Spain advanced to the World Cup semi-finals after a nail-biting 2-1 victory over Belgium in their quarter-final match, securing their place in the tournament’s knockout stages with a late goal from Mikel Merino. The win sets up a high-stakes showdown against reigning champions France, with both teams poised for a chance to reach the final.
Elsewhere in the tournament, France received a significant boost as key players Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni were confirmed as fit for the semi-final against Spain. The race to the final intensifies on Saturday, with Harry Kane’s England set to face Erling Haaland’s Norway in a star-studded quarter-final, while Lionel Messi’s Argentina prepares to take on Switzerland in a tightly contested clash.
Beyond football, the sports world is alive with action. Tennis star Jannik Sinner defeated Novak Djokovic in a commanding straight-sets victory (6-4, 6-4, 6-4) at Wimbledon, advancing to the final where he will face Alexander Zverev. In the NBA, Victor Wembanyama signed a landmark five-year contract extension worth $252 million with the San Antonio Spurs, cementing his long-term commitment to the team.
The cycling world also witnessed historic moments, as Tim Merlier claimed his fourth career stage win during Stage 7 of the Tour de France in Bordeaux. Meanwhile, in track and field, Julien Alfred dazzled fans with another standout performance in the Diamond League circuit in Monaco, alongside new records set by Emmanuel Wanyonyi and multiple wins from Armand Duplantis.
