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The Soccer Gods owe us an apology. France vs. Spain, the two teams with the best odds of winning the tournament — the reigning World Cup finalists against the reigning European champions — is happening Tuesday in Dallas, and it’s a semifinal. This is the game the whole world has been waiting to see, arriving one round too soon. Let’s be honest about recent form: France has the upper hand, and it isn’t as close as we thought it was two months ago. Didier Deschamps’ side has been an impenetrable machine. Five multi-goal wins in six matches, a third consecutive semifinal (only Germany and Brazil have ever done that), and a 2-0 dismantling of Morocco in Boston that never once felt in doubt. Kylian Mbappé missed a penalty in that game, his first failed spot kick for France since Euro 2020, shrugged, scored anyway, then assisted Ousmane Dembélé six minutes later. That’s the tournament he’s having. When the mistakes turn into brilliance, the rest of the field is playing for second. And what about the history aspect? Mbappé sits on 20 career World Cup goals, one behind Lionel Messi’s all-time record of 21 — a record Messi has been extending in real time. Mbappé has scored in every knockout game France has played. His 12 career knockout-stage goals are already a record on their own. He could equal or pass the greatest scoring mark in World Cup history on Tuesday, against Spain, with a final on the line. It’s a scriptwriter’s dream. Spain, meanwhile, did not have a cakewalk against Belgium. Luis de la Fuente’s team dominated the ball in Los Angeles — 68% possession, more than two expected goals to Belgium’s 0.38 — and still needed an 88th-minute gift to survive. Charles De Ketelaere’s header just before halftime was the first goal Spain had conceded all summer, snapping a record 650-minute World Cup scoreless streak. Then Thibaut Courtois limped off in tears, backup Senne Lammens spilled a routine save, and Mikel Merino, the match-winner against Portugal, did it again and buried the rebound. La Roja are in their first semifinal since 2010, riding a 36-game unbeaten run that sits one short of Italy’s all-time record of 37. Impressive numbers, eh? But Fabián Ruiz’s opener aside, this was a team struggling to turn possession into goals or excitement. Which brings us to Lamine Yamal The 18-year-old tore his hamstring scoring a penalty against Celta Vigo in April, missed the rest of Barcelona’s title run, and arrived at this World Cup racing against the calendar. He’s played six matches, the most ever by a player 18 or under at a World Cup, and he’s had his moments, testing Courtois and Lammens repeatedly on Friday. But the full Euro 2024 version, the kid who bent entire defenses sideways? We’ve seen flashes, that’s about it. Whether that’s rust, the hamstring, or the natural caution of a teenager managing his own body, Spain needs him at 100% on Tuesday. The evidence says he isn’t there. That’s the tension in this game. Spain will have the ball (they always have the ball) and France will wait, coiled, with Mbappé and Dembélé ready to turn one loose touch into a sprint at goal. Michael Olise, quietly the tournament’s best creator with five assists, will find them. Ask Morocco how that ends. Spain’s control is real, but control without conversion against this France team is just a longer way to lose. One more thing, because the Soccer Gods clearly have a sense of the occasion: Tuesday is July 14. France will play for a place in the World Cup final on Bastille Day. Storm the castle or defend it. Either way, don’t blink.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Spain advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday, but its latest victory joined a list of unimpressive performances that it’s had during this tournament. “I don’t know if it’s a great team,” Alexi Lalas said on Friday’s “State of the Union.” “The rhythm and the beauty, for lack of a better word, that we’ve associated with them has not yet really found its way in this tournament. Spain narrowly beat Belgium 2-1 in their quarterfinals matchup on Friday, with goals from Fabián Ruiz and Mikel Merino, the latter of whom scored the 88th-minute match-winner. In the background of it all was Lamine Yamal, who went a fourth-straight match without recording a goal contribution. “Lamine Yamal, once again, was stymied,” Lalas said. “That’s a credit to Belgium, but he’s yet to have a breakout type of game.” Luis de la Fuente has continued to count on Yamal due to the 18-tear-old’s unquestionable talent, but Yamal’s teammates have put pressure on him with their performances off of the bench. “He plays on a team with plenty of talent, including the ability to make changes that come on and obviously affected the game here,” Lalas said. But Spain’s problems on offense go far beyond Yamal. The goal Spain gave up on Friday was the first it conceded all tournament, but Yamal and the Spanish attack have largely underwhelmed. Spain has scored 11 goals in six matches, but has scored two or fewer goals in four of its matches. Yamal has been front-and-center of those scoring struggles. He’s only scored once in this tournament and has yet to record an assist, logging an xG (expected goals) of 1.54 and xA (expected assists) of 1.01. And even though Yamal won Man of the Match on Friday, he struggled to get quality touches in the box. Just two of his six shots were on target, too. Lalas didn’t go as far as to say that Yamal should be benched against France. However, he implied that Spain got lucky with its win on Friday, considering that Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois departed the game in the 71st minute due to injury. “It’s not just taking off a goalkeeper; it’s taking off one of the great goalkeepers in the world,” Lalas said. “And, as the soccer Gods would have it, it ultimately leads to the goal that Spain wins the game on. Spain goes on. What more can you say about this game?” As Lalas alluded to, Spain scored the game-winning goal in the 88th minute when Mikel Merino buried a rebound opportunity after Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lemmens failed to corral a save. Still, Spain is in the semifinals for the first time since it won the World Cup in 2010. It’s also going up against a France squad that it has fared well against in recent years, winning its last two matches against France. One of those matches was the semifinals at UEFA Euro 2024, and Yamal has won all five knockout stage matches against Kylian Mbappé in his career (including club). But as Yamal and Spain might feel confident ahead of Tuesday’s semifinal, France has arguably looked like the best team of the tournament. Les Bleus have won their first six matches, outscoring their opponents by 14 goals so far. That’s why Lalas believes Spain is an underdog to France in the semifinal. “Based on this tournament’s performance, I wouldn’t put it at 50/50, but I wouldn’t put it out of the realm of possibility that Spain wins,” Lalas said. “You can even hear them in the way they were talking after the game about what is to come. They certainly don’t fear France, nor should they. They’ve matched up well against them. “But this particular version of Spain, in this particular moment, if you compare and contrast with what France is, I think the logical conclusion is that the favorite is France. So, I don’t think it’s a 50/50 proposition.”​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Murat Yakin was prepared for the first question. “How can you stop [Lionel] Messi?” a reporter asked Switzerland’s manager one day before his side takes on defending champion Argentina in the World Cup quarterfinals. “This is a very surprising question,” Yakin said, laughing. “First of all, there are many solutions, and we’ll try to find the best solution,” Yakin continued via an interpreter on Friday morning from Kansas City. “Tomorrow on the pitch, we will perform as a unit. We will try to make good passes and press high. We can talk a lot, but in the end, [we have to perform] on the pitch.” The 39-year-old Messi has scored eight goals in five matches at this World Cup, defying age while producing one of the most extraordinary tournaments of his career — and one of the greatest individual performances ever. The Argentine captain hasn’t hidden his emotions along the way. In the round of 16 against Egypt, he missed a first-half penalty before redeeming himself with an assist on Cristian Romero’s 79th-minute goal. Four minutes later, Messi found the equalizer himself, setting the stage for Enzo Fernández’s stoppage-time header that completed Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 comeback. He was in tears after the match. “I don’t know if we can stop him over 90 minutes,” Swiss captain Granit Xhaka said of Messi on Friday, via interpretation. “It’s going to be very difficult. We have to be smart. We’ll have to be compact, close the gaps and not give him too many spaces. We will try, obviously, to play in possession when we have the ball, and he won’t be able to act as much. We’ll just try to play our game and not allow him to play the ball.” Switzerland has not reached a World Cup quarterfinal in 72 years. The last time was in 1954, when it hosted the tournament and lost 7-5 to Austria in what is still the highest-scoring match in World Cup history. Four players combined for all 12 goals, with two recording hat tricks and two others scoring braces. Saturday marks the first World Cup meeting between Switzerland and Argentina since 2014, when the nations met in the round of 16 in Brazil. Argentina won, 1-0, in extra time thanks to Ángel Di María’s 118th-minute winner, assisted by Messi. That was Xhaka’s first World Cup. “It was not the most pleasant moment,” Xhaka, 33, said. “I think we performed very well. We could have scored — we should have scored. Now, 12 years later, we are back and this time, we will try to win against Argentina. “We have a new team, a new mentality and a new generation of players. Football in Switzerland has improved a lot, and tomorrow we will try to really bother Argentina. We have become stronger — not only in this tournament, but in the last couple of years.” Switzerland enters this showdown unbeaten, winning four of its five matches at this World Cup and drawing the opener against Qatar. The squad is fresh off a tense round of 16 battle, defeating Colombia in a penalty shootout. Argentina, meanwhile, has been challenged in its last two knockout matches. The defending champions were pushed to the brink of a penalty shootout against debutant Cape Verde in the round of 32 before rallying from behind to defeat Egypt. Both games were considered among the best — and most thrilling — of the tournament so far. The Swiss are keenly aware of how La Albiceleste have been able to find a way in the final moments. Xhaka’s message to his squad is that they need to “bring our A game.” “We’ve tried to bring this mentality to Switzerland that it’s not over until the referee’s [final] whistle,” said Xhaka, who plays for Premier League club Sunderland and is familiar with many of the players on Argentina’s roster. “Just go all in, try to come back, try to bring the hunger to win the games, and I think Argentina can be a big example of what we can do as well in our future, and maybe tomorrow as well.” Beating Argentina would be a monumental achievement for Switzerland, which has never been to a World Cup semifinal. “I am not here to talk,” Xhaka said. “I want to take the next steps, and we’re very close to the end. I’m yearning for it, I am hungry, and now we just need to show how much we really want it on the pitch. “I am a person who always dreams and dreams can come true,” the captain added. “You need to work, you need to sweat, you need to give it 100 percent. And sometimes, you need to do something new. You really need to push your limits if you want to beat Argentina, and I’m convinced my team is ready.”​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Saturday’s quarterfinal match between England and Norway displays the world’s most prolific strikers in Harry Kane and Erling Haaland. So, who’s better? FOX Sports’ Javier Hernández and Peter Schmeichel split their votes while acknowledging the quality of both players. “Harry Kane,” Hernández said. “The difference is tiny. They’re both amazing strikers all around, but definitely in my team, I want an all-around player like Harry Kane. We saw that play against my home country. The way that he played, the way that England played, England is getting better each day. What Erling Haaland has done at his age is just unbelievable.” At 25 years old, Haaland has scored 62 goals in 54 career games for Norway. For Manchester City, Haaland recorded 27 goals and eight assists in 35 Premier League matches last season. Schmeichel, while he would like to choose both, his argument swayed towards the young goalscorer for Norway. “Both,” Schmeichel initially said, before admitting, “I’ll take Haaland. The reason for that, he is younger and can play for many, many more years. But I have to say, they are different players, and what they do for the team is so different.” Kane’s six goals and Haaland’s seven in this World Cup both lead their teams at this World Cup, putting them firmly in the race for the Golden Boot. Norway reached their first-ever World Cup quarterfinal game, while Kane claimed the title as England’s all-time World Cup goalscorer against Panama. It has been a historic tournament for both. Norway’s attack also includes captain Martin Ødegaard and winger Antonio Nusa, who have contributed to their success. Ødegaard has three assists, while Nusa scored one of the best goals of the tournament against the Ivory Coast. Kane has fellow star Jude Bellingham alongside him, with the Real Madrid man scoring twice against Mexico. Kane is also fighting all over the field, getting a big block late in England’s 2-1 win over DR Congo and also putting in a defensive shift against Mexico when the Three Lions were down to 10 men. “Every time they need them,” Schmeichel said, “they are the guys who bring whatever they need to the (field). I think Harry Kane is a more all-around player. Erling Haaland is someone who is just happy to walk around, wait for the ball, and when it comes, he executes. “Harry goes a little bit deep, takes part in play, assists for other players, and is a much more mature striker in that sense, a very different striker. After that game (against Mexico), I think we all agreed that he is the best striker in the world, Harry Kane.”​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

While Erling Haaland’s on-field performance has established Norway at this World Cup, his off-field personality and digital presence have further catapulted his status. On the field, Haaland has scored seven goals in four matches, positioning himself at the center of the race for the tournament Golden Boot. He remains locked in a tight competition with Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Harry Kane as Norway prepares to face England in the quarterfinals. His scoring output includes a winner in the 86th minute against the Ivory Coast in the round of 32 and a two-goal performance to defeat Brazil 2-1 in the round of 16. Haaland’s interactions with the public have frequently gone viral online throughout the tournament. Ahead of the round of 16 match against Brazil, a video captured Haaland tapping a young mascot on the shoulder to shake his hand, leading the child to smile and exclaim, “Haaland!” in response. The forward has actively engaged with American sports and culture during his travels. After attending the deciding game of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Vegas Golden Knights, Haaland noted that hearing the American national anthem gave him goosebumps. When asked about the growing American fan base, he expressed mutual appreciation, stating, “It’s a good thing,” he added. “I like Americans. They’re hilarious. I like the way they are.” Following Norway’s victory in Dallas, he visited Wild Bill’s Western Store to buy multiple cowboy hats customized with his initials and jersey number, alongside a pair of snake-skin boots. “Look at this loser, drinking water,” some of Haaland’s teammates said, teasing him in the shop. “They complain when I order [water], but when I score goals they zip it up,” Haaland responded while he donned his cowboy hat and wore a shirt that read, “Y’all can kiss my Dallas.” Norway’s fans and players have embraced their heritage, making the synchronized Viking row chant a recognizable sight in places like Times Square. The team even participated in a promotional photo shoot by a fjord dressed as Norse warriors before departing for the tournament. After the victory over Brazil, Norway captain Martin Ødegaard handed Haaland the drumstick so the striker could lead the fans in the celebration from the pitch. This connection with the American audience has extended to network television. Haaland appeared on FOX’s “After Hours” with James Corden, who challenged the striker to non-football-related activities such as chess and painting. The show also featured Haaland competing against a youth table tennis champion and playing shuffleboard against his partner, Isabel Haugseng Johansen. During his appearance on “After Hours,” the conversation turned to his signature long hair. When asked about his hairstyle and whether he would consider cutting it, Haaland revealed advice he received from a legendary forward. “Zlatan, you know what he told me? ‘Never cut your hair because the strength is in the hair,'” Haaland said. “What can I do? I have to listen to him, no?” Haaland’s commercial reach has expanded alongside his World Cup performance. He was featured in Nike’s tournament commercial alongside LeBron James and Kim Kardashian, with Hollywood actor Channing Tatum serving as his comedic body double. This visibility has translated into major social media growth. His Instagram account has over 60 million followers, up from 40 million before the tournament; his public Snapchat account has over five million subscribers and his YouTube channel, where he has been documenting his experiences at the World Cup, has nearly three million subscribers. The viral footprint of the Norwegian team extended directly into the digital space earlier this week when Haaland shared a brief message on his X account. “One thing to do today… search my name on Google” to alert fans to an interactive feature developed by the search engine. When users searched for Erling Haaland on the platform, a custom animation triggers at the bottom of the screen. The feature displays animated characters wearing Norwegian flags performing the synchronized Viking row celebration that has followed the team’s victories throughout the tournament. The digital tribute arrived as online interest in the forward reached record levels during the tournament. Haaland has scored seven goals in five matches, matching the long-standing record set by Poland’s Grzegorz Lato in 1974 for the most goals scored by a player in a debut World Cup campaign. The combination of his scoring output and off-field content has made the team’s traditional celebrations globally recognizable, yet despite the massive personal brand growth, Haaland has seemingly not let the extra attention get to his head. Norway enters the quarterfinals with the opportunity to reach the semifinals for the first time in its history, but despite his surging popularity across the United States, Haaland maintains a remarkably modest outlook on Norway’s tournament prospects. “To play in the World Cup, play on the biggest stage, against the best teams in the world, it’s very special,” Haaland told reporters ahead of the quarterfinal match against England. Before the round-of-16 matchup against Brazil, he was asked about his team’s chances of defeating the five-time world champions. “Uh … very slim,” Haaland said. After he scored twice to secure the 2-1 upset, reporters asked if his outlook on winning the tournament had shifted ahead of the quarterfinal against England. “Really low, still,” Haaland told reporters. This low-profile stance appears to be a calculated effort to alleviate expectations of him and his teammates and redirect the spotlight toward tournament heavyweights. “I think there’s some clear favorites out there, England’s one of them. I think all of you should put every single pressure on the English lads,” Haaland said. That relaxed mindset has been consistent throughout the campaign. Even before resting on the bench during a 4-1 group-stage loss to France, Haaland remained unfazed. “I couldn’t care too much about that game now. They are probably going to win against us; they’re probably going to win the whole tournament,” Haaland said before Norway faced France. With a spot in the semifinals on the line on Saturday in Miami, the striker is fully aware of the magnitude of the moment for his home country, even if he refuses to buy into the championship predictions. “Playing against Brazil was kind of crazy for us Norwegians. And to win against Brazil, and then go and play England in the quarterfinals in the World Cup in the USA is quite special,” Haaland said.  “And think if you watch the scenes back in Norway, this is not normal for Norway … it’s super special.”​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

On Friday in Los Angeles, Spain extended its fantastic record against Belgium, leaving it late once again. Goals from Fabián Ruiz and a stoppage-time winner from super-sub Mikel Merino secured a 2-1 victory and a place in the 2026 World Cup semifinals. Spain has now gone 12 matches unbeaten against Belgium, including six straight wins with an aggregate score of 14–1. It is also unbeaten in 35 matches in all competitions, matching its longest ever streak. For Belgium, the odds were always against Rudi Garcia’s side due to some notable injuries, including goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois having to leave the match with an apparent leg injury. The Red Devils did deliver a physical and inspiring encounter, pushing their opponent and even scoring, which was the first time Spain had conceded at the World Cup. In fact, it was the first World Cup goal it had conceded in 649 minutes. Ultimately, it’s Spain in the semifinals, its first such appearance at the World Cup since 2010 — when La Roja won it all. Here are my takeaways from Spain’s World Cup quarterfinal win over Belgium. 1. Mikel Merino To The Rescue … AGAIN! It took the Arsenal midfielder six minutes to score the winner in stoppage time against Portugal in the round of 16, but he apparently thought that took too long. So, on Friday, he did it again in just less than two minutes. It was just another example of Merino’s incredible ability to secure winners — for club and country — when they needed him the most. It’s also important to remember that the 30-year-old is not a striker, but Luis de la Fuente, just like Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, knows too well the poaching and scoring threat he can introduce to any match. 2. Belgium Went Through Hell When it rains, it pours. For Belgium, the issues started before kickoff as midfielder Amadou Onana’s ACL injury was already going to be a problem for Garcia’s midfield needs. But then, his Aston Villa teammate Youri Tielemans also suffered a knock in the warmup, so now the Red Devils had massive roles to cover in the center of the pitch. And against Spain, who possess a starting midfield potency of Manchester City’s Rodri, PSG’s Fabián Ruiz and Barcelona’s Dani Olmo, not having Tielemans was a huge blow. Consequently, as Belgium kept fighting, its goalkeeper, arguably the best in the game, Real Madrid star Courtois, had to come off in the 71st minute. Things were just not going to get easier for the Red Devils. It was forced to play a very direct, counter-attacking match, and it was actually a great strategy against Spain. It even kept it at 1-1 until Merino popped up in the right place at the right time. Still, the likes of Belgium defenders Nathan Ngoy and Brandon Mechele had their best performances. 3. Jérémy Doku vs. Lamine Yamal Was Excellent We are usually familiar with Doku’s work on the ball and ability to terrorize defenders, but Friday’s performance was about more than just that. The Premier League star had to play an extra role in helping his teammates, especially left back Maxim De Cuyper, in completing the daunting task of slowing down Yamal on Spain’s right wing. Doku worked extremely hard to ensure protection against the Barcelona phenom and, for the most part, it worked as Yamal was unable to score. The 18-year-old was still a threat, but Doku made sure his adversary did not produce a familiar highlight of magic. It was a selfless performance. 4. Spain Now Prepares For Its Biggest Test: France Aside from earning the victory, Merino’s winner was also a welcome moment for Spain because it kept the team from playing extra time. That’s even more important since France will have an extra day of rest going into next Tuesday’s matchup. De La Fuente’s team will surely take every moment of recovery that it can get. This will hopefully be an encounter of massive proportions. If it’s anything like last year’s Nations League semifinal, it will be full of fireworks, as that particular match ended 5-4 in favor of Spain. This will be their first World Cup encounter since 2006, when France came out with a 3-1 win and ended up losing to Italy in the final after the infamous Zidane headbutt over Marco Materazzi.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

U.S. Soccer on Thursday named Steve Cherundolo as the head coach for the U-23 Olympic team that will compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The team will soon begin preparing for the Olympics during the coming international windows, and the task at hand is enormously important to the full national team. With the U.S. men’s national team’s exit from the 2026 World Cup, many of the team’s most important players will be exiting their prime years during the upcoming World Cup cycle. Many of these players have been together since shortly after the team failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Regardless of who the coach is, the new cycle will require heavy turnover. The 2028 Olympic team will be essential in filling those openings on the full national team, as many of the top young American players will participate in a major FIFA youth competition. The U.S. is not alone in prioritizing this tournament, as the 2026 World Cup has shown how top countries have benefited from the Olympics. France’s current World Cup team is boosted by seven players from its 2024 Olympic team. Spain’s World Cup team has six players from its 2024 Olympic team (not including Fermín López, who would have made this World Cup team if not for injury). Meanwhile, Morocco had six players who made the transition from the 2024 Olympics to the 2026 World Cup team (although Abde Ezzalzouli withdrew due to injury after being named to the World Cup team). U.S. Soccer understands this. “There’s a lot of data that suggests that success in youth World Cups and in Olympic cycles on the men’s side creates accelerated player development and creates the conditions for success in subsequent World Cups,” U.S. Soccer COO Dan Helfrich said in May. “You will see us strategically investing more attention and resources and focus on the youth national team games program, on elevating the men’s Olympic team to prepare us to be in the best competitive position,” he added. “I think those things will have a significant role in the competitive preparation for our future men’s World Cup and other major tournament performances.” Cherundolo’s Pragmatic Approach Steve Cherundolo has about as strong a resume as you can reasonably expect for a U-23 Olympic team coach. As a player, he was a very important player for both Hannover 96 in Germany and the U.S. national team, where he had 87 caps, with his best performances coming at the 2010 World Cup, where he became a fan favorite. He began his coaching career at the youth levels of Hannover and later as an assistant for Germany’s U-15 national team. He later returned stateside to coach Los Angeles FC from 2022-2025, where he won both the MLS Cup and the Supporters Shield in 2022 and the U.S. Open Cup in 2024. In 2025, he led LAFC to an impressive win over Club America to qualify for the Club World Cup. Cherundolo’s LAFC teams featured a balanced mix of high pressing, solid defensive organization, and quick transitions often led by top MLS wingers such as Denis Bouanga and Carlos Vela. In possession, Cherundolo was often pragmatic and flexible, using either 4-3-3 or 3-4-3 formations depending on the game or the opponent. That adaptability could be useful for the U.S. U-23 team, as it is unclear what the strengths of that roster will be. Key U-23 Players The explosive Real Salt Lake winger/wing back is arguably the top teenager prospect in the American system, and he was reportedly close to making the 2026 World Cup team. The former Inter Miami homegrown midfielder is fully with Parma and won the Golden Boot at the 2025 U-20 World Cup. The San Jose Earthquakes attacking midfielder was at a high level this season before an injury. He could drive the Olympic team’s attack. The New England Revolution left wing/left back is also one of the top teenagers in MLS and is a very good wide player. The Barcelona backup goalkeeper is likely the Olympic starter and a player many hope will eventually push onto the full national team. He is now on loan at Lyngby in Denmark. The 18-year-old New York Red Bulls forward has 12 goals in 2026 and could already be the best U-23 center forward. The 17-year-old midfielder has also been instrumental to the youth movement at the New York Red Bulls, where he is a regular starter who is exceptionally mature for his age. The former Louisville SC and current Benfica central defender has been a staple of U.S. youth teams for years. He desperately needs more first-team minutes, but he remains the best option at his position. Over-Age Players Will Be Key The Olympic team is a U-23 event, but teams are allowed three overage players. That is typically where teams find difference makers. The challenge for this team is that the full national team could be playing in the Copa América. Ideally, this team needs an over-age central defender (as is typical), a defensive midfielder, and an attacker. It will ultimately come down to what the federation and individual players want to prioritize. It is unlikely a player will play in both tournaments. Rebuilding Public Enthusiasm Even beyond the on-field benefits of this tournament, the Olympics are immensely popular with the American public. Having a tournament on home soil is another opportunity to endear the team to the American public. The Olympics would offer an opportunity beyond just developing players for the future. The Copa América is a huge tournament, but the Olympics have always been deeply connected with Americans. Winning a medal would be something that fans care about, and that is something the men’s program has not been able to deliver that very often. Playing at the Rose Bowl with an Olympic medal on the line would be a special moment for the program.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

France star Kylian Mbappé has done nothing but stack his numbers every time he takes the stage at the World Cup. As he does so, he’s either on the precipice or already matching all-time records at the World Cup. So, with Mbappé already approaching some historic marks in the history of the World Cup, is he the best player to ever play in the tournament? Well, FOX Sports’ Peter Crouch thinks Mbappé is well on his way to becoming the World Cup’s GOAT. “Mbappé, the numbers are becoming ridiculous. I’m going [to say he’s] potentially the greatest ever World Cup player,” Crouch said of Mbappé after France’s 2-0 win over Morocco. “27 years old, [he has the] most knockout goals, he’s got 20 goals, one behind Messi. He’s potentially playing in three World Cup finals if they get to the final, scored a hat trick in the final that France didn’t win. The numbers are stacking up.” Mbappé entered the 2026 FIFA World Cup looking to make the final for the third time in as many tournament appearances. While this marks Mbappé’s first World Cup captaining France, he’s also set some records along the way. After he scored in Thursday’s win, Mbappé now has 20 goals at the World Cup, which are the second-most ever. He’s also the first player to score eight goals in two separate World Cups. As Mbappé continues to add to his World Cup résumé, FOX Sports’ Stu Holden also thinks the France star is entering a category of his own. “At 19, he was the first teenager to win the World Cup since Pele. He’s different,” Holden added. “He has it all. When I see him playing at this level, he’s playing a different game than others. I know we all love Messi, but I feel like by the time Mbappé is done, he could be the greatest of all time.” In terms of goals, Lionel Messi is the only player Mbappé is chasing in World Cup history. Messi’s the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer with 21. But Messi also has a few other World Cup records to his name, like the most consecutive World Cup matches with a goal (nine) and the most World Cup assists of all-time (nine). However, Messi’s played in twice as many World Cups (six) as Mbappé (three). So, Mbappé certainly has time to catch up to the 39-year-old Messi’s records, if he hasn’t by the end of the 2026 World Cup. And Thursday was another day where Mbappé’s tenacity was on full display. Following a scoreless first half, Mbappé scored one of the goals of the tournament in the second half to give his side a 1-0 lead. Ousmane Dembélé followed suit shortly after with his fifth goal this tournament in the 66th minute to send France to the semifinals. Even if it took Mbappé 60 minutes to score against a competitive Morocco team, FOX Sports’ Kasper Schmeichel knew that he was not going to let up until he found the net. “It’s an absolutely phenomenal record. He wasn’t going to be denied today,” Schmeichel said of Mbappé’s growing list of World Cup marks. “His goal was exceptional, the skill and the vision. He is absolutely deserving of all the praise he gets, and he is absolutely undeserving of all the criticism he gets.”​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Lamine Yamal has become one of the most compelling stories at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The generational prodigy first captured global attention during Spain’s championship run at Euro 2024, where he earned Young Player of the Tournament honors just one day after turning 17. Now 18, the FC Barcelona forward is continuing his rapid ascent on the world stage in North America. Yamal scored his first career World Cup goal during a 4-0 group-stage win over Saudi Arabia and followed it up with an outstanding performance against Austria, earning Man of the Match honors in the round of 32. It is the latest chapter for a player who has consistently shattered records, including becoming Barcelona’s youngest-ever debutant and Spain’s youngest-ever goalscorer. Raised in the humble Rocafonda neighborhood of Mataró, he was famously bathed by Lionel Messi in a 2007 charity photoshoot. He later shattered records as Barcelona’s youngest-ever debutant and Spain’s youngest-ever goalscorer. Let’s dive deeper in into the lore of Lamine Yamal: The Meaning Behind The Name While soccer fans know him simply as Lamine Yamal, his given names carry a deep personal meaning. His full name is Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana, with Lamine and Yamal serving as two distinct first names. In Arabic, Lamine translates to “the trustworthy,” while Yamal means “beauty.” In the months leading up to his birth in Catalonia, Yamal’s family faced severe financial hardships and emotional uncertainty. During this difficult period, two local neighbors stepped forward to offer financial aid to help keep the expectant family afloat. His parents chose the names to honor two individuals who provided critical emotional and financial support to the family in the months leading up to his birth. Meeting Messi As A Baby Long before he began rewriting the record books for Barcelona, Yamal shared a chance encounter with the club’s greatest icon. In 2007, local newspaper Diario Sport and UNICEF organized a charity raffle in Mataró. Yamal’s family won the raffle, earning a spot in a calendar photoshoot. The resulting session featured a 20-year-old Lionel Messi holding a six-month-old Yamal in a plastic baby bathtub inside the Camp Nou dressing room. The images went viral years later, presenting a prophetic passing of the torch as Yamal began his own career at Barcelona. Raised In Rocafonda Yamal was raised in Rocafonda, a working-class neighborhood in Mataró, Catalonia. His father emigrated from Morocco and his mother from Equatorial Guinea. Despite his sudden rise to global fame, Yamal remains deeply connected to his roots. When Yamal scores a goal, he often celebrates by flashing the number 304 with his fingers. The gesture represents the final digits of 08304, the postal code for Rocafonda, serving as a permanent tribute to his hometown. Growing up in this working-class enclave, Yamal learned to play football on concrete pitches and narrow streets, developing the brilliant, unpredictable flair that defines his game today. For the youth of Rocafonda and similar working-class communities across Europe, he is living proof that greatness can emerge from anywhere. The Rise Of Yamal Yamal’s footballing journey accelerated quickly after he was scouted at age 6. Yamal progressed through Barcelona’s La Masia academy at an unprecedented pace, making his professional debut for the first team at just 15 years old. His international breakthrough came at Euro 2024, where he became the youngest player and youngest goalscorer in the tournament’s history as Spain went on to claim the title. Alongside Barcelona teammate Pau Cubarsí, he recently made more history against Austria, becoming part of the first teenage duo to start a World Cup knockout match together since Pelé and José Altafini did so for Brazil in 1958. Global Superstardom Yamal’s rapid ascent to the top of the footballing world has already translated into massive individual fame. He has quickly become the centerpiece of major marketing campaigns for global brands like Adidas and McDonald’s. His digital footprint is equally staggering; with over 45 million Instagram followers, he commands a larger audience than Shohei Ohtani, Patrick Mahomes, and Roger Federer combined. This immense star power was perfectly captured last month in Atlanta, where a massive Powerade advertisement featuring Yamal draped the side of a 42-story downtown hotel. The 18-year-old phenom proved he is worth the hype, scoring Spain’s opening goal of the World Cup in a dominant win over Saudi Arabia. Days earlier, video clips of Yamal shopping at a Walmart in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, garnered millions of views on social media. Shifting the record books is already second nature for the teenager, who captured the Kopa Trophy, the prestigious global award crowning the world’s best player under the age of 21, and shattered history as the youngest-ever nominee for the Ballon d’Or at 17. Yet, his true impact isn’t just measured by the individual hardware in his trophy case, but in his ability to take over games and terrorize defenses in the blink of an eye. As Spain marches into the high-stakes pressure cooker of the World Cup knockout rounds, the “wonderkid” label has officially been outgrown. Yamal is the engine of Spain’s championship ambitions, and undeniably one of the most influential titans in global sports today, regardless of age.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

A trip to the semifinals is on the line when Spain and Belgium meet on Friday at Los Angeles Stadium in the second quarterfinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As the reigning European Champions and having not conceded a goal through five games at this tournament, Spain enters this game as the clear favorites. But Belgium will not be an easy opponent after the team has come to life in its last three games, where it has scored 12 goals. This could be a hard-fought game, with the winner taking on a very powerful French team. Here is everything you need to know for Friday at the World Cup: Spain vs. Belgium When: Friday, July 10, 3 p.m. ET Where: Los Angeles Stadium TV: FOX Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One After two lackluster draws to begin the tournament, Belgium’s offense has taken its game to another level in the last three games, including a 5-1 win over New Zealand, a 3-2 win over Senegal and, most recently, a 4-1 win over the United States. The Red Devils have received a balanced scoring attack during this run, with Charles De Ketelaere, Leandro Trossard and Youri Tielemans all scoring twice, with Romelu Lukaku also adding three as a substitute. Belgium has also received five goals from substitutes at this World Cup, allowing it to attack effectively for the entire 90 minutes. Head coach Rudi Garcia’s team has been scoring goals with ease, but now must attempt to break through against a defense that has conceded no goals at this World Cup. There are many decisions that Garcia faces. Veteran midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, 35, is not fully match-fit and was rested in the win over the United States. But Garcia might feel the need to start him as the Napoli man has the unique skill to break lines with his passes and create chances against the run of play. Garcia also faces a question at center forward. De Ketelaere was the Man of the Match against the United States with two first-half goals to set the pace for a blowout win. But veteran Napoli forward Romelu Lukaku, 33, has been excellent off the bench, and he offers a more physically powerful option to go against Spain’s elite defense. So much has been made of Spain’s elite defense at this World Cup, with five clean sheets to get the team through. What is even more impressive is that Spain’s defense has excelled under the pressure of close games, not just blowouts. In the round of 16, Spain defeated Portugal, 1-0, with Mikel Merino only finding a winner in second half stoppage time. A major factor behind the team’s defense is its elite possession, led by Pedri and Rodri, who are arguably the best central midfielder pairing at this World Cup. But the team’s offense needs to pick up as it is not close to the level it showed two years ago at the European Championships when it scored 15 goals in wins over Croatia, Italy, Germany, France and England en route to the title. Luis de la Fuente’s team has been excellent at this World Cup, but is still capable of a lot more in the attack. Defense has been carrying the day for Spain, but there will come a time when it needs to be the other way around. Players To Watch The Arsenal winger has arguably been Belgium’s best player at this World Cup with two goals and two assists so far in the tournament (with those goal contributions all coming in the last three games). He has been instrumental in taking shots and creating chances. He could be the Red Devils’ most important option in trying to break down Spain’s impenetrable defense. Spain will eventually be required to score more goals to have a realistic chance of winning the title. It will not be able to completely defend its way through the World Cup. Barcelona’s Yamal, 18, is the best teenager in the game and has already been nominated for the Ballon d’Or. Through five games at this tournament, he has only one goal and no assists. If he can find the form he displayed this season at Barcelona, Spain will be in great shape.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports