The 2026 World Cup has reached the semi-final stage, with only the world’s four highest-ranked teams remaining in the competition.
France and Spain will face off each other in the first semi-final on Tuesday. The match between the two European powerhouses will take place at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
On Wednesday, reigning champions Argentina will go head-to-head with 1966 champions, England. The Atlanta Stadium will host the match between the two rivals.
England’s Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham celebrate via REUTERS/Paul Childs
North American football fans aren’t happy at all when the games will be played. In England, both games are scheduled to start at 8pm BST. But in North America, the game will kick off at 3pm ET (12pm PT), meaning many fans will be working when the match is taking place.
Many North American football fans have taken to social media to express their annoyance that the kick-off times are more friendly to those watching in Europe. One fan said: “It’s absolutely ridiculous that the country hosting the World Cup have scheduled the semi-finals for 3pm midweek. What a joke.”
A second commented: “3pm start times for the World Cup semis in the middle of the week is not particularly ideal.”
While a third said: “Cannot believe the France vs Spain semifinal is 3pm on a Tuesday. A weekday afternoon. North America is hosting this World Cup. Put the final at 3pm Saturday… fine… it’s the weekend. But scheduling a semi at 3pm on a workday to cater to Europe while North Americans get shafted is a joke. When you host, the marquee games go in your prime time. What is even the point of hosting?”
FIFA Explained Kick Off Times For Later World Cup Games
Luis Cortes via Reuters
Manolo Zubiria, the World Cup’s chief tournament officer for the United States, explained why the final few matches of the tournament are not kicking off at ideal times for those watching in North America. Per the Mirror, he said the decision was made when taking into account:
“The weather on site and the time back home in participating teams’ countries, to the recovery and potential travel facing players and fans. We’ve tried to basically strike the right balance. The more people you can bring to this game around the world, the better.”
Ahead of the tournament, Zubiria also explained why the World Cup final will take place at 3pm ET (8pm BST) on Sunday, July 19. He told the Athletic:
“It’s the final of the World Cup – the more people you can bring to this game around the world (via television), the better. There will be measures to mitigate the heat.
“As you’ve seen, there are not that many other games in times that will raise questions. We managed to leverage it and to balance it out well.”
Manchester United have had a busy summer transfer window so far, and while they are still looking for more additions, attention has now turned towards potential exits.
The Red Devils have completed deals to sign Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow so far, while they have also backed out of a deal to sign Ederson after initially agreeing a deal with Atalanta before a knee issue showed up during his medical.
Michael Carrick is keen for more signings to strengthen the side ahead of the team’s return to the Champions League, but the club have now been approached about a deal that would see a first-team star depart.
Fenerbahce Eyeing Marcus Rashford Deal
Marty Jean-Louis/Sipa USA via Reuters Connect
According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, via Sport Witness, Fenerbahce are eyeing a swift move to sign Man Utd star Marcus Rashford.
Rashford, who has been described as ‘unbelievable’, enjoyed a successful loan spell at Barcelona in 2025/26, but the Spanish giants opted against signing him permanently, and have instead sealed moves for Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi to replace him.
However, Fenerbahce are hoping to swoop in and hand him an opportunity to leave the club this summer, and reunite him with former United teammate Mason Greenwood in their new-look attack.
Club transfer supremo Oğuz Çetin is reported to have recently travelled from Marseille to Manchester to hold talks over a deal for the 28-year-old. Fenerbahce want to find an agreement with Man Utd, and if they can, they will then accelerate talks with Rashford over personal terms in an attempt to get a deal done as quickly as possible.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Rashford Has No Future at Man Utd
Nathan Ray Seebeck via Reuters
Rashford is one of the best talents to come out of the Man Utd academy in recent years, but it’s quite clear that he has no future at the club because the fallings out he has had over the last 18 months.
Many fans have turned on him entirely, while INEOS made it abundantly clear that they wanted to get his wages off the books. Talk of his return is simply to keep the club’s negotiating position strong, and it would only happen if a deal didn’t materialise.
With that said, Fenerbahce would be an odd move for a player who is at the peak of his powers and capable of contributing at the very highest level for several more years, and it would be a real coup if they were able to pull it off. For United, it’s simple – pay £40m and convince him to join, and he’s yours.
Arsenal transfer target Bradley Barcola favours a move to London over Liverpool, who are currently deemed the favourites to sign the Paris Saint-Germain winger, according to journalist Konstantinos Lianos.
Barcola spent another season somewhat on the periphery of Luis Enrique’s team in 2025/26, behind the likes of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele in the pecking order. Despite this, the Frenchman still managed to net 13 goals and provide eight assists across all competitions, and is now wanted by two of Europe’s top clubs.
The Merseysiders lead the race to land the player’s signature, but they may have some difficulty convincing him to swap Paris for the north-west of England.
Bradley Barcola Prefers Arsenal Move to Liverpool
via Reuters
Rogers is Arsenal’s primary target for the left wing this summer, although the Gunners have prepared a clear plan B if a move for the Aston Villa star fails. The Villans are said to be demanding around £130 million for the England international, and if they hold firm on this valuation, the North Londoners may turn to this plan B.
Barcola is the alternative, and Arsenal may actually be better placed to acquire the electric wide man than their Premier League counterparts Liverpool, who view him as a priority.
According to Greek reporter Lianos, Barcola would prefer to swap the French capital for the English capital, rather than trade his Parisian lifestyle with Merseyside. This gives Arsenal a significant advantage in the race to sign the former Lyon man, if they do indeed end up pursuing him over Rogers.
Lianos also reports, however, that PSG will discuss a new contract with Barcola after his participation at the World Cup comes to an end.
The winger is currently tied down at the Parc des Princes until 2028, but the Ligue 1 champions are keen to secure his future for the long-term to fend off interest from elsewhere.
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Arsenal Should be Able to Complete Barcola Transfer
Gonzalo Fuentes via Reuters
Based on Villa’s purported demands, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Arsenal swiftly pivot from Rogers to Barcola, and they shouldn’t have any issues pulling a deal for the France international off.
While PSG are intent on signing one of their prized assets to a new deal, he must be itching for a new challenge somewhere else. Yan Diomande is being heavily linked with the French giants, and if this transfer materialises, Barcola will be left surplus to requirements in Paris.
He’d then be behind five players in the pecking order in PSG’s frontline, and this should be enough to convince him to consider plying his trade elsewhere.
Arsenal can offer Barcola a prominent role in one of the best team’s in Europe, while his desire to live in London gives them significantly more swaying power than Liverpool.
Andrea Berta shouldn’t have a hard time enacting a deal for the talented attacker if it becomes clear he’s going to leave PSG.
England’s starting lineup to face Argentina in Wednesday night’s World Cup semi-final has been leaked, with the biggest news being that Bukayo Saka has been dropped for the mouth-watering tie.
The Three Lions are well-placed to reach a second successive major tournament final after their come-from-behind victory over Norway on the weekend. But they will will need to do so without a recognised right-winger, with Morgan Rogers given the nod to start there in Atlanta, Georgia.
Of course, Jude Bellingham – England’s hero on many occasions this summer – starts, as does all-time top goalscorer Harry Kane, with other nailed-down starters including Jordan Pickford and Marc Guehi.
England’s Starting Lineup vs Argentina ‘Leaked’
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Caean Couto
As per Sami Mokbel of the BBC, England will line up as follows (see below):
“Jordan Pickford; Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson; Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane.”
