Page 3 - Latest Updates on FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup 2026 3rd place playoff: France vs England preview and stats

While neither side would have envisioned competing for bronze before the tournament began, a victory would still provide a positive end to an otherwise impressive World Cup campaign.

'We'll give it our all': Messi sends strong message before World Cup final

The lineup of sports legends simultaneously on the stage at Fanatics Fest on Friday night was almost absurd. There was Tom Brady, the greatest Super Bowl champion of all time. There was Novak Djokovic, the winner of more men's Grand Slam tennis tournaments than anyone else. There was Kevin Durant, the only four-time Olympic gold medalist in men's basketball history. And before they left, they all got a selfie with Lionel Messi. Let that be the latest proof of Messi's power: Even the biggest stars in the sports universe clearly enjoy a chance to be around the best soccer player of all-time. They'll all be watching Sunday - along with probably 1.5 billion other people worldwide - when Messi and Argentina face Spain in the World Cup final. "We will give it our all," Messi said. The star-studded news conference was expected to be Messi's last public appearance before Sunday's final in East Rutherford, New Jersey. FIFA decided to use Fanatics Fest - a four-day celebration of sports in N

Trump and Infantino praise FIFA World Cup 2026's success before the final

FIFA President Gianni Infantino deemed the World Cup a success on Friday, again lauding President Donald Trump for his role in the event and saying the tournament achieved its mission of uniting people from all corners of the globe. Infantino pointed to many numbers - sold-out stadiums and big television ratings - as proof that the biggest World Cup ever met expectations, as Trump nodded in approval. "The American dream, Mr. President, came to reality," Infantino said as he stood alongside Trump in New York on Friday. "We united the world." Trump hosted a reception at Trump Tower in Manhattan for Infantino and international soccer stars. Trump and Infantino spoke next to the golden trophy Trump plans to award to the winner of Sunday's final between Argentina and Spain. As he often does in Trump's presence, Infantino was effusive in his praise: "You don't need people to compliment you, Mr. President, but this World Cup would not have been such an incredible success without you." Tr

India better placed in 64-team World Cup, but no guarantee, says Bhutia

A 64-team football World Cup, which the international governing body FIFA is mulling, will give India a better chance to qualify for the showpiece but such a move could compromise the quality of the games, Indian legend Bhaichung Bhutia said. An official proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams, from 48 in the 2026 edition, was put forward by South American governing body CONMEBOL in April last year. FIFA has not taken a decision yet but its president Gianni Infantino recently said his organisation will examine the proposal after this World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Defending champions Argentina face Spain in the final on Sunday in New York. The 2030 edition will be mainly co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with the three opening matches to be played in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay to celebrate the centenary of the tournament. Uruguay hosted the first World Cup, in 1930. "From the perspective of an Indian football fan, I think it's a welcome move to have

Years of planning power Spain into the FIFA World Cup 2026 final showdown

Spain reaching the World Cup final is still something of a novelty, given this is just the second time the country has gotten this far. Rodri sees it as the culmination of years building to this point. Winning the Nations League in 2023 and the European Championship in 2024 set the foundation for the success the team has achieved over the past several weeks. An even bigger challenge awaits against defending champion Argentina on Sunday, and Spain's captain wants his teammates to be more eager to win than scared to lose. "We've been gradually growing," Rodri said Friday. "We have to keep doing the same things we're doing because it has been a process for all five years." Spain has only allowed one goal through its first seven games, including a 2-0 win over France in the semifinals. Since a stunning opening draw against Cape Verde, La Roja has outscored its opponents 13-1. "Our goal when we got to this World Cup was to win the trophy, and we were convinced that we could achieve this

West Bengal govt announces World Cup final live screening across districts

The West Bengal government will organise live screening of the FIFA World Cup final on a giant screen at Nandan here, allowing football fans to watch the Argentina-Spain clash, an official said on Saturday. Similar arrangements for live screenings on large screens at important locations across districts will also be made for football enthusiasts, the official said. The Youth Services and Sports Department is coordinating the arrangements in consultation with other departments, he said. All district administrations have been asked to set up screening facilities, and Rs 1 lakh each has been allocated to every district for the purpose, according to an official notification issued by Additional Chief Secretary of Youth Services and Sports department, Rajesh Pandey. "A detailed plan is being worked out to ensure that the screenings are organised smoothly and that necessary arrangements are in place at all venues," the official said. Technical preparations, including screen arrangements

Sheinbaum, Carney to attend Fifa World Cup final on Trump's invitation

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will attend Sunday's World Cup final in New Jersey with US President Donald Trump, amid strained regional ties

Fifa expects World Cup final to proceed despite wildfire smoke from Canada

Fifa will not shift Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina despite wildfire smoke affecting the New York area, with officials expecting air quality to improve before kick-off

Can Kylian Mbappe catch Leo Messi? Golden Boot battle goes down to the wire

What initially looked like a straight shootout has now evolved into a fascinating contest involving goals, assists and even minutes played.

Spain vs Argentina: Business cup to brim on World Cup final night

Spain-Argentina match promises windfall for eateries, pubs, delivery platforms

Who is Slavko Vincic? The man tasked to officiate the ARG vs ESP WC final

At 46, Vincic has reached the pinnacle of refereeing, becoming the first Slovenian official to take charge of a FIFA World Cup final

Full circle moment: How internet is reacting before Messi vs Yamal WC clash

The Messi and Yamal photo from 2007 has taken over social media as both players gear up to represent respective countries in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final

Messi's magic on the biggest stage leaves little room for the GOAT debate

The remarkable thing about Lionel Messi is no longer that he can produce moments of magic. It is that the football world has come to expect them even when logic suggests otherwise.

World Cup final's 20-minute half-time show: Will it disrupt match flow?

Fifa plans an 11-minute half-time show at MetLife Stadium, raising concerns over player readiness, lost momentum and restarting the Spain-Argentina final at 12:30 am IST on July 20.

Are broadcasters bound to show Infantino? Inside Fifa's TV power, economics

Broadcasters are not explicitly ordered to show the Fifa president, but a compulsory global feed, dignitary-shot rules and Fifa's stake in its producer keep Gianni Infantino on screens worldwide

The photo that foretold it: Yamal faces Messi, who 'baptised' him, in final

Almost 19 years ago, Messi quite literally held Yamal in his arms. Now, fate has brought them together with the biggest prize in football at stake.

Messi scripts late miracle as Argentina shatter England's World Cup dream

Anthony Gordon put England within sight of their first World Cup final since 1966, but Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez struck late as Argentina's control and Messi's creativity turned semifinal

Will Fifa punish Argentina before Spain final over Falklands banner?

Argentina could face a fine after players displayed a Falklands banner, but precedent suggests bans before the Spain final are unlikely unless Fifa treats the repeat offence as aggravated

FIFA World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi overtakes Mbappe in golden boot race

With eight goals and four assists, Messi now leads the Golden Boot race, edging France captain Kylian Mbappe, who also has eight goals but only three assists.

England vs Argentina HIGHLIGHTS FIFA World Cup SF: Messi inspires ARG to the final with late 2-1 win

Goals from Fernandez and Martinez hand Argentina a late 2-1 victory against England to set a final date with Spain.