Lionel Messi is aiming for the Golden Boot and a record third Golden Ball at the World Cup final against Spain.
Spain defender Marc Cucurella fulfilled his promise to get a tattoo of national team coach Luis de la Fuente's face after Spain won the World Cup. He had vowed to do so if they lifted the trophy, and after their victory against Argentina, he got an image of De la Fuente holding the World Cup inked on his arm.
England's manager Thomas Tuchel has faced heavy criticism following their World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, but he attributes the loss to fundamental issues like a lack of 'ball possession DNA' rather than just tactical errors, while acknowledging the unstoppable brilliance of Lionel Messi.
The 10 takeaways from the FIFA World Cup, which was co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Former India internationals analyse Spain's dominant performance and tactical discipline that led them to the FIFA World Cup final, highlighting their defensive solidity and adaptability.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha and Norway striker Erling Haaland have been named in the fan-voted FIFA World Cup dream team, with both rewarded for standout performances during unexpected runs by their teams.
Spain captain Rodri has expressed his team's ambition and hunger ahead of the World Cup final against Argentina. He highlighted Spain's gradual growth and well-rounded team play, while acknowledging Argentina's competitive spirit and the formidable presence of Lionel Messi. Rodri anticipates a physical battle and draws inspiration from Spain's 2010 World Cup victory.
A 13-year-old boy was killed and two others injured in Ciudad Rodrigo, Spain, when a fountain collapsed during celebrations for Spain's FIFA World Cup 2026 victory. The tragic incident cast a shadow over nationwide festivities after Spain secured its second World Cup title with a 1-0 win over Argentina.
Former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha has publicly questioned Hockey India's decision to switch the national team's jersey colour to orange, arguing that the team's identity and legacy have always been associated with blue.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is set to face Lionel Messi for the first time in his career during Wednesday's World Cup semi-final against Argentina, an occasion he described as carrying a 'sense of history' given his long-standing admiration for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
While most fans reached for football jerseys, Urvashi Rautela treated the FIFA World Cup 2026 stage like her personal runway, layering couture over sportswear in a look that was bizarre yet bold and unforgettable.
Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has clarified that he is 'fine' and did not undergo any surgery, attributing recent health concerns among fans to a 'misunderstood post' where he was drawing a parallel between a champion's loss and the recovery period after an ICU incident.
England's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign concluded with a semi-final defeat to Argentina. Star midfielder Jude Bellingham expressed gratitude to supporters for their unwavering backing and called for the unity shown during the tournament to continue. Bellingham was England's top scorer, playing a crucial role in their journey to the semi-finals.
Barcelona legends Xavi Hernandez and Javier Mascherano discuss the profound influence of their former club on the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. They highlight the impact of La Masia-bred players like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi for Spain, and the enduring brilliance of Lionel Messi for Argentina, all products of Barcelona's footballing philosophy. Both former players express pride in the shared playing style and the quality of the final.
In Peru, there is a wave of new baby Haalands. In Argentina, Lionel has raced up the rankings, and in Mexico a girl was reportedly named after three soccer players. Parents in Latin America are already christening a new generation of babies after the stars of the World Cup.
U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino were booed by spectators as they took to the field for the World Cup trophy ceremony at the New York New Jersey stadium, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0.
Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente attributed his team's second World Cup victory to their strong team-first mentality, unity, and shared values, establishing them as a dominant force in international football.
Cape Verde's World Cup star goalkeeper Vozinha has agreed to join Chilean club Colo Colo, pending a medical. The 40-year-old free agent's move follows his impressive performances at the recent World Cup, where he was part of FIFA's fan-selected dream team.
US President Donald Trump will attend the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at the New York-New Jersey stadium on Sunday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday.
Fernando Alonso's main focus for the Belgian Grand Prix weekend will be making sure he gets home in time to watch Spain play Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday.
Rodri, Spain's midfield maestro, completed his collection of major football prizes by winning the World Cup, less than two years after a significant knee injury. Named the tournament's best player, he joins an elite group of footballers. Rodri highlighted the importance of overcoming adversity and praised his team's collective effort in their hard-fought victory against Argentina.
FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina has staunchly defended the officiating in Argentina's 3-2 World Cup victory over Egypt, dismissing allegations of bias and asserting that match officials operated with complete independence, despite Egypt's complaints about unfair treatment.
Swiss football fans expressed pride in their national team despite a 3-1 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup quarter-finals, marking the end of an 'exceptional campaign' that captivated the country.
Indian women's hockey team captain Savita Punia believes their recent FIH Nations Cup triumph has instilled the confidence needed to challenge top teams and secure a podium finish at the upcoming World Cup.
England manager Thomas Tuchel insists his players are not focusing on the historical rivalry with Argentina ahead of their World Cup semi-final, stating the occasion itself is significant enough and their preparation centres on the game at hand.
England manager Thomas Tuchel expressed hope that his players would eventually feel pride in their third-place finish at the World Cup, despite falling short of their ultimate goal.
The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is set to kick off in New Jersey, with fans flocking to the stadium despite high ticket prices and enhanced security measures, as both teams vie for the coveted title.
France striker Kylian Mbappe has become the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 22 goals, surpassing Lionel Messi's 21 goals, after netting twice in France's third-place play-off match against England.
The Manipur government has announced a holiday for all educational institutions on July 20, 2026, allowing students to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. The order covers schools, colleges, and universities across the state.
India's men's hockey team has experienced a varied journey in the World Cup, from winning bronze in 1971 and gold in 1975 to a prolonged period without a podium finish.
Former Spain defender Joan Capdevila has appealed to President Donald Trump for help after being denied permission to enter the United States for Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and defending champions Argentina.
Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal will face-off as defending champions Argentina meet reigning European champions Spain in the FIFA World Cup final, in New York on Saturday.
The complete schedule and all the results of FIFA World Cup 2026 in IST.
The Indian women's hockey team concluded their four-match tour of Argentina with a 2-2 draw, showcasing resilience and determination after a challenging start to the series.
The halftime interval in Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is set to last more than 15 minutes because of the installation required for the tournament's first halftime entertainment show, broadcasting sources said on Friday.
Lionel Messi shared insights into Argentina's World Cup preparations in Miami, posting training moments on Instagram. The defending champions are gearing up for their Round of 32 clash against Cabo Verde, with Messi, at 39, remaining a pivotal figure for the team's success.
Switzerland coach Murat Yakin blasted the rule behind Breel Embolo's controversial red card as "unacceptable" after Argentina's 3-1 extra-time victory ended the Swiss team's historic FIFA World Cup 2026 run.
The Assam government has permitted restaurants in Guwahati to remain open until 3:30 am on specific dates, including July 15, 16, 19, and 20, to allow football enthusiasts to watch the FIFA World Cup semi-finals and final. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced this decision, encouraging responsible enjoyment of the matches, while also allowing other districts to follow suit based on public demand and restaurant associations' requests.
Spain defender Marc Cucurella is set to get a tattoo of coach Luis de la Fuente's face after Spain won the World Cup, fulfilling a promise made before the tournament. Coach De la Fuente humorously acknowledged the promise, noting his players are men of their word.
Lionel Messi made an emotional return to the pitch for Inter Miami, who were eliminated from the Leagues Cup with a 2-3 loss to Leon, just days after his father, Jorge Messi, passed away. Messi shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, reflecting on his father's unwavering support, their shared World Cup dreams, and the profound pain of his loss.
