World Cup news

Former Spain international Joan Capdevila has made a direct plea to US President Donald Trump after being denied entry to the United States ahead of Sunday's World Cup final. The 2010 winner had planned to fly out with his children to support La Roja at MetLife Stadium before his travel authorisation was suddenly rejected by border officials.

Spain legend Andres Iniesta has warned his national team that stopping Lionel Messi completely in the World Cup final is a near-impossible task. The 2010 hero believes the key to victory lies in imposing their own rhythm rather than obsessing over the brilliant Argentina captain.

Marc Cucurella has revealed he will retire from international football if Spain beat Argentina in the World Cup final. The defender believes that winning both the European Championship and the World Cup would complete his journey with La Roja, while also making an unusual promise to honour head coach Luis de la Fuente.

Lionel Scaloni has refused to speculate on Lionel Messi's international future ahead of Argentina's World Cup final against Spain. The Argentina boss insisted only the captain knows whether he will continue beyond the tournament as retirement speculation intensifies.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has admitted he faces a deep conflict of loyalties ahead of Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The former midfielder has travelled to New York for the showpiece event, which will prominently feature both Catalan club icon Lionel Messi and a strong contingent of current Blaugrana players.

United States President Donald Trump has offered an unlikely critique of Thomas Tuchel's tactics following England's dramatic World Cup semi-final exit against Argentina. The American leader questioned the decision to drop captain Harry Kane into a deep defensive role after the Three Lions surrendered a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 in Atlanta.

Lionel Scaloni hailed Lionel Messi as the greatest player in football history after Argentina reached the World Cup final. The Argentina boss urged supporters to cherish the 39-year-old's remarkable career as the reigning world champions prepare to face Spain in Sunday's showpiece.

Lamine Yamal has always looked up to Lionel Messi. The Barcelona legend was - and remains - his one and only idol. "I never had another," Yamal admitted to Tuttosport. "I once took a photo with him. I was unknown." He wasn't just unknown, though; he was still only a baby, just a few weeks old when he and his mother partook in a 2007 photoshoot organised by SPORT for a charity calendar.

And so the wait goes on. England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina on Wednesday means their quest for a first international trophy since 1966 will stretch into a seventh decade. The hope is that drought will come to an end in two years' time when the Three Lions co-host the 2028 European Championship, but will England ever again reach a World Cup final, never mind lift the most famous trophy in the sport?

Argentina president Javier Milei has confirmed he will not travel to the MetLife Stadium for the World Cup final against Spain. The controversial leader explained that his shocking absence from the showpiece event in New York is entirely down to deep-rooted football superstition, having watched the previous seven victories from his home.

NEW YORK -- In a fun meeting between the NFL’s greatest player of all time and arguably soccer’s, Tom Brady asked Lionel Messi about the picture that has followed this World Cup final since the matchup was set: the Argentina icon bathing Lamine Yamal as a baby. Brady described the image as “very prophetic,” with Yamal now playing in his first World Cup and Messi potentially preparing for his last.

A bold new look for La Roja: inside Spain’s striking 2026 World Cup shirts.

Kylian Mbappe is considered to be out of the running for Ballon d’Or recognition in 2026, with Jeremie Aliadiere conceding to GOAL that World Cup heartache with France is likely to have dashed those dreams. Les Bleus’ all-time leading goalscorer has never got his hands on the Golden Ball, and will need to wait another 12 months before staking another claim to the most prestigious of individual honours.

Twente youngster Ruud Nijstad has admitted his long-term ambition is to play alongside Pau Cubarsi at Barcelona after being impressed by the Spain international's display against Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the highly rated Dutch defender insists his immediate focus remains on continuing his development with the Eredivisie club.

Argentina’s comeback against England demonstrated the belief surrounding Lionel Messi. Now Spain stand between the holders and a historic second straight World Cup title.

John Barnes has defended Thomas Tuchel's tactical decisions in England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, insisting the German coach made the correct substitutions. The former Liverpool midfielder believes criticism of Tuchel ignores England's standing in world football and the realities of tournament football.

Jude Bellingham has urged England fans to maintain their incredible unity after the Three Lions suffered a devastating 2-1 defeat against Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals. The 23-year-old midfielder admitted he struggled to find the words to process the heartbreak before sharing an uplifting poem given to him by the team's driver, Michael Chandler.