Had qualification for the World Cup been decided by population, Spain would only just have made it for the past seven tournaments. Ranked 31st by that metric, they lag behind Myanmar, Sudan and Colombia – plus England, for that matter. Instead, their men’s and women’s teams both currently sit top of the FIFA rankings, having … Read more
There will be many stories written about Spain’s defense following its 2026 FIFA World Cup title, and for good reason. With all the evidence now before us, we can safely say it was the greatest defensive performance in the history of the world’s most prestigious tournament. Many people will focus on how Spain was able … Read more
For years, Argentina’s future was built around one name: Lionel Messi. But after Sunday’s World Cup defeat to Spain, the question facing La Albiceleste is no longer about extending Messi’s legacy, but who will be tasked with creating the next one. Adding to the uncertainty, Argentina could also be facing a coaching change, with Lionel … Read more
National news As the first matches prepared to begin, the administration continued to find itself under global scrutiny for its visa decisions, such as denying entry to a referee from Somalia who had been decorated for his management. President Donald Trump listens as FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks at a reception at Trump Tower in … Read more
Spain winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup puts this generation in the conversation with some of the greatest national teams in history. No team had followed a European Championship title with a World Cup victory since Spain did it by winning Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup. That legendary Spanish side then completed an … Read more
Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino were booed as they took to the field for the presentation ceremony before the US president attempted to gatecrash Spain’s victory party. Trump arrived at the stadium on Marine One, with the president’s helicopter first flying over the stadium about 45 minutes before kick-off. He sat in a glassed-in section … Read more
Starting XI Unai Simon: Came charging outside his box in the opening minutes which almost led to disaster before recovering to help Spain add the World Cup to their European triumph of two-years ago. 7 Marc Cucurella: Drove forward on numerous occasions and went close with a rare first-half attempt which whistled just wide. 7 … Read more
Argentina vs Spain has provided fans across the globe with a first half of World Cup Final football packed with technical quality, but Ian Wright has been less than impressed with the referee, and the Argentina team’s ability to somehow escape punishment. The game began, before a ball was even in play, with an extravagant, … Read more
Key events 36 min It’s a pretty bitty game. I was going to say that suits Argentina more than Spain, but after Wednesday I’m not so sure. Share 35 min “I think you’re being a bit modest after tipping Spain to win it all along,” says Andrew Goudie. “Did you ever have any doubts?” Do … Read more
The World Cup Final is here and, sadly, one of the most interesting battles from an English perspective is which broadcaster wins your attention. That’s because both the BBC and ITV are showing the competition’s finale, to be contested between Spain and Argentina. But who’s running the latter’s coverage? Lionel Messi is in search of … Read more