World Cup 2026: Egypt fury after Argentina win thriller, injured Henderson staying with England – live
Football Update: Quenda Joins Chelsea, Switzerland Advance, and More World Cup 2026 Action
Chelsea Secure Portuguese Talent
World Cup 2026 - Chelsea Football Club has officially completed the acquisition of Geovany Quenda from Sporting Lisbon. The Premier League side announced the signing on Wednesday, confirming that the nineteen-year-old winger has committed his future to Stamford Bridge with a deal running through 2034. Quenda's move comes following a remarkable period of development at his former club, where he contributed significantly to securing a domestic double during the previous campaign. His efforts helped Sporting claim both the Portuguese league championship and the national cup competition.
Expressing his enthusiasm about the transfer, Quenda shared his thoughts in an official statement:
"Chelsea is a great team and I am excited to play here at Stamford Bridge. The club has shown faith in players like me and I am proud to be here, proud to be part of this club."
During his two seasons at Sporting, Quenda accumulated 86 appearances across all competitions. His performances earned him recognition as the Primeira Liga's Young Player of the Season for 2025. Additionally, he holds several notable records, including becoming Sporting's youngest-ever goalscorer and the youngest Portuguese player to find the net in the Champions League. On the international stage, Quenda has represented Portugal at Under-21 level and was selected for the Team of the Tournament at the 2025 European Under-21 Championship.
Switzerland Reach Quarter-Finals in Dramatic Fashion
Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel celebrated what he described as an "incredible, incredible achievement" following his team's 4-3 penalty shoot-out victory over Colombia in Vancouver on Tuesday. The result secured the Swiss side's place in the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in 72 years. Kobel, making his World Cup debut with Borussia Dortmund, produced a spectacular save to deny Cucho Hernandez, sending Switzerland into a quarter-final clash against defending champions Argentina after three consecutive last-16 exits.
Kobel reflected on the significance of the accomplishment:
"I don't think you can overstate what a huge achievement this is for us, for this team, for Switzerland. For such a small country to be among the top eight teams in the world in the biggest sport on the planet is unbelievable."
He continued:
"I'm incredibly happy for every individual, for the supporters, for everyone who gets to experience a moment like this. And when I think about all the lads who've been part of this team for years, and all the people who are here today, it's impossible to put into words. You can't praise it highly enough. It's an amazing feeling and an incredible, incredible achievement."
Deschamps Confident Ahead of Morocco Clash
France manager Didier Deschamps has dismissed concerns regarding the appointment of Argentinian officials for his team's quarter-final encounter against Morocco on Thursday. With a potential repeat of the 2022 final between France and Argentina looming, Deschamps expressed confidence in the officiating.
"We have to deal with it," Deschamps stated. "I trust the referees. Our opponent is Morocco, not the referee."
Deschamps also took the opportunity to comment on criticism directed at French official François Letexier during Argentina's match against Egypt on Tuesday.
"Let's hope our referees are as good as Monsieur Letexier was," he added with a characteristic jibe.
Odegaard Eyes England Challenge
Norway captain Martin Odegaard is maintaining focus as his nation prepares to face England in a World Cup quarter-final that will feature several club teammates. Odegaard, who also leads Arsenal, will encounter Premier League-winning colleagues Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze when Norway take on England at Miami Stadium on Saturday.
The midfielder noted:
"Not too much banter. I've spoken to a few of them a little bit during the tournament. Obviously we know the quality they have. I know them really well. Outstanding players, world-class players, playing for probably one of the best national teams in the world at the moment, so it's going to be a big test for us."
Odegaard singled out Rice for particular praise, highlighting the midfielder's all-around abilities.
"He's someone who always gives absolutely everything for the team, always fighting for every single ball, bringing his energy to the pitch, to the team, driving the team forward. He can do so many things on the pitch. He can defend, he can attack, he can be physical, he can be good on the ball. He's a very complete player, so it's going to be a good test for all of us."
He concluded:
"And it's not just about Declan, but the whole team has unbelievable players. It's a massive test and we're looking forward to it. Hopefully we can make even more history."
Trump's Fifa Lobbying Defended
Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House's World Cup task force, has come to the defense of Donald Trump's efforts to lobby Fifa for a lifting of restrictions. The former president has been actively engaging with the football governing body regarding potential changes to regulations affecting American interests in the sport.