Switzerland coach Murat Yakin says defending champion Argentina has weaknesses and believes his team can compete before they face off in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals. Switzerland will meet Argentina in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup on July 12. Yakin commented on the matchup, saying: "Yes, we're facing world champion Argentina. Playing them is no simple matter, but from their last two matches we've seen that Argentina has weaknesses." "I think we've already earned respect from our opponents. Tactically, it will be an interesting match. We can create problems for the world champions," he added. For a country like Switzerland, reaching the quarterfinals against Argentina represents a significant moment, and expectations are high. "I think I still need a few more hours, or maybe a day, to fully understand what happened to us," Yakin concluded.

The Egyptian Football Association has approved a contract extension for head coach Hossam Hassan through 2030 following an impressive World Cup performance. Hassan, who took over the national team in February 2024, had been without a contract since February 2026.

Despite this, Hassan led Egypt to their first victory in the final World Cup tournament, defeating New Zealand 3-1 in Group G's group stage and advancing to the first knockout round. The team was eliminated in the Round of 16 after a 2-3 loss to defending champions Argentina.

Based on this recent performance, the Egyptian Football Association announced the contract extension with the 59-year-old head coach. Hani Abu Rida, president of the Egyptian Football Association, announced that the association's board approved the contract extension for Egypt's head coach Hossam Hassan and team director Ibrahim Hassan. Local media reports indicate that the new contract will remain in effect through 2030.

Norway captain Martin Ødegaard declared his team ready to face England in the 2026 World Cup semifinal on July 11, with the squad drawing confidence from their stunning victory over Brazil in the round of 16, where they defeated the five-time world champion 2-1 to reach the semifinal for the first time in Norwegian football history.

Acknowledging England's strength, Ødegaard said: "We certainly know their quality. I know them well. They have world-class players playing for one of the best national teams in the world right now. So it will be a big test for us. But I think it was the same when we faced Brazil. We were the underdogs then, and it turned out the way you saw. Anything can happen in football. So we'll try our best and see what we can do."

Mexico's football federation has appointed legendary defender Rafael Márquez as the new head coach under contract through the 2030 World Cup, replacing Javier Aguirre, who departed after the 2026 tournament concluded. At this World Cup, Mexico—co-hosting the tournament—reached the round of 16 before losing to England 3-2, marking the end of Aguirre's tenure. The 67-year-old coach's contract ended with the tournament. Márquez, 47, earned 147 caps for Mexico's national team and served as Aguirre's assistant during this World Cup. He previously coached Barcelona's reserve team from 2022-24. The appointment of Márquez as the new head coach aligns with Mexico's "Project 2030" strategy, which the Mexican football federation announced in 2024, positioning the former star player as Aguirre's designated heir.

Portugal is reportedly targeting experienced coach Jorge Jesus as the new head coach to replace Roberto Martinez, who has stepped down. A Bola news agency reports that the Portuguese national team is eyeing the seasoned Spanish coach's replacement with Jorge Jesus. Portugal recently confirmed its separation from Martinez after the team's World Cup 2026 campaign ended in the round of 16 with a 0-1 defeat to Spain on July 6. Latest reports indicate that Pedro Poença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, has already scheduled talks with Jesus. The 71-year-old coach is likely to be hired to take over from Martinez. Jesus has extensive experience managing top club sides across multiple countries, most recently leading Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr alongside Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, winning the Saudi Pro League title last season.

Maha Sarakham — On July 9, 2026, a meeting of the provincial committee for victim compensation and defendant costs convened on the fourth floor of Maha Sarakham Provincial Hall. The session, chaired by Deputy Governor Chalit Thipkham and attended by public health officials and relevant agencies, took urgent action on assistance for families affected by a motor vehicle crash that struck a group of monks during their morning alms walk, resulting in the deaths of 10 Buddhist monks.

The committee's purpose was to provide relief and emotional support to bereaved families while ensuring rapid and efficient assistance under the Criminal Victims' Compensation and Defendant Cost Act.

Following deliberation, the committee approved maximum compensation of 300,000 baht per deceased monk across all 10 victims. Officials were ordered to process disbursements and transfer funds to heirs or rightful beneficiaries within seven days of receiving complete documentation from the Department of Rights Protection and Liberties or the Maha Sarakham Provincial Justice Office.

Maha Sarakham province and related agencies pledged to expedite all procedures to ensure assistance reaches affected families swiftly, transparently, and equitably in accordance with legal provisions.