Lion Links: 7/7/26

Good morning, everyone. Well, not really, if you’re a fan of the United States Men’s National Team. Last night was a painful reminder of how far this team still has to go when it comes to matching up against the best in the world, and it might take some time to recover from the psychological wounds inflicted in Seattle. We’ve got lots to talk about today, so let’s get into the links.

USMNT Falls Flat Against Belgium

The United States Men’s National Team crashed out of the World Cup on Monday night after a mistake-ridden 4-1 loss to Belgium. The Americans gave up a goal nine minutes into the game, and while Malik Tillman’s free kick brought the team level in the 31st minute, Charles de Ketelaere restored Belgium’s lead just two minutes later with his second goal of the match, and the game was never really close from there. The curse of the navy blue jerseys continued, as the Yanks looked overawed by the occasion from the moment the ball was kicked, and were constantly plagued by giveaways, poor decision making, and sloppy execution. It was a startlingly different performance from a team that had made a habit of meeting the moment in this competition, and the U.S. meekly exited in the Round of 16 for the fourth tournament in a row.

UEFA Condemns Folarin Balogun Eligibility Decision

UEFA released a strongly worded statement on Monday morning, criticizing FIFA’s decision to overturn Folarin Balogun’s one-game suspension and replace it with a one-year probationary period. The European federation said that FIFA “crossed a red line” and called the ruling “…an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision.” UEFA went on to say that the decision sets a precedent that risks damaging the integrity of the game. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Monday that he had reached out to FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ask soccer’s governing body to review Balogun’s red card, and that news has helped further fan a good deal of outrage in the soccer world.

Spain Sneaks by Portugal

Spain wasted a whole boatload of good chances and left it late but eventually used a 91st-minute goal by Mikel Merino to beat Portugal 1-0 and book a place in the quarterfinals. Mikel Oyarzabal had a shocking miss in the eighth minute that should have seen Spain take an early lead, while his team failed to take advantage of several more good chances, Portugal never truly threatened Unai Simon’s goal. Spain racked up 15 shots to Portugal’s nine, and put six of them on target while their fellow Iberians managed only two. Spain still has not conceded a goal at this tournament and has largely managed to control games despite still being without Nico Williams to partner Lamine Yamal on the other wing.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

With the World Cup drawing to a close before we know it, the summer transfer window is continuing to heat up. We start with a confirmed piece of news, as Tottenham has announced the signing of Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali for a deal worth up to $133 million, which has broken the club’s transfer record. We then move to a confirmed deal closer to home, as Toronto FC has acquired midfielder Nelson Palacios from Real Salt Lake for $1.1 million and an additional $550,000 in performance-based incentives. In the realm of rumor, Arsenal is reportedly considering West Ham fullback Aaron Wan-Bissaka as a replacement for Ben White, who could be heading out the door. Elsewhere in the Premier League, Chelsea is reportedly prepared to listen to offers for winger Alejandro Garnacho, as new coach Xabi Alonso looks to overhaul the squad. Finally, Jack Grealish may have new life at Manchester City, as incoming coach Enzo Maresca reportedly wants to evaluate the previously out-of-favor winger himself before making a decision on his future.

Free Kicks

• Check out some of the scenes from Orlando City’s training session on Monday.

• English Prime Minister Keir Starmer instructed government officials and the English FA to campaign to FIFA for the original kickoff time between England and Mexico to not be changed.
• A member of British Parliament has written a letter to Gianni Infantino, asking him to review the red card that Jarell Quansah received against Mexico.
• Kylian Mbappe and the French Football Federation have rightfully condemned racist comments made by a Paraguayan senator.

That’s all I’ve got for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!