According to reports, Spain and Argentina could face off in November for the Finalissima, following the Europeans' victory in the 2026 World Cup final. Just days after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the 2026 World Cup, courtesy of a Ferran Torres goal in the 106th minute, the two sides could be headed for a rematch before the year is out. According to a report from Argentina’s ESPN and DSports, the long-postponed Finalissima between the reigning Copa America and European champions is being revived for later this year. The Finalissima was originally slated to be played in March, pitting Copa America winners Argentina against Euro 2024 champions Spain, but the match was suspended amid the escalating conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel in the Middle East. With broadcast and commercial contracts already signed with the Qatari government for a fixture at Lusail Stadium in Doha, both CONMEBOL and UEFA have kept the door open to staging the game before it expires. CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez and UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin are reportedly in talks to find a workable date on the calendar, with two FIFA windows under consideration: September 21 to October 6, or November 9 to 17. Lamine Yamal lifts the World Cup trophy. (Getty Images) A rematch would give both Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal another shot at facing off just months after their World Cup final meeting, this time with the Finalissima trophy on the line, a title Argentina already won in 2022 by thrashing Italy 3-0. The match could also serve as a potential farewell for Messi in an Argentina shirt, in case he hasn’t already played his last game at MetLife Stadium during the World Cup final, as he has yet to say whether the final was his last game with the national team. Spain’s potential scheduling conflict Playing the Finalissima this year isn’t without its complications, particularly for Spain. Between September, October and November, La Roja are already committed to UEFA Nations League fixtures against England, Croatia and Czechia, leaving little obvious room on the calendar for an extra match. Since the Nations League is a UEFA-run competition, though, the confederation could still rework Spain’s fixture schedule to carve out a window for the Finalissima. Argentina, for its part, is set to return to action between September 21 and October 6 for its next FIFA window, when it could play up to four matches.
Although they weren't considered top contenders, Spain managed to defeat Argentina, ending a 16-year drought by winning the 2026 World Cup. With this victory, they broke four records in the tournament. Spain established as the best team of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Showing admirable consistency, Luis de la Fuente’s team defeated Argentina in a highly competitive match. Led by Ferran Torres, they ended a 16-year drought since their last World Cup title, edging their second-ever title in the competition. Not only did they return to being a brilliant side, but they also managed to break four major records along the way. According to Guinness World Records, via X, formerly Twitter, Spain have managed to break four World Cup records: Most clean sheets – 7, Fewest goals conceded – 1, Oldest Manager to win the World Cup – Luis de la Fuente, and Longest unbeaten run in competitive men’s matches – 38. With these records, they highlight their greatest strength: They do not rely on a single player, but rather on a solid collective. Head coach Luis de la Fuente built his team very differently from the others. While some prioritized building an attacking side, he decided to focus on defensive solidity. Led by Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte, they became the team with the fewest goals conceded. In addition, Marc Cucurella and Rodri also contributed greatly to the team’s stability. Alongside them, Unai Simón returned to shine as the best goalkeeper of the tournament. Spain’s undefeated streak puts them ahead of Italy After losing the UEFA Nations League final on penalties, Spain appeared to lose their status as favorites ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, head coach Luis de la Fuente managed to establish a winning dynamic, accumulating 38 consecutive matches without defeat in regulation time. Following this, they have surpassed Italy, the last national team to establish such a streak for several years. Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain lifts the FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy From 2018 to 2021, Italy accumulated a run of 37 unbeaten matches. While Luis de la Fuente’s team had already matched that record after defeating France, they have now extended it, setting a new mark. Spain’s last defeat came on March 22, 2024, when they lost 1–0 against Colombia in a friendly match in London. Luis de la Fuente: The mastermind behind Spain’s youth rise After the dismissal of Luis Enrique, the supporters foresaw a somewhat bleak future for Spain. However, the Spanish Soccer Federation decided to turn to Luis de la Fuente. Without extensive experience in clubs or senior national teams, he took charge of the national team. Demonstrating his knowledge of the youth ranks, he rebuilt the roster, winning UEFA Nations League, UEFA Euro and World Cup, a historic path. Luis de la Fuente based much of his sporting project on Spain’s youth categories. After coaching every level of the national setup, he got to know first-hand all of the young talents such as Pau Cubarsí, Pedri, Gavi, Mikel Merino, Álex Baena, and more current stars. Relying on a possession-based style built around the wings, he excelled, maintaining a solid defense that allowed them to shine. Despite not arriving at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with much recognition, Luis de la Fuente is already considered by many supporters to be the greatest coach in Spain’s history. Not only did they win every trophy, but he also gave the team a highly dominant style of play, something that will remain in history. While the players are hugely important, it was the head coach who shaped the history of the national team.
Former Hearts striker Edgaras Jankauskas has praised "wise" head coach Derek McInnes and is willing the squad to complete a stunning title triumph. Jankauskas, now the Lithuania national team boss, was part of the Hearts team of 2006 who topped the table after starteing the campaign with an eight-game winning run before going on to finish second, 17 points behind Celtic. The 51-year-old is optimistic about Hearts' chances at Celtic Park on Saturday where the visitors will be crowned champions should they avoid defeat.
Hearts legend Gary Mackay says it would be "wonderful" for supporters who saved the club almost 10 years ago to witness a first top-flight title in over 60 years. The 62-year-old was playing for Hearts last time they got close to the title, missing out to Celtic on goal difference on that fateful final day in 1986 after a 2-0 defeat to Dundee. Since then the club has faced relegations, promotions and almost shut its doors for good in 2013 due to off-field financial issues and an ongoing legal dispute between the club and Lithuanian financial authorities.
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