The closing moments of the World Cup final produced one of the tournament’s defining images as Lamine Yamal embraced a tearful Lionel Messi after Spain’s victory. With Argentina’s captain standing before supporters who continued to sing his name inside the New York New Jersey Stadium, the embrace appeared to represent one era fading while another begins.

The scene inevitably recalled the famous photograph from September 2007 showing a young Messi bathing six-month-old Lamine Yamal during a charity calendar event. Nearly two decades later, the two Barcelona number 10s met again under entirely different circumstances, with the teenager celebrating football’s greatest prize while the Argentine reflected on what could prove to be his final appearance on the World Cup stage.

Spain’s young star had entered the competition carrying a hamstring concern but completed the tournament by adding the World Cup to the European Championship he had already won with his country. At 19 years and six days old, he became the youngest player to collect both major international trophies.

Another key theme of the final was the contrast between the two teams. Spain relied on their collective football and technical quality, allowing Lamine Yamal to influence the match, while Argentina’s more confrontational style ultimately failed to produce the outcome they wanted.

Spain’s teenager continues rewriting history

Spain’s triumph completed another successful chapter in a tournament during which the team steadily improved before Ferran Torres settled the final with an extra-time goal in the 106th minute. The victory reinforced the country’s grip on the international game and further elevated Lamine Yamal’s growing reputation.

The statistics surrounding the winger continue to underline his extraordinary start at the international level. He remains unbeaten in 28 competitive appearances for Spain and has started 13 matches at major tournaments, winning every one of them. That sequence represents the longest perfect record for any European player starting matches at major competitions.

Lamine Yamal also entered an exclusive group alongside fellow 19-year-old Pau Cubarsi. The pair became only the fourth and fifth teenagers to start and win a World Cup final, following Pelé in 1958, Giuseppe Bergomi in 1982, and Kylian Mbappé in 2018.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised the teenager after the final, expressing sincere gratitude for his contribution. He highlighted not only the quality of his football but also his willingness to sacrifice for the team, insisting those qualities would help him continue developing into an even greater player.

Composure under pressure earns widespread praise

Argentina attempted to unsettle Lamine Yamal throughout the contest, with Nicolas Tagliafico frequently involved in physical confrontations against the teenager. Despite the constant attention, the Spanish winger never allowed the situation to distract him from his performance.

Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart pointed to the youngster’s maturity, noting that he neither reacted emotionally nor retreated from the challenges. Instead, he stood his ground while maintaining his composure despite repeated attempts to disrupt his rhythm.

Hart described the display as one of the standout performances of the final, remarking that Lamine Yamal had “completed football” at only 19 years of age. With experienced players such as captain Rodri around him, the teenager leaves the tournament with the prospect of adding further honours during the years ahead.

Messi’s farewell hopes fade amid Argentina’s approach

While Spain celebrated, Messi endured a heartbreaking conclusion. The 39-year-old spent several moments after the final whistle looking toward Argentina’s supporters, creating the impression that this might have been his final appearance in football’s biggest tournament.

Coach Lionel Scaloni became emotional when asked whether the match marked Messi’s World Cup farewell, admitting he had not yet discussed the subject with his captain before breaking into tears and leaving his post-match press conference. Scaloni was also facing uncertainty over his own future with his contract due to expire in December.

Argentina’s tactical approach became another major talking point. Rather than allowing Messi to dictate the contest, the team repeatedly became involved in physical confrontations. Slovenia referee Slavko Vincic allowed several robust challenges to pass without severe punishment, including Alexis Mac Allister’s early foul on Dani Olmo, while Lisandro Martinez eventually received the game’s first booking only after 40 minutes.

Messi himself became involved when he appealed for Marc Cucurella to be sent off after speaking with his hand covering his mouth, an action that could result in a red card if used confrontationally under tournament regulations. Shortly before extra time, Enzo Fernandez was dismissed after charging into Pau Cubarsi without attempting to play the ball.

Numbers that reflected the final

The statistics illustrated Spain’s superiority throughout the contest. Argentina became the first side in World Cup history to finish the opening 90 minutes of a final without attempting a single shot, only managing one effort in the 117th minute when Messi fired wide.

Spain finished with 12 shots on target, while Argentina failed to register one across the entire match. During the opening half, Argentina also committed more fouls than completed passes in the attacking third, recording nine fouls compared with eight passes.

Emotions boiled over after the final whistle as players from both teams became involved in another confrontation. Leandro Paredes grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat and was also present during an incident that saw Gavi thrown to the ground, bringing an untidy conclusion to an otherwise memorable World Cup.

Spain may not have produced their finest display in the final, but their progress from an opening draw against Cape Verde to lifting the trophy completed an impressive campaign. For Messi, the defeat may have marked the closing chapter of an unforgettable World Cup story, while Lamine Yamal emerged as the face of tournaments still to come.

A fixture often viewed as an unwanted finale to a tournament turned into one of the most unforgettable matches of the World Cup. England defeated France 6-4 to claim third place, producing the highest-scoring bronze-medal game in tournament history and recording the nation’s best men’s World Cup finish since lifting the trophy in 1966. It also marked England’s strongest World Cup result outside home soil and their first victory over a higher-ranked nation at the finals since overcoming Argentina in 2002.

Only days after their painful semi-final defeat to Argentina, Thomas Tuchel’s side responded with an explosive first-half display. England raced into a four-goal advantage before the interval, immediately putting France under relentless pressure and silencing any suggestion that the contest would lack intensity or entertainment.

Declan Rice, captaining the side with Harry Kane among the substitutes, opened the scoring after intercepting a misplaced pass from Desire Doue, driving forward and firing beyond Mike Maignan from outside the penalty area. Soon afterwards, Rice delivered a corner that Ezri Konsa glanced home to double England’s advantage.

England continued to exploit the open spaces left by France. Bukayo Saka first converted after Marcus Rashford helped create the opportunity following an initial save from Maignan, before adding another deep into first-half stoppage time by finishing a precise through ball from Eberechi Eze to complete a remarkable opening 45 minutes.

France responds, but England withstand the fightback

France emerged after the break with far greater purpose following what appeared to be a forceful team talk from Didier Deschamps in his final match as national team manager. The turnaround nearly became complete as Les Bleus dramatically reduced the deficit and repeatedly threatened an equaliser.

Kylian Mbappé began the comeback with an early second-half finish before Bradley Barcola struck from a tight angle only minutes later. Mbappe then completed another flowing move to score his second of the evening, reaching 10 goals in the tournament, moving ahead of Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race and becoming the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 22 goals. He also became the first player since Gerd Muller in 1970 to reach double figures at a men’s World Cup.

France continued to create chances as England goalkeeper Dean Henderson denied Rayan Cherki, Mbappé, and Ousmane Dembélé with several important saves, while Michael Olise failed to convert two clear opportunities. Despite France’s pressure, England found the decisive response when Djed Spence was brought down by Malo Gusto, allowing Saka to complete his hat-trick from the penalty spot.

Dembele curled home in stoppage time to reduce the deficit once again, but England had the final word. Jude Bellingham collected possession near halfway, surged through the French defence, beat Maxence Lacroix, and calmly finished with virtually the last kick of the match to seal a memorable 6-4 triumph.

Saka shines as England answer questions after semi-final defeat

Tuchel introduced seven changes following the loss to Argentina, leaving both Harry Kane and Bellingham out of the starting line-up while handing Saka a start despite the winger’s fitness struggles during the tournament. England’s attacking approach stood in sharp contrast to the tactics used in the semi-final and produced one of the team’s most entertaining displays.

Saka’s influence stretched well beyond his three goals. He also had another effort ruled out for offside and consistently troubled France down the right flank, prompting fresh discussion over why he had not been introduced during the defeat to Argentina.

Although England looked less secure after the interval as France mounted their comeback, they ultimately prevailed in a contest featuring 38 shots, including 20 on target. No England World Cup match has ever produced more goals, while the flowing football earned widespread praise from former internationals Stephen Warnock and Danny Murphy.

Bellingham also completed an outstanding individual tournament by finishing with seven goals, the highest tally ever recorded by an England men’s player at a single World Cup.

Deschamps bows out after dramatic farewell

The match marked the conclusion of Didier Deschamps’ time in charge of France after his 187th appearance as head coach and a record-extending 27th World Cup finals match. The 2018 World Cup-winning manager ended his reign with a thrilling defeat despite seeing his team produce a vastly improved second-half performance.

France entered the contest with tournament top scorer Mbappe and leading assist provider Michael Olise in the starting eleven, but their first-half display left them facing a historic setback. They had never previously trailed by four goals at half-time since April 1930, and they also conceded six goals in a World Cup match for the first time.

Even though Les Bleus dominated large spells after the interval and repeatedly threatened to rescue the contest, England’s clinical finishing proved decisive. The encounter finished level with France’s 7-3 victory over Paraguay in 1958 as the joint fifth highest-scoring World Cup match and became the tournament’s highest-scoring game since Hungary defeated El Salvador 10-1 in 1982.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches its conclusion with Spain and Argentina meeting in the tournament’s 102nd and final fixture. The winners will leave with football’s biggest honour after a campaign that has brought together the world’s strongest national teams.

Argentina arrive as the reigning world champions after lifting the trophy in 2022 and now have the opportunity to defend their title successfully. Only Italy, with triumphs in 1934 and 1938, and Brazil, with consecutive victories in 1958 and 1962, have previously retained the World Cup.

Spain entered the contest carrying the status of European champions and are chasing a second world title after their success in 2010. The final also creates a unique occasion, as the current Copa América holders face the reigning UEFA European champions in a World Cup final for the first time.

Adding further significance, it is also the first World Cup meeting at any stage between the teams occupying the top two places in the FIFA World Rankings, with Argentina ranked first and Spain second.

👉   Serie A players called up for  🇦🇷    the Argentina National team:

• Inter forward Lautaro Martinez.
• Como forward Nico Paz.

Spain rely on consistency and defensive strength

Spain are preparing for only the second World Cup final in the nation’s history after winning the competition in 2010. Across all major tournaments, they have celebrated victory in five of their six finals, including four successes from five appearances in European Championship finals.

One of Spain’s biggest strengths throughout the competition has been their defensive control. Opponents have generated only 0.31 expected goals per match, the best figure recorded at this tournament and a mark matched only by Uruguay’s performance at the 1990 World Cup since records dating back to 1966.

That defensive dominance has produced six clean sheets, already the highest total achieved by any team during a single World Cup. Their overall consistency is reflected in an unbeaten sequence of 37 matches in all competitions since a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in March 2024.

If Spain avoids defeat in the final, they will establish the longest unbeaten run ever recorded by a European national side. Those numbers are among the reasons they are considered favourites by many, including the Opta supercomputer.

Last 5 Spain matches stats

Argentina pursue another place in history

Argentina will contest the seventh World Cup final in their history, with only Germany having appeared in more. Their previous record includes titles in 1978, 1986, and 2022, alongside runner-up finishes in 1930, 1990, and 2014.

Lionel Scaloni’s side have enjoyed a flawless campaign, winning each of their seven matches in the tournament. Victory in the final would make them the first nation since Brazil in 2002 to finish a World Cup with seven wins from seven games.

Their winning streak stretches even further beyond the competition. Argentina had already claimed seven consecutive victories before arriving at the finals, meaning success against Spain would produce a 15-match winning run and establish a new record for a South American national team.

Despite those perfect results, Argentina have shown moments of vulnerability during the tournament, leaving many observers believing they still face their toughest examination in the final.

Last 5 Argentina matches stats

Records, stars and rivalry add extra intrigue

Much of the attention is expected to centre on Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal. If both are named in the starting line-up, they will become the first opposing starters in a World Cup final separated by more than two decades in age. Messi has completed a tournament-leading 25 dribbles, the highest total ever recorded by a player aged over 30 in a single World Cup, while Yamal’s 22 successful dribbles equal the best figure ever achieved by a teenager alongside Kylian Mbappé in 2018.

Messi is also set to make history by becoming only the second player to feature in three World Cup finals after Cafu. At 39 years and 25 days, he would additionally become the oldest outfield player to appear in the showpiece. Yamal, meanwhile, would become the third-youngest player ever to play in a World Cup final at 19 years and six days.

Rodri is another major figure to watch after completing 655 passes during the tournament, already the highest total recorded in a single World Cup edition. His performances have placed him among the contenders for the Golden Ball should Spain claim the title.

The nations have rarely met at the World Cup, with Argentina winning their only previous tournament encounter 2-1 in the 1966 group stage. Since the beginning of this century, Spain has won three of their four meetings with Argentina, while the latest clash between the sides ended in a 6-1 Spanish victory in a friendly played in March 2018.

Past H2H Results

Prediction and expected outcome

Spain and Argentina arrive in the World Cup final with outstanding records, making this one of the most evenly matched championship games in recent history. Argentina have won all seven of their matches in the tournament and are chasing back-to-back world titles, while Spain combines an exceptional unbeaten run with the tournament’s strongest defensive record, having conceded very few chances and kept six clean sheets. The battle between Lionel Messi’s experience and Lamine Yamal’s youthful brilliance could prove decisive, but Spain’s ability to dictate possession and control matches may give them a slight tactical advantage. Argentina, however, possess the confidence and resilience of reigning champions and have consistently found ways to win throughout the competition. The most likely outcome is a tense, tactical contest decided by fine margins, with extra time or even penalties remaining a realistic possibility.

Prediction: Spain 2-1 Argentina

Expected outcome: A closely contested final in which Spain’s defensive organisation and control of possession ultimately prove decisive against Argentina’s determined challenge. The margins between the teams are extremely small, making every moment significant, but Spain appear slightly better equipped to edge the contest and lift their second FIFA World Cup trophy.

The FIFA World Cup third-place play-off is often considered the least desirable fixture of the tournament. The match carries a strange atmosphere: it is played by two teams that came within one step of the final but now have to fight for a bronze medal instead of the trophy.

England manager Thomas Tuchel admitted that neither side would have preferred to be involved in this game. “None of our players and none of the French players want to play this match,” he told reporters, explaining that both teams had wanted to compete in the final after giving everything to reach that stage.

France boss Didier Deschamps showed a more determined approach ahead of his final match in charge of the national team. The French coach insisted that third place was still worth competing for, although he accepted the disappointment of missing out on the main prize.

The starting line-ups chosen by both managers are likely to reveal how seriously each team approaches the contest. Rotation is expected, but there remains an opportunity for several players to improve their personal World Cup records.

✅    Serie A players called up for   🇫🇷    the France National team World Cup Squad:

• AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan
•  AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone
• AC Milan midfielder Adrien Rabiot
• Inter forward Marcus Thuram

France search for a strong finish after Spain’s defeat

France arrived at the semi-final stage after a comfortable run through the tournament, but their journey ended against Spain. Deschamps’ team had not previously faced an opponent capable of limiting the attacking threat of their front four, but Spain’s midfield quality and disciplined defence proved decisive.

The French side managed only 0.31 expected goals against Spain, their lowest total recorded in a World Cup match. The performance highlighted the difficulties they faced when coming up against a team able to control possession and reduce their attacking influence.

Despite the setback, Deschamps has the chance to end his time as France manager with a positive result. His achievements with the national team have already placed him among the most significant figures in French football.

Last 5 France matches stats

England reflect on missed opportunity against Argentina

England were closer than France to reaching the final, which made their semi-final exit even harder to accept. Their match against Argentina was a tight contest for long periods, with the balance shifting after Anthony Gordon gave the Three Lions the lead in the second half.

However, England was unable to build on that advantage. Instead of maintaining pressure, they moved deeper and allowed Argentina’s key players more influence. During the 30-minute period after taking the lead and before Enzo Fernández’s equaliser, England had only 12% possession.

That approach proved costly as Argentina responded and Lionel Messi played a decisive role, adding two more assists to his World Cup record. England were left to reflect on another missed chance at reaching the final stage.

The third-place match will also bring back memories of previous occasions when England competed for bronze. The Three Lions lost this fixture against Italy in 1990 and Belgium in 2018.

Last 5 England matches stats

World Cup history, records and key names before the final meeting

France has reached the third-place play-off for the fourth time in their history. They defeated Germany in 1958, lost to Poland in 1982, and beat Belgium in 1986. Each of those matches produced at least five goals.

The game could provide one final opportunity for Harry Kane to add to his World Cup record. The England forward has scored 14 goals in the competition, placing him level with Gerd Müller and one behind Ronaldo Nazario, who has 15.

Kylian Mbappé also enters the match with a chance to increase his impressive tally. The French forward has scored 20 World Cup goals, while Lionel Messi leads the competition’s all-time scoring list with 21. Mbappé’s age gives him the possibility of chasing the record in the future, although football remains unpredictable.

The history between France and England at the World Cup has been closely contested. The teams have met three times in the tournament, with England winning the first two encounters — 2-0 in 1966 and 3-1 in 1982 — before France claimed a 2-1 victory in the 2022 quarter-finals.

Overall, England have won only one of their last nine matches against France, with two draws and six defeats. In competitive meetings, the Three Lions have not beaten France since their 3-1 World Cup victory in 1982, recording two draws and two losses since then.

Past H2H Results

Prediction and expected outcome

France heads into this third-place play-off as slight favourites due to their recent World Cup success, individual quality, and greater experience in high-pressure matches. Didier Deschamps’ side have consistently shown the ability to compete at the highest level, and players such as Kylian Mbappé provide the attacking threat needed to punish any defensive mistakes. England, however, have plenty of reasons to believe they can finish the tournament strongly. The Three Lions were close to reaching the final and possess enough talent across the squad to trouble France, especially if they approach the game with more attacking intent than they showed after taking the lead in the semi-final. Both teams are expected to make changes, which could create a more open and unpredictable contest than their previous knockout matches. France may have more attacking firepower, but England’s motivation to avoid another disappointing third-place finish could make this a closely fought encounter.

Prediction: France 2-1 England

Expected outcome: A narrow French victory in a match where both teams are likely to rotate their squads but still compete seriously for a positive ending to their World Cup campaigns. France’s experience in this type of fixture and their attacking quality could prove decisive, although England have enough talent to make the contest competitive until the final whistle. A draw would not be a major surprise, but France appears to have a slight advantage based on their ability to produce moments of individual brilliance.

Four years after lifting the World Cup in what many believed was his final appearance at the tournament, Lionel Messi has once again reached football’s biggest stage. At 39, the Argentina captain produced another decisive performance, helping his team overturn England’s lead and secure a place in a second consecutive World Cup final.

The forward provided two assists in the 2-1 victory, taking his tally at the 2026 tournament to four assists and eight goals. That puts him among the leading scorers and also makes him one of the competition’s most creative players.

Argentina will now face Spain in the final in New Jersey, a meeting that carries extra meaning given Messi’s long connection with Spanish football. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni again praised his captain, saying there was little left for him to prove after everything he has achieved.

Former England international Micah Richards also highlighted the difference made by Messi’s presence, saying that the biggest moments belong to players of his quality.

England unable to contain the Argentina captain

Messi had never previously faced England in his career, but Thomas Tuchel’s side will not want to repeat the experience. The veteran forward spent much of the first half operating through the middle, showing flashes of quality before the match changed after Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in the 55th minute.

As England moved deeper and introduced more defensive players, Argentina began controlling possession. During the following 37 minutes, they dominated the ball, and Messi became increasingly influential after moving towards the right side.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez later explained that using Messi on the wing became a key part of Argentina’s comeback. The forward completed nine successful dribbles and created two goals, becoming the first player since records began in 1966 to achieve that combination in a World Cup knockout match.

His impact was greater than England’s entire team in several attacking categories. Messi recorded seven touches inside the opposition penalty area, matching the total number achieved by every English player combined, while also creating four chances and delivering nine crosses.

The decisive moments came late. First, he helped create the equaliser when Enzo Fernandez struck from outside the box in the 85th minute. Then, in stoppage time, his delivery allowed Lautaro Martinez to score the winning goal with a header.

Richards described Messi as a player who can appear quiet for long periods before suddenly changing a match, while Joe Hart said England’s defensive approach gave the Argentine star the freedom to decide the game.

England captain Harry Kane admitted his team handled Messi for much of the contest but acknowledged that the world’s greatest players only need one opportunity to make the difference.

The Golden Boot battle remains open

Messi has continued rewriting his World Cup record during this tournament, reaching 21 goals across his World Cup appearances and adding to his overall Argentina scoring total. A large part of that World Cup tally has come after he turned 35.

The eight goals he has scored in 2026 have already surpassed his previous tournament total from 2022. He is now level with Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot race, with the France forward still having a third-place play-off match against England to play.

Jude Bellingham and Kane remain close behind with six goals each. If players finish with the same number of goals, assists become the deciding factor, and Messi currently leads that comparison with four assists compared with Mbappe’s three.

The Argentina captain could also finish as the tournament’s leading creator, sitting just one assist behind France’s Michael Olise. Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson praised his influence, describing him as a player who has delivered both goals and moments of inspiration throughout the competition.

The question of another world cup appearance

Messi’s international career has already included several dramatic changes. In 2016, after losing a World Cup final and three Copa America finals, he stepped away from Argentina duty before returning later.

Since then, he has added two Copa America titles and finally won the World Cup in 2022. At that time, many believed the final missing achievement of his career had been completed.

His move away from European football in 2023 appeared to suggest that he was entering the final stage of his career, and even his participation in this summer’s tournament was not always considered certain. Instead, Messi has remained one of Argentina’s most important players.

His style has evolved, with the forward covering less ground than many teammates but continuing to influence matches through his vision and decision-making. Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has noted that Messi has repeatedly adapted his role throughout his career.

The Argentina star has now contributed a goal or assist in 13 straight matches for club and country. Another decisive contribution in the final against Spain would match a personal record from 2011.

A victory on Sunday would also see Messi become only the second player after Cafu to appear in three World Cup finals. Although another World Cup appearance in 2030 seems unlikely with Messi turning 43, his latest performances have shown that predictions about his future are becoming increasingly difficult.