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France confirmed for World Cup third-place play-off after Spain semi-final defeat
France will contest the third-place play-off at the 2026 World Cup after losing their semi-final to Spain. They will face the loser of the other semi-final between England and Argentina, with the match scheduled for 18 July at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium.
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Quansah suspended for Argentina semi-final as England's other yellow-card risks escape caution
Jarell Quansah remains the only England player banned for the World Cup semi-final against Argentina after Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Marc Guehi and Nico O'Reilly all avoided bookings against Norway. Yellow card tallies were reset after the quarter-finals, meaning only a red card in the semi-final can trigger a final suspension.
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Bellingham lookalikes and Etsy witch spells: England fans brace for Argentina semi-final
England supporters are preparing for the World Cup semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta, with pub sales expected to surge 75 per cent, a Jude Bellingham lookalike contest at BOXPARK Shoreditch, and fans reportedly buying spells online to help the Three Lions reach a first men's final in 60 years.
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Liverpool slammed for 'disgraceful' social media post backing Argentina against England
Liverpool sparked a fierce backlash from England supporters after posting in support of Alexis Mac Allister and Argentina ahead of their World Cup semi-final against England on Wednesday, with hundreds of fans labelling the move 'disgraceful'.
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Maguire backs England with public message ahead of World Cup semi-final against Argentina
Harry Maguire, omitted from Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad in a surprise decision, has publicly wished England well on social media ahead of their semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta.
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Djed Spence plays through broken jaw at World Cup with custom carbon-fibre mask
Tottenham full-back Djed Spence has been wearing a custom-fitted carbon-fibre mask throughout England's World Cup campaign while recovering from a jaw fracture sustained in May. The 25-year-old is expected to feature in Wednesday's semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta.
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Tuchel hands Morgan Rogers rare start as England face Argentina in World Cup semi-final
Thomas Tuchel has selected Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers on the right wing for England's World Cup 2026 semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta, with Noni Madueke dropping to the bench despite starting the majority of the tournament.
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Alan Shearer's BBC salary revealed as he calls England's World Cup semi-final
The BBC's annual financial disclosure shows Alan Shearer's pay has fallen to the £390,000–£394,999 bracket, down from a previous band of £440,000–£444,999, yet the former Newcastle striker remains the corporation's highest-earning football specialist.
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France face Argentina or England in World Cup bronze match after Spain defeat
France will contest the 2026 World Cup third-place match on Saturday after losing to Spain in the semi-finals. They face either Argentina or England, with Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi level on eight goals apiece heading into the final rounds.
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Declan Rice's partner Lauren Fryer: childhood sweetheart, online abuse, and World Cup support
Declan Rice and Lauren Fryer have been together since meeting at school in south-west London aged 17. Now parents to son Jude, the couple have kept a low profile despite Fryer facing sustained online abuse that drove her off social media in late 2023.
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Mac Allister's father, roots and dynasty: the family behind Argentina's World Cup semi-finalist
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister faces England in a World Cup semi-final carrying a remarkable family legacy — a father who played alongside Maradona, Irish-Scottish ancestry, and two brothers who are also professional footballers.
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Joe Hart's blackout tattoo: the armour design covering his shoulder, arm and wrist
Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart is drawing attention at the 2026 World Cup as a BBC pundit — not just for his analysis, but for the striking blackout tattoo that covers his right shoulder, upper arm and wrist. The piece, completed in summer 2019, was designed by tattoo artist Hanu Mantra.
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Mainoo gifts World Cup semi-final ticket to dementia fundraiser ahead of England vs Argentina
Kobbie Mainoo reached out to Jordan Adams, one of the 'FTD Brothers' who has raised £2 million for dementia research after being told he will develop the disease in his 40s, and handed him a ticket for England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta.
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Record-breaking referee Barrett-Theron steps away from rugby after breast cancer diagnosis
Aimee Barrett-Theron, the most-capped female Test referee in rugby history with 52 internationals, has stepped away from officiating with immediate effect after being diagnosed with breast cancer. The 39-year-old South African says her condition is treatable and she aims to return to the field within months.
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Messi targets 2026 World Cup semifinal as retirement question hangs over Argentina icon
Lionel Messi has scored eight goals in six matches at the 2026 World Cup — level with Kylian Mbappé for the tournament lead — as Argentina prepare to face England in the semifinal. The 39-year-old has declined to set a firm retirement date, saying he will play as long as he can contribute.
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Arsenal set to bid for Christos Tzolis after £17m Trossard sale to Besiktas
Arsenal have agreed to sell Leandro Trossard to Besiktas for £17 million, with Club Brugge now bracing for a bid from the Gunners for Greece winger Christos Tzolis, valued at around £30 million.
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Romero's family bond, Argentina outcry and the Spurs wages fuelling his World Cup drive
Cristian Romero faces England in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final carrying the weight of a turbulent Tottenham season, a controversial trip home during their relegation battle, and a fierce determination to win back-to-back world titles with Argentina.
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Croatia demand VAR audio from FIFA over disallowed Gvardiol goal and England half-time controversy
Croatian Football Federation president Marijan Kustic sent a formal letter to FIFA demanding answers over the chip-detected offside that ruled out Josko Gvardiol's equaliser against Portugal, and an 18-minute half-time interval in the group-stage loss to England. Technical director Stipe Pletikosa says FIFA has yet to respond.
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Sedriques Dumas cut from UFC roster after sentencing on weapons and drug charges
Sedriques Dumas has been removed from the UFC roster following a June sentencing in Escambia County, Florida, where he pleaded no-contest to weapons and marijuana possession charges stemming from his April 2025 arrest. The 30-year-old middleweight leaves after nine fights with the promotion.
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Former England youth international torn as partner Senesi faces Lionesses in World Cup semi-final
AFC Bournemouth defender Kelci Bowers, who represented England at under-19 level, admits she will wear blue and white to tonight's World Cup semi-final after Bournemouth teammate and Argentinian defender Marcos Senesi received a late call-up to face her home nation.
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