Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: July 17, 2026, 11:31 AM ET

World Cup Final Approaches as Argentina and Spain Prepare for Showdown

The 2026 World Cup final is set to feature Lionel Messi's Argentina against Lamine Yamal's Spain, with sources indicating for the match despite air quality warnings. Messi has declared that during their path to the final, aiming to secure another World Cup title. Spain's journey has been marked by an elite defense, a stark contrast to their 2010 championship squad as comparisons are drawn. The final could also, with Messi considered by some to be the. Preparations for the final are underway, with Lamine Yamal and Pedro Porro training separately from the Spanish squad but expected to be fit for Sunday's match. Meanwhile, England's World Cup journey ended in the semifinals, with manager Thomas Tuchel vowing to despite tactical questions. Harry Kane acknowledged the team is "missing that final piece" and that if the 2026 World Cup was his last. The British government has urged FIFA to investigate Argentina's team after players celebrated with a banner that claimed sovereignty over the Falkland Islands. Donald Trump is confirmed to attend and will, who will also receive championship rings.

Szoboszlai Commits Long-Term Future to Liverpool

Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has at Anfield, with reports specifying it is a. The Hungarian international's commitment to the club was also.

Transfer Activity and Squad Movements Across Europe

In other transfer news, Atlético Madrid president Enrique Cerezo stated that Julián Álvarez will be at the club next season, despite interest from Barcelona. Manchester United's summer plans are adapting, with Andrey Santos included in the squad for a friendly against Wrexham, suggesting. Defender Maxime Esteve has left Burnley to join RB Leipzig for a reported fee of £27.3m as part of a transfer. West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen has committed his future to the club despite their relegation from the Premier League. Arsenal are reportedly accelerating their pursuit of Morgan Rogers and are also exploring a deal for Christos Tzolis. In the Women's Super League, Birmingham City have signed Canada international Marie Levasseur as WSL newcomers. London City Lionesses have also been active, signing Kadidiatou Diani for over £500,000 on a three-year deal.

Other Sports News and Noteworthy Events

In rugby, Jamie George will captain an unchanged England side against Argentina, with players choosing to in Buenos Aires due to past racial abuse concerns. Max Verstappen was surprisingly fastest in first practice for the Belgian Grand Prix, with Mercedes struggling. At The Open, Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns equalled the lowest round in men’s major history with dramatic second-round 62s. Carlos Alcaraz is targeting a return from a wrist injury at the Cincinnati Open in August as he recovers.