After six years on ESPN, the Bundesliga has a new home in the United States of America.

A combination of USA Network and Fandango has reportedly struck a deal through the 2030-31 season to be the English-language broadcaster of Germany’s top flight in the US. The deal is reportedly worth $20 million (€17.4 million) per year, which is noticeably less than the $34 million per year paid by ESPN.

USA and Fandango are part of Versant, a media company that is trying to develop itself as a home for broadcasting rights below the top leagues of the NFL and NBA. Fandango is predominately an app to buy movie tickets, but Versant is looking to diversify its offering by including live sports. All 300-plus Bundesliga games will air on either channel, with USA requiring a subscription and Fandango being free and ad-supported.

The reaction from US-based Bundesliga fans on social media was mostly negative.

“This will only make the Bundesliga even more obscure,” posted @skierpro on X. “Any momentum the league had in the US and growing viewership will be destroyed. The folks in Germany signing this agreement have no idea about the US it seems. They just shot themselves in the foot with this deal.”

“This is bad. The simplicity of having every game on ESPN that already has a lot of other sports was perfect. Fandango, a company with nearly no sports streaming experience, may be free, but the games on USA will require an expensive YT TV, Fubo or similar package,” posted Corbin Williams on X.

“SAD! USA is OK but Fandango is not a popular streaming app. ESPN was easily accessible. Games on Fandango is going to be like going to the bike shop to buy a BMW,” wrote Eric Smith on social media.

New Bundesliga deal a case of less money, but more reach

Some believe the drop in financial return is a sign of the times for the Bundesliga. Others see it as an opportunity.

“From the outside, the new agreement appears to deliver less media-rights income per season but broader distribution, greater discoverability, and a better chance of reaching viewers beyond the Bundesliga’s existing fan base. In essence, the reported financial return appears lower, but the potential reach is greater,” Dominik Schreyer, a professor of sports economics at Germany’s Otto Beisheim School of Management, told DW.

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While Schreyer admits that the reported fee being less than the previous deal is disappointing from a business perspective, it is also important to consider its context.

“The DFL is facing a difficult market reality. The media-rights market has become more selective, while competition for audience attention is intensifying. Maximizing the check from each individual cycle may therefore no longer be the only sensible objective,” Schreyer said.

“The new distribution model could still prove strategically valuable if its broader reach helps build a larger and more commercially attractive audience over time,” he added.

ESPN’s coverage in terms of reporters and commentators was praised by most fans, but the new deal suggests that perhaps it wasn’t the ideal place for Germany’s top flight.

“My best guess is that the previous model provided insufficient prominence within ESPN’s crowded sports portfolio, potentially limiting audience growth. The Bundesliga may now be more important to a partner seeking to establish and differentiate its own live-sports offering in an intensely competitive market, although we cannot know from the outside which considerations ultimately drove the change,” Schreyer said.

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Is the Bundesliga really growing in America?

“The 2026 World Cup has highlighted the tremendous growth potential of soccer in the US,” Robin Austermann, Bundesliga Americas executive vice president, said in a statement. “We’ve seen that momentum firsthand, with the number of Bundesliga fans in the US growing by 43% over the past five years.”

While that may be true, German football’s struggle more generally cannot be helping the Bundesliga’s position in the market. Bayern Munich have long been dominant domestically, removing both the feeling of competition and suspense in the league. The number of star players isn’t high compared to other leagues, and Germany’s poor showing at recent World Cups has also weakened the standing of German football globally.

It’s clear that the Bundesliga faces an enormous task when it comes to improving its position at the negotiating table for broadcasting deals, much of which is beyond its control. Nevertheless, there is hope that, as mentioned by Austermann, the football momentum provided by the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico can be harnessed to the Bundesliga’s advantage.

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“It now needs to use prominent scheduling, strong promotion, and localized storytelling to build consumption capital,” said Schreyer. “Once viewers discover the product, repeated exposure helps them learn about the clubs, recognize the stars, understand the rivalries and gradually turn occasional viewing into habit, fandom, and ultimately commercial value.”

Edited by: Chuck Penfold

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be remembered not only for Spain’s dramatic triumph over Argentina in the final but also as the tournament that signalled the end of an era. As football prepares for the next World Cup in 2030, several players who shaped the modern game have bid farewell to the sport’s biggest stage.

Four of the game’s biggest names — Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Manuel Neuer and Guillermo Ochoa — have either confirmed that the tournament was their last World Cup or announced the end of their international careers following their teams’ elimination.

While big names such as Lionel Messi, Kevin De Bruyne, Virgil van Dijk and many others have not yet announced the end of their journeys, given the age they will be at the time of the 2030 World Cup, they have likely graced the World Cup stage for the final time.

In this article, we take a look at players who have already confirmed their final World Cup appearances, as well as players who are likely to have played their last World Cup match. But which players have made the list? Take a look.

Players who made their final World Cup appearance:

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Cristiano Ronaldo’s dream of lifting the FIFA World Cup ended in Dallas after Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16. Moments after the defeat, the 41-year-old confirmed that the 2026 edition had been his final World Cup, ending months of speculation over whether he would attempt one final campaign in 2030.

“I go with a clear conscience,” Ronaldo said after the match, adding that he had given everything for Portugal and was proud of the nation’s achievements during his international career.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career at a glance

Neymar Jr (Brazil)

Neymar’s emotional international career came to an end after Brazil’s shock 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16. The forward, who had battled injuries for nearly three years before making the squad, announced his retirement from international football moments after the loss.

“It is now over,” Neymar said after Brazil’s elimination, confirming that the World Cup had been his final appearance for the Seleção.

Neymar Jr’s international career at a glance

Manuel Neuer (Germany)

Manuel Neuer’s remarkable international journey concluded after Germany’s penalty-shootout defeat to Paraguay in the Round of 32. Following the match, the 40-year-old confirmed that it had been his final appearance for the national team, bringing an end to one of the greatest goalkeeping careers in football history.

Manuel Neuer’s international career at a glance

Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico)

Guillermo Ochoa became one of only a handful of players to appear at six FIFA World Cups when he represented Mexico in 2026. The veteran goalkeeper later confirmed that the tournament would be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage, ending one of the longest World Cup careers in history.

Guillermo Ochoa’s international career at a glance

Players who have likely played their last World Cup match

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Lionel Messi came within one victory of ending his World Cup career on the highest note before Spain edged Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final. At 39, the Argentine captain produced another memorable campaign, guiding the defending champions to back-to-back finals.

Although Messi has not announced his retirement from international football, he admitted after the final that he would take time before making a decision on his future. By the time the next World Cup arrives in 2030, he will be 43, making another appearance highly unlikely.

Lionel Messi’s international career at a glance

Luka Modrić (Croatia)

Luka Modrić once again carried Croatia’s midfield at the age of 40, but the Vatreni were eliminated by Portugal in the Round of 32. Although the Ballon d’Or winner has not announced his retirement, he will be 44 during the 2030 World Cup, making another appearance improbable.

Luka Modrić’s international career at a glance

Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)

Belgium once again fell short of ending their wait for a major international trophy despite reaching the quarter-finals. Kevin De Bruyne, who turned 35 during the tournament, continued to orchestrate Belgium’s midfield but could not prevent a 2-1 defeat to eventual champions Spain.

While he has made no retirement announcement, De Bruyne will be 39 in 2030.

Kevin De Bruyne’s international career at a glance

Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands)

Virgil van Dijk captained the Netherlands for a third consecutive World Cup, but the Oranje bowed out to Morocco in the Round of 32 after a penalty shootout. At 35, the defender remains one of football’s elite centre-backs, but another World Cup appearance at 39 appears a long shot.

Virgil van Dijk’s international career at a glance

Casemiro (Brazil)

Casemiro returned to Brazil’s World Cup squad after missing parts of the previous international cycle, but the five-time champions’ campaign ended in disappointment against Norway in the Round of 16. By 2030, the midfielder will be 38, and Brazil are expected to transition towards a younger core.

Casemiro’s international career at a glance

Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Mohamed Salah finally returned to football’s biggest stage after Egypt qualified for the expanded 48-team tournament. However, Egypt were eliminated in the group stage despite Salah’s efforts. At 34, he will be 38 in 2030.

Mohamed Salah’s international career at a glance

Vozinha (Cape Verde)

Cape Verde’s historic World Cup debut owed much to veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, who captained the side during their maiden appearance. At 40, the goalkeeper inspired one of the tournament’s biggest underdog stories before Cape Verde were edged out by Argentina in the Round of 32.

Vozinha’s international career at a glance

The changing of the guard

Whether or not Lionel Messi, Luka Modrić, Kevin De Bruyne, Virgil van Dijk, Casemiro, Mohamed Salah and Vozinha officially retire from international football, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is likely to be remembered as their final appearance on the biggest stage.

Along with the confirmed farewells of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Manuel Neuer and Guillermo Ochoa, their departures signal the end of one of football’s greatest generations.

The spotlight now shifts to a new wave of stars led by Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, Florian Wirtz and Pedri, who are expected to define the road to the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

President Donald Trump was spotted at New York/New Jersey Stadium for the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday.

Trump, standing between first lady Melania Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, looked on from his suite as the sold-out crowd listened to a beautiful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” sung by Jennifer Hudson.

Team USA may have been knocked out in the Round of 16 to Belgium, but as one of the three host countries and being where the final took place, Hudson didn’t disappoint as usual.

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President Donald Trump stands by the FIFA World Cup Trophy as he listens to FIFA President Gianni Infantino speak during a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York. (Mandel NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

The crowd of over 80,000 fans cheered as Hudson hit every note, and Trump was shown on the FOX broadcast at the end as applause rained down onto the pitch.

The closing ceremony was more than that, though. British singer-songwriter Robbie Williams was there to perform, while actor Tom Cruise delivered a speech to the crowd about how togetherness and unity has been displayed throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico throughout this month-long tournament.

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In the end, there can only be one winner, but the FIFA World Cup showcased the power of unity, which Cruise and the football organization wanted to remind each and every person in the crowd before kick-off.

The World Cup trophy was also delivered in a Louis Vuitton luggage case by Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz, while 1978 Argentina World Cup champion Mario Kempes hoisted it up for all the crowd to see.

President Donald Trump speaks alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino at a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York City on July 17, 2026. Later that weekend, Trump will attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

As the ceremony came to an end, both teams walked onto the pitch in East Rutherford, New Jersey, surely filled with anxious energy and anticipation for what each of them hopes ends in happy celebration instead of tears of defeat.

For Lionel Messi and Argentina, they are hoping to retain their title as the best team in the world after defeating France in Qatar in 2022.

Jennifer Hudson performs the U.S. national anthem before the FIFA World Cup 2026 final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (Elsa/Getty Images)

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For Spain, it’s just their second-ever World Cup Final, but it was a victory celebration in 2010. Now, this team, featuring phenom Lamine Yamal and savvy veterans like Mikel Moreno, is hoping it’s their turn to lift the trophy in the end.

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For the second time in FIFA World Cup history, Spain can call themselves champions. 

It was Ferran Torres, who subbed into the match in the second half, who finally got the ball past Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez in extra time for the 1-0 victory at New York/New Jersey Stadium on Sunday night. 

This was Spain’s second-ever trip to the World Cup Final, but just like they did in 2010, they got the job done.

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Spain’s forward Ferran Torres celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, if this was Lionel Messi’s final match for Argentina, it ended in heartbreak. 

As expected, both squads were trying to take control of this match, which meant possession was key and chances to strike were going to be few. 

In the first half, it was Spain doing what it has done all tournament, controlling the pace of play and being quick with decision-making near their opponent’s box. 

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Lamine Yamal and company had some chances early on, but none were able to get past Emiliano Martínez’s goal line. 

On the other end, Unai Simón faced even less pressure from the Argentina attack, as Spain’s strong defense continued against Lionel Messi and his compatriots. 

By the end of the first half, no team cracked the scoreboard, as each country was immediately talking about what was needed to change that. They’d have more time to do so, as Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and many other musical guests performed at halftime on the field at New York/New Jersey Stadium. 

As the second half began, Spain seemed to have some answers, creating great chances, including a clear shot on Martínez. However, the goalkeeper was able to make the save. 

Then, in the 55th minute, a beautiful pass to Dani Olmo into the box led to a pass back toward Marc Cucurella. But Gonzalo Montiel beat Cucurella to the spot, launching the ball out of bounds for a corner kick, keeping a grade-A chance from striking net. 

Spain’s Ferran Torres (7) scores their first goal during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026.  (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Spain continued to apply pressure, though, including multiple corner kicks and shots to challenge Martínez. Ferran Torres, who had just substituted in, had a great header after a cross from Yamal in the 66th minute, but Martínez was right there once more. 

It felt like every ounce of momentum was going Spain’s way, with Argentina still searching for its first shot attempt, let alone shot on goal. Spain had 10 shots, seven of which found Martínez’s goal by the 82nd minute. 

Nonetheless, Martínez remained a brick wall, especially when Nico Williams came flying in during stoppage time and ripped a shot that got punched away. Yamal couldn’t believe Williams didn’t cross it over to him, as he had no Argentine defender on him at the far post. 

Just seconds later, though, a key moment came in this final match as Enzo Fernandez’s poor challenge led to his second yellow card, which brought out a red card in the 93rd minute. From that point on, Argentina had to play down one man. 

Just before regular time ended, a foul on Torres outside Argentina’s box led to a chance for the 19-year-old Yamal to win the World Cup. He put a great strike on the ball, and it would’ve snuck into the left side of the net if not have yet another Martínez spectacular save. 

This match required extra time, but Argentina would be forced to play the next 30 minutes with less men than Spain. And it looked as if Spain finally got past Martínez when Williams buried a shot that Mikel Merino missed in front of the net. However, a foul was called before Williams scored, negating the goal and keeping the tie in place. 

The call was a controversial one, as it appeared Nicolás Otamendi sold his contact with Merino a bit. But the call stood and the goal was taken off the board. 

But Spain never lost its determination to get past Martínez, and the moment finally came in the second half of extra time.

As play resumed, a cross into the box was kept alive by Williams’ head, and the ball landed right at the foot of Torres. Torres wasn’t trying to be cheeky, as he ripped a shot that slammed underneath the crossbar to finally put a goal on the board in the 106th minute. 

Argentina’s Lionel Messi (10) stands next to Spain’s Pedri (20) during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

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Argentina tried its hardest to generate chances on Simón to keep their World Cup hopes alive, but to no avail. In the end, Spain didn’t allow a single shot on goal, while generating 20 of their own. 

Throughout the entire tournament, Spain gave up just one goal to their opponents, showcasing dominance from beginning to end. It was only right their tournament ended with trophy in hand. 

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