Optus Stadium will play host to Saturday’s
Round 19 AFL game between West Coast Eagles and
Brisbane Lions. The game kicks off at 8:10 pm with Brisbane Lions heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the West Coast Eagles vs.
Brisbane Lions
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday July 18, 2026 at 8:10 pm

Where: Optus Stadium

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West Coast Eagles vs Brisbane Lions Preview

Brisbane will look to continue its late-season charge when it travels west to face an Eagles side searching for positives in a difficult campaign. The reigning premiers produced one of their best performances of the year in last week’s convincing win over Essendon, keeping their hopes of a top-two finish firmly alive. West Coast, meanwhile, has struggled to maintain the competitiveness it showed earlier in the season.

The Lions boast one of the competition’s deepest lists, with role players continuing to complement stars Lachie Neale and Will Ashcroft as Brisbane builds towards another finals campaign. Oscar Allen could provide an intriguing storyline if he returns to face his former club, but the Eagles face a significant challenge regardless. Brisbane’s ability to dominate contested possession and punish turnovers makes it a difficult opponent for a developing West Coast outfit.

It’s the game that no one ever wants to play in, but there was still a lot on the line for both England and France in the third-place match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday.

Both teams hit the pitch at Miami Stadium (also known as Hard Rock Stadium) after some tough semifinal losses: France to Spain, and England to reigning champs Argentina.

France was looking for redemption after coming up short in a tournament where they were widely viewed to be the favorite. Plus, this match presented an opportunity for French star Kylian Mbappe to overtake Argentina’s Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race.

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England’s Bukayo Saka scores during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Bronze Medal Match. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

However, they were up against an England team that had played well throughout the tournament and was 2-1 against them in World Cup matches. Their two most offensively potent players this tournament, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, both started the match on the bench.

Well, in the early going, it turns out that England had enough offensive firepower to get things started.

In just the 3rd minute, Declan Rice hit paydirt to open the scoring.

Only about ten minutes later, England put another one in the back of the net; however, it was deemed to have been offside.

But even with the big guns sitting on the bench, England was easily the more offensively productive team early, with Ezri Konsa adding another off of a corner in the 18th minute.

But why not make it three?

In the 37th minute, Bukayo Saka scored a goal that was certainly not how the Three Lions would’ve drawn it up, but it counts just the same.

And while you’re at it, Mr. Saka, just tack on another for good measure.

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England took a 4-0 lead into halftime after one of the most lopsided first halves of the tournament, and few expected France to be on the receiving end, especially with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham still on the bench.

And, honestly, it could’ve been worse.

France bounced back from a nightmare first half, and star Kylian Mbappe scored a pair to take the lead in the Golden Boot race and make history. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP)

Fortunately for France, they did exactly what they needed to and came out firing in the second half. Mbappe got them on the board in the 48th minute, and put himself ahead of Messi in the Golden Boot race, and even with him in career World Cup goals at 21.

Then, just minutes later, France’s Bradley Barcola added another to make it a 4-2 game.

So, while the first half was all England, the second was all about France, and in the 66th minute, Mbappe made it 4-3, while also extending his Golden Boot lead and taking over the top spot on the all-time World Cup goals list.

What. A. Match.

Who cares about third place, right?

England’s Jude Bellingham and Reece James celebrate Bukayo Saka’s (center) third goal of the Bronze Final match in Miami. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

But after getting several opportunities to tie it up, England was awarded a penalty kick, and that went to Bukayo Saka, who buried it for the hat trick and to give England a little breathing room late in the match.

It’s hard to believe he didn’t play a single minute in the semifinal loss to Argentina, right?

And that breathing room was important, because France wasn’t going to go quietly.

But England answered back immediately with a beauty from Jude Bellingham, his seventh of the tournament, and that was all she wrote.

Unbelievable.

The final score was, incredibly, 6-4. That was the most goals scored in a World Cup third-place match ever, topping the one in 1958 between France and West Germany.

With that win, England may have come up short when it comes to bringing a World Cup title back home, but that was their best finish in a World Cup since they won it in 1966.

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It was an incredible match, and now there’s only one left and its for the World Cup title.

Spain and Argentina will meet on Sunday afternoon at New York-New Jersey Stadium, with the match scheduled to start at 3 pm ET.

Oleksandr Usyk has weighed in on one of boxing’s most debated potential fights, giving his prediction for a long-discussed clash between Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson.

Stevenson is a four-weight world champion and remains unbeaten as a professional, earning widespread praise for his slick southpaw style and defensive ability. Davis, meanwhile, has established himself as one of boxing’s biggest attractions with his explosive punching power, but legal trouble outside of the ropes has led to inactivity.

The 31-year-old has been out of action since a controversial draw with Lamont Roach Jr in March of 2025 and, despite reports, still has not booked a return.

If ‘Tank’ returns to the ring and targets the biggest fights possible, Stevenson – who recently announced a high-profile deal with Zuffa Boxing – should be top of the list.

Three-time undisputed champion Usyk recently told FightHype that he is backing Stevenson’s skill to win the fight should it happen, believing the Newark southpaw to be one of the top three pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.

It is perhaps no surprise that Usyk has sided with Stevenson. The Ukrainian has built his own career on movement, ring IQ and technical excellence rather than raw punching power, qualities that many believe make Stevenson one of the most difficult fighters in the sport to beat.

Despite fans calling for the fight for many years, it still seems more of a hope than a certainty. One positive, however, is that Devin Haney – as equally accomplished and regarded as Stevenson and Davis – remains a touted opponent for both men.

Kylian Mbappe has ensured the race for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot will be decided on the tournament’s biggest stage.

The France captain struck twice in Les Bleus’ third-place playoff against England that ended in a 6-4 thrilling defeat for them, taking his tally to 10 goals and reclaiming top spot in the scoring charts. While France’s World Cup journey ended on a sad note, Mbappe ensured his individual battle with Lionel Messi remains alive until Sunday’s final between Argentina and Spain.

Mbappe throws down the gauntlet

France may have fallen short of another World Cup final, but Mbappe once again demonstrated why he remains one of football’s most decisive players.

His brace against England took him to 10 goals and three assists for the tournament, putting significant daylight between himself and Messi, who currently sits on eight goals and four assists heading into the final.

The equation is now simple.

Messi must score at least two goals against Spain to draw level with Mbappe’s tally. Anything fewer would see the French superstar retain the lead and move one step closer to successive World Cup Golden Boots.

Should Messi score twice and both players finish level on 10 goals and four assists, FIFA’s next tiebreaker, minutes played, would come into play, potentially making every minute of Sunday’s final just as important as every goal.

A tournament dominated by Mbappe

Mbappe’s numbers tell the story of another extraordinary World Cup campaign.

He has scored in every phase of the tournament, combining blistering pace with ruthless finishing to torment defences. Whether attacking space behind the backline, finishing one-on-one situations or converting from the penalty spot, the French captain has once again proved almost impossible to contain.

His latest double against England underlined his consistency under pressure. Even with France no longer competing for the trophy, Mbappe approached the bronze-medal match with the intensity of a final, ensuring his name remains firmly at the top of the goalscoring charts.

It is another reminder that individual excellence can shine regardless of collective disappointment.

Messi gets one final chance

If Mbappe has set the benchmark, Lionel Messi now has the perfect stage to answer.

The Argentina captain enters what could be his final World Cup appearance with eight goals and four assists, while also chasing consecutive World Cup titles with La Albiceleste.

Unlike Mbappe, Messi still has the biggest prize in football to play for. Every contribution in Sunday’s final carries double significance—not only could it help Argentina defend their crown, but it could also reshape the Golden Boot standings.

A brace would pull him level with Mbappe, while a hat-trick would guarantee the award outright.

Mbappe overtakes Messi in World Cup history

Beyond the Golden Boot race, Mbappe also achieved another historic milestone against England.

His two goals took his overall World Cup tally to 22 goals, moving him past Messi’s previous mark of 21 and making him the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer.

It is another astonishing achievement for a player still in the prime of his career.

Already a World Cup winner, multiple-time Golden Boot contender and now the competition’s most prolific scorer, Mbappe continues to rewrite football history at a remarkable pace.

Yet his latest record may not stand uncontested for long.

Messi still has one final opportunity to reduce the gap before bringing the curtain down on another memorable World Cup campaign.

The final has another blockbuster subplot

Argentina versus Spain was always going to command global attention.

Now it carries an added layer of intrigue.

While Messi chases another World Cup title, he is also pursuing Mbappe in one of the closest Golden Boot races in recent tournament history. Every Argentine attack could influence not just the destination of the trophy but also the tournament’s highest individual honour.

Mbappe has done everything within his control. Now the stage belongs to Messi.

By the end of Sunday’s final, football will know not only its world champions but also whether Mbappe’s remarkable scoring spree was enough to secure another Golden Boot—or whether Messi has one final masterpiece left to write.

Indian wrestling legend and undefeated mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Sangram Singh is set for one of the biggest contests of his combat sports career as he takes on Pakistan’s Abid Ali for the prestigious STRIKE Asia Champion Title in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 19. The much-anticipated India versus Pakistan showdown is scheduled to begin at approximately 6:30-7:00 PM IST.

The title fight has generated significant anticipation across the combat sports fraternity, with the winner set to be crowned the STRIKE Asia Champion. The contest also marks another important milestone in Sangram’s remarkable transition from professional wrestling to mixed martial arts.

A two-time Commonwealth Heavyweight Wrestling Champion and one of India’s most decorated wrestlers, Sangram has enjoyed a flawless start to his professional MMA career. He announced himself on the global stage by defeating Pakistan’s Ali Raza Nasir in just 90 seconds on his MMA debut in Georgia before registering impressive victories over Tunisia’s Hakim Trabelsi in the Netherlands and France’s Florian Coudier in Argentina. His triumph in Argentina also made him the first Indian to win a professional MMA bout on Argentine soil, extending his unbeaten professional record to 3-0.

Beyond his achievements inside the cage, Sangram continues to play an influential role in promoting sports and fitness in India. He serves as a Fit India Icon under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and has also been appointed Brand Ambassador for the Swachh Bharat Campaign by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. His international MMA campaign has received support from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as part of its efforts to promote fitness and showcase Indian athletes on the global stage.

Speaking ahead of the championship bout, Sangram Singh said, “Every time I step into the cage, I don’t just fight for myself; I fight for 140 crore Indians. India versus Pakistan is always special, irrespective of the sport, and I fully understand the emotions attached to this contest. I have trained with complete discipline and respect for my opponent, but once the cage closes, my only mission will be to ensure that the Indian flag flies high. I believe fitness, dedication and mental strength are the biggest weapons any athlete can possess.”

The upcoming bout is expected to be one of the most talked-about India-Pakistan contests in combat sports this year, with fans eagerly awaiting another memorable performance from the unbeaten Indian. Victory on Sunday would not only see Sangram lift the STRIKE Asia Champion Title but also further cement his growing legacy in mixed martial arts after an illustrious wrestling career.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a press release)

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As excitement for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final reaches its peak among football fans, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday announced that restaurants, cafes and other eligible establishments across the national capital can remain open till 4 am this weekend, allowing fans to fully enjoy football’s biggest night.

Defending champions Argentina will take on Spain in New York in search of their fourth World Cup title and a second consecutive triumph.

“Every football fan has watched Lionel Messi make history. Now, history has one more story to tell. A legend. A teenage prodigy. One trophy. One night that generations will remember. Delhi is ready for that night,” Gupta said in a post on X. The chief minister said the decision has been enabled under the city’s 24×7 business-friendly operating framework introduced as part of the government’s ease of doing business reforms.

“With the city’s 24×7 business-friendly operating framework already in place under our government’s ease of doing business reforms, restaurants, cafes and other eligible establishments across the capital can welcome fans till 4 am this weekend, making it easier for the city to experience football’s biggest night together,” she added.

Bengaluru extends food service hours for FIFA matches

In a similar move, Bengaluru Police on Friday said hotels and restaurants will be permitted extended food service hours on July 19 and 20 to facilitate public viewing of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

According to an order issued by Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh, hotels and restaurants within the Bengaluru City Police Commissionerate limits will be allowed to serve food till 5 am on July 19, when the third-place play-off is scheduled, and till 3:30 am on July 20, when the final will be played.

The order, issued following a representation from the National Restaurant Association of India, said the extension has been granted under the provisions of the Karnataka Police Act, 1963. It added that the existing closing time for food service is 1 am and that the revised timings will apply only on the specified dates.

West Bengal plans live screening across districts

Meanwhile, the West Bengal government will organise a live screening of the FIFA World Cup final on a giant screen in Kolkata, allowing football enthusiasts to watch the match together.

Similar live screenings on large screens will also be held at key locations across districts. All district administrations have been directed to set up screening facilities, and ₹1 lakh has been allocated to each district for the purpose, according to an official notification issued by Additional Chief Secretary of the Youth Services and Sports Department, Rajesh Pande, reported PTI.

The main venue in Kolkata will be the Nandan-Rabindra Sadan-Academy complex, where arrangements are being made to provide a stadium-like atmosphere for football fans.

FIFA World Cup 2026 final: Argentina vs Spain

The FIFA World Cup 2026 final will be played between Argentina and Spain. Spain secured their place in the final after defeating France 2-0 in the semi-final, while Argentina booked their spot by beating England 2-1.

Argentina are chasing their fourth World Cup title after winning the tournament in 1978, 1986 and 2022. A victory would make them the first team to successfully defend the World Cup since Brazil won back-to-back titles in 1958 and 1962.

For Spain, the final presents an opportunity to win their second World Cup title. They lifted their maiden trophy in 2010 after defeating the Netherlands in the final. A win would add another major chapter to the country’s footballing history.

Match timings and where to watch in India

For viewers in India, the FIFA World Cup 2026 final will begin at 12:30 am IST on July 20 (3 pm local time on July 19 in New York).

The third-place match between England and France will be played before the final and will begin at 12:30 am IST on July 19 (5 pm local time on July 18).

Football fans in India can watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 final live on ZEE5, which holds the digital streaming rights for the tournament in India. The match will also be broadcast on Unite8 Sports channels. For viewers looking for a free option, DD Sports will telecast select FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, including the final, on DD Free Dish.

Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi accused England of showing a “lack of respect” after storming out of his press conference following the Pumas’ 31-24 defeat in Santiago del Estero.

Contepomi took exception to the music and cheering that could be heard coming from England’s changing room next door as their players celebrated a triumphant conclusion to their July tour.

Having asked the England representative present in the room to have the noise stop, Contepomi then lost patience and stalked out of the room saying that he was leaving because of the “lack of respect” being shown.

It came after Argentina were denied a try that, if converted, would have snatched a draw deep into overtime.

Argentina crossed in the third minute of overtime through Bautista Delguy only for video referee Brett Cronan to rule out the try because it was grounded on the sideline due to a magnificent tackle by Henry Slade.

A chaotic showdown saw England build a 19-3 interval lead and then face down two comebacks by the hosts.

Borthwick said: “I’m delighted for the players. They showed incredible spirit, led brilliantly by Jamie George

“Matches between England and Argentina, whatever the sport, seem to end up being very tight late on and full of drama,

“It’s almost unfair to pull out one example but Henry Slade’s tackle at the end was incredible.

“It shows the fight that’s in this group of players, as well as their togetherness and connection.

“Right now these players deserve a fantastic holiday, a good night out tonight (Saturday) and a good rest.

“They’ve worked hard and it’s been a season that’s been going a while.

“We all know about the number of minutes the English players play and these guys have stuck it right to the very end.”

England’s victory came despite having four players being sent to the sin-bin in Jack van Poortvliet, Alex Coles, Henry Pollock and Emmanuel Iyogun.

It meant they played a total of nine minutes with 13 men and increases their total of yellow cards over the last eight Tests to 14. Borthwick hit back at questions about England’s discipline.

Borthwick said: “I don’t think now is the time to be digging into that.

“This team has done really, really well. It was a tough Test match, a fantastic Test match, we scored some wonderful tries and as ever you guys concentrate on the negativity.

“You’re like the negativity committee so it’s lovely coming and talking to you again.”

Ezri Konsa: The Aston Villa defender featured in every game and continued to show he has the quality for international football. A starting centre-back and also played at right-back in the win over Norway in the quarter-finals. He ended the tournament with a goal in the third-place play-off. 7

John Stones: It was considered a gamble by Thomas Tuchel to take Stones considering his fitness issues. He started the first game, had some shaky moments and dropped out for the next couple. But he regrouped and started the quarter-final win over Norway and semi-final defeat by Argentina. The 32-year-old showed his quality but was caught under the ball for Lautaro Martinez’s winner. 7

Marc Guehi: A staple of the England backline at major tournaments. Guehi did not start the opening game against Croatia but when he came in he showed his usual calmness and quality. Guehi put in an excellent performance against Manchester City team-mate Erling Haaland in the quarter-final against Norway and performed well until England went out. 8

Trevoh Chalobah: The Chelsea defender was called up as a replacement for Tino Livramento. It was a decision that prompted a lot of debate as it was felt it left England short in the full-back areas. Chalobah was brought on in the closing stages of the win over France for his only minutes of the tournament. 5

Jarell Quansah: This was Quansah’s first major tournament and he was arguably a surprise pick in the 26-man squad. But the Bayer Leverkusen defender did show why Tuchel was so keen to have him as a full-back option. Quansah started well against Panama before getting injured, then did likewise against Mexico before he was sent off. He returned for the third-place play-off, and has a bright international future. 6

Dan Burn: The Newcastle defender’s inclusion was the subject of much debate but his performance against Mexico underlined the reasoning. Burn’s aerial prowess gave England a way to see out games, though Tuchel turned to that tactic too early when trying to see out a win against Argentina. 6.5

Nico O’Reilly: This was the 21-year-old’s first tournament and he grew into it after a nervy opening match. O’Reilly only became England’s first-choice left-back in November, and to go from that to a World Cup and start five of the eight matches is very impressive. O’Reilly is very good on the ball but could improve defensively. 6.5

Reece James: The Chelsea captain said it was “boring” when people discussed his fitness, but the first-choice right-back missed three games after sustaining a hamstring injury against Ghana. He recovered to play in the quarter-final and semi-final, and showed his quality. 6.5

Djed Spence: The Tottenham full-back was one of England’s breakout players of the tournament. Spence’s ability to play at both left-back and right-back is extremely valuable in tournament football. He is a very good one-v-one defender and his pace gives an outlet to the team. He produced two of his best performances in the quarter-final and semi-final. Spence also played well against France, winning a penalty. 8

Spain‘s final training session ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with Argentina in New Jersey on Sunday (July 19) got cancelled due to inclement weather.

La Roja – who have had an extra day to prepare for the big game – saw their Saturday morning session get called off due to lightning strikes in the region. The Albiceleste’s session – held around five miles away in Morristown – also got affected, starting 45 minutes late before it commenced at 12:45 pm local time.

However, Spain weren’t so lucky, as their session in Whippany, New Jersey, due to begin at 11 a.m. local time, didn’t start, with reporters arriving at the venue asked to move inside the building. Forty minutes later, FIFA officials informed assembled reporters that the training session was cancelled, as per The Athletic.

As per lightning protocol observed during the entire tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico, with training getting postponed whenever lightning is reported within an 8-mile radius. The situation is checked every 30 minutes before the go-ahead is given.

Extreme heat and poor air quality due to Canadian wildfires has plagued the New Jersey region this week, but conditions are expected to improve for the final on Sunday, which starts at 3 p.m. local time.

Spain seek second FIFA World Cup title at expense of holders Argentina

Spain seek to become the seventh different team to win the FIFA World Cup twice when they lock horns with holders Argentina in the final at the New York New Jersey stadum in East Rutherford on Sunday.

La Roja became the eighth different nation to win the coveted competition when they beat the Netherlands 1-0 in extra time in the 2010 title match in Johannesburg. Sixteen years later, they’re back in the World Cup final – as European champions – hoping to become the first team to complete the European Championship-World Cup double twice.

The Albiceleste, meanwhile, are seeking to join an exclusive group of teams to successfully defend their World Cup title. No defending champion since Brazil (1962) have gone back-to-back in the competition, with Italy (1934-38) the only team to accomplish the feat.

Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina are riding a record 13-game winning streak in the competition, bettering Brazil’s previous mark of 10 set in 2006 in Germany.