50
Form momentumLast five results weighted to wins
Arbroath is a Scottish football club. The club was founded in 1878. Arbroath is commonly known by the code ARB. Home matches are played at Gayfield Park in Arbroath, which has a listed capacity of 6,600 on a grass surface. Arbroath competes in FA Cup and other competitions tracked on Sportra. Arbroath's Sportra hub links squad lists, upcoming fixtures, recent results, multi-competition standings, advanced season statistics, and headline news in one place. On Sportra you can follow Arbroath fixtures, results, squad, league standings, season statistics, and the latest football news.
ARB · Club
Season intelligence
Stable formation usage — predictable structure and high tactical familiarity.
1W 0D 1L in last 2 — 1.50 PPG. Rarely stacks consecutive defeats.
Biggest results, streaks, and set-piece record.
Eddie Howe has given Newcastle fans some of our happiest memories. In those terms, it makes sense that Howe has departed, to make way for someone else to make their mark on the club. The timing, despite the thrashing in Bristol, does seem a little odd.
El Salvador U20 and United States U20 will face each other in the Matchday 2 of the 2026 CONCACAF U-20 Championship group stage. Here’s everything you need to know to watch the action live in the United States. Here are all of the details of where you can watch El Salvador U20 vs United States U20 on US television and via legal streaming: WHO El Salvador U20 vs United States U20 WHAT 2026 CONCACAF U-20 Championship WHEN 10:00pm ET / 7:00pm PT • Tuesday, July 28, 2026 WHERE Fubo, Fox Sports 2 and FOX One STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview El Salvador U20 finds itself in a must-win situation after falling 3-0 to Cuba U20 in its tournament opener, leaving little margin for error against one of the group’s strongest teams. Standing in its way is a confident United States U20 squad that kicked off its campaign with an impressive 3-0 victory over Haiti U20. This result puts the Americans on the verge of locking in a quarterfinal berth. With the USA looking to keep its perfect start intact and El Salvador desperate to stay alive, this showdown has all the ingredients for an entertaining battle you won’t want to miss. More details on how to watch With Fubo, you can watch El Salvador U20 vs United States U20 and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast. Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC, CNBC, USA, FOX, FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Universo, Telemundo and Galavision. Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more. The Fubo app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One. If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Fubo soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service. SEE MORE: Schedule of Primeira Liga games on US TV and streaming How to watch anywhere with VPN If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
Neymar's future at Santos has been put heavily in doubt after a reported confrontation in the locker room with club youngsters Gabriel Bontempo and Joao Ananias in the last game against Chapecoense. Neymar has rejoined Santos following his 2026 World Cup run with Brazil, but his long-term standing with O Peixe is once again on shaky ground. Following reports of a heated locker-room altercation with young teammates Gabriel Bontempo and Joao Ananias, serious doubts have re-emerged surrounding his future at the club. In the days leading up to his return to action, Neymar raised eyebrows by attending the BSOP Winter poker tournament, the fourth leg of the 2026 Brazilian Poker Championship, while Santos was in Venezuela facing UCV in the Copa Sudamericana. The Brazilian superstar fired back against public criticism over his absence, but the incident reportedly left a sour taste among his teammates. According to Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, tensions boiled over Saturday during a match against Chapecoense, where Neymar berated youngsters Bontempo and Ananias in the dressing room following a disappointing draw. His behavior at halftime and after the final whistle at Vila Belmiro frustrated players, coaching staff, and Santos front-office executives alike. Things initially started bright for Santos, with Neymar opening the scoring in the 36th minute after a crisp team buildup, celebrating by mimicking a card dealer shuffling a deck. However, Santos collapsed early in the second half, conceding two goals in a 10-minute span before Neymar salvaged a draw late in the match by converting a penalty. Neymar Junior of Santos celebrates after scoring against Chapecoense. According to Globo Esporte, Neymar took an overly sharp tone when criticizing midfielder Bontempo and center-back Ananias, directly questioning the skill level of the young defender, who scored an own goal during the second-half collapse. Through his PR team, Bontempo downplayed the rift, describing it as a standard halftime team dressing-down rather than a targeted personal attack. Ananias also released a statement denying any direct confrontation with Neymar, though he confirmed a team-wide reprimand took place. The incident follows another recent training-ground clash where Neymar slapped teammate Robinho Jr., an episode for which the former Barcelona star later issued a public apology. Neymar and Santos reach a breaking point Neymar’s homecoming to Santos in February 2025 was pitched as a win-win: the forward would stay match-fit for Brazil’s 2026 World Cup campaign, while the club reaped major sponsorship deals and star power on the pitch. But the partnership has proven turbulent, with both sides growing increasingly dissatisfied. Santos management remains unhappy with Neymar’s leadership style and his treatment of younger players. That frustration was exacerbated by his appearance at the poker event on the very night Santos kicked off its South American cup fixture. Neymar, meanwhile, has voiced frustration with the club’s infrastructure and what he perceives as a lack of media protection at the CT Rei Pele training facility. Despite funding ongoing upgrades to the facility himself, Neymar and his father have openly questioned the quality of Santos’ roster as the club fights a relegation battle for the second straight year. Neymar Junior of Santos competes for the ball with Bruno Leonardo of Chapecoense. To make matters worse, Globo Esporte reports that Santos owes Neymar over R$ 90 million ($17.5M USD) in unpaid debts, having fallen up to three months behind on image-rights payments this year. With the 34-year-old under contract through late 2026, a contract extension is now considered highly unlikely by both camps.
Honduras U20 square off with Jamaica U20 in the Matchday 1 of the 2026 CONCACAF U-20 Championship group stage. Here’s everything you need to know to watch the action live in the United States. Here are all of the details of where you can watch Honduras U20 vs Jamaica U20 on US television and via legal streaming: WHO Honduras U20 vs Jamaica U20 WHAT CONCACAF U-20 Championship WHEN 9:00pm ET / 6:00pm PT • Sunday, July 26, 2026 WHERE Fubo, Fox Sports 2, FOX One and ViX STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview This Group C showdown could prove pivotal in determining the tournament outlook for both sides. With Canada and Panama entering as the early favorites to secure the top two positions, Honduras and Jamaica know that earning a victory in their opening match is essential to keeping their qualification hopes alive. Whether they are targeting a runner-up finish or hoping to advance as one of the best third-place teams, both nations need to secure all three points on Matchday 1. A draw would do little to help either team’s ambitions, adding even more pressure and importance to what promises to be a must-watch battle. More details on how to watch With Fubo, you can watch Honduras U20 vs Jamaica U20 and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast. Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC, CNBC, USA, FOX, FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Universo, Telemundo and Galavision. Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more. The Fubo app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One. If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Fubo soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service. SEE MORE: Schedule of Primeira Liga games on US TV and streaming How to watch anywhere with VPN If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
Cuba U20 will face El Salvador U20 in the Matchday 1 of the 2026 CONCACAF U-20 Championship group stage. Here’s everything you need to know to watch the action live in the United States. Here are all of the details of where you can watch Cuba U20 vs El Salvador U20 on US television and via legal streaming: WHO Cuba U20 vs El Salvador U20 WHAT 2026 CONCACAF U-20 Championship WHEN 5:00pm ET / 2:00pm PT • Saturday, July 25, 2026 WHERE Fubo, Fox Soccer Plus and FOX One STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview Group A’s race could take shape much earlier than expected when Cuba U-20 and El Salvador U-20 meet in a matchup with major implications. While the United States U-20 is considered the clear frontrunner to finish first, these two sides and Haiti are expected to compete for the remaining qualification spots, making every point crucial. Earning a win here would create valuable momentum and strengthen a team’s position in the standings, while dropping points could leave little margin for error the rest of the tournament. Don’t miss this pivotal clash as the battle for advancement begins. More details on how to watch With Fubo, you can watch Cuba U20 vs El Salvador U20 and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast. Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC, CNBC, USA, FOX, FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Universo, Telemundo and Galavision. Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more. The Fubo app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One. If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Fubo soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service. SEE MORE: Schedule of Primeira Liga games on US TV and streaming How to watch anywhere with VPN If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
After the 2026 World Cup win, Spain legend Carles Puyol stated that Argentina reached the final "thanks to Lionel Messi." Spain has once again claimed global soccer supremacy, securing its second World Cup title in a 1-0 victory over an Argentina squad that was thoroughly outplayed from kickoff to the final whistle. Following the match, Spanish legend Carles Puyol offered a blunt assessment of the final, arguing that the Albiceleste reached the championship match solely “thanks to Lionel Messi.“ With its signature possession-based style, Spain neutralized Argentina’s attack, holding the defending champions without a single shot on target throughout 120 minutes. The offensive outage came as a shock, given that Argentina entered the match as one of the tournament’s top-scoring teams with 19 goals, trailing only France and England (20 apiece), who padded their tallies during a wild 6-4 third-place playoff. Speaking to DAZN, Puyol lauded his former Barcelona teammate while emphasizing just how much the team relied on him: “If this Argentina team reached the final, it is thanks to Messi. I don’t want to talk about previous World Cups, but in this one they held onto Messi and he carried them all the way to the final. It wasn’t enough to become champions, but no—I hat’s off to him.“ As the captain who raised Spain’s first World Cup trophy in 2010, Puyol watched Messi evolve from a teenage prodigy at Barcelona into a global superstar. Decades later, the 39-year-old playmaker delivered another vintage tournament run, though it ultimately wasn’t enough to compensate for a lineup that proved overly reliant on its iconic captain. Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona walks with former teammate Carles Puyol. Puyol closed his remarks with a heartfelt tribute to his former teammate .”I will be eternally grateful to Leo Messi for everything he gave us as a teammate and also for everything he has given to football, and I will always wish him the very best,” the former defender concluded. Messi’s statistical dominance for Argentina in North America While players like Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, Enzo Fernandez, and Cristian Romero delivered clutch moments during the knockout stages, Messi remained the statistical engine driving Argentina’s entire campaign. The Inter Miami star led Argentina across virtually every major offensive category during the tournament, finishing top on the team in goals (8), assists (4), shots per game (4.4), shots on target per game (2.3), big chances created (8), key passes per game (3.3), and successful dribbles per game (3.5). Conversely, Messi also led the team in dispossessions, losing possession 19.4 times per match. Rather than a flaw, that stat underscored just how heavily Argentina’s attack funnelled through their captain, a burden he embraced as he consistently created goals out of thin air throughout their final run.
Karim Benzema is seto for a major squad boost with Al Hilal reportedly agree for a $91 million fee for West Ham United to sign Crysencio Summerville. Preparations are officially underway for the 2026-27 season, and with the World Cup in the rearview mirror, Karim Benzema is eager to wrestle Saudi Arabian soccer dominance away from Cristiano Ronaldo. In what serves as a massive boost for the French striker, Al Hilal has reportedly agreed to a $91 million deal to acquire Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville from West Ham United. As reported by journalist and transfer insider Ben Jacobs, Al Hilal and West Ham reached an agreement on a total package worth €80 million ($91 million). The Saudi powerhouse initially approached the 24-year-old winger back in May, but after Summerville spent the early summer exploring options across Europe, he is now set to put pen to paper on a long-term contract in Riyadh. Summerville also drew significant interest from AS Roma during the primary window. According to Jacobs, the Italian club was preparing a €46 million offer for the forward, but despite his €35 million valuation on Transfermarkt, Al Hilal’s overwhelming bid proved too lucrative for both West Ham and the player to turn down. A move away from East London was all but guaranteed for Summerville after West Ham suffered a catastrophic relegation from the Premier League to the EFL Championship. While several top-flight English clubs expressed interest in keeping him in the UK, none were willing to match the aggressive financial package put forward by the Saudi side. Crysencio Summerville #24 of the Netherlands celebrating. Despite a turbulent 2025-26 campaign with the Hammers, Summerville emerged as one of the brightest lights for the Netherlands during their World Cup run. In four appearances before the Dutch fell in the Round of 32, the dynamic winger tallied two goals and two assists in his debut tournament on the international stage. Summerville gives Benzema a elite partner in attack Al Hilal has consistently featured near the top of Saudi soccer, but the 2025-26 campaign proved frustrating: even after landing Benzema during the winter transfer window, the club walked away with only the King Cup. Heading into 2026-27, Summerville’s arrival could be the exact piece needed to tip the scales back in their favor. Benzema is locked in as the starting center forward, having already featured in a recent preseason friendly against Austrian side Sturm Graz II, with Brazilian star Malcom anchoring the right wing. Because Summerville did his finest work on that same right flank in London, head coach Simone Inzaghi will need to tweak his standard 4-3-3 tactical setup or shift one of his high-priced wingers over to the left side.
After a 16-year drought, Spain was crowned champion of the 2026 World Cup, defeating Argentina. As a result, Álex Baena joined a select list of players to win three titles, alongside Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María. Despite not entering the 2026 World Cup with many chances of being a starter, Álex Baena managed to convince Luis de la Fuente, becoming an undisputed starter in every match. He was essential to Spain‘s collective play, creating space for Marc Cucurella and forming a strong partnership with Mikel Oyarzabal. After winning the anticipated title, he joined a select list of winners alongside Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María. After winning the 2026 World Cup, Álex Baena has joined Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María as the only players to have won a continental competition—either the UEFA European Championship or the Copa América—an Olympic Games gold medal, and the World Cup. Having played a central role in all three titles, he has written his name into soccer history. Álex Baena has established as one of the best wingers of the 2026 World Cup. While he scored just one goal and provided one assist, he was essential to Spain’s collective success. As a creative winger, his role on the pitch is quite similar to that of Ángel Di María. He won the 2024 Olympic gold medal as a starter, as well as the 2024 UEFA Euro, completing a remarkable career that still has plenty of room for growth. Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María have become two of the greatest players in Argentina’s history, something Álex Baena has yet to achieve. Both legends shared the same squad in 2008, when they won the Olympic Games gold medal. In addition, they were also key figures in Argentina’s two Copa América titles and the World Cup, leading a golden generation that dominated for several years. Alex Baena celebrates a goal for Spain. Alex Baena’s next challenge is winning over Atlético Madrid Despite emerging as one of Spain’s best players, Álex Baena did not have a good season at Atlético Madrid. After paying €42 million to Villarreal, he arrived as an undisputed starter for head coach Diego Simeone. However, he rotated frequently with Ademola Lookman and Thiago Almada, finishing with just two goals and three assists in 46 matches. After becoming a starter at the 2026 World Cup, Álex Baena has the best opportunity to establish at Atlético Madrid. Following the departure of Antoine Griezmann and the uncertainty surrounding Julián Álvarez, the 25-year-old star would have every chance to become a cornerstone of the team. To achieve this, he would need to improve his attacking output, looking to match his greater impact in the creative phase. With Griezmann’s departure still not fully addressed, head coach Diego Simeone could deploy Baena as his new second striker. Thanks to his tactical intelligence and creative contribution, he would enhance the goalscoring output of Alexander Sørloth or Julián Álvarez. However, he must maintain his defensive contribution, something that is essential to succeeding at both Atlético Madrid and Spain.
Lionel Messi broke the silence after Argentina's 2026 World Cup final defeat against Spain with an emotional message on social media: "The pain is immense." Lionel Messi has once again suffered a heartbreaking defeat in a World Cup final, this time falling to Spain in the 2026 championship match in North America. The day after the crushing loss, the Argentina captain broke his silence with an emotional message on social media, admitting that “the pain is immense.“ Taking to his Instagram account, Messi delivered his first public words following the defeat at MetLife Stadium: “The pain is immense and this wound will take time to heal. But I also hold onto all the good things… the matches where we fought back, giving everything, which will remain forever in our memory, and the support of an entire country that, together with the work and effort of this group, brought us back once again to being among the best in the world. Today it is hard to appreciate what we accomplished, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals.“ The legendary playmaker also expressed profound gratitude to the supporters who backed the squad throughout their tournament run. “Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and every message. Once again, we managed to unite as a country and stand all together, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine,” he added. In a gracious display of sportsmanship, Messi closed his statement by acknowledging the new world champions and their historic achievement: “I also want to congratulate Spain on the championship.“ Lionel Messi’s Instagram post. Lionel Messi will not travel to Argentina for homecoming Following the 1-0 extra-time defeat against Spain, the Argentine national team delegation boarded flight AR 1971 to return home, with an expected arrival at Ezeiza International Airport around 6:30 PM local time. While fans are preparing a warm reception at home to recognize the squad’s impressive tournament run, Messi will be the most notable absence from the celebrations. Instead of boarding the charter flight out of New York with the rest of the team, Messi opted to travel directly to Miami to rest and recharge following his demanding World Cup campaign. In total, six members of Argentina’s 26-man World Cup roster chose not to return to Buenos Aires with the main group. Joining Messi in skipping the homecoming trip are goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, defender Cristian Romero, midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Rodrigo De Paul, and forward Julian Alvarez.
For the 2026 World CUp final against Spain, Lautaro Martinez has been left out from Argentina's starting lineup. Argentina takes the pitch today, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, chasing a historic back-to-back World Cup championship against Spain. However, as soon as the official lineups were released ahead of kickoff, Lautaro Martinez emerged as the most glaring omission from the starting eleven. Lautaro Martinez will begin the match against Spain on the bench due to a strategic tactical decision by head coach Lionel Scaloni. The Argentine boss has opted to adjust his tactical shape from Wednesday’s semifinal victory over England, leaving the highly lethal center forward out of the opening lineup despite his heroics against the Three Lions. Instead, Scaloni has tapped Julian Alvarez to partner Lionel Messi leading Argentina’s frontline attack. By starting the Atletico Madrid forward, the manager is prioritizing a high-energy profile capable of executing a relentless high-press to disrupt a Spanish side that thrives on controlling possession. On the other side of the pitch, Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez is also expected to make a major impact off the bench. Over the last few rounds, the striker has proven to be vital in front of the net, providing a reliable spark that manager Lionel Scaloni will likely utilize in the second half of the match. Lautaro Martinez #22 of Argentina scores against England. Lautaro Martinez’s 2026 World Cup journey With Julian Alvarez nursing an ankle injury early in the tournament, Martinez initially served as Argentina’s starting center forward alongside Lionel Messi. The Inter Milan captain started the team’s first four matches, covering the entire World Cup group stage and a Round of 32 clash against Cape Verde, though his lone goal during that opening stretch came from the penalty spot against Jordan. Once Alvarez returned to full fitness for the Round of 16, Martinez was moved to the bench. However, the lineup change did not diminish his impact on the tournament, as he quickly adapted to his role as a highly effective late-game option for the Albiceleste. He set up the winning goal to complete a late comeback against Egypt before scoring in consecutive knockout matches. He added the late insurance goal in a 3-1 victory over Switzerland and then headed home the decisive winner to cap a 2-1 comeback against England, providing a clear redemption arc after going scoreless during the 2022 World Cup.
Spain and Argentina will battle for the FIFA World Cup title. Here's everything you need to know to watch the championship match live in the United States. Here are all of the details of where you can watch Spain vs Argentina on US television and via legal streaming: WHO Spain vs Argentina WHAT 2026 World Cup WHEN 3:00pm ET / 12:00pm PT • Sunday, July 19, 2026 WHERE Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling, Peacock Premium, FOX, Telemundo and Hulu + Live TV STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview The final of the 2026 tournament features a historic clash as Spain, the reigning European champions, take on Argentina, the defending world champions. For Spain, this is a chance to cap a dominant era under manager Luis de la Fuente, adding the global crown to their Euro 2024 and Nations League titles. Their journey has been defined by a near-impenetrable defense and a fluid, possession-based style that has stifled the world’s best attacks. Argentina is on the verge of history, aiming to become the first nation in 64 years to win back-to-back tournaments. Led by the legendary Lionel Messi in what could be his final appearance on this stage, La Albiceleste has relied on tactical grit and late-game heroics. The stakes couldn’t be higher as two soccer titans collide at MetLife Stadium for the ultimate prize. Tactical Analysis & Match Context This final presents a fascinating contrast in styles. Spain has built its success on a remarkable 37-game unbeaten streak, showcasing a tactical masterclass throughout the competition. Their disciplined approach has seen them concede just a single goal in seven matches. In contrast, Argentina has navigated a more dramatic path, conceding in every knockout game and often relying on their unyielding spirit to secure comeback victories. The tactical battle will likely be decided in midfield. Spain operates a fluid 4-2-3-1 system, often using Mikel Oyarzabal as a ‘false nine’ to disrupt defensive structures. Their game is built on the control exerted by Rodri and Fabián Ruiz. Argentina counters with a resilient low block and an aggressive central midfield designed to win the ball and unleash Lionel Messi‘s creative genius. Expect a clash between Spain‘s technical possession and Argentina’s pragmatic, physical approach. Motivation is immense on both sides. Spain is driven to solidify its place as the undisputed best team in the world, completing a historic treble of international trophies. For Argentina, the goal is to cement a legacy, with Lionel Scaloni aiming to become only the second coach ever to win consecutive titles and Messi looking to add a final, spectacular chapter to his unparalleled career. Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends Surprisingly, these two giants of international soccer have met only once in a competitive match. That encounter took place during the 1966 tournament group stage, where Argentina secured a 2-1 victory. All other meetings have been friendlies, creating a final with little direct competitive history to draw from. The six friendly matches between the sides have seen Spain win four and Argentina two. Their most recent meeting was a dominant 6-1 victory for Spain back in 2018, though both squads have evolved significantly since then. Historically, friendlies between them have been high-scoring affairs, with both teams finding the net in five of the six games. Looking at their records against continental opposition, Argentina has played 61 games against UEFA teams in the tournament’s history, securing 23 wins, 20 draws, and 18 losses. Spain has faced CONMEBOL opponents 16 times, with a record of seven wins, five losses, and four draws. This final is a true clash of continents, pitting the champions of Europe against the champions of South America for the first time in the tournament’s ultimate match. Squad News & Projected Lineups Both managers enter the final with the luxury of a fully fit and available squad, with no new injury concerns or suspensions to contend with following their semi-fi
While the tournament's grand finale between Argentina and Spain will decide the champion, England's meeting with France carries its own significance, with the result set to determine the final composition of the World Cup podium. England‘s 2-1 semifinal defeat to Argentina and France‘s 2-0 loss to Spain have set up one final challenge before the curtain falls on the 2026 World Cup. While the tournament’s grand finale between Argentina and Spain will decide the champion, England’s meeting with France carries its own significance, with the result set to determine the final composition of the World Cup podium. The outcome of the third-place playoff will settle who leaves North America with the bronze medal and who finishes just outside the medals. Although the spotlight naturally falls on Sunday’s final, Saturday’s clash still has major implications for both national teams and several individual awards. RoundFrance’s ResultsEngland’s ResultsGroup Stage Match 1Won 3–1 vs. SenegalWon 4–2 vs. CroatiaGroup Stage Match 2Won 3–0 vs. IraqDrew 0–0 vs. GhanaGroup Stage Match 3Won 4–1 vs. NorwayWon 2–0 vs. PanamaRound of 32Won 3–0 vs. SwedenWon 2–1 vs. DR CongoRound of 16Won 1–0 vs. ParaguayWon 3–2 vs. MexicoQuarter-finalsWon 2–0 vs. MoroccoWon 2–1 (AET) vs. NorwaySemi-finalsLost 0–2 vs. SpainLost 1–2 vs. Argentina What happens if England wins and France loses? Should England defeat France, whether in regulation time, extra time, or on penalties, Thomas Tuchel’s side would secure third place and claim the bronze medal, leaving France to settle for fourth. Julian Alvarez #9 of Argentina celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal. For England, it would provide a positive ending after the heartbreak of the semifinal against Argentina. The Three Lions looked destined for the final after Anthony Gordon’s second-half goal, only for Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martínez to complete Argentina’s dramatic comeback in the closing stages. Finishing third would also soften the disappointment surrounding England’s exit, giving Tuchel something tangible to build upon after guiding the national team deep into the tournament during his first major competition in charge. What happens if the game ends in a draw? Unlike group-stage matches, the third-place playoff cannot end in a draw. If England and France are level after 90 minutes, the match will continue into extra time, and should the deadlock remain, a penalty shootout will determine which nation finishes third and which finishes fourth. Harry Kane #9 of England converts a penalty That format guarantees a definitive result, meaning only one team will leave Miami with bronze medals. CountryBest Third-Place Finish HistoryLast Podium AppearanceEngland3rd Place (1966 – Winners) / 4th Place (1990, 2018)1966 (Champions)France3rd Place (1958, 1986)2022 (Runners-up) What happens if France wins and England loses? If France overcomes England, Didier Deschamps’ side will secure third place, while England will finish fourth. Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates with Dayot Upamecano #4 and Michael Olise #11. France entered the tournament among the favorites after reaching the semifinals with impressive victories over Sweden, Paraguay, and Morocco. However, Spain halted Les Bleus’ title hopes with a composed 2-0 victory, preventing Kylian Mbappe from reaching another World Cup final. A bronze medal would still allow France to finish on the podium once again, adding another notable achievement to Deschamps’ remarkable spell as national team manager before his departure. How the final 2026 World Cup podium will look The winner of the third-place playoff will occupy the final podium position before the World Cup concludes with the championship match between Argentina and Spain. The possible podium outcomes are straightforward: PositionScenario A (England Wins)Scenario B (France Wins)1st Place (Gold)Spain / ArgentinaSpain / Argentina2nd Place (Silver)Spain / ArgentinaSpain / Argentina3rd Place (Bronze)EnglandFrance4t
After reaching another World Cup final, Lionel Messi shared words of appraisal to his Argentina teammates: "This group never stopped believing." Lionel Messi delivered yet another masterclass at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, orchestrating Argentina‘s high-stakes semifinal comeback against England with a pair of brilliant assists to punch the Albiceleste’s ticket to the final. Following the emotional victory in Atlanta, the Argentina icon was quick to praise his squad’s relentless drive to turn the match around, stating proudly, “This group never stopped believing.“ Speaking to TyC Sports on the pitch, Messi opened up about the heavy historical gravity and raw emotion of the clash: “Everything we experienced was incredible. From the beginning, even though it was just a football match, when we started walking out, the anthem and everything, we felt it wasn’t just another victory. This group is incredible. Today we went for it again. We never stopped believing, never stopped trying. When we were down on the scoreboard, we pinned them back in their box. So, it brings enormous happiness.“ The legendary playmaker also emphasized his unwavering faith in his teammates, acknowledging that their collective strength goes far beyond any individual brilliance. “It’s crazy how things are playing out. Honestly, before the World Cup started, I had faith in this group. I thought we were going to be among the final four, that we were going to fight for it. I know, and we knew, what we were capable of,” he added. The grueling extra-time period required to dispatch Switzerland in the previous round clearly took a physical toll on the roster’s fitness, but Argentina showed championship resolve to overcome that fatigue: “Maybe people had doubts because of how we came into it, with players pushed right to the limit. But when this group comes together and is united, we feed off each other and find strength out of nowhere to give even more.” Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates with teammates. (Buda Mendes/Getty Images) Messi concluded with a heartfelt message to the traveling Argentine supporters back home and in the stands, as the nation prepares to compete in its third World Cup final across the last four tournament editions. “Enjoy this moment just like we are. Today we’ve made it into another World Cup final. We’ve been enjoying being world champions for four years, and now we are playing in a new final. We achieved what we all wanted. Now, it will be whatever God wills,” he stated. Lionel Scaloni on Argentina’s dramatic qualification Since Lionel Scaloni took the helm in 2018, Argentina has embarked on an unprecedented run of five consecutive tournament finals across the Copa America (2021, 2024), the Finalissima (2022), and the World Cup (2022, 2026). Yet, despite all the silverware, this resilient squad continues to leave its manager in awe after delivering another legendary comeback. Following the final whistle, Scaloni reflected on the squad’s intangible qualities and the sheer grit required to pull off the victory: “It’s a combination of many things, about the group, about brotherhood. About fighting until the very end. We are going out there to win a final; we are going to try to win it. These guys have moved me. I don’t have much else to say. I am so grateful to the players. Without them, it is impossible. And above all, to those who don’t play, to those who support from the outside. And the ones who came off the bench have been crucial.” In the buildup to kickoff, the matchup drew inevitable comparisons to the historic 1986 clash defined by the “Hand of God” and the “Goal of the Century,” and while Wednesday’s drama carved out its own legacy, Scaloni kept his focus on the immediate future. “I can’t compare this match with that one (the one from ’86), I was very little. We thought the game against Egypt was the absolute peak, but I think this surpassed it. Regardless of the opponent, it was a semi-final. I am worried, because now we have t
While the fixture carries decades of history, its immediate importance lies in how the result will decide the final two matches of the tournament. Argentina and England are set to renew one of soccer’s greatest rivalries in the 2026 World Cup semifinal, with the final result set to determine far more than just bragging rights. While the fixture carries decades of history, its immediate importance lies in how the result will decide the final two matches of the tournament. La Albiceleste’s road to the semifinal has been anything but straightforward. After cruising through the group stage, Lionel Scaloni’s side survived an extra-time battle against Cape Verde, produced a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to defeat Egypt 3-2, and eventually overcame Switzerland 3-1 after extra time thanks to Julian Alvarez’s decisive strike. England has also been forced to overcome difficult moments throughout the knockout stage. Thomas Tuchel’s squad eliminated DR Congo before edging Mexico 3-2 and then defeating Norway 3-2 after extra time, with Jude Bellingham once again proving decisive. The semifinal also renews one of soccer’s most famous rivalries. The nations have not met since a 3-2 England victory in a 2005 friendly, while this will be their first World Cup encounter since the 2002 group stage, when David Beckham’s penalty separated the teams. DateArgentina’s OpponentStageResultJuly 11, 2026SwitzerlandQuarter-finalsWin (3-1 AET)July 7, 2026EgyptRound of 16Win (3-2)July 3, 2026Cabo VerdeRound of 32Win (3-2 AET)June 27, 2026JordanGroup StageWin (3-1)June 22, 2026AustriaGroup StageWin (2-0)June 16, 2026AlgeriaGroup StageWin (3-0) Both sides enter the contest with superstar forwards leading their attacks. Lionel Messi has scored eight goals during the tournament, while Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have each found the net six times, keeping the Golden Boot race alive heading into the final four. DateEngland’s OpponentStageResultJuly 11, 2026NorwayQuarter-finalsWin (2-1 AET)July 5, 2026MexicoRound of 16Win (3-2)July 1, 2026DR CongoRound of 32Win (2-1)June 27, 2026PanamaGroup StageWin (2-0)June 23, 2026GhanaGroup StageTie (0-0)June 17, 2026CroatiaGroup StageWin (4-2) What happens if Argentina wins and England loses? Should Argentina defeat England, regardless of whether the victory comes in regulation time, extra time, or penalties, the reigning world champion would advance to the 2026 World Cup Final. Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates with Julian Alvarez #9 after scoring against Egypt. Their reward would be a showdown against Spain, which booked its place by defeating France in the first semifinal. Victory over England would also keep alive Argentina’s dream of becoming the first nation in more than six decades to successfully defend the World Cup title. England, meanwhile, would see its championship hopes end and instead prepare for the third-place playoff against France. The Albiceleste enters the semifinal having survived several demanding knockout matches, including extra-time victories over Cape Verde and Switzerland, while also recovering from a two-goal deficit against Egypt. What happens if the match is tied after 90 minutes? Unlike league competitions, a draw cannot be the final result in a World Cup semifinal. If the score remains level after 90 minutes, two 15-minute periods of extra time will immediately follow. Should neither team break the deadlock after 120 minutes, the semifinal would be settled by a penalty shootout. Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina take a penalty kick This scenario would significantly increase the physical demands on both squads, especially considering each side has already endured exhausting knockout encounters during the tournament. The eventual winner of the shootout would advance to face Spain, while the defeated side would move into the third-place match against France. DateCompetitionH2H ResultNovember 12, 2005International FriendlyArgentina 2-3 EnglandJune 7, 2002FIFA World Cup (Group Stage)Argen
Johnny Kenny is at the centre of a proper summer tug-of-war. According to reporter Alan Nixon via his Patreon account, relayed by @eflpublished on X, two Championship clubs are actively trying to pry ...
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.
