As the heat grips us all around the county, things are hotting up on the pitch for a litany of teams looking to go through another tournament or round with what could prove to be famous victories.

Tuesday 14th July FIFA World Cup: France v Spain 20:00

The first semi-final of the World Cup gets under way with a clash of the titans in Arlington as two-time winners France face off with the 2010 champions Spain.

France has been a favourite for a third World Cup triumph since long before the first ball was kicked, with genuine world-class talent in every position.

It has been eight years since Le Bleu lifted the trophy in Russia, and their pedigree has not let up since then, with almost a back-to-back clinching of the trophy taking place in Qatar in 2022. It was a Messi-inspired Argentina side that halted them in their tracks in the final, and since then the fire has been lit under Deschamps' men to cement an era of French dominance with another trophy for the cabinet.

Maximum points in the group laid down the foundation for a run that has seen them concede just two goals all tournament whilst fighting through tough tests in Paraguay and Morocco in the knockouts.

Goals from an imperious Mbappe (minus a rare penalty miss in the first half) and current Ballon d’or holder Dembele was the difference against Morocco. A win against the North Africans is no easy feat, but France made it look somewhat routine.

They will be hoping proceedings like that will continue against a Spain side that has reached its second World Cup final in its history.

They too have made things look rather easy in the tournament so far, with their first knockout win over Portugal being settled with a last gasp winner from Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino. After ending Ronaldo’s World Cup career, it was onto Belgium, who put up more of a fight before an injury to keeper Courtois saw Lammens come in for his first appearance between the sticks at the tournament.

Just 15 minutes after his introduction, he spilt a tame shot that entered the path of Merino, who once again smashed his team ahead and sent Belgium packing and Spain through now to face their toughest test.

Date: 14/07/2026
Time: 20:00
Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington
The match will be shown on ITV1, ITVX

Wednesday 15th July FIFA World Cup: England v Argentina 20:00

The Three Lions enter only their third ever World Cup semi-final on Wednesday with a renewed sense of excitement following a valiant comeback victory against Norway last weekend.

Fears of a certain towering centre forward in Erling Haaland were finally put to bed after extra time with a 2-1 victory that has breathed fresh air into the lungs of a nation that has waited far too long for success on the biggest stage in world sports.

It looked to be the opposite when, after just 36 minutes, an audacious curling effort from Schjelderup came careening in off the upright.

A stunned England had to respond, and they did so quickly through the hero of the day and of the tournament, Jude Bellingham, who lashed in an effort in the second minute of first-half added time.
The stalemate persisted through to the final whistle, with a disallowed Norwegian goal putting hearts in mouths for a brief moment.

Just three minutes into the extra half an hour, it was that man Bellingham again who seized the opportunity of a spilt goal from the Norway keeper, coming steaming in to knock in an effort from close range and send the Three Lions through to the semi-finals.

Argentina awaits now, defending champions with thoughts of a historic retention of the most famous trophy on earth. They came through a similarly dramatic affair against Switzerland, where a 1-1 scoreline after 90 minutes eventually ended 3-1 to the South Americans.

This will be England’s toughest test of the tournament and could cement a host of Lions into the history books and set up a final with one of two old enemies in Spain and France.

Date: 15/07/2026
Time: 20:00
Venue: Mercedez Benz Stadium, Atlanta
The match will be shown on BBC One, BBC iPlayer


Thursday 16th July Betfred Super League: Bradford Bulls v Wakefield Trinity 20:00

Round 19 of Super League gets underway with a West Yorkshire derby at Odsal as the Bulls host a tough test against a Trinity side looking to creep into the top two.

It has been a season to remember for Daryl Powell’s Wakefield, who have brushed off their undue label of surprise playoff contenders last season to cement themselves firmly within the top six.

Thirteen wins and just five losses from 18 matches has them sitting in third, two points clear of Warrington.

Trinity have been in imperious form as of late too, with four wins on the spin, including a statement 48-6 win over Castleford at Magic Weekend and most recently a what could prove to be vital 20-6 victory over defending quadruple winners Hull KR.

With thoughts of a second successive season finishing in the playoffs on the cards for the first time in the club's history, they need to carry on their winning form against a Bradford side that is looking to make inroads in their return to the top flight.

The Bulls finally returned to the big time this year after an 11-year absence, many of those in the wilderness and without a hope of return. But things are looking up for a true rugby league institution.

Entering a newly expanded top division brought many to think they would struggle, but they have already put in some huge performances with victories over Hull FC and Catalans Dragons.

They have struggled as of late, though, with five losses in a row being stopped finally by a 30-14 win over bottom side Huddersfield Giants.

That victory has taken them to 11th in the league on 12 points, and now hopefully with renewed confidence to attain a win that would prove to be their finest of the season.

Date: 16/07/2026
Time: 20:00
Venue: Odsal Stadium, Bradford
The match will be shown on Sky Sports+, Sky Go