England, Messi provided two assists, and after the match, he accepted a media interview when he received the Player of the Match trophy.

Mac Allister: glad Klopp is coaching again, hope he brings Germany success

After Argentina advanced to the FIFA World Cup final, midfielder Mac Allister was interviewed and asked about former Liverpool manager Klopp.

Götze: Facing Messi in WC final was unforgettable: My 1st time truly understanding why he's special

Recently, in an interview with FIFA, German star Mario Götze reflected on the goal that cemented his name in history during the 2014 FIFA World Cup final, recounting what transpired in that memorable match.

Iraola: Munoz is competitive yet humble, and also versatile

In an official interview with Liverpool, head coach Iraola elaborated on the qualities he expects Muñoz to bring to the team.

Romero responds to 'stupid' Neville's criticism of Argentina defence

Cristian Romero has hit out at Gary Neville, calling the former England defender "stupid" for his criticism of Argentina's centre-back partnership.

Neville says he will not 'lump in' on Tuchel as Three Lions issues rear their head once again

Gary Neville says he will not "lump in" on the criticisms of Thomas Tuchel after England's World Cup exit to Argentina, adding that he never expected the team to win the tournament.

Tielemans: Man Utd is the perfect club for me

Youri Tielemans believes Manchester United is "the perfect club" for him at this stage of his career.

'Exciting times ahead' for Liverpool under Iraola, predicts Kerkez

Milos Kerkez believes there are "exciting times ahead" for Liverpool under Andoni Iraola as he reunites with his former boss at Anfield ahead of the 2026-27 season.