Spain

MADRID — The Spanish soccer federation chief's public apology for his unsolicited kiss of national player Jenni Hermoso during celebrations of Spain's victory in the Women's World Cup was "not enough", Acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Tuesday.

The incident - which happened as Luis Rubiales handed the women's team gold medals after they beat England 1-0 in the final on Sunday - sparked outrage within and outside Spain, with many, including ministers, demanding Rubiales' resignation.

Spain defeated England 1-0 in the Women’s World Cup final on Sunday in Sydney, Australia, and became world champions for the first time in their history.

Olga Carmona’s strike in the 29th minute proved to be the difference. The 23-year-old fullback had a perfect low effort into the bottom corner that Golden Glove winner Mary Earps couldn’t keep out.

OLGA CARMONA HAS DONE IT!

SPAIN TAKES THE 1-0 LEAD pic.twitter.com/zqJBDRXngJ

AUCKLAND — Olga Carmona struck late to lift Spain to a thrilling 2-1 semifinal win over Sweden on Tuesday and send the Iberians to their first Women's World Cup final.

Teenager Salma Paralluelo, Spain's quarter-final hero against the Netherlands, produced magic off the bench again, putting her side in front in the 81st minute and breathing life into what had been a slow-burning, cagey affair.

SHE'S A HERO ONCE AGAIN, IT'S SALMA PARALLUELO pic.twitter.com/lX1Vrht0ZZ

MADRID — Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will be sidelined for several months as he requires surgery after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee during Thursday's training session, the LaLiga club said.

The 31-year-old Belgian international left the practice field in tears and an MRI scan confirmed the ACL tear two days ahead of Real's LaLiga season debut at Athletic Bilbao.

AUCKLAND — Five days after Spain's shock loss to Japan, a bold squad reshuffle by coach Jorge Vilda paid off for the Spanish team on Saturday as they thrashed Switzerland 5-1 in their last-16 Women's World Cup clash.

The victory launched La Roja into the quarterfinals for the first time in their history.

"(The 4-0 loss to Japan) really hurt and the healing of that pain will continue," Vilda told a press conference.

Barcelona and Manchester United have been fined by UEFA for breaches of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, European soccer's governing body said on Friday.

Barcelona have been fined $561,000 for wrongly reporting "profits on disposal of intangible assets" in 2022.

United have been fined $267,000 for "minor break-even deficits".

It's that time of year again. The time when we're left absolutely stunned by the wizardry of some 20-year-old at Real Madrid or Manchester United who's been handed his first serious minutes on a scorching July night at MetLife Stadium, so we write articles about how 2023-24 is going to be his oyster and then we never see him again.

You don't want to miss it, so here's a complete TV guide for summer soccer friendlies 2023 in the USA and Mexico.