Brazil suffered an early exit from North America following a 2-1 loss to Erling Haaland and Norway. Neymar managed to pull one back from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time, but it proved too little, too late, marking the end of his illustrious international career, as he emotionally confirmed following the match.

Granted extra time off following the elimination, Neymar spent a few days vacationing in the United States with his family while Santos resumed match play. The team captain sat out the club’s Serie A fixture against Botafogo on July 16, as well as Tuesday’s Copa Sudamericana trip to Venezuela, where Santos pulled off an impressive 4-1 victory over Universidad Central.

While his teammates navigated the demanding road trip to Venezuela, Neymar was back in Brazil participating in the BSOP Winter tournament, the fourth leg of the 2026 Brazilian Poker Championship. The event, hosted at the WTC Sheraton’s Golden Hall in Sao Paulo, saw the forward enter the high-stakes R$ 25,000 ($4,933) buy-in category.

Neymar had already rejoined squad training at the Rei Pele training facility last Friday, though the coaching staff opted against traveling him for the Sudamericana match. He trained normally again on Tuesday morning before heading to the poker tables that evening, a tournament where he previously placed 29th out of 346 entries during the 2025 edition.

Neymar set for weekend return

Under contract with Santos through December 2026, the plan remains for Neymar to see out his current deal with O Peixe before evaluating his next career steps. With his post-World Cup break now complete, the forward is primed to make his official return in Santos’ next domestic fixture.

Santos head coach Cuca brushed off any controversy surrounding Neymar’s absence from Tuesday’s continental match during his pre-game press conference: “Since he was sidelined because he didn’t have a vacation, it was decided to keep him here building up even more strength, training hard, so he can have a run of consecutive matches. Over the next ten days, we’re going to play four times. What advantage was there in bringing him here? You came, you saw how tough the trip is, how hard it is to arrive here in ideal condition. He’s back there working, and he trained well.

Santos will host Chapecoense at Vila Belmiro on Saturday, July 25, with Cuca explicitly confirming that “Neymar is locked in for Saturday.” Fully healthy and refreshed, the legendary forward is ready to lead the charge for the club’s domestic push.

As one of Italy’s best prospects, Samuele Ricci joined AC Milan in August 2025 for €23 million from Torino FC. However, he played only 1,498 minutes, raising serious doubts about his ability to be a starter in midfield. Despite Ruben Amorim being the club’s new head coach, the future of the 24-year-old star appears to lie away from the Rossoneri, calling out the attention of two Serie A sides.

According to Nicolò Schira, via Tuttosport, the Rossoneri want to transfer Samuele Ricci this summer. However, they want to receive a transfer fee of between €18-20 million, ruling out any type of loan deal. As a result, Atalanta and Bologna have shown interest in signing him. However, several Premier League clubs and Olympique Marseille could become interested in him again.

Considering the reported renewal of Luka Modrić and of Adrien Rabiot’s key role, Ricci is no longer central to AC Milan’s plans. In addition, Ruben Amorim does not believe he fits into his system, opting instead for alternatives such as Ardon Jashari and sign Pierre-Emile Højbjerg as backup, reports Nicolò Schira. At just 24 years old, Samuele still has plenty of room for growth, as he could become a central figure in Italy’s future.

AC Milan may also offload Youssouf Fofana and Ruben Loftus-Cheek

With the arrival of Ruben Amorim, AC Milan are preparing to significantly reshape their roster. While they are keeping Modrić and Rabiot, they are open to parting ways with the rest of their midfielders. With this in mind, Samuele Ricci may not be the only player to leave, as Youssouf Fofana and Ruben Loftus-Cheek could also be transferred in an effort to improve the team’s competitiveness.

After several training sessions, head coach Ruben Amorim has decided not to count on Youssouf Fofana or Ruben Loftus-Cheek. With this in mind, both stars could be on their way to the Premier League, where they have a strong market, reports Nicolò Schira. However, neither of them has received formal offers, so their departures may not be straightforward, forcing them to be included in the friendly games.

Ayala said: “It is a shame, and you have to accept responsibility for the actions you take on the field. I cannot do that regardless of what I may have received. I went in to separate them. It was more of a push than anything else, it was not a punch. It was a reaction to something that was said, but if I see Olmo, I will apologize to him in person. I regret it.”

The incidents began when Spain’s substitute players entered the field to celebrate, with some of them mocking Argentina’s players. This led to a confrontation between Leandro Paredes, Eric García and Gavi that was later joined by more players. In the background, Ayala was seen slightly shoving Olmo.

Ayala on the match itself

The visible face of the coaching staff is the manager, with Lionel Scaloni being the leader of the team. Around him are experienced figures such as Ayala, who played for more than a decade during a successful era for Valencia.

Losing the final in that way was a huge disappointment, albeit the former player commented that the reception they received in Argentina after returning helped them deal with the result against a Spain team he also congratulated.

Ayala said: “They were superior and deserved to win the World Cup. We showed a part of our game, but we did not have the same level in our legs as we did in 2022. We have to congratulate Spain. They were better and they overpowered us. It was another learning experience for us. Spain played attractive soccer that many people enjoy. There was nothing that happened in the locker room, there was simply a team that played better, was superior and won.”

Ayala on the referee’s performance

The appointment of UEFA referee Slavko Vincic for a final involving a European team generated controversy, especially because Argentina had only lost two World Cup matches under Scaloni before the final, with the previous defeat coming against Saudi Arabia in Qatar. However, Ayala did not use the referee’s decisions as an excuse when discussing Enzo Fernández’s red card.

Ayala said: “I don’t know how to rate it. He did not call the small plays. There were fouls that he let go. I think he rushed with the first yellow card for the sending-off. The second one was a fairly direct challenge that is a yellow card because of the force of the tackle. We cannot fall into the idea that the referee was bad. I think he did well while officiating the final.”

That same year also marked the beginning of another legendary career, as Lionel Messi made his first-team debut for Barcelona on October 16, 2004, coming on as a substitute in a 1-0 win at 17 years old.

Both players, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, would go on to define more than two decades of the sport, culminating in a shared piece of World Cup history at the 2026 tournament.

Given the length of their careers, comparing sheer volume of matches played puts Ochoa’s longevity into perspective, even against two of the most durable players the sport has ever seen.

Ronaldo leads the trio by a wide margin, having featured in roughly 1,330 official matches for club and country. Messi isn’t far off the pace either, sitting at close to 1,164 appearances across his time with Barcelona, PSG, Inter Miami and Argentina.

Ochoa’s total, by contrast, sits at around 942 official appearances across his career, split between spells at Club America, Ajaccio, Malaga, Granada, Standard Liege, Salernitana, AVS and AEL Limassol, along with his time with the Mexican national team.

The record that ties all three together

Despite the gap in appearances, Ochoa, Messi and Ronaldo are bound by a shared achievement no other player has matched: all three became the only players in history to feature in six different World Cup editions, a run that stretches from 2006 through 2026.

Where the trio differs is in playing time across those tournaments, with Ochoa featuring far less regularly than the other two, but his mere presence across six editions of the tournament was enough to place him in a category previously thought impossible to reach.

Match Overview

Charlotte FC and Atlanta United renew their rivalry in a matchup with major implications for both clubs. Charlotte enters the contest sitting on 21 points and holding a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, but with several teams close behind, dropping points could quickly put that position at risk.

Atlanta United, meanwhile, has struggled through an underwhelming campaign and sits second from the bottom of the conference with just 11 points. A victory would provide a much-needed boost as the Five Stripes try to close the gap and keep their postseason hopes within reach.

Mundo Deportivo reports that Real Madrid are willing to increase Vinicius’ net salary up to €20 million net ($22.8 million) per year from the current figure of €15 million ($17.1 million). Even with that improved offer, the two sides are still not close to reaching an agreement.

The conflict between both sides is not directly about the salary, as the outlet reports that Vinicius wants a renewal fee that would place his salary level alongside Kylian Mbappé as the highest earner on the team, something the club may not be ready to do.

Contract situation

Vinicius joined Real Madrid in July 2018 after completing his move from Flamengo. Since then, he has developed into one of the club’s biggest stars, winning multiple major trophies and becoming one of the faces of the team.

A story of success like this would usually end with a contract renewal, as Vinicius has been a key player for Real Madrid. However, the issue could be that the room for negotiation is not as wide because of the current situation between the player and the club.

The issue for Real Madrid is that Vinicius’ current contract extension tied his future to the club until June 2027. With one year remaining on the agreement, which also includes a €1 billion release clause, the player could sign a pre-contract with another club in January and leave as a free agent in the summer.

Vinicius’ facial procedure

Away from the contract talks, Vinicius has also made headlines after undergoing facial harmonization during his vacation in Brazil. The cosmetic procedure drew attention on social media after photos of his new appearance surfaced before the start of preseason. This should not affect his availability with Real Madrid.

Amid his tribute as a 2026 World Cup winner, Fabián Ruiz was asked whether he would consider returning to Real Betis. He responded bluntly: “The truth is yes. I’ve always said it. I never hide it. I want to come back. It gets closer every time. I’m a Betis fan, and one day I hope to return to Betis,” he said, according to Marca. Nonetheless, his comeback may not be an easy path due to his renewal status.

Fabián Ruiz remains a central figure at PSG, serving as an undisputed starter under head coach Luis Enrique. For that reason, he has agreed to a contract extension through 2029, with an option for an additional year, according to Fabrizio Romano. While the 30-year-old midfielder has hinted at a return to Real Betis, the French side may not let him leave easily complicating matters in the near future.

As one of the most experienced players for PSG and Spain, Fabián Ruiz has established among the best players in the world. During the 2025-26 season, he won absolutely everything, making him a potential Ballon d’Or candidate, something he made clear would be a great honor for him. In addition, he reached 50 unbeaten matches with La Roja, marking a historic milestone that demonstrates his importance to the team.

Fabian Ruiz is one of the most well-rounded players at PSG and Spain

Throughout the last few years, Fabián Ruiz has been one of the most underrated players in Europe. At PSG, Vitinha and João Neves steal all the spotlight, while Pedri does the same with Spain. However, he has managed to carve out a unique place in both squads, becoming a cornerstone of every title they have won. His importance comes down to one key aspect: He is one of the most complete players in his position.

Despite having world-class competition, Fabián has earned the trust of all his coaches by excelling in both defense and attack. Thanks to his tactical intelligence and physical presence, he stands out as one of the most solid central midfielders defensively, playing a key role in balancing the lineup. In addition, he offers an incredible creative side, controlling the tempo and distributing the play.

Amid the very young squads at PSG and Spain, Fabián Ruiz has emerged as one of the leaders of both teams. Although he is only 30 years old, he is one of the most experienced players, making him a clear leader in the dressing room and an example on the pitch. Despite this, his career does not usually receive much spotlight, making him one of the most underrated players in the world.

The Brazilian legend had predicted during one of his TikTok livestreams that Spain would beat Argentina “easily,” and while the final scoreline didn’t reflect a blowout, he insists the gap on the field told a different story.

With the result now in the books, Ronaldo revisited Spain’s win, standing by his original assessment of the match. “It was a historic day for the sport because Spain dominated from start to finish, just like I expected. The goals didn’t come for Spain, and they didn’t win by the margin I expected and that they deserved, but it was complete control throughout the entire match. It was a beatdown,” Ronaldo said on his TikTok account.

The Brazilian didn’t stop there, pointing to the disparity in quality he saw between the two finalists, even accounting for Argentina’s biggest individual weapon, Lionel Messi.

“The gap in quality between Spain and Argentina is huge. Even with Messi, they couldn’t match them. Argentina fought with a lot of heart, which was their strength throughout the whole tournament. A talented player can win you a match, but you need the strength of a team to win a World Cup, like Spain did. Playing as a collective, everyone matters,” he added.

Ronaldo’s blunt take on Argentina’s style

Ronaldo didn’t hold back when describing how Argentina played across the entire World Cup, drawing a sharp contrast with Spain‘s approach. “They never played good football, they only fought with a lot of heart, they didn’t play beautifully,” he explained.

On the other hand, the legend praised Spain’s style of play, noting that it has surpassed Brazil’s Jogo Bonito. “Spain has a footballing DNA, a beautiful style of play. Brazil’s Joga Bonito has been surpassed, and the way Spain plays now is the best there is,” Ronaldo continued.

Ronaldo backs Rodri for the Ballon d’Or

The Brazilian also made his case for who should take home this year’s Ballon d’Or, pointing to Rodri as the clear favorite. Spain’s captain was the clear leader of the 2026 World Cup-winning side, and he’s now the only active central midfielder to have won the Ballon d’Or, the World Cup and the European Championship while being named the best player of both tournaments.

“He’s the number one candidate to win the Ballon d’Or. He was Spain’s standout player at this World Cup, and that carries a lot of weight when it comes to winning the Ballon d’Or. He can win it again,” Ronaldo said about Rodri.

Match Overview

The Eastern Conference playoff race heats up with a high-stakes clash as the Chicago Fire host Inter Miami in a matchup that could shake up the standings. Sitting third with 26 points, Chicago can gain ground on both conference leader Nashville SC (33) and second-place Miami (31) by defending home field.

On the other hand, the Herons continue to prove they can compete at the highest level despite Lionel Messi‘s absence and need three points to keep the pressure on the top spot. With plenty on the line for both sides, this is one MLS showdown you won’t want to miss.

Portugal’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 against Spain sparked fresh debate about Ronaldo’s place among the greatest players in history. While critics pointed to his reduced mobility at the age of 41, Nani offered a different perspective, reminding supporters why Ronaldo remains one of soccer’s defining figures.

The Selecao das Quinas entered the 2026 tournament with high expectations under head coach Roberto Martinez, carrying a squad packed with experienced stars and emerging talent. The national team finished second in Group K behind Colombia before overcoming Croatia in the Round of 32, only to suffer a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain after Mikel Merino scored a dramatic winner in the closing moments.

Although the campaign ended earlier than many supporters had hoped, Ronaldo still contributed three goals, including strikes against Uzbekistan and Croatia. Those performances helped him extend several remarkable records; however, the defeat officially closed the chapter on his World Cup career, leaving the famous trophy as the one major prize missing from one of soccer’s most decorated résumés.

Luis Nani explains why Ronaldo still stands out

Amid the criticism, Luis Nani revealed the reason he believes Ronaldo continues to command worldwide attention even after missing out on World Cup glory. According to the former Manchester United and Portugal winger, Ronaldo’s lasting impact comes from the remarkable transformation he deliberately made during his playing career.

As shared by AlNassrTribune on X (formerly Twitter), Nani said in a recent interview: “If we look back and watch the videos, everyone will fall silent and acknowledge Cristiano Ronaldo’s talent. Because he’s a machine, an exceptional player.”

He then explained the evolution that changed Ronaldo forever: “I played with him from a young age, and I know what he was capable of back then, and I know what he’s become. It was his choice to give up being that magical, technically gifted player to become the ultimate goalscorer, and he succeeded.”

For Nani, that decision perfectly reflects Ronaldo’s mentality: “It was his choice, and that highlights his mentality. He alone was able to achieve it, so we should be grateful for everything we’ve experienced and the incredible goals he’s scored. Even at his age, he still makes us talk.”

Career built on constant evolution

Nani’s comments offer insight into something many younger supporters never witnessed. Early in his career, Ronaldo was celebrated for his dazzling dribbling, tricks, explosive pace and creativity before gradually evolving into one of the most efficient goalscorers soccer has ever seen.

That transformation helped him rewrite record books across England, Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia. Rather than relying solely on technical brilliance, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner developed into a player capable of deciding matches through positioning, movement, finishing and relentless determination.

After parting ways with Mexico’s Club León in December 2025, Minnesota United finalized the signing of Rodriguez on February 6, structuring a deal through June 2026 designed to bridge the gap to the 2026 World Cup, the midfielder’s primary objective. The former Real Madrid superstar arrived in MLS eager to build game fitness ahead of Colombia’s tournament run, but consistently struggled to earn a permanent spot in the starting XI.

Having missed preseason training, Rodriguez sat out Minnesota’s MLS opener against Austin FC, remained an unused substitute against FC Cincinnati, and was sidelined by a minor knock against Nashville SC. The midfielder finally made his club debut on March 15, logging just 26 minutes off the bench in a humbling 6-0 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps.

That rocky debut set the tone for an uninspiring tenure in Saint Paul. Plagued by fitness issues and international duties, Rodriguez concluded his time with the Loons having logged just six MLS appearances and two U.S. Open Cup matches, registering only two assists. The lack of production prompted Minnesota executives to decline his contract extension option for the remainder of the 2026 season and announce his release on July 21.

Further underlining where his priorities lay, Minnesota United issued a mid-season announcement confirming that Rodriguez would be released early following a match against the Colorado Rapids to join Colombia’s national team training camp. That early departure caused him to miss crucial MLS fixtures against the New England Revolution and Real Salt Lake right before the World Cup break.

James Rodriguez’s stats at Minnesota United

• Games played: 8
• Minutes played: 274
• Goals scored: 0
• Assists delivered: 2

Second-worst club stint of his career

Having starred on global soccer’s grandest stages with European heavyweights Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, while consistently orchestrating Colombia’s World Cup runs, Rodriguez’s club trajectory in recent years has strayed far from his peak. Yet, as underwhelming as his Minnesota tenure proved to be, it does not stand as the absolute low point of his career.

That title belongs to his brief spell with Spanish side Rayo Vallecano, where he logged a career-low 205 minutes across seven total matches, generating zero goals and just a single assist.

Rodriguez signed with the Vallecas club in August 2024 at the behest of club executives, but head coach Iñigo Perez sidelined him in favor of a high-intensity, press-heavy tactical system. Unable to meet those physical demands, the Colombian missed 13 matches as an unused substitute or squad omission before mutually terminating his contract in January 2025.

Two seasons after arriving from Manchester City, the forward’s stint in the Spanish capital appears to be nearing its end following reported friction with the club’s board earlier this year over the direction of his career.

Finding a way out won’t be simple, since Atletico are determined to extract maximum value from any sale. Barcelona have already seen a €100 million bid turned down, and Real Madrid fared no better after Atletico rejected an offer worth €150 million from their crosstown rivals as well.

For now, Alvarez is expected to report for preseason training under Diego Simeone on August 10, barring a fresh twist in the market. That’s exactly what insider Fabrizio Romano suggests could be coming, with Arsenal reportedly ready to make a renewed push for the forward.

According to Premier League insider Ben Jacobs, Arsenal see Alvarez as a top target this summer, even if the numbers involved make a move complicated. “Julian Alvarez is the dream target for Arsenal. His release clause is €500m, but my information is that there are provisions for certain Champions League clubs to do it cheaper, but cheaper is still probably out of the price range of all clubs,” Jacobs said.

He added that Arsenal’s interest shouldn’t be dismissed regardless of the obstacles: “Maybe Alvarez stays at Atletico, maybe Barcelona come back in, but don’t rule out Arsenal. If there’s a 1% chance of Alvarez moving to the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal will move”.

What Alvarez said about leaving Atletico Madrid during the World Cup

Alvarez didn’t hide his intentions while representing Argentina at the World Cup, addressing his Atletico future directly in comments that all but confirmed a transfer is coming.

“I already spoke with who I needed to speak with, and the best thing for everyone is a transfer. It’s not the time to talk about that right now, but I’m not going to hide either, because I want to fulfill my dream,” the forward said, in remarks widely interpreted as a signal of his interest in eventually joining Barcelona.

According to Carlos Monfort, via Diario Sport, Sergio Busquets has decided to return to Barcelona after attending the 2026 World Cup. He has decided to take steps forward to become a coach in the near future. Instead of joining Hansi Flick’s coaching staff, he is negotiating to join Juliano Belletti’s staff, who coaches Barça Atlètic. With this move, he is looking to learn from the day-to-day work before taking a bigger step.

As he has not yet obtained the required coaching license to work as a head coach, Busquets has decided not to waste any time, joining La Masia as an apprentice, the same place where he began his career as a professional soccer player. As a result, he could begin his coaching career in FC Barcelona’s youth ranks before making the jump to any first-division team.

Barcelona highly values Sergio Busquets’ influence in the youth ranks, reveals Carlos Monfort, via Diario Sport. Becoming one of the best players in the club’s history, he is an ideal ambassador for the possession-based style of play and his experience makes him a role model. However, he appears to be focused exclusively on learning from Belletti, seeking a slower transition toward becoming a head coach.

Sergio Busquets may eye different coaching route than Xavi Hernandez

With Sergio Busquets’ reported return to Barcelona, many already compare him to Xavi Hernández, anticipating a possible failure. However, the story of both legends is totally different. Unlike the previous years, the Blaugranas already have a very stable sporting project, something that Xavi did not get to experience. In addition, his training was very different.

Xavi Hernández trained as a coach, completing his internships and taking his first professional steps at Al Sadd SC in Qatar. Without having gone through La Masia, he had a quite mixed spell, as he won titles but ended up being dismissed. This is very different from the path that Sergio Busquets reportedly wants to take, as he first wants to learn the day-to-day work in Barcelona’s youth ranks before taking a bigger professional step.

Sergio Busquets seems to have a clear path to becoming a coach: Taking slow steps to learn the fundamentals properly. Although this does not guarantee success, it does allow him to better measure his professional decisions before becoming Barcelona’s head coach. However, he appears destined to replace Hansi Flick in the future if he shines in the youth ranks.

The timing is particularly intriguing because the match also marks Robert Lewandowski’s long-awaited MLS debut for the Chicago Fire, creating one of the league’s biggest fixtures of the season. While Messi and De Paul remain away from the action, both clubs still have plenty at stake as they resume league play following the World Cup break.

The World Cup pause officially ended this week, with MLS restarting its schedule before the upcoming All-Star Game and Leagues Cup. The Herons enter the second half of the campaign in second place in the Eastern Conference, while the Fire sits just behind in third, making Wednesday’s meeting a crucial contest despite the missing stars.

Before the break, Inter Miami had built excellent momentum by winning four consecutive league matches, scoring goals freely and strengthening its position near the top of the standings. However, the return to domestic competition arrives under unusual circumstances after several players represented their countries during the World Cup.

The real reason Messi and De Paul are unavailable

The dilemma surrounding Messi and De Paul’s absence comes down to mandatory recovery following their demanding World Cup campaign with Argentina. Both players featured in Sunday’s World Cup final, where Argentina fell 1-0 to Spain after extra time, with Messi playing the full 120 minutes.

According to multiple reports, including the Miami Herald and ESPN, Inter Miami decided to give both players time away from soccer following FIFA and FIFPRO recommendations regarding player welfare after major international tournaments. The current guidance recommends a minimum 21-day offseason recovery period, with at least 72 hours between matches throughout the calendar.

FIFA explained: “There is a consensus that there must be at least 72 hours of rest between matches, and that players should have a rest period/holiday of at least 21 days at the end of each season.”

The governing body also stressed that “This period should be managed individually by each club and the respective players also depending on their match calendars and taking into account applicable collective agreements.”

What did Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos say?

Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos made it clear that resting Messi and De Paul takes priority over rushing them back into league action. After Argentina’s emotional run to another World Cup final, the coach believes both players deserve time with their families before returning to club soccer.

Hoyos said: “The World Cup ended just hours ago, and what they need now more than anything is to rest, to be with their loved ones, in their homes.” He also praised the reception Argentina received after returning home, adding: “They will take whatever time they need.”

Without his two Argentine leaders, Hoyos acknowledged replacing them will be extremely difficult. “Replacing extraordinary players like the ones we have… well, they’re irreplaceable,” Hoyos admitted. “We have players, and this week they have to start manifesting themselves without two of our biggest players, but I think they are capable of having an excellent game.”

When could Messi and De Paul return?

Current reports suggest Messi and De Paul will also miss matches against CF Montreal and possibly Columbus Crew. As per ESPN, the duo is targeting a return for Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup opener against Atletico San Luis on August 5, depending on how their recovery progresses.

Both players are also expected to miss the MLS All-Star Game, although their absence falls within the recommended recovery period and therefore would not trigger league disciplinary action.

“Inter Miami CF announced today that it has signed Brazilian international midfielder Casemiro. The five-time UEFA Champions League-winning midfielder joins the Club as a free agent and will remain under contract through the conclusion of the 2027 MLS Sprint Season, with an extension option until June 2029“, reports the Herons on their website.

Despite already being 34 years old, Casemiro was an undisputed starter for Manchester United during the 2025-26 season. Demonstrating his high level, he scored 9 goals and provided 2 assists, becoming one of the team’s pillars. However, he has decided to make a change in his professional career, motivated by Inter Miami’s sporting project, he revealed during his presentation.

Casemiro opens up on excitement for Inter Miami’s arrival

While Casemiro reportedly had offers to remain in Europe, he has decided to choose a different path: Joining MLS. He arrives at Inter Miami to become a key part of the squad alongside Yannick Bright in midfield. Despite being a veteran, he has already publicly expressed his excitement about playing for Guillermo Hoyos’ team in the coming days.

“I’m incredibly grateful, and I can’t wait to get started so I can repay that trust—not only during the 90 minutes on matchday, but every day in training as well. All I can say is thank you, and I’ll give everything I have to return the affection and confidence the Club has shown me,” Casemiro said via Inter Miami’s website.

Casemiro and Lionel Messi: Rivalry, admiration unite at Inter Miami

Throughout their professional careers, Lionel Messi and Casemiro have always been rivals. The Brazilian has faced the Argentine legend in 20 matches, recording 8 wins, 4 draws, and 8 defeats. However, he has always expressed his deep admiration for the 39-year-old veteran star, something that could be very important now that they will be teammates at Inter Miami.

In an interview on Rio Ferdinand Presents, Casemiro described Messi as the toughest opponent he has faced in his career. “You need help, you can’t stop him alone… I foul him, I apologize, it’s impossible. I need help… I remember one match: 0-0, Messi was on the bench until the 80th minute; he came on and within a few minutes it was 2-0. Only him,” he confessed.

For the first time in their professional careers, Casemiro and Messi will be teammates, something that will seek to give Inter Miami more solidity. With complementary playing styles, they aim to build a strong connection on the pitch, as they have known each other for many years. In addition, the Brazilian joins the select group of players who have shared the field with both the Argentine and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The update came after the conclusion of the expanded 2026 World Cup, where Spain defeated Argentina in the final after extra time, while Haaland inspired Norway to an unexpected run to the quarterfinals. Transfermarkt rewarded standout performers and players whose transfer situations strengthened their standing, producing several notable increases across the global game.

Yamal and Haaland reach unprecedented milestone

The biggest headline from the latest valuation update arrived at the top of the rankings. Lamine Yamal and Erling Haaland became the first players in Transfermarkt history to reach a market value of €220 million ($257.4 million), setting a benchmark never previously achieved since the platform began tracking player values in 2004.

Haaland earned his increase after a spectacular World Cup campaign. The Manchester City striker finished the tournament with seven goals and one assist in just five matches, carrying Norway into the last eight before the Scandinavian side bowed out against England.

Yamal’s tournament numbers were more modest, with one goal and one assist across eight matches, but the teenager’s overall achievements convinced Transfermarkt that another increase was warranted. At just 19 years old, the Barcelona winger already owns both a UEFA European Championship title and a FIFA World Cup winner’s medal.

Transfermarkt market value coordinator Tobias Kroger explained: “Haaland’s overall package of his qualities as an outstanding goalscorer, his age, his personality, and his performances on the biggest stage qualify him to break the 200-million barrier together with Lamine Yamal.”

Kroger also praised the Spanish sensation’s remarkable development. “He has confirmed his status as the greatest exceptional talent and at 19 years old can already look back on significantly more success and experience than Lionel Messi did at the same age.”

Messi, Ronaldo, and Mbappe’s highest Transfermarkt market values revealed

The new valuations also place Yamal and Haaland above the highest market values ever achieved by two of soccer’s greatest icons. To no surprise, the transfer market has changed dramatically over the past decade, with superstar players reaching valuations that once seemed impossible.

Among the biggest names in modern soccer, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe have all reached extraordinary market values during their careers, according to Transfermarkt, with each player hitting their peak valuation during the late 2010s.

While Messi and Ronaldo dominated the sport for more than a decade, Mbappe’s rapid rise saw him reach an even higher valuation. Mbappe’s €200 million ($234 million) peak remains one of the highest market values ever recorded by Transfermarkt, matching the figure later reached by Erling Haaland. Here is a breakdown of the highest-ever recorded market values for the three generational talents:

Context behind the peaks

Among the three superstars, Kylian Mbappe holds the highest peak market value, reaching €200 million ($234 million) in December 2018. The French forward achieved that figure shortly after one of the most important moments of his career: winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France at only 19 years old.

Lionel Messi reached a maximum market value of €180 million ($210.6 million) in 2018, when he was still the undisputed leader of Barcelona. Despite already being 30 years old, the Argentine remained one of the most dominant players in world soccer.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s highest Transfermarkt market value was €120 million ($140.4 million), reached in October 2014 while playing for Real Madrid. The Portuguese reached that valuation after one of the greatest seasons of his career. In 2014, he had just helped Real Madrid win La Decima, the club’s historic 10th UEFA Champions League title, and he was rewarded with his second Ballon d’Or.

Amid Real Madrid’s recent presidential elections, Rodri’s arrival was candidate Enrique Riquelme’s main campaign promise. Despite being under contract with Manchester City, the former candidate claimed that he had already secured the midfielder’s signing. After Florentino Pérez was re-elected, any potential move for him appeared to be ruled out. However, there has reportedly been a change in the last few hours.

According to Matteo Moretto, a well-known journalist, via X, Rodri Hernández has given the green light to Real Madrid, reaching a contractual agreement. Unlike a few weeks ago, president Florentino Pérez is now very open to his arrival after he shined as the MVP of the 2026 World Cup. However, Los Blancos have not yet opened negotiations with Manchester City, something that may not be easy at all.

Amid brilliant performances from Pedri, Lamine Yamal, and others, Rodrigo Hernández was named the MVP of the 2026 World Cup. Providing solidity to the team, he clearly led Spain to victory, establishing as an undisputed starter. With his contract expiring in 2027, the Citizens would need to sell him this summer to avoid losing him as a free agent, something they reportedly appear open.

Real Madrid’s Rodri pursuit may threaten Tchouameni’s future

Real Madrid appear willing to rebuild their roster. To do so, head coach José Mourinho will be the central figure, already receiving reinforcements such as Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries, and Bernardo Silva. While Rodrigo Hernández could still become another marquee addition in midfield, Los Blancos could be forced to sell Aurélien Tchouaméni.

Aurélien Tchouaméni is already one of the best players in the world, being a starter for both France and Real Madrid. However, Rodri’s arrival would likely relegate him to the bench, something that would limit his development. At just 26 years old, he still has many years of his career ahead of him compared to the 2026 World Cup MVP, who is already 30.

With Rodri Hernández close to joining Real Madrid, Tchouaméni is already attracting interest from the Premier League. According to Samuel Luckhurst, Manchester United have inquired about the French midfielder’s situation, as they are prepared to submit a formal offer this summer. As a result, Real Madrid could undergo a complete rebuild of their midfield.

The discussion has quickly shifted from celebrating the first 48-team World Cup to considering what comes next. Reports now suggest FIFA is studying another expansion for the 2030 edition, with financial incentives playing a significant role in those conversations.

The scale of the tournament’s commercial success has now become clear. As per Brazilian newspaper Estadao, the 2026 World Cup cycle brought in almost $13 billion for FIFA, far more than the $11 billion forecast. The figure makes the 2026 tournament the most profitable World Cup in soccer history, establishing a new financial benchmark for future editions.

The record-breaking revenue reflects the enormous global appeal of the competition. From ticket sales to broadcasting agreements and commercial partnerships, nearly every major revenue stream exceeded expectations during the tournament cycle.

Why the tournament generated record income

Several factors combined to produce the historic financial result.

The expansion to 48 national teams significantly increased the number of matches compared to previous tournaments, creating additional opportunities for ticket sales, broadcasting rights and sponsorship exposure. More participating countries also translated into wider global interest throughout the competition.

Another major contributor was record-breaking ticket prices, with demand remaining exceptionally strong despite higher costs for supporters. Combined with worldwide television audiences and commercial partnerships, those factors helped FIFA comfortably exceed its original financial targets.

The tournament also benefited from unprecedented international attention. Interest remained consistently high throughout the month-long competition, helping maximize revenues across multiple markets.

Could FIFA expand World Cup again?

The remarkable financial success has reportedly encouraged FIFA to examine another major change.

There have long been rumors that FIFA is studying the possibility of expanding the 2030 FIFA World Cup from 48 to 64 teams. If approved, the move would represent another significant increase in participating nations only one tournament after the successful introduction of the 48-team format.

The proposal remains under consideration, but the commercial results from 2026 have undoubtedly strengthened the financial case for expansion. Increasing the number of teams would almost certainly create additional matches, larger broadcasting inventories and new sponsorship opportunities.

Revenue could influence the next major decision

Financial success has always played an important role in shaping the modern World Cup, and the latest figures may carry considerable weight in future discussions.

Generating more than $13 billion from a single tournament cycle gives FIFA another powerful example of how expanding the competition can increase commercial returns. Additional participating nations also create new television markets and broaden the tournament’s global footprint.

For FIFA, expansion is about more than simply adding teams. It also represents an opportunity to involve more soccer associations while continuing to grow the competition’s commercial value across every continent.

Amid speculation over whether FIFA would hand Paredes a suspension for his role in the incident, Gavi, one of the players directly involved in the clash, decided to speak out. The Barcelona midfielder made clear he doesn’t believe punishment is the right outcome, despite having been on the receiving end of the confrontation himself.

“I’ll tell you the truth, I don’t think they should be suspended. I understand it’s not a good image for kids, but I think there’s also that part of football that’s a bit more physical. At the end of the day, it’s all football, and it should always stay that way, just football,” Gavi said, via Zona Mixta on X (formerly Twitter).

What happened with Paredes

The confrontation broke out immediately after the final whistle at MetLife Stadium, as Spain’s substitutes rushed onto the field to celebrate. Cameras caught Paredes grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat during the chaos, before becoming involved in a separate altercation with Gavi moments later, throwing the 21-year-old to the ground.

Initial reports indicated that referee Slavko Vincic had shown Paredes a red card for his conduct, but FIFA later clarified that no such card was ever issued. The situation isn’t fully closed, though, as FIFA has since opened a disciplinary investigation into Argentina’s conduct following the final.

This probe could still result in sanctions against Paredes or other members of the delegation, including Nahuel Molina and assistant coach Roberto Ayala, both of whom were also involved in separate incidents during the post-match chaos.

Roberto Ayala apologizes for punching Dani Olmo

Argentina’s assistant coach was also caught up in the post-final chaos, throwing a punch at Spain midfielder Dani Olmo. Days later, Ayala addressed the incident in an interview with Esports Migdia on Valencia Capital Radio, expressing regret and saying he intends to apologize to Olmo in person.

“Obviously I’m sorry. Given the position I hold, I can’t allow a feeling, or whatever I might get from the other side, to change my mood and my actions. I’m sorry, for me these are things that stay in the moment and that’s it,” Ayala said.

He also pushed back on how the incident had been described, insisting it wasn’t as severe as reported. “For me, you have to cut things off and leave it there. It was more of a shove than anything else, it wasn’t a punch like people are saying, and it ended there. It was a reaction to something that was said, but that’s it, if I see him I’ll obviously apologize in person,” he explained.

Ayala closed by taking ownership of his actions, while explaining his intentions in the moment. “My intention was to go in and separate them, but sometimes you run into things that happen with your adrenaline through the roof. That’s no excuse, though, and given the position I hold, my behavior has to be different, no matter what I’m on the receiving end of,” he concluded.

Robert Lewandowski is expected to start for Chicago Fire today, as he has no injuries and has trained normally. As the team’s biggest star, head coach Gregg Berhalter could look to build the attack around him in order to maximize his goalscoring ability. It also remains to be seen how he will fit him into his tactical setup.

Alongside Lewandowski, head coach Gregg Berhalter could keep Jonathan Bamba and Philip Zinckernagel as his attacking partners. However, Maren Haile-Selassie would have a bigger role in midfield, as he needs to be the central playmaker, distributing the ball and finding the Polish striker. In addition, it remains to be seen how Hugo Cuypers will fit into the system, as he is also in excellent form.

Inter Miami will be without their biggest stars: Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul. After the 2026 World Cup, both players will take a few days off to avoid physical discomfort. As a result, all eyes will be on Luis Suárez and Germán Berterame, who will need to be at their best in front of goal. In addition, Micael and Gonzalo Luján could be responsible for providing defensive solidity to the team.

Inter Miami projected lineup vs Chicago Fire

As one of the best teams in MLS, Inter Miami return from the break looking for a convincing victory. Head coach Guillermo Hoyos will be forced to make changes to his starting lineup following the absences of Messi and De Paul. As a result, David Ruiz could return to the team, playing a key role alongside Yannick Bright. In addition, Luis Suárez and Germán Berterame could lead the attack.

Considering this, the Herons may lineup as follows: Dayne St Clair; Ian Fray, Gonzalo Luján, Micael, Sergio Reguilon; Mateo Silvetti, Yannick Bright, David Ruiz, Telasco Segovia; Germán Berterame, Luis Suarez.

Chicago Fire projected lineup vs Inter Miami

Chicago Fire are looking for a victory that would bring them closer to the MLS Cup title. To achieve this, head coach Gregg Berhalter could rely on Robert Lewandowski and look to form a lethal partnership with Hugo Cuypers. Therefore, the main challenge will be defensive, as they need to be more solid to keep the team balanced. In addition, they will face the Herons and their outstanding attack.

With this in mind, Chicago Fire may play as follows: Christopher Brady; Jonathan Dean, Jack Elliott, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Andrew Gutman; Philip Zinckernagel, Anton Saletros, Maren Haile-Selassie, Jonathan Bamba; Hugo Cuypers, Robert Lewandowski.

The match itself carries added interest because it marks the start of a new era for Al-Nassr following its league triumph last season. However, while the club takes its first steps toward another campaign, Ronaldo’s situation has become one of the biggest talking points surrounding the fixture.

Al-Nassr faces Benfica B in its first preseason friendly, with the match scheduled to take place behind closed doors at Benfica Campus. The decision to keep the game private was made at the request of the coaching staff, allowing Ange Postecoglou and his players to work away from the spotlight.

The Saudi champion enters the new season with confidence after finally reclaiming the league title, ending a wait that stretched back to 2019. The club hopes to build on that success while preparing for another demanding domestic and continental campaign.

This preseason also represents Postecoglou’s first opportunity to evaluate his squad after replacing Jorge Jesus. The Australian manager is expected to use the friendly to assess tactical ideas and give several players valuable minutes ahead of the competitive season.

Why Cristiano Ronaldo is absent

There is a simple answer to the mystery of Ronaldo’s absence. Following his 2026 World Cup appearance for Portugal, the veteran striker is taking some time to relax, with the club managing his workload before he rejoins pre-season preparations.

Portugal’s World Cup campaign ended in the Round of 16 after a 1-0 defeat to Spain, bringing Ronaldo’s hopes of lifting soccer’s biggest international prize to another close. Following a demanding tournament, Al-Nassr has chosen to allow its captain additional recovery time before returning him to action.

Because of that decision, the 41-year-old forward will not be available for the pre-season opener against Benfica B. Instead, the coaching staff is expected to focus on evaluating the rest of the squad while waiting for the veteran striker to return.

Careful approach ahead of another busy season

Managing Ronaldo’s fitness has become increasingly important as he continues his remarkable career into his forties. Rather than rushing him back for an early preseason match, Al-Nassr appears determined to ensure he is fully prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

The Portuguese legend remains central to the club’s ambitions after helping guide the team to the Saudi Pro League title last season. His experience and goals will once again be crucial as the club attempts to defend its crown and compete strongly in multiple competitions.

When could Ronaldo return?

Al-Nassr has not confirmed an exact date for Ronaldo’s preseason return, leaving fans waiting for further updates. His comeback will likely depend on when the coaching staff believes he has recovered sufficiently from his international commitments.

For now, the priority is ensuring that the club captain is physically ready for the start of the competitive season rather than risking unnecessary fatigue in an early friendly. That cautious approach reflects the importance Ronaldo continues to hold within Al-Nassr’s plans.

The contrast has become one of the biggest talking points in Saudi soccer ahead of the 2026-27 season. As Al-Hilal completes major deals and pursues more international stars, Al-Nassr continues waiting for new arrivals despite lifting the league trophy only weeks ago.

Winning the Saudi Pro League usually provides momentum for the transfer market, but that has not been the case for Al-Nassr. Instead, reports suggest the club has been forced to adopt a cautious approach while trying to stabilize its financial situation before making further additions.

Al-Riyadiyah’s reports indicate salary payments for June were partially delayed for several first-team players, while transfer plans have slowed considerably. Although the club has not officially confirmed the scale of the reported issues, multiple Saudi outlets have described a tighter financial environment than expected for the reigning champion.

The situation has also affected sporting decisions. Marcelo Brozovic’s departure has left a major vacancy in midfield, yet the club has been unable to move quickly for a replacement despite identifying the position as a transfer priority.

The crucial difference with Al-Hilal

New head coach Ange Postecoglou arrived after Al-Nassr’s title-winning campaign with the expectation of building on that success. Instead, he begins preparations while waiting to see how much room the club will have to strengthen the squad. When we step back from the players individually, we can see the bigger picture that explains the different transfer-window movements.

The difference is due to a shift in the ownership structure of the teams, since Cristiano Ronaldo’s club is still held by the Public Investment Fund (PIF)‘s permission. After Kingdom Holding Company, owned by Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, acquired 70% of Al-Hilal, the club was removed from direct PIF control and gained far greater flexibility in the transfer market.

Al-Nassr, meanwhile, remains under PIF ownership and continues operating within strict financial oversight and pre-approved transfer budgets. That structure has reportedly limited the club’s ability to complete deals even after winning the league.

The ownership contrast has created two very different realities for Riyadh’s biggest clubs. While the Blue Waves can pursue expensive targets more aggressively, their rival must first satisfy internal financial controls before moving forward.

Al-Hilal wastes no time strengthening

The difference has already become visible through completed transfers. Al-Hilal has secured several domestic additions and is reportedly close to signing Crysencio Summerville from West Ham in a $91 million deal, which would become the second-most expensive transfer in Saudi Pro League history.

That transfer would move ahead of the $88 million Al-Nassr paid for Jhon Duran, with only Neymar’s $103 million arrival remaining higher in league history. Reports have also linked Al-Hilal with players including Alessandro Bastoni and Harry Kane, underlining the club’s continued ambition.

The activity has inevitably increased comparisons between the two clubs. Supporters have watched Simone Inzaghi’s side continue adding talent while Al-Nassr remains focused on balancing sporting priorities with financial limitations.

According to Saudi news outlet Arriyadiyah, RCD Mallorca has confirmed the completion of Costa’s transfer to Al Nassr. While the official transfer fee remains undisclosed, the Portuguese midfielder will join Ronaldo in Riyadh for the 2026-27 season, becoming the latest countryman to link up with the legendary forward in the Gulf.

Mallorca media officer Hector Martin confirmed the agreement in an official statement to the Saudi press: “The deal between Mallorca and Al Nassr has been finalized, and a definitive agreement has been reached regarding Samu Costa’s transfer, after the Saudi club’s offer surpassed that of Germany’s RB Leipzig as well as other European offers.“

A product of the SC Braga academy, Costa spent time with UD Almeria before moving to Mallorca, establishing himself as a reliable presence in La Liga. Despite Mallorca suffering a painful relegation at the end of the 2025–26 campaign, the 25-year-old midfielder was a lone bright spot, featuring in 36 matches while contributing seven goals and two assists.

His strong domestic form earned him a call-up to Roberto Martinez’s Portugal squad for the 2026 World Cup, where he logged 20 minutes off the bench in a -0 group-stage draw against Colombia. Replacing PSG star Vitinha in the 70th minute, Costa provided physical balance in a double pivot, a box-to-box role he is now expected to replicate in Saudi Arabia.

Alongside Bundesliga interest from RB Leipzig, fellow Saudi outfit Al Diriyah also made a strong push for his signature. However, Ronaldo’s presence in Riyadh, which previously helped lure Joao Felix, proved decisive once again as Al Nassr expands its Portuguese contingent ahead of the new season.

Where does Samu Costa fit into Al Nassr’s lineup?

With Ange Postecoglou stepping in as head coach following Jorge Jesus’ departure, Al Nassr’s tactical setup for the 2026-27 season remains a work in progress. The Australian manager famously favors an aggressive 4-3-3 formation, a staple during his tenures at Celtic, Tottenham Hotspur, and Nottingham Forest, moving away from the 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2 systems employed by Jesus.

While Ronaldo’s influence undoubtedly helped grease the wheels for the move, Costa’s arrival addresses an urgent tactical void left by Marcelo Brozovic, who departed the club following the expiration of his contract in June. Regardless of whether Postecoglou deploys two or three central midfielders, Costa is expected to slide directly into the starting XI alongside Brazilian midfielder Angelo to anchor Al Nassr’s engine room.

Ibrahimovic said: “Paredes can be happy that there wasn’t a player like me on the field. If I had been there, I would have headbutted him and been sent off. It was unprofessional of him. I don’t know what the Spanish players were doing. They simply watched another player hit a teammate.”

After the match ended in Spain’s favor, the players entered the field and mocked their Argentine opponents, with the result on their side, in another questionable attitude. This prompted a reaction from Paredes, who pushed Eric García before throwing Gavi to the ground in an altercation that did not last long.

Ibrahimovic hailed Spain

Spain was ultimately the best team of the competition. Even after beginning with a goalless draw against Cape Verde, the team found its best version and went on to win every remaining match.

That was also the case in the final, with Spain controlling possession and benefiting from injuries to players on the other team that forced Argentina to sit back, while a red card made things even easier for Spain in extra time.

Ibrahimovic said: “Soccer won today. The way Spain plays, the way they competed at this World Cup, that’s what people want to see. Argentina didn’t have a single shot on target. Spain had the best defense in the tournament, and the team that deserved to win did. I said it before the World Cup, and that’s how it turned out.”

Ibrahimovic’s history in the competition

Ibrahimovic’s career was phenomenal, albeit he could never win the Champions League despite playing for teams such as Barcelona, Inter and Juventus. His numbers with Sweden in the World Cup were not as impressive, ashe failed to score in five matches across two editions. He also failed to reach the tournament with Sweden on two other occasions, while he was not called up for the 2018 edition.

According to ESPN Argentina reporter and national team insider Esteban Edul, top executives within the AFA believe Scaloni will ultimately remain in his position. While his current deal runs through December 2026, the governing body is eager to lock in the manager long-term as they lay the foundation for the 2030 World Cup cycle.

AFA President Claudio Tapia plans to grant Scaloni time to process the loss before reopening formal negotiations, which were already near completion before and during the tournament. Crucially for Argentina, key details regarding compensation, the sporting framework, and the post-World Cup competitive calendar were already agreed upon prior to the final.

The primary remaining question mark centers on Scaloni’s coaching staff. While trusted assistants Pablo Aimar and Roberto Ayala are expected to remain on board, former Inter Milan defender Walter Samuel, who oversees defensive set-piece design, is reportedly the lone staff member whose future remains uncertain in the event of an extension.

Scaloni addresses his future

First taking over on an interim basis following the 2018 World Cup before earning the permanent job, Scaloni has anchored an exceptional eight-year run that stands among the most decorated eras in Argentine soccer history. Yet, following Sunday’s 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain, the manager openly contemplated stepping away.

Seated inside the media room at MetLife Stadium, Scaloni adopted a cautious, reflective tone when pressed about his coaching future: “Regarding myself, I am going to speak with the president. I will fulfill my contract and then see. I feel the need to think things over because I don’t know if it’s possible to achieve something this great ever again.“

Visibly emotional, Scaloni emphasized that continuing would require “resetting yourself completely, building a group like this all over again… which will be hard to ever replicate.” Rather than relying strictly on individual stardom, Scaloni forged a fiercely united squad designed to maximize Messi’s talents, a formula that yielded historic silverware across his tenure.

Upon returning home to Pujato, Argentina, Scaloni was met by reporters on Tuesday, July 21, where he sought to lower the temperature around his immediate future. “I’m here until December, guys. Let’s not make a scene… Yesterday and today are painful days,” Scaloni remarked, deferring a firm decision for a later date while offering fans a glimmer of hope that his story on the Argentine bench isn’t over yet.

This historic 48-team tournament bridged the past, present, and future of global stardom, featuring legacy icons like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Luka Modric alongside the sport’s modern titan in Kylian Mbappe and Rodri, plus rising superstars like Erling Haaland, Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham, and Desire Doue.

While figures from every era produced iconic moments on the pitch, only 11 players made the cut for World Soccer Talk’s dream lineup, structured in a traditional 4-3-3 formation.

Goalkeeper and Defenders

In goal, Unai Simon authored a historical campaign, setting a World Cup record for consecutive shutout minutes while capturing the Golden Glove with seven clean sheets. Conceding just a single goal during Spain’s quarterfinal clash against Belgium, the Athletic Bilbao stopper served as the ultimate security net behind La Roja’s march to glory.

Spain also swept the fullback positions in our XI, anchored by Pedro Porro on the right and Marc Cucurella on the left. Blending relentless overlapping runs with disciplined defensive coverage, the duo completely locked down the flanks and gave Spain the most complete fullback tandem in the tournament.

Pau Cubarsi, who earned the FIFA Young Player Award, secured his spot at center-back after fearlessly organizing Spain’s defense against Ronaldo, Mbappe, and Messi, capping his tournament with a legendary clearance in the final. Partnering him is Argentina’s Cristian Romero, who despite his side conceding eight total goals throughout the tournament, proved to be a dominant, warrior-like presence on the backline with crucial tackles and clutch aerial defense.

Midfielders

Awarded the World Cup Golden Ball as the tournament’s top player, Rodri dictated the tempo of every match for Spain, leading all players with a staggering 94.5 completed passes per game. Operating alongside him, Jude Bellingham served as England’s heartbeat, directly contributing to seven goals and driving the Three Lions to a third-place finish, their finest performance on foreign soil in program history.

Operating in an attacking role, Michael Olise rounds out the midfield following a legendary individual tournament. In his World Cup debut, the Bayern Munich playmaker recorded seven assists, breaking Pele’s 56-year-old single-tournament assist record (6) set during the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.

Forwards

Stationed on the right wing, Lionel Messi delivered another heroic, timeless World Cup performance, almost single-handedly driving Argentina back to the final. The legendary captain scored eight goals and provided four assists, directly factoring into 12 of Argentina’s 19 total goals throughout their run in North America.

At center forward, Erling Haaland gets the nod after a breathtaking debut campaign that yielded seven goals in just five matches, leading Norway to its first World Cup appearance in 28 years. The Manchester City superstar announced himself on the global stage with an iconic two-goal performance against Brazil in the Round of 16, propelling the Scandinavian nation into the quarterfinals for the first time in its history.

Rounding out the front line, Kylian Mbappe claims the final spot after taking home the World Cup Golden Boot with 10 goals and four assists. At just 27 years old, the French icon cemented his status among the game’s all-time greats, bringing his career total to an astonishing 22 World Cup goals in 22 career matches.

2026 World Cup Best XI (4-3-3)

• Goalkeeper: Unai Simon (Spain).
• Defenders: Pedro Porro (Spain), Pau Cubarsi (Spain), Cristian Romero (Argentina), Marc Cucurella (Spain).
• Midfielders: Rodri (Spain), Jude Bellingham (England), Michael Olise (France).
• Forwards: Lionel Messi (Argentina), Erling Haaland (Norway), Kylian Mbappe (France).

Honorable mentions

Several standout performers delivered exceptional campaigns for their national teams, just missing out on the primary starting XI:

• Vozinha (Cape Verde)
• Daniel Muñoz (Colombia)
• Fabian Ruiz (Spain)
• Malik Tillman (USMNT)
• Johan Manzambi (Switzerland)
• Harry Kane (England)
• Julian Quiñones (Mexico)
• Ismael Saibari (Morocco)
• Ayase Ueda (Japan)
• Ousmane Dembele (France)

Tebas said: “Infantino should leave. His time has come. But he has the support of the system and the federations. There is no opposition candidate; nobody wants to run only to lose. In the United States, I have heard many people speak out against Infantino and say they disagree with what he is doing. They say it, but then they do nothing. I don’t know what is worse, silence or complicity, because those who remain silent are perfectly aware of the damage soccer is suffering.”

This came as no surprise, with the president of La Liga criticizing the sport’s main governing bodies when he said: “The Super League decision gave FIFA and UEFA immense power, confirming their monopoly.”

Tebas on the hydration breaks

When the cooling breaks were introduced for the Club World Cup last year, everyone hoped they were just a trial. However, it became clear that, at least in the United States, the renamed hydration breaks were simply another way to show more commercials.

Tebas said: “FIFA organizes things as it pleases, for its own interests, not for soccer. So if they need a 27-minute break, they take one. Hydration breaks are a farce. We have them in La Liga, but only when it is very hot.”

The president also described his experience: “Here, the stadiums in Dallas, Los Angeles and Atlanta had air conditioning. I had to put on a sweater in the stands. It was a farce, an advertising break.”

Tebas on the Folarin Balogun case

The main controversy of the competition involved the USMNT. When the USMNT were beating Bosnia and Herzegovina, Folarin Balogun was involved in an unfortunate play in which he received a red card after a VAR review. This was just the beginning, because FIFA did something unprecedented by rescinding the suspension and allowing him to play against Belgium.

Tebas said: “It is an extremely serious matter: they were lucky that Belgium eliminated the United States, because otherwise they could have created a scandal that would have cost Infantino his job. Because Belgium won, they managed to bury the issue. But this is only the tip of the iceberg.”

It became clear that the final between Spain and Argentina was the most-watched match of the competition, with 61.1 million viewers. This meant the final surpassed the previous top audience figures, with the English-language broadcast alone becoming the most-watched match ever in the United States.

The audience was divided between 38.9 million viewers who watched the English-language broadcast on FOX and 22.6 million viewers who watched the Spanish-language broadcast on Telemundo and Peacock.

Other most-watched matches

The strong runs from hosts such as the United States and Mexico helped improve the ratings. After the final, the most-watched match was Mexico’s loss to England in the Round of 16, with a total of 44.8 million viewers. It was also the most-watched non-USMNT match in English-language broadcast history.

The third-most-watched match in the country was the elimination of the main host, with Belgium’s 4-1 victory over the USMNT the following day drawing a total audience of 42 million viewers. It became the most-watched match in English-language broadcast history in the country.

The next match in the ranking was another USMNT appearance in its first knockout match, in which the team beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in front of an audience of 33.53 million viewers.

The semifinals were also highly watched

Right after the USMNT and Mexico matches came the semifinals, which also drew strong audiences. The most-watched of the two was Argentina’s 2-1 victory over England, with 28.3 million viewers, including 16.9 million in English and 11.4 million in Spanish, while France’s loss to Spain drew a total of 25.6 million viewers.

Match Overview

After kicking off the Apertura 2026 with a convincing 2-0 victory over Chivas, Toluca will aim to keep their strong start rolling when they meet Pumas UNAM. The visitors, meanwhile, are looking for a quick response after a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Pachuca in their season opener.

This result came just months after their impressive Clausura campaign ended with a runner-up finish. With both clubs chasing valuable early points, this matchup has all the ingredients for an entertaining contest, so don’t miss a minute of the action.

FIFA awarded its Golden Ball to Rodri, captain and leader of Spain, the team that conceded just one goal throughout the entire tournament on its way to lifting the trophy at MetLife Stadium.

The International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS), however, pushed back strongly against that decision, naming Messi the tournament’s best player on its official website.

Beyond leading Argentina to a second straight World Cup final, Messi closed out this tournament by extending several of his own all-time World Cup records for assists, goal contributions, dribbles, chances created and goal contributions in the knockout stages, while becoming the first player in tournament’s history to score against 17 different opponents.

He finished the campaign with 8 goals and 4 assists in 7 matches, and while Kylian Mbappe overtook him as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer along the way, Messi still walked away recognized by the IFFHS as the best player of the 2026 World Cup.

Messi’s 2026 World Cup stats

• Matches played: 7
• Minutes: 626
• Goals: 8
• Assists: 4
• IFFHS average match rating: 8.33
• Award: IFFHS Best Player

IFFHS’s explanation for choosing Messi as the tournament’s best

The case IFFHS built around the award rests on hard numbers. Messi took part in all 7 of Argentina’s matches at the tournament, logging 626 minutes on the field. In that time, he produced8 goals and 4 assists, 12 direct goal contributions in total, output that repeatedly proved decisive at key moments of Argentina’s campaign.

The federation pointed to his 8.33 average match rating over those seven appearances as proof of consistency rather than a handful of standout performances, noting that the level held from the group stage all the way to the tournament’s biggest matches.

According to IFFHS, the decision came “by statistical evidence and the integrity of the performance record, arrived at this conclusion with full confidence. Lionel Messi is the IFFHS Best Player — not by sentiment, not by reputation, but by the unimpeachable authority of the data”.

With the English-language audience just released by FOX, it became clear that the final was the most-watched match of the competition with a record 61.5 million viewers.

This number was divided between 38.9 million viewers who watched the English-language broadcast with a peak of 51.7 million viewers, making it the most-watched match ever in the country, and 22.6 million viewers who watched the Spanish-language broadcast on Telemundo and Peacock.

Audience in other countries

The biggest match in soccer once again attracted massive audiences around the world. In Spain, it became the most-watched match in the country’s history, even surpassing the final in 2010, with an average audience of 15.7 million viewers according to Barlovento Comunicación.

In the United Kingdom, the final was watched by 19.2 million viewers. With England no longer in the tournament, it could not surpass the semifinal against Argentina, which drew 24 million viewers.

Italy once again proved they are still a soccer nation even after missing the last three editions, recording an average audience of 12.5 million viewers. The matchup may also have been influenced by many fans hoping Spain would win, as an Argentina victory would have tied Italy’s four titles.

Audience in Canada

It is clear the sport still has room to grow in Canada, even after the national team’s best-ever World Cup campaign. Canada won its first World Cup match and then its first knockout match against South Africa before losing to Morocco in the Round of 16. Despite that run, the final averaged 6.4 million viewers.

The Colombia national team striker leaves after a turbulent spell in Saudi Arabia that included multiple loan moves before his latest switch to Portugal. While Al-Nassr wants to reshape its squad under Ange Postecoglou, developments behind the scenes have complicated the club’s search for reinforcements.

Benfica officially signed the 22-year-old on a season-long loan, with the agreement including a reported $34 million purchase option if certain conditions are met. The move gives Duran another opportunity to establish himself in European soccer after brief spells with Fenerbahçe and Zenit St. Petersburg.

Duran expressed his excitement during his presentation in Lisbon. “It is a dream to be here. Benfica is the biggest club in Portugal. I want to help the team, score goals, win titles and repay the confidence the club has shown in me,” he said.

The transfer marks the seventh club of the player’s professional career, a remarkable journey for a player who is still only 22. Since making his senior debut with Envigado in 2019, he has represented clubs in Colombia, the United States, England, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Russia and now Portugal.

The issue delaying Al-Nassr’s transfer plans

As Duran departs, Al-Nassr has yet to announce a direct replacement, and reports suggest there is a significant reason behind the inactivity.

According to multiple reports, including Saudi outlet Al-Riyadiyah, Al-Nassr is having a serious cash flow problem since club income is less than outstanding obligations. The situation has affected transfer planning, delayed recruitment, and reportedly forced the club to slow negotiations despite identifying several transfer targets.

The financial situation has also reportedly contributed to restrictions on transfer spending, leaving the club unable to complete deals until budgets receive executive approval. Even relatively modest transfers have reportedly stalled during the current window.

Ronaldo waits for attacking reinforcements

With Duran now in Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the focal point of Al-Nassr’s attack heading into the 2026-27 season. The Portuguese captain is expected to lead the frontline once again while the club continues searching for additional attacking quality.

Several high-profile names have been linked with Al-Nassr over recent months. Reports have mentioned Premier League stars, such as  Mohamed Salah, Bruno Fernandes, and Gabriel Martinelli, although none of those moves has progressed into a completed transfer.

Some reports also suggest the club could prioritize signing another winger rather than replacing Duran with a traditional center-forward. That strategy would still leave Ronaldo as the primary goalscoring reference in the squad.

According to L’Equipe, Real Madrid are closely monitoring Ferran Torres’ future, as they have been following him since his days at Valencia. However, they have not submitted an official offer, instead viewing him as a low-cost opportunity. With the poor relationship between Real Madrid and Barcelona, a direct transfer would be very difficult. Therefore, they could be keeping an eye on signing him as a free agent in the summer of 2027.

Recognizing his importance to the team, FC Barcelona are looking to secure Ferran Torres’ contract renewal soon. However, he is reportedly unhappy with the club, as he expected to receive a new contract much earlier. As a result, the Blaugrana are open to selling him for €50 million, as he is a world-class striker whose contract expires in June 2027, reports L’Equipe.

Amid interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid, Ferran Torres appears to have a preferred destination: Paris Saint-Germain. Over the past few weeks, head coach Luis Enrique has reportedly already spoken with the striker, and he has greatly appreciated the interest. In addition, they sold Gonçalo Ramos for €60 million, so they have room in the squad to accommodate his arrival.

Ferran Torres may face uncertain role under José Mourinho

Ferran Torres has gone from being a heavily criticized striker to becoming Spain’s hero. After scoring the winning goal in the 2026 World Cup final, he has attracted the attention of Real Madrid. However, the 26-year-old striker may not play a leading role in head coach José Mourinho’s plans. Instead, he could be limited to a secondary role, something far less appealing compared to Barcelona or PSG.

Ahead of the 2026-27 season, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Jude Bellingham are expected to be the cornerstones of José Mourinho’s team. As a result, Ferran Torres would likely become a rotation player, competing with Rodrygo Goes, Brahim Díaz, and Endrick. This could significantly complicate his potential move to Real Madrid, as he is looking for a club where he can be an important starter or a frequent part of the rotation.

Spain’s path to the trophy included plenty of tension along the way, starting with a goalless draw against Cabo Verde in the group stage opener that raised early questions about the team. La Roja steadied themselves in the knockout rounds, however, cruising past Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 before needing a stoppage-time winner from Mikel Merino to eliminate Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16.

The knockout stage only got tougher from there. Spain edged Belgium 2-1 in the quarterfinals on a Fabian Ruiz opener and a late Merino winner, before dominating France 2-0 in the semifinal behind goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro to reach a second straight World Cup final appearance for the continent’s champions.

Reacting to Spain‘s title, Infantino framed the win as a full-circle moment 16 years in the making. “Sixteen years after lifting the trophy in South Africa, Spain are FIFA World Cup champions once again. Football has a new golden chapter to celebrate, and this achievement will be remembered for generations. Celebrate with your families, your supporters and your nation. You have earned your place in football history,” he wrote.

Infantino’s message to the runners-up

Argentina‘s campaign was defined by a solid group stage performance, obtaining nine out of nine points, and a string of tightly contested knockout matches that pushed the defending champions to their limit.

The run included four dramatic wins, with an impressive 3-2 comeback over Egypt in the Round of 16, an overtime quarterfinal victory over Switzerland, and a 2-1 semifinal comeback win over England.

That resilience carried Argentina all the way to a second consecutive World Cup final, even though the team ultimately fell short of defending the title it won in Qatar in 2022.

Infantino acknowledged that consistency in his message to the runners-up: “What an incredible FIFA World Cup for Argentina! Unforgettable comebacks and a fighting spirit inspired millions and gave football fans around the world moments they will never forget. Returning to the FIFA World Cup Final after lifting the trophy in 2022 is a testament to your lasting excellence. Thank you for helping make this World Cup so special and for competing with such passion until the end,” he wrote.

The winger’s tournament was disrupted by injuries, and his difficult finish to the campaign has only intensified the debate surrounding his next step. Reports have now linked him with an unexpected destination, while Milan has reportedly made its position known amid growing interest from abroad.

The World Cup began brightly for the 27-year-old, who produced an assist in the opening victory over Paraguay and looked poised to play a leading role for the United States. However, a calf injury forced him to miss the second group-stage match, interrupting his momentum at the worst possible time.

He later returned as a substitute against Turkiye before starting the knockout victories over Bosnia and Herzegovina and the eventual defeat to Belgium. Even after returning to the lineup, Pulisic never appeared fully fit, and the tournament ended with reports of a hairline fracture in his leg, putting the start of Milan’s 2026-27 campaign in doubt.

Galatasaray makes contact over Pulisic

According to Tuttomercatoweb, Galatasaray contacted Milan to explore the possibility of signing Christian Pulisic during the summer transfer window. The Turkish champion reportedly made an initial inquiry to determine whether negotiations could begin.

It is said that Galatasaray has only gathered information about the player’s availability and has yet to submit a formal offer. The club is evaluating whether a future move could become possible if circumstances change later in the transfer window.

The Istanbul side has been active in pursuing high-profile additions this summer, having also been linked with Milan forward Rafael Leao. Pulisic has emerged as another player admired by Galatasaray’s recruitment team.

That interest followed earlier speculation linking the American with Major League Soccer. New York City FC had also been credited with exploring a move for the forward, hoping to convince him to return to the United States.

Milan’s response becomes clear

The Italian club’s answer reportedly arrived quickly.

Tuttomercatoweb, however, adds that Milan immediately rejected Galatasaray’s approach and made it clear that Pulisic is not available for transfer. The same response was reportedly given to New York City FC, underlining the club’s determination to retain one of its key attacking players.

Despite the winger’s recent struggles, Milan continues to believe he can regain his best form under new head coach Ruben Amorim. Club owner Gerry Cardinale is also said to be firmly against a summer sale, viewing the United States international as an important figure in the club’s long-term plans.

Amorim could play a key role as contract situation remains unresolved

Although the Rossoneri’s stance appears firm, Pulisic’s contractual situation continues to attract attention. His current agreement runs until June 2027, while the Serie A giant also holds an option to extend it by another year. Renewal discussions have reportedly slowed in recent months, although the club remains optimistic that an extension can eventually be reached.

Several reports indicate that Milan intends to reopen talks once Pulisic returns to Italy after his summer break. The expectation is that Ruben Amorim’s arrival could also play a significant role in convincing the American to continue his career at San Siro.

One of Milan’s biggest reasons for optimism appears to be the arrival of Ruben Amorim. Club officials reportedly believe the Portuguese coach can help restore Pulisic’s confidence after a challenging second half of the previous season. Before injuries interrupted his progress, the American had established himself as one of the team’s most productive attacking players following his arrival from Chelsea in 2023.

With a fresh tactical approach expected under Amorim, Milan remains convinced that Pulisic can once again become one of the club’s standout performers.

With its signature possession-based style, Spain neutralized Argentina’s attack, holding the defending champions without a single shot on target throughout 120 minutes. The offensive outage came as a shock, given that Argentina entered the match as one of the tournament’s top-scoring teams with 19 goals, trailing only France and England (20 apiece), who padded their tallies during a wild 6-4 third-place playoff.

Speaking to DAZN, Puyol lauded his former Barcelona teammate while emphasizing just how much the team relied on him: “If this Argentina team reached the final, it is thanks to Messi. I don’t want to talk about previous World Cups, but in this one they held onto Messi and he carried them all the way to the final. It wasn’t enough to become champions, but no—I hat’s off to him.“

As the captain who raised Spain’s first World Cup trophy in 2010, Puyol watched Messi evolve from a teenage prodigy at Barcelona into a global superstar. Decades later, the 39-year-old playmaker delivered another vintage tournament run, though it ultimately wasn’t enough to compensate for a lineup that proved overly reliant on its iconic captain.

Puyol closed his remarks with a heartfelt tribute to his former teammate .”I will be eternally grateful to Leo Messi for everything he gave us as a teammate and also for everything he has given to football, and I will always wish him the very best,” the former defender concluded.

Messi’s statistical dominance for Argentina in North America

While players like Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, Enzo Fernandez, and Cristian Romero delivered clutch moments during the knockout stages, Messi remained the statistical engine driving Argentina’s entire campaign.

The Inter Miami star led Argentina across virtually every major offensive category during the tournament, finishing top on the team in goals (8), assists (4), shots per game (4.4), shots on target per game (2.3), big chances created (8), key passes per game (3.3), and successful dribbles per game (3.5).

Conversely, Messi also led the team in dispossessions, losing possession 19.4 times per match. Rather than a flaw, that stat underscored just how heavily Argentina’s attack funnelled through their captain, a burden he embraced as he consistently created goals out of thin air throughout their final run.

Match Overview

Both teams opened the tournament with victories, but they enter this matchup after very different Clausura 2026 campaigns. Defending champions Cruz Azul kicked things off with a 3-2 win over Atletico San Luis.

On the other hand, Puebla are looking to build on a 1-0 opening victory after finishing second-to-last in the Clausura standings. With both sides aiming to stay unbeaten, this matchup has all the ingredients for an entertaining contest.

Match Overview

Santos and Universidad Central square off in a pivotal Copa Sudamericana clash with a place in the next round on the line. Santos secured its spot by finishing the group stage with a convincing 3-0 win over Deportivo Cuenca.

Meanwhile, Universidad Central entered the tournament after earning nine points in the Copa Libertadores but finishing behind Rosario Central and Independiente del Valle. With everything at stake, this promises to be a must-watch battle you won’t want to miss.

Inter Miami hosts the Fire at Nu Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, but will do so without Messi or fellow Argentine star Rodrigo De Paul on the matchday roster. Neither player took part in Tuesday’s training session, as Messi was granted permission to fly home to Rosario for a extended post-World Cup breather.

When asked by Miami Herald reporter Michelle Kaufman about the timeline for Messi and De Paul’s return, head coach Guillermo Hoyos offered a clear update: “The World Cup ended just hours ago, and what they need most right now is to rest, to be with their loved ones back home and try to make the most of all this.”

The Inter Miami skipper expanded on the emotional weight the duo carry following their tight loss to Spain. “I think, this tidal wave surrounding Argentine football, because yesterday the Obelisk was (celebrating) like Argentina had been crowned champions. And that is truly wonderful, so they will take whatever time they need to take,” he added.

Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski recently finalized his move to the Chicago Fire after a storied European career capped by four seasons at FC Barcelona. Lewandowski’s official MLS debut was initially expected in a rescheduled fixture against Thomas Muller and the Vancouver Whitecaps, but he will now make his Fire debut in Miami, just without Messi sharing the pitch.

Messi and Lewandowski share a dramatic personal history, highlighted by lingering tension following the 2021 Ballon d’Or dispute and an intense on-field exchange during the 2022 World Cup group stage. Wednesday would have marked their first head-to-head meeting since that match in Qatar, but that rivalry will remain on hold until Chicago hosts the Herons on September 9.

When will Messi and De Paul return to Inter Miami?

With the international window closed, MLS clubs are ramping back up for crucial domestic fixtures before turning their attention to the 2026 Leagues Cup. Naturally, the biggest question around South Florida centers on when Inter Miami’s primary stars will rejoin the squad.

Pressed on whether the duo would feature in the group stage of the Leagues Cup, Hoyos remained noncommittal, offering a simple: “We’ll see. We’ll see.” Reports from ESPN indicate that Messi is expected to report back in late July or early August, with the club targeting the August 5 Leagues Cup opener against Mexican side Atlético San Luis at Nu Stadium for his potential return.

According to Andrea Ramazzotti, via La Gazzetta dello Sport, Luka Modrić has decided to end his international career with Croatia. He has decided to announce it at the beginning of October 2026, after the match against Spain in the UEFA Nations League. With this, he establishes as one of the greatest legends of the national team, writing his name alongside Davor Šuker and Zvonimir Boban.

Despite his international retirement, Modrić has reached an agreement to extend his contract with AC Milan for one more season, joining the club’s tour in Australia, reports Andrea Ramazzotti. With this, Ruben Amorim keeps the central figure of his midfield, as he had already expressed his desire to continue working with him. However, the head coach has already made it clear that he may not play every match.

Luka Modrić has proven to be a truly outstanding player at 41 years old. At the 2026 World Cup, he started all four matches Croatia played. Not only was he key in his national team’s two victories, but he also provided an assist. Despite his age, he remains in excellent physical condition, making his presence at AC Milan a guaranteed reinforcement for the 2026-27 season in the rebuild of the roster.

Modric may be key to unlocking Ricci and Jashari at AC Milan

Luka Modrić was a key figure for AC Milan in the most recent season. Under Massimiliano Allegri, he played 2,864 minutes across 37 matches. As a result, he was the team’s oldest player to record the most minutes played. Amid the reconstruction under Ruben Amorim, the Croatian veteran could be key to helping develop Samuele Ricci and Ardon Jashari at the Rossoneri.

During the 2025-26 season, Samuele Ricci and Ardon Jashari had very little prominence, as they raised serious doubts in several aspects of their game. With this in mind, Luka Modrić can serve as a mentor to both players, helping provide them with more tools to make a greater impact. In addition, they would once again have the opportunity to gradually take on more responsibility, allowing for a slow transition.

Much of the message focused on gratitude rather than the result itself. Mac Allister recalled the memories tied to Argentina‘s 2022 title, drawing a parallel to two moments from this tournament that he described as equally unforgettable.

The post closed with thanks directed at his family, teammates, friends, and everyone who works behind the scenes with the national team. It was the final line of the letter, however, that stood out most.

After thanking Argentine fans for their support, Mac Allister added a pointed message aimed at critics from outside the country. “And thanks as well to those who, from other countries, send us messages mocking us or celebrating our pain. Without meaning to, they help us feel prouder every day to be Argentine,” he wrote.

De Paul sends a similar message on Instagram

Rodrigo De Paul was another Argentina player who had a message for those who criticized the team. The Inter Miami midfielder addressed the conspiracy theories that circulated throughout the tournament, which claimed Argentina was being favored to win the title.

“Today I look at how many people were hoping for this fall, pushing baseless conspiracy theories throughout the whole World Cup to ease their own pain over not being able to experience what all of us Argentines were living, because our smiles bother them, because our ways piss them off… But that only reaffirmed that the passion and love for our jersey can overcome anything…,” De Paul wrote.

In the footage, Messi is heard telling his teammates: “Calm down, let’s stay calm, guys, let’s just think about playing, calm down, let’s forget about everything, let’s forget about everything, let’s just play“.

The clip showed a group of players who looked noticeably tense compared to how they had carried themselves throughout the rest of the tournament, with some visibly emotional in the moments before walking out onto the field. That contrast, paired with the vague wording of Messi’s message, was enough to send the video viral within hours of the final whistle.

Amid the growing noise, Carlos Mac Allister, father of midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, decided to step in and clear things up. Speaking in an interview with Radio La Red, he revealed that he had gone directly to his son for an explanation once the rumors started to spread.

Mac Allister’s father explanation

The Liverpool midfielder’s father admitted that even he briefly entertained doubts about what had happened in the dressing room, until his son’s answer put those theories to rest.

“For some journalists, it’s hard to understand that behind a defeat there’s simply a team that played better than you. You end up latching onto something, and the worst part is that it spreads. Yesterday I asked Alexis if something had happened, and I started to doubt it myself…” he began explaining.

He then detailed exactly what his son told him about the conversation in the dressing room. “He told me they talked about going out to play in the footballing sense, to keep it on the ground, keep the ball moving, build triangles, and not just lump it forward. That’s what they were referring to. Since then, a lot of doubt has come up over these past few days because of that post that went around, and a lot of people have reached out to me about it,” Mac Allister concluded.

The theories circulating on social media

Messi’s brief, vague message was enough for fans to build several narratives around it. Some linked it to lingering tension from the build-up to the final, pointing to comments exchanged between both camps and the ongoing debate over the officiating.

Other interpretations suggested that Messi had given a farewell-style speech before the match, and that his words caught on camera to his teammates were meant to encourage them and have them forget what had been discussed earlier.

However, Mac Allister’s account puts those theories to rest, confirming that the exchange in the dressing room was strictly about the game plan, not anything beyond it.

As reported by journalist and transfer insider Ben Jacobs, Al Hilal and West Ham reached an agreement on a total package worth €80 million ($91 million). The Saudi powerhouse initially approached the 24-year-old winger back in May, but after Summerville spent the early summer exploring options across Europe, he is now set to put pen to paper on a long-term contract in Riyadh.

Summerville also drew significant interest from AS Roma during the primary window. According to Jacobs, the Italian club was preparing a €46 million offer for the forward, but despite his €35 million valuation on Transfermarkt, Al Hilal’s overwhelming bid proved too lucrative for both West Ham and the player to turn down.

A move away from East London was all but guaranteed for Summerville after West Ham suffered a catastrophic relegation from the Premier League to the EFL Championship. While several top-flight English clubs expressed interest in keeping him in the UK, none were willing to match the aggressive financial package put forward by the Saudi side.

Despite a turbulent 2025-26 campaign with the Hammers, Summerville emerged as one of the brightest lights for the Netherlands during their World Cup run. In four appearances before the Dutch fell in the Round of 32, the dynamic winger tallied two goals and two assists in his debut tournament on the international stage.

Summerville gives Benzema a elite partner in attack

Al Hilal has consistently featured near the top of Saudi soccer, but the 2025-26 campaign proved frustrating: even after landing Benzema during the winter transfer window, the club walked away with only the King Cup. Heading into 2026-27, Summerville’s arrival could be the exact piece needed to tip the scales back in their favor.

Benzema is locked in as the starting center forward, having already featured in a recent preseason friendly against Austrian side Sturm Graz II, with Brazilian star Malcom anchoring the right wing. Because Summerville did his finest work on that same right flank in London, head coach Simone Inzaghi will need to tweak his standard 4-3-3 tactical setup or shift one of his high-priced wingers over to the left side.

After winning the 2026 World Cup, Álex Baena has joined Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María as the only players to have won a continental competition—either the UEFA European Championship or the Copa América—an Olympic Games gold medal, and the World Cup. Having played a central role in all three titles, he has written his name into soccer history.

Álex Baena has established as one of the best wingers of the 2026 World Cup. While he scored just one goal and provided one assist, he was essential to Spain’s collective success. As a creative winger, his role on the pitch is quite similar to that of Ángel Di María. He won the 2024 Olympic gold medal as a starter, as well as the 2024 UEFA Euro, completing a remarkable career that still has plenty of room for growth.

Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María have become two of the greatest players in Argentina’s history, something Álex Baena has yet to achieve. Both legends shared the same squad in 2008, when they won the Olympic Games gold medal. In addition, they were also key figures in Argentina’s two Copa América titles and the World Cup, leading a golden generation that dominated for several years.

Alex Baena’s next challenge is winning over Atlético Madrid

Despite emerging as one of Spain’s best players, Álex Baena did not have a good season at Atlético Madrid. After paying €42 million to Villarreal, he arrived as an undisputed starter for head coach Diego Simeone. However, he rotated frequently with Ademola Lookman and Thiago Almada, finishing with just two goals and three assists in 46 matches.

After becoming a starter at the 2026 World Cup, Álex Baena has the best opportunity to establish at Atlético Madrid. Following the departure of Antoine Griezmann and the uncertainty surrounding Julián Álvarez, the 25-year-old star would have every chance to become a cornerstone of the team. To achieve this, he would need to improve his attacking output, looking to match his greater impact in the creative phase.

With Griezmann’s departure still not fully addressed, head coach Diego Simeone could deploy Baena as his new second striker. Thanks to his tactical intelligence and creative contribution, he would enhance the goalscoring output of Alexander Sørloth or Julián Álvarez. However, he must maintain his defensive contribution, something that is essential to succeeding at both Atlético Madrid and Spain.

Spain secured a historic 1-0 victory over Argentina in the World Cup final, but the celebrations were quickly overshadowed by a furious confrontation between players from both national teams. The incident involved several Argentina players, with Paredes becoming one of the most discussed figures after clashes with Spain’s Eric Garcia and Gavi.

Heated scenes after Argentina’s World Cup heartbreak

The tension exploded immediately after the final whistle at MetLife Stadium as Spain’s substitutes entered the pitch to celebrate their second World Cup title. La Albiceleste’s defeat ended an emotional campaign that saw the reigning champions chase back-to-back trophies, while Lionel Messi’s possible final appearance on the global stage added even more emotion to the occasion.

The first flashpoint came when Argentina defender Nahuel Molina appeared to make contact with Spain captain Rodri during the celebrations. The confrontation quickly escalated, with several players from both sides becoming involved before Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni attempted to calm his squad.

Paredes was at the heart of the chaos after approaching Spain defender Eric Garcia and appearing to grab him by the throat. The midfielder then became involved in another altercation with Barcelona youngster Gavi, throwing him to the ground during the confrontation.

The scenes created immediate criticism, with former players and pundits questioning Argentina’s reaction to losing the final. The defeat was already painful for the South American side, but the post-match incidents added another layer of controversy to their World Cup ending.

What happened to Leandro Paredes’ red card?

Initial reports suggested that Paredes had been shown a red card after the final whistle for his actions during the brawl. However, FIFA later clarified that the midfielder was not officially sent off and did not receive an automatic suspension.

The governing body’s official match records initially displayed a red card next to Paredes’ name, but the decision was later removed. FIFA confirmed that the entry was an administrative error and that referee Slavko Vincic had not issued a red card to the Argentina midfielder. “FIFA sources have told The Independent and BBC Sport that this is not the case, with no evidence that such a disciplinary measure was made by referee Slavko Vincic.”

The correction means Paredes avoided an immediate suspension, allowing him to remain available for Argentina’s future fixtures. However, FIFA still opened an investigation into the events that occurred after the final.

“Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in line with article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FDC with regard to the post-match incidents,” FIFA stated.

Paredes could still face consequences after investigation

Although the red card was removed, FIFA’s investigation means the midfielder’s situation remains unresolved. The Disciplinary Committee has the authority to review video footage, match reports and witness statements before deciding whether additional punishment is necessary.

Under FIFA regulations, violent conduct can lead to a suspension of at least three matches, meaning Paredes could still face a significant ban if officials determine that his actions crossed the disciplinary threshold.

The investigation could also involve other members of Argentina’s squad and coaching staff. Video footage appeared to show assistant coach Roberto Ayala becoming involved in an altercation with Spain midfielder Dani Olmo, while Molina’s clash with Rodri is also expected to be reviewed.

Messi’s sixth World Cup ended with La Albiceleste falling short against Spain in the final, but his performances throughout the tournament reminded the world why he remains one of the greatest players in history.

The 2026 World Cup was expected by many to be the 39-year-old’s final appearance on soccer’s biggest stage, especially after he previously admitted that another tournament at his age would be extremely difficult. However, the Argentina captain once again showed that his career cannot be predicted easily, producing one of his best-ever World Cup campaigns at 39 years old.

Messi finished the tournament with eight goals and four assists, leading Argentina to another World Cup final after already winning the trophy in 2022. Although Spain’s defense limited him in the final, his influence throughout the competition was undeniable. “I don’t know. The truth is, I’m not thinking about that right now. It seems a bit far off but, as I said, I’m living one day at a time and focused on the present,” he said before the tournament.

La Albiceleste captain has repeatedly explained that his future depends on his physical condition and whether he can still contribute at the highest level. That approach has kept the door open for another international chapter, even after the disappointment of losing the World Cup final.

Argentina has one big wish for Lionel Messi

According to Marca, the Argentina Football Association (AFA) hopes Messi will continue with the national team until at least the 2028 Copa America. The tournament would provide another opportunity for Messi to represent Argentina and potentially end his international career on his own terms.

“Argentina want Messi to keep wearing the Tango shirt for the foreseeable future,” reported Marca, while noting that nothing has been decided regarding the player’s next move.

The timing also fits perfectly with Messi’s current club situation. His contract with Inter Miami runs through 2028, meaning the Copa America could become a realistic final international tournament if he chooses to continue.

Argentina’s next major challenge after the World Cup will be preparing for the upcoming international calendar, including friendly matches and future competitions. With the team already qualified for the 2030 World Cup as one of the symbolic hosts alongside Paraguay and Uruguay, Messi would not need to carry the same qualifying burden if he remains involved.

Messi’s emotional World Cup farewell creates more questions

The scenes after the World Cup final only increased speculation about Messi’s future. After Spain defeated Argentina, Messi collected his runner-up medal before breaking down in tears as he walked away from the pitch at MetLife Stadium.

The emotional reaction showed how much the tournament meant to Messi, even though his legacy was already secure before the final whistle. He had transformed his international career after years of criticism and helped Argentina win the Copa America in 2021, the Finalissima in 2022, the World Cup in 2022 and another Copa America in 2024.

Could Messi continue until 2030 World Cup?

A sixth World Cup appearance in 2030 appears unlikely, considering Messi would be 43 years old. However, his ability to continue performing at an elite level has made predictions about his retirement nearly impossible.

The possibility of the 2028 Copa America provides a realistic middle ground. It would allow Messi to continue representing Argentina while avoiding the physical demands of another World Cup cycle.

For now, Messi’s future remains entirely in his own hands. Argentina wants him to stay, Scaloni wants him to decide without pressure, and millions of supporters around the world hope there is still another chapter left.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente made Aymeric Laporte his undisputed starter in defense. Despite coming off a fairly inconsistent season, he formed one of the best defensive partnerships alongside Pau Cubarsí. He played 729 minutes across eight matches, helping Spain finish as the team with the fewest goals conceded. After this outstanding level, Barcelona are reportedly pursuing his signing this summer.

According to Carlos Monfort, via Diario Sport, Barcelona are determined to contact Aymeric Laporte’s camp in the coming days. As one of the best left-sided defenders, they consider the 32-year-old star to be a world-class player. Even though the relationship between Athletic Club and the Blaugrana is not the best, the defender has a €15 million release clause, making him quite affordable.

Aymeric Laporte could be the ideal solution to Barcelona’s defensive inconsistencies. Having already developed a good understanding with Pau Cubarsí, this partnership could provide the team with the stability it had with Iñigo Martínez. As a 32-year-old veteran, he would not block Gerard Martín’s development; instead, he would be key to helping him improve his level.

Aymeric Laporte potential deal could force Barcelona to offload stars

Ahead of the 2026-27 season, Barcelona reportedly have three untouchable defenders: Pau Cubarsí, Eric García, and Gerard Martín. However, head coach Hansi Flick would be open to bringing in Aymeric Laporte, as he fulfills the role of a veteran, offers quality in building out from the back. If they secure his arrival, the Blaugrana could need to part ways with some stars in their defensive line.

Both Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araújo could be transferred if Laporte’s arrival is completed. Although neither of them wants to leave, they could be relegated to having little or no playing time, making a departure a real possibility. With the departure of both defenders, Barcelona could reduce their defensive unit to just four players, looking to give all of them significant playing time during the season.

Aymeric Laporte’s arrival would not be directly linked to the departures of Araújo and Christensen. Instead, the signing of the 32-year-old star could push both defenders to leave the club if they want regular playing time. However, Barcelona have not yet managed to complete the signing of the 2026 World Cup winner, so these are still only speculations.

Portugal fought valiantly throughout its campaign, ultimately bowing out in a tense Round of 16 clash against eventual champion Spain. Despite its premature exit from the global stage, the squad was lifted by its fearless leader through moments of pure athletic magic. After facing intense media pressure following a difficult opening match, the superstar responded exactly as he always does when backed into a corner.

He boldly shattered specific scoring milestones and longevity benchmarks that many experts genuinely believed would stand for generations to come. Let’s explore the mind-boggling statistics and breathtaking highlights that defined his highly anticipated final international chapter.

First player to score in six different World Cups

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six separate FIFA World Cup tournaments, extending a record that spans editions from 2006 through 2026. The milestone came after he found the net during Portugal’s victory over Uzbekistan in the group stage.

Few players have managed to remain competitive across two decades of international soccer, making the accomplishment another landmark in his career.

Oldest outfield player in World Cup knockout match

Another milestone credited to Ronaldo by the report came when he featured in Portugal’s knockout-stage victory over Croatia.

At 41 years and 151 days old, Ronaldo became the oldest outfield player ever to appear in a FIFA World Cup knockout match, surpassing the previous benchmark held by Edin Džeko.

Oldest goalscorer in World Cup knockout match

The Round of 32 also produced another historic moment for Portugal’s captain.

Ronaldo became the oldest player ever to score in a World Cup knockout match after converting a penalty against Croatia. The goal added another chapter to a tournament filled with personal milestones, even as Portugal battled through a difficult knockout fixture.

Oldest player to score World Cup brace

The group-stage victory over Uzbekistan proved especially memorable for Ronaldo.

His two-goal performance made him the oldest player to score a brace at a FIFA World Cup, eclipsing the previous age-related mark. It was a vintage display from the Portuguese icon, who continued to show his finishing ability despite entering the tournament as its oldest outfield star.

Joint record for most World Cup tournaments played

Longevity remained a recurring theme throughout Ronaldo’s campaign.

Ronaldo joined Lionel Messi and Guillermo Ochoa as the only three men’s players to appear in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments. Reaching six editions reflects exceptional consistency, fitness, and the ability to remain an important figure for the Portugal national team across multiple generations.

Portugal’s all-time leading World Cup goalscorer

The 2026 tournament also brought a significant national milestone.

Ronaldo surpassed Eusebio to become Portugal’s outright leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, taking his career tally to 11 tournament goals. The achievement added another national scoring record to a collection that already includes numerous international milestones.

Most World Cup appearances for Portugal

Ronaldo also continued extending his own national appearance record.

He reached 26 World Cup appearances for Portugal, reinforcing his status as the country’s most experienced player on soccer’s biggest stage. Across six tournaments, he remained a central figure for the national side.

Youngest and oldest Portuguese World Cup goalscorer

One of the more unusual records highlighted by the report showcases Ronaldo’s extraordinary career span.

The Selecao’s captain became both the youngest and the oldest player ever to score a World Cup goal for Portugal, placing him alongside a select group of players who hold the same distinction for their respective countries.

The Finalissima was originally slated to be played in March, pitting Copa America winners Argentina against Euro 2024 champions Spain, but the match was suspended amid the escalating conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel in the Middle East.

With broadcast and commercial contracts already signed with the Qatari government for a fixture at Lusail Stadium in Doha, both CONMEBOL and UEFA have kept the door open to staging the game before it expires.

CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez and UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin are reportedly in talks to find a workable date on the calendar, with two FIFA windows under consideration: September 21 to October 6, or November 9 to 17.

A rematch would give both Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal another shot at facing off just months after their World Cup final meeting, this time with the Finalissima trophy on the line, a title Argentina already won in 2022 by thrashing Italy 3-0.

The match could also serve as a potential farewell for Messi in an Argentina shirt, in case he hasn’t already played his last game at MetLife Stadium during the World Cup final, as he has yet to say whether the final was his last game with the national team.

Spain’s potential scheduling conflict

Playing the Finalissima this year isn’t without its complications, particularly for Spain. Between September, October and November, La Roja are already committed to UEFA Nations League fixtures against England, Croatia and Czechia, leaving little obvious room on the calendar for an extra match.

Since the Nations League is a UEFA-run competition, though, the confederation could still rework Spain’s fixture schedule to carve out a window for the Finalissima.

Argentina, for its part, is set to return to action between September 21 and October 6 for its next FIFA window, when it could play up to four matches.

Paris Saint-Germain won everything again during the 2025-26 season, making its stars candidates to win the Ballon d’Or. However, France and Portugal disappointed, not even reaching the tournament final. Although Ousmane Dembélé left his mark with his goalscoring, he seems to be falling out of the race after failing to lead his national team to the final. Instead, Harry Kane could take the lead in the rankings.

Harry Kane has completed a truly outstanding season. At Bayern Munich, he managed to score 61 goals and provide seven assists, winning three domestic titles. In addition, he led his team to the UEFA Champions League semifinals. Carrying that form into the 2026 World Cup, he led his national team to a third-place finish, scoring six goals and providing one assist. With this in mind, he is the leader for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, as per Bleacher Report.

Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi set for 2026 Ballon d’Or podium

Despite not shining in the scoring side, Lamine Yamal stood out as one of Spain’s best players. Through his dribbling and passing, he helped end his national team’s 16-year trophy drought. Luis de la Fuente made him the central figure of the attack. In addition, he is coming off a solid season with Barcelona, scoring 24 goals and providing 18 assists. Because of this, he is expected to be in the 2026 Ballon d’Or podium.

Lionel Messi surprised everyone with his performances at the World Cup. Despite being 39 years old, he was an undisputed starter, scoring eight goals and providing four assists. Following his outstanding performances with Argentina and Inter Miami, he is tipped to return to the Ballon d’Or podium, according to several outlets such as Bleacher Report, and others. However, he does not emerge as the leading candidate to win the trophy.

Updated 2026 Ballon d’Or top 5 ranking

After the World Cup concluded, the 2025-26 season came to an end, leaving very little time to determine the Ballon d’Or winner. According to Bleacher Report, Harry Kane emerges as the leading favorite after shining in every competition he has played in. While Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi are expected to complete the podium, there are two other players who could gain more importance in the coming days.

Throughout his legendary career, the iconic No. 10 has proven time and again that he operates on a completely different level from mere mortals. During the 2026 tournament, he managed to rewrite the history books in ways that defied logic and human endurance.

Argentina was an unstoppable force for most of the campaign, reaching the final before suffering a heartbreaking extra-time defeat to Spain. Despite the tragic finish at MetLife Stadium, the squad was carried by its captain through a series of unprecedented feats. Let us dive into the jaw-dropping statistics and the incredible moments that defined a truly magical summer.

First and one of three players to appear in six FIFA World Cups

One of Messi’s most remarkable achievements is becoming the first men’s player to feature in six different FIFA World Cups.

His World Cup journey began in Germany in 2006 before continuing in South Africa (2010), Brazil (2014), Russia (2018), Qatar (2022), and the United States, Canada, and Mexico (2026). He was later joined by Cristiano Ronaldo and Guillermo Ochoa.

Most appearances in FIFA World Cup history

Messi also owns the record for the most appearances in FIFA World Cup history.

By the end of his World Cup career, the Argentine superstar had played 34 matches, surpassing previous record-holder Lothar Matthäus and extending the benchmark for future generations.

His remarkable durability allowed him to compete in multiple knockout stages, including two World Cup-winning campaigns and several deep tournament runs.

Most minutes played at the World Cup

Few players have spent as much time on soccer’s biggest stage as Messi.

Across his six tournaments, he accumulated more World Cup minutes than any other player in history, overtaking Italy legend Paolo Maldini. The record reflects Argentina’s repeated success in reaching the latter stages of the competition while Messi remained a constant presence in the starting lineup.

Most matches as World Cup captain

Messi also became the player with the most appearances as captain in FIFA World Cup history.

He led Argentina through multiple tournaments, eventually lifting the trophy in Qatar in 2022 after years of near misses. His leadership extended beyond statistics, inspiring a generation of teammates during one of the country’s most successful eras.

Argentina’s all-time World Cup leading scorer

Messi entered the history books as Argentina’s highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history.

He moved past Gabriel Batistuta during the 2022 tournament before continuing to add to his tally, cementing his place as the country’s most prolific scorer at soccer’s biggest event.

Most goal contributions in World Cup history

Goals have always been a major part of Messi’s game, but his creativity has been equally important.

He finished his World Cup career with the most combined goals and assists in tournament history, showcasing his ability to both finish chances and create them for teammates throughout multiple editions of the competition.

Most assists in World Cup knockout matches

Messi’s vision proved decisive on countless occasions.

He established the record for the most assists in FIFA World Cup knockout-stage history, repeatedly delivering decisive passes during Argentina’s deep tournament runs.

Those contributions helped Argentina reach multiple finals and eventually lift the famous trophy in Qatar.

Most Player of the Match awards

Another record that reflects Messi’s consistency is his collection of Player of the Match awards.

Across six tournaments, he earned the individual honor more often than any other player, underlining how frequently he influenced the biggest matches.

Golden Ball winner twice

Messi also achieved something no other player has managed.

He became the only player to win the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball twice, receiving the tournament’s best player award in both 2014 and 2022.

Although Argentina fell short in the 2014 final against Germany, Messi’s performances throughout the tournament earned widespread praise. Eight years later, he combined individual brilliance with team success by leading Argentina to the world title.

First player to score in every knockout round of single World Cup

During Argentina’s victorious 2022 campaign, Messi produced another unique achievement.

He became the first player to score in every knockout round of a single FIFA World Cup, finding the net in the Round of 16, quarter-final, semi-final and final.

Oldest player to score World Cup hat-trick

Before the final, the talisman delivered one of the most memorable performances of the summer during a thrilling encounter against Algeria.

He completely dismantled the opposing defense, becoming the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick at 38 years and 357 days old. This spectacular achievement highlighted his lethal finishing skills and his knack for producing magic when his team needed it the most.

Oldest outfield finalist

Age proved to be nothing more than a number for the veteran, who played every crucial minute of the knockout stages.

When he stepped onto the pitch against Spain, he became the oldest outfield player to ever appear in a World Cup final at exactly 39 years and 25 days old. His ability to perform against elite opposition at such an advanced age showcased a level of physical and mental stamina rarely seen in modern sports.

“I dreamed that we would win it again. I dreamed of bringing it back to Argentina and making history once more. The truth is, the pain is difficult to explain. Now it’s time to reflect on many things and see how to move forward, and whether it’s time to step aside. I’m truly sorry. I really gave everything I had to help my country and my teammates,” Emiliano Martinez said on his Instagram profile.

Despite Emiliano Martínez remaining one of the best goalkeepers in the world, he has decided to reflect on his future. Already 33 years old, he would be 37 by the time the 2030 World Cup arrives, possibly no longer at his best. Coming off a heroic performance in the current tournament, his possible retirement from the Albiceleste does not seem to make much sense, as he is still superior to the backup options available.

Emiliano Martínez was Argentina’s best player at the 2026 World Cup. In the middle of Spain‘s attacking onslaught, the 33-year-old goalkeeper was the player who touched the ball the most and completed the most passes for his national team. In addition, he kept the team alive for 106 minutes, making numerous saves. Therefore, his possible retirement from the Albiceleste would be a major blow.

Emiliano Martínez eclipsed Unai Simon at the 2026 World Cup

At the end of the 2026 World Cup final, Unai Simón received the Golden Glove award in recognition of his outstanding performances. Having conceded just one goal, he kept seven clean sheets in eight matches, allowing him to break an all-time tournament record. However, the fans do not seem to agree with FIFA’s award, as Emiliano Martínez had a better performance throughout the tournament.

According to Opta Analyst on its website, Emiliano made 20 saves throughout the World Cup, facing more chances than Unai Simón, who made only nine saves during the tournament. In addition, Argentina faced major defensive problems, while Spain had one of the best defenses in the tournament. With this significant difference, the 33-year-old star was considered the clear deserving winner of the Golden Glove award.

Who could replace Emiliano Martinez in Argentina’s future?

Throughout the last few years, head coach Lionel Scaloni has had Emiliano Martínez as his undisputed starter. In the middle of his possible retirement, Juan Musso and Gerónimo Rulli emerge as the clear options in the short term for the 2028 Copa América. However, both are over 31 years old, making them unlikely for the 2030 World Cup. Therefore, Argentina set their sights on a promising goalkeeper.

Santiago Beltrán emerges as Argentina’s biggest prospect for the future. At just 21 years old, he is already River Plate’s starting goalkeeper, delivering solid performances. In addition, head coach Lionel Scaloni already called him up for two friendlies: vs. Honduras and vs. Iceland before the 2026 World Cup. If he continues his progress, he could be the great hope to be the starter in the 2030 edition, where they will look to win the title again.

When pressed by Mundo Deportivo regarding Argentina’s physical approach, Porro offered a balanced perspective: “Everyone thinks that Argentina is a competitive team. I believe that’s just their way of playing, and I have no reason to counter that. At the end of the day, they have been a great national team throughout the entire World Cup and demonstrated it by coming back in matches.“

Indeed, Argentina sat near the bottom of the tournament’s fair-play rankings. The Albiceleste averaged 14.1 fouls per match, seventh-most in the field, and racked up 14 yellow cards, the highest total by any team at the 2026 World Cup. By comparison, champion Spain picked up just six cautions over their entire seven-match run.

Yet, Argentina’s physical edge was matched by undeniable firepower. They finished as the tournament’s third-highest scoring team with 19 goals (behind only France and England at 20) and made history in the Round of 16 by becoming the first team to erase a two-goal knockout deficit within regulation time in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Egypt.

The Spanish right-back concluded his postgame remarks by praising the opposition at MetLife Stadium. “I believe they also deserved to be in the final, and to be honest, it was a very beautiful final. Luckily, it went our way. I’d also like to congratulate them on the great work they’ve done throughout the whole World Cup,” Porro stated.

Porro caps off a breakout World Cup campaign

Porro’s international breakout provided a dramatic contrast to a grueling 2025–26 club campaign with Tottenham Hotspur, where the defender logged heavy minutes during a tense Premier League season. Initially arriving in North America as a rotation option, the former Manchester City player seized his opportunity and anchored himself as one of the elite right-backs of the tournament.

After rotation appearances against Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde, and Uruguay in the group stage, Porro took over the starting spot for manager Luis de la Fuente during the knockout phase. Scoring in the Round of 32 against Austria and adding another strike against France in the semifinal, he cemented his reputation as a dominant, two-way force along the flank for the world champions.

Lionel Messi’s next match with Inter Miami is scheduled for Wednesday, July 22, when the Herons host the game against the Chicago Fire at Nu Stadium. However, the presence of the Argentine legend remains a huge question since he performed in the World Cup final just in the 19th.

As for his next game with Argentina, there is no game scheduled yet, but the next matchups will be in the upcoming international break in September. Still, his continuity at the helm of the Albiceleste remains a question since he hasn’t spoken after the 2026 World Cup final over his future.

During the World Cup, Messi featured in all eight matches for Argentina scoring eigth goals to cement his legacy as the second all-time top scorer in the torunament with 21 career World Cup goals. As for the 2026 MLS campaign, Messi has featured in 16 official matches so far across all competitions for Inter Miami, scoring 13 goals with 7 assist registered thus far.

Lionel Messi and the task of defending the World Cup title

The year 2026 will be especially significant for Messi, not only because of Inter Miami’s ambitions but also because he’ll head into the 2026 World Cup aiming to defend the title. The triumph in Qatar in 2022 marked one of the defining peaks of his career, and now in North America he’ll enter another tournament wearing the champions’ badge for the first time.

Drawn into Group J, Argentina will open its campaign against Algeria on Tuesday, June 16, in Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium. The second match will be against Austria on Monday the 22nd in Arlington at AT&T Stadium, before closing the group stage against Jordan on Saturday the 27th, also in Texas.

The Argentina FA has announced that the national team will base itself in Kansas City during the tournament, though training facilities have yet to be confirmed. Expected to be his final World Cup appearance, Messi will have a chance to add to his record haul with a squad coached by Lionel Scaloni that remains one of the strongest in international soccer after winning the last World Cup and back-to-back Copa América titles.

As referee Slavko Vincic blew the final whistle on Ferran Torres’ decisive extra-time winner, Spain’s squad erupted in joy while Argentina’s players stood in disbelief. However, emotions quickly boiled over, and several frustrated Argentine players engaged in physical confrontations with their Spanish counterparts on the pitch.

Midfielder Leandro Paredes was among the central figures in the chaos, spotted grabbing Spanish defender Eric García by the neck before being pulled away by head coach Lionel Scaloni. Moments later, Paredes grabbed Gavi by the front of his jersey and shoved the Barcelona midfielder to the turf.

The initial spark occurred when Spain’s substitutes stormed the pitch to celebrate, prompting Argentina fullback Nahuel Molina to jab a celebrating Rodri in the midsection. The Manchester City midfielder immediately confronted Molina, igniting a larger skirmish that brought in players from both sidelines, including García and Paredes.

Meanwhile, Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala was also captured on camera striking Spanish midfielder Dani Olmo during the fray. While early reports suggested Paredes received a post-match red card, FIFA’s official match report did not log an ejection or reference the incident immediately following the game.

FIFA’s official statement

The day after the incident, FIFA issued a statement confirming its investigation: “Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in line with article 36 of the FIFA disciplinary code (FDC), the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FDC with regard to the post-match incidents.

“Further details will be communicated by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee once the prosecutor’s report has been completed,” the statement concluded. Under Subsection 1 of Article 36, the secretariat may appoint a prosecutor to conduct necessary inquiries into alleged breaches of governing regulations.

Depending on the investigation’s findings, the individuals involved could face suspensions, financial penalties, or both. While FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee assesses the severity of the violations, Argentina’s players declined to comment on the matter, bypassing the stadium’s mixed zone and heading straight to the team bus through a side exit.

The comparison has quickly gained traction across social media, especially after Portugal’s 2026 World Cup campaign, as fans revisit Ronaldo’s extraordinary longevity and consistency at the international level. The statistic highlighted by the comparison focuses exclusively on competitive international matches against some of soccer’s traditional heavyweight nations.

The 41-year-old veteran has scored 12 competitive international goals against top sides such as France, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Brazil, England, and Italy, combined, comfortably outperforming several iconic players in the same category. According to the comparison, Zinedine Zidane recorded seven goals, Ronaldo Nazario scored four, and Lionel Messi has three against the same group of opponents, as confirmed by Transfermarkt.

Ronaldo’s advantage stems largely from his extraordinary longevity with Portugal and his repeated appearances in European Championships, World Cups, and UEFA Nations League competitions. Over more than two decades, he has consistently faced Europe’s strongest national teams while maintaining an elite scoring rate.

Those repeated encounters allowed him to build a goalscoring record against opponents that many of soccer’s greatest players rarely managed to face as often. His performances have frequently come on the biggest stages, adding even more weight to the statistic.

Ronaldo’s record against international top 7 giants

Among the standout performances in Ronaldo’s international career is his famous display against Spain during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The Portuguese captain scored a sensational hat-trick in the unforgettable 3-3 draw, producing one of the tournament’s defining individual performances.

Across his competitive meetings with Spain, Ronaldo has scored four goals, making La Roja one of his favorite elite opponents. Those goals continue to stand among the most memorable moments of his international career. What’s more, he has also enjoyed impressive success against several other European giants.

Against France, he has scored two competitive goals, including both strikes in Portugal’s 2-2 draw at Euro 2020. While Portugal famously defeated France in the Euro 2016 final, Ronaldo’s leadership throughout that tournament remains one of the defining chapters of his international legacy.

The Netherlands has also been a productive opponent. Ronaldo has scored four competitive goals against the Dutch, including a memorable brace at Euro 2012 and another goal in Portugal’s victory in the 2019 UEFA Nations League Final.

Germany is another nation where Ronaldo eventually found success in front of goal despite several difficult encounters earlier in his career. He has scored twice in competitive fixtures against Germany, including his goal at Euro 2020.

Messi’s numbers tell different story

Lionel Messi has enjoyed enormous international success with Argentina, winning the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima, and the 2022 World Cup. However, when examining competitive goals against the same group of powerhouse nations, his total remains lower.

Messi has scored three competitive goals against those seven countries, although he has contributed significantly as a creator, recording seven assists. The 39-year-old’s greatest competitive success against France came in the unforgettable 2022 World Cup final, where he scored twice before Argentina triumphed on penalties after a dramatic 3-3 draw.

Messi has also produced outstanding performances against Brazil. Still, many of his goals against the Selecao came in friendly matches rather than official competitions, meaning they are excluded from this comparison.

Different careers, different opportunities

One important factor behind the statistical gap is geography. Playing for Portugal meant Ronaldo regularly faced Europe’s strongest national teams during qualifying campaigns, UEFA European Championships, and Nations League tournaments.

Messi, representing Argentina in CONMEBOL, encountered European heavyweights far less frequently outside World Cups and occasional intercontinental competitions. As a result, Ronaldo accumulated considerably more competitive appearances against France, Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands than Messi ever had the opportunity to play.

This expanded edition proved to be the highest-scoring tournament in FIFA history, shattering previous records with a staggering 308 goals across 104 matches. Following Sunday’s final, FIFA officially unveiled a 12-goal shortlist for fans to crown the tournament’s single finest strike.

Unsurprisingly, Messi earned a nomination among his eight tournament goals, with FIFA selecting his opening-match stunner against Algeria. Back on June 16, the Argentine captain collected a crisp pass from Rodrigo De Paul in the central channel before whipping a curled, long-range laser past Luca Zidane into the top-right corner to kick off his team’s campaign in style.

Earlier that same day, Mbappe put on a shooting display of his own, capping a two-goal performance to lead France past Senegal 3-1 in their group-stage opener. Standing 32 yards out from Edouard Mendy’s goal, the Real Madrid superstar unleashed a thunderous strike that clipped the underside of the crossbar, marking his 58th career goal for Les Bleus to become his country’s all-time leading scorer.

Haaland also earned a nod after authoring a legendary chapter in Norwegian soccer history. On July 5 against Brazil in the Round of 16, the physically imposing striker latched onto a delicate layoff from Andreas Schjelderup at the edge of the 18-yard box, hammering a blistering crossed shot home to seal an iconic 2-1 upset victory over the Canarinha.

The other candidates

• Kerim Alajbegovic — Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar (1-0), Group B, 24 June.
• Julian Alvarez — Argentina vs. Switzerland (2-1), 11 July.
• Jude Bellingham — England vs. France (4-6), 18 July.
• Sidny Lopes Cabral — Cabo Verde vs. Argentina (2-2), 3 July.
• Wilson Isidor — Haiti vs. Morocco (2-1), Group C, 24 June.
• Elijah Just — New Zealand vs. IR Iran (1-0), Group G, 15 June.
• Daizen Maeda — Japan vs. Sweden (1-0), Group F, 25 June.
• Eldor Shomurodov — Uzbekistan vs. Congo DR (1-0), Group K, 28 June.
• Ferran Torres — Spain vs. Argentina (1-0), Final, 19 July.

Luis de la Fuente’s side entered the knockout stages with a difficult challenge ahead, but Yamal and his teammates continued to overcome elite opponents. By the end of the tournament, Spain had lifted the World Cup trophy after defeating three teams led by some of the greatest players the sport has ever produced.

Spain begins superstar gauntlet against Ronaldo’s Portugal

La Roja’s journey through the knockout rounds began with a highly anticipated meeting against Portugal, a team still built around the legendary presence of Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite facing one of the most experienced players in soccer history, Yamal’s side delivered a disciplined performance and secured a 1-0 victory in the Round of 16.

The result marked a significant moment for the Barcelona prodigy, who helped his nation overcome Ronaldo in what could be one of the final World Cup appearances of the Portuguese icon’s career. The victory sent La Roja into the quarterfinals, where the national team continued its momentum with a 2-1 win over Belgium.

Spain’s ability to handle pressure became one of the defining features of the tournament. Instead of relying only on attacking talent, the team showed defensive organization, patience and confidence in crucial moments.

Yamal faces next generation’s biggest rival in Mbappe

The biggest test arrived in the semifinals when Spain faced France and Kylian Mbappe. The match represented a battle between two generations of soccer stars, with Mbappe already established as one of the world’s best players and Yamal emerging as the symbol of the future.

Spain produced one of its strongest performances of the tournament, defeating France 2-0 to secure a place in the World Cup final. Yamal’s influence throughout the competition continued to grow, as the teenager played a major role in Spain’s attacking movement and ability to control matches.

The victory meant Spain had eliminated two of the most recognizable names in modern soccer before even reaching the final. However, the ultimate challenge was still waiting.

Spain defeats Messi’s Argentina in dramatic World Cup final

The final created one of the most emotional matchups possible, as Spain faced defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi. The Argentine national team arrived with hopes of retaining the trophy, while Messi looked to add another historic achievement to his extraordinary career.

After a tense battle, Spain finally broke through in extra time and secured a 1-0 victory over La Albiceleste. Substitute Ferran Torres became the hero of the final, scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute to deliver Spain its second men’s World Cup title.

The triumph completed Spain’s incredible knockout journey, defeating Portugal, France and Argentina in consecutive rounds. It also meant Yamal had overcome Ronaldo, Mbappe and Messi, three players who have defined the modern era of soccer.

The 2026 World Cup became a landmark tournament for Yamal, who reached achievements rarely seen in soccer history. At only 19 years and six days old, the Spanish star became the first teenager to win both the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup.

Listen to the full championship breakdown on Spotify to hear the complete tactical review.

Luis de la Fuente’s side established total dominance from the opening kickoff, completely suffocating the defending champions with a staggering 68% possession and an overwhelming 1.94 to 0.20 expected goals (xG) margin. The only reason the South Americans survived long enough to see extra time was a historic, record-breaking performance from goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who single-handedly repelled a 20-shot Spanish onslaught. The defensive dam finally cracked for the holders deep in second-half stoppage time when Enzo Fernández picked up a costly second yellow card, leaving a flat-footed Argentina line to navigate the entirety of extra time with only 10 men.

Spain’s relentless geometric pressure finally yielded the golden breakthrough a mere 37 seconds into the second period of extra time. Winger Nico Williams auxiliary-drove past his marker to whip a low, dangerous cross into the penalty box, allowing super-sub Ferran Torres to rifle home a definitive 106th-minute match-winner past a diving Martínez. The masterclass secures Spain’s second-ever World Cup crown, matching their historic 2010 achievement while completing a historic World-and-European-champions double built upon an astonishing seven tournament clean sheets.

For Argentina, the dream of securing consecutive global titles dissolves in agonizing fashion, as Lionel Messi’s frontline failed to register a single shot on target until the absolute dying embers of extra time. With Messi missing out on a final Golden Boot honor to individual rival Kylian Mbappé, the torch has officially been passed to a dominant new generation. Adrian concludes this final daily show by looking at the strategic legacy of this majestic Spanish roster and how they are positioned to rule international football for the next decade.

You can stream the entire tournament finale review right now. Check out the Rabona TV World Cup Recap on Spotify to listen to the final post-match player ratings, tactical charts, and complete closing tournament thoughts.

Listen to the full matchday breakdown on Spotify to hear the complete post-match analysis.

Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions looked ready to run France right out of the stadium in the first 45 minutes, storming to a commanding 4-0 lead. Declan Rice opened the floodgates with a curling strike after just 134 seconds, Ezri Konsa powered home a header from a corner, and Bukayo Saka bagged a clinical first-half brace. Yet, echoing their collapse against Argentina, the English structural discipline vanished entirely after the intermission as a rampant French squad mounted a fierce second-half fightback.

The comeback charge paved the way for a legendary moment of sporting history when Kylian Mbappé fired home his second goal of the evening in the 66th minute. The clinical finish marked his 22nd career World Cup goal, officially surpassing Lionel Messi to become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. With France suddenly pulling within a single goal and pushing inches away from an equalizer, the encounter dissolved into pure single-elimination chaos.

England finally managed to stem the bleeding late when Bukayo Saka converted a high-pressure 87th-minute penalty to complete a spectacular hat-trick. Despite Ousmane Dembélé pulling another back for France in deep stoppage time, Jude Bellingham had the absolute final say by striking at the 90+8′ mark to wrap up a historic 6-4 victory. The result secures the bronze medal for England, marking their best tournament finish since 1966, while Bellingham becomes the first Englishman to score seven goals in a single World Cup.

Conversely, the defensive shootout brings a historic era to a sudden close for the 2022 runners-up. The match officially marks Didier Deschamps’ final appearance on the bench, concluding a legendary 14-year tenure at the helm of national team football. The daily wrap-up tracks how the French transitional blueprint will look moving forward, alongside early tactical keys for the grand finale.

You can stream the entire tactical post-mortem right now. Check out the Rabona TV World Cup Recap on Spotify to stay completely updated on the latest player statistics, match ratings, and final tournament analysis.

Spain’s historic march to its second World Cup title propelled La Roja back to No. 1 in the FIFA World Rankings with 1,995.88 points, reclaiming the throne they surrendered back in April. Entering the tournament in the June 11 update, the Spanish side led by Yamal sat second behind Argentina with 1,874.71 points before sweeping through the bracket.

Conversely, Argentina slipped to No. 2 with 1,970.37 points. Despite accumulating more total ranking points than when they arrived in North America, Messi’s squad was dethroned from the top spot after failing to secure back-to-back World Cup trophies.

While France and England held firm inside the top four, Portugal suffered a notable drop after entering the tournament ranked fifth in June. Ousted by eventual champions Spain in the Round of 16, Cristiano Ronaldo’s side fell two places to seventh overall (1,787.85 points), officially passed by both Brazil (fifth) and Morocco (sixth).

Biggest movers in the FIFA Rankings post-World Cup

While the top four spots in the updated FIFA rankings were occupied by the four 2026 World Cup semifinalists, the tournament produced major shifts across the global landscape.

The biggest shakeup inside the top tier saw Germany drop out of the top ten entirely, falling from 10th to 12th. Meanwhile, co-hosts Mexico vaulted back into the top ten for the first time since April 2021 following a thrilling quarterfinal run that ended at Estadio Azteca against England.

By lifting the trophy at MetLife Stadium, Spain earned the most overall points during this international window (+121.17). However, Erling Haaland’s Norway made the biggest leap on the board, climbing 12 spots to 19th overall after reaching the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in program history.

On the other end of the spectrum, a scoreless group-stage exit cost Panama a tournament-high 60.75 ranking points, while Tunisia suffered the biggest drop in position, plummeting 12 spots to 57th. The next official FIFA World Ranking update will be released on October 7, 2026, following the autumn international window, guaranteeing Spain nearly three months atop the world soccer throne.

FIFA Rankings Top 10 following the 2026 World Cup

1. Spain — 1995.88 points.
2. Argentina — 1970.3 points.
3. France — 1948.97 points.
4. England — 1922.83 points.
5. Brazil — 1804.92 points.
6. Morocco — 1803.99 points.
7. Portugal — 1787.85 points.
8. Belgium — 1778.36 points.
9. Netherlands — 1775.54 points.
10. Mexico — 1754.30 points.

With the 2026 World Cup introducing a 48-team format, focus has quickly turned to what comes next. The possibility of another expansion would make the centenary tournament unlike anything the sport has witnessed before, with major implications for national team qualification, tournament scheduling, and global participation.

The next edition of the World Cup is already set to stand apart from previous editions because it will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup, held in Uruguay in 1930.

Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay will each stage an opening match before the tournament shifts to its primary hosts, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. That arrangement will make it the first World Cup spread across six host countries on three different continents, creating one of the most ambitious events in soccer history.

What did Alejandro Dominguez say about 64-team World Cup?

The debate surrounding tournament expansion took another significant step after CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez publicly endorsed a 64-team competition through his social media account.

Writing on X, Dominguez said: “The next one is played at home! In 2030, the World Cup is coming to Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. A great opportunity for soccer, to celebrate the Centenary of the World Cup with a competition featuring 64 teams.”

His statement marked the strongest public endorsement yet from one of soccer’s highest-ranking officials. Dominguez also serves as a FIFA vice president and a member of the organization’s Council, giving additional weight to his comments even though FIFA has yet to formally approve the expansion.

What is FIFA’s stance on the possible format?

Although Dominguez spoke confidently about a 64-team tournament, FIFA has not officially announced that the 2030 World Cup will expand beyond the 48-team format introduced in 2026.

The governing body has previously acknowledged that the proposal is under consideration. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has indicated the organization would evaluate the idea following the completion of the 2026 tournament.

Infantino previously explained, via Caze TV: “When organizing a World Cup, it’s important to organize it for the whole world. Every nation should be allowed to dream of participating in the World Cup.” Those remarks reflected FIFA’s broader objective of increasing opportunities for more national teams across every confederation.

Expansion would reshape qualification around the world

A move from 48 to 64 participating national teams would dramatically alter the qualification process across every continent.

More available places would likely increase representation from Africa, Asia, CONCACAF, Oceania, and South America, while European nations would also expect additional qualification spots. Such a change could create more opportunities for emerging soccer nations while forcing FIFA to redesign qualification formats once again.

The expansion would also increase the number of matches played during the tournament, presenting fresh logistical challenges for organizers across six host nations.

According to Luis Miguel Sanz, via Diario Sport, Ferran Torres is an absolute priority for PSG, at the express request of head coach Luis Enrique. After the sale of Gonçalo Ramos, the 26-year-old striker would occupy the role of backup striker, alternating with Ousmane Dembélé. With a higher salary offer, he is tempted to leave, and the French side hopes to complete the deal in less than two weeks.

Despite PSG’s interest in signing him, Barcelona are reportedly already pushing to complete Ferran Torres’ contract renewal. With his contract running until 2027, he is entering the final year of his deal. However, he is reportedly not very happy with the way he has been treated, as they had promised to renew his contract alongside Jules Koundé. Therefore, he would be looking to leave the club, either this summer or as a free agent.

Ferran Torres could be tempted to leave Barcelona not only because of the salary increase. Luis Enrique’s presence is essential to his decision. During his time as Spain head coach, the 26-year-old striker was the first-choice option up front, filling him with confidence. Therefore, he would be willing to play under him again, looking to reach his best version and fight for a starting spot.

Not only PSG: Ferran Torres is reportedly on Liverpool’s radar

After his major impact off the bench at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ferran Torres has further established as a world-class player. Both Barcelona and PSG are battling strongly over his professional future. However, the 26-year-old striker has attracted the attention of Liverpool, which is looking to strengthen its attack. Therefore, he could make a return to the Premier League, aiming to become a starter in the immediate future.

Neither PSG nor Barcelona seem able to guarantee Ferran Torres a starting role, leaving the financial aspect as the main difference. Therefore, Liverpool have expressed interest in securing the signing of the Spanish striker, reports Loïc Tanzi, via L’Equipe. With this in mind, the 26-year-old star could decide his future based on the level of prominence he is offered, as he has been a substitute for several years.

Ferran Torres is coming off a very solid 2025-26 season with Barcelona. Beyond his performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he managed to score 21 goals and provide three assists. Therefore, his arrival at Liverpool would be key to strengthening the team’s goalscoring output, as Hugo Ekitike will be sidelined for several months. In addition, he can play on both wings, which would make him a key player for head coach Andoni Iraola.

According to ESPN Argentina, sources close to Messi admit that continuing with the Argentina national team will be difficult following the physical and emotional toll of the final defeat. With the captain set to turn 43 during the 2030 tournament, embarking on another grueling four-year cycle feels like a daunting mountain to climb for the legendary playmaker.

As reported by ESPN‘s Esteban Edul, the overwhelming consensus within the squad was that the 2026 campaign represented Messi’s final World Cup appearance. Even leading up to the tournament in North America, the Inter Miami star hesitated to publicly commit to the roster, adopting a cautious, year-by-year approach before ultimately suiting up.

Furthermore, Messi’s potential departure presents a major predicament for head coach Lionel Scaloni. The manager reportedly feels that launching a complete squad rebuild in the post-Messi era will be an immense challenge, even with a strong foundation of international stars already in place.

Messi had structured his international career to peak at this exact moment, while on the club side, his current contract with MLS side Inter Miami runs through December 2028, at which point he will be 41 years old. Edul noted that while his Argentine teammates plan to do “everything humanly possible” to persuade their captain to stay, the final decision will rest entirely on how Messi’s body holds up.

AFA targets Messi for short-term events including Finalissima and 2028 Copa America

After everything he has achieved for his country, Messi earned the right to decide his international retirement on his own timeline. However, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) is already building its short-term sporting plans around the captain’s potential availability.

As reported by insider Fernando Czyz for Doble Amarilla, the AFA has outlined immediate objectives that include keeping Messi in the mix for upcoming international windows. Within that roadmap, the South American governing body envisions the forward participating in the upcoming Finalissima, 2030 World Cup qualifying fixtures, and the 2028 Copa America.

In that context, his day-to-day workload with Inter Miami will be vital, as regular MLS play through 2028 would allow him to maintain match fitness without the relentless wear-and-tear of a European calendar. For now, the Argentina FA is patiently waiting to meet with Messi’s inner circle, refusing to impose any hard deadlines on whether he chooses to hang up his boots or push forward for one last ride.

The Finalissima had originally been expected to bring together the champions of Europe and South America before the World Cup, but circumstances prevented the match from happening. Now, following Spain’s triumph over Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, a new report suggests the fixture may finally be back on the calendar.

The Finalissima is a match contested between the reigning UEFA European champion and the CONMEBOL Copa America champion. Although it has existed in different forms throughout soccer history, the competition returned under its current name in 2022, when Argentina defeated Italy 3-0 at Wembley Stadium.

The second edition was originally scheduled to feature Spain and Argentina, but it never took place. Instead, soccer fans watched those same two national teams meet in the World Cup final, where Ferran Torres scored the extra-time winner to secure La Roja’s second World Cup title.

Why the original match never happened

Before the World Cup, the Finalissima had been scheduled for March 2026 at Lusail Stadium, the venue that famously hosted the 2022 World Cup final.

However, the fixture was ultimately cancelled after growing security concerns in the Middle East complicated travel and event planning. Reports indicated that ongoing regional political tensions made hosting the match increasingly difficult, forcing organizers to reconsider their plans.

Several alternative venues were reportedly explored, including the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, while another proposal suggested playing home-and-away matches in Spain and Argentina. Those options never received unanimous approval, and the match was eventually abandoned.

Report reveals new possible date

According to ESPN Argentina journalist Martin Arevalo, the long-awaited Finalissima may now be staged later this year. The report claims the Finalissima could be played in November 2026 at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, with the Qatari government reportedly having already acquired the rights to host the match.

If confirmed, it would finally deliver the clash that supporters have anticipated since both national teams captured their respective continental championships. While UEFA and CONMEBOL have yet to officially confirm the fixture, the report has already generated enormous interest. What’s more, Lusail Stadium would once again become the stage for another major international final.

The venue has already established itself as one of world soccer’s most iconic stadiums after hosting the dramatic 2022 World Cup final. Qatar has continued investing heavily in international sporting events, and staging the Finalissima would further strengthen its reputation as a global soccer destination.

The World Cup final added even more intrigue

Fate ultimately produced an even bigger occasion, with Spain and Argentina facing one another in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final instead of the Finalissima.

Spain deserved its victory after controlling much of the contest and limiting Argentina to very few attacking opportunities. Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, while Enzo Fernandez was sent off shortly before extra time, leaving Argentina to finish the match with ten players.

Although many expected a spectacular final featuring two soccer giants, the contest became increasingly physical as it progressed. Argentina struggled to impose its usual attacking rhythm, while Spain remained patient before finally breaking through in extra time.

At the end of the match, Leandro Paredes was involved in a fight with Gavi and more Spain players. Following this, he received a straight red card and faces a possible suspension, as it was such a direct act of aggression. Alongside him, Nicolás Otamendi was involved in a tense exchange of words with Rodri Hernández, reproaching him for his statements during the week. Following this, Dani Olmo decided to make a very direct criticism.

“We don’t care that they didn’t look at us during the medal ceremony. In the end, I think what matters is the values you want to convey to the outside world. We are role models for many generations, for many boys and girls, and I think they should also set an example in every way, and for the better,” Dani Olmo said in the post-game interview.

Unlike Argentina, Spain relied on a collective style of play, based on long possession and high pressing. Demonstrating their superiority on the pitch, they did not usually make aggressive tackles, relying instead on showing it with the ball. This was even reflected in the match, as Enzo Fernández was sent off toward the end of the second half after a strong challenge on the opponent, something that was heavily criticized by the Spanish players.

Leandro Paredes could face a severe sanction by FIFA

After the final whistle from referee Slavko Vinčić, Leandro Paredes was involved in a major fight with Eric García and Pablo Gavi. Following this, the 32-year-old midfielder received a straight red card. However, FIFA could impose a significant suspension if it officially opens disciplinary proceedings. For this, the referee’s match report will be crucial, as it could determine the situation.

According to the FIFA Disciplinary Code: “Players and officials shall be suspended as specified below, and may also be fined accordingly… (i) at least three matches or an appropriate period for assaulting (including elbowing, punching, kicking or biting; spitting at or striking) an opponent or any other person other than a match official.”

Leandro Paredes could face a suspension of more than three matches if FIFA considers it a serious act of aggression against two direct opponents. In addition, this could also be extended to Ramón Ayala, Lionel Scaloni’s assistant coach, and even Nahuel Molina. Therefore, Dani Olmo’s comments appear to be based on real events; rather than being simple criticism, they are a reflection on aggressive play.

Taking to his Instagram account, Messi delivered his first public words following the defeat at MetLife Stadium: “The pain is immense and this wound will take time to heal. But I also hold onto all the good things… the matches where we fought back, giving everything, which will remain forever in our memory, and the support of an entire country that, together with the work and effort of this group, brought us back once again to being among the best in the world. Today it is hard to appreciate what we accomplished, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals.“

The legendary playmaker also expressed profound gratitude to the supporters who backed the squad throughout their tournament run. “Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and every message. Once again, we managed to unite as a country and stand all together, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine,” he added.

In a gracious display of sportsmanship, Messi closed his statement by acknowledging the new world champions and their historic achievement: “I also want to congratulate Spain on the championship.“

Lionel Messi will not travel to Argentina for homecoming

Following the 1-0 extra-time defeat against Spain, the Argentine national team delegation boarded flight AR 1971 to return home, with an expected arrival at Ezeiza International Airport around 6:30 PM local time. While fans are preparing a warm reception at home to recognize the squad’s impressive tournament run, Messi will be the most notable absence from the celebrations.

Instead of boarding the charter flight out of New York with the rest of the team, Messi opted to travel directly to Miami to rest and recharge following his demanding World Cup campaign.

In total, six members of Argentina’s 26-man World Cup roster chose not to return to Buenos Aires with the main group. Joining Messi in skipping the homecoming trip are goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, defender Cristian Romero, midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Rodrigo De Paul, and forward Julian Alvarez.

The Portugal national team saw its World Cup journey come to an end, yet the spotlight quickly shifted from the tournament to Ronaldo’s future. With the veteran forward still performing at a high level and remaining one of the sport’s biggest global attractions, the idea of seeing him in MLS has once again become one of soccer’s hottest talking points.

Even at 41 years old, Ronaldo remains one of soccer’s most recognizable names. His legendary career has taken him from Sporting CP to Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al-Nassr, where he continues to score goals at an impressive rate.

His commercial appeal remains equally remarkable. Stadium attendance, television ratings, sponsorship deals, and merchandise sales have followed Ronaldo throughout his career, making him one of the sport’s biggest marketing assets regardless of where he plays.

That is precisely why MLS continues to be linked with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. League officials have already witnessed the enormous impact another global superstar can have, as Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has transformed interest in the competition.

What did Don Garber say about Ronaldo?

The speculation received fresh momentum after MLS Commissioner Don Garber addressed questions about whether Ronaldo could eventually join the league. While stopping short of revealing any negotiations or official plans, Garber made it clear that the decision ultimately belongs to the Portuguese superstar.

Garber explained, via MLS: “That’s his decision. I don’t know what his plans are or if he’ll continue playing. If he decides he wants to play in MLS, and there’s a club that wants to sign him, then obviously the league will definitely support that.”

Those remarks immediately fueled discussion across social media, with many supporters interpreting them as MLS leaving the door wide open should Ronaldo ever decide to continue his career in the United States. Although no club has announced interest publicly, Garber’s comments suggest the league would welcome such a move.

Messi’s success provides the blueprint

Many observers believe Ronaldo could generate similar excitement if he eventually crossed the Atlantic. Messi’s move to MLS dramatically increased ticket demand, international television audiences, sponsorship opportunities, and worldwide attention for the league.

Garber’s latest comments reflect that reality. While he avoided making promises, his response indicated that MLS would support any club interested in signing Ronaldo should the player choose North America as his next destination.

Ronaldo remains committed to Al-Nassr

Despite the ongoing speculation, Ronaldo remains under contract with Al-Nassr until June 30, 2027. His current agreement is considered one of the richest contracts in sports history, making an immediate departure unlikely unless circumstances change.

The Portuguese captain reportedly earns around $245 million per season, with the agreement also including a 15% ownership stake in the Saudi side, performance bonuses tied to goals, assists, league titles, and individual awards, along with extensive lifestyle benefits for his family and personal staff.

According to Sky Sports Italy, the Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC) has met with Pep Guardiola to convince him to take over as the national team head coach. Paolo Maldini, the new technical director, and Leonardo, his advisor, traveled to Barcelona to speak personally with him. However, Guardiola has not given the FIGC a definitive answer, but it is pushing hard to convince him.

Even though several candidates have already been linked with Italy, Pep Guardiola is the only one considered the absolute priority. If he accepts the offer, he would arrive as a complete manager, looking to implement a young and promising project. However, the Spaniard coach would need long-term backing, just as he had at Manchester City, or he could reject any offer from the Azzurri.

Throughout his successful managerial career, Guardiola has not yet coached a team in Italy, but he did have a spell in Serie A during his playing career. After leaving Barcelona in 2001, he joined Brescia as a free agent. There, he played 25 matches, scoring three goals and providing one assist. Therefore, he is already familiar with Italy, and his arrival would be key to rebuilding the entire national team project.

Guardiola’s potential arrival would not recover Italy Euro 2028 hopes

Over the past few years, Italy have played with a very direct style of soccer, focused on pace and counterattacks. In case Pep Guardiola were to arrive as the new head coach, he would look to implement a more dominant, possession-based style, moving away from a three-man defensive line. As this would be a fairly drastic change, the Azzurri might not be immediate contenders for UEFA Euro 2028.

At both Barcelona and Manchester City, Pep Guardiola needed one or two full seasons to implement his style and build a world-class squad. In Italy, this would be no different, as he would have to reshape the approach at the youth levels. In addition, Italy’s young stars would need time to adapt to his playing philosophy. This does not mean they would be unable to win UEFA Euro 2028, but rather that they would not arrive as top contenders.

Instead of targeting UEFA Euro 2028, Guardiola’s Italy could focus on returning to the 2030 World Cup and reaching the knockout stage once again. If his appointment is completed soon, he would have four full years to work and implement his ideas, an ideal scenario. Therefore, the greatest expectations would be placed on that tournament, where they would aim to win the trophy again, something they have not achieved since 2006.

Argentina were top contenders, but they failed to break down Spain’s high press. During the 120 minutes, the did not managed to make a single shoot on target, being completely dominated. While Lionel Messi had a great performance in the tournament, he did not manage to lead his team to the victory. Nevertheless, he leaves behind an enormous legacy, as the one of the all-time leading goalscorers and the winner of the 2022 edition.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been one of the greatest players in history. Excelling as a goalscorer, he won five Ballon d’Or awards and is closing in on the 1,000-goal mark. Despite this, he did not leave a major legacy in World Cup history, scoring only 11 goals. In addition, he was also unable to lead Portugal to a World Cup final. His legacy in soccer is historic, but he is no longer one of the leaders of the new era.

Neymar Jr. left an enormous legacy with Brazil and in soccer history. After arriving in Europe at a very young age, he amazed fans at FC Barcelona with his technique. In addition, he surpassed Pelé as the national team’s all-time leading goalscorer, scoring 80 goals. Despite dealing with injuries, he arrived at the tournament hoping to shine. Nevertheless, he did not become a starter, and Brazil were eliminated, making it clear that a new era is beginning.

Mbappe, Haaland, Olise, Bellingham, Lamine lead World Cup’s new era

Unlike previous editions, the 2026 World Cup was full of surprises, with national teams such as Egypt, Norway, and Belgium advancing to the final stages. In addition, young players have taken over the new era. After scoring 22 goals across three World Cup editions, Kylian Mbappé is the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer. In addition, he has continued to shine in European soccer, having already scored 435 goals at the age of 27.

Erling Haaland led Norway to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in history. In his first edition, he scored seven goals, leaving huge mark in his first edition. Not only has he shone with his national team, but also with Manchester City, where he is the leader of the project. In addition, he has already scored 359 goals and, at just 25 years old, is on track to become one of the greatest players in history.

Jude Bellingham overtook Haaland to become the third-highest scorer at the 2026 World Cup.While they were tied on seven goals, the Englishman provided one assist, giving him the edge. Having established himself as the national team’s top scorer, he has also cemented his place as a regular starter under Thomas Tuchel, putting any doubts to rest. At just 23 years old, he is set to have a legendary career.

While Michael Olise did not stood out as goalscorer at the 2026 World Cup, he has excelled as the tournament’s assist leader. Contributing with 7 assists, he surpassed Brazil legend Pele as the player with more assist in a single tournament. With only 24 years old, he has established as a regular starter for France and his team, already shining in the World Cup, the UEFA Champions League, and other tournaments.

Even though Lamine Yamal did not have his best performances, he remained among the most important players of Spain. With only 19 years, he is an undisputed starter for head coach Luis de la Fuente. Moreover, he has already won nearly every tournament that he has played, just missing the UEFA Champions League. In case he keeps progressing for the 2030 edition, he may compete for the MVP or even the Ballon d’Or.

Spain claimed its second FIFA World Cup title, 16 years after its triumph in South Africa, thanks to Ferran Torres’ decisive extra-time strike. The victory completed a tournament in which Luis de la Fuente’s side consistently impressed, finishing the competition by limiting Argentina to virtually no attacking threat while producing one of the most dominant defensive displays ever seen in a World Cup final.

Every World Cup record Lamine Yamal set

Spain’s victory brought far more than a winners’ medal for Yamal. The 19-year-old left the United States having broken several World Cup and international soccer records during one extraordinary summer.

Youngest player to win both the World Cup and the European Championship

The biggest milestone of Yamal’s tournament came after the final whistle. At 19 years and six days old, he became the youngest player in soccer history to win both the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship.

Having already helped Spain lift Euro 2024, the Barcelona winger added the World Cup to his collection before turning 20. No other teenager has ever completed this international double, placing him in a category entirely of his own.

First teenager to complete soccer’s biggest international double

Closely linked to that achievement is another landmark. Yamal became the first player under the age of 20 to capture both major international trophies, confirming his extraordinary rise from teenage prospect to global superstar.

His success has drawn inevitable comparisons with soccer legends such as Pelé, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Yet Yamal has already accomplished something none of them managed before reaching their twenties, giving Spain a player capable of shaping international soccer for years to come.

First teenager to play in both European Championship and World Cup final

The 2026 final also saw Yamal create another unique piece of history. He became the first soccerer ever to feature in both a UEFA European Championship final and a FIFA World Cup final while still a teenager.

Only two years separated Spain’s Euro triumph from its World Cup success, allowing Yamal to achieve a feat that may remain unmatched for many years. His consistency on soccer’s biggest stages has become one of the defining stories of his young career.

Historic age gap with Lionel Messi

The final itself produced one final statistical curiosity. Yamal and Lionel Messi became the first players in World Cup final history to start for opposing teams while separated by more than 20 years in age.

Images of the pair embracing after the final whistle quickly became iconic. Many observers viewed the moment as symbolic, with the veteran Argentine legend congratulating the teenager now widely expected to define soccer’s next era.

Fourth-youngest World Cup winner in history

Lifting the trophy added another prestigious record to Yamal’s growing resume. He finished the tournament tied as the fourth-youngest player ever to win the FIFA World Cup.

Only Pele, Giuseppe Bergomi and Ronaldo Nazario achieved the feat at a younger age. Considering the level of competition in modern international soccer, joining that company represents another extraordinary milestone.

Highest 100% winning record in major tournaments

Another remarkable statistic underlined Yamal’s incredible influence on Spain. He has now started 13 major tournament matches for his national team and won every single one of them.

That gives him the highest 100% winning rate for any European player across major international tournaments when starting matches. Spain has never lost with him in the starting lineup during either the European Championship or the World Cup, making him something of a lucky charm for Luis de la Fuente’s squad.

Third-youngest player ever to appear in a World Cup final

Simply reaching the final placed Yamal alongside some of soccer’s greatest names. He became the third-youngest player ever to appear in a FIFA World Cup final, joining an exclusive list headed by Pele and Italy defender Giuseppe Bergomi.

Spain also entrusted another teenager, Pau Cubarsi, with a starting role, highlighting the country’s faith in its new generation. The duo followed in the footsteps of only a handful of teenage players who have ever started and won soccer’s biggest match.

One of only seven teenagers to start World Cup semifinal

Spain’s semifinal victory also featured another notable achievement. Yamal and teammate Pau Cubarsi became two of only seven teenagers in soccer history to start a FIFA World Cup semifinal.

Their selection demonstrated the enormous trust placed in Spain’s emerging generation. That confidence was fully rewarded as Spain advanced to the final before ultimately lifting the trophy.

First teenage partnership for a major nation since 1958

Spain also made history with its youthful lineup. Against Austria, Yamal and Pau Cubarsí became the first pair of teenagers to start a World Cup knockout match for a major soccer nation since Pele and Jose Altafini represented Brazil in 1958. The milestone highlighted Spain’s commitment to building around its emerging generation.

Second-youngest player in 60 years to win a penalty in the knockout stage

Yamal continued making history during the knockout rounds. At 19 years and one day old, he became the second-youngest player in the last six decades to win a penalty in a World Cup knockout match, trailing only England legend Michael Owen’s achievement in 1998.

It was another example of his willingness to attack defenders under the highest pressure. His pace, close control and confidence repeatedly forced opponents into difficult decisions throughout Spain’s title run.

Most completed dribbles at the 2026 World Cup

Statistics from the tournament highlighted Yamal’s importance beyond goals and assists. He finished the World Cup with a tournament-leading 35 completed dribbles, more than any other player.

His ability to eliminate defenders repeatedly helped Spain dominate possession throughout the competition. He finished ahead of stars including Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi, underlining his status as the tournament’s most effective one-on-one attacker.

Youngest player to reach 30 successful dribbles

Yamal’s ability to beat defenders repeatedly became one of the tournament’s defining themes. He became the youngest player on record since 1966 to complete 30 successful dribbles in a single World Cup, joining teenage stars Kylian Mbappe and Jamal Musiala as the only players to reach that milestone before turning 20.

Youngest player to record 10 dribbles and 14 penalty-box touches in one match

Spain’s victory over Austria produced another landmark performance. During that Round of 32 encounter, Yamal became the youngest player on record since 1966 to complete 10 successful dribbles while also registering 14 touches inside the opposition penalty area during a single World Cup match. It showcased both his technical brilliance and his constant threat in dangerous attacking positions.

Youngest goalscorer in Spain’s World Cup history

One of Yamal’s most memorable moments arrived when he scored his first World Cup goal against Saudi Arabia. At 18 years and 343 days old, he became the youngest player ever to score for Spain at a FIFA World Cup, surpassing the previous national record held by Gavi from the 2022 tournament. The goal also arrived just 11 minutes into his first World Cup start, immediately placing him among the competition’s youngest-ever scorers.

Second teenager since Pele to score the opening goal of World Cup match

Yamal’s historic strike also placed him alongside one of soccer’s greatest icons. He became only the second player aged 18 or younger to score the opening goal of a World Cup match since Pele did so in 1958, an extraordinary accomplishment given nearly seven decades of World Cup history.

Youngest European to appear in two major international tournaments

Simply taking the field added another historic chapter. Yamal became the youngest European player ever to play in two major international tournaments, breaking the previous record after following his successful UEFA Euro 2024 campaign with his World Cup debut before celebrating his 19th birthday.

According to Guinness World Records, via X, formerly Twitter, Spain have managed to break four World Cup records: Most clean sheets – 7, Fewest goals conceded – 1, Oldest Manager to win the World Cup – Luis de la Fuente, and Longest unbeaten run in competitive men’s matches – 38. With these records, they highlight their greatest strength: They do not rely on a single player, but rather on a solid collective.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente built his team very differently from the others. While some prioritized building an attacking side, he decided to focus on defensive solidity. Led by Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte, they became the team with the fewest goals conceded. In addition, Marc Cucurella and Rodri also contributed greatly to the team’s stability. Alongside them, Unai Simón returned to shine as the best goalkeeper of the tournament.

Spain’s undefeated streak puts them ahead of Italy

After losing the UEFA Nations League final on penalties, Spain appeared to lose their status as favorites ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, head coach Luis de la Fuente managed to establish a winning dynamic, accumulating 38 consecutive matches without defeat in regulation time. Following this, they have surpassed Italy, the last national team to establish such a streak for several years.

From 2018 to 2021, Italy accumulated a run of 37 unbeaten matches. While Luis de la Fuente’s team had already matched that record after defeating France, they have now extended it, setting a new mark. Spain’s last defeat came on March 22, 2024, when they lost 1–0 against Colombia in a friendly match in London.

Luis de la Fuente: The mastermind behind Spain’s youth rise

After the dismissal of Luis Enrique, the supporters foresaw a somewhat bleak future for Spain. However, the Spanish Soccer Federation decided to turn to Luis de la Fuente. Without extensive experience in clubs or senior national teams, he took charge of the national team. Demonstrating his knowledge of the youth ranks, he rebuilt the roster, winning UEFA Nations League, UEFA Euro and World Cup, a historic path.

Luis de la Fuente based much of his sporting project on Spain’s youth categories. After coaching every level of the national setup, he got to know first-hand all of the young talents such as Pau Cubarsí, Pedri, Gavi, Mikel Merino, Álex Baena, and more current stars. Relying on a possession-based style built around the wings, he excelled, maintaining a solid defense that allowed them to shine.

Despite not arriving at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with much recognition, Luis de la Fuente is already considered by many supporters to be the greatest coach in Spain’s history. Not only did they win every trophy, but he also gave the team a highly dominant style of play, something that will remain in history. While the players are hugely important, it was the head coach who shaped the history of the national team.

Just as in the match against England, Lionel Scaloni’s team was largely dominated by Spain. After losing control of the midfield, they looked quite outmatched, running only to defend and not to attack. They had zero shots on goal in 120 minutes and even became the first national team to fail to register a single shot on goal during regulation time in a tournament final. Furthermore, Lionel Messi was largely invisible.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente has built the most well-rounded team in the world. Not only do they shine on offense, but they’re also formidable on defense. Rodri, Pedri, and Fabian Ruiz shone in midfield, but it was Dani Olmo who stood out on offense. In addition, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams were key to breaking down the opposing defense. However, Ferran Torres was the standout player for the team, as he scored the game-winning goal in heroic fashion.

Ferran Torres turned into a hero for Spain

Throughout the 2026 World Cup, head coach Luis de la Fuente decided to start Mikel Oyarzabal as his starting forward. While he delivered in some games, his overall performance was lackluster. In light of this, Ferran Torres decided to seize his opportunity, making a fantastic impact on the game. By adapting perfectly to the team’s style of play, he was essential in helping the wingers shine. Furthermore, he became Spain’s hero.

Lamine Yamal led a great counterattack down the right flank, finding Pedro Porro. With his first touch, Porro sent a precise cross toward Nico Williams. He met the ball first time and headed it forward. Seizing the opportunity, Ferran Torres finished on the first touch, unleashing a powerful shot from the edge of the box.

Far from taking the opportunity to praise himself, Ferran Torres decided to put a different spin on his comments. “This goal, I didn’t score it, it was scored by 47 million Spaniards! It’s for all Spaniards. for Spain,“ he said in the post-game interview.

According to OptaJoe, via X (formerly Twitter), Rodri is the fourth player in history to win the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA European Championship, the UEFA European Cup/Champions League, and the Ballon d’Or. With this achievement, he joins Zinedine Zidane, Gerd Müller, and Franz Beckenbauer, making it clear that he is already a true soccer legend.

Rodri has not had an easy run in recent seasons. After winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or, he was sidelined by an ACL tear, followed by knee discomfort, a hamstring injury, and a groin injury. Amid these concerns, he did not arrive as one of the favorites to shine with Spain. However, he proved Pep Guardiola right, as he had predicted the midfielder would return to his best form at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Rodri remained the central pillar of Spain’s tactical balance. With his tactical intelligence, he was the player who made Luis de la Fuente’s side the team that conceded the fewest goals in the tournament. In addition, he served as a creative hub, dictating play and distributing the ball. With this achievement, he further cements a legendary career that still has the potential to grow in the years ahead.

Rodri surpasses Dunga with World Cup passing record

Without being a player who stands out through goals and assists, Rodri’s performances have gone unnoticed by some. He has even faced criticism after receiving the tournament’s MVP award. However, he established as the central figure in head coach Luis de la Fuente’s collective system. Reflecting his importance to the team, he has surpassed Dunga and his all-time FIFA World Cup passing record.

According to OptaJoe, via X (formerly Twitter), Rodri has completed 1,343 passes across his FIFA World Cup appearances. With this, he surpassed Brazil legend Dunga, who had held the record for several years with 1,306 passes. This milestone highlights the 30-year-old star’s importance to Spain, serving as the key to controlling possession, slowing the tempo when needed, and dominating the team’s overall play.

Rodri Hernandez faces uncertain future in Manchester City

As a cornerstone of Manchester City, renewing Rodri’s contract remains a top priority. He is currently under contract until June 2027, meaning he is entering the final year of his deal. Far from agreeing to an extension, the 30-year-old midfielder has continued to delay talks over his future, making it clear that he has not yet made up his mind amid ongoing transfer speculation.

Over the past few months, Rodri’s future has been surrounded by speculation with a potential return to Spain. As a result, he has been heavily linked with Real Madrid under head coach José Mourinho. However, the midfielder has yet to make a decision about his future, which will likely need to be resolved this summer: Either a contract renewal or a transfer.

Unable to break into Spain’s starting eleven for the match, Torres made his impact felt when it mattered most. Just minutes into the second half of extra time, the Barcelona forward tracked a precise header from Nico Williams into the center of the box and unleashed a clinical half-volley that stood as the lone goal of the match.

By finding the back of the net against Argentina, Torres became just the second player in soccer history to come off the bench and score the definitive, trophy-winning goal in a World Cup final.

Fascinatingly, the only other time a substitute decided a World Cup final occurred recently, and it was also Messi who suffered the heartbreaking blow. The pioneer of the feat was Germany’s Mario Gotze, who famously subbed into the 2014 final in Rio de Janeiro to net the extra-time winner that secured Die Mannschaft its fourth star.

At the time, Gotze entered the field late in regulation, replacing legendary striker Miroslav Klose in the 88th minute. Following a precise cross from Andre Schurrle in the 113th minute, deep into the second half of extra time, Gotze controlled the ball with his chest before firing a brilliant volley past Sergio Romero at the far post.

Ferran Torres takes home Man of the Match honors

Defensively, Pau Cubarsi served as the team’s absolute cornerstone, ultimately earning honors as the tournament’s best young player, while midfield maestro Rodri controlled the tempo to capture the World Cup Golden Ball. However, before the breakthrough, Spain’s attacking unit had looked like the weakest link on the pitch throughout a cagey final.

By delivering the tournament-winning goal, the Barcelona forward secured the World Cup Final Man of the Match award, celebrating the historic hardware alongside his teammates after validating his role as the ultimate super-sub for Spain’s second star.

Seated inside the media room at MetLife Stadium, Scaloni adopted a cautious, reflective tone when pressed about his coaching future. “Regarding myself, I am going to speak with the president. I will fulfill my contract and then see. I feel the need to think things over because I don’t know if it’s possible to achieve something this great ever again,” he stated before emotion completely overtook him.

Visibly sobbing and struggling to articulate his thoughts, Scaloni reflected on his highly decorated tenure in what increasingly felt like a farewell address to the nation. “We tried until the very last moment to give our absolute maximum—both the coaching staff and the players. I think it is only fair that I can take this time to think it over. This place is wonderful. It is a dream destination… one that in our lives, all the guys on the coaching staff and I, never imagined being in,” he stated.

To keep going requires a whole host of things: resetting yourself completely, building a group like this all over again… which will be hard to ever replicate. And it hurts me to my very soul,” he added, his voice cracking as he stood up and exited the room with tears streaming down his face.

Scaloni’s contract situation and future

Scaloni initially took over the Argentina national team as a temporary caretaker following the program’s disappointing 2018 World Cup campaign in Russia. Despite facing initial skepticism and heavy criticism from fans and pundits alike, he earned the permanent position and transformed the squad, ushering in one of the most glorious eras in the history of Argentine soccer.

First appointed in late 2018, Scaloni’s current contract runs through December 2026, marking an eight-year tenure highlighted by two World Cup cycles. While the veteran manager had previously expressed openness to leading the Albiceleste through the 2030 cycle, his raw, emotional comments Sunday night have cast a massive shadow over his future with the team.

Scaloni’s historic record in major finals

• Winner of the 2021 Copa America.
• Winner of the 2022 Finalissima.
• Winner of the 2022 World Cup.
• Winner of the 2024 Copa America.
• Runner up of the 2026 World Cup.

The manager, who has now led Argentina to a World Cup title and a runner-up finish in consecutive editions, chose to focus on the effort his players put in rather than dwell on the result itself.

“Sadness, but knowing that we left everything out there. I have a lot of things I could say about how we got here, but it’s not worth it. I’m grateful to these boys for what they did to get us this far. We’re great in victory, and we have to show that we’re great in defeat too,” Scaloni said.

Despite the disappointment of falling short of a second consecutive title, the coach was adamant that the run to the final shouldn’t be diminished by the way it ended, framing the campaign as something for the country to be proud of regardless of the scoreline.

“We lost, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to stop remembering everything we did to get here. If you leave everything out there like they did today, it’s a great example for our people, for the country. I do remember the runners-up, because it’s incredibly hard just to get this far. Obviously we would have liked to win, but that’s how it is. When you leave everything out there like that, it’s very hard to reproach anything,” he added.

Scaloni addresses Enzo Fernandez’s red card

Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the closing stages of the final, first picking up a yellow card in the 82nd minute for complaining before receiving a second in the 90+2 for a hard challenge on Pau Cubarsi.

The ejection left Argentina to play the entirety of extra time with 10 men, a disadvantage that proved decisive when Ferran Torres scored the winner in the second period of extra time to give Spain a 1-0 victory.

Asked about the sending-off afterward, Scaloni didn’t hide his frustration with how it unfolded. “I think the referee could have avoided the first one. I was talking to him in some odd English of mine. I think there are things that could have been avoided. But that’s it, there are no complaints. We have to give credit to our rivals. I would have liked to see what would have happened if we’d stayed with 11,” Scaloni explained during the press conference.

Scaloni pays tribute to Messi

Asked about Messi’s place in the squad after his final World Cup appearance, Scaloni didn’t hold back in his praise for the captain. “He’s 39 years old, it’s an incredible thing. I was always clear that he was going to play for as long as he wanted to. I hope he’s proud of his teammates, I think he is. In my opinion, he’s the best footballer to ever step onto a football pitch,” the Argentina coach s.

The scene carried extra weight given the context surrounding Messi’s participation in this edition. At 43 years old by the time the next World Cup arrives in 2030, this tournament was widely viewed as his last realistic chance to add another title to his career.

Despite the tears, Messi was applauded by Argentina’s fans in what was his last World Cup match, where he leaves an indelible mark on the tournament’s history.

This is how Messi bows out of the sport’s biggest stage having won at least one title, and having come close to his first Golden Boot, which ultimately went to Kylian Mbappe with 10 goals, edging out the Argentine’s eight.

The records Messi broke at the 2026 World Cup

This tournament added another layer to Messi’s already unmatched World Cup legacy. He further extended his all-time records for assists, goal contributions, dribbles, chances created and goal contributions in the knockout stages, while also adding to his collection of Player of the Match awards, all records he already held heading into the tournament.

Messi also became the first player to score against 17 different opponents across his World Cup career, a milestone he reached during the semifinal win over England.

The only mark that slipped away came in the tournament’s closing days, when Kylian Mbappe surpassed him as the competition’s all-time leading scorer with a brace in the third-place match, ending Messi’s run atop that particular chart at 21 career goals.

Fabián Ruiz has reached 50 appearances for Spain, remaining unbeaten in every match. He has recorded 35 wins and 15 draws, making it a unique statistic. In addition, he regained his place in the starting lineup ahead of Pedri, who had emerged as the starter in the opening matches. Even though he is not a player who attracts much of the spotlight, he was vital to Spain’s tactical balance.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente has managed to bring out the best version of Fabián. Having known him since the Spain U-21 setup, he decided to make him a central figure in the team. Alongside him, Rodri Hernández also returned to his best form, silencing any doubts about his fitness. Together, they were responsible for dominating Argentina, limiting their creative play and forcing Lionel Messi to drop deeper to create chances.

Fabián Ruiz completes a historic 2025-26 season

After arriving at Paris Saint-Germain from Napoli in 2022, Fabián Ruiz initially looked like a rotation player in the squad, being reliable but failing to make a major impression. However, head coach Luis Enrique transformed his career, elevating him into a world-class all-around midfielder. Following Spain’s victory at the 2026 World Cup, the 30-year-old has cemented a historic 2025–26 season and arguably the best campaign of his professional career.

With Paris Saint-Germain, he won Ligue 1, the UEFA Champions League for the second consecutive time, the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup. Adding the 2026 World Cup, Fabián has won every competition he has played in, serving as a key figure in every title. With that in mind, he could emerge as a leading candidate for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, as he is the only Spain player to have won every competition he has competed in.

Amid rumors of a possible departure from PSG, Fabián Ruiz appears set to remain with the club for the long term. He is under contract until June 2027, but he has reportedly reached an agreement to sign a new three-year deal, with an option for an additional year, reports Fabrizio Romano. As a result, the 30-year-old midfielder seems committed to staying, with the goal of once again playing a key role for Spain at UEFA Euro 2028, where he would be 32 years old.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, De la Fuente expressed immense pride in his squad’s journey: “So much pride in this generation of footballers who have kept growing with this philosophy, setting an example of a group, a team, a family. Having accompanied them on this journey is an honor for me.“

He revealed an emotional locker room exchange where his own players recognized the magnitude of what they had achieved over the last two years, pairing their Euro 2024 crown with the World Cup trophy. “I am very moved. We have talked a lot with the players. ‘Mister,’ they told me, ‘we have won everything, everything.’ That is an example for Spanish youth, for Spain. Together we are stronger,” he added.

Despite controlling the tempo and dominating possession over almost the entire 120 minutes, De la Fuente also addressed the team’s missed opportunities in front of the net: “I believe the match should have been decided sooner. Dibu’s great saves prevented the game from being settled earlier. But since we like to suffer, we have shown that we are prepared for anything.“

Dibu Martinez, the lone bright spot for Argentina

Amid an otherwise uninspired performance from Argentina, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez served as the team’s ultimate safety net, making a series of stellar saves to keep his side alive in a final where they were heavily outplayed. After enduring a relatively quiet and occasionally shaky tournament by his lofty standards, “Dibu” proved his world-class pedigree once again when the Albiceleste needed it most.

During the grueling 120-minute battle against Spain, Martinez racked up an astonishing 11 saves, single-handedly dragging Argentina into extra time. To put that masterclass into perspective, the Aston Villa standout had combined for just 16 saves over his previous 14 World Cup appearances, illustrating just how much worse the scoreline could have been for the Albiceleste without their star keeper between the posts.

The list of winners features a remarkable group of players, even if some all-time greats such as Pelé never received the award. That had nothing to do with his performances, as the Golden Ball was only introduced in 1982. Unlike most individual awards, the players finishing second and third in the voting also receive the Silver Ball and Bronze Ball, respectively.

The award has been won by some of the greatest players in soccer history, with Lionel Messi remaining the only player to receive it twice. Even goalkeepers have their own positional honor, the Golden Glove, they are also eligible for the Golden Ball. Oliver Kahn remains the only goalkeeper to win the tournament’s MVP award after doing so in 2002.

Golden Ball winners

In its origin the trophy was named the Lev Yashin Award that determined who was the best goalkeeper of the competition. The name logically referred to the Soviet former player who remains the best ever at the position for many people.

This was changed for the 2010 edition, when the award was renamed the Golden Glove. Being relatively new compared to the history of the competition, there have only been eight winners of the prized award, with four of them also becoming champions. The winner is chosen by FIFA’s Technical Study Group.

Every Golden Glove winner

While dominating possession and creating the bulk of the chances against a 10-man Argentina squad—following Enzo Fernandez’s late red card—Spain was initially unable to shatter the 0-0 stalemate. The defining breakthrough finally arrived in the 106th minute, right at the start of the second half of extra time.

Spain bypassed Argentina’s defensive lines with a well-targeted long ball over the top. Nico Williams chased it down, making a brilliant run behind the backline before heading a precise pass back toward the center of the box. Ferran Torres anticipated the bounce perfectly, unleashing a powerful half-volley that left Martinez with no chance to save, putting Spain ahead 1-0.

Ferran Torres and a clutch World Cup run

Despite not being a locked-in starter for Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente, Ferran Torres managed to make a massive impact from the substitutes’ bench during the 2026 World Cup, particularly when the team was desperate to break a deadlock.

His first clutch moment came in the Round of 16 against Portugal, when he entered the match in the 75th minute for Alex Baena. In the 91st minute of that cagey affair, he delivered a pinpoint pass to Mikel Merino, who scored the lone goal of the game to send Spain through to the quarterfinal round.

Once again, when it mattered most and with Spain searching for a solution, Torres subbed into the match in the 61st minute for Mikel Oyarzabal, sliding into a center-forward role. The bold gamble by De la Fuente paid off beautifully, as the Barcelona forward found his space on the pitch to score the biggest goal of the tournament and secure Spain its second World Cup star.

The final between Spain and Argentina closed the curtain on one of the highest-quality World Cups in recent memory. While the spotlight naturally shifted toward the champion, the Golden Boot race, and Messi’s likely farewell on the World Cup stage, another historic achievement quietly survived yet another challenge.

The answer lies with Just Fontaine, the legendary France striker whose astonishing haul of 13 goals in a single World Cup continues to stand alone nearly seven decades later. Even after an expanded 48-team tournament and more matches than ever before, nobody managed to erase the mark he established in Sweden in 1958.

Fontaine’s achievement remains one of soccer’s most remarkable individual feats. He scored against Paraguay (three), Yugoslavia (two), Scotland (one), Northern Ireland (two), Brazil (one), and West Germany (four), averaging more than two goals per game across only six appearances.

Messi and Mbappe came close, but history stood firm

The 2026 tournament appeared to offer the perfect opportunity for Fontaine’s record to finally fall. Messi, Mbappe, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, and Jude Bellingham all produced prolific campaigns, raising hopes that someone would finally rewrite soccer history.

Instead, the record remained untouched after the final whistle. Mbappe finished as the tournament’s Golden Boot winner with 10 goals and four assists, while Messi concluded the World Cup with eight goals, leaving Fontaine’s incredible total safely intact.

One reason Fontaine’s accomplishment continues to amaze historians is the incredible story behind it. The French striker wasn’t even expected to start the tournament and famously ended up wearing borrowed boots after damaging his own pair during training. “I was devastated,” Fontaine once recalled in an interview with FIFA after tearing one of his boots before France’s opening match. “I thought my chance could be gone.”

Fortunately for France, teammate Stephane Bruey wore the same shoe size and generously loaned Fontaine his boots. The rest quickly became soccer folklore as the striker exploded for 13 goals in just six matches, averaging a goal every 42 minutes.

Record built in only one World Cup

Perhaps the most astonishing detail is that Fontaine only played in one World Cup during his entire career. Unlike players such as Miroslav Klose, Ronaldo Nazario, Messi, or Mbappe, he never had multiple tournaments to build his numbers.

Klose eventually became the men’s World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 16 career goals, but those strikes came across four separate tournaments. Fontaine reached 13 goals during a single edition, making the feat even more remarkable.

His scoring spree helped France finish third at the 1958 World Cup after victories over Paraguay, Yugoslavia, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and West Germany. The only team capable of stopping France was Pele’s Brazil in the semifinals.

Why modern soccer makes the challenge even harder

Many believed expanding the tournament from 32 to 48 teams would finally create the perfect conditions for someone to surpass Fontaine. In reality, the opposite may have happened.

Today’s elite defenses are more organized than ever, teams rotate players more frequently, and attacking responsibilities are shared across multiple forwards rather than relying on one prolific scorer. Even the world’s best finishers rarely maintain the extraordinary consistency required to average more than two goals per game throughout an entire World Cup.

That reality became evident again in 2026. Mbappe delivered the best scoring tournament in decades, but 10 goals still left him three short of Fontaine’s incredible benchmark.

Yamal, who turned 19 just days before the final, becomes the fifth-youngest World Cup winner ever, while Cubarsi, also 19, slots in among the same elite company. Their achievement places them alongside legends like Pele and Kylian Mbappe, two of only a handful of players to lift the sport’s biggest prize as teenagers.

Winning a World Cup at such a young age has always been rare, and Spain’s title run adds two new names to a list that, until this tournament, only counted eight members across 76 years of history.

How many players have won the World Cup before turning 20?

Including Yamal and Cubarsi, only ten players in World Cup history have won the tournament before their 20th birthday. The group spans nine different editions, from Uruguay’s triumph in 1950 through Spain’s win in 2026, and includes representatives from four different countries: Brazil, Italy, Uruguay and France, now joined by Spain.

Chronological list of all players

• Ruben Moran (Uruguay, 1950) – 19 years, 344 days
• Pele (Brazil, 1958) – 17 years, 249 days
• Jose Altafini, listed by FIFA as Mazzola (Brazil, 1958) – 19 years, 309 days
• Coutinho (Brazil, 1962) – 19 years, 6 days
• Marco Antonio (Brazil, 1970) – 19 years, 135 days
• Giuseppe Bergomi (Italy, 1982) – 18 years, 174 days
• Ronaldo (Brazil, 1994) – 17 years, 298 days
• Kylian Mbappe (France, 2018) – 19 years, 207 days
• Lamine Yamal (Spain, 2026) – 19 years, 6 days
• Pau Cubarsi (Spain, 2026) – 19 years, 178 days

Where Yamal and Cubarsi rank among the youngest

Ranked strictly by age, Pele remains the youngest World Cup winner ever at 17 years and 249 days, followed by Ronaldo at 17 years and 298 days and Bergomi at 18 years and 174 days.

Yamal slots in just behind that trio, tied with Coutinho at 19 years and 6 days, making him the fourth-youngest World Cup winner in history. Cubarsi ranks seventh overall at 19 years and 178 days, sitting between Marco Antonio and Mbappe, whose own famous triumph with France in 2018 came at 19 years and 207 days.

Between them, Yamal and Cubarsi give Spain two representatives inside the ten youngest World Cup winners of all time, a distinction no other nation besides Brazil currently holds.

Even if the greatest players have not always shined at the World Cup, the list of Golden Boot winners features many names that rank among the best in the history of the sport, even if some never won the tournament.

The list also includes some surprising winners who produced the best month of their careers when it mattered most, such as James Rodriguez in 2014 and Salvatore Schillaci in 1990.

Since its creation in 1930, the World Cup has continued to grow in popularity. The difficulty of winning the tournament has also left some of the greatest players in history, such as Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini and Paolo Maldini, without ever experiencing the feeling of lifting the trophy.

The competition has produced unforgettable finals, such as the 3-3 draw between Argentina and France in Qatar 2022, while others were much less memorable, like the 0-0 draw between Brazil and Italy in 1994, which Brazil won on penalties.

The World Cup has had 23 finals in its history, with eight of them going to extra time. Five champions were decided during the additional 30 minutes, while the other three were determined through penalty shootouts.

List of finals

The list begins in 1930, when Uruguay’s Alberto Suppici guided the hosts to the inaugural title at Estadio Centenario in Montevideo. Since then, the trophy has been passed between coaches from Europe and South America, mirroring the same two continents that have produced every World Cup-winning nation.

A handful of names appear more than once on the list. Vittorio Pozzo remains the only manager to win back-to-back titles in World Cup history, leading Italy to glory in both 1934 and 1938.

Mario Zagallo also holds a unique distinction, having won the World Cup as a player with Brazil in 1958 and 1962 before doing it again as head coach in 1970. Didier Deschamps matched that same feat with France, winning the title as captain in 1998 before leading Les Bleus to the title again as head coach in 2018.

Lionel Scaloni joined this list of champions, guiding Argentina to their third star in 2022 behind the brilliance of Lionel Messi, while Luis de la Fuente led Spain to their second World Cup title in 2026.

Complete list of World Cup winning coaches

Kylian Mbappe currently stands as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 22 goals. The French star has been relentless in front of goal at every World Cup he has played, netting four times in Russia 2018, eight in Qatar 2022, and 10 in North America 2026.

Lionel Messi is in second place before the 2026 World Cup final against Spain with 21 goals. After opening his account with one goal at the 2006 tournament, he added four in Brazil 2014, one in Russia 2018, seven in Qatar 2022, and eight in the 2026 edition across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Before the 2026 tournament, Miroslav Klose had held the record for twelve years. The German legend scored five goals in Korea/Japan 2002, five more in Germany 2006, four in South Africa 2010, and two in Brazil 2014, reaching 16 and lifting the trophy in what turned out to be his final World Cup appearance.

Rounding out the next tier are Ronaldo Nazario and Gerd Muller. The Brazilian icon scored 15 goals in 19 games while claiming two World Cup titles in 1994 and 2002, while “Der Bomber” found the net 14 times in just 13 games at a rate of better than one goal per match across the 1970 and 1974 editions, the latter of which West Germany won.

Harry Kane is among the most active chasers of history in the current field. With six goals in 2018, two in 2022, and six more so far in 2026, the England captain sits fifth alongside Muller with 14 goals. With the Three Lions still alive in the tournament, Kane remains one of the headline acts of this edition alongside Mbappe and Messi in the race to extend his tally.

All-time World Cup top scorers

Nearly a century has passed since the first edition in 1930, played entirely at Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, where hosts Uruguay claimed the title by defeating Argentina in the final. Thirteen national teams from South America, North America and Europe took part in that tournament, and much has changed since then, culminating in the 48-team format that will debut this summer.

Since then, every World Cup trophy has been won by countries from just two continents. Europe accounts for the majority of champions, with 12 titles shared among five different nations, while South America has claimed the remaining 10 through three countries.

As for hosting the World Cup, Oceania remains the only continent yet to stage the tournament. Eleven editions have been held in Europe, five in South America, four in North America (including this year’s tournament), two in Asia and one in Africa.

Which countries have won the World Cup?

Uruguay were the first FIFA World Cup champions, lifting the trophy on home soil in 1930. They repeated the feat 20 years later with their famous victory over Brazil at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium in 1950.

The other World Cup titles won by South American nations belong to Brazil and Argentina. Led by Pele, the Brazilians captured the trophies in 1958, 1962 and 1970 before adding titles in 1994 and 2002. Argentina, meanwhile, won their first World Cup in 1978, repeated the feat in 1986 under the leadership of Diego Maradona, and lifted the trophy again in 2022 with Lionel Messi.

The first European champions were Italy, who won back-to-back titles in 1934 and 1938 before adding crowns in 1982 and 2006. Germany have also won four World Cups: 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014. France are next with two titles, having won on home soil in 1998 before triumphing again in 2018. Spain also have two after claiming the titles in 2010 and 2016. England have one World Cup title, earned in 1966.

Which national team has won the most World Cup titles?

After 23 editions, Brazil remain the most successful nation in FIFA World Cup history with five titles. Italy and Germany are next with four each, while Argentina have won three. Uruguay and France have been crowned champions twice, while England and Spain have each lifted the trophy once.

Complete list of World Cup winners

Born on June 24, 1987, Messi was 38 years old when the 2026 tournament kicked off on June 11. Having successfully navigated a grueling group stage and knockout run all the way to the final, the Inter Miami star recently celebrated his 39th birthday on the pitch, continuing to defy typical aging curves with a masterclass of tournament orchestration.

The 2030 World Cup will mark a unique centennial celebration, with the opening matches scheduled for June 8 and 9 in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay before the tournament moves entirely to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. By the time that tournament kicks off, Messi will be 42 years old, meaning that if the Albiceleste were to make another deep run with their captain on the roster, the icon would turn 43 before the final whistle.

The overarching question is whether Messi will even be active by the turn of the decade. His current contract with MLS side Inter Miami runs through December 2028, at which point he will be 41 years old. When pressed on his longevity, the Argentine captain has consistently maintained that his future depends entirely on how his body feels, taking the exact same year-by-year approach that ultimately allowed him to feature in the 2026 cycle.

Argentina stars in their prime or approaching retirement?

When looking at the roster flanking Messi, the squad dynamics will inevitably shift heavily before the 2030 cycle. The most definitive departure will be veteran center back Nicolas Otamendi, currently 38, who has already confirmed that this North American campaign represents his final appearance in the famous sky-blue and white jersey.

Slightly younger foundational pieces will face their own race against time, including goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez (33), fullback Nicolas Tagliafico (33), and midfielders Leandro Paredes (32) and Rodrigo De Paul (32). While modern goalkeepers routinely excel well into their late 30s, the three outfield players have logged immense physical miles as the high-intensity engine room of Argentina’s modern golden era.

Conversely, a dominant core of the current starting eleven will be entering their early 30s, right in the sweet spot of veteran experience. This includes Lisandro Martinez (28), Cristian “Cuti” Romero (28), Alexis Mac Allister (27), Lautaro Martinez (28), and Julian Alvarez (26), while rising talents like Nico Paz (21), Valentin Barco (21), and Giuliano Simeone (23) are poised to be fully established European stars by 2030.

Projected ages for Argentina’s 2030 World Cup cycle

Williams will miss out on the starting eleven due to a calculated tactical decision by manager Luis de la Fuente. While the explosive winger has fully recovered from his recent injury, the Spanish boss has opted to stick with the core lineup that successfully navigated the knockout rounds to reach the final.

Instead, De la Fuente has handed the starting nod to Alex Baena on the left flank. This tactical setup leaves Spain with Lamine Yamal patrolling the right wing and Mikel Oyarzabal leading the line at center forward, maintaining the exact attacking trio that started the previous matches, including the semifinal victory over France.

A World Cup filled with obstacles for Williams

Throughout Spain’s recent competitive cycles, including their title runs in Euro 2024 and the 2025 UEFA Nations League, Williams has been indispensable as a dynamic threat down the left flank. His partnership with Lamine Yamal previously gave La Roja one of the most exciting young wing duos in international soccer, but with both stars entering this World Cup carrying injuries, the Spanish attack occasionally looked static and predictable.

After being managed carefully as a second-half substitute in Spain’s opening three group matches, Williams suffered a heavy knock against Uruguay that aggravated his underlying muscular issue. The setback proved costly, forcing him to watch from the sidelines as an unused substitute during the knockout victories over Austria and Portugal.

While he finally made his return to action with brief cameos off the bench against Belgium and France, he has struggled to find his usual rhythm or impact the scoresheet. In total, the winger has appeared in five matches during this World Cup campaign but has logged just 76 minutes on the pitch, a frustrating reality far below what was expected of him before the tournament kicked off.

Lautaro Martinez will begin the match against Spain on the bench due to a strategic tactical decision by head coach Lionel Scaloni. The Argentine boss has opted to adjust his tactical shape from Wednesday’s semifinal victory over England, leaving the highly lethal center forward out of the opening lineup despite his heroics against the Three Lions.

Instead, Scaloni has tapped Julian Alvarez to partner Lionel Messi leading Argentina’s frontline attack. By starting the Atletico Madrid forward, the manager is prioritizing a high-energy profile capable of executing a relentless high-press to disrupt a Spanish side that thrives on controlling possession.

On the other side of the pitch, Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez is also expected to make a major impact off the bench. Over the last few rounds, the striker has proven to be vital in front of the net, providing a reliable spark that manager Lionel Scaloni will likely utilize in the second half of the match.

Lautaro Martinez’s 2026 World Cup journey

With Julian Alvarez nursing an ankle injury early in the tournament, Martinez initially served as Argentina’s starting center forward alongside Lionel Messi. The Inter Milan captain started the team’s first four matches, covering the entire World Cup group stage and a Round of 32 clash against Cape Verde, though his lone goal during that opening stretch came from the penalty spot against Jordan.

Once Alvarez returned to full fitness for the Round of 16, Martinez was moved to the bench. However, the lineup change did not diminish his impact on the tournament, as he quickly adapted to his role as a highly effective late-game option for the Albiceleste.

He set up the winning goal to complete a late comeback against Egypt before scoring in consecutive knockout matches. He added the late insurance goal in a 3-1 victory over Switzerland and then headed home the decisive winner to cap a 2-1 comeback against England, providing a clear redemption arc after going scoreless during the 2022 World Cup.

De la Fuente has continued to lean on Fabian Ruiz and Rodri as his midfield pairing, a combination that has provided balance and control during Spain‘s last two victories against Belgium and France.

Further up the pitch, the front line remains built around Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Alex Baena, operating just behind Mikel Oyarzabal. It’s the same setup Spain used to eliminate France in the semifinals, and De la Fuente is trusting it once more against Argentina in the tournament’s last game.

The consistency in selection has left little room for Gavi to force his way back into the starting lineup. Despite being one of the most talented midfielders in the squad, the Barcelona player has found himself on the outside looking in as Spain’s rotation has settled around a formula that keeps winning.

Gavi’s limited role throughout the 2026 World Cup

Gavi’s only start of the tournament came in the opener against Cabo Verde, a match Spain failed to win as they were held to a 0-0 draw despite dominating possession and chances.

It was widely regarded as the team’s worst performance of the campaign, as it’s the only match they failed to win in the tournament, and Gavi hasn’t started a game since.

His involvement from that point on has been almost nonexistent. The midfielder’s only other appearance came as a substitute in the 3-0 win over Austria in the Round of 32, when he was given just five minutes on the pitch. Beyond that cameo, Gavi has not featured again, watching the rest of Spain’s run to the final from the bench.

The defending world champion arrived at MetLife Stadium with several adjustments to the lineup that defeated England in the semifinals. Lionel Scaloni introduced three changes, with Nicolas Gonzalez replacing Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul returning to the starting lineup, and Gonzalo Montiel coming in at right back instead of Nahuel Molina.

The decision is purely tactical rather than injury-related. There have been no reports of injury, suspension, or disciplinary issues, and Paredes remains fully available as a substitute.

Instead, Scaloni appears to have tailored his lineup specifically for Spain’s style of play. The coaching staff opted for greater mobility, pressing ability, and attacking energy, believing those qualities would better match the European champion’s possession-based approach.

With Spain expected to dominate long stretches of possession through players such as Rodri, Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal, Argentina has prioritized midfielders capable of covering wider areas while quickly transitioning into attack.

After 103 matches, the tournament comes down to one final showdown between the reigning European champion and the defending world champion. Spain enters the final after producing one of the most dominant campaigns in recent World Cup history, while Argentina has survived a series of dramatic knockout matches through resilience, experience and moments of brilliance.

Spain is chasing its second World Cup title, having previously lifted the trophy in South Africa in 2010. Argentina, meanwhile, is aiming to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup, adding a fourth star above its crest.

Tournament’s best attack vs best defense

Spain has looked like the tournament’s benchmark from the opening whistle of the knockout rounds. La Roja has conceded only one goal throughout the entire competition, collecting multiple clean sheets while defeating Austria, Portugal, Belgium, and France.

The semifinal performance against France further strengthened Spain’s credentials. Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled possession, neutralized one of the tournament’s strongest attacks and advanced with a composed 2-0 victory.

Confidence is also soaring thanks to an extraordinary unbeaten run. La Roja has avoided defeat in normal time across its last 37 matches in all competitions, giving the squad enormous belief ahead of soccer’s biggest occasion.

Unlike Spain’s relatively comfortable journey, Argentina has repeatedly found itself facing elimination before producing remarkable recoveries. The defending champion required extra time against Cabo Verde and Switzerland, recovered from a 2-0 deficit against Egypt, and stunned England by scoring twice in the closing minutes of the semifinal.

Those comeback victories have reinforced the team’s reputation for thriving under immense pressure. Despite criticism surrounding officiating decisions during the tournament, Argentina insists its success has been earned on the pitch.

Will Yamal and Messi play?

The biggest selection questions before kickoff have centered around Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi, but both superstars are will start the World Cup final.

Spain briefly worried supporters after Yamal missed part of training and was seen wearing strapping on his left thigh. At the same time, right-back Pedro Porro also trained separately because of muscle overload. However, Spanish manager Luis de la Fuente reassured supporters that Yamal would be in “perfect physical condition,” with both players managing their workloads rather than recovering from serious injuries.

Argentina also arrives with encouraging news. Messi is fully expected to lead the defending champions in what could become the final World Cup match of his legendary career, while coach Lionel Scaloni has virtually a full squad available for selection.

Spain vs Argentina: Confirmed lineups

Spain confirmed XI (4-2-3-1): Unai Simón; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián Ruiz; Alex Baena, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal; Oyarzabal.

Argentina confirmed XI (4-4-2): Dibu Martínez; Montiel, Romero, Lisandro, Tagliafico; De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister, Nico González; Messi y Julián Álvarez.

De la Fuente has settled on Fabian Ruiz alongside Rodri in a double pivot, a pairing that has given Spain more control and physical presence through the middle of the park in the tournament’s biggest matches.

Ahead of that duo, De la Fuente has built his attack around Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Alex Baena operating behind Mikel Oyarzabal, who leads the team in scoring with five goals.

The setup underlines just how deep De la Fuente’s midfield options have become. Even a player of Pedri‘s caliber, one the coach has repeatedly praised as among the best in the world, cannot force his way back into a starting role that has been working for Spain when it matters most.

How Pedri’s role faded as the tournament progressed

Pedri was a fixture in Spain’s starting lineup for the first five matches of the World Cup, anchoring the midfield through the group stage and into the knockout rounds.

That run included the Round of 16 win over Portugal, a game Spain needed a stoppage-time Mikel Merino goal to escape after struggling to create clear chances, with Pedri’s performance among those that failed to stand out.

That flat display opened the door for Fabian Ruiz, who took his opportunity in the quarterfinal against Belgium, scoring the opener in a 2-1 win that sent Spain into the semifinals. Ruiz kept his place for the last four against France, starting once again as Spain booked their spot in the final, and Pedri has yet to reclaim the role he held for most of the tournament.

In the last two editions of the World Cup, the trophy was presented solely by the president of the organization. Although the heads of state of the host countries were on the pitch, they did not take part in handing the trophy to the winning team. However, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has decided to return to the tradition established before 2018, meaning he will no longer present the trophy on his own.

United States President Donald J. Trump will accompany Infantino in presenting the trophy to the winning team. Even though Mexico and Canada are also co-hosts, their heads of state will not take part in this protocol, being relegated to a secondary role. With this decision, FIFA returns to its history, as from 1934 until 2014 this was usually the norm, with a few exceptions.

“We will be together with the president, enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course, together. We are together all the time. That’s always been the plan—and that’s how it’s always been done in the past—for the president of the country hosting the final to present the trophy together with the FIFA president,” Gianni Infantino revealed, as per The Guardian.

Which country presidents have presented the FIFA World Cup?

Following FIFA’s decision, many fans have expressed their strong dissatisfaction, describing it as a political move rather than one related to the sport. However, this change is actually a return to a tradition that had been part of the organization for many years. As a result, United States President Donald J. Trump will not be the first to do so, but rather joins a long list of heads of state who have presented the World Cup trophy.

Even though this practice was the norm for many years, there was a 32-year gap from 1934 to 1966. Rather than being the result of a decision by the organization, it was due to extraordinary circumstances, such as World War II, from 1938 to 1949. In addition, from 1950 to 1962, FIFA chose to present the trophy on its own to avoid political involvement, but this decision came in the aftermath of the war.

Unlike other contenders whose stars are racing against the clock, Spain’s headline name points in the opposite direction. Lamine Yamal will be just 22 years old when the next edition kicks off, meaning the Barcelona forward, already a World Cup finalist before turning 19, could realistically feature in three or four more tournaments beyond this one.

The same applies to much of the spine of this team. Pedri, Gavi and Pau Cubarsi will all still be in their mid-twenties by 2030, while captain Rodri and Mikel Merino should remain firmly within their prime years, giving Luis de la Fuente — or whoever succeeds him — a squad capable of chasing back-to-back finals.

Not everyone in the squad shares that outlook. Veterans such as Aymeric Laporte, Marcos Llorente, Alex Grimaldo and Borja Iglesias will all be past 34 by the next tournament, leaving their participation far less certain than that of their younger teammates.

Spain team’s age in 2030

As excitement builds around the championship clash, many supporters have been asking who will take center stage before the first whistle. The answer adds another layer to an event already packed with music, entertainment and global stars, making the final far more than a battle for the sport’s biggest prize.

The final brings together two of the world’s strongest national teams after remarkable campaigns in North America. Spain has reached the championship match after producing perhaps the tournament’s most complete performances, conceding only one goal in seven matches while defeating France 2-0 in the semifinals.

Argentina, meanwhile, arrives as the defending world champion after surviving a dramatic route to the final. Lionel Messi‘s side staged an extraordinary comeback against England in the semifinals, extending an unbeaten tournament run that has included seven consecutive victories.

The stakes could hardly be higher. Argentina is attempting to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend a World Cup title, while Spain is chasing its second World Cup crown, having previously lifted the trophy in 2010.

Who will perform Argentina’s national anthem?

Argentina’s national anthem will have a familiar voice representing the defending champions before the nation’s meeting with Spain. Argentine singer María Becerra has been confirmed to perform the Himno Nacional Argentino before the World Cup final.

The performance adds another Argentine presence to a final already filled with national pride. Argentina enters the match hoping to complete a historic achievement by becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive men’s World Cup titles.

The national team arrives after a dramatic semifinal victory over England, where Lionel Messi and his teammates side secured a 2-1 win. Messi has been central throughout the tournament, contributing goals and assists in every match while continuing his pursuit of another unforgettable chapter with Argentina.

Who will perform Spain’s national anthem?

Spain’s anthem situation is different from Argentina’s and the United States because the Marcha Real has no official lyrics. As a result, Spain’s national anthem will be played instrumentally rather than performed by a singer.

The absence of a singer does not reduce the importance of the moment for Spain. Luis de la Fuente’s team enters the final after an outstanding tournament, winning seven consecutive matches and conceding only one goal before facing Argentina.

Spain defeated France 2-0 in the semifinal and has been considered one of the most complete teams in the competition. With players such as Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Mikel Oyarzabal leading the charge, Spain hopes to add another World Cup trophy to the one won in 2010.

Who will perform United States’ national anthem?

Although the United States will not participate in the World Cup final, the host nation will still have a special role before Spain and Argentina battle for the trophy. Grammy, Emmy, Oscar and Tony Award winner Jennifer Hudson will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” before kickoff at MetLife Stadium.

Hudson, who achieved EGOT status in 2022, has become one of the biggest entertainment figures involved in the World Cup finale. Her appearance comes after a busy summer that included performances at major sporting and cultural events, including the 2026 MLB All-Star Game.

The performance will represent the United States as one of the three host nations alongside Canada and Mexico. While the American team failed to reach the final, the country will still be represented during the closing celebrations at one of the biggest sporting events ever staged in North America.