Paraguayan senator, Spanish ex-PM spark racist commentary row over France
Paraguayan senator and Spanish ex-PM make racist and nationalist statements about France's World Cup team.
Event / Sports
2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup football tournament, featuring matches, results, and related developments from the competition.
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2026-08-17 to 2026-11-14 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 5 Jul, 22:53 UTC
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What happened
Argentina reaches World Cup final after defeating England in semifinal
Argentina advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final by defeating England in the semifinal match played on July 15, 2026. Argentina came from behind after trailing for 30 minutes, scoring two goals in the final ten minutes with assists from Lionel Messi. This victory continued Argentina's pattern of dramatic comebacks throughout the tournament.
Lamine Yamal, age 19, wears number 10 for Spain in World Cup
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, at 19 years old, wears the number 10 jersey for Spain in the 2026 World Cup. He plays as a winger/attacking midfielder and is considered a generational talent expected to succeed Lionel Messi as the next great player.
Spain reaches World Cup final after defeating France 2-0 in semifinal
Spain advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final by defeating France 2-0 in the semifinal match. Spain demonstrated defensive mastery, midfield control, and tempo management throughout the match. Spain has now won 7 consecutive matches in the tournament with 13 goals scored and only 2 conceded.
FIFA World Cup 2026 final scheduled between Spain and Argentina
Spain and Argentina will play the final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on July 19, 2026 at 21:00 (French time) at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New York. The stadium has a capacity of 82,500 spectators. The match will be broadcast on beIN Sports 1 and M6.
Spain previously won World Cup in 2010
Spain won the FIFA World Cup in 2010, their first and only World Cup title to date. That victory, led by players like Andrés Iniesta and Xavi, established Spain as a dominant force in international football for several years.
Spain won UEFA Euro 2024
Spain won the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship. The victory gave Spain the opportunity to pursue a historic double by winning the 2026 World Cup, matching the feat Spain achieved in 2008 (Euro) and 2010 (World Cup).
Rodri returns to form for Spain after ACL injury recovery
Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2024 before suffering an ACL and meniscus injury, has recovered to full form for the World Cup. In the semifinal against France, Rodri ran 12.63 km, forced 19 turnovers, and won 11 of 15 duels. At 30 years old, he serves as captain of the Spanish national team following the departures of Álvaro Morata and Dani Carvajal.
Spain undefeated for 38 official matches heading into World Cup final
Spain enters the World Cup final with an undefeated streak of 38 official matches dating back to June 2023. This streak includes a Leagues Nations final loss to Portugal on penalties in 2025, counted as a draw. Spain has allowed only 1 goal in the entire 2026 World Cup tournament.
Slavko Vincic appointed as referee for World Cup final
Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic has been assigned to officiate the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at the MetLife Stadium.
Argentina leads scoring with 19 goals in 2026 World Cup
Argentina's attack has scored 19 goals in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the most prolific in the tournament, compared to Spain's 13 goals. Argentina's squad depth and offensive weapons have carried them through the knockout stages despite facing strong opposition.
Lionel Messi leads Argentina with 8 goals and 4 assists in World Cup
At age 39, Lionel Messi has scored 8 goals and provided 4 assists in 7 matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making him the tournament's best player and leading scorer. Messi is attempting to win a second consecutive World Cup title for Argentina, which would give the country an unprecedented back-to-back championship—a feat last achieved by Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
Rodri returns to top form after knee injury recovery
Spanish midfielder Rodri, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus tear in his right knee two months after winning Euro 2024 in Berlin, has recovered and returned to peak performance. He overcame additional injuries to hamstrings and groin during the 2025-2026 season to help Spain reach the World Cup final.
Spain reaches 2026 World Cup final against Argentina
Spain advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final where they will face Argentina on Sunday at East Rutherford. Spain won their semifinal match against France, with midfielder Rodri playing a key role in the victory.
Spain won Euro 2024 championship in Berlin
Spain won the European Football Championship in 2024, held in Berlin. This victory preceded Rodri's knee injury suffered just two months later.
Rodri named Spain captain following Morata and Carvajal departures
Rodri assumed captaincy of the Spanish national team following the departures of Álvaro Morata and Dani Carvajal. As captain, he has provided leadership to the squad during the 2026 World Cup tournament.
Rodri delivers exceptional performance in Spain-France semifinal
In Spain's World Cup semifinal against France, midfielder Rodri ran 12.63 kilometers, forced 19 opponent turnovers, and won 11 of his 15 duels. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente credited Rodri as being better than any other midfielder even at 50% fitness.
Drake places $1.5 million wager on Argentina to win World Cup final
Rapper Drake posted a bet slip on Instagram displaying a $1.5 million wager on Argentina to win the World Cup final over Spain. Drake's betting record shows mixed results: down $1.56 million all-time across 87 publicly recorded wagers with 32 wins and 55 losses. In soccer specifically, Drake has a 2-4 record with $1.67 million in losses.
Spain reaches World Cup final undefeated in defense with one goal conceded
Spain has reached the 2026 World Cup final. The team defeated three top-ten ranked national teams en route: No. 5 Portugal 1-0, No. 9 Belgium 2-1 in the quarterfinal, and No. 3 France 2-0 in the semifinal. Spain has conceded only one goal across their seven World Cup matches.
2026 FIFA World Cup final scheduled between Spain and Argentina
The 2026 FIFA World Cup culminates in a final match between Spain and Argentina. The tournament began with 48 teams. The final will be played on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with kickoff at 3 p.m. Eastern time.
Lamine Yamal, 19, leads Spain's World Cup campaign as key playmaker
Spain's 19-year-old midfielder Lamine Yamal has emerged as a key player in the team's World Cup run. Yamal recently turned 19 and is described as a phenom who has flashed greatness throughout the tournament despite suffering a quad injury earlier in the spring. He now wears No. 10 for Barcelona.
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2 alternative perspectives
World Cup visa denials escalate with referee deportation, supporter exclusions
Multiple World Cup participants faced visa denials and deportations, including a Somali referee and hundreds of supporters from African nations.
Spain defeats France 2-0 to reach World Cup final
Spain beats France 2-0 in semifinal to reach World Cup final.
Trump receives FIFA Peace Prize as political influence reshapes tournament
Trump received FIFA Peace Prize and successfully intervened to overturn player suspension.
FIFA records 89,000 abusive social media comments during group stage
FIFA documented 89,000 abusive social media comments during group stage play.
Spain advances to World Cup final with dominant 2-0 semifinal victory over France
Spain beats France 2-0 in World Cup semifinal to reach the final for the first time since 2010.
Political figures ignite World Cup controversy with divisive statements
Politicians from Paraguay and Spain made inflammatory statements about France's World Cup team, fueling tournament controversy.
World Cup visa denials and deportations target athletes from multiple nations
Athletes, officials, and supporters from multiple nations denied entry or deported during 2026 World Cup.
Wildfire smoke triggers health crisis across northeastern U.S. cities
Wildfire smoke from Canada causes air quality emergencies across northeastern U.S. cities.
Argentina and Spain set for World Cup final on July 19
Argentina and Spain will contest the 2026 World Cup final on July 19 in New Jersey.
USA's Round of 16 exit amid Trump-FIFA controversy
USMNT eliminated in Round of 16; Trump intervened with FIFA over suspension controversy.
Trump, Sánchez to attend World Cup final; Milei absent from Argentina clash
Trump and Spanish PM Sánchez attending World Cup final; Argentine President Milei skipping championship match.