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		<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2026 02:16:34 -0400</pubDate>
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					<![CDATA[Why Lionel Messi Has Cristiano Ronaldo To Thank For His Historic Career]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/why-lionel-messi-has-cristiano-ronaldo-thank-his-historic-career</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/why-lionel-messi-has-cristiano-ronaldo-thank-his-historic-career</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[The greatest rivalry soccer has ever witnessed may have reached its end on the international stage.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:30:28 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[The greatest rivalry soccer has ever witnessed may have reached its end on the international stage. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the books, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo now face uncertain futures with their national teams after building legacies that will be debated for generations. FOX Sports soccer analyst Alexi Lalas shared on his "State of the Union Podcast" that Messi’s career was shaped in part by his rivalry with Ronaldo. The constant competition between the two pushed Messi to become the best version of himself, as they elevated each other. "Ronaldo’s existence, as much as some might not like it, has made Messi better and made him what he is," Lalas said. "The competition. The volley. The back and forth. The challenge. Obviously, the ego in completely different ways, but they are both fueled by being the best." Even without ever meeting on the World Cup stage, Messi and Ronaldo were constantly chasing one another through individual accomplishments. Ronaldo holds the edge in career goals, but Messi achieved the one milestone that had eluded his rival. That was ultimately winning a World Cup. Messi accomplished that with Argentina in 2022, completing a legacy-defining milestone that many once questioned whether he could achieve. The constant competition may also have fueled his fire and determination, pushing him to keep pushing himself toward greatness. "I truly believe that the Messi we have is shaped and formed by not just the experiences that he has, but the relationships he has," Lalas said. "I think we have a better Messi and we have the best version of Messi because of Cristiano Ronaldo." Lalas believes that regardless of what people say about Ronaldo, there is one thing that can never be taken away from him: he pushed Messi to become the best version of himself, helping fuel the journey that turned Messi into one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen. "You can boo him all you want, and many people do," Lalas said. "I don’t think we have the same Messi if Cristiano Ronaldo is not part of his era and of his time and challenges him."]]>
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					<![CDATA[Lionel Messi's World Cup Career: Every Goal, Record And Milestone]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/lionel-messi-argentina-world-cup-legacy</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/lionel-messi-argentina-world-cup-legacy</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Despite coming up just short in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi has compiled a World Cup résumé that is legendary.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 23:46:27 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[The greatest of all time. Lionel Messi came up one win short of another World Cup title, bringing an unforgettable tournament run to a heartbreaking finish. After Argentina fell to Spain in extra-time of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, Messi once again left his mark on the sport’s biggest stage. Across six World Cup appearances, Messi has led Argentina to the quarterfinals or better five times and reached the final three times. His résumé now includes six World Cup appearances, 34 matches, 21 goals, 12 assists and countless records, many of which he extended during this historic tournament. His legacy on the tournament’s biggest stage is unlike anything the sport has ever seen. Here’s a detailed look back at Messi’s remarkable World Cup career, beginning with his all-time tournament records before revisiting each of his six appearances. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Lionel Scaloni Hints at Argentina Exit After World Cup Final Defeat to Spain]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/lionel-scaloni-hints-argentina-exit-after-world-cup-final-defeat-spain</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/lionel-scaloni-hints-argentina-exit-after-world-cup-final-defeat-spain</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Argentina could also be facing a coaching change, with Lionel Scaloni hinting at his future plans as the World Cup reaches its conclusion.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 23:30:12 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[For years, Argentina’s future was built around one name: Lionel Messi. But after Sunday’s World Cup defeat to Spain, the question facing La Albiceleste is no longer about extending Messi’s legacy, but who will be tasked with creating the next one. Adding to the uncertainty, Argentina could also be facing a coaching change, with Lionel Scaloni hinting at his future plans as the World Cup reaches its conclusion. "I will continue as Argentina coach until December… then probably I will stop," Scaloni said. For an Argentina team coming off a 2022 World Cup win, losing both Messi and Scaloni in such a short span would create quite a transition. The next chapter of La Albiceleste will likely bring massive change as the program searches for the next generation of leaders. Scaloni provided an update on his future, Messi’s next steps and his evaluation of Argentina’s World Cup run. "I will talk to the president [of the soccer federation]," Scaloni said. "I believe it's only fair that I can take this time for myself to think this through. I never thought I ⁠would get ​to this place and it's wonderful." While Scaloni hinted that he may step away from Argentina, no final decision has been made. He plans to take time to evaluate the situation, but the demands of the job and the possibility of leading the program through a major roster transition could make continuing a difficult decision. "In order to continue, you need ​a great deal of things: resetting your mind, rebooting, creating a group like this again — that is very difficult." Messi’s international future remains unclear, but if this was his final World Cup, Scaloni’s departure would add another layer to Argentina’s transition. After the match, Scaloni praised Messi’s leadership and performance throughout the tournament. "He's 39 years old now," Scaloni said. "It was crystal clear for me that he was going to play up until he decided not to." Scaloni made it clear that Messi is the greatest player in the history of the sport and will forever be remembered for his impact on the game. "I hope that everyone feels proud of him, of what he's achieved, because he's the best football ​player ever to set foot ​on a pitch. I ⁠have no doubt about this, and what he did during this World Cup was incredible. But also what he did before this."]]>
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					<![CDATA[4 Takeaways From The Dodgers' Series Win Over The Yankees In The Bronx]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/4-takeaways-from-dodgers-series-win-over-yankees-bronx</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/4-takeaways-from-dodgers-series-win-over-yankees-bronx</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Some rivalries don’t need October stakes to feel like the playoffs.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 23:19:22 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[NEW YORK — Some rivalries don’t need October stakes to feel like the playoffs. To open the second half of the season, the Dodgers returned to Yankee Stadium for the first time since they walked away as the 2024 world champions. In a tense environment in the Bronx, Friday’s opener was a tight nail-biter until Max Muncy slammed his 18th home run of the year, a go-ahead shot off Gerrit Cole, and lifted the Dodgers to a 2-1 win. Saturday’s rematch was postponed due to heavy rain, pushing the finale into a Sunday doubleheader. Los Angeles took the afternoon matinée, 8-2, behind an impressive complete game from Yoshinobu Yamamoto. New York grabbed the series finale after Jazz Chisholm hit a go-ahead solo homer in the eighth inning for a 2-1 Yankees win. For now, the Dodgers secured the edge. If these two powerhouses meet again this year, it will be in a rematch of the 2024 Fall Classic. Here are my takeaways from a revealing weekend in the Bronx. 1. Yamamoto Goes The Distance In Marquee Matchup Yoshinobu Yamamoto vs. Cam Schlittler went toe-to-toe in the first game of Sunday’s doubleheader representing two of the top starting pitchers in baseball. Though both arms had dazzling stuff, it was Yamamoto and his experience that came out on top. Schlittler showed why he’s elite in this league, but he also displayed how much he still has to learn. Yamamoto (10-6, 2.78 ERA) pitched the first complete game of his career — in the regular season. He notched a couple of those during the Dodgers’ special playoff run last year, helping Los Angeles win the World Series for the second consecutive year. Yamamoto was extremely efficient on Sunday. The 27-year-old right-hander threw just 28 pitches after three innings, and he needed 102 pitches to finish off the Yankees. Yamamoto allowed two earned runs and four hits with seven strikeouts over nine innings. Schlittler (9-6, 2.20 ERA) and his three fastballs (four-seamer, cutter and sinker), though excellent, could only overpower Los Angeles for so long. Dodgers hitters fouled off pitch after pitch, spoiling his afternoon and forcing his pitch count to climb up to 98 after just 4.1 innings. Schlittler threw his only offspeed pitch, a curveball that averaged 87.5 mph, just 7% of the time. The 26-year-old right-hander, making his 35th career start in his second season in the big leagues, needed to mix in his curveball more to keep opposing hitters off balance. 2. Yankees Offense Forgot To Show Up Since Judge went on the injured list on June 2, the Yankees are scoring on average one run per game. Without him, the Yankees are batting .195 with runners in scoring position, which is the worst in the majors in that span. Yankees manager Aaron Boone has insisted that this season doesn’t compare to 2023, when Judge slammed into the right field wall at Dodger Stadium, tore a ligament in his right big toe, missed 56 games, and the Yankees collapsed and missed the postseason for the first time since 2016. This year’s club is more talented and capable of surviving Judge’s absence, Boone said. On paper, this year’s Yankee offense is better than 2023’s everyday lineup. But both units have shown similar patterns of prolonged slumps and an inability to hit against some of the league’s best pitchers. They struggled against Yamamoto on Sunday. In the series opener, they struggled against Dodgers right-hander Roki Sasaki, who came into his start with a 5.33 ERA in 81 innings pitched this season. To be sure, Sasaki was dealing on Friday, throwing his fastest pitch of the season at 102 mph in the first inning. But the Yankees will need to overpower elite pitchers if they want to end their 17-year championship drought, and particularly without Judge, this offense hasn’t looked capable of being up for the challenge. 3. Boone’s Trust In Cole Backfires Yankees veteran ace Gerrit Cole looked terrific in the series opener against the Dodgers, his first time facing Los Angeles since his costly mental mistake led to five unearned runs in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series. Through six scoreless innings on Friday, Cole held the Dodgers to just three hits and permitted no walks. Cole started the seventh inning with a 1-0 lead on 90 pitches, but things went sideways after he began the frame by walking Mookie Betts. Immediately, Boone walked to the mound to check whether Cole was gassed. He asked his ace if he could go and get the next batter, Max Muncy. Cole said, of course. Boone went back into the dugout. And on the seventh pitch of a tough at-bat, Muncy took Cole deep for a towering two-run home run to right that gave the Dodgers a 2-1 lead they would never relinquish. After the loss, Boone took responsibility for leaving Cole in too long. "That’s on me," said Boone, who is in his ninth season managing the Yankees. "Obviously, in hindsight, I probably should grab him there." Cole is 3-5 with a 3.93 ERA in 10 starts and 55 innings pitched this season in his return to the mound after undergoing Tommy John surgery in March 2025. Friday was the first time he threw 100 or more pitches since he faced the Dodgers in Game 5 of the 2024 Fall Classic. On one hand, the Yankees should be able to trust their ace in the seventh inning. On the other hand, Cole is still working his way back to a normal workload, and the Yankees had a fully-rested bullpen ready to be deployed coming out of the All-Star break. "It’s nice to push the stamina, get back out there for an extra hitter and keep going for it, keep competing," Cole said. "That’s a great opportunity physically, and getting deeper into the second half, a good learning opportunity as well." 4. Reigning MVPs Get Disappointing News This weekend in the Bronx should’ve been a heavyweight battle between the reigning American League and National League MVPs. Instead, Yankees three-time MVP Aaron Judge, who has been sidelined since the end of May, and Dodgers four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani both received disappointing news during the three-game rivalry series. Ohtani (left knee inflammation) will be out of the Dodgers rotation for the foreseeable future, the team announced on Sunday. He will continue to hit as designated hitter. Ohtani was originally scheduled to start on Wednesday against the Phillies, but Los Angeles does not believe their star player pitching is worth the risk. The decision all but eliminates Ohtani from the race for the NL Cy Young award. As it was, he was struggling to rack up enough innings to qualify. Ohtani is 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA in 14 starts and 85.2 innings this year. "I would say that it’s going to be some time," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of when to expect Ohtani back on the mound. "It’s not going to be a day-to-day thing." Judge (fractured rib) underwent further imaging over the All-Star break, but he learned on Friday that those images did not show enough healing to begin baseball activities. New York’s best player will remain restricted indefinitely from physical activity. The most Judge can handle right now is walking on an incline on a treadmill. Though Judge was adamant that he would play again this season, his slow healing progress would seem to indicate that he’s still several weeks away from being a factor at the plate.]]>
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					<![CDATA[After A Heartbreaking Defeat, What Comes Next For Messi And Argentina?]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/argentina-world-cup-messi-loss-spain</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/argentina-world-cup-messi-loss-spain</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[The world waits for what comes next for Lionel Messi following a tough loss to Spain in the final.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 23:02:01 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[NEW YORK NEW JERSEY STADIUM – After what seemed like every player from Spain came over to shake his hand, Lionel Messi sat alone on the pitch. Argentina’s superstar took off his cleats and shinguards and plopped his legs out in front of him, leaning back on his arms. As FIFA volunteers assembled the stage for the trophy presentation, one of them waved in his direction. Messi looked past him, instead scanning the stands for his family. Spain had just defeated defending champion Argentina 1-0 to win its second-ever World Cup behind a goal from Ferran Torres in the second half of extra time. Messi and his La Albiceleste had arrived in pursuit of history, hoping to become the first nation since Pelé's Brazil to successfully win a second consecutive World Cup title. No such luck. Argentina finished with zero shots on goal. Spain had 12 and one went in. "We’re sad," Argentine manager Lionel Scaloni said in his press conference after the match. "We feel extremely grateful to all our fans, all those people who just needed that energy that we were lacking. We managed to go all the way to the end when the match was so open, and it just couldn't be. In the end, they deserved the victory. That’s reality. We need to accept it. "But these are the moments to bounce back stronger. We need to reset and start again." Argentina's reign is officially over. It entered this summer on an unprecedented high as the two-time defending Copa América champion, having won the tournament in 2021 and 2024 with the 2022 World Cup sandwiched in between. It was also Argentina’s third World Cup final appearance in the last four editions. For Messi, there was an added layer of symbolism as he spent much of his life in Spain, where he became a global icon playing for Barcelona. So, will this be the last time the soccer world sees Messi on its biggest stage? Who knows. Regardless of what he decides, the 39-year-old defied age over the past 39 days. He opened the tournament with a hat trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria, scored a stunning equalizer in the round of 16 against Egypt and delivered two defense-splitting assists in the semifinal against England. He finished with eight goals and four assists, narrowly missing out on the Golden Boot after France's Kylian Mbappé scored twice in Saturday's third-place match to finish with 10. Sunday was different. With Spain controlling possession for long stretches, Argentina was chasing rather than dictating and Messi didn’t have opportunities to influence things the way he had throughout the tournament. An already exhausted La Albiceleste was forced to play with 10 men for more than 30 minutes after Enzo Fernández was shown a red card just before extra time. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, the 2022 Golden Glove winner, had to make a World Cup final-record 11 saves with a broken finger just to keep La Roja at bay. "I do have to be thankful for this group because they were warriors and that is the truth," Scaloni said. After the game, Scaloni was asked repeatedly about Messi’s future. "It’s crystal clear to me that he will play up until he decides not to," said Scaloni, who had not yet spoken with Messi before addressing the media. "I hope everyone is proud of what he’s achieved because he’s the best football player ever to step foot on a pitch. I have no doubts about this. What he did this World Cup is incredible." As the trophy presentation stage came together, Messi rose from the turf and led his teammates to the left side of the pitch where Spain’s players were celebrating. He didn’t appear to say a word. Instead, he stood quietly, taking it all in. His hands rested behind his back, the captain’s armband still wrapped tightly around his left biceps. Every so often, a photographer stepped in front of him, capturing another image that would soon be seen around the world. There was criticism, mostly throughout the knockout stage, that FIFA wanted Argentina to keep advancing. In reality, no matter what Egypt or England fans might say, Argentina was a resilient team. Time and again, they’d find themselves trailing only to respond with remarkable late comebacks. They embraced the suffering and the chaos and just knew they’d find a way to win. In the end, only Spain – the most complete squad in the entire 48-team field who only conceded one goal the entire tournament – could stop them. La Roja are now unbeaten in 38 consecutive matches. "It really hurt in our soul not being able to take the trophy with us," Scaloni said. "But we feel so proud of having competed like this. We could have been in better shape towards the end. But still, even so, we were very close to competing and making it and we’re so proud of our players. And that’s all we can ask for is Argentina players to give it their all until the end and that’s what they did." Scaloni, whose contract as manager expires in December, said he "cried my heart out in the locker room" and grew visibly emotional again toward the end of his press conference while talking about the success he’s experienced in this job, a post he’s held since 2018. "I never in my life would have thought, bear with me," Scaloni said, pausing to compose himself. "I never could have imagined that we would be in this place. In order to continue, you need a great deal of things, especially resetting your mind, rebooting, creating a group like this again. "That is very difficult. It’s really painful." Messi took a deep breath and guided his team through a tunnel of Spain players onto the presentation stage where FIFA president Gianni Infantino and President Donald Trump placed silver medals around their necks. Argentina then walked past the World Cup trophy that they hoisted four years ago, across the stage and over to the south end of the stadium where thousands of devoted supporters draped in blue and white were still chanting and singing. The video board zoomed in on Messi’s face, tears welled in his eyes. After a while, he led the team off the field and through the tunnel. Perhaps for the last time.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Spain 2010 vs. Spain 2026: World Cup Champions Combined XI]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/spain-2010-vs-spain-2026-world-cup-champions-combined-xi</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/spain-2010-vs-spain-2026-world-cup-champions-combined-xi</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[After Spain’s second World Cup triumph, we picked a combined XI from its historic 2010 and 2026 championship-winning teams.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:50:35 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Spain winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup puts this generation in the conversation with some of the greatest national teams in history. No team had followed a European Championship title with a World Cup victory since Spain did it by winning Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup. That legendary Spanish side then completed an unprecedented three-peat by winning Euro 2012. Those Spain teams are widely recognized among the greatest national sides in football history. But this current generation is starting to make its own case and will enter Euro 2028 with an opportunity to match that historic run of three consecutive major tournament titles. Let’s make a combined XI between Spain’s 2026 and 2010 World Cup-winning teams. Goalkeeper: Unai Simón vs. Iker Casillas Both goalkeepers had incredible tournaments and earned the Golden Glove. Simón made history with seven clean sheets, the most by a goalkeeper at a single World Cup. He also conceded only one goal throughout Spain’s entire campaign, the fewest ever allowed by a World Cup-winning team. Casillas gets the nod because of his overall pedigree and because he was simply the better goalkeeper at his peak. He conceded only two goals in 2010, kept five clean sheets and made one of the biggest saves in World Cup final history when he denied Arjen Robben with his outstretched foot. Simón had the better statistical campaign, but Casillas remains Spain’s greatest goalkeeper. Verdict: Iker Casillas Left Back: Marc Cucurella vs. Joan Capdevila Cucurella came into this tournament as one of the best left backs in the world and continued to show it. He provided defensive stability while also being an important presence in attack, giving Spain energy up and down the left flank. Capdevila was not one of the more glamorous names in Spain’s 2010 side, but he was an incredibly consistent player. He started every game during Spain’s World Cup-winning campaign and also started five of its six matches at Euro 2008, only sitting out the final group-stage match against Greece. But Cucurella gets the nod as the better overall left back. Verdict: Marc Cucurella Center Back: Pau Cubarsí vs. Carles Puyol Cubarsí winning the World Cup as a teenager while starting at center back is a remarkable story. His composure and ability to play out from the back were critical to a Spanish team that conceded only one goal. But Puyol was the true leader of Spain’s 2010 side, anchoring the back line with his physicality, commitment and defensive awareness. He also scored the decisive header against Germany in the semifinal to send Spain to its first World Cup final. Cubarsí may eventually build a legendary career of his own, but Puyol gets the clear nod here. Verdict: Carles Puyol Center Back: Aymeric Laporte vs. Gerard Piqué Laporte turned back the clock during this World Cup. The Saudi Pro League defender was pivotal for Spain, playing the experienced role next to the teenage Cubarsí and helping lead one of the greatest defensive campaigns in World Cup history. Piqué gets the nod, though. Despite the 2010 World Cup being his first major international tournament for Spain, he immediately established himself as a key part of the starting lineup and formed an elite partnership with Puyol. His composure on the ball, reading of the game and ability to defend in a high line made him the ideal center back for that Spanish side. Verdict: Gerard Piqué Right Back: Pedro Porro vs. Sergio Ramos Porro had a strong World Cup, providing value on both sides of the ball and scoring Spain’s second goal in the 2-0 semifinal victory over France. But Ramos gets the nod as one of the defensive cornerstones of Spain’s golden generation. He was defensively reliable while also offering tremendous value going forward. Ramos remarkably completed 31 dribbles at the 2010 World Cup, more than any other player in the tournament, despite playing at right back. Porro had a great campaign, but this one belongs to Ramos. Verdict: Sergio Ramos Defensive Midfield: Rodri vs. Xabi Alonso Rodri gets the nod after winning the Golden Ball at the 2026 World Cup, just two years after being named Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024. He served as the metronome for this Spanish side, dictating the tempo, controlling possession and constantly making the correct decision. After returning from a serious knee injury, Rodri once again showed why he is one of the best midfielders in the world. Xabi Alonso was a fabulous midfielder for Spain and an important member of the Euro 2008, 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012-winning teams. His passing range, positioning and ability to control matches from deep were crucial to that midfield. But Rodri’s peak and importance to this 2026 side give him the edge. Verdict: Rodri Defensive Midfield: Fabián Ruiz vs. Sergio Busquets Fabián gave Spain a different profile after Luis de la Fuente introduced him into the starting lineup during the knockout stage. His ability to carry the ball forward and cover ground next to Rodri added more dynamism to the midfield. But Busquets gets the clear nod. Like Rodri for the 2026 side, Busquets served as the metronome for Spain in 2010. He dictated the tempo, protected the defense and played with composure far beyond his years during his first major international tournament. Busquets allowed Xavi and Iniesta to play with more freedom and was one of the most important tactical pieces in Spain’s success. Verdict: Sergio Busquets Central Midfield: Dani Olmo vs. Xavi Olmo was an incredibly tidy and important midfielder for Spain. He could operate in tight spaces, connect the attack and make dangerous late runs into the box. His intelligence and movement were crucial to Spain’s front line, but Xavi is one of the greatest midfielders in football history. Xavi controlled the rhythm of matches for both Spain and Barcelona. His awareness, passing and ability to dictate games helped define an entire era of football. He gets the clear nod. Verdict: Xavi Left Wing: Álex Baena vs. Andrés Iniesta Baena had a solid tournament and played an important role on Spain’s left side, giving the team the ability to keep possession, drift into different pockets and connect play in the final third. But Iniesta is a player you have to make room for in this team, even if he did not operate as a traditional left winger throughout the 2010 World Cup. His technical ability, creativity and capacity to progress the ball made him one of the best players of his generation. He also scored the most important goal in Spanish football history, delivering the extra-time winner against the Netherlands in the 2010 final. Iniesta makes any combined XI in which he is an option. Verdict: Andrés Iniesta Striker: Mikel Oyarzabal vs. David Villa Oyarzabal had an efficient tournament, scoring five goals and delivering in major moments. He was an unconventional but incredibly effective No. 9 for Spain, floating into different pockets while still being ruthless when chances came his way. But Villa was instrumental in Spain’s 2010 campaign, scoring five of its eight goals during the tournament. He came through in crucial moments, scoring against Honduras, Chile, Portugal and Paraguay. His goals carried Spain through difficult matches when the team’s attack was struggling to turn possession into opportunities. Oyarzabal had a brilliant campaign, but Villa gets the nod because of just how important his goals were to the 2010 team’s success. Verdict: David Villa Right Wing: Lamine Yamal vs. Pedro Yamal gets the nod after winning a World Cup as a teenager. He entered the tournament recovering from a hamstring injury and did not control every match in the way he might have wanted, scoring only one goal. But he steadily grew into the competition and remained one of Spain’s most dangerous creative players. Pedro became an important part of the 2010 side late in the tournament, earning starts in the semifinal and final because of his energy, pressing and intelligent movement. But Yamal’s ceiling, talent and importance to this 2026 team give him the edge. At only 19, Yamal already has a European Championship, a World Cup and multiple club trophies. He has built the foundation for what could become a phenomenal career. Verdict: Lamine Yamal Final Combined XI: Spain 2026 And Spain 2010 Formation: 4-2-3-1 GK: Iker CasillasRB: Sergio RamosCB: Carles PuyolCB: Gerard PiquéLB: Marc CucurellaCM: RodriCM: Sergio BusquetsCAM: XaviRW: Lamine YamalLW: Andrés IniestaST: David Villa]]>
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					<![CDATA[How Spain's World Cup Title Channeled The 'Power' Of Its People]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/spain-world-cup-argentina-yamal-de-la-fuente-torres</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/spain-world-cup-argentina-yamal-de-la-fuente-torres</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Spain coach Luis de la Fuente helped fuel his team late against Argentina to win the 2026 World Cup.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:44:28 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[NEW YORK NEW JERSEY STADIUM — After Spain’s support staff had laid out the game plan, explained the tactics, told the players how they would best position themselves to make this Sunday one they’d never want to forget as opposed to one they’d never be able to, coach Luis de la Fuente addressed his team. "Gentlemen, we have an appointment with history," the 65-year-old manager told his players before extra time began. "We want to be there first, and then in the extra time, I just said, ‘Look, we are doing a great job. The match is controlled, but this is a final, and we are up against Argentina. So, if we are not careful, we might concede a goal. And we kept our focus up until the last minute.’" As a result, Spain is the World Cup champion. For 120 minutes under the midday sun, La Roja were the better team. In some ways, they were the only team, holding Argentina — the 2022 winners — without an attempt at goal for all of regular time and extra time, and then scoring on their 20th shot, when Ferran Torres finally beat Albiceleste keeper Emiliano Martínez. Yet heading into the additional half-hour following a scoreless tie, and with the possibility of penalties looming, the game was still anyone’s to win. And the other side still had Lionel Messi, the architect of Argentina’s late two-goal comeback victory over England in last week’s semis. "The first idea was to keep Messi at bay, but also the other players," de la Fuente said. "We wanted to keep them away from our goal." Did they ever. But they still had to finish the job. They needed a hero to do it. On a team full of bigger names — teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, former Ballon d’Or winner Rodri — Torres stepped up and became immortal, joining 2010 icon Andrés Iniesta in Spanish lore as a World Cup-winning goalscorer. "I didn't think too much," Torres said afterward. "I saw the ball coming to me, and I shot it with the power of all the Spanish people." "I’m so happy for him to have scored this goal," de la Fuente added. "He will make it into history. He has already made history, and he deserves it." The breakout game many suspected Yamal might have in this final never materialized. The Barcelona ace, who turned 19 during the tournament, had a quiet World Cup, though he came close to scoring on a late free kick on Sunday, only for Martínez to snare it. No matter. Yamal is still a world champion in his first appearance on soccer’s grandest stage. And while his efforts only resulted in one goal over La Roja’s eight games en route to glory, his contributions didn’t go unnoticed by his teammates. "I would like to express my sincere gratitude for his play," the coach said of Yamal. "This [World Cup] will help him to mature and be even better in the future. He's really sacrificed for the greater good, and this is very important in our sport." So is winning — especially at this level. De la Fuente, who began his post-game press conference by thanking God for Spain’s triumph, never wavered from his belief that his players would come out on top. "Today, we were convinced that this was our final," he said. "I think it was a very complete game. If it wasn't for the keeper, maybe we would have had a larger margin, a larger win." He’ll take it. All of Spain will. It’s just the second World Cup title for the country despite its dominance of Europe at club level, though La Roja has been doing lots of celebrating since de la Fuente took charge in 2022. They’ve now claimed three titles since then, winning the UEFA Nations League in 2023 and the European Championship two years ago. Now they’ve capped it with the biggest prize of all. "We've won everything, in all the categories, and we came to the conclusion [today]," de la Fuente said. "Once we finished the game, one of the players who’s been here the longest, said, ‘Coach, now what else is there to win?’"]]>
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					<![CDATA[INDYCAR Race At Nashville Postponed To Monday Due To Rain]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/motor/indycar-race-nashville-postponed-rain</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/motor/indycar-race-nashville-postponed-rain</guid>
				<category>motor</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[INDYCAR drivers will have to wait a day to battle it out in Nashville after rain caused Sunday's race to be postponed.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:26:23 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[NASHVILLE SUPERSPEEDWAY (Nashville, Tenn.) — Persistent and heavy rain showers forced INDYCAR to postpone its race in Nashville from Sunday to Monday afternoon. The 300-lap race, scheduled to begin shortly after Sunday's World Cup Final on FOX, was put into a lightning delay and then rains came around 7 p.m. ET. The track was nearly dry around 8:30 p.m. when heavy rains returned and series officials opted to postpone the race to Monday at 3 p.m. ET on FOX. The race is expected to be brutal for the drivers and teams as FOX Weather predicts the temperature to be 90 degrees with it feeling like 102 degrees. With that forecast, INDYCAR officials announced late Sunday night that the race distance would be reduced to 225 laps. Kyle Kirkwood is on the pole for the race, which at 399.5 miles, is reguarily the second-longest on the INDYCAR calendar, behind only the Indianapolis 500. "It's going to be hot, it's going to be physical — not only for me as a driver, but everyone on pit lane for two-plus hours," Kirkwood said Saturday after winning the pole about the race in general. Races postponed in INDYCAR are relatively rare because they have rain tires for the races on road and street courses that typically allow them to run unless there is a deluge. The last INDYCAR race to be postponed because of rain was the 2018 race at Barber (Ala.) Motorsports Park. Running the race Monday at Nashville won’t be too much of a burden on the teams. They have the next two weekends off — and then they finish the year with six races over five weekends. Maybe the only driver happy Sunday was Alex Palou, not because he wanted to race Monday but because the driver who grew up near Barcelona got to watch Spain win the World Cup. "Just incredible just to be able to win the World Cup," Palou said on the FOX telecast during the rain delay.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Where In The World Cup Is Jameis Winston?]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/jameis-winston-world-cup-2026</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/jameis-winston-world-cup-2026</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Here’s a look at some of the best moments from Jameis Winston’s World Cup journey.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:07:18 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Jameis Winston traded the gridiron for the world’s game this offseason, taking on maybe the best summer job of all time. The FOX Sports World Cup correspondent (and former Heisman Trophy winner and current Giants quarterback) has marched with the Oranje Army. He's honored tradition with Japanese fans. He's marched a goat in a GOAT jersey through Kansas City. He's been knighted. He's even worn Lederhosen. He's diving headfirst into other cultures and their passionate love for soccer – and inviting everyone to be a part of it. And he's just getting started. Here’s a look at some of the best moments from Winston’s World Cup journey: As the World Cup came to a close Sunday afternoon with Spain defeating Argentina, the tournament isn't the only thing coming to an end. FOX Sports correspondent Jameis Winston is signing off as NFL training camps approach. Winston posted his goodbye on Sunday night. Winston has consistently connected with fans throughout the World Cup. Now he's bringing fans together in Atlanta for the highly anticipated Argentina vs France Semifinals matchup. He found a way to not only bring fans together, but add even more excitement to a game that brought more than enough hype. Winston made his presence known during Argentina vs England on Wednesday afternoon. He was seen celebrating in the crowd with a sword celebrating Anthony Gordon's goal with fans. There was a 6-foot-4 mime in the crowd for the France vs. Spain semifinal round showdown in Dallas. Any guesses who it was? Baguettes, sing-alongs and more: Jameis was embracing the French faithful prior to the country's semifinal round matchup against Spain. Winston's World Cup journey continued over the Fourth of July weekend with another memorable stop. He spent the holiday celebrating the United States' 250th anniversary alongside fans. Not only did Winston celebrate with fans, but he also surprised his sons by bringing them along to France's World Cup match. He embraced the holiday spirit by sharing cake with supporters and even getting up close with a fan dressed as the Declaration of Independence. "Thanks for coming out to my birthday party, Jameis," he said. "You’re a true patriot, Jameis and thanks for your help." After speaking with Winston, it turns out that Libby, the Liberty Bell, is an "Eagles" fan. It doesn’t get much more American than that, but the irony is even better considering Winston is currently the backup quarterback for the New York Giants. Throughout the match, Winston embraced the experience by connecting with fans across the stadium. He was also seen enjoying ice cream with his family and dancing among supporters, once again showing why his personality makes him such a unique fit for soccer coverage. What's a birthday celebration without cake and a traditional birthday song? The round of 16 kicked off on Saturday, and Winston led the celebrations of America's 250th birthday in Philadelphia ahead of France vs. Paraguay. Ahead of Lionel Messi's return to Miami for Argentina vs. Cape Verde, Winston joined Cape Verde fans in a shark costume ahead of the round of 32 showdown at Miami Stadium. Winston took his Blue Shark fandom to another level and intimidated Argentina fans. The Blue Sharks are seeking their first-ever knockout stage win in their World Cup debut. Winston jumped right into the Norwegian traditions with the Viking row ahead of their 2-1 win over the Ivory Coast. After Winston spotted Haaland for the first time, he wasted no time channeling his inner Viking. Norway moves on to play France in the round of 16 on July 5 at New York/New Jersey Stadium. Norway's fans have brought to our shores one of the World Cup's best celebrations – the Viking Row. You've seen it everywhere by now – from escalators in Boston to the bleachers at a Mets game. Of course, Jameis had to get in on the action, complete with a horned helmet and a faux fur wrap. Let the rowing begin and remember – ROO! You read that correctly. Winston, who claimed he was not a "pooper scooper," picked up the waste left behind by his friend, Bunda the Cockapoo, on the sidewalk with a bag. Winston's World Cup journey has seen a goat dressed as Messi and trips on the Netherlands' Oranje Bus, but what about being one with Colombia's music and dance culture? Ahead of Colombia's group stage finale against Portugal at Miami Stadium, Winston took part in Colombia's pregame music and dancing, and even dressed the part in a jersey and wig. As the group stages come to a close, Winston's World Cup journey continues with the round of 32 matchups, which begin on Sunday. Anchoring the back line with captain Tim Ream, USA defender Chris Richards is officially on the pitch for his first World Cup after an injury in 2022. Winston had the chance to catch up with Richard's parents about his journey and resilience at USA's group stage match against Türkiye. "He followed his dream. It wasn't our dream, and he went against that grain," Richards' father, Ken Richards, said. "It was hard missing out on the last World Cup due to an injury. This, just being here, just brought everything together. It was a full circle moment," Richards' mother, Carrie Richards, said. And to close out their chat together, Winston brought out the lucky rubber chicken to do a ‘funky chicken’ dance in the stands. During his World Cup journey, Winston teamed up with WWE Superstar Sheamus to celebrate with soccer fans at a local pub. The duo was spotted engaging with the crowd and taking part in the lively pre-match festivities. Drawing on his Irish heritage, Sheamus shared a piece of his culture by introducing Winston to a pint of Guinness. The video captures the two sharing a moment inside a pub, celebrating with local soccer fans ahead of the United States' group-stage match against Türkiye. Not only is Winston making a massive impact on fans at the World Cup, but he’s also carving out a brand-new reputation. Thanks to his larger-than-life personality, he is quickly becoming the ultimate "man of the people." He’s been connecting with fans at every turn, even handing over his No. 4 United States jersey to a local fan in the crowd. "He just gifted me his jersey," one fan said. "This is unbelievable. My grandma will hate me for that. I’m speechless. This is amazing. Whoever said the U.S. can’t do soccer? Go USA. Go America." If there’s one thing Winston has accomplished throughout this World Cup, it’s proving that he truly is a man of the people. Winston's World Cup journey continues as he sets out to assemble the loudest possible "USA" chants. The momentum started earlier in the week at a Seattle Mariners game, where he successfully rallied an entire section into full-voice chants. He took that to the pre-game show, along with a countdown to the USA vs. Australia matchup. His goal was simple and that was to bring both fanbases together while highlighting what makes American and Australian soccer cultures special. "My mission today is to allow Aussies to hear the USA chants from sea to shining sea," Winston said. The United States defeated Australia 2-0 on Friday night, and Winston matched the crowd's energy throughout. As tensions rose following several hard challenges on the pitch, he kept the atmosphere lively by engaging in plenty of friendly trash talk with opposing fans. "The Australian team…they just don’t know what to do with us," Winston said. "They’re turning to violence. That’s what little cousins do when they can’t fight." Despite the result not going Australia's way, Winston embraced the opportunity to connect with the Australian fans throughout the week. While Americans have their own traditions, few experiences topped Winston's firsthand look at Australia's famous shoey celebration. Winston witnessed one of Australia's most famous traditions firsthand as fans drank beer from a shoe. "They showed us an amazing tradition in Australian culture," Winston said. "I’m talking about drinking a brew from a shoe. You gotta love traditions." Emerald City is ready! Seattle has a legit claim at being one of the most soccer-crazed cities in the country. Winston joined the American Outlaws – the official supporters' group of the U.S. teams – before Friday's huge match. Seattle is awash in red, white, and blue and this city knows how to get behind a winner, having just recently celebrated the Super Bowl-winning Seahawks. Winston has now found himself at a Seattle Mariners game, where he was honored with the opportunity to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Next, he'll turn his attention to soccer as the United States men's national team prepares to face Australia at Seattle Stadium on Friday night. During his appearance at T-Mobile Park, Winston rallied the crowd into a loud chorus of "USA" chants. His mission was to create the biggest chant possible in Seattle, and by all accounts, he succeeded. As Winston's World Cup journey continues across the country, he is bringing fans together through a shared love of the game. The roaring "USA" chant at the Mariners game was another example of his ability to connect with sports fans wherever he goes. Now, it doesn't seem likely that these England supporters actually have the royal authority to knight Jameis Winston, but listen: it's the World Cup, everyone is having a good time, so, Sir Jameis Winston it is, even if just for a day. Even if being knighted is an ephemeral act, that kit is not: Winston now has himself an England jersey with his name on it. A knight's cuirass? Brigandine? Hauberk? His chain mail? Whichever it's standing in for, it's custom just for Jameis. Lionel Messi has completely taken over Argentina’s opening FIFA World Cup match against Algeria, scoring not one, not two but three goals, completing the hat trick. He would have even had a fourth if he hadn’t been ruled offside earlier in the first half. Jameis Winston had the best angle on Messi’s golazo and was seen celebrating with fans in Argentina’s section. He was also wearing a customized "Winston Argentina" jersey. Tuesday ahead of Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria in Kansas City, Winston was getting pumped for the match. But he wasn't alone. Winston had a pal with him, a literal real-life goat named Wesley, who was perfectly dressed for the occasion in a Lionel Messi jersey. This World Cup is expected to be Messi's last, and because of that, it's worth celebrating and savoring every moment the GOAT is on the pitch. It's not often to see a goat, much less one adorned in the trademark colors of a living legend, being at the center of attention ahead of one of the most anticipated games at the tournament. But Wesley dressed as Messi deserves all the love he was shown in KC. Winston continues to be a national treasure when it comes to his involvement in the World Cup this year. He was spotted helping Japanese fans clean up the stands (a tradition that was spotlighted after the team's first World Cup in 1998) following Japan's thrilling 2-2 draw with the Netherlands on Sunday afternoon. The FOX Sports broadcast team, featuring Rob Stone, couldn’t contain their excitement for Winston as the feed shifted over to him in the crowd. "Jameis Winston is working with the Japanese national team to clean up Dallas Stadium," Stone said. "He’s a man of the people. Show me a number one draft pick in NFL history who takes out his own garbage bag and cleans up inside the stadium. One of the Japanese fans later described how he was surprised to see an NFL quarterback joining the clean-up effort, but was appreciative on Winston joining the cherished tradition. Jameis got up close and personal with one of the best fan bases in the world in Dallas, where the Netherlands and the always raucous "Oranje Army" know how to make an entrance. Winston rode along with the Dutch fans in their "Oranje Army Bus" and admitted that "there's nothing bigger than the Dutch Army." USA! USA! Jameis took in the sights and sounds at Los Angeles Stadium for the United States' opening match Friday, which included meeting up with influencer IShowSpeed. Not a bad way to see one of the USA's biggest wins ever at a World Cup.]]>
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					<![CDATA[A Sword Behind Every Pass: Spain's Plan To Stifle Messi Came Down To Precision]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/spain-world-cup-final-argentina-messi-rodri</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/spain-world-cup-final-argentina-messi-rodri</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[With a gameplan executed to perfection, Spain made Messi look like a mere mortal.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:59:00 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[NEW YORK NEW JERSEY STADIUM – In Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, one of the biggest takeaways is how success needs to be determined even before you enter battle. In war, the key assets of preparation will always outdo any reactionary tactics, because knowing the entire blueprint doesn’t just make you better prepared, it makes you omnipotent. To win is to also know about timing. To be perfectly engaged in knowing when – and how – to engage so when the actual battle comes, you have already designed your own outcome. Victory, therefore, is not about perfection, but perfect planning. And this is how I see Luis de La Fuente’s Spain side, a team so perfect in its planning that to defeat it – even with the greatest player on your side – is almost an impossible task. In essence, Spain already knows what you want to do before you even do it. And that’s what Sunday’s World Cup final and this entire tournament showed us with this magnificent team. A Spanish side that knows you better than you know yourself. It's why La Roja came out victorious with a 1-0 result against Lionel Messi’s Argentina thanks to a 106th-minute winner from Barcelona’s Ferran Torres. Spain stifled any hopes for Argentina and its chances of a title defense and claiming its second World Cup trophy since 2010. Spain also broke a record for 38 matches without losing a game, surpassing Italy. It was also Spain's seventh clean sheet of this World Cup, becoming the first men’s team in World Cup history to win while only conceding one goal. Sun Tzu also tells us about winning without the need for conflict. In Spain’s case, this is done by possession and recovery of. The victors had nearly 70% possession and 762 passes. Argentina didn’t break 400. It also failed to register a single shot on target. But the most impressive part of Spain’s game plan is that it suffocates you. It is the Darth Vader of football where you, the opponent, float in the air, lost and devoid of oxygen. Spain loses the ball and, like a piranha addicted to the scent of blood, rapidly swims to get it. It happened throughout the afternoon against Argentina. Lionel Scaloni didn’t have a solution and neither did his players as they continued to become more frustrated, hence Enzo Fernández’s red card and Leandro Paredes’s antics. And Messi? He was a mortal today. He barely mattered. And I want you to know this is a difficult thing for me to say – because I admire the man more than you’ll ever know. And to watch him weep at the end of the game, knowing this is his curtain call at the World Cup, pains me to my very core. But he had no chance today. Nobody on Argentina did. Spain is a monster. No, actually. I take it back. It is an android army, hidden inside a Picasso painting. Its spine is a wonderful dichotomy of youth and experience. From the magnificent Pau Cubarsí who, just like Lamine Yamal, is 19 years old, to the Golden Ball winner Rodri who simply rolled back the years in the tournament. The Manchester City midfielder, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2024, needed time to find his way after his ACL injury. And my goodness did he. Rodri didn’t score a goal at the World Cup, but that’s not what his game is about. He is the general who commands the midfield with grace, control and tenacity. He became the 11th man to win the World Cup, the Champions League and the aforementioned Ballon d'Or. I was at the final at New York New Jersey Stadium. I saw a very energetic Argentinian fanbase looking to do everything in its power to encourage its team to victory. But minute by minute, they realized what we were all seeing, which was a Spanish side which was breaking away their spirit. And what about de la Fuente? A man who loves quotes and historical references just as much as me. Let me tell you about him. This is a man who comes from Spain's proud Basque Country, who fully believes in grassroots football and needs his teams to represent the people, the community, the culture of the nation. He won the U-19 and U-20 Euros before taking over the senior side and once he took the helm, he brought this philosophy with him. It is a full belief in youth culture too, as most of these players who have just won the World Cup have been with him from the very beginning. "I come from a grassroots background," he once said before winning the Euros in 2024. "Our commitment, to the people we trust in the youth system, is not a pose, it is a conviction." And you see it in this team, which is just a representation of Spanish football. Again, watching them play live is a joy to behold. It passes the ball with ultimate accuracy, but what makes it different from any other side — and I would say Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona or Vicente Del Bosque’s 2010 World Cup winning team — is that this side does it with that word again: conviction. There is a sword behind every pass. A will and an intent. Argentina, frustrated, angry and lost without an idea, could not handle it. Marc Cucurella, for example, was outstanding in this tournament, including Sunday. So was Pedro Porro. Yamal, who wasn’t even that strong today when comparing it to his own standards, was excellent off the ball. And this is Spain – an army of one who makes you look very weak and fully represents my final quote from Sun Tzu: "Opportunities multiply as they are seized." That’s España. A team who loses an option and immediately creates another. And with a thousand cuts, it turns you into confetti, including the one and only Lionel Messi. There was never a better team than Spain at this World Cup. It wasn’t even close. But just like Picasso’s Guernica – it requires a closer, deeper sense of understanding to fully appreciate its complete grandeur.]]>
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					<![CDATA[2026 World Cup Betting Recap: Tournament Betting Equaled '10 Super Bowls']]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/2026-world-cup-betting-recap</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/2026-world-cup-betting-recap</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Bookmakers believe the 2026 World Cup will go down as the biggest betting event in American history. Patrick Everson reports.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:55:02 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Six weeks ago, sportsbooks across the U.S. harbored high hopes of strong betting engagement on World Cup odds. And as the tournament ended Sunday, with Spain beating Argentina 1-0 in overtime in the final, those hopes were greatly exceeded. Neil Walsh, Hard Rock Bet’s Senior Vice President-Sportsbook, certainly spoke for many operators. "This World Cup will go down as the biggest betting event in American history. We're talking the equivalent of 10 Super Bowls," Walsh said. "A sport we were once told Americans would not embrace turned into one for the history books. "The whole country wanted in." Oddsmakers from across the nation chime in on how the books and the bettors did on Spain vs. Argentina odds and World Cup wagering as a whole. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. Result Punishes the Public Several bookmakers weighed in pre-match on Sunday, noting that underdog Argentina was taking the bulk of action in both of the key markets. Lionel Messi &amp; Co. were popular with the public betting masses on the three-way moneyline — to win the match in 90 minutes plus injury time — and Argentina was the popular play in the To Lift The Trophy market, which includes overtime and, if necessary, a penalty-kick shootout. So bettors first got beat up by the 0-0 regulation draw. That meant the books scooped up all the Spain and Argentina money in the three-way market. Then Spain went up 1-0 on Ferran Torres’ goal in the 106th minute, and made it hold up for the rest of overtime. That squelched all the Argentina To Lift The Trophy bets. "That was about our best-case scenario, when factoring in the game result, props, futures, etc.," said John Murray, vice president of The SuperBook. "It was a very good finish to the tournament for us." On Friday, Caesars Sports head of soccer trading Mark Bickerdike said overtime was absolutely the book’s rooting interest. "Let’s see 120 minutes on that clock." Further, Caesars wanted Spain. So Bickerdike got his wish on both counts. "A 0-0 draw through regulation time meant it was a good day for the book," Bickerdike said postgame. "Bettors favored Argentina in both the [three-way] betting and To Lift The Trophy markets, pre-match and in-play. "There were also plenty of tickets written on Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal to score, resulting in positive outcomes across our straight-bet markets and same-game parlay product." Records Tumble Again With each big match — all the USA contests, England vs. Mexico in the Round of 16, and the riveting quarterfinals and semifinals — Caesars Sports saw records made and then broken for tickets and money wagered. Then the Spain-Argentina championship match outdid all the previous marks set since June 11 in this 48-team tournament. "The World Cup final delivered the biggest soccer betting event in Caesars Sportsbook history," Bickerdike said. "Interest was off the charts before kickoff, with pre-match wagering already surpassing our previous tournament record. "By the final whistle, the match had set new Caesars records for total handle, total wagers and unique bettors." In fact, the total handle — the overall amount of money wagered — was a record by a mile, eclipsing the dramatic England-Mexico match. "Handle finished nearly 65% higher than our previous record game, underscoring the extraordinary interest in soccer's biggest match and the incredible momentum we saw throughout the tournament," Bickerdike said. DraftKings Director of Sportsbook Operations Johnny Avello noted the match was a huge cap to a massively well-bet tournament overall. And though Avello didn’t get specific, it sounds as if DraftKings did well. "The tournament is over, but we haven’t come down from our month-long high on World Cup soccer," Avello said. "The biggest event of the year had its peaks and valleys. But overall, wow!" Fantastic Futures If you had a championship futures bet on Spain, then step up and claim your prize. Thankfully, I did, at +450 pre-tournament. Spain certainly garnered a fair amount of bets, but for most books, Argentina was the bigger liability to win it all, as the bandwagon got larger and larger with all the stunning late-match heroics en route to the final. Alas, Messi &amp; Co. couldn’t nail down a second straight World Cup championship. So the bookmakers won in the futures market, as well. "The futures were good. A great end to a very profitable World Cup," Circa Sports director of operations Jeff Benson said. "It was a nice bonus for what otherwise would be a slow summer." Added Bickerdike: "Spain lifting the trophy was also a favorable result for us in the futures markets, as interest in them slowed during the tournament. Particularly after their early draw against Cape Verde. "That said, there will be plenty of happy bettors who backed Spain before the tournament, as Spain was our second-most-wagered team heading into the competition." I Like Big Bets and I Cannot Lie Major matches bring major wagers, and the World Cup finale didn’t disappoint. Among the largest plays was one reportedly made by Drake: a whopping $1.5 million on Argentina. It’s a good thing Drake is among those rare few who can lose that kind of money and not even notice. Hopefully the same holds true for a DraftKings Sportsbook customer who also went in heavy on Messi &amp; Co. Back on June 17, just a week into the tournament, the bettor put $250,000 on Argentina +850 to win the World Cup. If Argentina went the distance, then the bettor would’ve won $2.125 million. Alas, the wager became a six-figure donation to the house. On prediction markets, there were a couple of risk-a-lot-to-make-a-little trades. Over the past few days, you might recall seeing that someone posted on X five years ago, saying Argentina beat Spain 3-2 in the 2026 World Cup final. That led to a slew of wagers on that actually happening Sunday. A Polymarket customer went the other way, with a $1.55 million trade that the final score would not be Argentina 3, Spain 2. At a price of 97% — which equates to odds of -3233 — that trade profited $44,772, for a total payout of $1,597,219. Also at Polymarket, a customer put $318,255 on Messi to not score two or more goals vs. Spain. Obviously, the Argentine superstar was shut out, and the trader netted $29,337 profit (total payout $347,592). Other notable wagers: Parlay Partay Small bets that win big are even more likable than big bets. They’re certainly more relatable to us average Joes and Janes. A FanDuel Sportsbook customer notched a nice win and perhaps could’ve won a lot more, but refused to look a gift horse in the mouth. Way back on Feb. 9, the bettor put together a six-leg parlay, combining NBA and NHL futures with a World Cup future. The goal: To turn a measly $2.01 into $8,880.55. Odds of all six teams hitting were a humongous +441718, or just beyond 4417/1. By the time the World Cup began, Spain was all that remained to cash that ticket. But on Saturday, the bettor opted to take a cashout offer from FanDuel, for $4,434,27. That’s some insane ROI on a two-dollar bet. Finally, file this under "Timing Is Everything." Prior to Saturday’s England vs. France third-place match, a Caesars customer put five bucks on the correct final score being England 5, France 3. The odds on that were a hefty +42500, or 425/1, for a potential profit of $2,125. No one in their right mind expected eight goals, never mind the 10 goals ultimately scored in England’s 6-4 victory. However, in the 87th minute, Bukayo Saka completed his hat trick by converting a penalty kick to put England up 5-3. Presciently, the bettor then opted to take Caesars’ cashout offer of $1,206. Smart move, because in the sixth minute of second-half injury time, Ousmane Dembélé scored for France to make it 5-4, which would’ve killed that bet. Two minutes later, Jude Bellingham knocked it in for England to account for the 6-4 final. It’s all in the timing.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Hunter Goodman Hits Three Homers Against Reds To Set Rockies Franchise Record]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/hunter-goodman-hits-three-homers-against-reds-set-rockies-franchise-record</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/hunter-goodman-hits-three-homers-against-reds-set-rockies-franchise-record</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Hunter Goodman went deep three times Sunday to not only break out of a mini-homer slump but break into an exclusive Colorado Rockies club in which he’s now the founder.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:54:48 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Hunter Goodman went deep three times Sunday to not only break out of a mini-homer slump but break into an exclusive Colorado Rockies club in which he's now the founder. The All-Star catcher became the lone player in franchise history to turn in a pair of three-homer games in the same season. Hall of Famers Todd Helton and Larry Walker never accomplished this particular feat. Neither did any of the famed "Blake Street Bombers." "Definitely cool knowing all the guys, the great players that have played here, the Hall of Famers that have played here," Goodman said after the Rockies lost 9-6 to the Cincinnati Reds to drop two of three in the series. "It’s a pretty cool accomplishment." Goodman’s big day included two homers off Hunter Greene — a solo shot in the first and a two-run liner in the sixth — along with another two-run shot off reliever Sam Moll in the eighth. Those were homers No. 28, 29 and 30 of the season for Goodman. This after not going deep since July 1. This after not being picked for the Home Run Derby. This after a day off from the hitting. Goodman wasn't in the lineup Saturday and decided to not swing a bat in an effort to rest up. "I feel like some of those off days you just take the full day and kind of just reset a little bit," explained Goodman, who also had a three-homer game at Minnesota on June 27. "It’s not always the swing. It’s not always different stuff like that. Sometimes you've just got to keep going." And going and going and going — his three homers were a combined estimated total distance of 1,302 feet. Turns out, it was just a good day to be a catcher in this game. Goodman's counterpart, Tyler Stephenson, had two of Cincinnati's four homers. Give some credit to a hot summer day and this being Coors Field. "The ball ball tends to fly on those days," Goodman said. "And then I got some good pitches to hit." More specifically, a slider and fastball (98.6 mph) from Greene and a sinker from Moll. Goodman became the fourth player in franchise history with at least a pair of three-homer games in their careers, joining the company of Walker, Helton and Carlos González. His just so happened to occur all in the span of a few weeks. Here's more history for Goodman: He's the fourth-fastest Rockies player to reach 30 homers in a season (101 team games). The only ones ahead of him are Vinny Castilla (97 in 1998), Andrés Galarraga (99 in 1994) and Walker (100 in 1999), according to Rockies research. "He looks dangerous. He just looks in sync," manager Warren Schaeffer said of Goodman. "He was really good. You can see the confidence kind of seep out." Reporting by the Associated Press.]]>
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					<![CDATA[EA Sports FC Correctly Predicts, Another, World Cup Winner In Spain]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/ea-sports-fc-correctly-predicts-another-world-cup-winner-spain</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/ea-sports-fc-correctly-predicts-another-world-cup-winner-spain</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[As Spain topped Argentina 1-0 win in the World Cup final, EA Sports FC correctly predicted their fifth consecutive World Cup winner.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:43:41 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[In a World Cup final between heavyweights Spain and Argentina, the La Roja's topped the 2022 World champions 1-0. But what if the script was already written by EA Sports FC? EA Sports FC predicted their fifth consecutive World Cup winner, dating back to 2010. But how does EA Sports’ correctly predict that many winners? EA FC – and formally FIFA – uses a simulation to predict the tournament’s outcome. Since, they have predicted the following World Cup winners: 2010: Spain 2014: Germany 2018: France 2022: Argentina 2026: Spain While France and Spain opened up as back-and-forth World Cup favorites, the tournament saw incredible performances by underdogs like Cape Verde, who held Spain to 0-0 in their tournament opener. However, Spain's trip to a World Cup title also saw incredible defensive efforts, conceding just one goal the entire tournament. Along the way, Spain defeated teams like Belgium, Portugal and France. Their dominance was also led by a younger squad, including two teenage sensations in 19-year-olds Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí. Yamal has been one of Spain’s most reliable forwards with his presence in the attack, and Cubarsí was vital in the backline. In both their debuts, Spain hoisted the trophy for the first time in four tournaments. The tournament's Golden Ball award was given to Spain's Rodri. The midfielder has competed in two World Cups with Spain along with his impressive resume. Since he’s represented Spain, Rodri won the Golden Ball, the 2024 Ballon d’Or, Euros Player of the Tournament. As for Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, he's compiled 41 wins, six draws and two losses in his 49 matches coached. Now, he has added the 2026 World Cup winner to his resume.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Spain's Tough Defense Shuts Out Argentina in Messi's Potential Curtain Call]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/spains-stifling-defense-shuts-out-argentina-messis-potential-curtain-call</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/spains-stifling-defense-shuts-out-argentina-messis-potential-curtain-call</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Spain substitute Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute to give his team a 1-0 win over defending champion Argentina in the World Cup final.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:31:21 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[This is how good Spain was at the World Cup: Not even Lionel Messi had any answers. And when it was over, Spain walked off with the trophy. Messi simply walked off in tears. Spain is back atop the soccer world for a second time, after Ferran Torres’ first goal of this year's World Cup — unquestionably the goal of his life — gave his country a 1-0 win over now-dethroned champion Argentina in the final on Sunday. "It was a goal scored by 47 million people," Torres said, referring to Spain’s population. Maybe not by them — but certainly for them. The goal came with Argentina down to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off late in regulation following a reckless tackle. Tempers flared then, and flared again after the final whistle with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and players from both sides engaging in what appeared to be some pushing and shoving. In the end, Spain denied Messi a second straight title in what he has indicated was his final World Cup match. Torres, a second-half substitute, pounced on a bouncing ball in the box and used his left foot to bury a shot just under the crossbar in the 106th minute. From there, the airtight defense that dominated opponents throughout the tournament came through one final time. Spain — which also won the title in 2010 — allowed only one goal in eight matches in this World Cup run, setting a record for fewest goals allowed by a champion. "I feel pride, to be honest," said Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, who at 65 is now the oldest man to lead a team to a World Cup title. "Accompanying them on this journey is an honor." Spain Gets A World Cup 1st This title, combined with the Women's World Cup won by Spain in 2023, makes the European nation the first to hold both the men’s and women’s titles simultaneously. And in the streets of Madrid — probably many other places in Spain as well — countless people spilled into the streets, celebrating Sunday's victory long into the wee hours of Monday morning. The score indicates this match was close, but only one team was in command. Spain took the game’s first 20 shots on goal before Argentina — desperate for an equalizer — got its first attempt off in the second half of extra time. Spain took nine of the game’s first 10 corner kicks, and only a World Cup final-record 12 saves by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez gave the 2022 champions a shot at going back-to-back. "Dibu was nothing short of exceptional," de la Fuente said, referring to Argentina's keeper by his nickname. Spain is now unbeaten in its last 38 matches — 29 wins, nine draws — and is the outright holder of the longest such streak by any European men's team ever. Italy went 37 matches (28 wins, nine draws) from October 2018 through September 2021, before Spain ended that streak. And for the last two-plus years, nobody has beaten Spain. Not even Messi. An Argentina team that was the kings of the late-game rally in this tournament had no answer this time. "We lost the game, and we accept that," Scaloni said. "That doesn’t mean that we will forget everything we’ve done so far, so I’d like to thank my people, my players and the country. I can tell them that we played our hearts out." Spain Survives A Late Push Messi took a corner kick with about four minutes left before the final whistle and the ball took a fortunate skip toward substitute Giuliano Simeone — who sent it high and over the crossbar, holding his head in disbelief afterward. "When you have Messi on the other side, well, you are nervous," Torres said. "At the end of the day, we always depended on us. We always come up with our football, and we showed it again." After the post-match scuffles, they also paid tribute to the former champions. Spain's players lined up to form an honor guard of sorts for Argentina's squad to walk through on its way to the stage for the runner-up medals from President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. "I think now I'm in a cloud," said Spain midfielder Rodri, the Golden Ball winner as the tournament's best player. Argentina was forced to finish the match down a man after Fernandez was sent off in second-half stoppage time after getting his second yellow card. Fernandez was whistled for a collision that sent Spain defender Pau Cubarsi cartwheeling into the air, and the card came out immediately. Defense Led Spain To A Title It was the 104th and last match of the biggest World Cup ever, a 48-team event that played out over the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Because there were more matches than any previous World Cup, it was no surprise that there were more goals than all other editions — more than 300, nearly three per match. Except, of course, when Spain was involved. Spain's plan was simple and flawless: Hold the ball as much as possible, denying opponents any hint of chances. It worked, all the way to the end. Messi is 39 and the math certainly suggests that the Inter Miami star is at the end of his international career. There have been hints — such as Messi himself declaring that a home World Cup qualifying match against Venezuela last year would be his final competitive contest for Argentina on his nation’s soil. "I experienced a lot of things on this pitch, good and not so good," Messi said that night. "I’ll take the good with me." He retired from the national team after losing a Copa America final to Chile — in the same stadium he played in Sunday — a decade ago, then came back a few weeks later after changing his mind. Good thing he did, because in that decade he went from superstar to absolute icon. There was the World Cup title in 2022. There were two Copa America titles, the first in 2021 and the second in 2024. He won Argentina’s player of the year award 16 times in a span of 19 years, first winning it as a teenager and continuing to win it all the way into his late 30s. He's a legend within the game and on all corners of the globe. But Spain was better Sunday. "I spoke to my players, and they said: ‘Look, we’ve won everything, coach. We’ve won everything,'" de la Fuente said. "And that is beautiful." A final Unlike Any Other The spectacle was not limited to simply soccer. Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS and Shakira were all part of a halftime show that also featured Burna Boy, Jason Sudeikis in character as "Ted Lasso" and even some of the Muppets. Jennifer Hudson, Post Malone and Tom Cruise had roles in the closing ceremony, which actually preceded the match. A slew of actors, athletes and other celebrities were there: Spain’s Javier Bardem left happy, Luciana Barroso Damon — the wife of actor Matt Damon — probably did not, considering she was wearing the colors of her native Argentina. They all came to see a show. So did 80,000 other people, not to mention perhaps as many as 2 billion watching around the globe. Spain didn't disappoint. No team has won back-to-back men's World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962, and Spain kept Argentina from pulling off that repeat. "As I told the lads before the game, we have to go for the game, we need to face them, we have to look to their eyes and say we want this game," Rodri said. "And then, life gives you the World Cup or not." Spain took it instead. Reporting by the Associated Press.]]>
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					<![CDATA[How Lamine Yamal's Little Brother, Keyne, Celebrated Spain's World Cup Win]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/how-lamine-yamals-little-brother-keyne-celebrated-spains-world-cup-win</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/how-lamine-yamals-little-brother-keyne-celebrated-spains-world-cup-win</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Here's how Lamine Yamal's little brother, Keyne, celebrated Spain's FIFA World Cup victory.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:20:20 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Lamine Yamal's little brother, Keyne, emerged as a winner of the 2026 FIFA World Cup well before Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina in Sunday's final. Now, he gets to celebrate like a champion. Keyne, 3, joined his brother and the rest of the Spanish team on the pitch at New York New Jersey Stadium following the victory. His celebration produced several potential viral moments, as he did earlier in the tournament. Following Spain's victory over Belgium in the quarterfinals, Keyne made several funny faces as his older brother watched him on the Jumbotron. So, as the Yamal family celebrated Spain's win, here are some of Keyne's top moments during the celebration.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Spain’s Young Core Makes Them ‘Dangerous’ After World Cup Win, Says Kasper Schmeichel]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/kasper-schmeichel-says-spains-young-core-makes-them-dangerous-after-world-cup-win</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/kasper-schmeichel-says-spains-young-core-makes-them-dangerous-after-world-cup-win</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Spain deserves all of the praise for its World Cup final victory over Argentina on Sunday, according to FOX Sports' "World Cup Now."]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:09:23 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[It’s official. Spain are world champions. Not only did they dethrone Lionel Messi and defending champion Argentina, but they capped off one of the most complete performances of the FIFA World Cup with a disciplined defense and relentless consistency. Spain's title run was about more than making history. La Roja relied on disciplined defending and clinical finishing to navigate a gauntlet of elite competition. They eliminated Kylian Mbappé's France, Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal and, ultimately, Lionel Messi's Argentina team to lift the World Cup trophy. FOX Sports' World Cup Now panel of Peter Crouch, Kasper Schmeichel and Maurice Edu praised Spain's dominant World Cup run. They all agreed that La Roja made every elite opponent look ordinary and at times, even amateurish. "Spain has made the teams that we thought were favorites look human, right?" Edu said. "They had a similar kind of impact in today’s performance. "They made them [Argentina] look amateurish for large spells at this game." Spain's World Cup title on Sunday was its first since 2010, ending a 16-year championship drought. More importantly, it may be just the beginning for La Roja, which is led by 19-year-old superstar Lamine Yamal and features a roster with an average age of around 26. "This is a dangerous team that can be dangerous for a long time," Schmeichel said. "They’ve grown up in this system and they have young players. They have a way of playing. An identity and it’s clear all the way through. If they continue being this well drilled, there’s nothing that can stop them for quite a while." Spain's defense was one of the tournament's biggest storylines and much of the credit belongs to goalkeeper Unai Simón. Spain conceded just one goal throughout the World Cup, the fewest ever by a team that went on to win the tournament. "Spain dominated that game completely and dominated this World Cup," Crouch said. "Conceding one goal and winning a World Cup? They’ve never been in trouble at any point and thoroughly deserve to be champions." Spain didn’t just win a World Cup. They created a legacy. The way this team dominated throughout the tournament will be remembered for years, and Yamal lifting the trophy after defeating Messi makes for a true passing-of-the-torch moment. "They’ve been superior in every aspect, but obviously, football is more than just tactics," Schmeichel said. "There’s a lot of emotion in it. There’s a lot of mentality in it. The team that was the best team in the tournament came out on top."]]>
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					<![CDATA[Every Teenager To Start In A World Cup Final — And Win It]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/every-teenager-start-world-cup-final-and-win</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/every-teenager-start-world-cup-final-and-win</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Only three teenagers in FIFA World Cup history have started in the final and won it. Here is the full list, and the players that could join it.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:06:23 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Most teenagers spend their time studying, hanging out with friends or getting ready for college. On Sunday, Spain’s Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí became World Cup champions. With Spain winning its second World Cup title after a 1-0 victory over Argentina, Yamal and Cubarsí joined an elite list of players who have started in a World Cup final and won it as teenagers. Here is the full list: Coming off of a hat-trick for Brazil in the 1958 World Cup semifinals against France, Pelé, at 17 years and 249 days, scored two goals against host nation Sweden to lead Brazil to its first-ever World Cup. At the time, he was the first teenager to start and win a World Cup final. Giuseppe Bergomi started the 1982 World Cup as a substitute for Italy in the quarterfinal against Brazil. Bergomi made the most of his minutes in the memorable 3-2 victory and earned a starting spot in the semifinal. After beating Poland 2-0 in the semifinal, Italy went on to beat West Germany in the final, 3-1. Bergomi was 19 years and 344 days old when the tournament ended. Kylian Mbappé started and won the World Cup final as a teenager. Mbappé, France's star striker at the 2018, 2022 and 2026 editions of the tournament, broke out at the 2018 tournament with four goals, including the final goal in the title match against Croatia. Since Mbappé, no teenager has started and won the World Cup final. Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí became the first pair of teenage teammates to start and win a World Cup final, as Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time. Yamal built off winning Euro 2024 with Spain by supplementing that trophy with a World Cup title. Both Barcelona teammates have enjoyed plenty of success at the club level, but now they have won the most prestigious trophy in football and have built themselves a fabulous start to their careers.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Way-Too-Early Look At 30 Players We Want At The 2030 World Cup]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/2030-world-cup-players-to-watch-pulisic-freeman</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/2030-world-cup-players-to-watch-pulisic-freeman</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Here are 30 players to keep an eye on ahead of the 2030 World Cup.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:43:03 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[In four years, we'll be celebrating another edition of the World Cup. We'll be transfixed on a competition that will span six countries across three continents with possibly 64 teams taking part in sport's greatest spectacle. More than likely, we'll be seeing the likes of France's Kylian Mbappé, England's Jude Bellingham, Norway's Erling Haaland, Spain's Lamine Yamal and many other names who kept us enthralled this summer. We'll likely not have Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo in the spotlight, but you can't count anything out, especially when it comes to the GOAT conversation. It's never too early to think about which players — whether they already feature in 2026 or are part of teams (e.g. Italy) that should make the cut — in four years' time. In no particular order, let's look at who we'll be keeping tabs on in the run-up to the 2030 World Cup. Sciaretta: It was a World Cup to forget for Pulisic. In fact, 2026 has been brutal for the Hershey, Pennsylvania, native. But it is silly to think that Pulisic is going anywhere. He will be 31 at the next World Cup, and the U.S. team will be looking for the veteran leadership it lacked this time around. It would not be surprising at all if Pulisic turns it around in 2030, like Landon Donovan did in 2010 after a terrible 2006 tournament. Echegaray: It is extremely difficult to single out anyone from this Spanish side. From Lamine Yamal to Pedri, this is a force of nature and full of youthful dynamic talent. But let me focus on Gavi because, despite not being one of the more obvious names to point out from this tournament, I think he will continue to become one of Spain’s most important players. Spain, more than possession, is about recovery of possession, and Rodri is untouchable in this regard. But at 30 years old, there will be a need for a replacement. Gavi, who follows in the footsteps of his Spanish teammate, will grow into that. Bonetti: After winning the Scudetto with Inter Milan, he skied Italy's first penalty in the playoff shootout against Bosnia and Herzegovina as Italy made it three World Cups without an appearance. He watched this summer from his couch, but by 2030, he's the redemption story Italy builds around. Echegaray: O’Reilly was magnificent for the Three Lions at this World Cup before losing to Argentina. The fullback/midfielder is versatile, wise beyond his years and already playing at one of the biggest clubs on the planet. So when it comes to mentality and the ability to face any type of opponent? Been there, done that. The fact that he is only 21 is, honestly, too difficult to comprehend because he plays like a veteran at the international level. He will continue to improve and become one of the best players of his position in the world. Of that, I have no doubt. Sciaretta: The teenage Barcelona central defender has had a remarkable year, 31 starts for Barcelona en route to a La Liga title. Now, he’s part of Spain’s elite defense. What he’s doing at this level, at this age and at this position, is remarkable. In 2030, we could be talking about maybe the greatest defender in the game. Bonetti: A Champions League revelation for Real Madrid, who then sobbed through Türkiye's three-game flameout this summer. Sixty-two shots, zero goals, one apology. José Mourinho's return to Madrid and whoever is in charge of Türkiye at the 2030 World Cup owe him better. Echegaray: Summerville’s next move this summer will dictate the next few years of his immense potential as he was a key player for the Netherlands at this World Cup. By 2030, he will be in his prime and if the Dutch indeed can finally become a major contender for the tournament, Summerville should play a major role. It all depends on where he will go this summer as West Ham, now in the Championship, knows it has to sell its star. Sciaretta: One year ago, Freeman was only in his first season as a starter for Orlando City. Now, he’s in La Liga and the starter for the U.S. national team. The highly athletic defender has enjoyed a meteoric rise and should be part of the next generation of American players. Bonetti: He was benched for the loss to England in the quarterfinal, then nearly won it coming off of it. Aston Villa is circling at a £43 million move. Norway's succession plan starts on his left wing. Echegaray: Mora was very impressive in Mexico’s inspiring campaign at the World Cup. At 17, it was incredibly fun to see the young man compete at the highest level and not only did he not look out of place, he showed glimpses of his raw abilities. A move to Europe is almost imperative, but it has to be the right club and the correct timing. One thing is for sure, his path and the chance of becoming a major star for El Tri in 2030 is a major possibility. Bonetti: The heir to Virgil Van Dijk’s throne at Anfield. It wasn't the best of seasons as he tore his ACL 81 minutes into his Liverpool debut and missed everything, including Italy's latest playoff funeral. A 6-foot-5 star in the making rebuilt in the gym. Sciaretta: Bouaddi has already shown a ton of class for an 18-year-old central midfielder. It is clear he is going to be sold by Lille for a lot of money sooner than later. Echegaray: The 20-year-old did not feature much during France’s campaign. But that particular cameo against Morocco was impressive, and I feel there’s so much more to come from the midfielder. Something also tells me that he won’t stay at Paris Saint-Germain much longer as he will need another club in order to find more playing time. By 2030, he could be ready just in time to become a major force for Les Bleus. Bonetti: Serie A's most elegant left foot earned an hour against Jordan and looked like he belonged. Real Madrid holds the buyback. He inherits whatever Lionel Messi leaves behind. Sciaretta: Hungary’s exciting left back is fun to watch at Liverpool. He loves to get forward and plays with a lot of intensity. The question is whether Hungary can get to the World Cup. There is always plenty of room for upsets these days in an expanded World Cup. Echegaray: Mbaye is a tremendous talent but needs to leave Paris Saint-Germain in order to find a brighter role. Selfishly, I would adore him for Aston Villa as I feel Unai Emery could turn him into a superstar. But there are many clubs interested in his services, including Borussia Dortmund, which is reportedly inquiring about him for the upcoming season. For Senegal, it’s clear to see that he’s a special talent, as that wonderful stoppage-time goal against France showed, making him the youngest African male player to get on the scoresheet at the World Cup. Mbaye is a gem, and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Sciaretta: The 20-year-old central midfielder from Alaska did not play much this World Cup, but he is a big part of the Mexican team’s future. His transfer from Seattle to Atlético Madrid has gone smoothly, and he will continue to progress in Spain. Bonetti: Remember the name now. Bundesliga Rookie of the Season, man of the match in his World Cup debut at 19. Only Lamine Yamal outproduced him among Europe's teenagers. Excellent one-on-one dribbler. Seems to be bound for Paris Saint-Germain, where he could really shine. Sciaretta: Italy’s failure to qualify for the last three World Cups is one of the most baffling stories in the history of the tournament. Even in the Azzurri’s last two appearances (2010 and 2014), the team was grouped. If Italy returns in 2030, all eyes will be on the team as it tries to revive one of the World Cup’s most historically important teams. Bastoni should be front and center of Italy’s efforts in the coming years as he is one of the best central defenders in the world. Bonetti: One heavy touch against Norway on the breakaway is the sad memory he leaves behind in his first World Cup of his career. Eight goals in half a season at Lyon says the talent's real after a rocky start at Real Madrid. Age is on his side. José Mourinho decides what's next for him at the Bernabeu. Echegaray: There is definite personal interest and hope from yours truly, but it doesn’t come without context. Pippo Chavez is a promising attacking midfielder, and at 18, the sky is the limit, especially under the guidance of Bayern Munich and playing in a great, nurturing league such as the Bundesliga. Born in Germany to a German mother and Peruvian father, Chavez switched allegiance to Peru back in 2023 and made his senior debut last October in a 2-1 loss against Chile. My hope here is that a.) Peru gets its act together and improves significantly in the next four years whilst b.) Chavez keeps evolving, thus helping La Blanquirroja finally reach a second World Cup in 48 years. Sciaretta: The Danish forward is coming off a great first season in Napoli with 12 goals in 33 Serie A games. He was at the club on loan from Manchester United, and to keep him, Napoli spent nearly $52 million. The 23-year-old forward from Copenhagen also has 13 goals in 35 caps for Denmark. With Højlund in his prime, Denmark should get back to the World Cup and potentially be very good. Echegaray: Karl was sadly another player who suffered an injury in the lead up to the World Cup, but he is an incredible talent who will surely be a very crucial factor towards helping Germany get over a disappointing run in the tournament. If Jürgen Klopp indeed becomes the next manager, I think the Bayern Munich left-footed forward could be a major force in the next few years. Bonetti: Another reason why the future is bright for Norway. He took Antonio Nusa's starting spot, scored the opener against England, set up both of Erling Haaland's goals against Brazil. Super-sub no more. A Premier League move feels like a formality. Echegaray: This is definitely a "watch this space" selection. I have high hopes for the Colombian striker, who ended as top goalscorer in last year’s U-20 World Cup as Colombia finished in third place. He recently joined Cruzeiro in Brazil, but I see him leaving next year for Europe. After that? Who knows, but as Colombia’s options upfront are only getting older, Villarreal could be the next man to lead the line. Sciaretta: The Manchester United striker took awhile to heat up for the Red Devils in his first season but was in solid form by the end. Prior to that, he was a star for RB Leipzig in Germany. Slovenia is a tough national team to figure out. It struggled in qualifying but was surprisingly good at Euro 2024. But with continued progress, Slovenia can qualify and Sesko can lead the way. If that happens, he’ll be a highly anticipated player in 2030. Echegaray: The 19-year-old sensation sadly missed this World Cup due to a torn hamstring back in April. But the winger will undoubtedly return, as Brazil once again aims to qualify for the 2030 edition and win the coveted trophy, which by then will be a 28-year drought. It will need more pizzazz and the rebirth of joga bonito. Estevao — who, back in September against Chile, became the youngest Brazilian to score for the national team since Pelé — can be the spark that’s sorely needed. Bonetti: Sweden's playoff-crashing run ended with France's 3-0 knockout hammer, but the 20-year-old midfielder belonged. Four more years of Premier League seasoning will make him Scandinavia's metronome in 2030. Sciaretta: Harrington had a tough ending to his 2026 World Cup when he missed his penalty in Australia’s shootout loss to Egypt. But the 18-year-old central defender was impressive as the youngest starter ever for Australia at the World Cup. He looks mature beyond his years and has had a breakout season with the Colorado Rapids, which will likely sell him soon as interest in Harrington is very high.]]>
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					<![CDATA['Drake Curse' Continues As Canadian Rapper Placed A $1.5 Million Bet On Argentina]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/drake-curse-continues-canadian-rapper-placed-1-5-million-bet-argentina</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/drake-curse-continues-canadian-rapper-placed-1-5-million-bet-argentina</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Drake's $1.5 million bet on Argentina to beat Spain in 90 minutes in the 2026 World Cup final might have cursed Argentina and Lionel Messi.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:37:06 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Lionel Messi and Argentina might have been doomed before the kickoff of the 2026 World Cup final. Canadian rap icon Drake revealed a staggering $1.5 million bet on the South American giants to secure victory within 90 minutes. Drake has an infamous history of placing wagers on losing sides or making large-sum bets that don't hit. That streak continued on Sunday when Argentina fell 1-0 to Spain. Drake missed out on a roughly $5.1 million payout, while Argentina missed out on the World Cup trophy. The superstition, widely known as the "Drake Curse", suggests that any athlete or team that receives public support from the rapper is destined for a disappointing result. When Argentina fans saw Drake had made that bet, concern amplified because of Drake’s recent string of betting disasters. Earlier this year, he reportedly suffered a $1 million loss after the New England Patriots fell to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX in February. Furthermore, he lost another $300,000 after backing Jannik Sinner to overcome Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open. Beyond football, the rapper's betting history is littered with expensive failures across various disciplines. According to reports from There was hope for Lionel Scaloni's side as Drake notoriously won a $1 million bet on Argentina during the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, accurately predicting its triumph over France — with penalties required in order to determine a winner. But in 2026, he wasn't as foretelling]]>
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					<![CDATA[How Ferran Torres, Spain's Scrutinized Backup Striker, Became Its World Cup Hero]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/how-ferran-torres-spains-scrutinized-backup-striker-became-its-world-cup-hero</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/how-ferran-torres-spains-scrutinized-backup-striker-became-its-world-cup-hero</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[It took until the 106th minute, but Spain got its winning goal against Argentina at the World Cup off the left foot of Ferran Torres.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:34:26 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Ferran Torres delivered Spain the winning goal at the World Cup with a play made possible by two of the team's best players and two who substituted into the final against Argentina on Sunday. The buildup to the goal began just after the kickoff to start the second half of extra time, with Argentina down to 10 men following Enzo Fernandez being sent off in the 93rd minute. Young star Lamine Yamal, who earlier had two of the best scoring chances in the game, collected the ball on the right wing and passed to Pedro Porro, who had among the most touches of any player on the field. This one turned out to be a big one. Porro’s right-footed cross into the box almost went out of play past the far post. But Nico Williams, who entered in the 75th minute, headed the ball back toward Torres. Torres, who came on just past the hour mark, connected perfectly with his left foot. The shot, Spain’s 20th of the match to none for Argentina at the time, sailed past a couple of defenders and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to give Spain a 1-0 lead in the 106th minute. "I think at the end of the day, it was a goal scored by 47 million people," Torres said. "I feel very happy. I was heavily criticized during the World Cup, but I think it was written in destiny and things. But I always have that chance, that option to continue, and God gives it to those who believe it, who deserve it most." The Barcelona star kicked down the corner flag as he was mobbed by teammates and fans celebrated around him. Spain faced almost no pressure in the buildup. Marc Cucurella passed to Eric García and the ball was moved up to Martín Zubimendi, who found Yamal on the right. Torres nearly scored again but was offside, and Spain survived corner opportunities by Argentina to knock off the defending champions and win its second World Cup title. Reporting by The Associated Press.]]>
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					<![CDATA[2026 FIFA World Cup Awards: Spain's Rodri, Cubarsí, Unai Simón; France's Mbappé]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/2026-fifa-world-cup-every-individual-award-winner</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/2026-fifa-world-cup-every-individual-award-winner</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Following Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina in the World Cup final, FIFA presented its individual awards for the 2026 World Cup.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:32:55 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Following Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina in the World Cup final, FIFA presented its individual awards for the 2026 World Cup. Spain nearly walked away with a clean sweep of the awards, taking home three of four individual awards let by Rodri winning the Golden Ball while France's Kylian Mbappé walked away with the Golden Boot. Take a look at the individual award winners from the 2026 World Cup. Golden Ball: Rodri | Spain Rodri was crowned the tournament's best player after masterfully orchestrating Spain's midfield throughout an undefeated championship run. He also suffered a career-threatening ACL and meniscus rupture in 2024 and after battling to regain his form, he displayed some of his best football since the injury. Golden Glove: Unai Simón | Spain Simón claimed the tournament's top goalkeeper honors by anchoring a historic defensive unit that allowed a mere single goal all tournament. Keeping seven clean sheets across eight matches—capped off by the 1-0 final victory—he set a new World Cup record by going 650 consecutive minutes without conceding. Best Young Player: Pau Cubarsí | Spain The 19-year-old Barcelona centerback took home the tournament's breakout player award after playing every minute of every match of Spain's run to the title. Beyond acting as a primary distributor from the backline, Cubarsí put on a defensive masterclass in the final, helping restrict a dangerous Argentina offense to a single shot over 120 minutes. Golden Boot: Kylian Mbappé | France Mbappé secured his second consecutive Golden Boot by finishing as the tournament's top scorer with a 10-goal haul. A decisive brace during a wild 6-4 third-place playoff against England made him the first player to hit double digits in a single edition since 1970, pushing his career total to 22 goals to surpass Lionel Messi in the all-time standings.]]>
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