Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 18, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

World Cup Final Set: Spain vs. Argentina for Global Glory

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is set to be a clash of titans as Spain, known for their possession-based style, face off against defending champions Argentina. Spain's journey to the final has been built on an elite defense, a stark contrast to their traditional attacking flair. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi, widely considered the greatest male athlete in history, will aim to cement his legacy. The final will also feature a fascinating generational battle between Messi and Spain's young sensation, Lamine Yamal. Argentina's goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has revealed he's been playing through pain in his right hand throughout the tournament. The highly anticipated final will take place at Met Life Stadium, a decision that has sparked debate, and last-minute tickets are fetching prices between $10,000 and $60,000.

England Secures Third Place with Thrilling Victory

England claimed third place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dramatic 4-3 victory over France in the bronze medal match. Bukayo Saka was the standout performer, netting a hat-trick and earning a perfect 9/10 rating. Saka expressed his desire to have played more in the tournament after his decisive performance. Midfielder Declan Rice declared this England squad the "best for a very long time" following their third-place finish. Jude Bellingham also made history, becoming the first Englishman to score seven goals in a single World Cup with a late strike against France. Despite the positive result, England's tournament campaign has ended, and questions remain about their future, including potential replacements for Harry Kane.

Mbappé Continues Goal-Scoring Record, Golden Boot Race Heats Up

Kylian Mbappé has surpassed Lionel Messi on the all-time World Cup goal-scoring chart, netting his 21st and 22nd career tournament goals. Mbappé now leads the Golden Boot race with 10 goals, holding a two-goal advantage over Messi, who will participate in the World Cup final. The intensity of the World Cup has also been reflected in a significant increase in harmful social media posts, with 14 times more such content recorded compared to the 2022 tournament.

Transfer Buzz and Club News Across Europe

In transfer news, U.S. Men's National Team striker Folarin Balogun is reportedly considering a summer move. Tottenham Hotspur is reportedly confident in their pursuit of Savinho from Manchester City, while AC Milan is monitoring Phil Foden's situation. Chelsea has agreed to a record £117 million deal for Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, and Aston Villa itself has secured Johan Manzambi for a club-record fee exceeding £50 million. Celtic is reportedly prioritizing winger Hassan as a transfer target, and Motherwell has sold midfielder Elliot Watt to Turkish club Samsunspor. New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola faces significant decisions in his first week on the job.

Other Sporting Headlines

In cricket, Northamptonshire secured their first Vitality Blast title in a decade with a thrilling 14-run victory over Hampshire. In golf, Sam Burns holds a two-shot lead entering the final round of The Open, with Ryan Fox matching major history with a '62 round'. Rory McIlroy has criticized Bryson DeChambeau for his conduct during the tournament. In athletics, Josh Kerr broke the world record for the mile in London, while Keely Hodgkinson fell short in her attempt to break an older world record. In rugby, the All Blacks decisively defeated Ireland 40-21 at Eden Park to maintain their perfect record in the Nations Championship.