Italy are yet to name Gennaro Gattuso's successor, but talks have been held with Pep Guardiola about the vacancy. The post Italy president says financial ‘exceptions’ would be made to land Guardiola appeared first on SoccerNews.
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.
France and Spain will be clashing in the 2026 World Cup semifinals, with stars in every single line of the pitch. France and Spain have been drawn to clash in the 2026 World Cup semifinals, with only one nation advancing to the final at MetLife Stadium. The game is set for Tuesday, July 15th, at Dallas Stadium, and both sides boast star power at every position. Kylian Mbappe is chasing history once again, looking to reach his third consecutive World Cup final with his goal tally sitting at 20, just one behind Lionel Messi’s all-time record of 21. A commanding 2-0 win over Morocco sent Les Bleus through in what has been a near-flawless tournament run under Didier Deschamps. On the other side, Lamine Yamal will be turning 19 ahead of the match, looking to cap a historic first World Cup. Spain arrive having claimed Euro 2024, though they fell short in the 2025 UEFA Nations League final, and will be hunting a second World Cup star to add to their 2010 triumph in South Africa. The semifinal sets up compelling head-to-head battles across every position on the field. GK: Mike Maignan vs Unai Simon Mike Maignan (L) and Unai Simon (R). (Justin Setterfield & Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) Mike Maignan has established himself as Hugo Lloris’s successor between the posts for France, and while he has not been tested frequently, he has responded with crucial saves when called upon. Unai Simon, meanwhile, has set a remarkable record, going 649 minutes without conceding in this World Cup, surpassing Italy’s Walter Zenga as the goalkeeper with the most consecutive minutes without a goal allowed in the competition’s history. RB: Jules Kounde vs Pedro Porro Jules Kounde (L) and Pedro Porro (R). (Al Bello & Luke Hales/Getty Images) Jules Kounde has retained his place as France’s starting right back since the 2022 World Cup, taking on a more disciplined defensive role with the national team than he typically plays at Barcelona. Pedro Porro, meanwhile, has been one of Spain‘s most dynamic contributors going forward, capping his tournament with his first international goal in the group stage win over Austria. RCB: Dayot Upamecano vs Pau Cubarsi Dayot Upamecano (L) and Pau Cubarsi (R). (Dan Mullan & David Ramos/Getty Images) Dayot Upamecano has been a cornerstone of France’s defense since the 2022 World Cup, combining physical dominance with composure on the ball. Pau Cubarsi, despite his youth, has been one of the most technically gifted center backs in the tournament, ranking among the leaders in key passes per game from the heart of Spain’s backline. LCB: William Saliba vs Aymeric Laporte William Saliba and Aymeric Laporte. (Justin Setterfield & Carl Recine/Getty Images) William Saliba barely featured at the 2022 World Cup, but with Raphaël Varane retired, the Arsenal defender has stepped into the role of one of the world’s best, having also reached the UEFA Champions League final during the 2025-26 club season. Aymeric Laporte made his way back into the Spain squad after missing the Nations League Final Four and has formed a commanding partnership with Cubarsí at the back. LB: Lucas Digne vs Marc Cucurella Lucas Digne (L) and Marc Cucurella (R). (Justin Setterfield & Carl Recine/Getty Images) Lucas Digne began the tournament as a backup behind Théo Hernández, but his technical quality and clinical left foot have earned him the starting spot under Deschamps, a role he also impressed in while helping Aston Villa win the Europa League. Marc Cucurella, on the other hand, is firmly established as one of the best left backs in the world, having recently completed a high-profile move to Real Madrid from Chelsea. CDM: Manu Kone vs Rodri Manu Kone (L) and Rodri (R). (Mattia Ozbot & David Ramos/Getty Images) Manu Kone stepped into a more defensive midfield role with France amid Aurelien Tchouaméni’s fitness struggles and has responded with composure and character despite not being a first-choice starter coming into the tournament. Rodri, by contrast, is w
Coming off their triumph as 2025 UEFA Nations League champions, Portugal arrive at the 2026 World Cup as clear favourites. They face DR Congo today in their opening Group K match. However, head coach Roberto Martínez will be without Rúben Dias. Portugal arrive at the 2026 World Cup as one of the strongest national teams in the world, after their triumph at the 2025 UEFA Nations League. As such, they enter the tournament as top contenders. In their opening match, they face DR Congo in the first game of Group K. Despite their status as favorites, they will be without Rúben Dias in central defense, a significant setback that weakens their back line considerably. Rúben Dias will not be available for Portugal’s debut against DR Congo, as he is still dealing with physical discomfort following the friendly against Nigeria. “Rúben is not at 100 per cent; there is no point in taking risks. He is recovering and will be available later,” head coach Roberto Martínez reported in the press conference. With this in mind, he could return to the starting lineup in the next match against Uzbekistan. Instead of Rúben, Roberto Martínez could opt for Tomás Araújo as the ideal partner for Gonçalo Inácio. Both players are highly promising, and Portugal may not face major issues in covering for Dias as both have huge footing skills. In addition, Renato Veiga and Rúben Neves could also play a role from bench if needed. In the absence of leadership in defense, the presence of João Cancelo will be key in helping organize the team. As a top contender, Portugal may not face major defensive issues against DR Congo, as their opponents are not typically strong in attack. For this reason, João Neves and Vitinha will once again be key to controlling the tempo of the game, helping to prevent counterattacks from their rivals. In addition, the dribbling ability of Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceição could be crucial in breaking through the opposition defensive line. Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates Pedro Neto’s goal for Portugal vs Nigeria Portugal’s defense key to unlocking offense vs DR Congo Since his arrival, Portugal‘s Roberto Martínez has implemented a fairly attacking style based on high pressing and collective play. Against DR Congo in their 2026 World Cup opener, they could struggle to break down their opponent’s defensive structure. For this reason, the defensive line could be key in enabling their attacking play and securing a victory to take control of Group K. By applying a high press, they would aim to pin DR Congo back in their own half. In this context, the defensive line becomes a key factor, as they would take on an important role in ball progression and build-up play. In addition, they would be responsible for breaking up the opposition’s progression and delivering line-breaking passes to allow Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates to see more of the ball. Unlike other national teams, Portugal make their defenders a central axis in the construction of play. Pushing into advanced areas and distributing possession, they are able to find gaps in the opposition’s defensive structure. Moreover, they become key partners for João Neves and Vitinha, enabling a solid collective structure that consistently looks for through balls or passes into space, allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to finish first time.
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