What it's like to transfer clubs during a World Cup, and does it ever go wrong? - ESPN

• Major League Soccer is anticipating a potential influx of star players following the "post-World Cup bump." • The U.S. has secured automatic berths for both the men's and women's national teams in the upcoming Olympic soccer tournaments.

• England has advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals following a victory secured by a match-winning brace from Jude Bellingham. • The Three Lions are now set to face Argentina in a highly anticipated semi-final clash to determine a place in the final.

• The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a Round of 16 loss to Belgium on July 6. • Despite the defeat, the match drew a massive television audience, averaging 33.09 million viewers on FOX, including pre-match coverage.

• Belgium eliminated the USMNT from the World Cup following a dominant victory fueled by a first-half brace from Charles De Ketelaere. • The U.S. managed one goal via a deflected strike from Malik Tillman, who became the first player since 1982 to record two free-kick goals in a single tournament.

• Singapore national team coach Gavin Lee expressed optimism regarding his squad's readiness for the upcoming Asean Championship. • The team will face significant challenges due to the absence of key players Safuwan Baharudin and Ikhsan Fandi.

• Violent disorder erupted in London following France's victory over Morocco during the 2026 World Cup. • The unrest occurred as Spain and Belgium prepared for their upcoming quarter-final showdown.

• Everton have expressed interest in signing 31-year-old winger Jacob Murphy from Newcastle United, according to Sky Sports. • While no official bid has been submitted, Murphy has only one year remaining on his current contract.

• The Mirror is reporting the latest Premier League transfer rumors, including a collapsed Manchester United deal and Bruno Guimaraes reportedly agreeing to terms with Arsenal. • Other key developments include a potential £80 million move involving Liverpool, alongside ongoing activity from Chelsea.

• The World Cup 2026 quarter-finals commence this Thursday, featuring matchups between France vs Morocco, Spain vs Belgium, Norway vs England, and Argentina vs Switzerland. • France enters the knockout stage as the tournament favorite according to the Opta Supercomputer, following three group stage wins and a dominant 3-0 victory over Sweden in the round of 32.

• AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale is reportedly keen to sign Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk this summer. • The 34-year-old Dutchman is said to be open to hearing an offer from the Italian club, according to Gazzetto dello Sport.

• Over 30 million viewers tuned in to watch the U.S. men's national soccer team face Belgium in a World Cup knockout stage match on Monday night in Seattle. • The game was broadcast by Fox, drawing a massive audience that underscores the growing popularity of the sport within the United States.