World Cup 2026 quarter-finals: France vs Morocco, Spain vs Belgium, Norway vs England, Argentina vs Switzerland team-by-team preview | Football News

• 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.

• The USMNT's run in its home World Cup generated record-breaking soccer betting handle for American sportsbooks, culminating in a high-volume Round of 16 match against Belgium. • BetMGM reported that the USMNT vs. Belgium game surpassed betting volume for the men's college basketball national championship and various NBA, NHL, and MLB championship series games.

• Juventus is reportedly considering a move to sign defender John Stones this summer, according to Sky Italy. • Stones is currently participating in the World Cup but is a free agent after his contract with Manchester City expired.

• Manchester United have proactively started their summer transfer business by agreeing to a £35 million deal with Atalanta to sign midfielder Ederson. • The transfer is expected to be officially confirmed shortly after Brazil's exit from the World Cup following their match against Norway.

• Manchester United is reportedly pursuing several transfer targets, including a potential £80 million move as they look to reshape the squad. • The club is monitoring various players, including Alex Scott, Ederson, Sander Berge, Andrey Santos, and Crysencio Summerville.

• The U.S. Men's National Team suffered a disappointing loss to Belgium during the World Cup, failing to meet the high expectations of many domestic fans. • Despite the defeat, the tournament highlighted the growth of soccer in the U.S., fueled by star players like Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, and Weston McKennie who compete in top European leagues.

• Argentina defeated Egypt 3-2 after scoring three unanswered goals starting in the 79th minute to secure a comeback victory. • Lionel Messi extended his historic record by scoring in eight consecutive World Cup matches, a streak continuing from Argentina's 2022 championship run.

• The U.S. Men's National Team's loss to Belgium in the World Cup round of 16 triggered record-breaking betting activity for American sportsbooks. • BetMGM reported that the match became the most-bet soccer game in its history, surpassing betting volumes for the NCAA basketball championship and various professional sports championship series.

• Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has drawn interest from clubs in Spain and Italy, with a £5 million release clause allowing him to leave. • Reports claiming Martin Odegaard agreed to a transfer to Turkey have been debunked, as the midfielder remains happy at Arsenal.

• England has officially secured a position in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup. • The team advanced after successfully navigating the earlier knockout stages of the tournament.