The next World Cup could feature 64 teams after CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez confirmed plans are under way to expand the tournament for the second successive edition.

This summer's competition in USA, Mexico and Canada saw 48 countries participate for the first time, up from 32 at World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

But the number of nations could rise once more for World Cup 2030 when Spain, Portugal and Morocco will share hosting duties, with one match each in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay to celebrate the tournament's centenary.

World Cup 2030 could have 64 teams as plans announced

The 48-team tournament was the brainchild of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, with world football's governing body approving the expansion of the 2026 competition back in 2017, one year after he took office.

Earlier this month, Infantino suggested FIFA would assess plans for a 64-team World Cup, saying: "It's important to organise it for the whole world...if you don't give smaller countries a chance to participate in the World Cup, they'll lack the incentive to keep improving."

And less than 48 hours after the World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina, Dominguez - president of South American confederation CONMEBOL - confirmed the 2030 tournament could be even bigger than this summer's edition.

He posted on X: "We are working to ensure that the 2030 World Cup is held with 64 national teams in homage to the Centenary of the World Cup.

"International football grows when it opens up to the world. The expansion to 48 teams demonstrated that greater participation generates more opportunities, boosts the development of football, and turns the World Cup into a true global celebration.

"The Centenary offers us a historic opportunity to Dream Big. May the World Cup be the greatest celebration that football has ever known."

CONMEBOL put forward an official proposal to increase the number of teams at World Cup 2030 to 64 back in April 2025, but no decision has been reached and would need to be approved by the majority of members on the 37-strong FIFA Council.

Dominguez's counterparts at other confederations have been less enthused by the idea, with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin joining the chiefs of CONCACAF - which covers North and Central America and the Caribbean - and AFC (Asia) in speaking out against the plans.

A 64-team World Cup would be comprised of 16 groups of four countries each, with the top two qualifying for the last 32 and no third-place teams reaching the knockout stage as lucky losers, unlike this summer.

There would be 128 games in total, up from 104 at World Cup 2026, and would likely mean the competition lasts even longer than the five-and-a-half-week tournament that took place in North America.

Although the format would be easier to follow and teams reaching the final would play the same number of games, there would be several logistical issues that would come with a 64-team World Cup.

The number of stadiums would need to rise from the 16 that hosted matches this summer, while the infrastructure would need to be in place to accommodate the increase in participating nations and fans.

But after Infantino proudly declared the 48-team World Cup a success, do not be surprised if it is even bigger in four years time.

The 2026 World Cup was the first to contain 48 teams, with Canada, Mexico and the United States of America pitching in to share hosting duties.

The next tournament, in 2030, will also be held across multiple countries, with Spain, Portugal and Morocco the main hosts, although the tournament will also have three matches held in South America.

In honour of the 100th anniversary of the World Cup, Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina will each host one match, paving the way for Saudi Arabia to be the sole hosts in 2034.

Saudi Arabia will use 15 stadiums across five cities

That will make it the first country to host an expanded World Cup tournament on its own.

Whether or not it will have the capacity and infrastructure to handle hosting duties in time for the 2034 competition remains to be seen, but not all of the proposed tournament stadiums have been built yet.

That includes the 92,000 capacity King Salman International Stadium, which is slated to be completed by 2029.

Currently, work on the stadium, which will be in the Saudi capital Riyadh, is yet to properly start, although it is expected to begin by the end of the year.

However, that is merely one of 10 new stadiums that need to be built between now and the beginning of the tournament. Of those 10, work has only started on three, so there is a great deal of construction required between now and 2034.

What's more, the five stadiums already in existence require a lot of refurbishment to make sure they are in line with what Saudi Arabia promised when they submitted their hosting bid.

Currently, the 2034 tournament has no start date and many are predicting it could be moved to the winter once again, as it was in 2022 in Qatar, to avoid the Middle East's blistering summer temperatures.

Already the 2034 tournament has drawn some controversy and criticism from Human Rights campaign groups, despite it being eight years away.

In May 2025, FairSquare and Human Rights Watch reported the deaths of numerous migrant workers, including from, but not limited to, decapitation, electrocution, and falling to their deaths. They also claimed that Saudi authorities were failing to protect workers from preventable deaths and weren't investigating workplace incidents, nor were they ensuring compensation for the families of those workers who died.

How did Spain eventually overcome Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final? Was it tactics? Was it superior players? Or was it in fact down to a lucky object?

Well, that depends who you ask, but for 2010 World Cup winner Joan Capdevila, the object certainly played a part.

Capdevila, who was a part of the last Spain squad to win the World Cup, urged the 2026 cohort copy the ritual he performed 16 years ago prior to his successful final appearance, and he seems pretty convinced it did the trick.

Marc Cucurella copied Capdevila's ritual to help Spain win the tournament

In a post on X, Capdevila revealed that he had buried a coin pitch side before his final in 2010, and that he had urged Cucurella to do the same this time around.

He wrote: "Now I'll let you in on a little secret. Back in 2010, I buried a coin in the grass before the match started.

"I’ve told that story a million times. I asked Cucurella to do the same thing yesterday... Marc, I love you so much. YOU’RE A WORLD CHAMPION!"

That post was accompanied by a video of the now Real Madrid full back walking to the side of the pitch and clearly burying something in the grass, presumably the coin that Capdevila instructed him to hide.

The win was a celebratory culmination of a tricky few days for Capdevila, who at first looked as if he wouldn't be able to attend the game.

The former defender's ESTA was denied, forcing him send messages to Donald Trump on X, saying: "I’ve just been told I can’t travel to the final with my kids because my ESTA was denied.

"I can't believe I'm not being allowed into the USA... and that I'll miss out on a moment like this with my kids - we love football so much. If anyone knows how to fix this, I would be eternally grateful."

Fortunately he had his issues sorted and he was able to be there to see Cucurella bury a lucky coin before sealing Spain's second ever World Cup victory.

He later added: "How could it not have been worth it... I deserved to be here with my family, enjoying this moment, and justice was served.

"Thank you to everyone who pushed to make this possible; heartfelt thanks to you all."

When referee Slavko Vincic blew the final whistle at the World Cup on Sunday evening, it didn't just signal the end of one of the worst tournament finals in living memory, it also signalled the end of a competition that has met, and in many cases exceeded, a whole host of pre-tournament worries.

While there have undoubtedly been some great stories on the pitch, they are very much outweighed by the negatives that this tournament has produced, with controversy and allegations of corruption at the heart of a World Cup like no other before, and one that could have set football down a worrying path.

Though it seems churlish to rain on Spain's parade quite so immediately, there are a number of issues that have been dragged up at this World Cup that simply cannot be ignored.

Gianni Infantino, Donald Trump and FIFA's problematic relationships

Chief among those issues is the amount of power seemingly being given to external influences like U.S. President Donald Trump, who was able to persuade FIFA to have Folarin Balogun's suspension magically suspended, despite all of the game's rules and laws stating that it should not be permitted.

Not only did this bring FIFA's increasingly problematic governance into sharp focus, but it also put the US Men's National Team and Balogun himself at the heart of a controversy they didn't ask to be a part of, eradicating any of the positivity they had earned through their impressive performances. Their humbling at the hands of Belgium was seen as a karmic realignment by most neutral fans, and though it was difficult not to smile as the USMNT spectacularly crashed out, FIFA and Gianni Infantino still have yet to sufficiently answer questions surrounding their contribution to what is arguably the most overtly grim moment in modern World Cup history.

It sadly came as no surprise either, with Infantino showing early on at the tournament that he was more or less completely unable to influence the competition he was supposed to be in charge of in any meaningful way.

Somali referee Omar Artan should be heading home today, proud of having performed his duties on the biggest stage possible. Instead, he was embarrassed and barred entry for some fairly flimsy reasoning and forced to watch from home like most others.

He wasn't the only one to have problems getting into the country, either. Fans had visas rescinded at late notice, the Iranian team had to leave games in the USA immediately after they had finished and relocate to Mexico, while other supporters had to use life savings to pay exorbitant ticket prices.

All Infantino could muster when asked about these issues was to tell people to "relax and chill" before doing seemingly nothing to address any of these concerns as the tournament went on.

Should these issues be forgotten, or if people simply move on from this, then it sets a dangerous precedent. Infantino already has the backing of more than 200 FIFA members for re-election at the upcoming presidential vote in March, which shows just how willing to forget about these incidents FIFA members are. Hoping for any reform seems beyond naive at this point, and this tournament has only served to prove that he needs to be held to account externally, because internal repercussions are unlikely to ever arrive.

Away from these obvious failings, the tournament itself was also riddled with problems caused simply by poor choices.

The expanded team format was fun for a while, but eventually wore thin, meaning that fans had grown weary of the number of games by the end of the tournament. It seems, however, that this is only going to go one way, with a 64-team World Cup already proposed for the near future, with decision makers seemingly incapable of doing things that are genuinely in the best interest of the sport.

What's more, the fact that the MetLife Stadium was selected over options like the Azteca, or Sofi Stadium as the venue for the final is a borderline dereliction of duty, with the New York/New Jersey-based stadium unable to hold a candle to the history and reverence of the Mexico City arena when it comes to football.

The spectacle inside was dismal as well, in particular the half-time show, rightly panned as "crap" by Wayne Rooney and something that should never be a feature of a World Cup final ever again.

Yet, with Donald Trump eyeing up further hosting duties in the future, stating "we will be requesting it again immediately" after the final had ended, it's not hard to see a world where FIFA hands it to them on a retainer and Shakira and Justin Bieber become as synonymous with World Cup finals as Maradona and Marco Tardelli. It doesn't even seem that farfetched a suggestion at this point.

Such nonsense had begun long before half-time at the final, prior to which, actor Tom Cruise bafflingly told us all that football "brought the world together". Yet, this was arguably the most divisive tournament in history, turning participants against the hosts, splitting fan groups into those who could and couldn't afford to attend and treating some people entirely differently to others based on little evidence or reasoning.

This is not what a World Cup should be. We should expect better, and it shouldn't be too much to hope that the game respects everyone involved. Instead, we were served pantomime theatrics, watered down quality and a complete misunderstanding of the game by a governing body that time and time again is incapable of understanding what is right for the game. We deserve much, much better, but I fear things will only get worse from here.

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni broke down in tears after his country's World Cup final defeat to Spain.

While facing questions from the press, the man who guided his nation to World Cup victory in 2022 was unable to continue, overcome by the disappointment of failing to defend the title.

He also admitted questions would have to be asked over his future as national team coach.

Scaloni's strange comments about his side's manner of defeat

As he sat and faced questions after the game, the manager was overcome with emotion and said: "Bear with me, I don't know if I can continue."

He then stood up and added: "It's really painful, I am very sorry" before leaving the room.

Perhaps Scaloni's emotion had clouded his judgement because his opinion on how his side performed was very different to how other people felt Argentina had played in the match, and reacted after it.

Leandro Paredes was sent off after the full-time whistle, after he grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat and threw Gavi to the floor, as he responded angrily to the loss. Enzo Fernandez also saw red for a ridiculous challenge.

"I’ll cherish the memory of my players, what they achieved and the effort it took to reach this stage,” Scaloni said.

"We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat. Today, we are showing that we know how to lose. If the players leave everything on the pitch, as they did today, it sets a great example for our people and our country."

Scaloni's current contract as Argentina boss runs until December and he said that might be a good time for him to leave his role.

He continued: "I will talk to the president. I have an idea of what I would like to do. I will see out my contract. I don't know if something big needs to be done. We need to speak this through.

"I am thankful to the president for bringing me this chance of being in this place where I am at the moment. It was a dream for everyone. We have tried up until the very last minute to give our best, the staff and players. I believe it's only fair that I can take this time for myself to think this through."

If the summer of 2024 was a 'Brat Summer' inspired by Charlie XCX's album then the summer of 2026, it was a case of it being 'New York or Nowhere'. Anything and everything was happening in the Big Apple.

From The Knicks winning their first NBA title for 53 years, July 4th being the 250th anniversary of American Independence, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce tying the knot at Madison Square Garden, Jay Z’s residency at Yankee Stadium and of course the small matter of the World Cup.

I was fortunate enough to be based in New York for the duration of the World Cup and the questions I was asked more than any other from people back home was: “Do the Americans ‘get’ the World Cup? Are they buying into it?” Well the answer was a resounding 'yes'.

New York is a sports-mad city, although the start of the World Cup coincided with the NBA Finals – the New York Knicks were going for their first championship since 1973 and so understandably everyone was gripped by it - the World Cup definitely cut through in a city where there is a lot going on.

New York’s sports fans had been starved of recent success. The Yankees have not won the World Series since 2009, the Mets have gone even longer with their last triumph coming the year after Live Aid in 1986. The New York Giants last won the Super Bowl in 2011 and the New York Rangers last lifted the Stanley Cup in 1994 - coincidentally when the USA last hosted the World Cup.

In fact, the last sports team to win a major title was New York City FC when they won the MLS Cup in 2021.

So when the Knicks went into Game 5 3-1 up and knowing they were one win from history it is understandable that New Yorkers focused on their team.

The reaction was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. Cars, buses, lamp posts… nowhere was safe from celebrating fans. The NYPD closed down the streets surrounding Madison Square Garden for fear of overcrowding, and used horses to break up large groups of fans. An estimated two million people descended on the streets of downtown Manhattan for the open-top bus parade days later. And so for the first week the World Cup took a back seat.

That passion then spilled across into football. Every bar, barber shop and bodega had the football on the TV, and New York had five official fan parks, one in each borough. All were packed. Further giant screens around the city showed every game.

New York is a hugely diverse city and Queens is known as the ‘World’s Borough’ – I watched Colombia play in a Colombian bar in Jackson Heights, Ecuador in Little Ecuador in Corona and Argentina in the Boca Juniors steakhouse in Elmhurst - each an experience I will never forget and all with extremely knowledgeable and passionate fans.

The Boca Juniors steakhouse was wrapped in a giant Argentina flag and I was in there when Lionel Messi scored twice against Austria to break the World Cup goalscoring record and the celebrations and happiness in the building was unlike anything I have ever experienced when watching football.

In Times Square, right at the heart of Manhattan, billboards delivered a sensory overload dominated by the World Cup. Messi promoting Michelob Ultra lager, Christian Pulisic flogging deodorant and Argentina players fronting a campaign for prediction market company Kalshi. One night, a barge carried a 50ft cutout of Lamine Yamal down the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn, to promote the newest pair of Adidas boots.

Shop after shop had football shirts – real and fake – for sale. In any 10-minute period, you could walk the streets and see jerseys of all 48 nations at the tournament.

Times Square became the unofficial home of fan takeovers. If a country was playing at the MetLife Stadium, a few miles away in New Jersey, fans would descend on the intersection, singing and dancing. In the group stage alone, Brazil, Ecuador, France, Norway and Panama all turned up in numbers. The Norwegians even did the Viking Row.

American supporters were just as passionate. I witnessed the USA’s last-32 clash with Bosnia in a new Brooklyn bar called Socceria, and New York mayor Zohran Mamdani even turned up to watch. He was one of the biggest winners of the tournament, by doing a deal to provide cheaper tickets for locals.

When there were big VAR calls, bars would fall silent as people waited to hear the decision, this was a nation of sports fans gripped by the World Cup. When the USMNT were eventually knocked out by Belgium it did feel like someone had let the air out of the balloon, but the fans picked themselves out and got stuck into the rest of the tournament.

Even right at the end of the tournament, the 'game of shame' or Bronze medal match between France and England - with a 6-4 scoreline to the Three Lions was one of the games of the tournament - and one of the city's most popular haunts to watch the World Cup, Houston Hall, was packed with fans watching on a Saturday evening.

The city’s famous landmarks leant themselves to the World Cup. Classic Football Shirts took over the Empire State Building with an exhibition, the Atlas statue outside the Rockefeller Centre replaced the globe with a giant adidas football to promote the final ball. A giant lego replica of the World Cup trophy stood where the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree usually stands, I watched Spain beat Belgium on the Top of the Rock and Netherlands vs Japan under the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. While fans packed into Central Park to watch Spain beat Argentina in the final.

Shop windows were dressed in World Cup memorabilia. Ahead of the final, drones lit up the Manhattan skyline with the World Cup trophy. The city gave itself to the World Cup and the world came to play in New York City.

There was plenty not to like about this World Cup - unnecessary advertising hydration breaks, dynamic ticket prices, political interference and a half time show at the final. But when it came to the fans adopting football, there was not a better place to be than America and New York.

So don’t be fooled by people saying that America didn’t ‘get’ the World Cup. I spent six weeks there, and can confirm they absolutely did and there is nowhere I would rather have experienced it than New York.

If one good thing emerges from the inaugural World Cup final half time show, I hope it is that it is a one-off, confined to the history books and never seen again.

It was odd, completely out of place at a World Cup final and more than anything else it was boring.

Ahead of the game, the media, stadium workers and volunteers queued for up to three hours in the baking sun to get into the stadium due to additional security checks because of President Trump’s attendance. And that painful process was more enjoyable than whatever that halftime monstrosity was.

Madonna spent the majority of her performance in the bowls of the stadium, only appearing on the side of the pitch towards the end of her song Music flanked by Brazilian duo Ronaldo and Ronaldinho in what looked more like a scene from the new Ali G film than a live performance. Even then she only bowed. Odd.

Which aside from being a strange decision for what was supposed to be a spectacle, it was more suited to those watching at home on TV rather than those in the stadium who had paid upwards of $4,000 to be there.

Shakira and Burna Boy then performed the official World Cup anthem Dai Dai, which if you have not heard it, is exactly how you would imagine a FIFA commissioned song to sound. And then K-pop band BTS performed their hit Dynamite, which was not my thing, but no notes.

But then things got strange again when Justin Bieber was subbed on by Ted Lasso - a nice plug for the new series - and then proceeded to sing his acoustic song Everything Hallelujah which was dull and tedious. He did change the words to ‘It's the World Cup, Hallelujah’ but that did not make it any better. It was still slow and monotonous.

If the half time show was supposed to get people up and off their seats and dancing a long to then Bieber got his song choice all wrong. It was more likely to send fans to sleep than get them out of their seats.

To be fair to Biebs his performance did see him make more entries into the penalty box than Lionel Messi in the first half.

During the whole half time show I kept asking myself ‘who is this for?’ It was certainly not for football fans. Football fans want a p*ss and a pint at half time, not a weird pop medley that makes the Eurovision Song Contest look vaguely entertaining.

Then there was Pele on the big screen from his New York Cosmos days talking about ‘Love’ and then we were subjected to children on the pitch waving flags and displaying the word ‘LOVE’ in yet another completely pointless act.

The whole thing felt like a weird fever dream combined with an episode of Lip Sync Battle rather than the live extravaganza it was billed as.

All the bookings felt odd and didn’t seem to fit or work together. Earlier in the World Cup Bon Jovi’s hit Livin’ on a Prayer was played during the hydration breaks. And fans were genuinely clapping and singing to the chorus. Given Bon Jovi are in the middle of a nine night residency at Madison Square Garden, they would have been a far better booking than what we were subjected to with this peculiar series of acts..

The only part of the ‘show’ that had some participation was when Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes was played, and that was 'performed' by Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and Animal, because, why not? At least they know they are Muppets.

Comparisons between this half time show and those at the Super Bowl were made beforehand. But the Super Bowl half time shows are slick and entertaining, they have become ‘must watch’ moments in sport and entertainment. Whatever this was, was not that. Well not for any good reasons anyway. It was neither slick nor entertaining. It was confusing, dull and pointless.

After 20 minutes of watching it, I was left scratching my head wondering what I had just witnessed and why I had witnessed and again the great unanswered question, 'who is this for?'

FIFA must have been delighted when Argentina made the final and not England, because you can be sure of one thing, just like Mexican Waves, the England fans would not have stood for this nonsense and would no doubt have booed the whole farce.

Whoever had the bright idea to introduce this to the world’s biggest sporting event has some questions to answer, because in my opinion this was a poorly judged and poorly executed waste of time. But it will no doubt be lauded a success by FIFA supremo Gianni Infantino and the suits in Zurich.

And let’s not forget the players in all this. For all their careers footballers have trained and played on the basis that there is a 15 minute break for half time and yet on the biggest stage of all they are made to wait longer and their bodies would have cooled down and heightened the risk of injury - when the football did finally resume.

The World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico has been an undoubted success but that is in spite of FIFA and not because of them. Hydration breaks, dynamic ticket prices, political interference and now this half time show have no place in football.

Let the game flow and let the fans enjoy the game - stop trying to force fun onto them.

Rodri has denied Lionel Messi a second successive Golden Ball, after Spain beat Argentina in the 2026 World Cup Final.

The Golden Ball is often used as a predictor for the Ballon D'or, having gone to Messi and Luka Modric in the last two tournaments.

Messi was expected to receive the award, having bagged eight goals for Argentina, but the Spanish midfielder, and 2025 Ballon D'or winner, has claimed it.

Rodri denies Lionel Messi and claims Golden Ball, after Spain prevail 1-0 against Argentina in the World Cup Final

Messi will instead receive the Silver Ball, to sit at home next to his two previous Golden Ball wins, in 2022 and 2014.

Kylian Mbappe received the Bronze Ball, bagging 10 tournament goals en-route to becoming the highest ever World Cup goalscorer.

Pau Cubarsi, who was the victim of a ridiculous Enzo Fernandez tackle that earned the Argentinian a second yellow card, will take home Young Player of the Tournament.

Unai Simon, who conceded one goal all tournament, the least ever en-route to a World Cup victory by any nation, was awarded the Golden Glove.

Argentina and Messi put up a defensive fight, but were clearly the inferior side in every moment of the game.

They failed to register even a single shot in the 90, played the entirety of extra-time with 10 men, then fell to a Ferran Torres dagger.

That came in the 106th minute, which led to Argentinian pressure for the remainder of the match, including many previously elusive shot attempts, that continuously fell short.

Spain won the World Cup for the first time since 2010, when Uruguayan Diego Forlan was the Golden Ball winner.

Leandro Paredes was sent off after throttling Eric Garcia at the full-time whistle of the 2026 World Cup Final.

Spain prevailed 1-0 against Argentina via a 105th-minute Ferran Torres strike, after playing all of extra-time with 10 men.

Argentina failed to register a single shot attempt in the initial 90 minutes, and were thoroughly outplayed by the victors.

Leandro Paredes throttles Eric Garcia after Argentina lose 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final

Paredes became the second Argentinian to be sent off in today's game after Enzo Fernandez committed an absurd challenge on Pau Cubarsi.

The Argentina international grabbed Garcia by the neck after losing the World Cup final, and many others in the Argentina squad joined in with abhorrent antics.

Joe Hart, working as pundit for BBC, described the event as "disgusting" after Lionel Messi's Argentina fell in the final.

Argentina already had the most World Cup Final dismissals in history with Enzo's red card, enduring two others in 1990.

Those three sending-offs were enough to secure the record, but that total has now extended to four.

Hart said: "Disgusting. There's one player in that squad who had a bit of class and that's Lionel Messi, who went around and shook the hands of all the Spanish players."

Paredes' antics were stopped briefly by Lionel Scaloni, before he broke free and shoved yet another Spanish player to the ground.

The Argentinians are no strangers to committing harsh challenges, and escaping punishment, as Ian Wright discussed at half-time.

But Paredes' violence was a different level, leading ITV pundits to also condemn his actions, and much of the Argentina squad's antics after losing.

Argentina vs Spain delivered an enjoyable second half of 2026 World Cup Final football, with the latter being the dominant force, but an Enzo Fernandez horror tackle stained the occasion past the 90th.

Spain began second half proceedings with a flurry of close calls, none of which materialised into serious chances.

The Spanish were narrowly thwarted after a near brilliant moment of in-box intricacy, then Marc Cucurella was denied a clear-cut shot right on the edge of the six-yard box by an Argentinian tackle.

Enzo Fernandez sent off after committing World Cup horror tackle, as Argentina vs Spain enters extra-time

The Argentinians were also punished for their behaviour early on, after Ian Wright expressed discontent with the standard of refereeing at half-time.

Leandro Paredes was booked for unsporting behaviour after repeated shoving directly in view of referee Slavko Vincic.

Spain were then awarded two free-kicks in quick succession right on the corner of the Argentinian box, but failed to capitalise on either opportunity.

By the 65th-minute, the ITV broadcast pointed out that Argentina had failed to have an attempt of any kind throughout the entire match, as Spain's onslaught continued. By the 70th, Lionel Messi's men had managed merely one touch in their opposition's penalty area.

That pressure continued until the 90th, when Argentina posed a brief but unrewarding attack, failing yet again to register a shot.

But the only real talking point of the game came in second-half injury time as Enzo Fernandez received his marching orders for his second yellow card in just ten minutes.

The Chelsea midfielder received his first for dissent, and then went in with a clear late on Pau Cubarsi to earn himself a red card. He had only himself to blame for his sheer stupidity.

Despite protest from his fellow Argentinians, and a brief check by VAR, the booking stood.

The 2026 World Cup Final has now entered extra-time, after a Lamine Yamal free-kick was saved by Emi Martinez in the dying embers.

Argentina will play on with 10 men, having failed to register a shot for the entirety of the match so far.

Argentina vs Spain has provided fans across the globe with a first half of World Cup Final football packed with technical quality, but Ian Wright has been less than impressed with the referee, and the Argentina team's ability to somehow escape punishment.

The game began, before a ball was even in play, with an extravagant, classically American pre-match show, with Tom Cruise delivering a speech that only the Hollywood superstar could pull off.

For all of its cheesiness, the stoicism of the Spanish and Argentinian professionals was evident, and that transferred into the game itself.

'It's always Argentina' - Ian Wright slams referee leniency in favour of Lionel Messi's men vs Spain

After a preceding day of electric storms and flash floods, the 2026 World Cup Final is bathed in an afternoon of picturesque sun.

Within five minutes, Lamine Yamal got in on goal twice, being denied in a 1v1, then failing to square to an open man, then Lionel Messi was unleashed into open space and stopped from having a golden opportunity of his own by an onrushing Unai Simon.

Argentina, in Argentina fashion, began making challenges early on and quickly became the beneficiaries of 'Let It Go' refereeing.

Both teams played aggressive football defensively, marking man-to-man and refusing to allow any openings that weren't hard fought.

Wright, working as pundit for ITV, spoke on the refereeing decisions made in favour of Argentina throughout the first half.

The 2022 World Champions escaped the first half with just one booking, despite committing nine fouls in dubious fashion.

Wright said, in response to being asked whether the referee was being lenient with Lionel Scaloni's men: "Always with Argentina."

The former Arsenal man was met with a brief moment of silence, then laughter, after he said this, repeating 'always' to drill his point home.

Gary Neville chimed in with his take, saying: "[Alexis] MacAllister should have been booked," which Roy Keane quickly agreed with.

"Leniency to the extreme, I would say," concluded Neville.

Argentina vs Spain is the final match of the 2026 World Cup, to decide who will lift the sport's most sought-after prize.

Will it be Lionel Messi and his fellow Argentinians? Will they enjoy a second successive lift, after the trophy evaded him for much of his career?

Or will it be Spain, in potentially record-breaking fashion with the least goals ever conceded, which their previous Champion 2010 side already hold, en-route to a World Cup victory?

Argentina vs Spain: Will Lionel Messi lift a second successive World Cup trophy?

When we say that Argentina vs Spain isn't the final that was necessarily predicted, that goes beyond pre-tournament expectations.

Across North America, these sides - particularly Argentina - have looked unconvincing in moments, yet have time and time again risen to the occasion, and upped their level, when required.

Against France, Luis de la Fuente's men entered the clash as underdogs, then delivered a dominant, well-drilled performance for the ages while creating a plethora of chances for themselves.

Against Egypt in the round of 16, Argentina were incredibly lucky to not exit the tournament, after surviving a scare versus Cape Verde prior to the match.

That pattern followed against Switzerland and England, with the latter being favoured to win: taking it to extra-time against the Swiss and coming back from the dead again versus the Three Lions.

On paper, Spain have the superior team. On the evidence of the knockout rounds, Argentina may have the greater mentality.

It would be unwise to suggest there isn't as much pressure riding on the Argentinians: their beloved captain Messi, whose sword the side lives and dies by, is almost certainly playing his last World Cup.

As a result, future iterations of this Argentina squad will be devoid of their central figure, and how long will it be before they can compete for football's greatest prize again?

On the other hand, Spain's star man; well, not so much this tournament, has almost his entire career ahead of him.

After coming into the tournament still recovering from injury Lamine Yamal has been in unconvincing form for his high standards at the 2026 World Cup, but, unlike Messi, he should represent his nation at many more to come.

However, Spain haven't won the competition for 16 years after a series of deeply disappointing attempts to recapture the spark of their brilliant side of the late 2000s and early 2010s.

As the defending holders, Argentina have already proved their worth in making it back to this event, so the Spaniards have more to lose should they fail to turn up this evening.

Spain's defence is scarily strong, limiting what appeared to be the best offensive force in the tournament to nothing versus France.

But Argentina's attack, while not the best at a first glance, is certainly the most unrelenting, and with Messi, a moment from nowhere should be expected, not just possible.

The likes of Dani Olmo, Mikel Oyarzabal and Rodri have been in wonderful form, and Yamal is long overdue a defining match.

For the Argentinians, Messi has been Messi, but Enzo Fernandez, Alexis MacAllister and super substitute Lautaro Martinez are all proving to be serious dangers at this tournament.

FourFourTwo thinks that Argentina will ride their luck one final time, but in a similarly high-octane basketball game to the 2022 final.

When Spain's defence is penetrated, because it will be, we will finally see the attacking potency of their line-up without a lead to defend.

Yamal will spring to life, and while he will fall short of Kylian Mbappe's astonishing World Cup final performance last time out, he will prove worthy as successor to the legendary Messi.

PREDICTION: Argentina 2-2 Spain

Argentina win on penalties (5-3)

Welcome to FourFourTwo’s live coverage of the biggest game on Earth. We are at the New York/New Jersey Stadium for a historic, mouthwatering clash of titans as Spain face off against defending world champions Argentina.

Can Lionel Messi guide La Albiceleste to back-to-back world titles and secure a historic fourth crown? Or will Spain's generational prodigy Lamine Yamal lead La Roja to their second-ever World Cup trophy?

Spain have been ruthless on their road to New Jersey, boasting the tournament's meanest defense behind the masterful Rodri who looks back to his Ballon d'Or best. But Argentina have proven they simply do not know when they are beaten, snatching a dramatic, Messi-inspired 2-1 win against England in the semi-finals, under their new guise as the comeback kings of the world.

Welcome!

Did you leave your football socks out for Soccer Claus last night? Meat and potato pie and an $11 beer under the World Cup tree?

The big day is upon us: the World Cup final.

Introducing first, in the blue corner: the reigning, defending, undisputed football champions of the world: Argentina.

And in the red corner, the challengers: former one-time World Cup winners and reigning European champions, Spain.

Massive game ahead. As big as it gets.

The scene

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey is our venue for this one.

This is the first time either side will have played at this stadium this summer.

There's maaaaassive queues for the media to get in today, which has not been the case at other games at this tournament - and by that we mean two hours if you're lucky, potentially up to four. Secret Service security checks, apparently. Can't imagine why.

Hopefully the fans in attendance won't have anything like those issues.

Spain's route to the final

Spain were tipped to do well this summer, of course, having been by far the best side and deserved winners at the Euros two years ago.

Luis de la Fuente's side kicked off with one of the most memorable games of the tournament as they were held to a goalless draw by debutants Cape Verde - and that game may well have contributed to Spain going under the radar a bit over the following few weeks.

Aside from their 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia in their second group game, Spain have built their run on being largely unspectacular but extremely well-drilled and extremely competent.

Spain made sure of topping the group with a 1-0 win over Uruguay before beating Austria 3-0 in the round of 32 and claiming a last-minute victory over Portugal in the round of 16.

Belgium remain the only side to have scored against Spain at this World Cup - well done, Charles De Ketelaere - but once again it was Mikel Merino who settled the tie late on in a 2-1 victory in the quarter-finals.

France were widely expected to beat Spain in the semi-finals, but Mikel Oyarzabal's third game of the tournament put them ahead before Pedro Perro made it 2-0 in a game Spain had complete control over throughout.

Argentina's route to the final

Argentina have had a much more dramatic time of it, on the whole.

The group stage was a breeze for them, with Algeria, Austria, and Jordan all seen off with minimal fuss, largely thanks to a series of inspired Lionel Messi displays.

Since then, though? It's got a bit ridiculous.

Cape Verde came from behind both in normal time and in extra time in a sensational game in the round of 32, with an own goal eventually giving Argentina a 3-2 victory.

Egypt went two goals up and looked set to make it through the round of 16 with Lionel Messi also missing a penalty, but roared back in the final 11 minutes to claim another 3-2 win.

Lionel Scaloni's side were second-best for much of their quarter-final meeting with Switzerland, offering very little after going ahead early on through an Alexis Mac Allister header off Messi's corner. But a red card for Swiss Breel Embolo just after his side had equalised turned the game, with Argentina scoring twice in extra time to win 3-1.

And there was yet more resilience required against England in the semi-finals after Anthony Gordon's goal ten minutes into the second half saw them fall behind - only for Thomas Tuchel's absolutely cowardly and pathetic substitutions to allow Argentina to keep applying the pressure and come back to claim a 2-1 win in the final five minutes plus stoppage time.

The race for the Golden Boot

As well as the World Cup trophy, Lionel Messi could have his eye on this year's golden boot.

He's going to have to get at least two goals and maybe an assist to win it this year, though.

Kylian Mbappe's brace against England took him to 10 goals this summer, with Messi currently on 8.

Unless he went off inside 57 minutes, even two goals from Messi would not be enough on their own to earn him the Golden Boot ahead of Mbappe.

That's because the first tiebreaker is assists - and both Messi and Mbappe have four of them.

If both goals and assists finish honours even, then it comes down to goals per minute - and again, Mbappe would hold the advantage, largely thanks to Argentina having played two lots of extra time at this tournament.

So...Messi needs two goals and an assist, or a hat-trick, to get the Golden Boot this year.

Either way, we are guaranteed to have the highest-scoring Golden Boot winner since Gerd Muller hit ten in 1970.

Incidentally, Mbappe is now also ahead of Messi for all-time goals scored at World Cups, too: the Frenchman is on 22, with Messi on 21.

The referee

46-year-old Slovenian Slavko Vincic has been handed the highest honour a referee can earn: taking charge of a World Cup final.

He said: “So, first of all, a shock. Then happiness. I was shaking, so it’s an incredible honour to get the World Cup final.

“It’s something that… it’s only a dream for a referee, for a young referee when they start. So, I’m very proud, very proud of myself, my team.

“It’s very difficult to put everything into words, but I’m very proud to represent my country, Slovenia, in the biggest sporting event in the world. So, yeah, I’m very proud. My team is very proud and we will do our best.”

This is Vincic's fourth game of the tournament: he also oversaw Brazil vs Morocco and Jordan vs Algeria in the group stage, as well as Mexico vs Ecuador in the round of 32.

Vincic also refereed the 2022 Europa League final, where Eintracht Frankfurt beat Rangers on penalties, and the 2024 Champions League final, where Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund.

The teams are in the building

The US president's presence at this game has meant those massive queues, with both TSA and the Secret Service handling security and causing waits of at least two hours to get into the stadium. Seems like a great setup all round.

But the teams are in the stadium, at least. Spain have taken a little wander around the pitch to check out the surface.

Just over an hour and a quarter to go, with the closing ceremony to come before kick-off.

Closing ceremony under way

We've already seen IShowSpeed, now we're onto Post Malone. We're also going to get performances from Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger and Robbie Williams, with an appearance from Tom Cruise.

Real up-to-the-minute cutting-edge stuff all round. Truly the very best world music has to offer.

Team news

Spain: Unai Simon, Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella, Dani Olmo, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Alex Baena.

Argentina: Emiliano Martinez, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Nicolas Gonzalez, Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez.

Do ITV know England aren't playing in this final?

We're currently getting a video package on Thomas Tuchel. Sure.

Where will this one be won and lost?

Throughout the knockout stages, Argentina have looked very capable in attack and have been able to summon on a huge amount of spirit and, perhaps more importantly, genuine quality in the final third.

But they have looked vulnerable in defence, particularly on their right flank - the opposition's left side. They can be got at by swift attacks up that side in particular.

We've also seen certain teams and individuals get to grips better with how to keep Lionel Messi quiet, at least up to a point. Switzerland's Granit Xhaka and England's Elliot Anderson both left Messi looking frustrated for much of the game in the past two rounds; might that be a job for Fabian Ruiz and/or Rodri here?

Spain, meanwhile, have been superb at not allowing an obvious weak point to show anywhere on the pitch.

If there has been a criticism of them at points, it has been that they have had phases of games where they have looked rather toothless, particularly with Lamine Yamal struggling for form for much of the competition.

But their system has looked more and more convincing as the summer has gone on, and they have excelled at grinding teams down - and when all else fails, Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has proven to be a superb option to play up front from the bench.

For Argentina, the key may be to try and limit Rodri's influence from midfield...but just like with Messi, that's easier said than done.

Extended half time coming in this one, obviously

Because apparently it's an absolute necessity to have a half-time show, a break of around 25-30 minutes is expected in the middle of this game.

Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, Burna Boy and Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus (with Coldplay) will stick their stupid disruptive noses where they don't belong for the benefit of nobody except FIFA's desperate bid for cultural relevance. Sure, Gianna, that's what Madonna, Shakira and Coldplay give you.

Micah Richard says on the BBC: "After about 10-15 minutes, I would have been getting really stiff. I would have found it really difficult."

All worth it though we're sure.

30 minutes to go

Excited?

The teams are going through their warm-ups at present, but don't worry, they'll soon have some more musicians and stuff out on the pitch.

What goes around...

After enjoying himself at Harry Kane's expense, Wayne Rooney's voice is now giving up on him as he goes through his pre-match punditry on the BBC.

Looking to go back-to-back

Only two sides have ever won back-to-back men's World Cups: Italy in 1934 and 1938, and Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

Argentina have the chance to join that list today have deprived France of the honour in an absolute classic of a final four years ago.

We can only dream of having a showpiece as brilliant at that one this time around...right?

Could be a long evening

Four of the past five men's World Cup finals have gone to extra time, with two of them settled on penalties. France's 4-2 triumph over Croatia in 2018 was the only exception.

With the extended half time interval, we're probably not going to be done with the regulation 90 minutes until well past 5pm local time (10pm UK time). Extra time and penalties would be likely to take us past 11.

And just to compound matters, the closing ceremony looks to be running a bit behind schedule.

Jennifer Hudson belts out the US national anthem

The EGOT-winner is finally in place to sing the Star-Spangled Banner.

Still weird that she was once married to David Otunga.

Paulie Gualtieri from the Sopranos now takes the mic

No, wait, it's Robbie Williams, apparently.

This is dross

Paulie is joined by Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini to perform some absolute dirge that has absolutely killed the crowd. Absolute garbage. Why have they done this to us? Get on with it.

The World Cup now comes out in a Louis Vuitton case. "I feel like I'm having a fever dream," my wife says. She's not wrong. Bizarre business all round.

And now here's Tom Cruise

He's doing a dramatic monologue, while holding onto his sunglasses. Nobody could have held onto them for him for a bit?

"Football is a language spoken without words," says Tom Cruise

Take your own advice Tom.

Finally, mercifully, that's all over (for now)

The teams are in the tunnel. The flags of Spain and Argentina have been pulled across the pitch. Minutes away.

KICK OFF

Over six minutes late, we're under way in the World Cup final!

4 - Tentative opening

Both sides have had a spell of possession to try and feel their way into the game.

5 - First chance

Yamal plays off Olmo brilliantly to get free in the box, but his shot deflects straight at Emi Martinez.

Spain get into the box again moments later but it comes to nothing, and a quick Argentina break forces Unai Simon to race 35 yards off his line to mop up. Just about gets there before Messi and the danger is gone.

Messi looked to pull out of that when I think it was winnable.

7 - Free kick shout

Porro looked set to get into the box off Oyarzabal's flick, but was brought down off the ball by Mac Allister. No foul, says the referee. Not sure that was the right call but there we go.

Spain looking the better side so far.

12 - Spain corner

Ruiz's cross from deep on the left is flicked behind for a corner. Baena to take from the right.

He finds Olmo at the back post, but it's a hard one to take down and Romero nips in to get it away.

15 - Rough tackle

Mac Allister somehow avoids a yellow card for a nasty challenge on Olmo. Not a red, should have been yellow for sure, just a warning from the referee.

17 - Argentina free kick

Baena with a cynical shove on Messi 40 yards out.

De Paul tries to find Gonzalez's run into the box but overhits it for a goal kick.

18 - Claim

Wonderful first touch from Yamal to bring down a high ball, drive forward and put in a low cross, but Emi Martinez claims it.

23 - "The assistant didn't put his flag up!"

So says Alan Shearer after a clearance deflects off a Spanish man and drops nicely for Oyarzabal inside the box, with Fernandez back well to make sure there's no threat, but Oyarzabal knew he was offside and didn't go for it.

Yes, Alan. They don't put the flag up straight away these days. They haven't for years. Come on, keep up.

25 - Hydration break

Is it disrespectful to play Las Ketchup during the drinks break? That's what they're doing, anyway.

One of our men in the ground, the esteemed Joe Donnohue, reports that the Spain fans are chanting "FIFA-tina" whenever a decision goes Argentina's way, such as Mac Allister avoiding yellow for that tackle ten minutes ago.

28 - Back at it

Play resumes. Spain have had the better of that first quarter.

Mac Allister with a blatant intentional handball. Still no yellow for him.

30 - Intense from Spain

Spain are not letting Argentina breathe in their own half here. They just had to put it out for a throw in the Spain half to get away from Cucurella's intense press after he had briefly taken possession of a rushed Argentina pass.

33 - Argentina free kick

Mac Allister draws a foul out on the left wing. Deep crossing position for the Argentina free kick, but cross it they will...

...no, Messi passes it instead, then is easily dispossessed by Ruiz. Waste.

35 - "That late flag again"

Shearer at it again as Cucurella is flagged after his cross is cleared for a throw.

I don't understand how all pundits and commentators still keep doing this, as if they've watched no football in the past seven years.

38 - Probing

Spain have a sustained spell of pressure around the Argentina box, but Cucurella's cross is poor. Spain get another try through Olmo, but it's headed away before Oyarzabal can get onto it. Porro shouts for handball against Lisandro Martinez just outside the box as his shot is blocked, nothing given..

Spain try again after dealing with an attempted Argentina counter, and eventually Oyarzabal gets a shot off from 25 yards - well struck but straight at Emi Martinez for a routine save.

That's about as good an attempt on goal as we've seen so far, and even that was nothing to write home about.

41 - Yellow card

Lisandro Martinez in the book for the most cynical of fouls on Oyarzabal to stop any chance of a Spain break.

42 - Nobody on the end of it

Nice intricate stuff from Spain to get Porro free up the right. Decent ball into an area, but nobody challenges for it.

43 - Wide

Cucurella receives the ball on the edge of the box towards the left, no real passing options, so he has a shot - drags it wide of the far post.

And Lisandro Martinez has now gone down, with Emi Martinez indicating to the bench that the centre-back needs to go off.

44 - Substitution

Nicolas Otamendi is on in place of Lisandro Martinez.

Four minutes added on

This game still yet to come to life. Can we get a twist to set up something for the second half please?

HALF TIME: Spain 0-0 Argentina

Yawn.

And now for a complete and utter waste of everyone's time for the next 20-30 minutes in the form of that ridiculous half-time show.

Go and have a walk, have a coffee, renew your acquaintance with a long-lost childhood friend, file your tax return, and by the time you're done it might almost be time for the second half.

Hold the phone

The Muppets are part of this half time show?

Alright fine. Dunno why they've got those other fleshbags involved at all. All Muppets please.

There's Madge

Performing her song Music, from [checks notes] the year 2000.

All pre-recorded, as well. She's being driven around by a mortified-looking OG Ronaldo and a rather happier looking Ronaldinho.

Why are you doing this, Ronaldo? This is beneath you.

And out them come onto the pitch as a trio.

And now the real main event: the Muppets helping to perform Seven Nation Army (2003).

And now BTS take over

Performing Dynamite (2020), which sounds like a tribute to B*Witched.

Of course we have to have Ted Lasso. He's really funny! He's an American but he's a football manager! He doesn't really know what he's doing! But he's lovable!

He hands over to Justin Bieber to bring the mood down with something boring and heartfelt.

Chris Martin is proud of this, is he?

Lining his pockets with FIFA money to force this crap on the world?

Well done, you're an asset to society.

Anyway here's Shakira and Burna Boy.

Now here's some kids who have been co-opted into this farce

Chris Martin and the rest of the performers join a bunch of kids around the word "LOVE" on the pitch.

And that's it. What a spectacular waste of time and money. Everyone involved should be ashamed.

ROOONNEEEYYY!

Gabby Logan asks the BBC pundits for their favourite parts of the half time show. Wayne Rooney: "My favourite bit was when it finished. I thought it was crap."

Here we go then

The players are back out, finally, some 27 minutes after the half time whistle went.

Argentina are absolutely meandering over to slow things down further, and Leandro Paredes is set to come on.

Half time: Argentina sub

Paredes comes on for Nicolas Gonzalez.

SECOND HALF

We're back under way.

46 - Has to hit it better

Argentina give the ball away in their own third, and Baena cuts across the face of the 18 yard box to et into a good shooting position - but puts a tame effort pretty well straight at Emi Martinez.

Had to at least test the keeper properly there.

48 - Argentina corner

Messi to take from the right.

Whipped to the near post, clearance rebounds out off Mac Allister for a goal kick.

52 - Man down...two men down

Paredes leaves an elbow on Rodri, sparking a very slow coming together between the two sides. Olmo gets shoved over in the thick of it too. Something and nothing.

Paredes goes in the book for pushing over Olmo.

54 - Very scrappy this now

The ten minutes since the break has just been a series of niggly little fouls. That plays to Argentina's favour you would think.

Spain actually play some football now, but Ruiz's return pass for Oyarzabal on the edge of the box is cut out after good work to get there.

57 - Spain corner

Rodri's through ball slips Olmo into the box at pace. He tries to cut it back to Cucurella in a great position, but Montiel gets there first. Behind for a corner.

In from the right after a short corner, but it's a dreadful ball - far too high and straight out for a goal kick.

58 - Argentina sub

Montiel goes off, on comes Nahuel Molina. Straight swap at right-back.

59 - No moment of quality so far

Spain have had most of the ball, all the territory and all the impetus, but this is them in that sterile mode we've seen them in at various points in this tournament.

They presumably want Yamal to provide a spark, but he's done absolutely diddly squat so far.

60 - Spain free kick

Spain have a free kick on the right and could either pass, cross or shoot here. Left for Yamal...who hits the wall. Baena thinks he's bought a corner off a blocked cross, but it stays in play and Argentina force it out for a throw their own way.

62 - Spain subs

Ferran Torres and Pedri on for Oyarzabal and Ruiz.

63 - Argentina still yet to have a shot

Absolutely zero from the reigning champions. Five from Spain, apparently, of which three on target. None of them memorable.

64 - Spain corner

Olmo tries his luck from 25 yards , straight at Emi Martinez, but the keeper makes a bit of a hash of it and turns it out for a corner. He was relieved to see it wasn't going into the top corner instead.

Corner cleared, Yamal tries again with a good cross, Paredes nods it out for another corner on the left this time.

Bit of a scramble in the box, but Argentina lump it away in the end.

66 - And another corner

Cross from the left nodded behind. Yamal to take from the right.

Straight to Mac Allister at the near post. Headed away.

Yamal gets to the byline off the loose ball and puts it onto Torres' head, but he puts it - you guessed it - straight at the keeper. Should have done better.

68 - Drinks break

We're going to have a three minute stoppage.

Cristian Romero has gone down holding his ankle, but after a few moments, he's back up to join his teammates in the dugout.

Still goalless.

69 - We'll level with you

This game has been rubbish. If Spain had anything in the final third, they'd have this game sewn up already. So far, they have not.

In the other direction, we've barely seen anything of Lionel Messi whatsoever.

70 - Final Argentina subs

Romero and De Paul go off. Giuliano Simeone and Facundo Medina on.

Back under way.

75 - Spain subs

Olmo and Baena make way. On come Nico WIlliams and Mikel Merino.

Firmly into Plan B mode here for Spain.

77 - You won't believe this

Spain just shot straight at Emi Martinez again. Pedri this time.

Spain try again and Yamal wriggles into the box, but his cutback is blocked and cleared.

Long shot from Cubarsi tests Martinez with its power, despite being (yeeep) straight at him. Spain keep it alive and win a corner.

Over everyone and out for a throw.

80 - Spain corner

Porro's cross from the right is blocked, out for yet another Spain corner.

Short again, Pedri gets it to Williams at the byline, cross to Laporte, header is a comfortable one for Emi Martinez.

He launches it long, it ends up back with Simon in the opposite box.

83 - Yellow card

Enzo Fernandez being a petulant little sod and getting booked for dissent? Surely not.

87 - Wide

Merino dinks it over the top for Torres, but he can't connect properly with his finish and it bounces harmlessly wide.

90 - The view from MetLife Stadium

Our own Joe Donnohue, out at MetLife Stadium, has the following assessment:

If Lionel Messi gets just one of the opportunities Spain have made a habit of squandering this half, it'll be game over. The Spanish have been uncharacteristically profligate - their attempts lacking power and placement.

Emiliano Martinez has made save after save, but he's hardly had to work for any of them. We approach extra time here at the New York New Jersey Stadium…

Four minutes added

We're now into Scaloni time, or else it'll be extra time.

90+1 - Argentina free kick

Laporte fails to dematerialise as Messi runs into him, which is a free kick, apparently.

It's 35-40 yards from goal. but a chance to ump the ball into the box.

No, they go short. Worked to Messi, who is tackled as he cuts inside.

Argentina come again, Simeone crosses, Simon claims it.

Spain go on the break, Williams has two men in support and opts to shoot - good save!

90+3 - RED CARD - Enzo Fernandez (Argentina)

How thick can you get?

Fernandez was only booked ten minutes ago, but he still decides to go ploughing straight through Cubarsi. He's eons late, it's a ridiculous challenge, second yellow, off you go.

Stupid boy.

90+4 - Argentina protest, Fernandez cries

Argentina, ridiculously, protest that decision en masse. Not a leg to stand on there. Ridiculous.

Fernandez is in tears as he goes off. Good.

90+7 - Spain free kick

This could be the last kick of the 90 - and Spain have a free kick in an ideal shooting position.

The world holds its breath. Yamal and Porro looking at it.

90+8 - Save!

Good hit by Yamal on that free kick, but Emi Martinez pushes it out for a corner!

Taken quickly and short, then put into the box...cleared.

END OF 90 MINUTES

Goalless. And now Argentina must take on extra time with ten men.

EXTRA TIME

We're under way on the additional 30 minutes.

97 - GOAL DISALLOWED

Nico WIlliams has it in the net, but the referee has whistled!

Pedri touches on a ball into the box, Merino beats Martinez to the loose ball but can only put it straight at the keeper, and Williams tucks home the rebound!

VAR will have a look at this - but the initial replays don't really show anything in the way of a foul...

99 - Goal still ruled out, Spain sub

Yeah VAR has chosen not to intervene. VAR apaprently saying Otamendi had his foot stood on in the build-up. OK.

Eric Garcia on for Rodri.

112 - Off target

Yamal miscues his shot well off target after Pedri leaves it on the edge of the box for his Barcelona teammate.

113 - Close!

Williams whips in a cross from the corner of the box and Merino times his run well to meet it with Emi Martinez surely beaten - but he glances it wide!

That should have been the opener.

115 - Yellow card

Scaloni goes in the book for protesting the non-award of a Cucurella foul on Simeone.

I think it was a foul but there we go.

HALF TIME IN EXTRA TIME

This has descended into farce over the past few minutes with both sides as bad as the other for petulant little shoves and tussles.

15 more minutes to go.

Still zero shots for Argentina in 105 minutes.

This game is awful.

INTO THE FINAL 15

Come on, someone, do something.

106 - GOAL SPAIN! 1-0

FINALLY! TORRES!

More on the goal!

It's a high ball into the box, Williams does great to get to it before Medina at the byline and nod it back to Torres, and he powers a shot past the helpless Emi Martinez!

11

111 - Yellow card

Mac Allister is in the book for a foul on Merino.

He was very lucky not to be booked early on in the game.

114 - GOAL DISALLOWED

Spain hit Argentina on the counter, Yamal plays Torres in from the halfway line, nobody except Emi Martinez in that entire half of the pitch, and he gets his finish right!

...but the flag is up for offside. Tight one, but correct.

115 - Argentina corner

Messi's cross is turned behind by Garcia.

Messi plays the corner short, then loops a high ball into the box...in fact, onto the roof of the net. Goal kick.

116 - What was that?!

Williams just surged into the box from the left, can either shoot or play it across to Torres....and instead pokes it harmlessly wide of the near post. Absolutely bizarre.

Looks like he was trying to flip-flap it and got it wrong.

117 - Man down

Argentina, finally, after 117 minutes, have their first shot - but Messi absolutely ploughs it straight into Merino's face from just outside the box.

That will have left him seeing stars, and he needs a moment to recover.

Play will restart with...a corner, I think?

No, it's a drop ball. Never went out.

120 - Argentina free kick

Daft foul from Williams 45 yards out. Messi is going to pump this into the box....no, short, then slides it to Simeone at the byline, cutback across the six yard box, and Spain get it behind from the goalmouth! Huge moment.

Argentina corner.

120+1 - Over the bar!

Five minutes added on.

Messi's corner causes a scramble, and the ball goes behind for another corner.

Short from Messi, but the ref orders it retaken having whistled for shoving in the box.

Messi again from the right, flicked on near post, Simeone is free to get a shot off - and put it over the bar! Just leaning back too far to get his foot around the ball.

120+3 - Stupid free kick

...goes Spain way on the edge of the Spain box. Argentina were working their way up the left and Simeone just shoved his man down off the ball. The officials clocked it.

120+5 - Keepaway

Spain are just holding onto the ball to try and see out the final minute....but a stray pass sees Cucurella commit a foul on halfway.

Emi Martinez to punt this into the box. Final seconds.

FULL TIME: SPAIN WIN THE WORLD CUP

That's it! Ferran Torres' extra-time goal is the difference against ten-man Argentina!

Disgrace

Scaloni has gone mad on the final whistle, marching onto the pitch and confronting several Spain players.

Alan Shearer says he saw someone throwing some haymakers.

Nicolas Otamendi is going at it with Rodri now.

Argentina have been disgraceful throughout this game and beyond. Cynical, nasty anti-football and no class whatsoever in defeat. Spain the only team that deserved to win it.

Complain all you want, Argentina

Paredes has absolutely lost his mind after the final whistle, going at it with several Spanish players and having to be pulled away before he properly lamps someone. He also grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat.

Joe Hart says: "Disgusting. There's one player in that squad who had a bit of class and that's Lionel Messi, who went around and shook the hands of all the Spanish players."

No idea what they're so upset about. You didn't have a shot until the one hundred and seventeeth minute, lads. Not a sausage. They set up to do absolutely nothing except defend and spoil the game. They got exactly what they deserved.

And now Spain can celebrate

Now that their dreadful opposition have shuffled off the pitch, Spain's celebrations begin in earnest.

Lamine Yamal lies down on the floor just taking it all in for a moment alongside Nico Williams.

The players and staff then join arms in a massive circle and dance around.

The European champions are now also world champions.

Spot on from Emma Hayes, as ever

The USA manager said on ITV: "This was death by a million cuts. Spain were just waiting to put a dying dog down."

Brutal and correct.

The agony and the ecstasy

This is what it means.

Trophy lift imminent

The various FIFA and government representatives are out to hand out the medals and, finally, the trophy.

The referees go up first, to whistles.

The individual awards

Young player of the tournament goes to Spain centre-back Pau Cubarsi, who looks absolutely delighted, bless him.

The Golden Gloves go to Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon. Emi Martinez doesn't look too happy. Oh no.

No holding the trophy his genitals for Simon.

The Golden Ball for player of the tournament goes to Rodri. Clean sweep for Spain.

The Golden Boot, of course, goes to France's 10-goal man Kylian Mbappe.

Messi in tears

The Argentinian icon has burst into tears after going up to receive his silver medal and then heading over to the Argentina end, who receive him with glowing adulation.

Up they go

The Spain squad now head up to get their gold medals.

How's that feel?

Match-winner Ferran Torres cannot resist laying his hand on the trophy on his way past after receiving his medal.

Rodri the last to go up, after Luis de la Fuente - and now the Spain captain will get the chance to lift the World Cup trophy.

And there it is!

Rodri hoists the trophy aloft!

The Spain squad take their turn to do likewise, and fireworks blast off from the full perimeter of Metlife Stadium.

That trophy is bigger than we remember

So then...that's it

The men's World Cup is over for another four years, and this year's edition is now one for the history books.

We should acknowledge there has been no shortage of controversy around and during this tournament, the fallout from which will rightly continue to be discussed.

But on the pitch, we've seen minnows go further than we expected, Scottish heartbreak once more, shock eliminations for Germany and the Netherlands in the round of 32, England blow hot and cold to make it to the semi-finals, a ten-goal thriller in the third-place play-off, Kylian Mbappe's golden boot triumph, and what was frankly one of the worst cup finals we have ever seen in any competition at any level.

The enduring images of that final will no doubt be Enzo Fernandez's sheer stupidity, Ferran Torres' deserved winner, Argentina's rage on the final whistle, and Lionel Messi's tears.

That's all from us for tonight and for the 2026 World Cup. Thank you for joining us!

Watch the World Cup Final 2026 as Spain take on Argentina to be crowned champions. The match has gone to extra time after Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the dying seconds of the game for Argentina.

After 39 days and 103 games, the stage is finally set for a mouthwatering World Cup final in New Jersey between two sides that have made winning a habit.

European champions Spain are unbeaten in a record-equalling 37 matches (their penalty shootout loss to Portugal in the Nations League final officially being recorded as a draw), while defending champions Argentina have won 14 games in a row.

Both teams have found a formula for success, but that is where the similarities end. For Spain, it is all about control. The entire team works as one to ensure they dominate possession and frustrate their opponents. This has helped them become the first team in World Cup history to keep six clean sheets at a single tournament.

In contrast, Argentina’s recent achievements have owed much to a squad built to get the best out of Lionel Messi. They may be vulnerable in defence, but they fight tooth and nail to protect their little magician and give him the best chance of producing something miraculous.

In New Jersey, we’ll find out which approach comes out on top.

Read on as FourFourTwo brings you all the information you need to watch Spain vs Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 online, on TV, and from anywhere.

Spain vs Argentina: Team news

Spain XI: Simon, Cucurella, Laporte, Cubarsi, Porro, Ruiz, Rodri, Baena, Olmo, Yamal, Oyarzabal

Argentina XI: Martinez, Tagliafico, Martinez, Romero, Montiel, Gonzalez, Fernandez, Mac Allister, De Paul, Alvarez, Messi

Watch World Cup Final for FREE

The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will be free-to-stream across multiple regions, including BBC and ITV in the UK, RTÉ Player in Ireland, SBS On Demand in Australia, CazéTV on YouTube in Brazil, NOS in the Netherlands, RTBF/VRT in Belgium, SRF/RTS/RSI in Switzerland, and TRT in Turkey.

This game will also be available for free in Spain on RTVE Play and Argentina on TVP.

English commentary will be provided on BBC, ITV, RTE Player and SBS On Demand.

‼️ Outside one of these countries? Use Norton VPN to unlock your stream from anywhere in the world — more on that below.

Watch World Cup Final from anywhere

Away from home this summer and want to watch Spain vs Argentina? All you need is a VPN, a handy piece of software that makes your devices appear to be in a different location.

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How to watch World Cup Final in the UK

In the UK, you can stream the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on BBC One and ITV1. The build-up starts at 7.00pm, ahead of the kick-off at 8:00pm.

How to watch World Cup Final in the US

In the US, you can stream the World Cup Final on Fox.

This channel is accessible via Fox's own streaming platform Fox One or via a cord-cutting platform such as YouTube TV, Hulu+Live TV, Sling (select markets), Fubo or DirecTV.

Telemundo will have Spanish language coverage and is available via one of the above cord-cutters or Peacock.

How to watch World Cup Final in Australia

In Australia, you can watch the World Cup Final for free on SBS On Demand.

World Cup Final 2026: Spain vs Argentina Preview

Aiming to emulate the legendary Spanish side that won Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup, the current crop head into the final having conceded just one goal across four knockout games, and on the back of a comprehensive 2-0 victory over a French side with a terrifying attack.

That semi-final victory demonstrated just how far the team has come under head coach Luis de la Fuente. He has created a side that perfectly combines individual talent with teamwork and discipline.

For all the talk of Lamine Yamal, it has been the spine of Unai Simón, Pau Cubarsí, Rodri and Mikel Oyarzabal that has caught the eye in North America. Each has played a major role in Spain’s success in this tournament and will be vital to La Roja’s chances of lifting the trophy for just the second time.

While Spain have cruised into the final, Argentina have staged a series of remarkable fightbacks. After surviving a scare against Cape Verde, they fired three goals in the final stages to eliminate Egypt, needed extra time to overcome Switzerland, and trailed England 1-0 in the 84th minute.

On each occasion, they have simply refused to accept defeat. Manager Lionel Scaloni has made impactful substitutions, while Messi has come up with vital goals and assists.

Thanks to this, La Albiceleste now have the chance to become just the third nation to win back-to-back World Cups. Having also won consecutive Copa América titles, victory over Spain would surely cement their position as Argentina’s greatest-ever team.

World Cup Final 2026: Spain vs Argentina Q+A

FourFourTwo's prediction

Spain 2-1 Argentina

Argentina will put up more of a fight than France but FourFourTwo sees Spain achieving a deserved victory.

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It's here. The big one. The World Cup Final.

No fewer than 103 matches have been and gone to get to this point; over 154 hours of football played, 618 minutes of hydration break endured.

And while those of a Three Lions persuasion would have liked to see their representatives in this showpiece decider, what a tie we have ahead of us. But who's guiding us through it?

Who are the BBC pundits, commentators and presenters for Spain vs Argentina?

For the first time in this tournament for viewers in the UK, you have your pick of broadcasters, with the BBC and ITV both showing the 8pm BST kick-off.

In terms of the BBC, we now know who'll be covering the all-important meeting in New Jersey.

Hosting proceedings will be BBC stalwart Gabby Logan, who brings almost 30 years of broadcasting experience to the programme.

Joining her with expert analysis of the final is a star-studded line-up of former England internationals, with Wayne Rooney, Micah Richards and Joe Hart offering their pre-match, in-game and post-match thoughts.

Speaking over the pictures during the two halves will be lead BBC commentator Guy Mowbray, a fan favourite and a true signal that a big game is upon us.

He'll be joined by none other than Alan Shearer, who has carved out a post-playing media career as successful as his contributions on the pitch, but this will undoubtedly be one of his biggest gigs.

Pressure? What pressure?

The World Cup Final is here and, sadly, one of the most interesting battles from an English perspective is which broadcaster wins your attention.

That's because both the BBC and ITV are showing the competition's finale, to be contested between Spain and Argentina.

But who's running the latter's coverage?

Who are the pundits, commentators and presenters for Spain vs Argentina?

In Lionel Messi vs Lamine Yamal, we have a proper master against apprentice clash; a properly tasty tie.

The action kicks off at 8pm BST in New Jersey, and we now know who'll be on the ground reporting for ITV.

Hosting the coverage, as he has done for many of the major games throughout, is lead ITV presenter Mark Pougatch.

And it's a bumper team along with him to provide expert insight, with no less than four pundits in the form of Roy Keane, Karen Carney, Gary Neville and Ian Wright.

Heavyweight line-up, indeed.

Meanwhile, on commentary duties, it's top dog Sam Matterface heading a triple threat also containing fan favourite Ally McCoist and the ever-present Lee Dixon.

For all our referee insights, the broadcaster will be throwing it over to Christina Unkel.

And that’s why England have to build around Jude Bellingham.

That is why Thomas Tuchel has to trust more in his No 10. England were again struggling to protect a World Cup lead, a crazy game teetering at 5-4 when Bellingham did what he does best. This force of nature, this powerhouse of a footballer, picked up the ball and destroyed a defence with quick feet, quick mind and superb strength and technique.

A bonkers, breathless football match, the greatest close-run affair between England and France since Waterloo, ended in a tennis score. Thanks to Bellingham. No Englishman has ever scored more than his seven at a World Cup. And he’s only 23. Cherish him.

HENRY WINTER: 'Cherish Jude Bellingham'

England have good players. One of the narratives following England’s World Cup heartache against Argentina was that the talent was insufficient. Nonsense. England have the players like Bellingham. They were just let down by Tuchel’s substitutions.

As well as the prodigy Bellingham, another reminder of the talent at Tuchel’s disposal was the sight of Bukayo Saka opening up France’s defence time and again with his rapidity and boldness of movement. He was named Man of the Match, inevitably for his hat-trick.

The Arsenal winger, their 'star-boy', spoke afterwards at his frustration of not playing more in the World Cup. He’d been ignored by Tuchel against Argentina.

“There was a reason, an in-game decision against Bukayo,” Tuchel said on the eve of this third-place play-off. “We decided for a more physical approach with Morgan Rogers.’’ Rogers created Anthony Gordon’s goal, which allowed Tuchel to argue the decision was vindicated – Rogers "proved us right” - but he clearly did not use Saka enough.

Being so professional and team-minded, Saka responded in the way he knows best, in style, in prolific fashion.

But Bellingham is the heart and soul of this England team, the re-energiser, the next captain when Harry Kane stands down. He came on when England were risking throwing away a lead and another World Cup game. Déjà vu as their opponents would say. Not on Bellingham’s watch. He drove past Maxence Lacroix, easily eluded Dayot Upamecano and drilled his shot past Mike Maignan. England could breathe easily.

It’s folly to suggest there isn’t talent. England’s starting front six against Argentina had cost more than £600m. Morgan Rogers is the subject of a £117m interest from Chelsea. Marcus Rashford promptly nutmegged Warren Zaire-Emery as this mad, fun third-place game kicked off. The lions were rampant, beating France in a competitive game for the first time since 1982, at the World Cup in Bilbao when Bryan Robson set the tone very early.

Tuchel is a very proud man, a flaw when situations require some reflection, even introspection.

His name and picture on the giant screens were briefly booed before kick-off. And then his team went 4-0 up. Good players. France didn’t know what hit them. Sacre bleu. That was more like it. England played on the front foot, free from fear, encouraged to go out and play. There was little at stake, the crowd had an MLS feel, enjoying some pre-season fare. But those England diehards, the masochists with air miles who had stayed on, were rewarded in style. Some of them had got in on the act, and taken the French fans apart 12-3 in a friendly near Miami Beach.

The players followed suit, Declan Rice leading the way as captain, scoring, assisting and sending a message that England do have good players. Saka initially shone in comparison to the great Kylian Mbappe. A show of force, of goals, a show perhaps also to their manager that they should be trusted.

Rice bestrode the first half, picking off Desire Doue’s pass, being too quick for Malo Gusto and Zaire-Emery, and then using Ibrahima Konate as a shield to mask intentions from Mike Maignan, and finish powerfully: 0-1. Rice then curled in a corner, Ezri Konsa was too strong for Adrien Rabiot, and headed past Maignan: 0-2. The men with three lions on their shirt were rampant, unstoppable, seizing a third when Rashford and Saka combined, Maignan went walkabout, and Saka finished: 0-3. Arsenal’s “star-boy” then ran on to a pass from Eberechi Eze and shot low past Maignan: 0-4.

As Rice and Mbappe were swapping shirts in the tunnel at the break, Didier Deschamps was making more than a wardrobe change. Theo Hernandez, Rayan Cherki, Ibrahima Konate and Desire Doue were hooked. Lucas Digne, Upamecano, Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele came on and immediately made a difference. Upamecano outmuscled Ollie Watkins, who’d replaced Rashford on the left, Michael Olise angled a through ball for Mbappe, whose left foot placed it past Henderson; 1-4. Mbappe now played the creator, guiding Barcola into space. He was too quick for Konsa, too clinical for Henderson; 2-4. Olise then released Mbappe through England’s shell-shocked defence: 3-4. Chasing the Golden Boot, Mbappe moved two clear of Lionel Messi on 10.

The second-half hydration break arrived at the perfect time for Tuchel, briefly halting France’s momentum, and giving him an opportunity to bring some composure and organisation to his troubled team. Olise wasted three chances at least.

FIFA announced the crowd of 64,478, celebrating that with “FULL HOUSE” which must have been a surprise to those sitting next to the couple of hundred empty seats. Many of the fans had been rhythmically chanting “Mbappe, Mbappe” but soon had Bellingham to cheer. England’s No 10 was loudly cheered on as Tuchel sought to set France a challenge. Anything to relieve the siege. Elliot Anderson also ran on to regain control of midfield. Ivan Toney and Eze departed. With five minutes remaining, England had a chance to kill the game off. Djed Spence raced past Gusto, who slid in and clipped the Tottenham man’s trailing left foot. Angling his penalty low past Maignan, Saka converted the 16^th of the 20 he has taken: 3-5.

The madness resumed, Dembele beating Dean Henderson: 4-5. Nerves bit deep before Bellingham decided to kill France off: 4-6. England departed with bronze medals, with doubts remaining over Tuchel but utterly convinced in the importance of Jude Bellingham.

The New York New Jersey Stadium is set to host the World Cup Final on Sunday with fans of Spain and Argentina hopeful of seeing their country lift the famous trophy.

Spain are vying for a second World Cup title, whilst Argentina are bidding to go level with Germany and Italy on four apiece.

Plenty has been made of the conditions in which the 2026 World Cup has taken place this summer with games such as France-Iraq and Mexico-England delayed due to thunderstorms and shelter-in-place orders issued.

World Cup Final weather report

Now, ahead of the tournament's showpiece finale, New York City residents were warned to avoid travel unless 'fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order' on Saturday afternoon.

Thunderstorms rolled through the city, instigating a downpour of biblical proportions, turning roads and subway stations into makeshift streams.

The National Weather Service's alert read: "Imminent Threat Alert - A FLASH FLOOD WARNING is in effect for this area until 3:30pm EDT. This is a dangerous and life-threatening situation.

"Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order."

Adidas closed their fanzone at Brooklyn Bridge Park due to the inclement conditions on World Cup Final eve, too.

The weather forecast for Sunday afternoon, when the final is scheduled to kick-off at 3pm local time, is much improved. Meteorologists expect temperatures of 29°C at the New York New Jersey Stadium with light winds and clear skies.

Favourable conditions will ease the concerns of tournament organisers FIFA, who have arranged a bumper half-time show in the middle of the contest, which will feature the likes of Justin Bieber, Madonna and Shakira.

A downpour of Saturday's kind would certainly have dampened the ensemble cast's performance, or delayed it altogether if lightning strikes were present in the area.

Spain take on Argentina at the New York New Jersey Stadium at 3pm local (8pm BST) on Sunday afternoon.

England and France are playing in the World Cup game that no one wants to compete in - the Bronze final.

Both sides would have fancied their chances of reaching the final, but came out on the wrong side of their semi-finals - Spain beat France and Argentina came from behind to beat England.

So, who do the BBC have in the punditry and commentary roles covering England versus France?

Who are the pundits, commentators and presenters for France vs England?

France vs England will kick off at 10pm BST, broadcast by the BBC with the full line-up of pundits, commentators and presenters now revealed.

Both teams would rather be in New York preparing for Sunday's final, but know that this game is a chance to bow out on a high.

Presenting will be Jason Mohammad, one of the BBC's most experienced radio and television broadcasters.

Serving as reporter on the ground is Kelly Somers, another experienced interviewer and football correspondent for the BBC, whilst Stephen Warnock is on punditry duties.

The match's main voice is Jonathan Pearce, a regular of the BBC's major tournament output over the past few tournaments.

Joining him as co-commentator for the clash in Miami is the former England defender Matthew Upson.

Here is FourFourTwo's prediction for the match, as well as details on the match referee and his officiating team.

Watch Manchester United vs Wrexham today as Michael Carrick's side face Championship opponents in Helsinki in their opening pre-season friendly, with FourFourTwo bringing you all the details on live streams and TV channels, wherever you are in the world.

Carrick is preparing for his first season as United's permanent manager, having been appointed on a full-time basis after guiding the club back into the Champions League during his spell as interim head coach.

Meanwhile, Wrexham are readying themselves for another shot at promotion to the Premier League after they narrowly missed out on a place in the Championship play-offs last term.

Read on as FourFourTwo brings you all the information you need to watch Manchester United vs Wrexham online and from anywhere.

Can I watch Manchester United vs Wrexham for free?

Unfortunately, Manchester United vs Wrexham is not being broadcast free-to-air.

Read on as we show you how to watch the game online from anywhere.

Abroad for Manchester United vs Wrexham? Use NordVPN to unlock your stream from anywhere in the world.

Watch Manchester United vs Wrexham from anywhere

Away from home right now? You don't have to miss Manchester United vs Wrexham. The solution to your geo-restriction nightmares is a Virtual Private Network (VPN), a piece of software that can set your devices to appear to be in any country in the world.

FourFourTwo’s tech-obsessed office-mates over at Tom's Guide know everything there is to know about VPNs, and they rate NordVPN as the best VPN you can buy.

How to watch Manchester United vs Wrexham

Manchester United vs Wrexham will be shown live on MUTV and wrexhamafc.co.uk.

MUTV is United's in-house television channel and costs £7.99/month or £29.99/year.

It is available to stream on MUTV Digital and the official Manchester United app, as well as on Sky (Channel 418) and Virgin Media (Channel 526) in the UK - but you must pay an extra £7/month to watch it on linear TV.

MUTV is also accessible via beIN Sports in countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.

You can also watch the game at wrexhamafc.co.uk by purchasing a match pass for £4.99. Pre-registration is required if you have not previously created an account for streaming.

Manchester United vs Wrexham: Preview

Nearly eight weeks on from their final fixture of the 2025/26 season, Manchester United's preparations for the new campaign move up a notch with their opening friendly of the summer against Wrexham in Helsinki.

There is plenty of optimism at Old Trafford heading into 2026/27 as the club return to the Champions League after three years away following an excellent second half of last term under Michael Carrick, who arrived as interim manager in January and guided the Red Devils to third in the Premier League.

Carrick will no doubt have been hard at work since May as he looks to build on his strong start, with United's first batch of players returning for pre-season last Thursday.

Harry Maguire, Mason Mount and Luke Shaw are among those who could be involved against Wrexham, but several stars are yet to join up with the squad due to their involvement in the World Cup, with the likes of Argentina's Lisandro Martinez and England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo still in North America.

SEE ALSO How to watch the World Cup for FREE

On the face of it, Wrexham's meteoric rise up the English pyramid slowed a little last season - but it was still a positive campaign for Phil Parkinson's men.

The Red Dragons were unable to achieve a fourth successive promotion, yet a seventh-place finish in their first season back in the second tier after 43 years away showed they have every reason to continue looking up in 2026/27.

Phil Parkinson's men kicked off their pre-season fixture schedule last Saturday with a 0-0 draw against Wisla Krakow in Poland, in which goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo saved a penalty.

This summer tune-up at Helsinki's iconic Olympic Stadium should be another useful test for Wrexham, who beat United 3-1 when the sides last met in a pre-season friendly in 2023.

FourFourTwo's prediction

Manchester United 1-1 Wrexham

With both clubs very early in their pre-season schedule, the two managers will be most concerned with getting minutes into the legs of their players.

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Saturday's third-place play-off is the World Cup 2026 match nobody wanted to be involved in, but here they are nonetheless.

France and England will make many of the right noises about third place being better than fourth and treating every game as if it matters as much as the last, but there's no denying that this is one prize neither will be all that bothered about.

The World Cup showpiece is the final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday. The third-place play-off – the bronze medal match, to give it its official label – will struggle to draw a television audience with such a dearth of jeopardy.

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France vs England betting odds from BOYLE Sports

• France WIN - 5/6
• Draw - 14/5
• England WIN - 11/4

France vs England prediction

France won the World Cup in 2018 and reached the final in 2022, but their designs on a third successive final this year ran out of puff when they were handsomely beaten by Spain in their semi-final on Tuesday.

England didn't get ahead of themselves until they entered the last 10 minutes of their semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday with a lead. They were already holding on. They didn't hold on for much longer.

In all likelihood, England would need to be at the very top of their game to beat this France side, perhaps even beyond what we understand that limit to be. They might have been able to pull that off in a World Cup final.

Whatever the teams say about Saturday's third-place play-off in Miami, it's not a final for either of them and there won't be much pretending it is by the time kick-off rolls around. Teams tend not to punch above their weight in that situation.

England do have a score to settle. Their last meeting with Les Bleus was in the quarter-final of World Cup 2022, a 2-1 win for France on their way to the final. Harry Kane scored one penalty and missed another in the last-eight game in Qatar.

The England captain's interest in the Golden Boot might be fizzling out but his opposite number is level with Lionel Messi on eight goals, not to mention one behind in the all-time World Cup goalscoring charts.

Kylian Mbappe will eventually take that title from the Argentina captain. He would do so, at least temporarily, with a couple of goals against England.

Score prediction: France 3-0 England

Mbappe needn't look any further for inspiration than the first of England's previous two third-place play-off matches.

In 1990, Italy defeated England thanks to a late winning goal from the late Toto Schillaci. He claimed the Golden Boot as a result of his sixth goal of the tournament

How to watch France vs England

You can watch France vs England in the World Cup 2026 third-place play-off for free. All the information you need is in our how to watch guide.

The match will be broadcast live on BBC in the UK, Fox in the United States and SBS in Australia.

What's your France vs England prediction? Let us know below...

It crossed my mind, ever so briefly, that I might be spending my Sunday evening watching England in the final of the World Cup.

Wednesday’s semi-final was already into the last 10 minutes and England were about to reap the rewards of freezing in the headlights of Argentina. They were still 1-0 to the good when the daydream was pushed from my brain by the realisation that England weren’t just going to concede – they weren’t going to make it as far as extra time.

So brief was the moment in which I dared to believe that I’ll be tucking into my Sunday dinner of football with the same enthusiasm as I would have if England had been knocked out weeks ago.

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ITV and BBC are sharing the World Cup Final and I’ll be watching both

Choosing which channel to watch for the most important game in football is usually an easy decision.

For better or worse, I simply prefer my television coverage without advertising. There are lots of reasons for that but let’s say for now that it’s primarily about the interrupted flow of ITV’s presentation.

Consequently, BBC Sport has been my selection for one World Cup after another, for as long as I can remember.

Truth be told, I don’t remember ITV’s meme-ready World Cup foibles all that well. The pub where I watched England vs United States in 2010 didn’t have ITV HD, so I didn’t even miss Steven Gerrard’s goal.

It’s different this year. ITV’s coverage was preferable from the off, not so much because they were on the ground in Brooklyn while the BBC stayed home, but because of the knock-on effects of that fact on their respective presentations.

There’s more to it than location. ITV Sport has been pilloried over the years, often without any real justification, but the vast majority of the matches they’ve covered at World Cup 2026 have been part of coverage worth tuning into in its own right.

ITV’s coverage gathered steam in the depths of the group stage, where hardened viewers and their messed-up body clocks were treated to the tactical interludes of USWNT head coach Emma Hayes. As she found her groove, so ITV edged further ahead of their rivals.

They handpicked their studio pundits perfectly. Patrick Vieira, Juan Mata and the eminently listenable Ange Postecoglou and Duncan Ferguson have been laced through ITV’s match coverage.

Jobi McAnuff and Bradley Wright-Phillips have brought good stuff to the screen, a mainstream promotion for McAnuff and an unexpectedly positive introduction from the former New York Red Bulls striker.

But it’s the big hitters, the quartet lined up for Sunday’s final, that elevate the aggregate beyond the BBC’s studio offering.

Change the channel! Change the channel!

I’d be lying if I said I much cared which presenter is in the big chair – BBC’s anchors are tremendous broadcasters – but Mark Pougatch will be chatting with Karen Carney, Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Ian Wright on Sunday, and that’s a combination that caters to my tastes better than the trio joining Gabby Logan on BBC One.

The BBC panel has lots to offer but it’s ITV serving up the punditry crew I want talking me through the pre-match on Sunday night.

I like their insight, their chemistry, their rhythm, but I think the big difference, over and above personality, is the sense of ease among an ITV group that speak with depth but in a way that makes me feel as if I’m sitting up there with them.

Yet as soon as BBC’s mics are closed on Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart and Micah Richards and the show is handed over to the commentary team, I’ll be dropping down a couple of channels to join Guy Mowbray and Alan Shearer.

As excellent as ITV’s coverage has been this summer, my preference for Carney and Keane over Rooney and Richards is nowhere near powerful enough to watch the World Cup Final with Sam Matterface, the top-ranking commentator in ITV’s inexplicably upside-down pecking order, and co-commentator Lee Dixon.

They’ll be joined by the rather more excitable Ally McCoist on Sunday but we all have our limits. In fairness, Shearer has matured into an exceptional pundit and co-commentator anyway and I really like Gladiators.

Just like the studio choice, my commentary decision is no contest. ITV might be the better represented in the pick ‘n’ mix cup of my 104-match World Cup television viewing, but I’ll still be digging into the old favourites come kick-off time.

The winners of World Cup 2026 will be the first to be presented with championship rings in the style of the Super Bowl, FIFA has confirmed.

Spain face Argentina in Sunday’s final at New York New Jersey Stadium. A win for Spain would see them crowned world champions for the second time, while Argentina have an opportunity to make it two in a row and four overall.

Championship rings are a long-standing tradition in sports in the United States but their introduction into the World Cup is bound to divide opinion at the end of a tournament seen by some fans as over-eager to please American sensibilities.

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Championship rings bring ‘American sporting traditions to global football’

Dividing the matches into quarters without consultation under the guise of hydration breaks was an unwelcome development if the reaction of fans and viewers worldwide is any indication.

Extending the half-time break to accommodate a Super Bowl-inspired half-time show flies in the face of the Laws of the Game and is another example of FIFA’s apparent desire to Americanise its competition for commercial gain.

“A new symbol of triumph will be awarded to the winning team,” said FIFA in a statement. “The tournament winners [will] receive bespoke championship rings, bringing one of the most recognisable American sporting traditions to the global game.

“One side of the ring proudly features the FIFA World Cup trophy, while the other will be customised to reflect the identity of the winning team. Each ring will be individually numbered, custom-fitted and delivered with its own certificate of authenticity.”

The captain and head coach of either Spain or Argentina will receive temporary rings before the real things are delivered later in the right sizes for the 30 players and staff eligible to receive one.

In fact, the total number of rings produced for this year’s limited edition run will be 2,026 – the remainder will be, “made available to fans worldwide as an Official Licensed Product, allowing supporters to own a unique piece of FIFA World Cup 2026 history.”

Or to buy one, certainly.

Sunday’s winners will receive the trophy proper from Gianni Infantino and United States president Donald Trump, whose attendance at the final was confirmed by the White House this week.

Infantino had previously revealed that Trump would present the trophy, as he did at the end of the FIFA president’s Club World Cup at the same stadium last summer. FIFA has not confirmed whether Trump will receive a championship ring.

The winners have been presented with championship rings since the first Super Bowl in 1967, when Vince Lombardi’s legendary Green Bay Packers beat the Kansas City Chiefs in Los Angeles.

They won it again the next year before the New York Jets – whose modern incarnation play at the stadium that will host the World Cup final on Sunday – were victorious in Super Bowl III.

The full line-up for the World Cup's closing ceremony has been revealed.

Sunday's World Cup final will see the curtain brought down on a memorable summer as the new champions of the international game are finally crowned.

A marathon 104 matches are set to enter the record books from the inaugural 48-team format tournament played across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

World Cup closing ceremony line-up revealed

MetLife Stadium is hosting the final and will also stage the World Cup's first half-time show featuring Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS and Shakira, among others.

Before the interval extravaganza, a closing ceremony will take place in what FIFA claim is meant to "celebrate the 48 teams’ unforgettable journey" in the competition.

Kicking off 90 minutes before the final's 8pm UK time start, the worlds of music, film and social media will coalesce with Tom Cruise headlining the ceremony's line-up.

The Mission Impossible star is making a 'special appearance' and previously abseiled from the Stade de France's roof to close out the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Also joining Cruise on the billing is YouTuber Darren Watkins, better known to his subscribers as IShowSpeed, as well as singers Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini.

Williams and Pausini headlined the closing ceremony of FIFA's revamped Club World Cup in 2025 while the former Take That star also opened the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Rounding off the line-up will be multi-award winning singer Jennifer Hudson, who is set to perform the United States' national anthem as part of the spectacle.

The closing ceremony is being produced by Balich Wonder Studio, who oversaw all three of the 2026 World Cup's opening ceremonies in the US, Mexico and Canada.

They were also responsible for the 2022 opening and closing events in Qatar as well as staging a number of other pre-match shows in other football competitions.

The Milan-based studio previously produced ceremonies for Euro 2024, the Champions League final's pre-match show and the Africa Cup of Nations.

Sunday’s World Cup final will be the first in the competition’s history to serve up a half-time show in the style of the NFL. It’s fitting enough for a final in the United States but its suitability for a football match has been questioned.

Gianni Infantino’s brazen willingness to lean into the showbusiness side of a World Cup sticks in the craw but this manifestation of it as at least in the name of a good cause.

The production is being handled under the Global Citizen banner in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to ‘expand access to quality education and football opportunities’ for children around the world.

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Which artists are playing the World Cup final half-time show?

There’s no knocking that, even if giving Chris Martin of Coldplay the creative keys made it inevitable that straightforward corporate friendly big-event-pop would be the order of the day.

“It will be a celebration of football, unity and shared humanity that will resonate far beyond the final whistle,” promised FIFA president Infantino when the historic show was announced before the tournament.

Madonna, Shakira and BTS were the first ‘global icons’ confirmed to be on the bill on July 19, which is expected to see the half time break run longer than the standard 15 minutes.

The latest addition to the show is Justin Bieber, who said in a totally authentic statement that, “The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can.

"I’m grateful to be part of this Halftime Show, and even more grateful knowing it’s already helping expand access to education for children around the world.”

Here’s the full list of performers slated for Sunday’s oversized middle hydration break at New York New Jersey Stadium:

• Justin Bieber
• Madonna
• Shakira
• BTS
• Burna Boy
• Gustavo Dudamel
• PS22 Chorus
• Sesame Street
• Some of The Muppets

The quintet of pop acts topping the bill have sold somewhere in the region of a combined 500 million albums worldwide.

Dudamel is a renowned Venezuelan conductor who is due to leave the Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra to become the artistic director of the New York Philharmonic.

PS22 Chorus is exactly what it sounds like: an award-winning public school choir from Staten Island’s biggest elementary school. Since it was founded in 2000, the chorus has made more television appearances than Stephen Mangan and Richard Osman combined.

“I’ve spent my life doing two things – making songs and building schools,” said Shakira, sadly not adding ‘and I’ve run out of songs.’

“At the FIFA World Cup, those two paths come together. Standing alongside Madonna and BTS, I’ll be performing ‘Dai Dai’, the song I created for this World Cup and for the kids around the world we will reach with the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.

“My hope is that on the world’s biggest stage, the importance of investing in children’s education steals the show!”

And so the years of hurt stretch ever longer. Good luck to the little genius that is Lionel Messi and Argentina in the World Cup final. And good luck to Thomas Tuchel trying to explain and justify his defensive, expensive substitutes that cost England dear. He sent on three defenders, Nico O’Reilly, Dan Burn and Ezri Konsa, trying to cling to the lead given to England by Anthony Gordon. The goalscorer made way, removing an outlet down the left, a tireless worker who was troubling Argentina with his pace and stealthy movement.

It was such a gamble. Yes, Reece James was tiring. But Declan Rice and Gordon? Yes, it had worked against Mexico and Norway. But this was Argentina. Tuchel invited them on. England sat deep and attempted to withstand the inevitable siege, the waves of blue-shirted passion players flooding towards them, driven on by their supporters. These are the world champions. This was against Messi, who ranks up with Diego Maradona and Pele as the greatest of all time. Messi wasn’t going to fade quietly into the Georgian night. Messi was going to attack more, to drag his team, his country, back into the game. He did. That’s what the greats do. They don’t give up.

He’s an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. He’s chasing the Golden Boot and Golden Ball here, and a second World Cup. So he went for England’s exposed jugular. After 85 minutes, Messi cut the ball back to Enzo Fernandez who equalised exuberantly from range. Two minutes into the nine added, Messi again took possession on the right. It was one thing seeing Lautaro Martinez’s movement, and another being able to pick him out. His cross was perfection, flighted over Stones for Martinez to head in, break England hearts and stretch the years of hurt.

It was so frustrating. England fought hard for so long. After all the history lessons, this was about the present, the pressure and the prize. For so long, England stood strong in the teeth of Argentinian aggression and their attacking threat after Gordon’s goal. But that quality told. That pressure told. This was a test of composure, discipline and strength of mind, body and shin-pads. And England thought they had passed it until Tuchel’s moves.

It’s detail – the main detail was that it is Argentina off to New Jersey to face Spain – but it needs recording that Elliot Anderson was immense. He was kicked three times in the opening exchanges and took it as a compliment. Giuliano Simone seemed on a singular mission to celebrate less attractive family traits. Enzo Fernandez clattered Anderson and Jude Bellingham. Nahuel Molina hacked down Bellingham. The inexperienced American referee, Ismail Elfath, let a litany of fouls go before punishing Anderson for a challenge on Messi and Lisandro Martinez for impeding Morgan Rogers.

Bad blood has tainted this famous, often infamous fixture over the past 40 years. From the Azteca to Sapporo via St-Etienne and now here in Atlanta. Fittingly, David Beckham was here, the player who saw World Cup red and redemption. He punched the air as England stood up to be counted for so long. They were streetwise, bold, defiant in a brutal, challenging atmosphere. You couldn’t hear the anthems for the chorus of derision. No wonder FIFA appointed a noted boxing announcer, Michael Buffer, to stoke the atmosphere and introduce two of the heavyweights of this World Cup.

England got ready to rumble. They had to. This was a street fight, and Argentina are masters at it. Tuchel’s battlers went toe to toe with the world champions. No fear. But the first half was scrappy. Ten minutes into the second half, England broke, sweeping into broken Argentinian ranks. Quick thinking, quick movement paid off. Harry Kane laid the ball back to Rice, who sent Morgan Rogers down the right. He looked up and delivered. Rogers imparted enough curl to avoid Lisandro Martinez and injected sufficient pace for the ball to race in front of Emi Martinez. Argentina simply hadn’t spotted Gordon’s move, a break of stealth and speed, arriving in space ahead of the unsuspecting Molina. He judged his stride perfectly, and calmly, confidently steered the ball past Martinez.

Argentina were never going to go quietly. Spence slid in and somehow pickpocketed Simeone. Stones headed clear ahead of Tagliafico. But then came those subs. And then, inevitably, came Messi.

As England prepare to take on Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, fans are keeping one eye on the sky.

Memories of the storm delays that impacted England's dramatic Round of 16 tie against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca are still fresh. During that fixture, severe weather and lightning triggered a shelter-in-place order, forcing a one-hour postponement to kick-off.

Fortunately, weather disruptions will not halt the action in Georgia. If you are wondering whether the Atlanta Stadium - otherwise known as Mercedes-Benz Stadium - is indoors and air-conditioned, the answer is a resounding yes.

Atlanta Stadium is a climate-controlled arena

The Atlanta Stadium features a retractable roof that opens and closes like a camera lens. Oooooh.

To combat the sweltering Southern American summer, the dome will be kept shut for the semi-final, even though weather forecasters don't expect outside temperatures to exceed 30°C.

In addition, an air-conditioning system pumps climate-controlled air throughout the stadium, maintaining a more comfortable internal temperature of 72°F (22°C).

When the World Cup is not in town, the facility is home to the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLS franchise Atlanta United.

The stadium's climate control feature is a relief given the local weather forecast for Atlanta.

Meteorologists are predicting a humid high of 85°F (29°C) for the 3pm EST (8pm BST) kick-off, with scattered thunderstorms and rain showers expected to roll across the city.

Heavy downpours may soak fan zones outside, but proceedings on the pitch will unaffected.

England have already played twice in climate-controlled stadiums this tournament.

The Three Lions kickstarted their World Cup campaign at the Dallas Stadium with a 4-2 win over Croatia under a closed dome.

They have also appeared here in Atlanta, coming from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 in the Round of 32.

England and Argentina now know the opponent they will need to prepare for if they qualify for the World Cup Final.

Spain's resolute, controlled performance in their 2-0 semi-final win over France has thrown the gauntlet down to the two remaining semi-finalists, which is a game that is expected to be a much feistier affair.

So, who do the BBC have in the punditry and commentary roles covering England versus Argentina?

Who are the pundits, commentators and presenters for England vs Argentina?

England vs Argentina will kick off at 8pm BST, broadcast by the BBC with the full line-up of pundits, commentators and presenters now revealed.

The winner of the event, which is being held at the climate-controlled Atlanta Stadium, will play Luis de la Fuente's Spain in the World Cup Final at the New York New Jersey stadium on Sunday.

Presenting will be Mark Chapman, one of the Match of the Day hosts during the regular season and an experienced radio and television broadcaster.

Joining him on the punditry panel are three former England internationals, two of whom have appeared at the World Cup in the past.

Wayne Rooney will be in front of a mic tomorrow night, once England's highest goalscorer before Harry Kane made his mark. The Merseysider ranks highly in FourFourTwo's World Cup punditry tier-list.

Alongside Rooney are Micah Richards and Joe Hart, nowadays known for their broadcasting and media careers.

Serving as reporter on the ground is Kelly Somers, another experienced interviewer and football correspondent on the BBC payroll.

The match's main voice is Guy Mowbray, a regular of the BBC's major tournament output over the past few decades.

Joining him as co-commentator for the semi-final showdown is the Premier League's record goalscorer and former England captain Alan Shearer.

Here is FourFourTwo's prediction for the match, as well as details on the match referee and his officiating team.

England are within touching distance of a first World Cup Final appearance since 1966, but an old foe stands in their way.

Lionel Messi and Argentina are reigning champions and have shown throughout the knockout stages of this World Cup that they will not go down without a fight.

Tonight's match-up promises to be a game for the ages, contested by two sides at the peak of their powers.

England vs Argentina predictions

The Three Lions found a way past Erling Haaland's Norway in the quarter-final but will need to be at their very best to navigate the challenge posed by another superstar: Lionel Messi.

England and Argentina have plenty of shared history, on and off the pitch, which makes this fixture something of a grudge match - even if players and staff insist they are focused squarely on the task at hand.

Argentina have not been at their 2022 World Cup-winning best this tournament but still find themselves in with a chance of lifting the trophy for a fourth time.

La Albiceleste have been, to an extent, carried by their evergreen protagonist Messi and in all likelihood will call on him again this evening.

England, meanwhile, have relied on Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham to score the vast majority of their goals with the latter netting braces in consecutive matches against Mexico and Norway to help set up this tie.

For many, this match-up is too close to call because even if Argentina aren't at their best, there is still the 'Messi effect' to take into account. England don't quite have a player of the same individual calibre, but Bellingham and Kane certainly go close.

The Three Lions certainly appear the more organised unit but all that can change in the span of 90 minutes in Atlanta.

England vs Argentina score prediction

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has been here before but there's something about his team this time around that doesn't convince FourFourTwo.

No matter what, this fixture will be a close-run affair but we can see England edging it with a winner in extra time.

• Score prediction: England 2-1 Argentina (AET)

The World Cup Golden Boot race has been the best in recent memory.

Much like in 2022, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe have led the race from the opening game, but Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior have all had a foot in the race at some point in the tournament.

Messi and Mbappe are currently tied on the same number of goals, and although the latter exited the tournament against Spain, he still has an opportunity to add to his tally with a goal in the third-place play-off in which goals do count towards the final total.

The criteria FIFA use to determine the Golden Boot winner in the event of a tie

With both players tied on eight goals in Canada, Mexico and the United States come the question, who will win the coveted Golden Boot should they still be level when the tournament ends?

We are getting a slight sense of Deja Vu, with both players also being level in Qatar as they prepared to face off in the final, that time on five goals.

Last time out, Mbappe’s hat-trick in the final meant he finished one goal ahead of his then PSG teammate Messi on eight goals. However, until he scored his 118th-minute penalty, they were tied, and the trophy would have been awarded slightly differently.

The first criterion FIFA will use in the event of a tie is the number of assists each player has. A Technical Study Group will decide whether or not something counts as an assist, and award the gong on these criteria.

As things stand, Mbappé would become the first player ever to win two Golden Boots as he currently has three assists, to Messi’s two.

Should both be level on assists, then the Golden Boot is decided by minutes played in the tournament, with the player who has played fewer minutes ranked first, with their minutes-to-goal and -assist ratio better.

The Golden Boot has been shared twice in World Cup history. In 1962 in Chile six players scored four goals each. This was before the term ‘Golden Boot’ was used and Florian Albert, Valentin Ivanov, Garrincha, Vava, Drazan Jerkovic, Leonel Sánchez were just the Top Goalscorers.

Then in 1994, the last time the tournament was played in America it was shared once again, with Oleg Salenko and Hristo Stoichkov scoring six times each.

In 2010, Thomas Muller was awarded the Golden Boot after scoring five goals at the tournament. He was tied with David Villa, Wesley Sneijder and Diego Forlan, but won the prize based on his three assists compared to their one.

France and Spain are both deserving of a place in the World Cup Final, on the basis of their tournament performances so far. But, only one can progress.

ITV are showing this fixture in the UK and have rolled out their broadcasting A team to bring you all the build-up, in-game analysis and post-game talking points.

Here's a full breakdown of the ITV squad calling this huge World Cup match-up.

Who are the pundits, commentators and presenters for France vs Spain?

The semi-final clash is being broadcast by ITV at 8pm BST, with coverage beginning at 7pm BST.

The complete line-up of pundits, commentators and presenters for the event has been revealed, with the game being played at the Dallas Stadium in Texas.

Mark Pougatch leads the coverage, as he has done throughout this tournament for ITV.

Joining him in a punditry team five-a-side of sorts is Karen Carney, Patrick Vieira, Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Roy Keane.

This particular quintet are vastly experienced on the international stage having made countless appearances at major tournaments for their countries combined.

Undoubtedly, there will be disagreements over key talking points but once again, coverage is expected to be almost as entertaining as the match itself.

Read FourFourTwo's France versus Spain prediction here.

In the commentary booth from Dallas, ITV have gone with Sam Matterface as lead-commentator and Lee Dixon alongside him in the co-comms role.

Those two have been putting some serious miles in throughout this tournament.

France and Spain face each other in Dallas this evening fighting for a place in the World Cup Final on Sunday.

The victor will play the winner of England versus Argentina tomorrow night, both of which are tantalising clashes with significant historical background.

Given what's at stake, tonight's contest is expected to be a testy, high-pressure affair - so, who is taking charge of it all?

Who is the referee for France vs Spain?

The final Round of 16 match will be officiated by referee Ivan Barton from El Salvador, who has developed quite a reputation for himself this tournament.

It will be his fourth match of the tournament, having previously officiated group matches between Turkey and Paraguay and Japan and Sweden, as well as the knockout fixture between Switzerland and Colombia.

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Barton made headlines during the Turkey-Paraguay match for his dramatic announcement of the decision to show Miguel Almiron a red card.

That incident, which was referred to VAR, saw the official become the first to send a player off for covering their mouth with their hand.

The 35-year-old is appearing at his second World Cup, having taken charge of three matches at Qatar 2022, including England's Round of 16 match against Senegal.

Barton will be joined on the pitch by fellow Salvadoran David Moran and Antonio Pupiro assisting from the sidelines.

Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg is fourth official, whilst reserve assistant is another Swede Mahbod Beigi.

Barton's previous record is pretty unpredictable when it comes to showing his cards, with only three players booked during the three World Cup matches at Qatar combined.

However, during 21 Salvadoran league matches in 2025 and 2026, Barton dished out 12 red cards and a staggering 113 yellows.

However, he has been a little less trigger happy during this summer, brandishing just 10 yellows altogether in addition to Almiron's red.

For every football supporter of a certain age, the thought of a player receiving a yellow card in the semi-final of a World Cup and knowing he’ll miss the final conjures up the same image.

World Cup 1990 was a lifetime ago but the image of inconsolable England midfielder Paul Gascoigne after he was booked against West Germany became every bit as iconic as the player himself.

As Bobby Robson’s England dug deep to reach the final in Rome that summer, Gascoigne knew that he would be suspended on the basis of accumulated yellow cards. It was academic in the end but Gazza’s tears left an indelible mark on English football folklore.

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Will players be suspended for the World Cup final?

Gascoigne isn’t alone in potentially missing a career-defining match because of a yellow card suspension but there has been a movement away from punishing players so severely, not least because major tournaments are bigger and longer than ever.

In 1990, the World Cup had half as many teams as World Cup 2026, which started with 48 teams and has an additional round of 32 for the first time. As such, the nations reaching the last four will play eight times and accumulated bookings could become a real problem.

FIFA mitigates the issue of unwarranted suspensions by way of a yellow card amnesty. At a certain point in the World Cup, yellow cards that haven’t already earned a ban for the player question are wiped.

World Cup 2026 is the first major tournament where this amnesty has happened twice. Yellow cards were relieved of their suspension potential at the end of the group stage and again after the quarter-finals, meaning players merely had to avoid two bookings in three matches – twice – to ensure they wouldn’t get a ban for accumulated yellows.

As we wait patiently in the foothills before climbing into the semi-finals, no player from Spain, France, England or Argentina has a yellow card next to his name. Any player collecting a yellow card in the last four will remain eligible for Sunday’s World Cup final.

Jude Bellingham of England and Argentina’s Gonzalo Montiel were both cautioned in the round of 32. In the round of 16, Manu Kone, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola were all booked for France, and Ferran Torres for Spain.

Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly and Declan Rice picked up yellow cards on the pitch for England during their game against Mexico. Jordan Henderson got a booking without playing at the Azteca.

Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte (Spain) were booked in the quarter-finals, as were Lautaro Martinez, Thiago Almada and Manuel Lopez (Argentina), so a total of 15 players have had their yellow cards wiped before the semi-finals and can be booked, once, without missing the final.

Players who are sent off for any reason in the semi-finals, including two yellow cards, will still be suspended for the final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.

Our free-to-play World Cup match predictor is into its second-to-last round, and we can confirm the winner of Round 6 has been contacted, crowned and credited with the entire £1,000 cash prize.

The winner, who top scored with 15 out of 18 points, correctly predicted the number of goals Spain, Belgium, Norway, England and Argentina would individually score in 90 minutes, plus added on time. Had they predicted Switzerland would score 1 instead of 0, they would've landed the perfect score.

The deadline to play Round 7 is at 7pm TONIGHT, with the game completely free to play, and another £1,000 ready to be won. The challenge is to predict the number of goals France, Spain, England and Argentina will each individually score in 90 minutes, plus added on time. The tiebreaker will be players' predictions for the minute of the first goal in France vs Argentina.

Play below for free!

As ever, a big thank you to our sponsors BOYLE Sports for providing the cash prizes, which have renewed each round. Better still, BOYLE Sports gives everyone who logs a set of predictions a free £5 bet simply for playing. All you need is a BOYLE Sports account – make sure you have your account number handy to enter when you make your predictions. The free bet will be credited within 48 hours of the deadline and will be valid for seven days.

Round 7 is currently open to play, but closes 7pm TONIGHT. After that, there will be one more round to play, so one final opportunity to win the £1,000 pot and one more £5 free bet to redeem.

Schedule and format

Matchday 1: Predict every nations' first game (win, lose or draw) CLOSED
Matchday 2: Predict every nations' second game: (win, lose or draw) CLOSED
Matchday 3: Predict every nations' third game: (win, lose or draw) CLOSED
Matchday 4: Predict the outcomes of the final eight Round of 32 games: (winner + amount of goals in 90 minutes, plus added on time – not including extra-time or pens) CLOSED
Matchday 5: Predict the outcomes of the final four Round of 16 games: (winner + amount of goals in 90 minutes, plus added on time – not including extra-time or pens) CLOSED
Matchday 6: Predict the outcomes of the final three Quarter Final games: (winner + correct scoreline in 90 minutes, plus added on time – not including extra-time or pens) CLOSED
Matchday 7: Predict the correct scorelines of the two Semi Finals after 90 minutes, plus added on time – not including extra-time or pens, with the minute of the first goal in the first Semi Final the tie breaker CLOSES 7pm TONIGHT!
Matchday 8: Predict the correct scorelines of the 3rd Place Playoff and World Cup Final after 90 minutes, plus added on time – not including extra-time or pens, with the minute of the first goal in the World Cup Final the tie breaker

Deadlines

Matchday 1: Closed

Matchday 2: Closed

Matchday 3: Closed

Matchday 4: Closed

Matchday 5: Closed

Matchday 6: Closed

Matchday 7: Closes 7pm TONIGHT!

Matchday 8: Closes Sat 18 July, 9pm

France vs Spain is sure to be the toughest test yet for Didier Deschamps' men at the 2026 World Cup, now in the semi-final.

Spain possess the best defence at the tournament, while France boast the strongest attacking line-up of any side across North America.

The Spaniards know what it takes to win against this bunch, having secured a memorable victory against them in the 2024 European Championship, which Spain went on to win outright.

France vs Spain prediction

As always in games of this magnitude, it's wise to look at the game-breakers each nation possess, and how they could influence the result.

That is Kylian Mbappe, the greatest World Cup player in history, and Lamine Yamal, respectively. And that feels like a mismatch.

For England in Saturday evening's quarter-final fixture, that man was Jude Bellingham: the youngest player since Pele to score braces in back-to-back knockout games.

The presence of a game-breaker, a man who steps up when the going gets tough, is necessary for matches of this calibre, as evidenced by Norway's Erling Haaland enduring a tough game, then losing.

But with Mbappe and Yamal, the outcome feels far more pre-determined than it was for the England-Norway clash.

The most unfortunate part for Spain is that, if the Barcelona youngster can turn it on, he is arguably the most effectively-designed player to vanquish this France superteam.

If you could grow a player in a lab to beat Deschamps' men, you would pour in a dash of long-shot ability, another of solo dribbling insanity, and a smidgen of "Big Game Riser" garnish for the final dish.

If Yamal was at his best, he would be the player capable of breaking the deadlock early on enough, and retaining pressure while progressing the ball, to defeat France.

But Barcelona's starboy isn't at his best. Not even close. And Mbappe is on the prowl to heal his 2022 wounds, and continue building an already astonishing World Cup resume.

Spain's defence is irrelevant when France possess a front three of Top 5 Ballon D'or candidates for 2027, but their ability to go up early, and apply a pressure that France have not seen yet at the tournament, hinges almost solely on Yamal's performance.

France vs Spain score prediction

Unfortunately, FourFourTwo doesn't believe that Spain can keep the Frenchmen at bay, nor do we believe that Yamal will spring to life, after a string of uninspiring performances as of late.

Prediction: France 3-1 Spain

If World Cup 2026 has reignited your love for sports and inspired you to travel to indulge it, where better to start than visiting the stadiums where the greatest sport on earth brought its showpiece to the United States of America?

Whether you're planning a California vacation or a city break on the eastern seaboard or anything in between, the chances are at least one of the 11 World Cup venues in the USA will be within reach.

These remarkable buildings might not host soccer matches all year round but they are architectural marvels in their own right and offer the chance to experience the excitement of the NFL on the very turf where World Cup history was made.

The closest Hilton Hotels to World Cup stadiums

As a sports adventurer, you travel far and wide to absorb the reflected glory of greatness. But what about accommodation? Where can you stay on your whistlestop World Cup tour?

Whichever of the USA's venues you plan to visit, Hilton Hotels has a place for you to stay. Here, FourFourTwo runs through the closest and most convenient – and we're starting literally in the shadow of San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.

Hilton Santa Clara

Located a five-minute walk and just 0.45 miles from San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Hilton Santa Clara is within five miles of San Jose International Airport and offers easy access to the array of attractions across the Bay Area.

The stadium has been home to the famous San Francisco 49ers, five-time Super Bowl champions, since 2014. There's a round ball bonus, too: Major League Soccer's San Jose Earthquakes play just six miles away. Click here to book.

Hilton Atlanta

Hilton Atlanta boasts excellent transport links including easy travel to Atlanta Airport. More importantly, the stunning Atlanta Stadium is just 1.03 miles away from the downtown hotel.

The stadium gets plenty of sporting use. As well as hosting eight matches at World Cup 2026 including the semi-final between England and Argentina, Atlanta Stadium is home to both the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United of Major League Soccer.

It's the heartbeat of sports in the city of Atlanta but the stadium is worth visiting just for an in-person look at the design too. Click here to book.

Hilton Motif Seattle

Seattle Stadium looks like no other World Cup venue in the 96-year history of the competition and its also unique among sports stadiums in the USA.

Taking in a Seattle Seahawks game or enjoying MLS in the form of Seattle Sounders is a must if you're in Washington State, and Hilton Motif Seattle is just 1.04 miles from the stadium.

Located downtown, the stadium's nearest hotel is also a mile away from the Space Needle and the Bainbridge Island Ferry. It's the ideal hub for sightseeing in this beautiful corner of the Pacific Northwest. Click here to book.

Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center

Located in the Texas Medical Center, Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center offers a rooftop pool and bar with views across the city of Houston. Houston Stadium, the home of the Houston Texans, is just 1.78 miles away.

Seven World Cup matches were played at the stadium and, despite their number including one of the few goalless draws, Houston saw an average of nearly four goals per game. Don't forget to check out the Astrodome too! Click here to book.

Hilton Arlington

Elsewhere in the Lone Star State, Dallas Stadium hosted nine World Cup matches including the France vs Spain semi-final. That's just a tiny slice of the incredible list of events held at the home of the Dallas Cowboys and the stadium itself is an attraction.

If you're visiting Arlington or Dallas-Fort Worth, Hilton Arlington is a great place to stay.

It's just 1.85 miles from the stadium where Lionel Messi became the World Cup's all-time record goalscorer. Click here to book.

The 2026 World Cup final

There's nothing quite like a World Cup final stadium and New York New Jersey Stadium was awarded the honor 32 years after the Rose Bowl in Pasadena hosted Brazil's penalty shootout win over Italy last time the USA held the World Cup.

Located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the stadium is the regular home of the New York Giants and New York Jets.

There are lots of Hilton Hotels options and three of them are within eight miles of the World Cup final stadium.

Hilton Hasbrouck Heights/Meadowlands is 3.33 miles away, Hilton New York Times Square 7.72 miles away and New York Hilton Midtown 7.88 miles away.

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It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t pretty. And it certainly won’t help quiet the conspiracy theories. But Argentina made it six wins from six at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging Switzerland 3-1 in a feisty night in Kansas City.

“We fought until the end and left it all out on the pitch, we’re scoring goals at the end of matches, so as long as we keep winning, it’s all positive,” stated Julián Álvarez after the match.

"Obviously you have to suffer - you have to know how to suffer. That's how the matches are playing out right now."

Argentina had to 'suffer' to book semi-final spot with England

After three straight matches in Vancouver which culminated in a penalty shootout win versus Colombia, Switzerland faced off against an Argentina side coming off the back of from two heart-palpitating victories against Cape Verde and Egypt.

When Alexis Mac Allister headed home from Lionel Messi’s corner kick in the 10th minute, it seemed that the Albiceleste were headed for a straightforward affair. But Switzerland had other plans.

Instead, the Swiss held firm in their disciplined defensive setup, and eventually gained control in the second half. Murat Yakin’s side forced Argentina deep into their own half and gave Emiliano Martínez plenty to think about, eventually getting their just rewards via Dan Ndoye’s equaliser.

But Switzerland hardly had any time to celebrate their goal, as Breel Embolo was sent off for simulation shortly after. Without their two biggest attacking threats in Embolo and the injured Johan Manzambi, it seemed Switzerland would crack.

"We had to suffer a lot. We ⁠knew they were a physical team and that gave us a lot of trouble," said Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni. "Today we had luck on our side because one of their players was sent off. We could have played better but it's a big achievement to be in the semi-finals.”

Switzerland held their own and forced Scaloni into making extra time changes, with Thiago Almada, Nicolás Otamendi, and José Manuel ‘Flaco’ López coming on in the final half-hour. It was always going to take something truly special to open up this Swiss side, and that came not from Messi, but Álvarez, who launched a missile into the top-right corner in the 112th minute.

Lautaro Martínez sealed the deal in the final seconds, putting the finishing touches on a hard-fought victory. Now, they’ll face an England side eyeing their first trophy since 1966.

It is a matchup that carries significant historical weight owing to the 1982 Falklands War, and has resulted in some iconic moments such as Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' in 1986, David Beckham’s expulsion in 1998 and redemption in 2002…not to mention a match from 1966 that Argentines still refer to as the ‘Robo del Siglo,’ or the ‘Robbery of the Century.”

“Obviously, inside and outside the four lines, it’s an encounter that has a lot of history…a lot of pain and other things behind it,” extra-time substitute López said after the match. “But we’re professionals and we’re going to play like we’ve done in every match: putting our lives on the line until the final second."

"A World Cup semi-final is a special match, the kind of match that me and all of my teammates have been dreaming of ever since we started kicking a ball. I don’t think we need any more motivation than that.”

Norway are stunned by VAR's failure to intervene and chalk off Jude Bellingham's equalising goal for England.

National team boss Stale Solbakken has stated for the record his view of England's controversial strike, right on the brink of half-time.

Bellingham's strike came just two passes after the ball, from a goal kick, seemingly struck the television cable overhead and "changed direction", according to Norway's manager.

'The ball fell down from the sky and changed direction' - Norway boss fumes at England goal, after quarter-final defeat

Norway experienced a largely dominant first half in the 2026 World Cup, and should have expanded their lead to 2-0, if not for an Alexander Sorloth-shaped disaster in a two-on-one counter.

Shortly after the Norwegian striker failed to pass to a wide open Erling Haaland, the Three Lions pounced to life when a golden opportunity quite literally "fell down from sky" and levelled affairs.

Solbakken has described his view of the incident, and expressed his feelings for VAR's failure to intervene and chalk off the England goal.

The Norway boss said: "Yeah it probably will [count as an assist for the spidercam]. It was unlucky for us. The ball fell straight down from the sky and changed directions.

"We can sit here and complain and maybe we can feel rightly that the small details did not go in our favor. Against Brazil, they did. That's how it is in football.

"But maybe we need those small details to go in our favor to beat England, Brazil and other teams in the top 5 in the world.

"We can't do anything about that. I don't think we'll play the game again so that's how it is," he said.

Solbakken expressed high praise for his Norway side, stating that this team can "go toe-to-toe" with the world's best.

The 58-year-old also clarified that the referee told him he did not see anything for Bellingham's goal, before expressing doubt over the functionality of the in-ball movement chip.

"I cannot say anything on that because there is no movement in the chip. What can I say against that? But the ball falls straight down in front of Haaland," said Solbakken.

"I wonder also what happened, but I think it is pretty clear that it did [hit the wire]. It was a strange thing."

The Norway manager then explained the motivation behind his bizarre late-stage substitution of goal machine Haaland.

"It was not a tough decision because he was finished and maybe I should have taken him out 10 minutes before. He obviously had a tremendous World Cup," said the 58-year-old.

"I think he also got a dead leg in the second half so that combined with the fatigue, but he did everything he could.

"He scored seven goals in five games for us and had a fantastic World Cup for us," said Solbakken, before praising all his squad for their "phenomenal" performances across the tournament.

England boss Thomas Tuchel conceded that his side "just got lucky" in crucial moments during the quarter-final bout, criticising his side for their poor performance.

Three Lions star Bellingham did not take kindly to his manager's words, but Tuchel clarified that he is "fully in love" with his team.

Could it happen? Is it time to believe?

One step from the final, two steps from ending the years of hurt, the Three Lions now truly believe in their World Cup mission. England head to a semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday full of belief because of their serial match-winner Jude Bellingham and their astute, match-shaping head coach, Thomas Tuchel.

Tuchel made adventurous changes when it mattered most, sending on attackers. Fortune favoured the brave. He made intelligent changes, sending on big Dan Burn in extra time to repel Norway’s late aerial threat. Fortune favoured the tall.

Under Tuchel’s guidance, England’s defenders cracked the Norse code, and stopped the service into Erling Haaland, who was eventually taken off, a frustrated figure, unable to escape John Stones or Marc Guehi.

England were disciplined and dynamic. As in the Azteca against Mexico, this was another occasion and performance that will never be forgotten. Under the watchful gaze of two English knights, Mick Jagger and David Beckham, this was a night to remember. From near and far, England fans gathered in the home of the Dolphins, dreaming of further progress.

Their flags signalled all parts and ports of the English pyramid, Macclesfield and Grimsby, Coventry and Portsmouth. Their owners sang, “please don’t take me home”, and the men in white in front of them tried their hardest to extend England’s stay, none more so than Bellingham.

A serious debate can now be had as to whether the 23-year-old from Stourbridge is England’s best international of the past 40 years. Paul Gascoigne, who got England to a World Cup semi-final, was blessed with more natural talent, but Bellingham is more decisive in the crunch moments. Harry Kane will have his supporters, certainly amongst the record-keepers. But Bellingham has become the heartbeat of this England side, and often its saviour.

As in Gelsenkirchen at Euro 2024, and the Azteca last week, Bellingham once again rode to England’s rescue. When the first half of this intense quarter-final looked heading for a demoralising denouement, and England having to troop off disconsolate and trailing, Bellingham lifted the team, lifted the fans.

Two minutes into the added four saw Bellingham take control. Taking a pass inside from Anthony Gordon, Bellingham ran at and past Torbjorm Heggem. His left foot did the rest, sending the ball fast and low past Orjan Nyland. Relief for England. Rancour for Stale Solbakken who threw a bottle to the ground – almost another hydration break - and then had a word with the referee, Clement Turpin. Norway believed the ball hit the wire attached to the spider-cam, leading to England gaining possession. Fifa checked and ruled it hadn’t.

How England needed that rare help from Fifa. How England needed Bellingham. Until then, Martin Odegaard ran the show. Sander Berge calmly screened the obdurate Norway back-four. England laboured hard for no reward for 45 minutes. Conditions were sweltering, bringing sweaty reminders of painful times in Shizuoka 2002, Lisbon 2004, Gelsenkirchen 2006, and Manaus 2014.

Norway soaked up the pressure and hit after 36 minutes. Andreas Schjelderup, the young Benfica winger, cut in from the left and took on Ezri Konsa. Schjelderup sent in a cross, clearly mishit, the ball sailing over the leaping, stretching Jordan Pickford and in.

England were frustrated by the goal, unnerved by the presence of Haaland and opened up by the passing of Odegaard. Alexander Sorloth wasted a great chance to make it 2-0, pausing and letting Nico O’Reilly block. Big mistake.

For then came Bellingham to equalise. On came Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka for Noni Madueke and Declan Rice. Norway, calmly, precisely, sought to reclaim the lead. Haaland’s very obvious push on Elliot Anderson saw Heggem’s effort eventually ruled out.

Norway were in control. Their fans did their row again. Tuchel acted again. Reece James came on for Gordon and went into midfield, allowing Bellingham to return to 10. Eze went left. Norway’s arrivals out wide, Oscar Bobb and Antonio Nusa, briefly threatened more. Tuchel responded, withdrawing O’Reilly for Djed Spence to do a job on Bobb.

Tuchel’s positive approach to changes then saw him remove Konsa for Morgan Rogers. England’s front six was now: Anderson, who was outstanding, holding; Saka and Eze wide, Rogers and Bellingham as 10s; and Kane 9.

England seemed re-energised in extra time. Rogers had a swift impact, shooting from range. Nyland spilled it, Kane didn’t react, Bellingham did, pouncing. England were ahead.

Spence then ran in from the left, and got his legs in a tangle with Bobb. Turpin initially signalled a penalty, was invited to review it and rightly ruled that Spence had put his leg across Bobb. Up in the smart seats, Alfie Haaland signalled a dive.

Burn came on, England held on, and threatened late on. Atlanta awaits. Belief has arrived.

Jude Bellingham was tense after ITV reporter Gabriel Clarke let him know about Thomas Tuchel's criticism for England tonight.

The Three Lions prevailed in a narrow 2-1 victory against Norway in the 2026 World Cup quarter-final, and will face the winner of Argentina versus Switzerland in the last four.

Bellingham was the hero on the night: he scored both of England's goals and became the second-youngest player after Pele to score braces in back-to-back World Cup knockout games.

Jude Bellingham reacts to Thomas Tuchel criticism

Speaking after the match, Thomas Tuchel told ITV that he was disappointed in England's performance against the Norwegians.

The Three Lions boss said: "We made life very difficult for ourselves today. I'm not happy with the performance."

Tuchel admitted, ‘The commitment was there’, but clarified that he was disappointed ‘in every sense’ following England's victory.

"The way we played, how we played: sloppy. A lot of technical mistakes, not fast enough," he said.

Bellingham, who won Man of the Match for his remarkable display against Norway, was later told by Clarke about Tuchel's words, also speaking with ITV.

In response to Tuchel's criticism, the Three Lions star said: "Whatever. Whatever. t's difficult out there... the players put in a very tough shift."

He continued. "My thoughts and appreciation goes to the players who were out there."

When asked for his opinion of the England performance, Bellingham defined it as having only been possible due to "character."

"Perseverance when things weren't working. Whether it's 90, 120, we'll give everything we've got," he said.

England have now made it back to the World Cup semi-finals, last appearing on that stage in 2018 where they fell 2-1 to Croatia.

Argentina vs Switzerland does not stand out on paper as being the most enthralling quarter-final fixture of the 2026 World Cup.

Despite this, fans would be silly to overlook the shockingly poor form that Argentina, the 2022 World Champions, have been in, and the difficulties they've faced against smaller nations this tournament.

Switzerland enter the clash after a hard-fought, impressive win on penalties vs Colombia, but can they finally be the ones who upset Lionel Messi's side?

Who are the pundits, commentators and presenters for Argentina vs Switzerland?

The quarter-final clash will be broadcast by ITV at 2am BST, with coverage beginning at 1:15am BST.

The complete line-up of pundits, commentators and presenters for the event has been revealed, with the game being held at the Arrowhead Stadium.

Serving as presenter for the event is Laura Woods and joining her on the punditry team is Bradley Wright-Phillips and Jobi McAnuff.

Serving as the match's main voice is Seb Hutchinson, with Andros Townsend as co-commentator for the clash.

England got away with a lucky bounce of the ball - literally - in the lead up to Jude Bellingham's equaliser and the goal should have been ruled out after a bizarre incident.

In the lead up to Bellingham's goal, a goal kick from Norway's Orjan Nyland, the ball appeared to hit the cable over the pitch that holds the overhead TV camera in place and fell down sharply into the path of Elliot Anderson and two passes later the ball was with Bellingham who scored.

According to the official IFAB Laws of the Game, if the ball strikes a ceiling or a fixture hanging over the pitch, such as a cable or overhead camera, and remains inside the field of play, the match must be halted.

Jude Bellingham's goal for England should have been chalked off and given as a drop ball, leading to protest from Norway's Erling Haaland at the 2026 World Cup

The referee should then award a dropped ball to the team that last touched the ball, with play restarting from the spot where the ball made contact with the fixture.

Via Fox Sports coverage, former referee Mark Clattenburg said that any instance of the ball touching the TV cable should result in the match being halted.

As relayed by Rebecca Lowe, Clattenburg said: "If the ball touches any outside object, then the whistle should go, and it should be a drop ball."

The former referee then added: "Some will ask, why does the VAR not interfere?

"They can interfere, if that contact [with the cable] is part of a reviewable incident."

He concluded: "An attacking phase of play leading to a goal is a part of VAR's reviewable incidents, so it should have been picked up by VAR."

Ahead of extra time, Fox presenter Lowe reported that FIFA denied that the ball hit the cable.

FIFA are understood to have checked the data within the football and that there was no peak on the graph from the connected ball heartbeat sensor.

The Adidas footballs being used at the tournament are each fitted with a chip and utilise 'connected ball technology', which relays data directly to the VAR system.

The microchip produces accurate, instantaneous data on everything from ball movement, speed and trajectory to player touches, with adidas claiming the technology enables 'faster in-game officiating decisions and more insight into gameplay than ever before.'

But at the time, Erling Haaland led vocal protests directed at the referee due to the ball striking the cable, but it was not ruled out.

Norway looked much better after the first hydration break and took the lead via an astonishing finish from Andreas Schjelderup, whose cross translated into the top corner of the goal and over Jordan Pickford.

Norway should have gone 2-0 up before the break when Alexander Sorloth broke free and should have played in Erling Haaland.

But minutes later England were level thanks to Bellingham's excellent finish.

England were also the beneficiaries of a Norway goal being chalked off in the second half.

Haaland was deemed to have shoved future Manchester City team-mate Elliot Anderson in the build-up to a set piece goal from the Norwegians.

The game went into extra time and England went ahead when Bellingham grabbed his second of the game to put England into the semi-final.

England vs Norway is each side's greatest opponent yet at the 2026 World Cup, with a spot in the semi-finals up for grabs.

The Three Lions overcame a torturous situation versus Mexico at the Azteca on Monday, while Norway prevailed against five-time World Champions Brazil in their Round of 16 clash.

It is a hot afternoon for either side, with the struggles shared as both nations come from chillier climates, and the game has been mostly even in its play.

Gary Neville slams Jordan Pickford, as England enter the break tied at 1-1 against Norway in the 2026 World Cup

The match was not a blockbuster event to begin with, as either side looked to find their rhythm in 44C real-feel heat in Miami.

Norway almost slipped Erling Haaland in on goal after seven minutes, and Harry Kane blazed a free-kick attempt high from the edge of the box shortly before the 30th.

A scare from the England back-line almost saw Haaland pounce on a loose ball in the six-yard box, but Jordan Pickford collected with relative ease.

Shortly after, Norway's danger man headed an effort straight at the Three Lions shot-stopper, before his side opened the scoring in ludicrous fashion.

Andreas Schjelderup launched an astonishing effort that rattled in off the post, despite seemingly being a back-post cross attempt to Haaland.

Norway should have gone up 2-0 before the break, if not for a series of poor decisions from Alexander Sorloth during a two-on-one.

Jude Bellingham was the hero for England in the 46th, with a glorious finish past the Norwegian goalkeeper to level affairs heading into half-time, but Kane almost sent the Three Lions up with an intelligent chip finish that was chalked off for offside.

Gary Neville slammed England shot-stopper Pickford for his role in letting Norway break the deadlock, saying: "That can't go in the net from there."

"Jordan Pickford is not going to want to see that again. It is a cross, but he has to save it."

Ian Wright, co-pundit for the clash, added: "You have to put your hand on that. You can't take your hand away. If a ball is coming in your vicinity and you have the opportunity to touch it... you have to."

Roy Keane stated that Pickford should be "disappointed", as the Three Lions goalkeeper plays in a momentous World Cup game individually - now the most-capped England player of all time at the tournament.

England will look to pull ahead in the second half, having narrowly avoided a 2-0 deficit before Bellingham's goal.

Watch Argentina vs Switzerland in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals as Lionel Messi looks to keep his country's hopes of retaining the trophy alive.

After narrowly avoiding two monumental upsets, Argentina will seek to get back on track in Kansas City by sweeping aside a Switzerland team that few predicted would reach the last eight at the World Cup.

However, Murat Yakin’s side cannot be overlooked. They finished top of the group, eased past Algeria and kept a talented Colombia at bay before holding their nerve in the penalty shootout.

While Switzerland have grown in confidence as the tournament has progressed, Argentina have looked increasingly vulnerable.

They scraped past World Cup debutants Cape Verde in the last 32 and conceded another two goals against Egypt before staging a barely believable comeback.

Defensively, there are clearly issues and there is still a huge reliance on Lionel Messi. But the little magician keeps on producing, and that means Argentina will be favourites to progress to the last four.

Read on as FourFourTwo brings you all the information you need to watch Argentina vs Switzerland in the FIFA World Cup 2026 online, on TV, and from anywhere.

Watch Argentina vs Switzerland for FREE

Argentina vs Switzerland will be free-to-stream across multiple regions, including ITV in the UK, RTÉ Player in Ireland, SBS On Demand in Australia, CazéTV on YouTube in Brazil, NOS in the Netherlands, RTBF/VRT in Belgium, SRF/RTS/RSI in Switzerland, and TRT in Turkey.

English commentary will be provided on ITV, RTE Player and SBS On Demand.

‼️ Outside one of these countries? Use Norton VPN to unlock your stream from anywhere in the world — more on that below.

Team News

Argentina XI: Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernández; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Lionel Messi; Julián Alvarez

Switzerland XI: Gregor Kobel; Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi, Ricardo Rodríguez; Fabian Rieder, Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler, Denis Zakaria; Breel Embolo, Djibril Sow, Dan Ndoye

Watch Argentina vs Switzerland from anywhere

Away from home this summer and want to watch Argentina vs Switzerland? All you need is a VPN, a handy piece of software that makes your devices appear to be in a different location.

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How to watch Argentina vs Switzerland in the UK

In the UK, you can stream Argentina vs Switzerland on ITV. The build-up starts at 1:15am, ahead of the kick-off at 2:00am.

How to watch Argentina vs Switzerland in the US

In the US, you can stream Argentina vs Switzerland on Fox.

This channel is accessible via Fox's own streaming platform Fox One or via a cord-cutting platform such as YouTube TV, Hulu+Live TV, Sling (select markets), Fubo or DirecTV.

How to watch Argentina vs Switzerland in Australia

In Australia, you can watch Argentina vs Switzerland on the free SBS On Demand.

Argentina vs Switzerland: World Cup 2026 Preview

Such was the manner of Argentina’s dramatic win over Egypt that Messi immediately broke down in tears. Whether it was pure joy or a sense of relief, the Inter Miami forward was overcome with emotion.

The 39-year-old has, at times, almost single-handedly kept Argentina’s title defence on track. With eight goals in five games, he tops the goalscoring charts and it would take a brave person to bet against him adding to that tally against Switzerland.

However, he will need some support. Not just in attack from the likes of Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez, but also defensively as full-backs Nahuel Molina and Nicolás Tagliafico have consistently been caught out on the counter.

While Argentina have relied on their forwards to advance, Switzerland’s success is built from the back. Manager Murat Yakin prioritises his defence and it is paying off.

The Swiss are yet to trail at any point across the whole World Cup campaign, including qualifiers. It is a remarkable record that comes from an organised backline that is extremely well protected by the excellent Granit Xhaka.

However, there is a concern in attack. Without the injured Johan Manzambi, they struggled to create against Colombia. They’ll hope the talented teenager is fit to play some part in Kansas.

Argentina vs Switzerland: Q+A

FourFourTwo's prediction

Argentina 2-1 Switzerland

FourFourTwo expects another tight game for Argentina who might have to rely on Messi once more to be the difference maker.

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We are at the business end of the World Cup now and this is the last of the quarter finals between defending champions Argentina and European underdogs Switzerland

The winner of this quarter final will go on to face England or Norway in the semi-finals in Atlanta on July 15.

There are only two games on Saturday and this is the second of the two.

The clash is set to be played at Kasas City Stadium, with kick-off set for 2am UK time.

The referee for the occasion is Portugal's Joao Pinheiro.

This will be the 38 year old's third game of this World Cup, which is Pinheiro's first-ever major international tournament outing.

His last game was Canada's 1-0 win over South Africa and before that he took charge of Switzerland's somewhat bizarre victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the Swiss running out 4-1 winners despite not opening the scoring until the 74th minute.

That late flurry of goals came after Pinheiro showed Bosnian Tarik Muharemovic a straight red card for a DOGSO offence with ten minutes to go.

Pinheiro will be joined by his fellow countrymen Bruno Jesus and Luciano Maia as assistant referees.

In addition, Canadian official Drew Fischer will serve as the fourth official.

We're not counting any chickens before they've hatched, but in the event that England get past Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals, there are a few players who will be hoping to get through the game without getting booked.

Yellow cards at this World Cup were wiped out after the group stage, and are so again after the quarter-finals.

That means that nobody at this World Cup is capable of pulling a Paul Gascoigne and getting a yellow in the semi-finals that would suspend them for the final.

Five England players walking yellow card tightrope against Norway

However, it is still possible for players to get suspended for the semi-finals if they pick up their second yellow card of the knockout stage in their side's quarter-final game.

That means there are five England players still at risk of getting themselves a suspension if they get booked against Norway on Saturday.

Jude Bellingham was booked for a foul on Nathaniel Mbuku in England's win over DR Congo in the round of 32 and was a tad fortunate to avoid similar censure against Mexico last time out.

Four other England players did go in the book at Estadio Azteca, however, adding them to the list here.

Declan Rice was shown a yellow card for a high boot in the very first minute of that game.

Marc Guehi followed him into the book in the aftermath of Mexico being awarded their penalty on a VAR review.

Nico O'Reilly picked up a card of his own for elbowing Jorge Sanchez in the lip, and was pretty lucky that it didn't result in a red card.

That leaves Jordan Henderson as the only other England player at risk of a yellow card suspension.

The Brentford midfielder was shown a yellow card in the 98th minute of the Mexico game despite being an unused substitute on the night.

Henderson subsequently injured himself when he fell over the ad boards in the post-match celebrations, but has been included among the substitutes to face Norway after having surgery to repair a fractured wrist.

Jarell Quansah is definitely suspended for the semi-finals (as well as the Norway game) after getting a two-match ban for his straight red card offence against Mexico.

The complete line-up of pundits, commentators and presenters for England vs Norway has been revealed.

England enter the face-off having staggered through a monumental task in beating Mexico at the Azteca earlier this week.

Elsewhere, Norway provided viewers an all-time underdog victory, winning against Brazil in remarkably assured fashion.

Who are the pundits, commentators and presenters for England vs Norway?

England vs Norway will be played at 10pm BST, broadcast by ITV, at the Miami Stadium in Florida.

The fixture will likely be defined by Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, the two best strikers in world football, trading blows to sink their opposition, but Jude Bellingham will surely also have a say.

Serving as presenter for the event is Mark Pougatch who has led the channel's coverage throughout this tournament.

Joining him as pundits for the broadcast are the evergreen Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Ian Wright, with Gabriel Clarke as reporter in Miami.

ITV's coverage has been top drawer this summer and as we approach the business end of the World Cup, expect it to be even more opinionated with yet more panelist flashpoints as the stakes ramp up.

England-Norway presents the likes of Keane and Neville to go hammer and tongs at each other over contentious decisions.

We're glad we aren't in Pougatch's seat having to keep the ex-pros at bay.

And as the match's main voice is Sam Matterface, with Lee Dixon joining as co-commentator for the quarter-final clash.

Kick-off in Miami is at 5pm local time (10pm BST) this evening.

Watch Norway vs England as the Three Lions World Cup quest continues against the Vikings at the comparatively civilised kick-off time of 10:00pm BST.

Miami Stadium welcomes both teams for the first time since the start of World Cup 2026 and was the site of Argentina's extraordinary round of 32 victory over Cape Verde.

England and Norway both stand on the cusp of something truly special.

For England, the semi-finals of the World Cup have been out of reach for most of the competition's 96-year history. They've made it to the last four only twice on foreign soil.

For Norway, getting to World Cup 2026 was already the first since 1998. Playing in a quarter-final represents uncharted waters. Taking their tournament a step further would be monumental.

Read on as FourFourTwo brings you all the information you need to watch Norway vs England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 online, on TV, and from anywhere.

Watch Norway vs England for FREE

Norway vs England will be free-to-stream across multiple regions, including ITV in the UK.

RTÉ Player in Ireland and SBS On Demand in Australia are other English language alternatives.

CazeTV on YouTube in Brazil, NOS in the Netherlands, RTBF/VRT in Belgium, SRF/RTS/RSI in Switzerland, and TRT in Turkey will also show the game.

‼️ Outside one of these countries? Use Norton VPN to unlock your stream from anywhere in the world — more on that below.

Watch Norway vs England from anywhere

Away from home and want to watch Norway vs England? All you need is a VPN, a handy piece of software that makes your devices appear to be in a different location.

This World Cup, our office friends at TechRadar are recommending Norton VPN:

How to watch Norway vs England in the UK

In the UK, you can stream Norway vs England on ITV. The build-up starts at 8:45pm, ahead of the kick-off at 10:00pm.

How to watch Norway vs England in the US

In the US, you can stream Norway vs England on Fox.

This channel is accessible via Fox's own streaming platform Fox One or via a cord-cutting platform such as YouTube TV, Hulu+Live TV, Sling (select markets), Fubo or DirecTV.

If you're looking for Spanish language coverage, Telemundo is your go-to with the above cord-cutters having access as well as Peacock.

How to watch Norway vs England in Australia

In Australia, you can watch Norway vs England on the free SBS On Demand.

Norway vs England: World Cup 2026 Preview

Both teams come into this quarter-final with their tails up thanks to stirring wins in the last round. Norway's was an effect of the elevated mood in the camp, England's a cause of greater optimism.

The focus of attention on the prominence of Erling Haaland isn't without foundation. England's ability to deal with the Norway striker will dictate the direction of the match to a large degree.

England manager Thomas Tuchel must guard against any suggestion that Haaland is Norway's only weapon – he's not – but this is one of the tournament's leading scorers coming up against a team more than capable of conceding a sloppy goal.

England have firepower of their own. Captain Harry Kane has six goals to Haaland's seven and Jude Bellingham's scored another four of England's total tournament tally of 11.

The World Cup history between England and Norway is defined by two qualifying wins for the latter. The late Bjørge Lillelien certainly enjoyed the first, in 1981. Graham Taylor's battle of wits with Egil Olsen ahead of the second, in 1993, has become etched into tactical lore.

This is the biggest ever match between these opponents. It might be the most important in Norway's history and it's not far down the list for England either. The spirit of Azteca is the least they'll need.

Team News

Norway XI: Orjan Nyland (GK); Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjorn Heggem, David Moller Wolfe; Martin Odegaard, Sander Berge, Patrick Berg; Alexander Sorloth, Erling Haaland, Andreas Schjelderup

Schjelderup replaces Antonio Nusa in the Norwegian attack along with Sorloth and Haaland. Odegaard continues in midfield as Solbakken's captain.

England XI: Jordan Pickford (GK); Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Nico O'Reilly; Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice; Noni Madueke, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane

Tuchel has made two changes from England's win against Mexico, bringing Stones in for the suspended Jarell Quansah and moving Konsa to right-back. Madueke is a surprise inclusion over Bukayo Saka.

Norway vs England: Q+A

FourFourTwo's prediction

Norway 2-2 England

FourFourTwo can see this one going all the way. England to win in a stressful penalty shootout.

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England vs Norway at the 2026 World Cup promises to be a thrilling fixture, with either side possessing one of the two best bagsmen in world football.

It's the battle of Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, seen last in the 2022/23 Premier League season.

A few years ago, these two titans were trading blows in the race for the English top-flight's Golden Boot, but no goal in either of their careers will be more meaningful than one in this quarter-final.

England vs Norway prediction: The battle of Harry Kane vs Erling Haaland at the 2026 World Cup

England as a squad possess greater tools to secure victory than Norway do, but neither team are one-man armies.

While Kane and Haaland are seizing headlines for their nation's results, their supporting casts belong at this level.

The difference will be simple: can Norway get the ball to Haaland more often in threatening situations than the Three Lions do Kane?

The two strikers, the best in the world at putting the ball in the back of the net, couldn't be more different as players.

For Kane, he thrives without chance quality or quantity, but through the magic of his own boot.

Haaland is a predator in waiting: not the most clinical finisher, but a far more dangerous, and committed, threat inside the box.

This battle will be key, and Kane needs to produce the same sort of awe-inspiring wonder as he did to return England from the dead against DR Congo.

The Haaland problem is ludicrously complex to solve for Thomas Tuchel's men, because marking him intensely won't be a solution.

His height, his speed, his power, will all make him a threat too strong to contain, even if the Three Lions boss pulls out Dan Burn and his magnificent skull to try and counter the problem.

That battle will be won in the middle of the pitch, by stopping Norway from having regular opportunities to spray balls into the England box.

Or, it will be won by Haaland having a bad day at the office, and Kane having a career-best one, with the Three Lions incredibly reliant on their star striker, and the space he creates for Jude Bellingham.

Both men will be impossible to contain, but a mostly even game will be decided by the England striker, whose supporting cast will stop Norway's bagsman from getting the quantity of chances he needs.

Prediction: England 2-1 Norway

Goals: Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane

England face Norway tonight with a place in the World Cup semi-final on the line.

The Three Lions have fought their way through to the quarter-final stage, beating Croatia, Panama, DR Congo and co-hosts Mexico in the process.

Norway, meanwhile, had to defeat Brazil to reach the last eight and have captured the imagination of football fans all over the world, largely through Erling Haaland's goalscoring and supporters' now iconic Viking row.

England vs Norway postponement likelihood

Will England vs Norway kick-off be delayed?

After England's Round of 32 clash with Mexico was delayed due to electrical storms around the Estadio Azteca, similar questions have been asked about tonight's fixture.

An extreme heat warning has been issued for South Florida with 'feels like' temperatures expected to hit 44 degrees Celsius by the time kick-off rolls around at 5pm local time.

England and Norway set to do battle in sweltering temperatures

Whilst weather forecasters predict the actual temperature to be 33 degrees Celsius in Miami at 5pm, a Saharan dust plume is expected to make conditions all the more difficult to play in.

The plume which has travelled across the Atlantic Ocean has reportedly created a thermal blanket over the region in which the match will be played, leaving far-from-ideal conditions for such a high-stakes match.

At this time of year, Florida weather is known for its extreme unpredictability therefore thunderstorms cannot be ruled out either, however they are currently forecast to be unlikely.

Global players' union FIFPro officially states that games should be delayed or postponed if the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT - which factors in ambient heat, humidity, wind, and solar radiation) exceeds 28°C (82.4°F), or if the standard ambient temperature exceeds 36°C (96.8°F).

Theoretically, this fixture is at risk of a postponement but given the nature of the match, FIFA will do everything in their power to ensure it goes ahead whilst maintaining the safety of players and fans.

Already this summer, World Cup matches have been played at high temperatures.

France versus Paraguay in the Round of 16 was contested at a reported 38 degrees Celsius, while Croatia bowed out against Portugal at the same stage in 35 degree heat.

Unlike some stadia at this tournament, Miami's Hard Rock Stadium does not have a retractable roof and air conditioning that would mitigate for the sweltering outdoor temperature.