World Cup news

Preparation for the biggest match in world football has been thrown into disarray after Spain were forced to cancel their final training session before Sunday's World Cup final. Luis de la Fuente’s side, along with their opponents Argentina, were hit by severe weather conditions in the New Jersey area that made outdoor work impossible.

Neil Warnock has accused Thomas Tuchel of overstepping the mark in his handling of Kobbie Mainoo at the World Cup, branding the England coach's public criticism of the Manchester United midfielder "totally unfair" ahead of Saturday's third-place play-off against France.

The political fallout from Argentina’s dramatic victory over England has reached the highest levels of government. While FIFA weighs up potential sanctions for a controversial banner, the White House has unexpectedly waded into the sovereignty dispute to defend the players' right to free speech. The incident has reignited old tensions between London and Buenos Aires on the world’s biggest sporting stage.

Croatia legend Davor Suker has launched a scathing attack on England manager Thomas Tuchel following the German's dismissive comments regarding the World Cup third-place play-off. The former Real Madrid striker accused the Three Lions boss of elitism after Tuchel suggested that neither England nor France had any interest in competing for a bronze medal.

Thomas Tuchel is facing growing scrutiny after England's World Cup semi-final defeat, but former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison believes the German should remain in charge. Morrison insists Pep Guardiola would be the only manager worth replacing Tuchel for, while the FA continues to back its current head coach.

Aston Villa have completed the signing of Switzerland midfielder Johan Manzambi from Freiburg in a deal reportedly worth in excess of £50 million. The 20-year-old arrives after a breakthrough 2026 World Cup and is expected to play a key role in Unai Emery's plans following Youri Tielemans' departure.

The upcoming international showpiece in America will see a fascinating generational battle unfold as the Albiceleste captain Lionel Messi prepares to encounter La Roja's breakout winger Lamine Yamal. Having closely monitored the teenager's spectacular developmental trajectory at Camp Nou, the veteran playmaker expressed immense admiration while plotting to stop him.

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.

The former Buccaneers star has offered a fascinating insight into the tactical flexibility of the Spanish coach during his trophy-laden spell in South Africa. The midfielder revealed how the Spaniard's willingness to adapt and move away from his preferred footballing philosophy proved to be the turning point in the Sea Robbers' success.

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?