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A host of issues: World Cup focus turns to Morocco with costs and legacy topping agenda
With just over 1,400 days to go until 2030 kicks off, the co-hosts are facing a series of challenges familiar to their South African predecessorsMorocco’s World Cup adventure came to a halt with their quarter-final defeat by France. But taking a break, even for a brief post-season summer, is no option for officials of the FRMF, the country’s football federation.The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon), in its newly expanded 16-team format, begins in Rabat on Sunday, a week after the World Cup final in New Jersey, and Morocco then hosts the Under-17 Women’s World Cup in the autumn. Continue reading...
FIFA president Gianni Infantino congratulates Spain, Argentina after their 2026 World Cup campaigns
After the 2026 World Cup final, FIFA president Gianni Infantino posted congratulatory messages to both Spain and Argentina. The 2026 World Cup came to a close with Spain edging Argentina 1-0 in extra time after a Ferran Torres goal in the 106th minute, to claim the country’s second world title. In the aftermath, FIFA president Gianni Infantino took to Instagram to send individual messages praising both finalists for their respective runs through the tournament. Spain’s path to the trophy included plenty of tension along the way, starting with a goalless draw against Cabo Verde in the group stage opener that raised early questions about the team. La Roja steadied themselves in the knockout rounds, however, cruising past Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 before needing a stoppage-time winner from Mikel Merino to eliminate Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16. The knockout stage only got tougher from there. Spain edged Belgium 2-1 in the quarterfinals on a Fabian Ruiz opener and a late Merino winner, before dominating France 2-0 in the semifinal behind goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro to reach a second straight World Cup final appearance for the continent’s champions. Reacting to Spain‘s title, Infantino framed the win as a full-circle moment 16 years in the making. “Sixteen years after lifting the trophy in South Africa, Spain are FIFA World Cup champions once again. Football has a new golden chapter to celebrate, and this achievement will be remembered for generations. Celebrate with your families, your supporters and your nation. You have earned your place in football history,” he wrote. @gianni_infantino. Infantino’s message to the runners-up Argentina‘s campaign was defined by a solid group stage performance, obtaining nine out of nine points, and a string of tightly contested knockout matches that pushed the defending champions to their limit. The run included four dramatic wins, with an impressive 3-2 comeback over Egypt in the Round of 16, an overtime quarterfinal victory over Switzerland, and a 2-1 semifinal comeback win over England. That resilience carried Argentina all the way to a second consecutive World Cup final, even though the team ultimately fell short of defending the title it won in Qatar in 2022. Infantino acknowledged that consistency in his message to the runners-up: “What an incredible FIFA World Cup for Argentina! Unforgettable comebacks and a fighting spirit inspired millions and gave football fans around the world moments they will never forget. Returning to the FIFA World Cup Final after lifting the trophy in 2022 is a testament to your lasting excellence. Thank you for helping make this World Cup so special and for competing with such passion until the end,” he wrote. @gianni_infantino.
Talented South African winger set to swap Club Brugge for Kortrijk in bid for more first team football
HNB are reporting that Kortrijk are closing in on signing South African winger Shandre Campbell from Club Brugge. The 21-year-old has not been able to break into the first team at Club Brugge and now ...
Are Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi playing? Spain vs Argentina confirmed lineups for the 2026 World Cup final
Before kickoff at MetLife Stadium, fans are eagerly waiting to see the projected lineups, where stars such as Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi could take center stage in a match that promises to shape soccer history. The 2026 World Cup final is finally here, with Spain and Argentina set to battle for soccer’s biggest prize after an unforgettable five-week tournament. Before kickoff at MetLife Stadium, fans are eagerly waiting to see the projected lineups, where stars such as Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi could take center stage in a match that promises to shape soccer history. After 103 matches, the tournament comes down to one final showdown between the reigning European champion and the defending world champion. Spain enters the final after producing one of the most dominant campaigns in recent World Cup history, while Argentina has survived a series of dramatic knockout matches through resilience, experience and moments of brilliance. Spain is chasing its second World Cup title, having previously lifted the trophy in South Africa in 2010. Argentina, meanwhile, is aiming to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup, adding a fourth star above its crest. Tournament’s best attack vs best defense Spain has looked like the tournament’s benchmark from the opening whistle of the knockout rounds. La Roja has conceded only one goal throughout the entire competition, collecting multiple clean sheets while defeating Austria, Portugal, Belgium, and France. Argentina vs Spain StatisticsH2H RecordTotal Matches Played14Argentina Wins6Spain Wins6Draws2 The semifinal performance against France further strengthened Spain’s credentials. Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled possession, neutralized one of the tournament’s strongest attacks and advanced with a composed 2-0 victory. Confidence is also soaring thanks to an extraordinary unbeaten run. La Roja has avoided defeat in normal time across its last 37 matches in all competitions, giving the squad enormous belief ahead of soccer’s biggest occasion. Pedro Porro #12 and Nico Williams #17 of Spain celebrate. Unlike Spain’s relatively comfortable journey, Argentina has repeatedly found itself facing elimination before producing remarkable recoveries. The defending champion required extra time against Cabo Verde and Switzerland, recovered from a 2-0 deficit against Egypt, and stunned England by scoring twice in the closing minutes of the semifinal. Those comeback victories have reinforced the team’s reputation for thriving under immense pressure. Despite criticism surrounding officiating decisions during the tournament, Argentina insists its success has been earned on the pitch. Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates with teammates. (Buda Mendes/Getty Images) Will Yamal and Messi play? The biggest selection questions before kickoff have centered around Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi, but both superstars are will start the World Cup final. Lionel Messi of Argentina and Lamine Yamal of Spain. Spain briefly worried supporters after Yamal missed part of training and was seen wearing strapping on his left thigh. At the same time, right-back Pedro Porro also trained separately because of muscle overload. However, Spanish manager Luis de la Fuente reassured supporters that Yamal would be in “perfect physical condition,” with both players managing their workloads rather than recovering from serious injuries. Argentina also arrives with encouraging news. Messi is fully expected to lead the defending champions in what could become the final World Cup match of his legendary career, while coach Lionel Scaloni has virtually a full squad available for selection. RoundArgentina’s ResultsSpain’s ResultsGroup Stage Match 1Won 3–0 vs. AlgeriaDrew 0–0 vs. Cabo VerdeGroup Stage Match 2Won 2–0 vs. AustriaWon 4–0 vs. Saudi ArabiaGroup Stage Match 3Won 3–1 vs. JordanWon 1–0 vs. UruguayRound of 32Won 3–2 (AET) vs. Cabo VerdeWon 3–0 vs. AustriaRound of 16Won 3–2 vs. EgyptWon 1–0 vs.
Are there any 2010 World Cup winners in Spain’s 2026 final squad?
A new World Cup final was reached by Spain after they beat France as they try to repeat what they did in 2010. A team that has at least met expectations at the 2026 World Cup is Spain, who reached the final to face Argentina with the trophy on the line in just the second World Cup final appearance in the country’s history. The biggest achievement for Spain has been successfully renewing the squad after the golden generation that lifted the trophy in South Africa, led by greats such as Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, Carles Puyol, Sergio Busquets, David Villa and Iker Casillas. That team won the title in 2010, which means there are no players left from that squad. The last player from that generation to represent Spain was Jesús Navas, who remained part of the team until not long ago as he won the Euro 2024. The 2026 team Goalkeepers: David Raya, Joan García, and Unai Simón. Defenders: Marc Pubill, Alejandro Grimaldo, Eric García, Pedro Porro, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsí, and Marc Cucurella. The team of the final (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) Midfielders: Marcos Llorente, Mikel Merino, Fabián Ruiz, Gavi, Álex Baena, Rodri, Martín Zubimendi, and Pedri. Forwards: Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, Yéremy Pino, Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Víctor Muñoz, and Borja Iglesias. The 2010 team Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, Víctor Valdés, and Pepe Reina. Defenders: Raúl Albiol, Gerard Piqué, Carlos Marchena, Carles Puyol, Joan Capdevila, Sergio Ramos, and Álvaro Arbeloa. Midfielders: Andrés Iniesta, Xavi Hernández, Cesc Fàbregas, Xabi Alonso, Sergio Busquets, Javi Martínez, and David Silva. Forwards: David Villa, Fernando Torres, Juan Mata, Pedro Rodríguez, Fernando Llorente, and Jesús Navas.
Why is FIFA holding a minute of silence before France vs Spain in the 2026 World Cup semifinal?
France and Spain are facing off in one of the most competitive matches of the 2026 World Cup. Despite the significance of the game itself, much of the attention has been focused on the moment of silence that will be hold before kickoff. France and Spain are facing off in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup. Battling for a place in the final, the match is expected to be highly competitive at Arlington Stadium, as both teams feature star-studded rosters. Despite the importance of the contest, much of the attention has centered on the announced minute of silence before kickoff. French President Emmanuel Macron revealed the reason behind the tribute. “Before France-Spain, a minute of silence will be observed in tribute to the victims of the Nice attack, 10 years after July 14, 2016. Thank you to the President of FIFA for responding to the request of France and of all French people who have mobilized. We will never forget,” France president Emmanuel Macron said yesterday as per Le Monde. Ten years after the tragedy in Nice, the French people continue to remember the event that claimed the lives of 86 people and left 400 others injured. After a public petition that gathered more than 10,000 signatures, FIFA decided to support the gesture and honor the memory of that tragic event. Although no player on the French national team has yet posted anything related to this tragedy, they have agreed to wear commemorative symbols during the match against Spain. If they secure a place in their third consecutive World Cup final, they may also make a commemorative gesture. So far, however, no official statement has been made by any of the team’s stars, including Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. Kylian Mbappe of France shoots during the UEFA Nations League 2025. FIFA paid tribute with a minute of silence at its last two games Just as will happen in today’s match between France and Spain semifinal clash, FIFA observed a minute of silence in honor of Jayden Adams. Following his passing on July 11, 2026, the matches between Argentina vs Switzerland, and Norway vs England, also featured the same tribute before kickoff. “M99 (Norway-England) and M100 (Argentina-Switzerland): a minute of silence will be observed in both matches in memory of Jayden Adams, who unfortunately passed away at the age of 25. The South African midfielder made his FIFA World Cup debut during this tournament,” FIFA posted on its official website. While the two commemorations are unrelated, they share a clear message: Soccer can go beyond what happens on the pitch by making a social impact. In addition, FIFA has shown considerable flexibility when it comes to these kinds of tributes. As a result, the match between France and Spain will not only be significant from a sporting perspective but will also carry an emotional social backdrop.
Police investigate Jayden Adam's death after he was found in CapeTown property
The South African international football player Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25. He was in all three of his side's group stage games in the World Cup. No cause of death has been given. A police investigation is underway in Cape Town. Details by Nicholas Rushworth.
