Johnson, widely recognized as one of the NFL’s premier offensive minds, unlocked Williams’ potential in their first season together. Williams set a Bears single-season passing record with 3,942 yards, throwing 27 touchdowns against just 7 interceptions. Now entering Year 2 of the system, Williams notes that faster pre-snap reads and increased operational comfort will allow Chicago to play with more dominance while minimizing unnecessary risks.

“It’s gonna be really exciting. It’s gonna be really fun to watch. It’s going to be more entertaining than last year,” Williams said on Tuesday. “Hopefully not as much of a heart race. It’s gonna be a little more entertaining throughout the whole game. You can feel it. You can see it. The confidence … It’s all three [phases] combined.”

Reimagining the passing game

Despite receiver DJ Moore departing for the Buffalo Bills during the offseason, Chicago’s offense remains formidable.

Rome Odunze steps seamlessly into the WR1 role after showing star flashes during his second year. Beside him, sophomore Luther Burden III—who surged in the second half of 2025—and veteran Kalif Raymond provide reliable speed and route diversity.

Fortunately for Williams, Ben Johnson’s offensive philosophy is famously versatile. The system spreads targets dynamic across all position groups rather than leaning on a single dominant target:

• Tight ends as focal points: Cole Kmet and second-year standout Colston Loveland form one of the league’s most dangerous two-tight-end duos, posing constant matchup problems over the middle.
• Backfield and offensive line involvement: Creative play-calling frequently involves running backs on wheel routes and screen plays, alongside tackle-eligible and trick plays that keep opposing defenses off-balance.

By distributing the ball across multiple weapons, Chicago ensures no single player bears the entire offensive burden, creating a unpredictable scheme heading into the 2026 campaign.

The Raiders finished the 2025 NFL season with the worst record among all 32 teams. That granted the AFC West franchise the #1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which they used to select Indiana national champion quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

However, the Raiders had previously signed Cousins in free agency, setting up an intriguing quarterback dynamic. Heading into camp, Kubiak designated the 15-year veteran as QB1 on the initial depth chart.

“When we go out to practice tomorrow, Kirk Cousins is the starting quarterback,” Kubiak told reporters on Tuesday. “He’s the guy, and he deserves it because he’s played really good football.”

Will Kirk Cousins start Week 1?

While Kirk Cousins will open training camp at the top of the depth chart, that does not mean he has guaranteed the Week 1 starting job when the Raiders host the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.

Kubiak believes Cousins’ vast veteran experience is crucial for establishing offensive leadership. Standard NFL philosophy often favors starting a seasoned veteran early to absorb pressure and avoid rushing a high-profile rookie before he is fully acclimated.

The head coach emphasized that while Cousins leads off training camp, he wants both Fernando Mendoza and Aidan O’Connell pushing him daily to foster a healthy, competitive quarterback room where everyone earns their reps.

A testing road ahead in 2026

The Raiders kick off their 2026 campaign at home against the Miami Dolphins. While Las Vegas has a strong opportunity to open with a win, the schedule grows significantly tougher from that point forward.

Before their Week 13 bye, the Raiders face seven teams that finished above .500 in 2025—a grueling stretch that includes a matchup against Kubiak’s former team, the reigning Super Bowl champions: the Seattle Seahawks.

Speaking to reporters as training camp opened at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Rodgers shut down any possibility of continuing into 2027, stating there is ‘zero debate’ about his upcoming retirement.

“Yeah, this is it,” Rodgers told reporters on Tuesday on 2026 being his final season. “No, zero debate,” he added on whether there could be a decision change after the campaign ends.

The Mike McCarthy factor

Following the 2025 season, longtime head coach Mike Tomlin stepped down, leading the Steelers to hire Mike McCarthy. The head coaching search was deeply tied to Rodgers: the front office wanted to give their star passer every reason to stay by reuniting him with the coach he won Super Bowl XLV alongside during their 13-year tenure in Green Bay.

The strategy paid off. Rodgers confirmed that McCarthy’s arrival was the central catalyst behind his decision to return for a 22nd NFL season and that even his wife played a crucial role.

“I thought last year might be it and then Mike [McCarthy] got hired, and then talked to the wife and she said, ‘You can do one more year. See if it works out.’ And then it kinda all came together,” the QB added.

Life after Rodgers: An uncertain QB future

Pittsburgh currently carries four quarterbacks on its roster: Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and rookie Drew Allar. Once Rodgers steps away in 2027, the front office will face a pivotal decision on whether to promote from within or target a high-profile passer in the NFL Draft.

While veteran Mason Rudolph enters camp as the No. 2 option on the depth chart, the Steelers drafting quarterbacks in consecutive years—Ohio State’s Will Howard in 2025 and Penn State’s Drew Allar in 2026—signals that the franchise lacks long-term faith in Rudolph as the primary successor.

A few days after head coach Brian Schottenheimer publicly stated his goal to end the 2026 season in Inglewood, California at Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027, Prescott echoed those sentiments. The quarterback emphasized that he is relentlessly chasing a championship, noting that for Dallas, it is “Super Bowl or bust” every year.

“Shoot yeah, that’s what’s left for me,” Dak Prescott told reporters on Friday on aiming to win the Super Bowl. “And that’s always been my mindset, you know. That’s the one thing I truly love about the Cowboys organization and the fanbase is it’s that or nothing.

“That’s what being a competitor is, if that’s not how you’re wired, if that’s not how you think, whether you’re a fan, whether you’re a player, whether you’re a coach, then I think you’re in the wrong business, and, honestly, I don’t want you on my team. I love those expectations.”

Ending the three-decade drought

It has been 30 years since the Cowboys last hoisted the Lombardi Trophy following the 1995 season. A three-decade championship drought falls far short of expectations for one of the NFL’s premier franchises, a fact the locker room recognizes.

Following the departure of Micah Parsons during the previous offseason, the defense lacked its premier playmaker and emotional leader. While the defensive unit was not entirely without talent, it fell short of the standard set during Parsons’ tenure.

As for the offense, Prescott enters the 2026 campaign under significant spotlight. As the second-highest paid quarterback in the league, individual statistical success is no longer enough—his legacy will ultimately be defined by whether he can deliver a Super Bowl title to Dallas.

Harvey has spent the offseason dissecting film of star playmakers—most notably San Francisco 49ers superstar Christian McCaffrey, Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs, and Kenneth Walker III, who recently joined the Chiefs—to sharpen his route running, vision, and versatility out of the backfield.

“Just watching more film, watching other guys around the league, watching their film. Watching a lot of film of Christian McCaffrey, Kenneth Walker, Jahmyr Gibbs, guys like that. Just trying to see things that they do on film, trying to help better my game,” Harvey said, via Andrew Mason of 104.3 The Fan in Denver. “In Year 2 in the system, I feel way more comfortable, and it’s only going to get better from where I left off at.”

High expectations in Denver

Following a stellar 2025 campaign in which Denver claimed the AFC West title and the top seed in the AFC with a 14-3 record, the Broncos face mounting pressure to prove their success was no fluke.

While J.K. Dobbins remains listed at the top of the depth chart, injury troubles forced Harvey into a larger role down the stretch. The sophomore back steadily earned more touches, evolving into a reliable safety valve and dynamic weapon for quarterback Bo Nix.

Bo Nix recovery and season opener

Offensively, Denver strengthened its passing attack by acquiring Jayden Waddle, pairing him alongside Courtland Sutton to form one of the most explosive wide receiver duos in the conference.

The primary question mark hovering over the team has been the health of Bo Nix, who suffered a fractured ankle during the Divisional Round victory over the Buffalo Bills, forcing him to miss the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots. Nix has resumed workouts and remains fully on track to start in the season opener against the rival Kansas City Chiefs.

On Instagram, Alexis Mac Allister shared a message with his followers and detractors alike. The Liverpool midfielder noted that the heavy criticism Argentina faced during the tournament only made them feel prouder to represent their nation.

“Thanks as well to everyone abroad who mocks us or takes joy in our heartbreak,” Mac Allister wrote on Instagram. “Unintentionally, you just make us prouder to be Argentinian every single day.”

Mac Allister didn’t forget his supporters

A few hours after his father cleared the air regarding Lionel Messi’s pre-match speech, Alexis himself took to social media to share his thoughts. The midfielder expressed gratitude to the team’s supporters, insisting that this is far from the end for La Albiceleste.

“We were so close… that’s why it hurts so much. But no one can ever take away everything we experienced during this World Cup. What you made us feel was extraordinary. We had to suffer, we faced adversity, but we pulled through TOGETHER. Please, let’s never forget this: TOGETHER we are stronger than anyone,” he added. “Thank you to every Argentine for every message of love and support. You have no idea how important you are on this journey.”

Argentina played its worst match of the 2026 World Cup at the worst possible moment. Without a single shot on target, La Albiceleste was thoroughly outplayed by Spain, though the two sides could clash again soon in the Finalissima.

Argentina faces an uncertain future

Several of Argentina’s star players are not expected to feature in the 2030 World Cup. While Alexis Mac Allister is not among them, other core squad members are, leaving the team’s future looking complex.

Emiliano Martínez is one such veteran. The goalkeeper left his international future up in the air with a cryptic social media post, and several other La Albiceleste stars are expected to weigh in on their futures following the painful loss to Spain.

“The figure of Messi is just… he’s 39 years old!” Scaloni said after the match. “I was absolutely certain he would keep playing for as long as he wanted. I hope he’s proud of his teammates—and I know he is—and that the people are proud, too. In my view, he is the greatest footballer to ever step onto a pitch, regardless of what he’s done in this World Cup.”

In statistical terms, Lionel Messi delivered his most productive World Cup performance yet. He netted 8 goals and recorded 4 assists across the tournament. However, he was unable to secure a second consecutive trophy and lost another final in his career.

An uncertain future for Argentina

During the post-match press conference, head coach Lionel Scaloni cast doubt on his own future with Argentina. It has been an extraordinary tenure for Scaloni, highlighted by leading La Albiceleste in 2022 to its first World Cup crown since 1986.

With Messi seen in tears after the grueling defeat, many fans suspect this was his final World Cup appearance. While he previously suggested this tournament would be his “last dance,” he has yet to make an official decision regarding international retirement.

Several core members of Argentina’s squad are unlikely to return for the 2030 World Cup. Combined with Scaloni hinting at a potential departure, South American football faces a major period of transition.

Spain capitalizes on the extra man

In the closing moments of regulation time, midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off following a second yellow card. Scaloni noted after the match that the situation could have been avoided, as that single moment dramatically reshaped the contest.

Playing with a one-man advantage, Spain dominated extra time. Ferran Torres—who offered high praise for Messi after the final—struck in the 106th minute to deliver the winning goal, securing La Roja’s second World Cup title.

“Destiny was written—it was meant for us to win, far away from our people,” Ferran Torres said. “All finals are tough. When you’re facing Messi, that nervousness naturally sets in. I’ve been heavily criticized throughout the World Cup, but as I’ve said before, destiny was already written.”

Emiliano Martinez endured a demanding match, making several key saves to keep Argentina in the contest. However, in extra time and down a player, it was impossible for him to stop a brilliant finish by Ferran Torres, which secured the lone goal in Spain’s victory and made it impossible for Argentina to break a World Cup curse.

Ferran Torres’ best game came in a clutch moment

In Spain’s group match against Saudi Arabia, Ferran Torres thought he had found the back of the net, only for VAR to intervene and rule the goal out. On camera, the forward could be seen pleading with the officials for the call to stand.

Just days later, those pleas became reality at the most crucial moment imaginable. Coming off the bench in the final against Argentina, Torres scored his first and only goal of the tournament—the one that secured the World Cup trophy.

Just like Andres Iniesta in 2010, Ferran Torres gave Spain a legendary World Cup title after a grueling, hard-fought match. Now, La Roja looks ahead to defending their crown in 2030, when they will serve as co-hosts on home soil.

The second World Cup lost for Lionel Messi

Although Messi has lost more international finals than rival Cristiano Ronaldo (5 to 1), Ronaldo has only appeared in a single international final (Euro 2004 victory in Euro 2016 came when he was subbed off early, and Euro 2004 was a loss). Meanwhile, Messi’s ability to consistently lead Argentina to the ultimate match on the global stage sets him apart in modern sports history.

Looking ahead, Messi is not expected to step away from international soccer immediately. However, with the 2030 World Cup four years away—at which point Messi will be 43—it remains highly uncertain whether he, or several other core veterans of Argentina’s golden era, will feature in that tournament.

The final in North America was decided in extra time when Ferran Torres scored a solo winner for Spain, capitalizing on the momentum built after Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off in regular time.

With this result, Messi has now lost 13 finals across his professional career. By comparison, Portuguese icon Cristiano Ronaldo has suffered 15 final losses in various club and international competitions.

A difficult night in the 2026 final

Argentina struggled throughout the match against a dominant Spanish side. La Albiceleste could not maintain control of possession, registering zero shots on target compared to Spain’s barrage of over 12 tested attempts.

This marks the second World Cup final loss of Messi’s career, following Argentina’s 1–0 extra-time defeat to Germany in 2014. While the captain achieved ultimate glory by lifting the trophy in Qatar in 2022, his bid to lead Argentina to back-to-back world titles fell flat as he struggled to make a decisive impact on the match.

What’s next: Is retirement imminent for Messi?

Whether Messi will retire from international soccer following the 2026 World Cup remains unconfirmed. The 39-year-old skipper has yet to make an official announcement regarding his future. He could potentially remain active through the next Copa América before making a final decision on whether a farewell appearance at the 2030 World Cup is realistic.

One of the defining questions currently surrounding La Albiceleste is whether Lionel Messi will retire following the 2026 World Cup. While the captain has yet to make a definitive decision regarding his long-term future, the conclusion of this tournament could represent a natural turning point.

Fortunately, head coach Lionel Scaloni is set to remain at the helm beyond the 2026 cycle. Even so, he faces a massive rebuilding challenge for 2030, where he will need to integrate an influx of new faces to keep Argentina among the elite contenders for the title.

The generational shift: Positional breakdowns

Goalkeepers

The goalkeeper position presents one of the most pressing immediate challenges. Star shot-stopper Emiliano Martínez will be 37 years old by the 2030 World Cup and has previously hinted at a potential international departure after the 2026 cycle. Backup options Juan Musso (32) and Gerónimo Rulli (34) also face steep age hurdles to remain in peak condition for another four-year cycle.

Defense and midfield

The backline is similarly veteran-heavy; virtually every player on the current roster will be over the age of 31 by 2030. While the midfield boasts several incredible young talents, the current core starters will also have crossed the 31-year-old threshold by the time the next tournament kicks off.

Attack

In the frontline, Lionel Messi will be 43 years old by the time the 2030 tournament arrives. Although he has expressed that he doesn’t explicitly intend to play in 2030, a sensational “last dance” can never be fully ruled out—especially if a new wave of elite young stars emerges to lighten his physical load in the coming years.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, a massive fan of American sports, has adopted the culture and tradition of major leagues like the NFL and MLB, where champions are traditionally awarded custom-made rings after securing a title.

As a result, the 2026 World Cup victors will be the first squad in history to receive a custom ring commemorating their title. The prize is a true design masterpiece, boasting intricate details that fans can also get their hands on—for a certain price.

Design of the 2026 World Cup champions rings

The pieces are meticulously crafted from 18k gold, 89 pavé diamonds and 36 sapphires. One side features an elegant engraving of the iconic FIFA World Cup Trophy, while the opposite face is custom-designed to reflect the specific colors, identity, and national emblem of the winning country.

How many 2026 World Cup champions rings will be made?

FIFA has strictly capped the total production of this inaugural edition at exactly 2,026 rings to commemorate the tournament year. The collection is divided into two distinct allocations:

• The winning team allocation (30 Rings): Reserved exclusively for the members and coaching staff of the 2026 World Cup champion squad.
• The fan allocation (1,996 Rings): Released globally as officially licensed merchandise for dedicated collectors and supporters.

How much will the 2026 World Cup champions rings cost?

The official retail price to own one of the 1,996 limited-edition fan pieces is $12,000. To secure a ring, fans can place a $1,200 USD reserve deposit on their chosen finalist nation’s design before kickoff. If that country wins, the deposit counts toward the final balance; if they lose, the deposit is automatically refunded in full.

While the retail price for the fan edition sits at $12,000, initial jewelers and media evaluations estimate the material appraisal value of the actual diamond-encrusted rings awarded to the players to be worth upwards of $150,000 each, depending heavily on the final gemstone carat count.

Throughout the 2026 tournament, Argentina has navigated two high-stakes knockout fixtures where it had to rally from behind to secure a victory. These hard-fought triumphs have repeatedly tested its resolve, demonstrating exactly why they are the reigning world champions.

Argentina’s first epic rally occurred against Egypt in the Round of 16, where it overcame a daunting 0–2 second-half deficit to capture a thrilling 3–2 win. Its second great escape unfolded against England in the semifinals, battling back from a 0–1 scoreline to snatch a dramatic 2–1 victory in the dying minutes of the match, where Lionel Messi once again was key.

Argentina eyes back-to-back titles

In the storied history of the World Cup, Argentina belongs to a highly select group of nations that have lifted the iconic trophy. Now, La Albiceleste is determined to etch its name even deeper into soccer folklore by becoming the first country to capture consecutive World Cup titles since Brazil achieved the feat in 1962.

It will be a monumental challenge. Spain boasts the most formidable defense of the 2026 tournament alongside a young, exceptionally hungry squad led by generational talent Lamine Yamal, who is widely regarded as the absolute future of world soccer.

When analyzing individual tournament statistics, Lionel Messi holds the edge over Lamine Yamal in direct impact during this World Cup campaign. Their individual matchup promises a thrilling clash of eras on the grandest stage, with both nations playing for ultimate sporting immortality.

Spain is an inexperienced but dangerous side

The current Spanish squad features no remaining holdovers from its legendary 2010 World Cup-winning generation. While this roster lacks firsthand experience of playing in a senior World Cup final, it is a deeply gifted team packed with world-class stars capable of turning any match on its head.

Lamine Yamal stands out as its primary catalyst. The teenager is now set to go head-to-head with Lionel Messi in a battle of ultimate supremacy to see which iconic playmaker can prove more decisive for his country and carry his team to global glory.

The first instance occurred during the 1954 quarterfinal, famously dubbed “The Heat Battle of Lausanne.” The host nation, Switzerland, stunned Austria by racing to a 3-0 lead within the first 19 minutes. In an unbelievable response, Austria unleashed a ferocious counter-attack, scoring five goals in just 15 minutes to flip the match and ultimately triumph 7-5, a classic that has been relegated to second place in the highest-scoring games list in World Cup history.

Twelve years later, Portugal matched the record during the 1966 quarterfinals against surprise giant-killers North Korea. The North Koreans shocked the crowd at Goodison Park by sweeping into a 3-0 lead in under 25 minutes. However, the legendary Eusebio single-handedly rescued Portugal, putting on an absolute masterclass by scoring four consecutive goals to spark a stunning 5-3 victory.

France couldn’t make history in the 2026 World Cup

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup third-place game, France faced off against England in a high-stakes clash. During the first half, the Three Lions put on a clinical display, scoring four goals while conceding none. This dominant performance came despite England fielding a heavily rotated lineup, leaving world-class forwards like Harry Kane on the bench as backup options.

While many spectators already assumed England had secured their spot on the podium as bronze medal winners, France mounted a stunning second-half response. Waking up quickly after the interval, Les Bleus fired back with three unanswered goals—fueled by a clinical Kylian Mbappe brace and a sharp finish by Bradley Barcola. The unexpected onslaught completely shifted the momentum, leading fans worldwide to believe a legendary comeback was genuinely possible.

However, just as France seemed poised to equalize, right-back Malo Gusto conceded a devastating penalty that Bukayo Saka effortlessly converted to complete his magnificent hat-trick. Ousmane Dembele subsequently found the back of the net to pull Les Bleus back within one at 5-4, but it ultimately proved too late. A final stoppage-time goal by Jude Bellingham mathematically shattered French dreams, put the game to bed, and sealed a chaotic 6-4 victory for England.

Manager Didier Deschamps has made several sweeping changes to France’s lineup to face England. With the world title no longer in dispute, the coach believes squad rotation and rest are the best options for a roster that has endured an exhaustive season.

Dembele’s omission from the starting XI shocked many fans. However, he does not carry an injury report; the reason he starts on the bench is strictly a tactical decision by Deschamps, who is resting multiple key starters today.

Both France and England have opted to rest several key starters

Throughout the week, multiple players from both squads admitted that the third-place match holds little relevance for them. Having set their sights entirely on the ultimate title, many view a bronze medal as nothing more than a placebo.

Both managers are well aware of this sentiment, which is clearly reflected in their heavily rotated starting lineups. For England, captain Harry Kane starts on the bench against France, as he is no longer in contention for the tournament’s Golden Boot. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford will also serve as a backup against Les Bleus.

France has similarly chosen to rest big names, including defender Jules Kounde, yet Kylian Mbappe is starting as he is still in contention for the Golden Boot. While finishing third places a team on the historical list of World Cup podium finishers, the bronze medal simply lacks appeal for many of these exhausted players.

Is there prize money for the 2026 World Cup third-place winner?

Yes. The winner of the France vs. England clash at Miami Stadium will take home a significant financial reward alongside their medals. Historically, FIFA has awarded substantial prize money to the third-place finishers, an amount that continues to increase with every edition of the tournament.

Spain boasts the best defense in the 2026 World Cup, and Aymeric Laporte has been a key part of it. The center-back is a vital piece for La Roja, but it is not only about how few goals they have conceded, but also how cleanly they play.

Laporte, the only born abroad player in Spain’s roster, recently spoke about his team’s commitment to fair play, sending a clear and direct message to the final’s officiating crew. The defender believes there have been several missed calls in Argentina’s previous matches that provoked desperation and caused their rivals to lose their tempers.

“In the last few matches we’ve seen things that have really surprised us, incidents that have been ignored,” Laporte said on Friday. “Especially with Argentina, who are a team that leave a lot of little messages with their challenges.

“That shouldn’t be allowed in competitions like this, because it can throw you off your game and make you lose your temper. It’s part of the referee’s job to keep these situations under control so that he doesn’t get walked all over.”

Aymeric Laporte encourages his teammates to stay calm vs. Argentina

South American soccer is very different from the European game. In CONMEBOL, referees usually allow more physical contact and even fouls, or “little messages,” as Laporte calls them—a style of play that has translated to the World Cup on many occasions.

Laporte believes that Argentina has taken advantage of this style of officiating, where less flagrant contact is often let go by referees. However, the defender has urged his teammates to remain calm in what is set to be a high-contact game against La Albiceleste.

“From the start of the tournament, we’ve been a pretty fair team in that respect. We’re not the kind of team that goes around kicking opponents or committing reckless fouls,” Laporte added. “And I think that’s how we need to approach this match as well. But it’s true that a lot will depend on the refereeing.”

Who will be the referee of the 2026 World Cup final?

Slavko Vincic has been named the referee for the 2026 World Cup final. He is an experienced official who will be making his debut in the tournament’s ultimate match.

The Slovenian referee has an average card-per-game stat that leads many to believe he will reach into his pockets several times in the final. However, Laporte has promised a clean game from Spain’s side, which could help Vincic manage a much calmer match.

While Argentina dominates the historical World Cup head-to-head record against Spain, the European side edges out their opponents in one crucial statistic ahead of this duel: the best defensive record in the entire tournament.

Entering the final against Argentina, Spain has conceded only a single goal in the tournament. That lone concession came during their quarterfinal clash against Belgium, which ultimately ended in a 2-1 victory over the Red Devils.

A historic final awaits

A few months ago, Argentina and Spain were scheduled to meet in the Finalissima, pitting the Copa América champions against the Euro champions. However, both sides failed to reach an agreement regarding the venue, and the match was ultimately canceled.

As if it were destined to happen, both squads will now face each other in the World Cup final. The duel is set to be highly intense, with compelling storylines on both sides capturing the imagination of football fans worldwide.

On one side is Lamine Yamal, a World Cup debutant who still has everything to play for in this final. The 19-year-old is widely regarded as the future of soccer, aiming to lift the sport’s ultimate prize at such a young age in his very first tournament appearance.

On the other side stands Lionel Messi, who edges out the Spanish prodigy in overall 2026 World Cup statistics. The legendary Argentina captain has the opportunity to secure back-to-back World Cup titles, cementing his legacy as arguably the greatest player of all time.

With Portugal out in the Round of 16, Cristiano Ronaldo sent a strong message to his supporters after a performance that left much to be desired. He was unable to secure soccer’s biggest title, which hit him so hard that he burst into tears after the elimination.

A similar situation unfolded with Neymar, who also cried after being eliminated by Norway. The forward weighed in on his future after the match, revealing that this was his last World Cup after several failed attempts.

Ronaldo gives strong advice to Cristiano and Neymar on their careers

Following Neymar’s initial statements, Brazilian icon Ronaldo Nazario told him not to rush into any decisions. However, the legendary striker has now weighed in again on Neymar’s future, as well as Cristiano Ronaldo’s, telling both superstars to know when to stop.

“In the end, the body sends clear signals when it can no longer give any more. I think Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar are at that stage of coming to terms with their own bodies,” Ronaldo Nazario said, via ESPN. “Perhaps Cristiano can still play in the Saudi league, but the World Cup is a different story; the level there is much higher. As much as we love football, the decision is not in our hands.”

Ronaldo Nazario believes it is vital for every player to know when to stop playing. He used himself as an example, admitting that the multiple injuries at the end of his career impacted him both on and off the field.

Will Cristiano Ronaldo continue playing with Al Nassr?

Cristiano Ronaldo remains under contract with Al Nassr until 2027. The striker’s intention is reportedly to continue playing until he reaches 1,000 goals, a milestone that could happen as early as next season.

While it seems highly unlikely that Cristiano Ronaldo will play in the next World Cup, Portugal’s new coach, Jorge Jesus, believes he is still a reliable asset for the national team, hinting that the idea of another World Cup run is not crazy at all.

The record for the youngest player ever to win a FIFA World Cup belongs to the legendary Pele (Edson Arantes do Nascimento). The Brazilian legend had a terrific World Cup in 1958, ending it in the best way possible.

He set this monumental record during the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, cementing his status as a global phenomenon before he was even legally an adult.

The historic 1958 campaign

Pele was just 17 years and 249 days old when he lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy on June 29, 1958, after Brazil defeated the host nation, Sweden, 5–2 in the final.

Despite his youth, Pele was the defining tactical spark for La Seleção during the knockout stages of the tournament:

• Quarterfinals: Scored the only goal in a tight 1–0 win over Wales, making him the youngest goalscorer in World Cup history (17 years, 239 days).
• Semifinals: Netted a spectacular second-half hat-trick to dismantle a powerful France side 5–2.
• Final: Scored two brilliant goals against Sweden, including an iconic, physics-defying chip over a defender followed by a clinical volley.

Why the record is safely intact

In modern international soccer, the sheer physical, tactical, and mental demands make it incredibly rare for a 17-year-old to break into a senior national squad, let alone dominate a World Cup final.

To put his precocious talent into perspective, Pele didn’t stop with his 1958 heroics—he remains the only player in soccer history to win three World Cups (1958, 1962, and 1970).

While modern superstars have put together incredible teenage runs—most notably Kylian Mbappe, who won the 2018 World Cup at 19 years and 207 days old—Pele’s historic milestone has stood completely unchallenged for nearly seven decades.

From Spain’s historic 2010 World Cup-winning squad, not a single player remains. Instead, this is a completely fresh, young generation in which all 26 players are aiming to secure their very first world title.

Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has an immense amount at stake in this final. This is his debut World Cup tournament, and reaching the final at his age is an incredible milestone. His performance and individual impact compared to Lionel Messi’s will be one of the most critical duels on the pitch.

Experience vs. youth

Argentina boasts a seasoned squad featuring numerous pillars from their Qatar 2022 triumph. Compared to Spain’s roster, La Albiceleste enters this match with an abundance of tournament experience, led by veteran figures who know exactly what it takes to handle the immense pressure and lift the trophy.

In the historical Spain vs. Argentina World Cup head-to-head record, the South Americans hold the edge over the Europeans. However, those encounters belong to the past; this final presents a completely new scenario for both nations.

Spain will rely on their youthful energy and agile transition play to try to break down the reigning champions. On the other side, Lionel Scaloni’s battle-tested squad excels at navigating the highest stakes in soccer. It is a classic confrontation of styles—who will win?

Lionel Messi, who aims for another Ballon d’Or, is one of the pillars who fulfilled that lifelong dream in Qatar. As he prepares to square off against Spain, the soccer world is naturally focusing on a fascinating statistical comparison between the legendary captain and Spain’s teenage prodigy, Lamine Yamal.

Within this Argentine squad, a profound sense of championship pedigree remains. A total of 17 players from the historic Qatar 2022 triumph have returned to secure the ultimate prize once again in the 2026 edition.

Which Qatar 2022 World Cup champions are back on the roster for Argentina?

Both Spain and Argentina boast star-studded rosters, and you can select your favorite here. For the South Americans, tactical familiarity and deep tournament experience may give them the definitive edge on the pitch.

Coach Lionel Scaloni prioritized squad continuity from the beginning of this cycle, and his blueprint has worked flawlessly, steering the reigning champions back to the world’s biggest game just three and a half years later.

The 17 returning champions ready to defend their title in the 2026 World Cup final are:

1. Emiliano Martínez
2. Nahuel Molina
3. Cristian Romero
4. Lisandro Martínez
5. Nicolás Tagliafico
6. Leandro Paredes
7. Alexis Mac Allister
8. Enzo Fernández
9. Lionel Messi
10. Julián Álvarez
11. Gonzalo Montiel
12. Rodrigo De Paul
13. Nicolás Otamendi
14. Lautaro Martínez
15. Gerónimo Rulli
16. Exequiel Palacios
17. Thiago Almada

Which players are chasing their first World Cup title with Argentina?

Lionel Scaloni integrated nine new players into this World Cup cycle to refresh the squad amid international retirements (such as Angel Di María), defensive rotations, or shifting individual form. The players aiming to lift the trophy for the very first time are:

1. Giuliano Simeone
2. Juan Musso
3. Marcos Senesi
4. Valentín Barco
5. Nicolás González
6. Giovani Lo Celso
7. Nico Paz
8. José Manuel López
9. Facundo Medina

While there are several world-class players to choose from in this star-studded final, Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi stand out as the two most iconic figures for their respective teams ahead of the title game.

Yamal, has a lot at stake in the World Cup final, represents the absolute future of the sport, while Messi, who knows Spain is a difficult rival, is widely considered the greatest of all time. Given their contrasting roles, comparing their tournament statistics ahead of this titanic duel offers a fascinating look at the matchup.

Lamine Yamal vs. Lionel Messi: 2026 World Cup goals

The most critical metric for any attacker is goalscoring. In this department, Lionel Messi holds a commanding edge, with the Argentina captain netting 8 goals compared to Lamine Yamal’s single strike.

Lamine Yamal vs. Lionel Messi: 2026 World Cup assists

When it comes to dynamic playmaking, Messi once again leads the way. The Argentine icon has racked up 4 assists, whereas the young Spanish winger is yet to register his first assist of the tournament.

Lamine Yamal vs. Lionel Messi: Minutes played

Their discrepancy in playing time highlights their different paths through the tournament. Lamine Yamal began the 2026 World Cup recovering from an injury, limiting his output to 557 minutes. Meanwhile, Messi has been an absolute mainstay for La Albiceleste, logging an impressive 712 minutes on the pitch.

“Last World Cup for me? Seeing Messi playing at 39 years old makes me not think about that,” Kane said after a game in which Lionel Messi assisted twice in seven minutes to give Argentina the victory.

“It’s still too early to say. I take it year by year and see how I feel. I love playing for England. But of course, four years is a long time. Then again, you can see someone like Messi still performing at the highest level even at an older age. I honestly don’t know.“

Kane, who turns 33 later on July 28, would be 36 by the time the 2030 tournament arrives. If he continues to play at the peak level he displayed heading into the 2026 World Cup, there is a strong chance he could captain the Three Lions once again on the world stage.

England experiences a tactical nightmare in Atlanta

Despite protecting a 1-0 lead for thirty minutes, England failed to manage the closing stages properly, opening the door for Argentina to not only equalize but pull off a stunning late comeback. The defeat sends the South Americans through to a grand final showdown against Spain, leaving the English camp devastated.

Thomas Tuchel is facing intense scrutiny over his tactical decisions, though the manager has actively defended his substitutions and defensive shift. For the Three Lions supporters, the manager deployed an overly cautious defensive block that invited relentless pressure and allowed Argentina to attack continuously. England legend Wayne Rooney echoed those frustrations, publicly blaming Tuchel’s conservative approach for the late capitulation.

The bitterness of the exit was palpable at the final whistle, with broadcast cameras catching a furious Jude Bellingham slapping Argentina’s Valentín Barco during a heated post-match altercation. The European giants briefly had one foot in the final, but lightning strikes from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez completely rewrote the script.

Is England completely out of the 2026 World Cup?

While England’s dream of hoisting the ultimate trophy has evaporated, Tuchel’s squad still has one final fixture left on American soil. The Three Lions will square off against France in the third-place play-off, where a victory would secure their best tournament finish since their historic 1966 championship run.

Once the tournament wraps up this weekend, the English side will begin mapping out the cycle for the 2030 World Cup. It now appears certain that captain Harry Kane intends to remain at the center of that process, aiming to lead his country to glory in four years’ time.

“It’s incredibly powerful, truly. Ever since the first time my old man bought me my boots, I always dreamed of scoring this goal,” Martinez said after the game. “It’s for my old lady, who since the day I left for Racing, never stopped making my bed. To me, that is worth more than a goal, more than a final.

“I have my two kids who changed my life, I enjoy all of this—my daughter made me slow down and take it all in, my son is three. Today I am a man; I enjoy life. I dreamed it, I swear to you. I told Alexis [Mac Allister] that I was going to score, and I told Facu [Facundo] Medina that he was going to come on and we were going to win it. It fell to me.

“Enzo [Fernández] scored an absolute golazo too. This team keeps showing what it’s made of. They [England] got tired; they pressed for 60 minutes and after that, they had nothing left. They dropped back, and that gave us more peace of mind to move the ball around.”

A dream final: Spain vs. Argentina

While Argentina holds the historical advantage over Spain in World Cup head-to-head records, this matchup will undoubtedly be the toughest test Lionel Scaloni’s side has faced in the tournament.

MetLife Stadium (New York/New Jersey) is scheduled to host the highly anticipated final between Argentina and Spain on Sunday, July 19. The world will watch an iconic showdown between Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi—a matchup many fans view as a symbolic passing of the torch between eras of football dominance.

Lionel Messi is set to grace his third career World Cup final, whereas the teenage sensation Yamal will experience his very first. The previously canceled 2025 Finalissima will now effectively be contested on an even grander stage, with the most prestigious trophy in sports on the line.

Lionel Messi remains the ultimate decisive factor

Though Messi did not find the back of the net in the semifinal against England, his brilliance anchored the victory as he provided two world-class assists in a seven-minute blitz to send Argentina through. The captain stepped up at the perfect moment to keep Argentina’s dream of back-to-back world titles alive.

By leading his country to another World Cup final, Messi is set to achieve a historic milestone of longevity that not even Pelé reached. Now, just 90 minutes separate the legendary playmaker from securing another crown and further cementing his peerless legacy.

After a scoreless first half, Argentina and England played out a highly tactical and grueling battle at Atlanta Stadium. Unfortunately for La Albiceleste, the second half began with a severe setback.

Anthony Gordon struck in the 55th minute to put England ahead. However, with less than ten minutes remaining in regulation, Lionel Messi produced two moments of pure magic, providing two crucial assists to spearhead a dramatic turnaround and send Argentina back to the World Cup final, where they will face Spain.

Thomas Tuchel unable to hold the advantage

England broke the deadlock early in the second half through a brilliant goal by Anthony Gordon. The newly signed Barcelona forward sneaked in behind Nahuel Molina to poke home a perfectly placed cross from Morgan Rogers.

Falling behind sparked Argentina into life; they immediately seized control of the game and dominated possession, launching wave after wave of attacks. While Jordan Pickford made several fine saves to keep the Three Lions ahead, the South Americans’ relentless persistence ultimately overwhelmed England’s retreating defensive line.

Thomas Tuchel attempted to exploit spaces on the counter-attack to find a second goal, but England struggled to retain the ball under intense pressure. While the German tactician tried to consolidate a defensive block, Lionel Scaloni’s aggressive attacking adjustments ultimately paved the way for an epic comeback.

The 2026 World Cup enters its final act

With the second semifinal officially decided, reigning champions Argentina will now face Spain in a blockbuster grand final, where their historical head-to-head World Cup record gives La Albiceleste a slight psychological edge.

Meanwhile, England must pick themselves up for a third-place play-off against France. The Three Lions’ inability to protect their lead means their agonizing wait for a World Cup trophy since 1966 will extend for at least another four years.

Prior to the 2026 World Cup, Didier Deschamps confirmed he would step down as head coach of France regardless of the team’s tournament finish. Although Les Bleus’ dream of a World Cup title has come to an end, Deschamps still has the opportunity to guide his side to a bronze medal in Saturday’s third-place match.

Spain, who now await for a rival in the grand final, secured their victory over France through goals by Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro. Now, the French side awaits the loser of the England vs. Argentina semifinal to determine its opponent for the third-place play-off.

Who will replace Didier Deschamps as France manager?

France fell short of securing another World Cup crown in 2026. Despite boasting one of the most talented rosters in recent international football history, Les Bleus were unable to unlock a resolute Spanish side.

Following the semifinal defeat, attention has quickly turned to who will succeed Deschamps. Les Bleus require a world-class manager to lead an exceptionally talented young core, and a legendary figure is already waiting in the wings.

According to reports from ESPN, Zinedine Zidane, who saw his son Luca playing in the 2026 World Cup, is the prime candidate to succeed Didier Deschamps. The former Real Madrid boss reportedly reached a verbal agreement with the French Football Federation (FFF) to take the reins of the national team following the World Cup.

Zinedine Zidane would face his biggest managerial test

While managing Real Madrid comes with immense pressure, taking charge of the national team would represent a unique hurdle for Zinedine Zidane, who recently was eclipsed by Jude Bellingham in World Cup goals. Expectations surrounding the French squad are sky-high, given a star-studded roster featuring key players competing across Europe’s top leagues.

Zizou amassed 11 trophies during his managerial stints at Real Madrid, including three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles. With France, his primary objectives would be guiding the nation through UEFA Euro 2028 and launching a title charge at the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

According to Donald Trump, he personally reached out to FIFA President Gianni Infantino to advocate for overturning Balogun’s red card. Ultimately, the striker was reinstated and cleared to play, sparking intense outrage within the Belgian Football Association.

Despite Balogun starting against the Red Devils, the USMNT was thoroughly defeated and eliminated from the World Cup. Reflecting after the match, the striker, after apologizing to USA’s fans over the elimination, admitted that the controversy surrounding his presence on the pitch may have negatively impacted the team’s focus and performance.

“I could almost see within my teammates a bit of nerves because it was something that’s so unique,“ Balogun told CBS on Tuesday. “But the closer we got to the game, I tried to just focus as best as I could.”

“When something is not intentional … it should never be a red card. So it was just an unfortunate situation and I think, you know, it put a lot more pressure on us than we needed. “

Belgium showed no mercy to the USMNT

Following FIFA’s decision to overturn Balogun’s suspension, the Belgian camp was left in complete disbelief. Several players voiced their frustration publicly before taking their answer directly to the pitch.

Belgium dominated the USMNT in a 4-1 victory and appeared determined to push the scoreline even higher. After the match, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois went as far as claiming that Senegal had provided a tougher test, making no secret of his disgust over Balogun’s reinstatement.

While Belgium was eventually eliminated by Spain in the quarterfinals, supporters of the Red Devils viewed the statement victory over the USA as a massive point of pride—overcoming pre-match controversy to deliver a commanding performance on the pitch.

Balogun didn’t make an impact vs Belgium

Belgium complained vocally about Balogun’s reinstatement, given his strong 2026 World Cup campaign. However, the striker made virtually no impact during their Round of 16 clash against the Red Devils, who mocked the USMNT during the game.

Balogun played all 90 minutes without registering a single shot on target. He finished with a modest 6.3 rating on Sofascore, reflecting the heavy burden and scrutiny surrounding his high-profile reintegration.

With the 2026 World Cup semifinal bracket set, Argentina is once again one of the top four teams in the tournament. This feat was highlighted by Messi, who knows firsthand how difficult it is to achieve back-to-back semifinal appearances.

“We had to suffer again, but this team never stops believing,” Messi said on an Instagram post. “We’re back among the top four in the world! Let’s go!”

Argentina faces a difficult road ahead

Argentina’s path to the final is set. The remaining four nations are all elite contenders, and the South Americans’ next test will be anything but easy.

Argentina will face England on July 15 at Atlanta Stadium for an epic semifinal clash. The Three Lions also required extra time in their quarterfinal, defeating Norway 2-1 courtesy of two goals from Jude Bellingham.

This will mark the first time Lionel Messi faces England in his career. It is a matchup steeped in historic tournament rivalry, with both powerhouses now fighting to secure a place in the grand final against Spain or France.

Lionel Messi wants to continue making history

Argentina is one of only eight nations to have won the World Cup, and Messi captained them to their third star in Qatar. However, the talismanic skipper aims to add even more accolades to his illustrious career at the 2026 World Cup.

With the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot race wide open, Messi aims to not only add more goals to his legendary tally and finish top of the table, but also secure the first back-to-back World Cup titles for any nation since Brazil accomplished the feat in 1958 and 1962.

Following England’s hard-fought 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway, head coach Thomas Tuchel publicly criticized his team’s performance, citing a concerning lack of quality throughout the quarterfinal. When asked about his manager’s blunt feedback, Bellingham quickly brushed the comments aside and focused on praising his teammates’ resilience.

“Yeah, well, whatever,” Bellingham said when informed of Tuchel’s reaction. “It’s difficult out there. It’s a tough shift, and all the players put in a tough shift. My thoughts and appreciation go out to all the players out there putting in a great shift.”

Jude Bellingham delivers another world-class performance

Bellingham stood out as the match’s defining player, scoring both goals against Norway to surpass Zinedine Zidane in career World Cup goals. Once again, the Real Madrid star produced a dominant, world-class display when his country needed it most.

Tuchel readily acknowledged Bellingham’s individual brilliance, describing the midfielder’s outing as “world-class.” However, the manager maintained that the squad as a collective unit must perform at a significantly higher level in the next round.

Beyond his goals, Bellingham’s overall impact on the English squad remains transformative. He dictated the flow of midfield play and controlled the match’s tempo—serving as the primary driving force taking the Three Lions within one victory of the World Cup final.

With the score tied 1-1 after regulation time, England and Norway were forced to play 30 additional minutes in Miami. The Three Lions found the decisive net in the first period of extra time, with Jude Bellingham netting his second goal of the match—and his seventh of the tournament with which he eclipsed Zinedine Zidane in World Cup goals—to complete a dramatic comeback victory.

Before the start of the second period of extra time, manager Stale Solbakken surprised many by subbing Erling Haaland off. The Manchester City striker looked completely spent on the bench after an extraordinarily demanding and physical battle against England’s defense.

The dream is over for Norway

During the initial 90 minutes, Norway had taken a 1-0 lead against England through Andreas Schjelderup, but a potential second goal was disallowed after the referee cited a foul by Erling Haaland in the buildup.

Despite multiple efforts to test Jordan Pickford, the Vikings were unable to restore their lead and left vulnerable spaces behind that ultimately paved the way for England’s match-winner. The Three Lions even had a chance to pull ahead prior to Bellingham’s second strike, but the referee overturned a penalty call following a VAR review.

Erlin Haaland and Norway are officially out of the 2026 World Cup. However, the Scandinavians enjoyed a historic run—powered largely by Haaland’s outstanding performances—leaving their dream of an even greater tournament in 2030 firmly alive.

Orjan Nyland at the center of England’s goals

Prior to England’s first-half equalizer, Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland launched a goal kick from his box that appeared to clip an aerial camera cable suspended over Miami Stadium. While the play culminated in Jude Bellingham’s equalizing strike, FIFA subsequently released a statement denying that sensor data registered any contact with the cable.

On the Three Lions’ second goal, Orjan Nyland was unable to secure a long-range shot from Morgan Rogers, fumbling the ball into the path of Jude Bellingham, who easily tapped it into the open net. Although the Norwegian shot-stopper turned in a solid overall performance, these two crucial moments proved decisive in the final outcome.

On Instagram, Luis Diaz shared a heartfelt message with Colombian supporters. The Bayern Munich winger thanked fans for their unwavering support, adding that this painful experience will only drive him to work harder to make history in the future.

“This World Cup has ended, but the dream remains intact,” Diaz wrote on Instagram. “As long as God gives me the opportunity to wear this jersey, I will keep working and fighting to represent Colombia in the best possible way.”

Luis Diaz struggled to hit top gear

While Colombia returned home with a substantial prize money payout following its elimination, the South Americans had set their sights on at least reaching the semifinals. Unfortunately, Diaz’s individual performances were not enough to propel his nation on a deep knockout run.

Colombia is not part of the elite group of nations that have won the World Cup. However, many supporters believed this tournament could have been the moment Los Cafeteros fought for the trophy—yet their biggest star never quite found his footing in the competition.

Diaz finished the 2026 World Cup with just a single goal to his name. Following a stellar 2025/26 campaign with Bayern Munich, he was tipped as the marquee player to lead Colombia to glory, but his tournament form paled in comparison to his blistering club performances.

Colombia faced an exhausting World Cup travel schedule

Colombia was the only team among all 48 tournament participants to play matches across all three host countries. Los Cafeteros kicked off their campaign with two fixtures in Mexico, traveled to the United States for their next two games, and finished in Canada, where they were ultimately eliminated by Switzerland in a Round of 16 penalty shootout.

While travel fatigue is no complete excuse, the grueling distances and relentless scheduling may well have taken a toll on the South Americans, preventing them from showcasing the explosive form fans had come to expect.

During the second half against Spain, Thibaut Courtois had to receive medical attention due to a leg injury. Minutes later, Courtois was subbed off, which caused a great deal of intrigue and concern among fans.

After the match and Belgium’s subsequent elimination from the 2026 World Cup, Thibaut Courtois spoke to the media about what happened. The Real Madrid goalkeeper revealed he suffered a quadriceps issue, though he still believes it was unnecessary for him to be subbed off.

“I felt a lot of pain in my quadriceps. But I had no problem with staying in goal though, only for long kicks,” Courtois said after the match. “In the end the manager decided to take me off, this is no problem as the team goes above everything.”

Thibaut Courtois wants to take time off from international duty

Following his exit, Thibaut Courtois had to watch from the bench as a costly mistake by his substitute led to Spain’s decisive 2-1 goal. With Belgium eliminated, the heartbreak has caused the Real Madrid star to reconsider his international future.

Courtois remains one of Belgium’s focal stars, and his presence on the pitch has long been key for the Red Devils to maintain their status as serious contenders. However, following this agonizing elimination, Courtois confirmed he will be taking some time off from international duty.

“I want to rest for a year without any Belgium matches, and then play the EURO qualifiers and the 2028 EURO,” Courtois said. “I don’t know if Belgium will agree to this.”

Courtois’ exit had a direct impact on the game

With the score leveled at 1-1, Courtois felt pain in his leg with roughly 20 minutes left in the game. Rudi Garcia chose not to take any chances and decided to sub him off, giving Senne Lammens the opportunity to play.

Unfortunately, this change did not work to Belgium’s benefit. The Manchester United goalkeeper committed a costly mistake at the end of the match, resulting in Mikel Merino’s winning goal and securing Spain’s victory over the Red Devils.

Even though Romelu Lukaku has been an outstanding servant for Belgium, the truth is that he is no longer the lethal striker he once was. For that reason, manager Rudi Garcia has decided to bench him in favor of a younger option in attack as Charles De Ketelaere, so it is purely a tactical decision.

Lukaku is completely healthy and even scored against the USA in the Round of 16, even mocking the USMNT during his goal celebration. However, he is now regarded as a luxury super-sub off the bench rather than an undisputed starter.

Belgium is not the favorite against Spain

Spain is one of only eight nations to have ever won the World Cup. La Roja entered the tournament as a true contender, and while its debut was a bit rocky, the 2010 champions are now widely regarded as one of the absolute favorites to secure the title.

On the other side is Belgium (whose FIFA ranking has been updated), a team that has historically struggled to dominate on the world stage. While their “Golden Generation” is slowly fading away, the Red Devils are proving that the dark horse label suits them perfectly, and they look entirely comfortable playing without the weight of expectation.

Belgium will also be missing other notable stars from the starting lineup, including Dodi Lukebakio. Nevertheless, Garcia’s squad hopes to shock the world today, advance to the semifinals, and set up a blockbuster clash against a powerful French side.

Despite Egypt putting pressure on FIFA regarding the refereeing, the Pharaohs are officially out of the 2026 World Cup. It was a dramatic 3-2 defeat against Argentina that eliminated them, though the tournament was still a major success for the African nation.

Under FIFA’s financial structure, every World Cup participant earns prize money that increases depending on the nation’s final ranking. In Egypt’s case, the Pharaohs will walk away with a total of $16.5 million.

How is the 2026 World Cup prize money distributed?

According to FIFA, this year’s World Cup featured a massive increase in the prize pool distributed among all 48 participating nations—marking the largest money pool in the history of the tournament.

A total of $655 million in performance-based prize money is divided among the 48 teams. Each country receives a base participation fee of $1.5 million for making the World Cup, with their final tournament position adding further earnings:

• Champions: $50 million
• Runners-up: $33 million
• 3rd place: $29 million
• 4th place: $27 million
• 5th-8th place: $19 million
• 9th-16th place: $15 million
• 17th- 32nd place: $11 million
• 33rd-48th place: $9 million

Why did Egypt receive $16.5 million?

Following the Round of 16, Egypt concluded its World Cup campaign in 15th place—finishing just below Canada and above Paraguay. Teams finishing between 9th and 16th place receive $15 million in performance prize money, which combines with the base $1.5 million participation fee to equal $16.5 million.

This marks only the second time Egypt has reached the Round of 16 in its World Cup history. The African nation previously reached the same stage in 1934, securing a 13th-place finish—though the prize money back then was substantially different.

In the second half against Mexico, Quansah committed a rash tackle on Jesus Gallardo. The foul was deemed serious foul play and resulted in a straight red card, which typically carries an automatic one-match ban.

However, FIFA decided to impose a harsher punishment. The governing body announced that Quansah has been suspended for two games despite England’s attempt to eliminate the red card, meaning he will miss the quarterfinal against Norway as well as a potential semifinal match.

Selection headaches for England

With Quansah sidelined, England, one of the eight World Cup champions, faces significant selection issues ahead of their crucial match against Norway. The right-back position is proving to be a major headache for manager Thomas Tuchel, who questioned FIFA’s decisions on red cards:

• Reece James: Sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
• Tino Livramento: Ruled out of the World Cup entirely.
• John Stones & Ezri Konsa: Repositioned mid-game to cover the right side following Quansah’s sending-off.
• Djed Spence: Operates as a backup option and is currently inline to start at right-back against Norway and in a potential semifinal if England advances.

Will Jarell Quansah be available for the final?

Yes. Jarell Quansah would be eligible to play in the World Cup Final if England reaches it. His two-game suspension covers the quarterfinal against Norway and a potential semifinal against Argentina or Switzerland.

If England fails to defeat Norway, the second match of his suspension will carry over to England’s next official fixture. However, the Three Lions’ goal is to play three more games, culminating in the World Cup Final on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

With Michael Olise walking a disciplinary tightrope due to his yellow card, France needs every available weapon for a crucial game against Morocco. Tchouameni didn’t feature in the starting lineup against Paraguay, but he may be ready to face the African side on Thursday.

Didier Deschamps, manager of France, revealed that the Real Madrid midfielder is feeling better of his thigh injury and could feature in the game against Morocco, though it remains uncertain whether he will start or come off the bench.

“Aurelien is better, but I left early this morning. He’s the only one who needs to be seen, but he’s doing better. He might participate in the training session today,” Deschamps said on Wednesday.

Morocco seeks revenge against France

In the head-to-head between France and Morocco, the European side has historically held the upper hand. Adding to this, Les Bleus share recent World Cup history with the Atlas Lions following their high-stakes encounter four years ago.

In Qatar 2022, France and Morocco met in the semifinals. Les Bleus secured a 2-0 victory in regulation time to eliminate Morocco and advance to the grand final, leaving the Atlas Lions with unfinished business.

Now, Morocco seeks revenge. While it is a different stage of the tournament, the Atlas Lions want to be the ones advancing this time, although the disparity in squad market values leaves many believing Les Bleus are once again the favorites to win.

Will Aurelien Tchouameni leave Real Madrid after the 2026 World Cup?

Despite reports suggesting Aurelien Tchouameni could leave Real Madrid after the 2026 World Cup, all signs point to the midfielder remaining in Spain for several more years.

Real Madrid insider Pepe Alvarez reported that the club is set to offer Tchouameni a new contract that would run through the 2031 season. Manchester United was reportedly interested in signing him, yet the cost was deemed too high, forcing the English side to step back from the race.

Trailing 1-0 early in the match, Argentina were awarded a penalty against the African side. Uncharacteristically, Messi failed to convert from the spot—and despite his team’s eventual heroic comeback, that costly miss weighed heavily on the legendary forward throughout the night.

“I cried because I felt that I let my teammates down because of the penalty I missed… and the way I took it,” Messi said. “But thankfully once again, God had something special for me in the end. I’m very happy.”

Lionel Messi continues making World Cup history

By missing from twelve yards out, Messi etched his name into the record books for the wrong reasons with an unfortunate World Cup statistic. However, he quickly redeemed himself in the second half, assisting Cristian Romero for Argentina’s opening goal before netting his eighth goal of the tournament just minutes later to draw level.

With that strike, Messi achieved a feat not seen at the tournament since the 1930 World Cup. His goal also widened his lead over Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland at the top of the scoring charts, turning up the heat in an intense race for the Golden Boot.

Despite his heroic solo performance, Messi deflected praise to his teammates following the victory. The captain acknowledged it was a grueling, hard-fought win, emphasizing that every single player was crucial in keeping the dream of back-to-back World Cup titles alive.

Egypt voice fierce accusations

The drama didn’t end at the final whistle. After the match, Egypt manager Hossam Hassan openly accused match officials of favoring Messi and Argentina, claiming several controversial refereeing decisions directly caused the African side’s defeat.

Hassan was far from the only member of the Egyptian contingent fuming over the officiating. Mostafa Ziko also blasted the refereeing crew alleging that the game was ‘rigged’ to ensure Messi and Argentina advanced to the next round.

“This group never gives up, we fight until the very end,” Messi, who broke into tears after the win, said. “We managed to turn the game around—what this group did today is just crazy. I’m incredibly happy and so glad the fans can keep enjoying what we do.”

Messi spearheaded the frantic fightback, providing a crucial assist before netting his eighth goal of the tournament to level the score at 2-2 in a matter of minutes. Shortly after, a dramatic header from Enzo Fernandez sealed the 3-2 victory, punching Argentina’s ticket to the quarterfinals, where they now await their next opponent.

Lionel Messi acknowledges it has not been an easy World Cup

For many fans, the 2026 World Cup has been full of surprises due to the emergence of multiple dark horses. Lionel Messi shares that sentiment, confirming that the tournament has been a grueling test for the reigning defending champions.

“I’m so happy we qualified, things had gotten really difficult,” Messi added. “We suffered immensely once again, but this is the World Cup. Every single match is turning out this way.”

Egypt held a commanding 2-0 lead until the 79th minute, when Messi stepped up with a brilliant assist for Cristian Romero. Just four minutes later, the icon made World Cup history by netting his eighth goal of the tournament. Egypt had kept Argentina pinned against the wall for most of the match, until the La Albiceleste captain took matters into his own hands to spark the historic turnaround.

Argentina keep the dream alive

While Egypt’s coach voiced frustrations over favoritism towards Messi and Argentina, the reality remains that the South Americans advanced after the African side failed to protect a solid 2-0 advantage with less than 11 minutes remaining in regulation.

Now, Argentina await their next opponent in the quarterfinals. The dream of securing back-to-back World Cup titles remains firmly alive, but it will be a treacherous road ahead in one of the most fiercely competitive tournaments in recent history.

Trailing 2-0 in the 79th minute, Argentina found a miraculous path to victory spearheaded by Lionel Messi, who had previously missed a penalty against Egypt. The Argentine captain provided a crucial assist and then netted his eighth goal of the tournament to spectacularly level the score in less than four minutes.

Deep into stoppage time, Enzo Fernandez sealed the dramatic 3-2 victory for La Albiceleste with a terrific header. At the final whistle, Lionel Messi bursted into tears after anchoring one of the most epic comebacks in World Cup history. “He deserved to cry,” Lautaro Martinez said about Messi after the game. “Because he is our example, our guide, the one who helped us the most.”

Lionel Messi endured a nightmare start to the match

In the 15th minute, Egypt’s Yasser Ibrahim opened the scoring following a lightning-fast counter-attack by the African side. Just six minutes later, Argentina were thrown a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty, but Lionel Messi uncharacteristically missed from the spot, making some unwanted history with the failed attempt.

Following a disastrous first half, Argentina threw everything forward in the final 45 minutes to level the score. However, another clinical counter-attack by Egypt culminated in a goal from Mostafa Ziko, extending their lead to 2-0 and leaving the South Americans facing an absolute mountain to climb.

Fortunately, Messi stepped up precisely when his country needed him most. The captain delivered a brilliant assist to Cristian “Cuti” Romero before finding the back of the net himself just four minutes later. With that strike—achieving a spectacular World Cup feat not seen since 1930—Messi single-handedly dragged his nation back onto level terms, setting the stage for Enzo Fernandez to win it just moments later.

Tom Brady left awestruck by Argentina’s historic turnaround

In the wake of the epic comeback, sports icons worldwide praised Argentina’s incredible resilience and performance. NFL legend Tom Brady even remarked that this spectacular fightback might eclipse his own iconic 28-3 Super Bowl comeback with the New England Patriots against the Atlanta Falcons.

Following its victory over Morocco, France already knows where its next game will be, and the rival is also set. Les Bleus had to wait for the winner of the Spain vs. Belgium quarterfinals game, and they will try to spoil Lamine Yamal’s path to the final on July 14th at Dallas Stadium.

France is now aiming for another World Cup title to add to its storied history. However, several high-stakes hurdles remain on its path to the final in its quest to capture the championship.

France’s semifinal rival will be a tough one

After having no problem in defeating Morocco, Les Bleus are now keeping a close eye on which nations advance across the rest of the tournament. On their side of the bracket, France will face Spain in the semifinals.

Should France advance all the way to the final, its potential opponents include the possibility of a blockbuster rematch of the Qatar 2022 final. Les Bleus could face any of the following countries in the title match: Norway, England, Argentina, or Switzerland.

Les Bleus could get a shot at redemption for their 2022 heartbreak if Argentina orchestrates another deep tournament run. The South American side is the only non-European nation still competing in the tournament.

Morocco was far from a true rival for France

Morocco, now eliminated from the 2026 World Cup, was supposed to give France a hard time at Boston Stadium. However, the African nation was far from its best level and only had one shot on target against Mike Maignan’s goal.

Despite its elimination, Morocco has now secured a big prize money after making the quarterfinals. The Atlas Lions wanted to reach the semifinals once again, but France’s power was too much for them.

In the final minutes of the first half, Hakimi and Laryea battled for possession near Canada’s penalty box. The Moroccan star gave the Canadian fullback a slight shove, provoking an immediate response and sparking a heated confrontation.

Referee Michael Oliver, who was officiating the Canada vs. Morocco match, had to quickly intervene to separate the two players. The scuffle ultimately resulted in yellow cards for both men, though Laryea believed his reaction was entirely justified given the high stakes and intensity of the match.

“He’s fighting to defend his country and team, and I’m doing the exact same,” Laryea told TSN following the 3-0 defeat. “I got there [to the ball] first and he shoves me. I wanted to defend myself, my country, and my teammates, and show them it was not going to be an easy game. He is one of the best, if not the best, at his position, and it was important to let him know we were not going to let them walk all over us.“

Canada held strong until the second half

Canada’s head coach, Jesse Marsch, expressed belief that his squad outperformed Morocco for large stretches despite the definitive final scoreline. He certainly has a case for the opening half, as the CANMNT provided stubborn opposition during the first 45 minutes, successfully keeping the match scoreless against the odds.

However, the second half proved disastrous for Canada. The collapse began in the 50th minute with an opening goal from Azzedine Ounahi. As the Canadians pushed forward in a desperate attempt to level the score, Morocco ruthlessly exploited the vacated spaces, netting two more goals to comfortably seal the 3-0 victory.

Despite the painful exit, this tournament marks Canada’s most successful FIFA World Cup run in history. Now, all eyes turn toward the 2030 cycle, with a growing long-term project that gives soccer fans across the country plenty of reason to believe better things are on the horizon.

Following France’s match against Sweden in the Round of 32, rumors quickly emerged regarding a potential injury to the midfielder. Soccer insider Fabrizio Romano reported on Saturday morning that Tchouameni would miss the upcoming knockout match against Paraguay. He appears on the bench, yet he is not expected to see any activity against the South Americans.

Following the confirmation of the France vs Paraguay matchday kits, Les Bleus’ starting lineup was also locked in. Head coach Didier Deschamps’ starting XI is notably missing Tchouameni, who has been benched and is expected to sit out today’s encounter due to a thigh injury.

How severe is Aurelien Tchouameni’s injury?

According to Romano, Tchouameni’s thigh injury is not overly severe. Provided France manages to defeat Paraguay and advance, the midfielder is expected to be fully recovered and available for selection in the quarterfinals if Les Bleus defeat the South American squad.

Who will replace Aurelien Tchouameni against Paraguay?

France will face Paraguay at Philadelphia Stadium with a formidable starting lineup despite the sudden setback. Tchouameni’s absence has prompted manager Didier Deschamps to give Adrien Rabiot the nod to start in the heart of the midfield.

France’s starting XI to face Paraguay: Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola; Kylian Mbappe.

The match between Switzerland and Colombia will take place on Tuesday, July 7, at 4:00 PM (ET) at BC Place in Vancouver. As the final fixture of the Round of 16, this clash will determine the last nation to book its ticket to the quarterfinals.

With the Round of 16 bracket finalized, only 16 nations remain. This round will also mark the final stage of the tournament where all three host nations are actively involved, as the competition will move exclusively to the United States from the quarterfinals onward.

Colombia faced one of the most grueling schedules

By advancing to the Round of 16, Colombia is on the verge of matching its best-ever World Cup campaign. Along the way, Los Cafeteros will also make unique history as the only nation in the tournament to play matches across all three host countries.

Colombia played its opening 2026 World Cup match at the Mexico City Stadium against Uzbekistan. The South Americans then traveled to Guadalajara to face DR Congo, before flying to the United States for their remaining group fixture against Portugal, and the Round of 32 against Ghana. Now, for the Round of 16, they visit the third and final host nation, Canada, to face Switzerland. Should they win, they will head right back to the US for the quarterfinals.

Eight years after reaching the Round of 16 at Russia 2018, Colombia is back among the top 16 teams on the planet. In that tournament, Los Cafeteros also faced European opposition in the first knockout round, where they were heartbreakingly eliminated by England.

James Rodriguez, who took the pitch as Colombia‘s captain against Ghana, struggled to make an impact during the first half. According to Sofascore, the midfielder slumped to a 4.8 rating after the first 45 minutes.

For that reason, manager Nestor Lorenzo decided to replace him at halftime with Richard Rios. The move appeared to be a purely tactical decision rather than a substitution forced by an injury.

James Rodriguez is far from his best shape

Colombia achieved its best-ever World Cup finish in Brazil 2014, when the nation advanced all the way to the quarterfinals. In that tournament, James Rodriguez shone on the global stage, delivering a string of masterclasses that earned him a blockbuster transfer to Real Madrid.

Nevertheless, those glory days are a far cry from the midfielder’s current form. Having recently joined MLS side Minnesota United, Rodriguez secured a spot on the 2026 World Cup roster but is definitely not playing at the same explosive level he displayed back in 2014.

Throughout the current tournament, James Rodriguez has registered neither a goal nor an assist. His sluggish performance against Ghana was the deciding factor for manager Nestor Lorenzo, who opted to substitute his captain at halftime to inject more verticality and defensive dynamism into the midfield with Richard Rios.

At 34 years old, Rodriguez appears destined to wind down his career either in Major League Soccer or via a sentimental return to his native Colombia. However, this will almost certainly be his final World Cup appearance unless he can somehow recapture a fragment of the elite quality that once made him one of the most feared playmakers in world football.

In the history of the World Cup, Colombia’s finest hour came at Brazil 2014. Los Cafeteros marched all the way to the quarterfinals, winning four consecutive matches in spectacular fashion before finally bowing out to the hosts in a hard-fought knockout clash.

After failing to qualify for a single tournament since 2002, Colombia made a triumphant return in 2014, dominating Group C alongside Greece, Japan, and the Ivory Coast. Los Cafeteros swept the group stage with a perfect three wins out of three, firing in nine goals while conceding just two.

A history defined by inconsistency

Colombia has qualified for seven FIFA World Cups in total. Their tournament debut came back at Chile 1962, where the South Americans were eliminated in the group stage, ultimately finishing 14th overall.

The nation’s most consistent era occurred during the 1990s, when they locked down three consecutive World Cup appearances from 1990 to 1998. Unfortunately, that cycle ended on a bitter note at France 1998, where a disappointing group-stage exit left them in 21st place—historically their lowest-ever finish in the competition.

Following stellar 5th and 9th-place finishes in 2014 and 2018 respectively, expectations were sky-high for the South American heavyweights. However, Los Cafeteros suffered a shocking collapse during the grueling qualification cycle, failing to even book a ticket to the 2022 tournament before bouncing back for the expanded 2026 edition.

The furthest Ghana has ever advanced in a World Cup came during the 2010 tournament in South Africa. In that historic edition, the African side marched all the way to the quarterfinals, ultimately losing to Uruguay on penalties following one of the most dramatic and controversial finishes in football history.

Deep into stoppage time of extra time, Uruguay’s Luis Suarez deliberately cleared a goalbound Ghanaian header off the line with his hands. The referee immediately showed the striker a straight red card and awarded a penalty to Ghana. However, Asamoah Gyan’s potential match-winning spot-kick agonizingly clipped the crossbar, and a heartbroken Ghana subsequently fell 4-2 in the ensuing penalty shootout.

Ghana’s World Cup history is relatively recent

Prior to 2006, Ghana had never featured on soccer’s biggest stage. The West African nation withdrew from qualification cycles twice in its history and failed to qualify for the remaining editions of the tournament.

It wasn’t until Germany 2006 that Ghana finally made its grand World Cup debut. Remarkably, the Black Stars defied the odds by advancing straight to the Round of 16 in their very first appearance, finishing as runners-up in Group E behind an elite Italy side that would go on to lift the trophy.

Though their debut run was halted in the first knockout stage by a 3-0 defeat to powerhouse Brazil, it left a proud yet bittersweet feeling for the African nation, which had rapidly earned a reputation as the ultimate dark horse of the tournament.

What is Ghana’s all-time World Cup record?

Excluding the 2026 edition, Ghana holds a lifetime 5-3-7 record at the FIFA World Cup. Across the four modern tournaments they have contested, the Black Stars have found the back of the net 18 times while conceding 23 goals.

Algeria’s finest World Cup campaign came back in Brazil 2014, where they reached the Round of 16 for the first time in their history. It is worth noting that this milestone was achieved under the traditional 32-team format, a stark contrast to the expanded 48-team format featured in 2026.

Including the 2026 edition, Algeria has qualified for just five World Cups. In their previous four appearances, the North Africans managed to progress past the group stage only once—during that memorable 2014 run.

Algeria was close to making history in Brazil 2014

In Brazil 2014, Algeria defied all expectations with a brilliant group-stage performance. The Fennec Foxes bounced back from an opening 2-1 defeat against Belgium to crush South Korea and secure a dramatic draw with Russia, safely advancing as the runners-up of Group H.

Unfortunately, the Round of 16 presented a monumental hurdle. They pushed Germany to the absolute limit in an epic extra-time battle before ultimately falling 2-1 to the European powerhouse, who would go on to lift the trophy against Argentina in the final.

How the 48-team format benefits Algeria

By securing their ticket to the 2026 edition, Algeria snapped a painful two-tournament drought after missing out on both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Moving forward, the expanded tournament structure could be exactly what the nation needs to establish itself as a permanent fixture on the global stage.

Holding a historical 3-3-7 World Cup record (excluding the 2026 edition), Algeria aims to lock down qualification far more consistently, capitalizing on the expanded number of direct slots allocated to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for future editions.

Deep into added time, Mario Pašalić kept his composure inside the Portuguese penalty area to assist Joško Gvardiol, who had started the match on the bench. The defender slotted the ball home to seemingly level the score at 2-2, sparking wild celebrations on the pitch.

Everything appeared set for an additional 30 minutes of extra time. However, following a tense, lengthy VAR review, the officials determined that Pašalić was caught in an offside position after Igor Matanović slighlty touched the ball with his head, invalidating Gvardiol’s equalizer and officially securing the hard-fought 2-1 victory for Portugal.

Croatia failed to maintain the advantage

Following a scoreless first half, Croatia heap immense pressure on the Portuguese defense. Early in the second half, Ivan Perišić broke the deadlock to put the Vatreni ahead, a goal that forced Portugal to push forward with far greater attacking urgency.

Portugal’s equalizer eventually arrived when Cristiano Ronaldo finally found the back of the net in a World Cup knockout match. With momentum firmly on their side as the second half drew to a close, Gonçalo Ramos struck to make it 2-1 and complete the dramatic turnaround.

Despite a furious late push from Croatia—which so nearly yielded a legal equalizer—their efforts ultimately fell short. While the Vatreni pack their bags to return home, Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo march on to face Spain in a blockbuster Round of 16 showdown.

In their World Cup history, the quarterfinals represent the furthest Switzerland has ever advanced. The Nati have reached that stage four times: in 1934, 1938, 1954 and most recently in the 2026 edition.

On those occasions, Switzerland finished 7th in the first two tournaments and 8th during the 1954 edition on home soil. Although Switzerland technically achieved a 6th-place finish in the 1950 edition, that particular World Cup featured only 13 participants due to the aftermath of World War II, and the Nati did not advance past the initial group stage. It is yet to be determined their final seeding in the 2026 edition.

Regaining consistency in the modern era

After qualifying for six of the first eight World Cups, Switzerland suffered a prolonged drought, missing out on the tournament from 1970 to 1990 before finally returning for the 1994 edition in the United States.

Following brief absences in 1998 and 2002, the Swiss returned to the grand stage at Germany 2006. Since then, the Nati have successfully qualified for every single World Cup, marking a historic run of six consecutive appearances—a feat never before achieved in the country’s football history.

In the five editions spanning from 2006 to 2022, Switzerland progressed to the Round of 16 four times. The lone exception came at South Africa 2010, where Spain and Chile narrowly edged them out in Group H. Ironically, Switzerland had opened that 2010 tournament with a famous 1–0 victory over Spain, who eventually went on to lift the World Cup trophy.

Switzerland’s all-time world cup numbers

Excluding their matches at the 2026 World Cup, Switzerland has played 41 games in the history of the tournament.

Their precise all-time record stands as follows:

• Matches played: 41
• Record: 14 wins, 8 draws, 19 losses
• Goals scored: 55
• Goals allowed: 73

Portugal and Croatia will square off in Toronto, Canada, in a highly anticipated Round of 32 showdown. Neither squad has been quite as dominant as expected during the group stages, with even Croatia’s FIFA ranking changing for this game against Portugal.

There are several surprises across both starting lineups. For Croatia, the decision to bench star defender Josko Gvardiol stands out the most. Manager Zlatko Dalic, whose profile is outstanding, has opted to keep him among the substitutes in a bold tactical move following some shaky performances earlier in this World Cup.

Josko Gvardiol’s underwhelming 2026 World Cup

This isn’t the first time the center-back has missed out on the opening whistle; Gvardiol started on the bench during Croatia’s crucial match against Ghana as well. He struggled significantly in the opening fixtures against England and Panama, registering uncharacteristically low sub-5.0 match ratings in both games.

Gvardiol was widely regarded as one of the finest defensive talents on the planet during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Newertheless, four years later, he has struggled to replicate that same imperious form, and his uncharacteristic lapses have heavily impacted Croatia’s defensive stability.

Croatia’s starting lineup to face Portugal

The outcome of this heavyweight clash between Portugal and Croatia will completely reshape the rest of the 2026 World Cup bracket. For that reason, Dalic has chosen continuity, electing to field the exact same lineup used to secure their progression against Ghana.

Here is the official Croatia starting XI tasked with shutting down Portugal tonight: Dominik Livakovic; Josip Stanisic, Marin Pongracic, Josip Sutalo; Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric (C), Nikola Vlasic, Martin Baturina, Petar Sucic; Ante Budimir, Ivan Perisic.

After defeating Uruguay in its final group stage match, Spain managed to top Group H in the final standings. Nevertheless, the victory was not quite enough to recover its original place in the global leaderboard.

Spain is currently 3rd overall in the FIFA World Rankings, sitting just behind France (1st) and Argentina (2nd). It remains a razor-thin race at the top that is set to shift drastically before the tournament concludes. But it is a much better position than Austria’s FIFA ranking.

A rollercoaster of emotions for La Roja

Spain has experienced a true rollercoaster of emotions so far in this World Cup. In their opening match, La Roja and Lamine Yamal’s highly anticipated tournament debut were spoiled by Cape Verde in a frustrating 0-0 draw. However, the 2010 champions bounced back in their next two matches to prove their championship credentials.

Spain defeated both Saudi Arabia and Uruguay—a match unfortunately marred by an injury to Nico Williams following a heavy challenge from Nicolas de la Cruz—to securely lock down the top spot in Group H.

Entering the Round of 32, Luis de la Fuente’s squad is once again regarded as a formidable force despite that shocking opening stalemate. La Roja is eager to prove its worth on the big stage, but Austria will provide a stern litmus test. What happens today against Austria could determine Spain’s World Cup campaign.

A tight race for the World No. 1 spot

France is enjoying a flawless 2026 World Cup campaign, which has propelled Les Bleus to the No. 1 spot in the live FIFA rankings. Nevertheless, the margins separating the top three nations remain incredibly small.

Fewer than 40 points separate Spain from France. If La Roja manages to engineer a deep tournament run alongside France, a potential knockout clash between the two powerhouses could dramatically narrow the gap, with Argentina obviously remaining firmly in the mix.