Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: July 20, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Spain Crowned World Champions in Tense Final

Spain lifted their on Sunday, defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a tightly contested final at Met Life Stadium. The victory marks a significant achievement for Spain, who became the first nation to hold both men's and women's World Cup titles simultaneously. While Lionel Messi was unable to conjure his usual magic, with some ratings placing him as low as 3/10 for the match, the Spanish side showcased a dominant defensive performance that ultimately proved too much for the Argentinian attack. Despite the loss, Messi's legacy remains intact, with his World Cup final performance likely to be overshadowed by his illustrious career. Spain's Lamine Yamal was a standout performer, with one report suggesting he "completes football" at just 19 years old. Spain also claimed a hat trick of individual awards, with Rodri winning the Golden Ball. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni admitted he is unsure about his future with the national team.

England Secures Third Place in Thrilling World Cup Finish

England secured third place at the World Cup with a victory over France in the bronze medal match. Bukayo Saka was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick and expressing his desire to have played more throughout the tournament. Jude Bellingham also made history, becoming the first Englishman to score seven goals at a. Manager Thomas Tuchel defended his tactical decisions following the semi-final loss to Argentina, acknowledging the defeat as a "scar. Midfielder Declan Rice lauded the current England squad, stating it is "the best England group for a. The World Cup has also had an impact on domestic leagues, with attention quickly shifting to the new Premier League season.

World Cup Final Amidst Star-Studded Spectacle and Security Concerns

The World Cup final was surrounded by unprecedented spectacle and heightened security. Celebrities including President Trump, Shakira, Madonna, and Justin Bieber, adding to the unique atmosphere of the event. Security was a major concern, with supporters facing long queues due to heightened measures. The integrity of the tournament was also questioned by Europe's top human rights body, urging FIFA to build a stronger framework for future editions. The air quality in the New Jersey area, affected by smoke from Canadian wildfires, was a concern, leading to hydration. Last-minute tickets for the final ranged from $10,000 to $60,000, highlighting the immense demand.

Football Transfer Buzz and Club News

In transfer news, Barcelona has set a deadline of July 31 for Atlético Madrid to accept their offer for Argentina striker Julián Álvarez, though Atlético president Enrique Cerezo insists the player will remain with them. Tottenham are reportedly hopeful of signing Savinho from Manchester City. Chelsea have agreed a record £117m deal for Aston, with Jackson and Summerville also on Villa's radar. Manchester United saw Andrey Santos debut in a pre-season friendly loss to Wrexham. Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai has signed a, while new manager Andoni Iraola faces significant decisions ahead of the new season.

Other Sports Notebook

In horse racing, Bay Bridge's full brother, Castlemont at Windsor. Formula 1 gears up for the Hungarian Grand Prix before its summer break, with championship leader Kimi Antonelli topping practice sessions. Golf saw Ryan Fox at The 154th Open, with Rory McIlroy employing an aggressive strategy to contend. In darts, Luke Littler and Luke Humphries are targeting a World. Rugby saw the All Blacks, while England captain Jamie George threatened to lead his team off the pitch in Argentina due to concerns over.