Members of team Spain stand during a moment of silence prior to the World Cup semifinal soccer match between France and Spain in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Tuesday, July 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Spain’s 2-0 victory over France in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final secured far more than a place in Sunday’s final. Luis de la Fuente’s side matched one of the most celebrated records in European international football, extending their unbeaten run to 37 matches across all competitions and equalling Italy’s all-time continental record. The victory in Dallas also saw La Roja become the first European nation ever to win eight consecutive knockout matches across the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship, underlining the remarkable consistency that has defined the current generation. With the World Cup final still to come, Spain now stand one result away from establishing the longest unbeaten run ever recorded by a European men’s national team.

Spain draw level with Italy after extending unbeaten streak to 37 matches

Spain’s triumph over France stretched their unbeaten run to 37 matches in all competitions, comprising 28 victories and nine draws.The streak began after a 1-0 friendly defeat to Colombia at London’s Olympic Stadium on March 22, 2024. Since that loss, Spain have gone unbeaten through international friendlies, the UEFA Nations League, UEFA Euro 2024 and now the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The achievement draws them level with Roberto Mancini’s Italy, whose 37-match unbeaten run between October 2018 and September 2021 had stood alone as the longest ever by a European men’s national team.Spain had already reached 36 matches without defeat after edging Belgium 2-1 in the World Cup quarter-finals, equalling Argentina’s run of 36 matches between July 2019 and November 2022 under Lionel Scaloni, a period during which Argentina lifted the Copa América in 2021 and the FIFA World Cup in 2022. By defeating France, they moved beyond Argentina and alongside Italy at the summit of European football history.The updated standings now read:

Should Spain avoid defeat in the World Cup final, they will move clear of Italy and become the outright holders of the longest unbeaten streak by a European nation.

Historic eighth consecutive knockout victory sets another European record

The semi-final also delivered another landmark achievement. Spain became the first European nation in history to win eight consecutive knockout-stage matches across the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship.Before De la Fuente’s current side, the best sequence by a European nation stood at seven consecutive knockout victories. That record was jointly held by Italy’s 1934-38 World Cup-winning generation and Spain’s own golden era between 2008 and 2012.The current run began during UEFA Euro 2024, when Spain defeated Georgia in the Round of 16, Germany in the quarter-finals, France in the semi-finals and England in the final to lift the European Championship with a perfect seven wins from seven matches.They have seamlessly carried that momentum into the World Cup, adding victories over Austria in the Round of 32, Portugal in the Round of 16, Belgium in the quarter-finals and now France in the semi-finals to complete an unprecedented run of eight straight knockout wins at major international tournaments.No European men’s national side has previously achieved such consistency in the knockout rounds of football’s two biggest competitions.

Spain’s latest triumph reflects the evolution under Luis de la Fuente

The victory over France was another demonstration of the tactical identity De la Fuente has built since taking charge.While Spain’s legendary sides between 2008 and 2012 became synonymous with patient possession football, the current squad has blended technical control with greater verticality, aggressive pressing and direct attacking play.That balance has been evident throughout the World Cup.Against France, Spain took control in the 22nd minute when Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty after Lamine Yamal was fouled inside the area. Pedro Porro doubled the advantage after the interval, finishing a flowing move involving Dani Olmo before Spain comfortably managed the remainder of the contest to book their place in the final.

Spain fans cheer before the World Cup semifinal soccer match between France and Spain in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Tuesday, July 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Defensive organisation has been equally important throughout this historic run. Earlier in the tournament, Spain produced six consecutive clean sheets, while goalkeeper Unai Simón set a new World Cup record for the longest run of consecutive minutes without conceding.

One victory away from standing alone

Spain now head into the World Cup final carrying unprecedented momentum.They have matched Italy’s all-time European unbeaten record, surpassed Argentina’s modern international streak and become the first European nation ever to win eight successive knockout matches at major tournaments.Their opponent will be decided by the second semi-final between Argentina and England. Should England progress, the final would mark a repeat of the UEFA Euro 2024 showpiece, where Spain defeated the Three Lions to lift the European Championship. If Argentina advance, it would set up a clash between two of the most dominant international sides of the modern era.Victory in the final would complete an extraordinary sequence. Not only would Spain lift the FIFA World Cup for the second time in their history after their 2010 triumph, but they would also move beyond Italy to become the sole owners of the longest unbeaten run ever achieved by a European men’s national team.After already rewriting several chapters of football history under Luis de la Fuente, La Roja are now just one match away from standing alone.

As we count down to the first college football game of the 2026 season, we continue our new series: The records of each top CFB program in the West against all the others in the region.

Some schools have met many times over the years, while others are beginning new rivalries in the wake of recent realignment.

For each opponent in the table below, we provide the total games played, wins, losses, ties, winning percentage, first year played, and most recent contest.

We continue with Oregon, which has played 894 games against regional foes, winning 468, losing 398, and recording 31 ties, for a winning percentage of .541.

The Ducks have recorded the most wins (70) and have played the most games (129) against Oregon State, and have lost the most games (63) against Washington.

Here is a breakdown of Oregon’s records vs. the region’s teams.

The race for the top scorer and MVP awards at the 11th Immortality FC Pre-Season Cup has become even more exciting.

Akwa United Chairman, Mr Joseph Eno, and the club’s Head Coach, Paul Offor, have thrown their support behind the 11th edition of the Immortality FC Pre-Season Cup with cash rewards and incentives for outstanding players.

As part of his support for the tournament, Mr Joseph Eno announced that the competition’s highest goalscorer will receive a brand new pair of football boots and a cash prize of ₦20,000. He also donated ₦50,000 to support the organisation of the tournament.

Mr Eno, who owns Campgee Hotel, has continued to support grassroots football. Campgee Hotel was also one of the principal supporters of the recently concluded Comfort FM Neighbourhood Football Fiesta.

On his part, Akwa United Head Coach Paul Offor announced a ₦20,000 cash reward for the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Both Mr Joseph Eno and Coach Paul Offor have shown strong commitment to the competition. They have attended every match since the tournament began, offering encouragement to the young players and supporting the initiative organised by the CEO of Immortality FC, Coach Ubong Okon James.

The 11th edition of the Immortality FC Pre-Season Cup kicked off on Monday, July 13, at the Uyo Township Stadium.

Matchday Two Results

Animity FC began their campaign in style with a convincing 4-0 victory over Tarasco Sports Club. Akaneno, Emmanuel Sunday, Samuel and Kufre Solomon all found the back of the net to seal the impressive win.

New Flame FA and Regnant FA shared the points after playing out a goalless draw in their opening match of the competition.

Hosts Immortality FC produced an improved performance to earn a 0-0 draw against Full Life FA. The result means Full Life FA have now drawn their opening two matches.

Blessed Talent FC maintained their perfect start with a 2-1 victory over Super Leggers FA. Peter Asuquo and Uwem Charles scored for Blessed Talent, while Erasmus Essien grabbed his second goal of the tournament for Super Leggers.

De Ark FA recorded a comfortable 3-0 win over Artisan FA, with David Jacob scoring the first hat-trick of the 11th Immortality FC Pre-Season Cup to move to the top of the goalscorers’ chart after Matchday Two.

FC ONE Rocket also made it two wins from two matches after defeating Unity Stars FC 2-0. Prince Peter and Emmanuel Okon were on target as FC ONE Rocket moved level on points with Blessed Talent FC at the top of Group A.

Wednesday Fixtures (July 15)

Action continues on Wednesday, July 15, at the Uyo Township Stadium with six matches:
• 10am – Wilnampro FA vs Regnant FA
• 11am – Tarasco Sports vs New Flame FA
• 12noon – Immortality FC vs Blessed Talent FC
• 1pm – Full Life FA vs Artisan FA
• 2pm – Blessed Stars FA vs Macito Solution FC
• 3pm – Solo Wonder FC vs Animity FC

All matches will be played at the Uyo Township Stadium.

In advance of the 96th MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday night, the league’s best players walked the red carpet, including Pittsburgh Pirates star Paul Skenes and his girlfriend, former LSU gymnast and star influencer, Livvy Dunne.

Dunne and Skenes were donning matching outfits, with Skenes wearing a lavender suit with a black lapel and Dunne wearing a black and lavender dress.

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Their matching fits were among the most impressive on the MLB All-Star Game Red Carpet on Tuesday night.

Believe it not, it was Dunne following Skenes’ lead and not the other way around.

“He told me what color he’s wearing, and then I just went accordingly,” Dunne said. “That’s literally it.”

Dunne and Skenes have each become stars in their own right and are no doubt the definition of a power couple.

Their ability to relate to one another keeps their relationship strong and they both revealed they have learned a lot from one another.

MORE: Livvy Dunne turns Home Run Derby guest bartender gig into foam party

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“He’s awesome. I mean, he’s amazing at what he does every single day, on the field and off the field. So, I’m just lucky to do it by his side and take notes for my own life, too, because honestly, he’s a great guy,” Dunne said.

“I think we relate in that way, so it’s not easy but I think it’s been a few years now and we’ve learned how to do it and how to make each other better. I think our personalities just make each other better, too, so it just works,” Skenes said.

More All-Star Game Red Carpet best fits

Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander walk towards practice field during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.

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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Justin Wrobleski turned heads with his jacket that had a shark embroidered on the inside.

Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber made his red carpet appearance a family affair and his son stole the show with his Spider-Man pose.

Fellow Phillies slugger Bryce Harper and his wife, Kayla, were looking very sharp during their walk on the red carpet.

Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout also brought his family out for the event and didn’t disappoint.

Trout’s son, Beckham, also made a bold prediction. When asked if he would be a better baseball player than his dad, he gave a definitive “Yes!”

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Here’s some more of the best fits.

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski.

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart.

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh.

New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto.

New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander.

The 2026 MLB All-Star Game will begin at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on FOX.

Team India beat England by six wickets at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Tuesday, July 14 in the first ODI of the three-match series. The Men in Blue thus registered a morale-boosting win after losing T20I series’ to Ireland and England by 0-2 and 0-4 margins, respectively.

Batting first after winning the toss, England were bowled out for 258 in 47.5 overs. Joe Root top-scored for the hosts with an unbeaten 76 off 76 balls, while Liam Dawson scored 68 off 83 and Ben Duckett 43 off 45. England slipped from 61 for no loss to 107-6 and despite a recovery act from Root and Dawson fell short of posting a competitive total.

For India, all-rounder Axar Patel had an outstanding match. He put England firmly on the back foot with figures of 4-62 from 9.5 overs. With the willow, he scored a defiant 57* off 52 balls after Team India lost their way in the chase. Axar featured in an unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 102 in 105 balls with Washington Sundar, who contributed 52* off 63 balls.

Fans shared some interesting memes on social media during the course of the first ODI between India and England in Birmingham on Tuesday. There was praise for all-rounders Axar and Sundar and some fun trolling of Kohli as well. Take a look.

English translation of above tweet is as follows:

“India’s population is 1.47 billion, out of which men make up about 50-52%. The youth population might be around 20%, and among them, those who play cricket could be 5-6%, which means around 7 crore people. Despite having so many people, you are still playing that guy Washington Sundar—what should we even say to you guys? @BCCI”

Deservedly, Axar was named Player of the Match for his stellar all-round show in the first ODI between India and England in Birmingham.

“The way T20 series went, this is the perfect start” – Axar after winning POTM award in 1st ENG vs IND 2026 ODI

Speaking after the match, Team India all-rounder Axar opined that the Men in Blue have made the perfect start to the ODI series after losing the T20I series 0-4. Before the loss to England, India had also gone down 0-2 to Ireland in a two-match series. Reflecting on the win in the first ODI, Axar commented (via Cricbuzz):

“Obviously the way T20 series went, I think this is the perfect start for us. And very happy the way I performed today. I think I bowled under a particular area. I thought I have to bowl, you know, vary my pace and bowl stump to stump. And I did exactly what I wanted to do. And I’m lucky that I got the four wickets.”

Axar got the wickets of Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid and Josh Tongue. With the bat, he smacked five fours and a six in his unbeaten half-century. India made a good start to their chase in Birmingham, but lost their way a bit in the middle and slipped to 160-4. Axar and Sundar then featured in an unbroken century stand to take India home. On his match-winning partnership with Sundar, Axar said:

“When I went there, Washington was there. We were thinking that we are down a couple of wickets just now, we have to build a partnership right now. And after four, five overs, we’ll think about what we have to do because the way we got the start, I think we are ahead of the game. So we have to just build the partnership and just finish the game.”

Having won the opening ODI, Team India will look to clinch the three-match series when they take on England in the second match at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Thursday, July 16. The series will conclude with the third one-day match to be played at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Stadium in London on Sunday, July 19.