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Spain wins second World Cup after beating Argentina in final

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Patience proved the critical virtue for Spain. The players had to wait for a kickoff delayed by, among other things, a Tom Cruise speech. They had to wait twice as long as usual at halftime. And they had to wait for 106 minutes of play and their 20th shot before Ferran Torres lashed home the goal that would win them a second men’s World Cup.

“I’m very moved. Looking back and thinking about them, we’ve won everything, absolutely everything, with this generation of players,” said Spain coach Luis de la Fuente. “The match should have been decided much earlier … but this is a World Cup final, and you have to dig deep even against ten men, and we’re prepared for anything.”

2026 World Cup, the tournament that changed football forever

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Spain’s captain and player of the tournament, Rodri, lifted the trophy, but not before Donald Trump made his presence known. The US president was booed when he entered the pitch with FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, and appeared keen to stay for the trophy lift, just as he had in the Club World Cup final last year. Rodri appeared to subtly attempt to usher Trump off the stage before Infantino jogged over to join Trump on the sidelines of the celebrations.

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Donald Trump shakes the hand of Spain captain, Rodri, as Gianni Infantino looks on
Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino were booed by the crowd as they entered the pitchImage: Lee Smith/REUTERS

Messi on the margins

For much of Sunday’s final, that moment had felt purely a matter of time, as the European champions thoroughly outclassed their South American counterparts.

Just as they did in their impressive semifinal display against France, Spain dominated the ball early and their teenage superstar, Lamine Yamal, came close to opening the scoring in the fifth minute. Seconds later, at the other end of the pitch and the age scale, Lionel Messi was beaten to a through ball by Spanish keeper Unai Simon. It was as close as Messi, 39, got to a significant impact on the game, which may well be his last at a World Cup.

“They were better, to be honest,” Messi said postgame. “We lost the game, and we accept that. 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.”

As the first half wore on in the New York New Jersey stadium, Spain dominated the ball, but Argentina held firm, with a smart save from goalkeeper Emi Martinez save on a shot from Spanish striker Mikel Oyarzabal, as close as either side came before the elongated interval.

Halftime show keeps players waiting

For the first time in World Cup history, a Super Bowl-style halftime show was on the cards. Performers including Madonna, Justin Bieber and BTS took to the pitch with the break extended, contrary to both football convention and FIFA laws, to almost double the standard 15 minutes.

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Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Ferran Torres, on as a substitute, scored the only goal of the gameImage: David Ramos/Getty Images/AFP

It wasn’t enough to change the pattern of the game. Spain continued to pass, Argentina continued to scrap, hassle and rely on Martinez to keep Spanish shots at bay.

A red card for midfielder Enzo Fernandez in injury time made Argentina’s task even tougher as the final headed into extra time, as it now has in five of the last six finals. Argentina tired but somehow clung on, with Spain repeatedly wasteful.

Spain keep composure

Surely the South Americans, who had failed to take a single shot in regulation, couldn’t somehow win this?

But Spain has already proved they won’t panic, with late winners in two of their knockout matches. Indeed, the final bore some resemblance to their tournament opener,  a 0-0 draw with Cape Verde. After that, Spain slipped somewhat under the radar for a time, with a lack of cutting edge thought to count them out.

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Nahuel Molina, of Argentina, covers his face with his shirt during the World Cup final.
Argentina did not have a shot until deep in to extra time, after falling behindImage: Lee Smith/REUTERS

But as the tournament progressed, Luis de la Fuente’s team have delivered a masterclass in control while sharpening their attacking weapons to win a first World Cup since 2010. Spain’s women are also reigning world champions, winning the tournament in 2023.

“I think that, in the end, the goal belonged to 47 million people, not to me or the 26 players here,” said the goalscorer, Torres. “I believe that today destiny was written, it was meant for us to win, far from our fans, but we tried to make them feel as close ‌as possible.”

World Cup overshadowed by Iran war, Balogun controversy

The final ended a tournament that has offered much from a sporting perspective: the heroics of Cape Verde, the race between Messi and Kylian Mbappe for the tournament — and overall World Cup — top scorer and shocks such as Germany’s exit to Paraguay and Norway toppling Brazil.

But politics has also proved impossible to ignore. The barring of Somali referee Omar Artan from entering the US added to the sense this was not a World Cup for the whole world. Iran’s treatment, being forced to fly in and out of games and given less preparation time as a result, was a reminder of the conflict between the US and Iran. 

Trump’s intervention in the suspension of a red card ban for US striker Folarin Balogun also  amplified already loud questions about FIFA corruption.

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Ultimately, the tournament was decided in the same way it always has been. On Sunday in New Jersey, it was settled, once again, in favor of Spain.   

Edited by: Wesley Dockery

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1930 to 2026: Full list of FIFA WC Golden Boot and Golden Ball winners | FIFA World Cup 2026

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The FIFA World Cup is typically an event where the best teams from around the world face each other every four years, with the right to be called world champions on the line.

 


Despite the tournament being a team event, with the highest prize being the FIFA World Cup trophy, it also features several awards that recognise the individual brilliance of players throughout the tournament.

 

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Two of the biggest individual awards at the FIFA World Cup are the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot, which is awarded to the player who scores the most goals during the tournament, and the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball, which is awarded to the best all-round player of the tournament.

 
 


But who are the individuals who have been able to win these prestigious awards in the 96-year history of the tournament? Take a look.


FIFA Golden Boot


The FIFA Golden Boot is the oldest individual award in the tournament’s history, having been presented to the top goalscorer since the inaugural edition of the competition in 1930.

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While no player in the tournament’s history has been able to win the Golden Boot twice, there have been two editions in the past 96 years in which more than one player shared the award.

 


During the 1994 World Cup, Oleg Salenko and Hristo Stoichkov were announced as the joint winners of the FIFA Golden Boot. In 1962, six players, namely Garrincha, Vavá, Leonel Sánchez, Dražan Jerković, Flórián Albert and Valentin Ivanov, received the award as they all finished with four goals each.

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FIFA World Cup: Full list of Golden Boot winners:


Year

Host

Golden Boot Winner

Country

Goals

2026

Canada, Mexico & United States

Kylian Mbappe

France

10

2022

Qatar

Kylian Mbappé

France

8

2018

Russia

Harry Kane

England

6

2014

Brazil

James Rodríguez

Colombia

6

2010

South Africa

Thomas Müller

Germany

5

2006

Germany

Miroslav Klose

Germany

5

2002

South Korea & Japan

Ronaldo

Brazil

8

1998

France

Davor Šuker

Croatia

6

1994

United States

Oleg Salenko / Hristo Stoichkov

Russia / Bulgaria

6

1990

Italy

Salvatore Schillaci

Italy

6

1986

Mexico

Gary Lineker

England

6

1982

Spain

Paolo Rossi

Italy

6

1978

Argentina

Mario Kempes

Argentina

6

1974

West Germany

Grzegorz Lato

Poland

7

1970

Mexico

Gerd Müller

West Germany

10

1966

England

Eusébio

Portugal

9

1962

Chile

Garrincha / Vavá / Leonel Sánchez / Dražan Jerković / Flórián Albert / Valentin Ivanov

Brazil / Brazil / Chile / Yugoslavia / Hungary / Soviet Union

4

1958

Sweden

Just Fontaine

France

13

1954

Switzerland

Sándor Kocsis

Hungary

11

1950

Brazil

Ademir

Brazil

9

1938

France

Leônidas

Brazil

7

1934

Italy

Oldřich Nejedlý

Czechoslovakia

5

1930

Uruguay

Guillermo Stábile

Argentina

8


FIFA Golden Ball


Unlike the Golden Boot, the Golden Ball award was not introduced until the 1978 World Cup in Argentina. In the tournament’s history, only one player has been able to win the award twice, namely Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who received the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball in 2014 and 2022.

 

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FIFA World Cup: Full list of Golden Ball winners:


Year

Host

Golden Ball Winner

Country

2026

Canada, Mexico & United States

Rodri

Spain

2022

Qatar

Lionel Messi

Argentina

2018

Russia

Luka Modrić

Croatia

2014

Brazil

Lionel Messi

Argentina

2010

South Africa

Diego Forlán

Uruguay

2006

Germany

Zinedine Zidane

France

2002

South Korea & Japan

Oliver Kahn

Germany

1998

France

Ronaldo

Brazil

1994

United States

Romário

Brazil

1990

Italy

Salvatore Schillaci

Italy

1986

Mexico

Diego Maradona

Argentina

1982

Spain

Paolo Rossi

Italy

1978

Argentina

Mario Kempes

Argentina

 

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BCCI Floats Tender For Title Sponsorship Rights For Home Events

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The BCCI on Monday invited bids for the title sponsorship rights for its domestic and international home events, with the current agreement with IDFC FIRST Bank nearing the end of its tenure. The cricket board issued an Invitation to Tender (ITT), inviting entities to bid for the rights through a competitive process. The ITT document will be made available on payment of a non-refundable fee of Rs 1 lakh, plus applicable GST. Interested parties can purchase the document until August 4, while the deadline for seeking clarifications is August 5.

Bid documents must be submitted by August 13, the BCCI said in a press release signed by its secretary Devajit Saikia.

The BCCI said the tender document, containing the eligibility criteria and terms and conditions governing the bidding process, will be shared only after confirmation of payment of the ITT fee.

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The board clarified that purchasing the ITT does not automatically entitle an entity to participate in the bidding process, with only those meeting the eligibility criteria specified in the tender document being allowed to submit bids.

The successful bidder will acquire the title sponsorship rights for BCCI events, which include international matches involving the Indian men’s and women’s teams played at home, domestic tournaments such as well as Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy and Irani Cup, besides age-group competitions.

The current rights are held by IDFC FIRST Bank, which secured the deal in September 2023 and runs until August 2026.

IDFC First Bank is the exiting title sponsor for all BCCI international and domestic home matches (including Test, ODI, and T20 series, as well as domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy).

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Additionally, Apollo Tyres serves as the official lead sponsor and jersey sponsor for Team India.

The BCCI reserves the right to cancel or amend the tender process at any stage without assigning any reason.

BCCI also invites bids for associate partner rights 

The BCCI also issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ), inviting entities to bid for the associate partner rights for its events through a tender process.

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The RFQ document will be made available on payment of a non-refundable fee of Rs 1 lakh plus applicable GST. Interested parties can purchase the RFQ till August 14, seek clarifications until August 16, while the last date for submission of quotation documents is August 25.

The board said the RFQ, containing the eligibility criteria and detailed terms governing the bidding process, will be shared only after confirmation of payment of the RFQ fee.

The successful bidder will acquire the associate partner rights for BCCI events, which include home international matches involving the Indian men’s and women’s teams, domestic competitions and age-group tournaments.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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From Rocafonda to the WC final: The extraordinary rise of Lamine Yamal | FIFA World Cup 2026

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At 19, most footballers are still trying to establish themselves in a first team. Lamine Yamal could already be discussing what remains to achieve.

 


The Barcelona winger walked into his first FIFA World Cup and walked away with the biggest prize in football as his team beat defending champions Argentina 1-0 in the final, adding it to a collection that already included a European Championship, multiple La Liga titles, domestic cups and individual awards. For someone who only made his senior debut three years ago, the list borders on the absurd.

 

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The only glaring omission now is the UEFA Champions League.

 
 


For a player who has barely entered adulthood, Yamal is already approaching what many legends spend an entire career chasing. Football has rarely witnessed a rise this complete, this early.

 

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A teenager rewriting football’s timeline

 


Football has always celebrated young prodigies. Pelé won the World Cup at 17. Lionel Messi became Barcelona’s future before turning 20.

 

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Cristiano Ronaldo announced himself at Sporting CP as a teenager. Yet very few have combined sustained excellence with silverware quite like Lamine Yamal. Instead of merely being labelled “the next big thing,” he has already become one of football’s biggest stars while still technically being a teenager.

 


The remarkable aspect is not simply the quality of his football. It is how quickly he has converted potential into trophies.

 

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From Rocafonda to La Masia

 


Born on July 13, 2007, in Esplugues de Llobregat and raised in the working-class neighbourhood of Rocafonda near Barcelona, Yamal’s football journey began on local concrete courts before Barcelona spotted his extraordinary talent.

 

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He joined La Masia at the age of seven. Within the academy, coaches quickly realised they were nurturing something different.

 


His close control, awareness and decision-making separated him from his peers long before physical development became a factor. Former Barcelona coaches frequently pointed to his football intelligence rather than his dribbling as the quality that made him unique.

 

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Breaking Barcelona records before turning 16

 


Barcelona fast-tracked his development. In April 2023, Xavi handed Yamal his senior debut at just 15 years and 290 days, making him the youngest first-team player in club history. The records followed almost weekly.

 

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  • Youngest Barcelona starter.

  • Youngest Barcelona goalscorer in La Liga.

  • Youngest player to feature in El Clasico.

 


By the start of the following season, he was no longer regarded as a promising academy graduate. He had become an automatic starter.

 


His breakthrough campaign produced goals, assists and mature performances well beyond his years as Barcelona reclaimed domestic supremacy.

 

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As the seasons progressed, Yamal lifted:

 


La Liga titles


Copa del Rey

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Spanish Super Cup


Domestic treble with Barcelona


Barcelona’s iconic No. 10 shirt once worn by Lionel Messi

 

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By 19, he was already carrying the responsibility that once belonged to Barcelona’s greatest-ever player.

 


Spain’s youngest history-maker

 

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His rise with Spain mirrored his club career. Yamal became Spain’s youngest senior international and their youngest-ever goalscorer. Then came Euro 2024.

 


He became the youngest player ever to appear in the European Championship. He dazzled throughout the tournament, producing decisive assists and unforgettable goals before helping Spain defeat England in the final.

 

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The tournament transformed him from a promising youngster into one of football’s genuine superstars. He had become a European champion before turning 18.

 


A debut World Cup that ended on the biggest stage

 

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Expectations entering the 2026 FIFA World Cup were enormous. Yamal handled them with remarkable composure.

 


Spain reached the final after conceding just one goal throughout the tournament, with the Barcelona winger once again emerging as one of Luis de la Fuente’s biggest attacking weapons.

 

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His dribbling, creativity and fearlessness repeatedly unsettled defenders, while his maturity stood out even more than his technical brilliance.

 


Whether producing moments of magic or sacrificing himself defensively, Yamal played with the assurance of someone far older. For many players, reaching a World Cup final defines a career. For Yamal, it arrived at the very beginning. 


  The Messi connection football never imagined

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No story involving Yamal feels complete without mentioning Lionel Messi. In 2007, a 20-year-old Messi unknowingly held five-month-old Yamal during a Barcelona charity photoshoot.

 


Nearly two decades later, the pair met again on football’s grandest stage. The photograph became symbolic. One Barcelona icon unknowingly holding another.

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Now wearing Messi’s former No. 10 shirt at Barcelona, Yamal has gradually stepped into a role few imagined anyone could inherit so naturally.

 


Regardless of the World Cup result, the symbolism remains extraordinary.

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What has Lamine Yamal already won at 19?

 


By the age of 19, Yamal’s trophy cabinet already includes:

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Competition

Achievement

UEFA European Championship

Winner (Spain)

La Liga

3 titles (Barcelona)

Copa del Rey

Winner

Spanish Super Cup

Winner

Domestic Treble

Winner (Barcelona)

UEFA Nations League

Winner (Spain)

FIFA World Cup 2026

Winner

 


Individual achievements include:

 

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  • Barcelona No. 10 shirt

  • Spain’s youngest debutant

  • Spain’s youngest goalscorer

  • Youngest player at the Euros

  • Youngest player in a major international final

  • Ballon d’Or runner-up 


Only one mountain still remains

 


With Spain winning the World Cup, there is realistically only one major team trophy left missing from Yamal’s résumé. The UEFA Champions League.

 


That statement alone illustrates the absurdity of his career. Most elite footballers spend 15 years attempting to collect even half of those honours.

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Yamal has placed himself within touching distance before celebrating his 20th birthday.

 


Football’s future has already arrived

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Regardless of whether Spain would’ve lifted the World Cup or fell one game short, the broader picture remains unchanged.

 


Yamal is no longer football’s future. He is football’s present. The World Cup final may have represented the biggest occasion of his career so far, but everything suggests it will not be his last despite the triumph.

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At 19, he has already built a résumé that rivals established legends. If he won, he is frighteningly close to completing football before turning 20.

 

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Spain’s World Cup heroes celebrate with victory parade through Madrid

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Spain‘s newly crowned World Cup champions were greeted by a million fans as the team arrived for the victory parade in Madrid.

The players, some shirtless, others holding drinks, set off on their procession along the main arteries in the city centre where a sea of fans in red and yellow were waiting, with the destination Cibeles square.

After flying back from the United States to Madrid, the players were received by King Felipe VI and the royal family, and then Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, before kicking off the parade.

“You have shown your grit, your resilience and your courage, always backed by your technical skill, your control and command of the game, combining head and heart,” the king told La Roja’s stars.

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“Kings of the world” ran the words on the front of their vehicle, with fans chanting “champions” to their heroes.

Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina in New Jersey on Sunday, secured by a Ferran Torres strike in extra-time, has sparked an outpouring of national pride in the football-mad country, whose only other World Cup triumph came in 2010.

Read moreSpain crowned world champions after extra-time thriller against Argentina

Spain captain Rodri held the World Cup trophy aloft at the top of the stairs as he descended from the Iberia plane that flew the team home after clinching their second star.

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Later at Moncloa, the Manchester City midfielder said this was the crowning achievement of his career.

“I’ve always said it, winning with your country is the most beautiful thing there is, above all a World Cup,” said Rodri.

“This generation grew up watching (Iker) Casillas and (Andres) Iniesta lift the cup and that we can do it today is the biggest thing you can do in football.”

Many younger supporters were not yet born when Andres Iniesta’s extra-time goal against the Netherlands secured Spain’s first World Cup in South Africa 16 years ago.

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Madrid fans react to Spain’s World Cup win

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Madrid fans react to Spain's World Cup win
Cover image: Madrid fans react to Spain’s World Cup win © France 24

On Monday morning, the Castellana, Madrid’s main avenue, bore the marks of a boozy evening – the tarmac strewn with trash, beer cans and shards of glass.

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Among the last remaining supporters, some slept with grins on their faces on the pavement or on benches, while others were still staggering home as cleaning crews worked from the early hours to prepare the route for tonight’s party.

On a tragic note, a 13-year-old boy was killed around midnight in the town of Ciudad Rodrigo in the west, after a fountain crumbled under the weight of supporters who had climbed onto it to celebrate.

Spain's supporters celebrate after the 2026 World Cup final match between Spain and Argentina at Cibeles square and Gran Via avenue in Madrid
Fans celebrate at Cibeles square and Gran Via avenue in Madrid after Spain’s World Cup triumph. © Oscar Del Pozo, AFP

Spain’s women’s side won the World Cup in 2023, meaning for the first time a country has both trophies at the same time.

Read moreSpain crowned Women’s World Cup champions after beating England in historic win

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In 2030, Spain will defend their crown on home soil, as one of the World Cup hosts along with Portugal and Morocco.

“It’s two for two,” said Sanchez, of Spain’s record in World Cup finals. “Why not dream of a third in 2030, especially with Spain as hosts?”

‘All-time’ kings

The Spanish press was running out of superlatives to describe its heroes after they overcame favourites France in the semi-finals before downing Argentina.

Read moreBrilliant Spain defeat toothless France to reach World Cup final

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“The kings of all-time!” wrote Marca, celebrating a “second star that will now be stitched onto the Spanish jersey after yet another masterclass in collective play”.

Spain supporters on a motorcycle wave the flag celebrating victory after the 2026 World Cup final
Spain supporters on a motorcycle wave the national flag celebrating World Cup victory. © Paul Hanna, AFP

Argentina, despite the presence of all-time great Lionel Messi, failed to create clear chances against Spain’s well-organised and more positive side in the final.

Messi had a sensational World Cup but drifted through the final like a ghost, shedding tears at the end.

Read moreMessi denied dream farewell as Argentina lose World Cup final to Spain

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“The pain is immense, and it’s going to be hard for this wound to heal,” Messi wrote on Instagram.

 In Madrid, tears also flowed on Monday night, but they were tears of joy.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

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Keely Hodgkinson relieved to return to winning ways in London

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Keely Hodgkinson admitted she wanted more despite returning to winning ways at the London Diamond League, with the Olympic champion relieved to put a difficult start to her outdoor season behind her.

Keely Hodgkinson was left wanting more but admits there was some relief at opening her account for the outdoor season in London. A couple of shock defeats over 800m, and a fall in training that left the Olympic champion with a pair of bashed up knees had been far from the ideal start to Hodgkinson’s 2026 summer.

But with her knees on the mend and racing in front of a revved-up crowd that had just witness Josh Kerr break the world mile record at the Wanda Diamond League, Hodgkinson held off Femke Broeders-Bol to take victory in 1:56.21.

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That time was a couple of seconds behind the British record she set in Stockholm in June, when she was surprisingly beaten by Switzerland’s Audrey Werro, and Hodgkinson admitted she had been hoping to go quicker.

She said: “I actually felt pretty good. I was hoping for a bit more, but overall I’m happy to take the win. It’s been a tough couple of weeks, and it was great to compete in front of a home crowd. It was fun, but I just wanted a little bit more. Given the last couple of weeks, though, I’m happy enough.

“I don’t think it’s a reflection of where my training is. Sometimes it just takes a little while for things to come together. It’s been a tough season so far, but I’m proud of how I’ve handled it.”

Hodgkinson will now skip the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, instead focusing all her attention on the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, at the same Alexander Stadium where she won Commonwealth silver four years ago.

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Meanwhile, Blackley sprinter Success Eduan continued her impressive form with a sixth-placed finish in the strongest field of the entire day. Eduan ran 22.53, just a tenth slower than the personal best set when winning the UK Champs last month, in a race won by Olympic 100m gold medallist Julian Alfred ahead of reigning Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas.

Add in Bahamian two-time 400m Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo in third and British duo Dina Asher-Smith and Amy Hunt, and it is fair to say Eduan was up against the highest-quality field of her career so far.

So while she sets high expectations for herself, the 21-year-old was also pleased with her performance at the London Stadium. She said: “I think I ran a really good race. This time last year it would have been a personal best for me, so I’m really pleased.

“Last year the field wasn’t anywhere near as stacked as it is now, so I’m just really grateful to be competing against athletes like that. I know there’s still so much more to come from me as well.

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“I don’t even think I’m at my fastest yet, which is quite exciting. I’m still in quite a heavy training phase, so we’re just trying to take things slowly and not peak too early. The most important part of the season is still to come.”

Novuna is the Official Finance Partner of British Athletics and proud sponsor of the GB & NI Athletics Team. From everyday goals to world-class dreams, Novuna backs the ambition of millions across the UK — from supporting British businesses and individuals’ plans, to powering British Athletics on the global stage. Find out more at www.novuna.co.uk

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FIFA investigates World Cup final brawl between Spain and Argentina

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FIFA is launching an investigation into the altercations that broke out on the pitch after Spain defeated Argentina in the 2026 World Cup Final at New York/New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.

Spain beat Argentina, the 2022 World Cup champions, 1-0 in extra time after Ferran Torres finally got the ball past Emiliano Martínez’s goal line.

After the final whistle blew, several brawls broke out between players, and even coaches appeared to get involved.

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Players scuffle after a foul during Argentina vs. Spain in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Players scuffle after a foul by Leandro Paredes of Argentina on Rodri of Spain during the FIFA World Cup 2026 final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on July 19, 2026. (Maddie Meyer/FIFA)

Among them was Argentina’s Leandro Paredes appearing to grab Spain’s Eric García by the throat before others started shoving and tripping each other to the turf.

“Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in line with article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FDC with regard to the post-match incidents,” a statement from the governing organization read.

SPAIN BEATS ARGENTINA TO WIN 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP BEHIND FERRAN TORRES’ EXTRA-TIME GOAL

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Paredes ended up getting a red card after the whistle blew and was sent off the pitch. He was also shown a yellow card for a poor tackle shortly after he substituted in for his country in the second half.

Also, Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni was seen being held back by a Spanish player while he was shouting toward someone. Nicola Otamendi also exchanged words with several Spain players, including their captain Rodrí before that skirmish was broken up.

There also seemed to be a moment where Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala approached Spain’s Dani Olmo and punched him on the chin before they were pulled away from one another.

Referee Slavko Vincic shows a yellow card to Leandro Paredes during a soccer match.

Referee Slavko Vincic of Slovenia shows a yellow card to Argentina’s Leandro Paredes during the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J. (Pamela Smith/AP)

“We are gracious in victory, and we must be so in defeat,” Scaloni said, via ESPN. “We accept the loss; we gave everything. We were stretched thin coming into this, but giving it your all, like they did today, sets a great example for our people and our country.

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“You lose, and you have to pick yourself up again.”

Many were quick to rip into Argentina for the brawls that ensued after losing, including BBC’s Joe Hart.

“There was one man on the pitch who did have class and that was Lionel Messi, who shook hands with every one of those Spanish players,” he said, via Goal.com. “The game’s done. They could have absolutely no complaints about what happened today. Disgusting behavior.”

Spain and Argentina players scuffle on the field after the match in East Rutherford.

Spain and Argentina players scuffle after Spain won the World Cup final against Argentina at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on July 19, 2026. (Mauro Pimentel/AFP)

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What exactly might happen from FIFA’s investigation? Well, Paredes’ chokehold on the Spanish player would result in an automatically applied red card. Nahuel Molina and Ayala are both expected to be investigated as well.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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What Prediction Markets Are Telling Us About NFL 2026 MVP

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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) reacts to his second touchdown to regain the lead against the Chiefs. credits: Jamie Germano/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORKBuffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) reacts to his second touchdown to regain the lead against the Chiefs. credits: Jamie Germano/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK

Training camps around the NFL are opening this week, which makes it the perfect time to take a peek at who could walk away with awards.

The NFL’s Most Valuable Player is always the subject of plenty of debate before, during and after each season.

Prediction markets like Kalshi allow users to trade contracts of real-world outcomes, including who will be named the 2026 NFL MVP.

Here’s what those prediction markets are telling us about who could actually win the MVP award for this upcoming season.

Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson lead the pack

Allen and Jackson currently share the favorite position on Kalshi, who gives them each an 11% chance of winning MVP. An 11¢ contract would payout more than eight times of a return, still pretty solid value, even though they’re co-favorites.

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Jackson won his first MVP with the Baltimore Ravens in 2019 before winning another one in 2023. The Ravens recently hired a defensive-minded head coach in Jesse Minter, but new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle was hired with Jackson in mind.

Similarly in Buffalo, the Bills hired new head coach Joe Brady and offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael with Allen in mind. The 6-foot-5 quarterback won MVP in 2024.

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Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert aren’t far behind

If Burrow stays healthy, he has a clean path to winning his first MVP award this season. Similarly, if Herbert can make some noise with the Los Angeles Chargers in a loaded AFC West, he will become a serious MVP contender as well.

They currently both have a 10% chance of winning the MVP award on Kalshi.

Burrow is the lone quarterback with a returning head coach in the AFC North, as Zac Taylor retaining his job with the Cincinnati Bengals might’ve been the biggest surprise in the division last year. With Burrow at the helm, the Bengals almost always have a lethal offense.

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But will Cincinnati’s defense be good enough to help them win enough games to solidify Burrow as an MVP candidate?

Herbert will be tasked with leading the Chargers through a loaded division featuring the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders.

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Plenty of parity in the third tier

Patrick Mahomes and Drake Maye are both currently getting a 7% chance to win MVP. Caleb Williams, Dak Prescott and Matthew Stafford all share a 6% chance of winning MVP.

You could make a realistic argument for any of those quarterbacks.

Brock Purdy and Jayden Daniels each have a 4% chance of winning MVP while Jalen Hurts, Bo Nix, Jordan Love and Sam Darnold share 3% chance of winning.

This third tier is where the real value lies.

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Last season, did anybody really think Stafford would win MVP on a loaded Los Angeles Rams team at age 37? Probably not. That’s what makes some of these names so intriguing.

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Why isn’t Tyson Fury vs. Maurisz Wach on live TV? Fury’s bizarre broadcast decision, explained

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British boxing’s two biggest stars, former heavyweight champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, return to the ring this week in warm-up bouts, with wins for both men expected to lock in their much-anticipated mega-fight for later this year.

While Joshua’s fight with Kristian Prenga on Saturday will be shown on DAZN pay-per-view, the same cannot be said for Fury’s contest against Mariusz Wach, which takes place in the early hours of Friday morning in Thailand.

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In fact, there are no plans to show Fury’s fight with Wach live at all. Instead, the bout will feature on the next season of Fury’s Netflix series, “At Home With The Furys.”

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Netflix has already aired two seasons of the show, with a third expected in late 2026 or early 2027. Netflix was also the broadcaster for Fury’s most recent bout and is expected to air his fight with Joshua later this year, if and when it happens.

Why is Fury’s next fight going to be unaired?

It is extremely rare for a high-profile fighter of Fury’s caliber to fight off live television. Uncrowned understands that an approach was made for Fury to fight on Aug. 1 in Dublin on a Queensberry card that airs on DAZN, but Fury chose to take the fight in Thailand instead on his own terms. Fury is currently training in Thailand, and so the event is logistically straightforward for him compared to a fight in the UK or the U.S.

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There will be 1,500 tickets available at the venue, and the $250,00 proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Father Ray Foundation in Thailand.

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The main event is expected to happen in the afternoon in the UK and late morning on the U.S. east coast.

Uncrowned will have results from the Fury vs. Wach bout on Friday following its conclusion.

Who is Mariusz Wach?

Wach (39-13, 20 KOs) should be an easy night’s work for Fury (35-2-1, 24 KOs).

The 46-year-old from Poland was a contender in boxing’s blue-ribbon division more than a decade ago, but has since lost seven out of his past 10 fights.

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In 2012, he unsuccessfully challenged Wladimir Klitschko for the unified heavyweight title. Since losing to Jarrell Miller in 2017, Wach has become a journeyman, falling short 11 times in his past 17 fights.

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SEC notebook: Missouri RB Ahmad Hardy cleared after shooting; recovery timeline TBD

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Missouri Tigers running back Ahmad Hardy (29) reacts to his first down pickup during the first quarter of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at EverBank Stadium, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in Jacksonville. Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]Missouri Tigers running back Ahmad Hardy (29) reacts to his first down pickup during the first quarter of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at EverBank Stadium, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in Jacksonville. Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy has been medically cleared for football activities just over two months after being shot in the upper leg, head coach Eli Drinkwitz announced Monday.

Hardy was shot while attending an outdoor concert on May 10 in Laurel, Miss.

“We anticipate he will make a recovery, but what that recovery will look like after having a bullet strike you is still to be determined,” Drinkwitz said Monday at SEC Media Days. “We do not know exactly what the return to play progression is because there’s not a lot of literature to that on this.

“We do anticipate this return to play protocol could take anywhere from five-to-eight weeks, and at the end of the eight weeks, we still don’t know what the recovery will be — is he the same Ahmad Hardy as he was last year? My anticipation and what I’ve seen and the way he’s attacked his rehab, he’s going to be a better Ahmad Hardy than he was before.”

Drinkwitz said Hardy likely learned an important lesson during the ordeal.

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“I think there’s a youthfulness feel of invincibility for all of these guys right now from 18 to 22 (years) old, and they’re empowered more now than they’ve ever been before, whether that’s financially or influence,” Drinkwitz said. “I think for Ahmad, there was that moment there where he realized he was mortal, and there could be really bad outcomes if you don’t make the right decisions consistently.

“It was an unfortunate accident, incident and it wasn’t something he had any intention, nobody did. When you go to a concert, you don’t expect to be a victim of a random act of violence, especially gun violence. But I’ve been very, very proud of the way he has approached his recovery. This was a great opportunity for Ahmad to learn and for our student-athletes to learn. Also a great reminder there’s no place for gun violence in this world and that we need to do a better job of policing gun violence.”

Missouri opens the 2026 season on Sept. 3 against Arkansas-Pine Bluff in Columbia, Mo. That is approximately 6 1/2 weeks into the recovery timeline.

Hardy, 20, is a Mississippi native. He began his career at Louisiana-Monroe, where he was named the 2024 Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year after he led the conference in rushing yards (1,351) and rushing touchdowns (13) on 237 attempts.

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He transferred to Missouri, where he ranked second among FBS players with 1,649 rushing yards last season, a mark that broke the Tigers’ single-season record. He earned SEC Newcomer of the Year honors, was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award and a consensus All-American while scoring 16 TDs and averaging 6.4 yards on his 256 rushing attempts.

–Oklahoma not noticing newfound national respect

A year ago, there were some valid questions about Brett Venables’ future at Oklahoma.

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After 6-7 campaigns in two of his first three seasons, the Sooners needed a breakthrough in 2025 for their coach’s sake. They delivered just that, finishing a 10-2 regular season, earning the No. 8 seed in the College Football Playoff and hosting a first-round game they lost to Alabama.

Now, Venables enters Year 5 at Oklahoma on a cooler seat and with higher expectations. Quarterback John Mateer is back and fully recovered from the throwing hand injury that limited him last season. A number of key pieces from the Sooners’ stellar defense are also back this fall.

The coach is trying not to give any of that attention much mind.

“We focus on things that we can control,” Venables said. “Do you ever use that as a motivation for a guy to maybe humble a guy? Absolutely. But at the end of the day this is a game of performance, this is a game that’s about the work, and this is a game where it’s decided on the field.”

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His Sooners will get to prove their worth early in the season, playing at Michigan, at Georgia and facing Texas in Dallas in their first five games of the season.

–Will Stein brings extreme confidence to Kentucky

When it comes to Kentucky, football isn’t the first sport that comes to mind.

But with the confidence that first-year coach Will Stein is bringing to the Wildcats, he certainly believes that will change.

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Stein, who rose to prominence as Oregon’s offensive coordinator the last three seasons, takes over a program that has won double-digit games just twice since 1977.

As the 36-year-old Louisville native took the podium Monday, he took the opportunity presented by a reporter asking him why he believes he’ll win big in Lexington to demonstrate his strong self-belief.

“I think because of me, to be honest,” Stein said. “Because of me. I think I know what it takes. I’ve seen it at the highest levels. I know what it takes to recruit at this level. You’ve just got to believe, man. You’ve just got to put the ball down and play. There’s not really (much) else to be said.”

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–Field Level Media

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Spuddy’s (Anomaly) Classes guide

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Spuddy’s (Anomaly) is a survival experience on Roblox in which you work at a family diner and serve customers while surviving various anomalies. To enhance your gameplay and survive longer during each run, the game allows you to purchase various Classes by spending Gems at the shop. To earn this in-game currency, you must serve each normal customer and avoid those with any anomaly.

In this article, we will mention all the Classes that you can currently obtain in this experience.


All Classes in Spuddy’s (Anomaly)

Class shop (Image via Roblox)Class shop (Image via Roblox)
Class shop (Image via Roblox)

Here’s a list of all Classes in Spuddy’s (Anomaly):

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Employee

  • Rating: Single star
  • Cost: Starter class
  • Abilities: Level 1: +5 Starting Energy. Level 2: +5 Starting Energy and +1 Capacity. Level 3: +10 Starting Energy and +1 Capacity.

Cashier

  • Rating: Single star
  • Cost: 50 Gems
  • Abilities: Level 1: Gain energy from seating customers. Level 2: Gain energy from serving customers and +5 Starting Energy. Level 3: Gain energy from seating customers, +5 Starting Energy, and +1 Capacity.

Waiter

  • Rating: Single star
  • Cost: 150 Gems
  • Abilities: Level 1: Gain energy from giving food. Level 2: Gain energy from giving food and +5 Starting Energy. Level 3: Gain energy from giving food, +5 Starting Energy, and +1 Capacity.

Sleepy

  • Rating: Double star
  • Cost: 350 Gems
  • Abilities: Level 1: 2x Energy Gain or Loss. Level 2: 2x Energy Gain or loss and a 5% chance energy gain is 3x higher. Level 3: 2x energy gain or Loss and 10% chance Energy Gain is 3x higher.

Senior Employee

  • Rating: Double star
  • Cost: 500 Gems
  • Abilities: Level 1: Spawn with strong bat (3 uses) and gain energy from hitting anomalies. Level 2: Spawn with strong bat (5 uses) and gain energy from hitting anomalies. Level 3: Spawn with strong bat (5 uses), gain energy from hitting anomalies, and gain 1 strong bat charge per shift.

Assistant Manager

  • Rating: Double star
  • Cost: 1250 Gems
  • Abilities: Level 1: Gain energy from all tasks. Level 2: Gain energy from all tasks and +10 Starting Energy. Level 3: Gain energy from all tasks, +10 Starting Energy, and +2 Capacity.

Skater

  • Rating: Three stars
  • Cost: 2500 Gems
  • Abilities: Level 1: +15% Walkspeed, speed boost after giving food, and gain energy from giving food. Level 2: +15% Walkspeed, speed boost after giving food, gain energy from giving food, and +15 Starting Energy. Level 3: +15% Walkspeed, longer speed boost giving food, gain energy from giving food, and +15 Starting Energy.

Elite Batter

  • Rating: Three stars
  • Cost: 159 Robux
  • Abilities: Level 1: Spawn with Elite Bat (30 uses) and gain energy from hitting anomalies. Level 2: Spawn with Elite Bat (30 uses), gain energy from hitting anomalies and +15 Starting Energy. Level 3: Spawn with Elite Bat (30 uses), gain energy from hitting anomalies, +15 Starting Energy, and gain 1 Elite Bat charge per shift.

FAQs on Classes in Spuddy’s (Anomaly)

How do you unlock new Classes in Spuddy’s (Anomaly)?

Most Classes can be unlocked by spending Gems earned during gameplay. However, the Elite Batter Class is a premium Class that can only be purchased for 159 Robux.

What is the best Class in Spuddy’s (Anomaly)?

The best Class depends on your playstyle. Assistant Manager is excellent for consistent Energy generation, Skater is ideal for faster movement and food delivery, while Elite Batter is the best choice for dealing with Anomalies thanks to its powerful Elite Bat.

How do you earn Gems in Spuddy’s (Anomaly)?

You can earn Gems by successfully serving normal customers, completing shifts, and avoiding customers with Anomalies.