Spain won their second World Cup on Sunday, collecting the trophy from US President Donald Trump after Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike broke the stubborn resistance of Lionel Messi’s Argentina. More than 80,000 people crammed into the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, to witness a tense, tight final punctuated by cynical Argentine fouls that […]
world cup 2026
Posted inSoccer America Daily
Magic in a bottle
The irony of the 2026 World Cup is that it began with all sorts of questions about affordability and access and inclusion, but it became one of the greatest communal events of our lifetime. All for you and me to watch, cheer and go nuts with others and watch others do the same thing. All […]
Posted inSoccer America Confidential
The World Cup final hits the most international stage on earth
Mayor Mamdani’s description of New York City as “the most international city on earth” is a viable claim. But Jeffrey Lahullier is the mayor of the town that’s literally hosting the 2026 World Cup final.
Posted inSoccer America Daily
Spain’s Yamal aims to join elite club of teenage World Cup winners
Lionel Messi will become the oldest outfield player to appear in a World Cup final on Sunday as Spain’s Lamine Yamal seeks to join an elite group of teenage winners. The match at the MetLife Stadium will be the first meeting between Argentina’s Messi and the player who has succeeded him as Barcelona’s new homegrown […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily
Trump to bask in World Cup final spotlight
US President Donald Trump will bask in the spotlight at the World Cup final on Sunday — after already providing one of the tournament’s most controversial moments. Trump is expected to present the trophy alongside FIFA boss and close friend Gianni Infantino to the winner of the game between Spain and Argentina. The match in […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily
Back-to-back World Cup winners: Argentina seek to join elite group
Argentina are one game away from becoming just the third team to successfully defend the World Cup, with European champions Spain standing in their way. AFP Sport looks at how previous winners fared if they reached the final at the following tournament. Italy, 1938 Italy were the first team in World Cup history to retain […]
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England edge France 6-4 in chaotic World Cup third-place match
England beat France 6-4 in a chaotic World Cup third-place playoff on Saturday as Kylian Mbappe became the leading scorer in World Cup history. Bukayo Saka grabbed a hat-trick and Jude Bellingham became the first English player to score seven goals at a single World Cup in a breathless match. But despite the entertainment, both […]
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Departing Deschamps looks back on ‘wonderful’ World Cup
France coach Didier Deschamps said he had experienced a “truly wonderful adventure” with his players as he bid farewell to the job on Saturday after 14 highly successful years in charge. Deschamps guided France to World Cup glory in Moscow in 2018, becoming one of only three men to have won it as both coach and […]
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World Cup moments: Viking row and minnows sparkle
The first 48-team World Cup has provided a thrilling spectacle and a string of compelling storylines. AFP Sport picks out some of the key talking points after more than five weeks of action in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Hotshots The race for the Golden Boot caught fire early and has remained absorbing until […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily
2026 World Cup final referees: Slovenian debut in the middle
Slavko Vinčić will become the first Slovenian to referee a World Cup final. Vinčić reffed the 2024 UEFA Champions League final (Borussia Dortmund-Real Madrid), the 2022 UEFA Europa League final (Eintracht Frankfurt-Rangers) and whistled at the last two European Championships and the 2022 World Cup. He will be assisted by countrymen Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič. […]