Didier Deschamps will step down as France manager following a third-place play-off after his side were outclassed by Spain in their World Cup semi-final in Dallas.
The 55-year-old’s remarkable 14-year tenure comes to a disappointing end, with his team missing out on a third consecutive global final.
Spain produced a dominant display in Texas to suffocate a star-studded forward line that had previously dazzled throughout the tournament.
End of an era for Les Bleus
Despite departing without a culminating victory in New York, the former Juventus midfielder remains his nation’s most decorated footballing figure.
He famously guided his country to World Cup glory in 2018 and reached the final four years later in Qatar, cementing a legacy built on pragmatic success.
However, that traditional reliance on individual brilliance ultimately proved fatal against a highly intelligent Spanish side.
“It was not important on a personal level if I leave in a semi-final or final.”
Deschamps offered a measured reflection following the defeat, insisting his focus had always remained on the team’s identity rather than his own achievements.
Attacking struggles prove costly
The French attack, featuring the explosive talents of Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, had initially looked unstoppable.
They registered 13 goals in their opening four fixtures against opposition including Senegal, Norway and Morocco.
Yet that prolific form abruptly vanished during the knockout stages, yielding just three goals in their final three matches.
Michael Olise had been outstanding during the early rounds but faded as the tournament intensity heightened.
Tactical gambles backfire
Mbappe had delivered consistently throughout the competition before being thoroughly neutralised by the Spanish defence.
The French captain reportedly pointed the finger elsewhere in the aftermath of a comprehensive defeat.
For much of his reign, the departing head coach faced heavy criticism for employing overly conservative tactics.
Ironically, it was an unusually adventurous midfield approach that may have precipitated his final downfall on the international stage.
Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero will leave the club this summer, with Inter Milan and Barcelona currently holding talks to sign the defender.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the Argentina international is set to depart north London.
The World Cup winner has reportedly grown frustrated by a lack of top-level competition at the club.
Both Serie A champions Inter and Spanish title-holders Barcelona are actively exploring a deal for the 28-year-old.
High asking price stalling departure
Negotiations are currently delayed due to the substantial financial package required to secure his signature.
Inter are also reportedly showing interest in Spurs full-back Djed Spence as part of their ongoing recruitment drive.
All parties are working to finalise an agreement once the South American centre-back returns from international duty.
De Zerbi’s extensive summer rebuild
New manager Roberto De Zerbi has already been heavily backed in the transfer market as he prepares for his first season.
The Premier League side have broken their transfer record twice to bring in Sandro Tonali for £100m and Mateus Fernandes for £85m.
Defensive reinforcements have also arrived, with Jan Paul van Hecke joining for £52m alongside free agents Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi.
These proactive acquisitions mean the English club were already well prepared for their skipper’s inevitable exit.
A fractured relationship
The outgoing captain had previously voiced his displeasure through public posts criticising the club’s ownership.
An injury kept him sidelined during the crucial final weeks of the previous campaign, as the team narrowly avoided relegation.
De Zerbi is now expected to prioritise adding further attacking options before the transfer window closes.
United States goalkeeper Matt Freese has expressed his heartbreak over public criticism regarding the team’s determination following their 4-1 elimination by Belgium at the 2026 World Cup.
The New York City FC stopper was left devastated by narratives suggesting the squad lacked heart during their knockout-stage defeat.
“It’s just so difficult for me to hear that because if people were to see this group on a day-to-day basis and spend time with these guys more personally they would see how badly we wanted it,” Freese told ESPN.
Devastation over Belgian defeat
The Americans had initially impressed by topping Group D with two victories before eventually progressing to face the European heavyweights.
“I would describe the moments after the elimination as being in disbelief that the tournament was over for us,” he added.
The American shot-stopper emphasised that the squad were desperate to reward their passionate home support with a historic and memorable run.
He revealed that delivering success on home soil was the only thing on his mind in the months leading up to the tournament.
Turning elimination into motivation
Rather than dwelling on the disappointing exit, the goalkeeper insists the squad will use the pain as fuel for future international campaigns.
“I think all of us have motivation to do something even greater, even better, and to come back better,” he explained.
Domestically, his immediate focus turns to his club duties in Major League Soccer.
He is aiming to use his July 22 return to the pitch as a springboard for personal improvement and an eventual return to the national setup.
Pochettino’s uncertain future
Beyond the playing squad, significant questions remain over the managerial position after Mauricio Pochettino’s contract expired following the tournament’s conclusion.
U.S. Soccer has yet to confirm whether the former Chelsea and Tottenham boss will be retained to lead the nation into the 2030 World Cup cycle.
“I would love to keep working with him, I would love for him to stay because he gave me an opportunity,” Freese stated.
Philadelphia 76ers stars Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and Jaylen Brown have actively contacted LeBron James to convince the 41-year-old to sign with the franchise in free agency.
The four-time NBA champion has entered the second week of his free agency deliberation.
Philadelphia remain one of the primary destinations for the veteran forward, alongside the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat.
Player-led recruitment drive
Maxey is reportedly spearheading the communication efforts between the roster and the highly coveted free agent.
The 25-year-old shares representation with James under Klutch Sports and views the basketball icon as a mentor after training together during recent off-seasons.
Embiid brings existing chemistry to the pitch, having won a gold medal alongside the former Los Angeles Laker for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Brown also shares a mutual respect with the forward, receiving a strong endorsement from him for the Most Valuable Player award earlier this year.
“He’s playing great basketball, man. This whole MVP thing, I don’t understand why his name is not getting talked about some as well.”
The veteran star has previously praised the Philadelphia fan base, noting their fierce loyalty and respect for the game.
Executives outline championship vision
The franchise’s leadership has actively reinforced the players’ recruitment efforts with public appeals.
Bob Myers, president of the ownership group Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment, recently appeared on a podcast hosted by James’ agent, Rich Paul, to outline their case.
“If he was here I’d say, ‘I honestly believe this is your best chance to win. You have to decide all the other things that are equally important.'”
Sixers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey confirmed the team has maintained an ongoing dialogue with Paul since acquiring Brown via trade.
“LeBron and his camp have kept quiet, and there has been speculation for different teams. But we’d obviously love to have LeBron.”
Gansey added that he respects the veteran immensely, describing him as the greatest player of all time.
Arsenal are exploring a potential swap deal involving Viktor Gyokeres to sign Julian Alvarez, while Liverpool target Bradley Barcola and Tottenham captain Cristian Romero edges towards an exit.
The Gunners are reportedly prepared to use the prolific Sweden international as a makeweight to bring the 26-year-old Argentina forward to north London.
However, Mikel Arteta’s side face stiff competition from Barcelona, who plan to resume their pursuit of the World Cup winner.
To make room for new attacking recruits, the Premier League runners-up are attempting to offload Gabriel Jesus, with AC Milan leading the race for the Brazilian.
Liverpool track Barcola and reject Jones bid
Over on Merseyside, Liverpool have initiated fresh dialogue with Paris St-Germain regarding a summer transfer for highly rated France winger Bradley Barcola.
The Reds are also holding firm on player valuations, having recently dismissed an improved £27m approach from Inter Milan for Curtis Jones.
The Anfield hierarchy are insisting on their £30m asking price before sanctioning the departure of the 25-year-old homegrown midfielder.
Romero edges towards Tottenham departure
In a significant blow to Ange Postecoglou’s defensive ranks, Tottenham captain Cristian Romero is expected to leave the club before the transfer window closes.
Barcelona have registered a strong interest in acquiring the 28-year-old centre-back to bolster their backline ahead of the new campaign.
Meanwhile, Everton have intensified their pursuit of Genoa’s Brooke Norton-Cuffy after holding productive talks over the England Under-21 defender.
Sunderland secure Meunier as Slonina seeks loan
In the Championship, Sunderland are on the verge of finalizing a deal for veteran Belgium right-back Thomas Meunier following his departure from Lille.
Elsewhere, Chelsea’s American goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina is currently undertaking a trial period with Strasbourg to secure regular first-team minutes.
Finally, representatives for West Ham forward Crysencio Summerville have held talks with Roma regarding a potential switch to the Italian capital.
Fenerbahce have completed the signing of English forward Mason Greenwood from Marseille on a four-year contract for an initial fee of £33.2m.
The Turkish Super Lig club confirmed the €39m transfer, despite previously indicating the total package would reach €45m.
The versatile attacker arrives in Istanbul having enjoyed a highly productive spell in France.
Impressive form in Ligue 1
The former Manchester United academy product finished joint-second in the 2025-26 Ligue 1 golden boot standings with 16 league goals.
Over his entire tenure at the Stade Vélodrome, the prolific striker registered 48 goals in 81 appearances across all competitions.
He originally joined the French side from his boyhood club in July 2024 in a £26.6m deal.
Manchester United profit and controversy
Manchester United are set to benefit financially from this move, having negotiated a sizeable 40% sell-on clause during his departure last year.
The Premier League side had previously ruled out a return for the player following a lengthy internal inquiry.
This investigation concluded after charges of attempted rape and assault against him were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February 2023.
Prior to his permanent exit to France, he spent the 2023-24 season attempting to rebuild his career on loan at Spanish outfit Getafe.
New era in Turkey
Fenerbahce’s newly elected president Aziz Yildirim and rival candidate Hakan Safi both publicly declared their interest in the player before the June elections.
“Hello Fenerbahce family, thank you so much for the support you have shown me. I am very happy to be here.”
Mason Greenwood
The Istanbul giants will be hoping their marquee signing can help them end a frustrating run of finishing second for five successive domestic seasons.
Their immediate focus now turns to European competition as they prepare to face Poland’s Gornik Zabrze in the second qualifying round of the Champions League this month.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler is aiming to bounce back at the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale after experiencing his first missed cut in almost four years.
The 30-year-old failed to make the weekend at the Genesis Scottish Open, ending an astonishing streak of 78 consecutive PGA Tour events in which he advanced.
However, the four-time major winner remains philosophical about the rare setback ahead of his title defence on the English coast.
Focusing on the positives
An early exit in Scotland allowed the American to arrive in Southport two days ahead of his original schedule.
He completed 18 holes at Royal Birkdale on Sunday before playing a further nine holes on both Monday and Tuesday to familiarise himself with the challenging links.
“You never want to have a weekend off, but going into a tournament when you’re defending, there’s always a bit more stuff to do,” Scheffler said.
“Getting some extra rest in a week where there’s some more demands on your time isn’t the worst thing, even though it’s quite frustrating.”
Perspective on failure
Despite his phenomenal recent dominance, the world’s most consistent golfer admitted that narrowly missing out on trophies causes him more distress than an early exit.
“I would say missing a cut is probably the hardest thing, but I don’t think it hurts as much as coming close to winning and finishing second,” he explained.
The reigning champion highlighted his runner-up finish at the Travelers Championship as a significantly more painful experience than a missed weekend.
He is now attempting to become the first player to win back-to-back Open titles since Padraig Harrington achieved the prestigious feat across 2008 and 2009.
Teeing off with LIV rivals
The defending champion will begin his campaign on Thursday alongside LIV Golf League stars Bryson DeChambeau and Tyrrell Hatton.
When questioned about his long-term legacy in the sport, the normally intensely competitive athlete offered a remarkably grounded assessment.
“Legacy and all that stuff was never really something that motivated me,” he admitted.
“At the end of the day, I’m going to live my life, and it’s going to end.”
American gymnastics star Suni Lee has announced her return to the sport, confirming on Tuesday her intention to compete at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The 23-year-old revealed her decision via an Instagram video, stating she is back in the gym and ready to resume training.
This announcement comes after an extended break following her successful campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Building on a legacy of Olympic success
The six-time Olympic medallist played a crucial role in securing team gold for the United States in the French capital last summer.
During those Games, the American athlete also added bronze medals in both the all-around and uneven bars individual finals.
Her recent triumphs followed a remarkable performance at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Games, where she claimed the prestigious overall all-around title.
Joining familiar faces on the road to LA
The celebrated gymnast previously overcame significant health challenges, battling two kidney diseases to successfully make the Paris squad.
Now, the reigning all-around bronze medallist becomes the latest member of the triumphant 2024 American team to commit to a home Olympics.
She joins fellow gold medallist Jade Carey, who has already returned to competitive action on the elite circuit.