France exits World Cup in third-place playoff loss to England
France loses third-place playoff to England; Deschamps ends 14-year managerial tenure.
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
Spain enters World Cup final with perfect defensive form and unbeaten streak
Spain brings 37-game unbeaten streak and elite defensive record into World Cup final against Argentina.
Finalissima between Spain and Argentina canceled amid Middle East tensions
Spain-Argentina Finalissima canceled in Doha amid Middle East geopolitical tensions.
World Cup host city battles wildfire smoke air quality crisis
Canadian wildfire smoke triggers air quality emergencies across northeastern U.S. cities hosting World Cup events.
France and England contest third-place playoff in Miami
France and England play third-place playoff in Miami after semifinal exits.
Spain, Argentina set for historic first World Cup final meeting
Spain and Argentina meet in first World Cup final, both bringing historic winning streaks to championship match.
Deschamps ends 14-year France tenure after World Cup semifinal exit
Deschamps exits after 14 years as France coach following World Cup semifinal elimination.
France and England confirmed for World Cup third-place playoff
France and England confirmed to play third-place playoff in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Spain and Argentina advance to World Cup final after dominant semifinals
Spain and Argentina won their semifinals to set up a World Cup final matchup.
Spain and Argentina confirmed for World Cup final showdown
Spain and Argentina confirmed for July 19 World Cup final in New Jersey.
France and England battle for third place in Miami
France and England compete for third place in Miami with Deschamps set to depart as France manager.
FIFA documents 89,000 abusive comments as Swiss, Dutch players targeted
FIFA recorded 89,000 abusive comments during group stage; Swiss and Dutch players targeted with racist abuse.