The story so far
World Cup 2026 Build-up
Tracked across 8 sources · Updated 4h ago
Argentina will face Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. Lionel Messi leads Argentina, while Spain's Lamine Yamal, who was bathed by Messi in a 2007 photo, is an injury concern. Wildfire smoke in New Jersey has affected Spain's training. The match is scheduled for July 19.
How it unfolded
6d ago
Spain eases concerns over Yamal's fitness
6d ago
Messi dismisses favoritism claims ahead of final
6d ago
Wildfire smoke hampers Spain's training in New Jersey
16 Jul 2026
Yamal and Porro train separately as precaution
16 Jul 2026
Viral photo resurfaces of Messi bathing baby Yamal
16 Jul 2026
Spain beats France 2-0 to reach final
15 Jul 2026
Messi moves clear in Golden Boot race with two assists
What happened earlier
Latest updates
Latest
Full story →'I'm sorry': Why Argentina's assistant coach apologised after FIFA World Cup final
Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala apologized for his altercation with Spain midfielder Dani Olmo after the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.
Ayala admitted his actions were unacceptable and expressed regret for losing control during the post-match brawl.
FIFA has launched an investigation into the post-match brawl involving players and staff after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time.
Ayala described the contact as a push, not a punch, and said he intended to separate players as he saw a fight on the pitch.
Ayala accepted full responsibility and stated he will apologize to Dani Olmo in person.
Earlier · 3d ago
Full story →Messi's red card attempt on Cucurella criticized by Rooney
Lionel Messi tried to get Marc Cucurella sent off during the 2026 World Cup final
Wayne Rooney gave a harsh verdict on Messi's attempt
The incident did not sit well with several former footballers
Earlier · 3d ago
Full story →Lionel Messi issues first reaction after Argentina's loss in World Cup final: ‘Will take time for wound to heal’
Lionel Messi reacted on Instagram after Argentina lost the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.
Messi said the wound from the loss will take time to heal.
Argentina failed to defend their World Cup title.
Earlier · 2d ago
Full story →Ferran Torres wears 'Make Spain Great Again' cap at victory parade
Ferran Torres wore a cap reading 'Make Spain Great Again' during Spain's 2026 World Cup victory parade
The cap parodies Donald Trump's presidential campaign slogan
Trump had presented the World Cup trophy to Spain
The gesture went viral on social media, dividing opinion between parody and tribute
Earlier · 2d ago
Full story →Why Messi Did Not Travel With Team To Argentina After FIFA WC Final Loss
Argentina lost the FIFA World Cup final to Spain in extra time.
Messi did not travel with the team back to Argentina after the loss.
Argentina aimed to become the third team to defend its World Cup title.