Spain's Defense Meets Argentina's Firepower in Championship Clash
Spain's unbeaten streak faces Argentina's back-to-back title bid in the July 19 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.
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
Ousmane Dembélé scores in France's third-place match comeback
Ousmane Dembélé scored in the third-place playoff match, with his goal coming in the 90th+6 minute during France's late comeback attempt. He accumulated 6 goals across the 2026 World Cup tournament.
Didier Deschamps ends tenure as France manager after 14 years
Didier Deschamps concluded his 14-year tenure as head coach of the French national team with the third-place playoff match against England in the 2026 World Cup. His final match ended in a 6-4 defeat.
England defeats France 6-4 in 2026 World Cup third-place match
England defeated France 6-4 in the third-place playoff match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match took place at Hard Rock Stadium and was notable for its high-scoring nature, with 10 total goals scored across the two teams.
Bukayo Saka scores hat-trick in England's third-place victory
Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick for England in the third-place playoff match, with goals in the 37th minute, 45th minute, and an 87th-minute penalty conversion.
Kylian Mbappé becomes sole holder of World Cup goal-scoring record
Kylian Mbappé became the sole holder of the all-time FIFA World Cup goal-scoring record with 22 goals across three World Cup tournaments. He also leads the 2026 World Cup scoring table with 10 goals.
England defeats Argentina 2-1 in 2026 World Cup semi-final
England defeated Argentina 2-1 in a semi-final match of the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday, which led to criticism of England manager Thomas Tuchel.
Spain and Argentina to contest 2026 World Cup final
Spain and Argentina qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday at East Rutherford, New Jersey.
France eliminated in 2026 World Cup semi-finals by Spain
France was eliminated in the semi-final stage of the 2026 World Cup, losing 2-0 to Spain on Tuesday prior to the third-place match.
Kylian Mbappé scores twice in France's third-place match
Kylian Mbappé scored two goals in the third-place playoff match, with his goals coming in the 48th and 66th minutes as France mounted a second-half comeback that ultimately fell short.
Jude Bellingham scores late goal for England in third-place match
Jude Bellingham scored for England in the 90th+8 minute of the third-place playoff match, effectively ending France's hopes of a comeback.
Spain and Argentina contest FIFA World Cup Final on July 20, 2026
Spain and Argentina are set to compete in the FIFA World Cup Final. Spain are the defending UEFA Euro 2024 champions, while Argentina are the defending World Cup champions. The match will take place on Sunday, July 20, 2026.
Spain defeats France 2-0 in World Cup semifinal
Spain defeated France 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup semifinal. The Spanish team demonstrated complete dominance in the match, with defender Rodrigo Hernández stating afterward that "Against France I think we did the best ever as a team."
Spain maintains 37-game unbeaten streak in international football
Spain's national football team has maintained an unbeaten streak of 37 games, tied for the longest in men's international history. This streak includes three wins against France during the current tournament cycle.
Spain won UEFA Euro 2024 championship
Spain won the UEFA European Football Championship in 2024, establishing themselves as the defending champions heading into the World Cup.
Lionel Messi scored eight goals in 2026 World Cup tournament
Lionel Messi scored eight goals during the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament. The Argentine legend is competing in what is likely his final World Cup appearance.
Lamine Yamal identified as rising Spanish football talent
Spanish teenager Lamine Yamal is competing in the World Cup Final, representing a generational transition from veteran player Lionel Messi.
FIFA introduces 30-minute halftime break in World Cup Final
FIFA implemented a new halftime break of 30 minutes for the World Cup Final, extended from the normal 15-minute break.
Rodrigo Hernández leads Spain's defense with one goal conceded in seven matches
Manchester City defender Rodrigo Hernández, 30, has led Spain's defense throughout the tournament, allowing only one goal in seven matches. The former Ballon d'Or winner has been described as a calm and definitive force guiding the Spanish team.
Spain won UEFA Nations League in 2023 and reached final again in 2025
Spain won the UEFA Nations League tournament in 2023 and reached the final again in 2025, demonstrating consistent competitive success at the international level.
Canadian wildfires produce smoke affecting World Cup Final location
Smoke from Canadian wildfires is affecting atmospheric conditions at the location hosting the World Cup Final.
Read the coverage
2 alternative perspectives
England defeats France 6-4 in thrilling World Cup third-place playoff
England beats France 6-4 in third-place playoff; Deschamps ends 14-year France tenure.
Mbappé scores 22 goals as Spain, Argentina set for final showdown
Spain and Argentina meet in the World Cup final with Mbappé having scored 22 goals and Vincic officiating.
Spain's defensive mastery and Argentina's scoring power collide in final
Spain's defensive fortress faces Argentina's championship experience and scoring power in the World Cup final.
Rodri guides Spain to final after injury recovery, captaincy transition
Rodri leads Spain's midfield and captaincy in World Cup final after injury comeback and leadership transition.
Final day logistics dominate World Cup championship preparations
Final day logistics show 80-degree weather, $10,000+ tickets, and major betting interest ahead of Spain-Argentina championship match.
Spain's defensive fortress faces Argentina's championship pedigree in final
Spain and Argentina meet in the World Cup final with Spain unbeaten and Argentina defending their title.
Spain and Argentina set for World Cup final showdown in New Jersey
Spain and Argentina reach the World Cup final; Spain beat France 2-0, Argentina defeated England 2-1.
Mbappé becomes sole World Cup goal-scoring record holder
Mbappé becomes sole World Cup goal-scoring record holder with 20 tournament goals.
England defeats France 6-4 in thrilling third-place playoff
England beats France 6-4 in World Cup third-place match with Saka's hat-trick.
Argentina to host 2030 World Cup as defending champions
Argentina will co-host 2030 World Cup after winning back-to-back championships.
FIFA halts halftime to 30 minutes as smoke threatens final conditions
FIFA extends World Cup Final halftime to 30 minutes amid Canadian wildfire smoke affecting northeastern air quality.