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Connecticut Sun's road struggles face a tough test against a Fever team winning seven of its last 10

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 12:16:23 -0400

Believe it or not, we are only two months away from the WNBA Playoffs. There is a lot of stuff still to come with the season, but when your season is only 44 games, it tends to go by fairly quickly. This has been an interesting campaign. With two new teams in the league, a big turnaround from the Wings, and somewhat of a falloff from the Aces and Liberty, there might be some new excitement in the postseason. Before we get there, let's talk about the Sun and the league's most popular team, the Fever.

The Connecticut Sun are 7-19 for the season and have won just three games on the road. I believe this will be the last season for the Sun in Connecticut, and this will be one that everyone forgets. The Sun started the year with just two wins in 15 games, but have gone 5-4 over the past nine games, so at least the Sun are showing a bit of progress. The biggest problem for this team seems to be that it can't find anyone to get a bucket when absolutely needed.

The team is led by Brittney Griner, but she is scoring just 14.1 points in 25.8 minutes. This is her second-lowest total point production since her rookie season. Last year was her worst, posting just 9.8 points per game. Perhaps it is because she is 35 years old and slowing down, but she is no longer the force she once was. The bigger issue for the team is that it is just a hodgepodge of players - some are castoffs from other teams, others are free agents that have been pieced together. However, the pieces really don't fit well.

CAITLIN CLARK SMACKED IN THE FACE BY WNBA LEGEND AFTER GETTING FOUL THAT COULD TRIGGER FINE IN BIG WIN

The Indiana Fever have a better record than the Sun, but that's not much of a challenge. I think one of the things to remember about the Fever is that they get the best effort from every team they face, every night. The WNBA players don't really like Caitlin Clark (at least that's how it seems), and the effort level is clearly different in games with her involved. The Fever are 10-5 at home this year, and have won seven of their past ten games overall. One other thing to remember about the Fever is that the beginning of this season was a major adjustment.

Clark was out almost all of last season, and her coming into the fold once again, even after a really successful run in the playoffs last year without her, meant the team had to learn new roles. She is ball-dominant and a great passer, so the team had to change its offense a bit. The Fever do seem to be getting back to what they were best at last season, when they looked to get Kelsey Mitchell buckets. She has led them in scoring in eight of the past nine games. Perhaps it is a balance between last year's success and this year's adjustments.

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The Sun are not a team that you'd expect to score a ton of points - averaging only about 80 points per game. However, the Fever are not a very good defensive team, and again, you get a big effort every time from the opposition. I feel like the total can go either way, I don't know that the Sun can stop the Fever, but I don't think the Fever have much interest in playing defense, either.

CAITLIN CLARK DROPS 32-POINT DOUBLE-DOUBLE IN TAYLOR SWIFT NIKES AS FEVER SURVIVE STUNNING SKY COMEBACK IN OT

The Fever have a rest advantage in this game; they've been at home for a while, but did have a back-to-back before this. Still, they've been off for a couple of days. Being in the same gym for multiple days helps with sight lines for shooters and allows them to be more comfortable. The Sun will have a long stretch off after this game, but will still be on the road. I like the Fever early in this one as I'm not sure they will blow out the Sun late. Connecticut has kept games close on the road lately. Give me the Fever 1st quarter at -2.5. I think this is where they will have the biggest advantage of being familiar for shooting.

Red Sox come back from the dead, move into postseason contention with remarkable 14-game win streak

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 12:08:59 -0400

What a difference a few weeks can make.

The Boston Red Sox were headed for the American League basement, seemingly destined to be sellers at the trade deadline. Experts were already including starter Sonny Gray and relief ace Aroldis Chapman in mock trade proposals.

Then they won 14 games in a row. They went from 37-48 to 51-48, and now hold sole possession of third Wild Card spot in the American League.

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It’s hard to imagine these Red Sox capturing the hearts of Boston fans after headlines like these were being written in April: "The Boston Red Sox Are A Pathetic, Disgusting, Disgraceful Baseball Team."

But here they are, just one more victory away from tying the team’s longest winning streak in franchise history, at 15 games, which was set in 1946 with Ted Williams leading the charge. The Red Sox are trying to not think about what’s at stake.

"I’m trying not to, but I want it," third baseman Caleb Durbin said about the possibility of tying the club record. "I can’t speak for anyone else. We really haven’t talked about it, but I want to make history here."

"It would mean a lot, for sure," first baseman Willson Contreras said. "We are trying to play the same way every day. … If it happens, that would be great for us. We can celebrate that. If it doesn’t happen, you have to keep going."

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Durbin and Contreras both played major roles in the team’s come-from-behind 6-5 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Monday night at Fenway Park.

With the Red Sox trailing 4-3 in the bottom of the sixth inning with a man on second base, Contreras pummeled Orioles starter Shane Baz’s 86-mph knuckle-curve off the Green Monster. Right fielder Wilyer Abreu raced home, tying the game at 4-4.

The Orioles responded in the top of the seventh inning when outfielder Tyler O’Neill grounded into a fielder’s choice, allowing Taylor Ward to score and giving Baltimore a 5-4 lead.

The Red Sox rallied in the bottom of the seventh inning when center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela singled through the left side of the infield with two outs, and shortstop Tsung-Che Cheng scored to tie it at 5-5.

CHICAGO CUBS FAN SLAPS YOUNGER FAN FOR NOT STANDING DURING NATIONAL ANTHEM IN VIRAL VIDEO

Durbin delivered the final blow to the Orioles in the eighth inning, hammering Tyler Wells’ 91-mph cutter 364 feet over the Green Monster, and sending the Fenway Faithful into a frenzy.

The Red Sox third baseman was euphoric as he rounded the bases.

"There’s not a lot of times that you black out – as they say,’’ Durbin said. "I think that was one of the moments where I didn’t know what was happening. I couldn’t tell you what I looked like running around the bases."

"I can’t imagine it being more electric than tonight," Durbin said. "It might be. Tonight was awesome, though."

Contreras was one of the first players to jump over the railing onto the field after Durbin’s homer.

"I felt like (the) playoffs, going to the World Series, to be honest," he said. "Hopefully it happens. We’re on the way, but there’s a lot of season left, a lot of games to be played."

The Red Sox hope the good vibes carry over into Tuesday, when they face the Orioles (49-52) in the second game of a three-game series at 7:10 p.m. ET, and look to etch their names alongside the legendary Williams.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Framber Valdez and wind-blown Wrigley Field make Tigers vs Cubs under 8.5 a compelling MLB play

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:39:08 -0400

Yesterday brought a loss on the Twins as I was backing the wrong horse in the race, apparently. The normally reliable Joe Ryan looked awful and allowed a bunch of runs early. I actually prefer to lose this way because I don't need to pay attention to it. It was the wrong read, and I can start looking at the next day of games. That was a game between two AL Central teams; I'm going to try one with another from the division as the Tigers take on the Cubs.

The Detroit Tigers are still below .500, but no one in the division has run away with the lead, so there is still a chance they can turn it around. You don't need to give them a big reminder about how August and September can change a division race. They were massive favorites last year to win the division, and the Guardians had a phenomenal stretch to steal the division. The Tigers got the last laugh as they won in the playoffs. Still, this team needs a jolt in one way or another, and all the talk surrounding them is about if Tarik Skubal will be traded or not.

During the offseason, they knew they would have to come to a decision about Skubal, and they signed Framber Valdez, the best available starter, to kind of soften the blow of losing Skubal. For the year, Valdez is 5-6 with a 4.10 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP. Those numbers aren't terrible, but they also aren't exactly top-of-the-rotation quality, either. Valdez has done a pretty good job of keeping the ball down, overall. He has 178 ground balls as opposed to 158 fly balls, and that doesn't count his strikeouts. Cubs hitters haven't done particularly well against Valdez, either, batting just 4-for-32 against him.

The Chicago Cubs are basically in the same spot they were last season. They were solid as a club, but they are still looking up at the Milwaukee Brewers. They are one of the streakier clubs in baseball, and if their offense starts to slow down, they are really going to struggle. That's mostly because the pitching staff seems to be held together by duct tape and Band-Aids. They've made a couple of trades to get some arms that might help them for the year, but no one you really want to go into the postseason with.

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One of those trades they made was for today's starter, David Peterson. His numbers are pretty ugly, but the Cubs either thought they could turn him around or saw something in him that made them think it was a worthwhile investment. He is 4-7 with a 6.45 ERA and a 1.64. He was much better in his last outing for them than his first. Against the Orioles, he went five innings and allowed two hits and one earned run. Against the Cardinals, he allowed 10 earned runs on nine hits over 3.2 innings. The Tigers are 3-for-8 against him.

Some ballparks have a bigger impact on betting than others. When the wind is blowing out at Wrigley Field, the ball flies out, and it seems like the total can't be high enough. Tonight, the wind will be blowing in. Peterson is more of a fly ball pitcher, but there shouldn't be too much damage against him, considering the wind can knock stuff down. Valdez is more of a ground ball pitcher. I think this game will go under the 8.5 total tonight thanks to both pitchers being aided by the wind. The Tigers also aren't a major offensive force to begin with. Give me the under.

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For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024

Jalen Brunson says Knicks haven't discussed White House visit despite owner saying they were going

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:29:16 -0400

New York Knicks owner James Dolan may have jumped the gun when he said his championship-winning squad would be White House bound.

Days after winning the team's first title in 53 years, Dolan announced that the team "receive[d] an invitation from the White House, which we accepted."

"Still have to figure out the details, but, yes, of course, I invited the president to come down to the game, right? He is a friend. I've known him for 30 years, and I'm very proud to bring the team to the White House," Dolan said at the time.

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Well, Jalen Brunson is holding the horses.

"That’s something that we actually haven’t discussed as a team," Brunson told Variety in a recent interview. "And so, obviously, people are making assumptions and saying everything, but together we haven’t discussed it yet. And so we’ll cross our bridge when we get to it."

The Knicks would be the first NBA team to visit Trump in either of his terms, a note Brunson found "interesting."

President Donald Trump attended the Knicks' Game 3 loss to the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden. It turned out to be the only loss for the Knicks, who went on to win the NBA Finals in five games.

KNICKS CHAMPION JORDAN CLARKSON CAUGHT IN TRAVIS SCOTT NIGHTCLUB CHAOS AFTER STEPPING IN

Trump criticized the NBA for being "highly political" in 2020. NBA players were given the option to wear social justice messages on their jerseys, and numerous players knelt for the national anthem. During his trip to the Finals, Trump said basketball was "a little left-wing" but "great entertainment."

Knicks star Josh Hart has been critical of Trump in the past.

Dolan and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani got into a war of words during the Finals regarding watch parties. Dolan then appeared to take a shot at Mamdani during the team's victory celebration at City Hall and did his best to stiff him in a photo op.

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The Dolan-Mamdani beef is hardly new. The spat began during the election cycle when Mamdani used the Knicks logo for his campaign, and the team issued a cease-and-desist letter. The White House then used the Knicks logo in a post shortly after last year's election to say, "Trump Is Your President." The Knicks reached out to the White House, which then removed the post.

"The Knicks remain neutral on political matters," the team said in a statement at the time. "We hope all our elected officials, whether current or recently elected, do a great job in office."

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Cincinnati Reds pitcher rips 'f—ing fata–' umpire for getting in defender's way on ground ball

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:21:18 -0400

Things are just continuing to go from bad to worse for the Cincinnati Reds.

After starting the season with a 20-12 record, they are just 25-43 in their last 68 games, and they were handed an 8-0 loss to the Seattle Mariners on Monday night.

But the Reds suffered an absolute facepalm moment in the bottom of the seventh inning, which had already gone awry thanks to Cal Raleigh's grand slam.

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However, the Reds didn't get much help afterward. Mariners outfielder Victor Robles hit a grounder to short, and second baseman Edwin Arroyo tried to make a play. However, he found umpire Bill Miller in his way, and the ball squeaked into the outfield while also getting past shortstop Elly De La Cruz.

Relief pitcher Caleb Ferguson was not happy, shouting obscenities at the umpire and ripping him for his appearance.

"F—ing fata–! Out of the way motherf—er," Ferguson, who had just allowed the Raleigh grand slam, appeared to yell at Miller.

THREE OF THE WORST-RATED UMPIRES IN MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL HAVE ONE THING IN COMMON

Seattle then had runners on the corners, but the Reds stopped the bleeding.

Reds manager Terry Francona ordered Ferguson to intentionally walk Dominic Canzone to load the bases and face Raleigh, but the decision totally backfired.

The slumping catcher, who finished in second place in last year's AL Most Valuable Player voting with his 60-homer season, is hitting just .163 this season, but he pounced on the first pitch and turned on a hanging breaking ball, sending it 408 feet into the left-field bleachers to break the game open. It was just his 10th home run of the season.

"I know what Raleigh’s hitting and, he still worries me," the veteran skipper said with a laugh. "But, I thought that was our best chance to have them not score. We could play the infield double-play depth. And, the worst possible outcome happened."

Seattle jumped into the AL West lead with the victory, which also brought them to 51-50 on the season. They are trying to find similar success after reaching Game 7 of last year's American League Championship Series.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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SJSU volleyball coach's alleged assault victim speaks out for the first time since allegations surfaced

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 06:13:15 -0400

EXCLUSIVE: The woman who has accused current San Jose State University (SJSU) head volleyball coach Todd Kress of attacking her in a hotel room has come forward with her first statements since the allegations went public. Kress is widely known for overseeing the controversial 2024 season that was overshadowed by a trans athlete scandal involving Blaire Fleming and female teammate Brooke Slusser.

The woman, who previously played for Kress at Fairfield University, informed SJSU officials in October 2024 of her alleged experience with the coach.

"SJSU has known I feared for the safety of the women in the program since October of 2024 and yet they have allowed Todd to continue to coach and travel with the team," she told Fox News Digital on the condition of anonymity.

"I informed both Fairfield and SJSU of my 1998 encounter with Todd after reading accounts of young women on the 2024 SJSU team describing his intimidation, coercive, and manipulative behaviors.

"Why don’t some women come forward after being assaulted by those in positions of power? It’s a fair question. One needs to look no further than the situation at SJSU."

INSIDE THE FALLOUT OF THE SJSU VOLLEYBALL SCANDAL: ‘THIS IS AN OBVIOUS PROBLEM’

Kress's alleged victim is speaking out two weeks after the allegations were first reported.

Neither SJSU nor Kress has addressed the allegations since then despite multiple inquiries, and the coach has made multiple social media posts boasting his new recruiting class in that time as well.

Fox News Digital reported on July 7 that during the SJSU volleyball trans athlete scandal's peak in the fall of 2024, administrators received an email from the woman in October of that year. The email included a letter to Fairfield that included the allegations that Kress attacked the player in a hotel room in 1998.

Emails obtained by Fox News Digital via an independent verified source show that SJSU officials acknowledged the receipt of the allegations, met with the former Fairfield player and her lawyer, thanked her for coming forward and even apologized for her experiences.

Fox News Digital submitted a public records request to SJSU seeking emails related to an investigation of those allegations, but the request was denied, with SJSU citing privacy exemptions and attorney-client privilege.

"Did SJSU investigate my complaint? They were given information that would have allowed them to corroborate my claims. Their refusal to release their investigative steps and final determination allows for much speculation," the former player added.

"My singular motivation was a hope that in bringing to the attention of school administrators what Todd did to me, they might act to protect young women. I trusted the system and chose to operate without public attention."

Fox News Digital has verified her identity and that she played for Kress at Fairfield in 1998.

Slusser, who played under Kress for two seasons in 2023-24, previously told Fox News Digital that she and other teammates in 2024 were not told of the allegations that fall.

"The school gave us absolutely zero information. This was never brought up once," Slusser said. Slusser is currently suing SJSU for her own alleged experience playing under Kress and alongside Fleming.

The alleged incident involving Kress and the former Fairfield player occurred in a hotel after Fairfield’s loss to Clemson in the first round of the 1998 NCAA Tournament in December, according to her letter.

Part of the letter alleges, "He immediately took caramel from a plastic container and smeared it all over my face and hair. He then forcibly threw me on the bed and held me down. I was in shock. He let go of me and then pulled his pants down and put his back side in my face.

SJSU DIDN'T PENALIZE VOLLEYBALL COACH DURING TRANS SCANDAL AMID TITLE IX COMPLAINTS, FEDERAL FINDINGS ALLEGE

"Todd again grabbed me, picked me up, and threw me into the bathtub where he held me down and threatened to turn on the shower with me laying there to ‘clean the caramel off of my face.’ At this point I was fighting back to get away from him.

"Todd let me get out of the tub, laughing, and then he stood in front of the door blocking my exit. Todd told me he would only let me leave if I took a shot of liquor, which I did only to get him to move away from the door. Once he did, I ran for it. He chased me. I got into my room and although he seemed to be in a rage, he turned and calmly walked out," the letter alleges.

Fox News Digital has sent multiple inquiries to Kress, SJSU and the California State University system (CSU) for a response to the allegations and the player's latest statements, but none of the parties has addressed the issue.

The allegations have been public for 14 days.

A U.S. Department of Education (ED) Title IX investigation into SJSU over the transgender scandal determined that the university allegedly made the decision to not suspend or relieve its head volleyball coach during the team's 2024 transgender scandal, despite Title IX-related complaints against the coach. The investigation’s findings made no mention of the former Fairfield player and her letter.

The findings do not mention the coach by name, but Fox News Digital reasonably believes the figure titled "Coach 2" in the findings to be Kress.

"Additional notes indicate the decision to not suspend Coach 2 also included the improper consideration: 'If we relieve him… [w]e could also spark more media attention…. ' University records indicate University officials, including the President of the University, agreed to not suspend Coach 2 because they felt his suspension would unduly disrupt the team," the findings state.

However, the investigation did not disclose what those complaints were, and SJSU and the CSU are suing the department to challenge those findings.

Meanwhile, former associated head coach Melissa Batie-Smoose was suspended and later did not have her contract renewed, after submitting a Title IX complaint over the team's alleged handling of Fleming and the women on the team in 2024. Batie-Smoose is waging a wrongful termination lawsuit against SJSU.

Fox News Digital recently submitted a public records request to SJSU seeking emails related to SJSU's investigation of the allegations against Kress, but the request was denied.

"SJSU has conducted a reasonable search for these records under California Government Code §7922.535 and has determined the requested records are not disclosable under the Public Records Act," the SJSU public records office responded.

"First, the request seeks documents exempt under attorney-client privilege. Additionally, the requested communications implicate substantial privacy interests. Disclosure of these records would therefore constitute an invasion of privacy that outweighs the public interest in disclosure."

Prior to that, Fox News Digital submitted a formal public records request to San Jose State University seeking copies of the Oct. 24, 2024 complaint letter that was sent to the school by Kress's former player, a Nov. 1 follow-up email, and a Nov. 7 response to the woman from the university's Title IX office.

But that record was also denied.

"The requested communications implicate substantial privacy interests," the university's response stated.

"Disclosure of these records would therefore constitute an invasion of privacy that outweighs the public interest in disclosure. Specifically, these records are being withheld subject to the following exemptions: Personnel Records/Privacy... General Privacy Rights... [and the] Balancing Test. Here, the public interest served by disclosure is minimal and is outweighed by the public interest served against disclosure in protecting substantial and significant privacy rights."

Fox News Digital was given copies of emails exchanged between SJSU and the former Fairfield player, from an independently verified source. The letter with the allegations was forwarded to SJSU administration on Oct. 24, 2024, and a response acknowledging receipt of the letter was sent later that same day.

Then on Nov. 4, 2024, former SJSU interim Title IX and Gender Equity Officer Peter Lim reached out to set up a meeting with the former player and her attorney.

"Thank you for sharing your concerns about Coach Todd Kress. I am sorry to hear about your experiences. I have reviewed your letter and would like to meet with you to better understand your experiences with Coach Kress. The purpose of the meeting would be to help me assess potential next steps, which may or may not include an investigation into the reported conduct," Lim wrote.

Three days after that, on Nov. 7, Lim sent another email to the former Fairfield player, thanking her and her attorney for meeting with them.

"I am so sorry about your prior experiences with Todd Kress at Fairfield University. I appreciate the time you took to describe those experiences, the impact those experiences continue to have on you, and the safety threat that you believe he presents to SJSU’s volleyball team," Lim wrote.

"We are evaluating the information you provided and determining appropriate next steps. If it is okay with the two of you, I would appreciate staying in touch."

There was no further correspondence between the two parties after that exchange, Fox News Digital has learned.

Fox News Digital has posed multiple questions to Kress, Lim, SJSU admins and public records office clerks, and CSU spokespeople regarding their responses to the allegations, the woman's recent statements, Slusser's statements, what, if any, investigation took place into the allegations, and why they deem disclosure of the requested records are not enough in the public interest to warrant disclosure. But no response to those questions has been given by any of the parties.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Fairfield for a response to the former player's allegations and recent statement, but was told by a spokesperson, "The university does not comment on former or current personnel matters."

Topps To Release Iconic Photo Of Messi Holding Baby Lamine Yamal As Trading Card

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 21:03:24 -0400

Topps is creating a trading card of what became a famous photo during the World Cup of Argentina's Lionel Messi holding Spain's Lamine Yamal, the company said Monday.

Messi, whom many consider soccer's greatest player, was photographed holding Yamal, then an infant and now a 19-year-old rising star. The two met in Sunday's final, with Yamal and Spain defeating Messi and Argentina 1-0.

That game was a potential changing of the guard with the 39-year-old Messi perhaps playing in his final World Cup.

Playing for Barcelona at the time of the initial meeting with Yamal, Messi took part in a fundraising drive for UNICEF and wound up holding the player who could be the future face of the sport. Yamal has followed in Messi's footsteps by becoming Barcelona's standout player.

Reporting by The Associated Press

Spain's Lamine Yamal Has 'Completed Football' At 19 After Winning World Cup

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 20:41:09 -0400

Lamine Yamal received glowing praise after helping Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the World Cup final.

The 19-year-old produced another composed display on football's biggest stage, with former England goalkeeper Joe Hart claiming the Barcelona winger had "completed football" after adding a World Cup winners' medal to his European Championship triumph.

In a moment that will be etched into football history, Yamal embraced a tearful Lionel Messi at the conclusion of the World Cup final at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

The imagery was impossible to ignore; a passing of the torch from a 39-year-old icon to a 19-year-old phenom. Yamal, sporting the Barcelona number 10 shirt for his club, offered consolation to the man who arguably defined that very jersey.

The 1-0 victory for La Roja, secured by Ferran Torres in the 106th minute, ensured that Yamal became the youngest player ever to win both the European Championship and the World Cup. At just 19 years and six days old, he has achieved what many legends fail to accomplish in a lifetime.

Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart singled out Yamal's composure after the teenager was repeatedly challenged by Argentina throughout the final.

The BBC Sport pundit said: "Not only did Lamine Yamal not react. He stood up to it. He was not rattled and he did not back down. He had the entire team trying to smash him. He just stayed real cool. It was real standout performance from him. Lamine Yamal is 19 years old. What a beautiful day for him. He's 19 and has completed football."

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente also praised the youngster's contribution after the victory.

"He has played great football that will help him to mature and be even a greater footballer than he already is. He really sacrificed for the collective good. This is very important in my squad. In my opinion he played a great World Cup."

Despite entering the competition with concerns over a hamstring injury, Yamal started seven of Spain's eight games at the 2026 World Cup and won every single one of them.

That lingering issue appeared to hamper his usual attacking output, resulting in a somewhat underwhelming personal campaign with just one goal. Ultimately, his quieter tournament allowed teammate Pau Cubarsí to pip him to the FIFA Young Player award.

Yet, Yamal's influence on the team's historic success was absolute. Added to his six starts at Euro 2024, he has now won all 13 of his major tournament starts.

This flawless run is the longest perfect streak for any European starter in major tournament history. His ability to balance individual brilliance with defensive discipline and tactical awareness has made him the undisputed jewel in Spain’s crown as they return to the summit of world football.

Yamal will now return to club football having reinforced his status as one of the game's brightest young stars after adding a World Cup winners' medal to his European Championship triumph.

At just 19, the Barcelona winger has already amassed a remarkable trophy haul. With De la Fuente continuing to place his faith in him, Yamal looks set to remain at the heart of Spain's new era as the world champions aim to build on their latest success.

Spain's World Cup Parade Highlights, From Yamal And His Brother To Joyful Fans

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 20:24:02 -0400

Madrid was painted red and yellow on Monday as Spain returned home and embarked on an open-top bus parade to celebrate the country’s second-ever World Cup win with hundreds of thousands of fans lined up along the city's streets.

Manager Luis de la Fuente and his squad touched down in the Spanish capital early Monday afternoon. Before hitting the parade route, the team headed to Zarzuela Palace for a formal reception, where they were congratulated by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez as well as Spanish royals Queen Letizia and King Felipe VI.

From there, the players boarded their open-air bus to navigate a sea of red and yellow, making their way toward the Plaza de Cibeles, where many supporters had been gathering at the iconic square since the early morning hours.

Many Spain fans celebrated well into Monday morning because the final was played across the Atlantic in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the final whistle blew just minutes before midnight local time in Spain.

La Roja secured the title in New Jersey after a 1-0 win against Argentina, with forward Ferran Torres delivering the winning goal in extra time.

Thousands of supporters lined Madrid's historic avenues, cheering on the squad as the procession made its way toward Cibeles Square — the traditional epicenter for Spanish football celebrations.

Marc Cucurella, who played every minute at left back for Spain during the World Cup, was spotted holding up the trophy and celebrating with fans on the parade route.

Once the team arrived to Plaza de Cibeles, Cucurella got on the mic and sang along to a viral chant using his last name that went viral in 2024.

The last time Spain was World Champions, Lamine Yamal was barely old enough to walk. Sixteen years later, the 19-year old Barcelona star was in the middle of the championship celebrations as a key contributor.

Yamal wasn't the only member of his family in the spotlight this summer though, as his younger brother Keyne stole the show with one viral moment after another.

The forward spotted someone in the crowd holding a poster of Keyne, eventually got it passed to him and held it up on the bus for everyone to see.

Cucurella isn't the only player on Spain that can sing on the mic, as Yamal was spotted singing along to Bad Bunny on the parade bus.

By the time the team arrived at Cibeles Square for the final ceremony, the energy was still high despite the night falling in Madrid.

Players were then introduced individually, with Spain's captain and Golden Ball winner, Rodri, receiving one of the biggest ovations of the night.

The celebrations in Madrid signified the end to a 16-year championship drought for the country.

After fully transitioning from veterans that defined previous eras to a roster led by teenage stars, all-around midfielders like Rodri and a stellar defense that only conceded once all tournament, Spain's day in the capital marked the arrival of a new team at the top of international football.

Jürgen Klopp On Verge Of Accepting Germany Coaching Job After Red Bull Exit

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 19:44:56 -0400

Jürgen Klopp has confirmed he is closing in on becoming Germany's next head coach after agreeing a 'generous' exit arrangement with Red Bull group.

The former Liverpool manager says only formal discussions remain before an official announcement, with the DFB edging closer to appointing its preferred candidate.

Klopp has confirmed he is on the verge of taking charge of Germany after reaching an agreement with Red Bull that clears the biggest obstacle to his appointment. The 59-year-old, who became Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer in early 2025, said negotiations are progressing well.

Klopp explained that while his departure from Red Bull has been agreed, the formal process with the German Football Association (DFB) is still ongoing. According to Sky Sports Germany, Klopp could be officially unveiled as Germany's new head coach on Friday if the remaining formalities are completed. The appointment would mark his return to management after leaving Liverpool in 2024.

Speaking to MagentaTV, Klopp admitted that the process is not yet complete but believes an announcement is close. "Nothing is final yet, but talks have been ongoing and everything is moving in the right direction," Klopp said. "I've reached an agreement with Red Bull, a very generous one, so there's really nothing standing in the way."

He added that discussions within the DFB still need to be completed before anything is made official, stating: "However, many more discussions need to take place because we're talking to a governing body and a lot of people need to be informed. Nothing has been decided, but we're not far from being able to make an announcement. Ideally, it should happen in the next few days; the decision will be made."

The news has been met with widespread approval from within the German football community, including former stars who flourished under Klopp's guidance. Mario Götze, the hero of Germany's 2014 World Cup triumph, believes his former Dortmund boss is the perfect man to revive the national side's fortunes.

"What he understands, and what most coaches may not, is how to manage people," Gotze said in an interview with The Athletic. "Managing players, managing expectations, putting people together as a whole, he understood that in the perfect way.

"He can be very sharp about what he wants and demands. That’s why he was so successful. I read an interview when he was at Liverpool: He said he has to put people who like each other together so they can perform at 120 per cent instead of 100 percent. That is what he did."

Germany are looking to turn the page after a difficult period marked by three disappointing World Cup campaigns. The DFB views Klopp as the ideal figure to oversee the team's rebuild, with his previous success at Mainz, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool making him one of football's most respected coaches.

Klopp is also expected to reshape the national team's coaching structure, with plans to build a backroom staff capable of implementing the high-intensity style that defined his club career. Sporting director Rudi Völler is set to remain in his current role, providing continuity within the DFB.

The remaining discussions between Klopp and the DFB are expected to conclude in the coming days.

If everything proceeds as planned, Germany will formally appoint their new head coach before attention turns to assembling his coaching staff and beginning preparations for the next phase of the national team's rebuild.

Most Impressive Team Streaks Of The 21st Century: Where Does 2024-26 Spain Rank?

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 19:23:30 -0400

Spain didn't just win the 2026 FIFA World Cup; it did it in historic fashion.

With its 1-0 win over Argentina on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium, Spain broke the all-time streak for matches unbeaten (38), which was previously held by Italy (37) for matches played between 2018 and 2021. During the streak, Spain has recorded 29 wins and nine draws.

Spain's unbeaten streak joins a list of incredible team streaks of the 21st century. Here are some other unbelievable milestones that have been accomplished by professional sports teams in the last 25 years:

During the 2003-2004 NFL season, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots were a force of nature. Their dominance set the overall record for the most consecutive wins,including regular season and playoffs.

Tom Brady played a huge role in the Patriots' success in his third season as the team’s starting quarterback. Though they started the season off 2-2, he helped lead the Patriots to a Week 5 win against the Tennessee Titans, kickstarting a streak that would see them win every game for the remainder of the season, through the playoffs, where they beat the Carolina Panthers 32-29 for their second title in three seasons.

The streak came to an end seven games into the following season, against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The only team to come close since then is the Green Bay Packers, who won 19 games from 2010-2011.

For three weeks, not a single MLB team could stop the Cleveland Guardians (then the Cleveland Indians). During the 2017 MLB season, the Guardians delivered 22 games of absolute mastery to every baseball fan watching. Not a single team came close to topping the Guardians, except for the Yankees, who the Guardians still came out on top against, 2-1.

Though Cleveland’s streak may have ended with a heartbreaking 4-3 loss to the Kansas City Royals in a 10th-inning walk-off, they still finished the season with 102 wins;only the Los Angeles Dodgers recorded more wins that season. They also managed to beat the Houston Astros five out of the six times they matched up, a team that later on went to win that season's World Series.

The last team to hold a streak this impressive was the New York Giants in 1916, with a streak of 26 games. But, in the 21st century, the only team that comes close to sniffing the Guardians' record is the Athletics, with 20. Though they didn't earn themselves a ring that year, they still managed to etch their names into baseball history.

The Miami Heat showed no mercy throughout the 2012-2013 NBA season, taking home the NBA championship and a record to go with it.

The Heat began their historic 27-game winning streak on February 3, 2013, in a 100-85 win over the Toronto Raptors. They went on to face solid teams such as the Rockets, Clippers, Lakers, Thunder, and the Knicks, beating them all. The King, LeBron James, spearheaded this streak, with an impressive 39-point performance in a close game against Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The rest of the season was no different. Besides two losses, one against the Bulls and Knicks, the Heat wiped out any team that stood in front of them and cleared their path to the NBA Playoffs. The Heat went on to win the NBA Finals, beating the San Antonio Spurs in seven games.

Thirty-eight matches unbeaten; that’s Spain's record since March 2024, and a loss doesn’t appear to be anywhere in its near future.

Spain’s dominance is now known worldwide following its 2026 FIFA World Cup triumph, but most fans are unaware of just how long La Roja has been dominating for. Navigating through friendlies, UEFA Nations League games, the European Championship, and a short while ago, the World Cup, Spain has not suffered one loss.

During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Spain not only beat each team it went up against, but it only allowed a singular goal — against Belgium — across the entire tournament. Besides that, it kept a clean sheet against every country it matched up against. Spain’s win against Argentina not only earned it a World Cup trophy, but it also dethroned Italy's all-time men's international unbeaten record of 37 matches.

Now, this streak lives on. Can Spain extend this record, or will another country enter the conversation?

From November 23, 2014, to March 31, 2017, the UConn Huskies women's basketball team could not be stopped, going 111 straight games without being beaten.

During this streak, they won two national titles, with the latter completing a run of four consecutive championships from 2013 to 2016. They also managed to reach the Final Four for the tenth consecutive time.

This 859-day stretch was not out-of-the-ordinary for the Huskies. In fact, UConn owns four out of the five longest winning streaks in D1 women’s basketball history. The constant variable every year? Legendary head coach, Geno Auriemma. He began his reign in 1985, and over the course of his 41-year tenure, he has set the records for the most NCAA Division I women’s basketball championships (12) and the most wins by an NCAA Division I women’s basketball coach.

The UConn Huskies women's basketball team and their dominance was no accident;just pure unadulterated talent.

Spain's Rodri 'Shocked' After Winning World Cup Golden Ball Award

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 19:22:04 -0400

Spain captain Rodri has opened up on his emotional journey from a devastating knee injury to lifting the 2026 World Cup trophy in North America. The Manchester City midfielder was named the tournament's best player after leading La Roja to a historic victory over Argentina in the final.

Rodri has revealed his disbelief after captaining Spain to World Cup glory following a grueling recovery from a serious knee injury. The 30-year-old suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage in September 2024, just weeks before he was awarded the Ballon d'Or.

The midfield general was officially named the best player at the 2026 World Cup, beating out Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe to the Golden Ball. Reflecting on his personal battle to reach the summit of the game again, Rodri said: "We're a bit shocked right now, even myself. I cannot express with words. I think now we're like in a cloud but, for me, it's been a very tough time.

"I just want the new generations to see my example as an opportunity. When you go down, you can rise again. This is my philosophy for my entire life."

The Spain skipper was quick to acknowledge the support system that helped him return to the pitch, but he also highlighted the internal mental strength required to overcome such a significant physical setback.

Having led his nation to a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the final, Rodri’s leadership was praised by teammates and coaching staff alike.

Speaking to FOX Sports after the trophy presentation, Rodri offered a candid assessment of his journey, stating: "Of course, sometimes things go well, things go wrong, but always the positiveness. I said to the lads before the game, 'we have to go for the game.' We need to face them, we have to look to their eyes. We want this game.

"And then life gives you the World Cup or not, but we were brave and I was brave in that moment I was down, so I want to thank all the people that helped me. But I want to thank myself, to be honest, in those moments."

Beyond individual accolades, Rodri’s leadership has helped this Spanish generation etch their names into the history books. By defeating Argentina, Spain officially set a new unbeaten record in international football, reaching 38 matches without defeat.

Rodri believes the key to their success in North America was the maturity the squad developed since their victory in Berlin two years ago.

"I think the gap of improvement from the Euros, it was the way this team is matured," the captain explained. "It's built on the game, it's built on every single day. We faced very different opponents, of course, lots of European opponents, but different moments, different type of games.

"And we managed to play all of them, so I think we grow in this sense and this talks about a generation that is making history for our country, as you can see, but also in the way we did it."

The victory in the 2026 final marks Spain’s second men’s World Cup title, following their initial success in 2010.

While the Manchester City star was the individual standout, the collective effort under De la Fuente has been the hallmark of their campaign. The team displayed remarkable defensive rigidity, conceding only one goal throughout the entire tournament while maintaining their signature possession-based style.

For Rodri, the focus now turns to his club future as his contract at the Etihad Stadium enters its final year, but his legacy with the national team is already beyond reproach. He has become the heartbeat of a side that balances tactical discipline with flair.

Ferran Torres sports 'Make Spain Great Again' hat similar to Trump's slogan at World Cup homecoming parade

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 19:03:24 -0400

Spain’s World Cup Final hero, Ferran Torres, decided to celebrate the country’s victory on Monday with a nod to President Donald Trump.

As tens of thousands of Spaniards welcomed home their World Cup-winning team during a victory parade, Torres, who scored the winning goal in the 106th minute to beat Argentina at New York/New Jersey Stadium, was seen wearing a "Make Spain Great Again" hat – an adaptation of Trump’s "Make America Great Again" slogan.

Torres posted a picture with the mob of Spain faithful while on a vehicle, while donning the hat and no shirt.

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While it could simply be a coincidence that Torres decided to choose that hat for his celebration fit, Trump did present the World Cup trophy to Spain captain Rodrí and the rest of the team on the pitch after their victory.

Trump had been taking in the suspenseful final , which Spain dominated throughout, alongside First Lady Melania Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, among others.

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

The match was on its way to a penalty shootout had it not been for Torres’ efforts to finally get one past Argentina’s stellar goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who needed to make miraculous saves just to keep the scoreboard deadlocked at zero apiece.

But when Nico Williams Jr.’s header was dropped back in the box following a cross, Torres had a grade-A chance to net the ball that landed right at his left foot. He didn’t disappoint.

"I think in the end the goal came from 47 million people [the estimated Spain population], not just those of us that are here," Torres told FIFA host broadcasters after the match, via ESPN. "Today destiny was written, it was made for us to win. We’re far from our people today but we tried to be as close as possible to them."

It was just the second time Spain had made it to the World Cup Final, but just as they did in 2010, they left with trophy in hand and were prepared to go celebrate with the masses back home.

When the final whistle blew on Sunday, there was some controversy, as brawls broke out on the pitch between Argentina and Spain players, which FIFA will be investigating.

But back home, especially in Madrid, the capital of Spain, it was a party that started late at night and hasn’t stopped since.

Torres and the rest of his teammates will be sure to soak in this wonderful moment before they all head back to their respective clubs to begin their seasons in the coming months.

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FIFA launches investigation into brawl after Spain defeated Argentina in World Cup Final

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:25:22 -0400

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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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

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.

"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.

"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."

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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Alexi Lalas’ Best XI From The Epic 2026 World Cup

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 17:19:51 -0400

Spain is the FIFA World Cup champion for the second time ever after a 1-0 extra-time victory over Lionel Messi and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday to close the largest edition of the tournament in history.

With the first 48-team World Cup now complete, there were many players who put together fabulous performances throughout the tournament. But only 11 can be picked for the World Cup Best XI.

So as the world looks back on an unbelievable tournament, here is FOX Sports analyst Alexi Lalas’ World Cup Best XI.

Unai Simón gets in goal after winning the Golden Glove.

It was a historic World Cup campaign for Simón, who kept seven clean sheets and conceded only one goal. That was the fewest goals conceded by a team on the way to winning a World Cup.

Simón was pivotal with his shot-stopping, his ability to play out from the back and his sweeper-keeper role, constantly sniffing out attacks coming in behind Spain’s back line.

Marc Cucurella came into this tournament widely recognized as one of the premier left backs in the world, and he showed that at the World Cup.

He was defensively stable in the best defense in the tournament while also being a constant presence in attack with his energy to go up and down the pitch.

Aymeric Laporte turned back the clock with a great World Cup for Spain, anchoring the back line as the experienced partner next to teenage center back Pau Cubarsí.

Laporte helped lead a defense that conceded the fewest goals ever by a World Cup-winning team. His ability to play out from the back and his defensive stability were cornerstones for Spain throughout the tournament.

Cristian Romero was a vital piece of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning campaign, and he continued to be one in this tournament.

Not only was he willing to put everything on the line defensively, but he also made an impact in the attacking box as a goalscoring threat. That included his goal against Egypt to bring Argentina back into that match, as well as the header that was deflected in as an own goal to win the round of 32 match against Cape Verde.

Pedro Porro showed his true level playing for Spain at this World Cup.

After an inconsistent season at Tottenham, Porro put together a strong tournament. Spain initially started Marcos Llorente at right back, but Porro eventually earned the starting spot and became a key player throughout the tournament.

He was not only solid defensively, but also a presence in attack, scoring in the round of 32 against Austria and again in the semifinal against France.

Rodri won the Golden Ball as the best player on the best team, playing at a high level throughout the World Cup.

He showed signs of the level he had before tearing his ACL following his Ballon d’Or and European Championship-winning campaign.

Rodri’s decision-making, processing speed and defensive strength in front of Laporte and Cubarsí were massive for Spain. After this tournament, Rodri could be on his way to a second Ballon d’Or.

Jude Bellingham had a monster tournament, scoring seven goals from midfield.

The capacity he showed to arrive in the box was tremendous, and his clutch moments were on a different level. Every time England was in a hole and needed someone to pull it out, Bellingham seemed to be there showing his class and scoring vital goals.

Michael Olise is as silky as a footballer can get, and he showed his quality and creativity at this World Cup.

Despite not scoring a single goal, his tournament was fabulous because of the creativity he provided for France. Olise allowed players like Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola and Désiré Doué to flourish because of how consistently he created chances.

Olise finished with seven assists, breaking Pelé’s record for the most assists recorded at a single World Cup.

Kylian Mbappé had 10 goals at this World Cup, won the Golden Boot and played a huge role in France’s run to the semifinals.

He scored in the round of 32, round of 16 and quarterfinals, and then added two more goals in the third-place match against England.

Mbappé also broke the record for most career goals scored at the World Cup, moving to 22. With what he has already done on this stage, Mbappé now has a serious case as the greatest World Cup player in history.

Erling Haaland had a World Cup campaign that people will tell stories about for years.

His seven goals were incredibly vital in taking Norway to the quarterfinals in its first World Cup campaign since 1998.

This Norway side won two knockout-stage games, with Haaland scoring the winner in both. He scored the late winner against Ivory Coast in the round of 32, then scored twice to help Norway stun Brazil in the round of 16.

At 39, Lionel Messi had about as good of a campaign as an individual in any sport can have at that age.

He brought himself back into the conversation as one of the best players in the world, playing lights out with eight goals and four assists while putting Argentina on his back and taking it to the final.

Even though Argentina fell short against Spain, Messi’s tournament was another reminder of his greatness.

Our 5 Favorite 2026 World Cup Moments, From Argentina Comebacks To USA Chemistry

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 16:32:43 -0400

Norway taking down Brazil, England knocking Mexico out, Lionel Messi's continued excellence, Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha's meteoric rise, an incredible Golden Boot race and star-studded semifinals — the 2026 World Cup delivered some incredible moments, and it's hard to pick a favorite.

There were so many thrilling and outrageous matches and tons of fun off the pitch, and FOX Sports ranked the 50 best moments.

But we want to weigh in too. We've covered the largest World Cup in history from so many angles, but these are our favorite moments from the tournament. And we're sure we won't be forgetting about these any time soon.

Under normal circumstances, the game would’ve been over. England was hanging on for dear life at that point, sure. But the Three Lions were still leading 1-0. They were still five minutes of regular time away from the World Cup final — their first in 60 years. Most opponents just aren’t coming back from that. But Argentina isn’t normal. Lionel Messi definitely isn’t. So with Messi & Co. knocking on the door, what happened next felt almost pre-ordained.

First, Messi set up Enzo Fernández’s equalizer. Then the 39-year-old GOAT found Lauturo Martinez at the back post for La Albiceleste’s stoppage-time winner. Sitting in the Atlanta Stadium press box behind England’s goal, I had the perfect view of both goals. And I still can’t believe what I saw. — Doug McIntyre

Going with the U.S. men here, which might be controversial. Of course, the expectation was for this team to get past the round of 16 and into the quarterfinals, and their match against Belgium was a dud compared to their previous games. It was challenging for the group to mentally get past the red card debacle.

But taking a step back, I don’t remember a time covering the Americans where they all seemed so loose. It was clear every day in training that the guys were having a blast together, and that was reflected in their performance through four games. Even Christian Pulisic, who is a little more reserved with his emotions, seemed happy and was smiling a lot. USA fans really came together behind this team and the stadiums were rocking in LA, Seattle and Santa Clara. It was fun covering their run. — Laken Litman

Erling Haaland ending Brazil’s World Cup has to be at the top. Norway’s round of 16 win was the result that made me sit back in my chair. This was the country’s first World Cup in 28 years, facing a Brazil side that Carlo Ancelotti was hired specifically to fix, and for most of the afternoon, the Seleçao had the better chances. Then Haaland rose for a header, and a few minutes later hammered a left-footed shot from outside the box that no keeper alive was stopping.

Two touches, two goals, seven for the tournament. Norway had never reached a World Cup quarterfinal. Brazil hadn’t gone out that early since 1990. The sport’s most decorated nation, undone by a country of just more than 5 million people and one unstoppable striker. Those are the underdog stories that entire fan bases rally around.

Oh, and Haaland has also won social media during his time here in North America. His star has never been bigger. — Matteo Bonetti

For me, I will go with Jude Bellingham’s World Cup. He entered it with many critics, notably many were from the British media, which is not that surprising as I have known this trend all my life and career. But in the end, this young man once again proved just how special he is and helped the Three Lions earn a third-place finish, which is their best record since 1966 and the highest World Cup placement on foreign soil.

Don't forget: He became the highest midfield goalscorer in single tournament history, as well as the top English male scorer in one tournament. Only Perú’s Teófilo Nene Cubillas has more midfield World Cup goals than Bellingham. Oh, and his solo effort against France? A piece of art. — Luis Miguel Echegaray

The end of Cape Verde’s 0-0 draw with Spain was incredible and with what we know now, it is even more impressive. The tiny archipelago nation off the coast of Africa has a population of about 500,000 and has very little history in the game. In one of the viral stories surrounding that team, left back Roberto "Pico" Lopes was recruited when the national team head coach discovered him through Linkedin.

But the performance of 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha and the images of him after that game will stick with many people for a long time. Spain won seven of its eight games at this World Cup. It won all seven of its games at Euro 2024. The only blemish on Spain’s record in its 15 games across its last two major tournaments came at the hands of Cape Verde. There was a lot of debate before this tournament about whether a 48-team World Cup was going to work. Cape Verde helped make a strong case to support the expanded tournament. — Brian Sciaretta

Marc Cucurella To Get Luis De La Fuente's Face Tattooed After World Cup Triumph

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 16:31:03 -0400

Marc Cucurella has reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling one of the most unusual promises of the World Cup following the Spanish national team's final victory over Argentina.

The left-back confirmed that he will get a tattoo of coach Luis de la Fuente's face after La Roja were crowned champions at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

Before Spain's journey in the tournament began, Cucurella made it clear on Cadena COPE what his personal sacrifice would be if they achieved ultimate glory, saying: "If we win the World Cup, I'll get a tattoo of Luis de la Fuente's face."

After the final whistle of Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina on Sunday, and with his championship medal around his neck, Real Madrid's new defender quickly took to social media to begin the search for the artist who will carry out the work, posting: "Any tattoo artists in the room?"

Despite his determination to keep his promise, the Spanish full-back confessed that he still has some logistical doubts about getting the tattoo.

"I don't know yet. I have to think about where I'm going to get it," Cucurella told Marca in the mixed zone. "People will also ask me, so it doesn't have to be in a visible place, but oh well. I think we have a long journey ahead of us now, I hope they give me ideas, I'll think about it and then I'll have to do it."

De la Fuente also commented on the matter during the celebrations following the World Cup title. Far from trying to dissuade his players from such aesthetic follies, the coach emphasizsed the importance of integrity and keeping one's word, saying: "I've already told them they were wrong. And if you make a promise, you have to keep it. I'm not that ugly either."

Beyond the tattoo anecdote, Cucurella took advantage of this moment of pure joy to reflect on his journey to the top and the obstacles he had to overcome. "I'm very proud, very happy. In the end, it's not easy to be here. During our careers, especially in our teens and when we're young, it's tough, and you have to make decisions. Sometimes people tell you you're not good enough or that you'll never make it," the left-back confessed. "To all those people who tell you those things, I thank them for taking the time to give me their advice, as well as all the people who have helped me. We have been stubborn, we have never given up, and today we have the reward of being here."

Living together for almost two months has forged an unbreakable bond between the players, something Cucurella highlights as key to their eventual success against Argentina.

"This summer hasn't been easy for us, and I'm very happy... It's been a long journey; we've been together for a long time, and now it's time to celebrate. We came here with a goal, we've spent almost 50 days in training camp, and now it's time to celebrate, be together, and reminisce," he said.

Bryson DeChambeau wanted President Trump to intervene in his Open Championship penalty: report

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 16:09:50 -0400

Bryson DeChambeau’s two-stroke penalty at the 2026 Open Championship was one of the most talked-about incidents on the course throughout the tournament, and it continues to make headlines after a recent report mentioned he wanted to get President Donald Trump involved.

DeChambeau, who shares a close friendship with Trump, especially after playing golf together on the LIV Golf star’s YouTube channel, was docked two strokes during his second round after he was seen stomping on tall grass near his ball, which is an illegal move.

Rory McIlroy claimed that DeChambeau was holding the final major of the golf season hostage after refusing to sign his second-round scorecard after finishing.

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Now, golf writer Geoff Shackelford is reporting DeChambeau wanted to get Trump involved.

"Sources with knowledge of the thirty-minute discussion said DeChambeau wanted the President to join a campaign against the eventual two-stroke penalty that ultimately dropped his score from 66 to 68," Shackelford wrote. "The request came after DeChambeau had already been given a rare bit of special dispensation to return to the scene where he’s stomped around tall fescue rough in his backswing."

GOLF ANALYST BRANDEL CHAMBLEE DISGUSTINGLY BURIES BRYSON DECHAMBEAU AFTER BRITISH OPEN PENALTY

Trump reportedly denied DeChambeau’s request to step in. The White House has not immediately responded to a request for comment by Fox News Digital.

There’s no telling what DeChambeau may have thought Trump could do, but after what occurred in the FIFA World Cup with Team USA, perhaps he was hoping for a similar result.

Trump contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino, yet another close friend, to ask about a review of the red card given to Folarin Balogun – Team USA’s star striker throughout the tournament. Balogun’s controversial red card would’ve had him sidelined for the Round of 16 against Belgium, but FIFA suspended the red card, allowing him to play.

It ultimately made no difference, as Belgium handed the U.S. a 4-1 defeat to knock the host country out of the tournament earlier this month.

DeChambeau finished tied for 14th place at 4-under for the tournament at Royal Birkdale this past weekend. New Zealand’s Ryan Fox secured his first-ever major championship after birdying his final hole to beat out American Cameron Young by one stroke with a 10-under tournament finish.

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Belgium Parts Ways With Rudi Garcia Following World Cup Quarterfinal Appearance

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 16:05:46 -0400

The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has confirmed that head coach Rudi Garcia's contract will not be extended beyond the 2026 World Cup. Despite leading the Red Devils to the quarterfinals in North America, both parties have agreed to part ways.

Garcia and the RBFA will not extend the contract that runs until July 31. Garcia took up his role on February 1, 2025 as the successor to Domenico Tedesco.

Under his technical leadership, the Red Devils secured their place in League A of the UEFA Nations League and qualified for the 2026 World Cup, where they embarked on a run to the quarterfinals.

The decision marks the conclusion of a tenure that lasted exactly 18 months, during which Garcia was tasked with stabilizing a squad in transition.

While the team showed flashes of brilliance during the tournament in North America, the federation has decided to move in a different direction as they look toward the next qualification cycle.

The Frenchman's final game was a dramatic affair where he felt lady luck wasn't on his team's side following key injuries and controversial officiating calls.

In their 2-1 quarterfinal loss to eventual tournament winners Spain, the Red Devils were forced to cope without captain Youri Tielemans through injury, while talisman Kevin De Bruyne was also forced off late in the game.

Reflecting on his departure, Garcia expressed gratitude for the opportunity and the relationships he built with the players and staff.

"After discussions with the RBFA, we have decided not to extend the excellent journey we have shared over the past 18 months. I leave Belgium in League A of the UEFA Nations League and among the top eight teams in the world," Garcia said.

"I would like to thank my outstanding group of players, Sports Director Vincent Mannaert, and the fans who supported us throughout this World Cup. I wish Belgium every success as they continue the generational transition that I was proud to help initiate."

Vincent Mannaert, the sports director for the RBFA, was vocal about the positive influence the French tactician had during his short stint with the national team. Mannaert highlighted that Garcia was brought in at a time when the team needed experienced leadership to navigate a challenging landscape.

"Rudi Garcia has unquestionably played a key role in restoring the Belgian Red Devils. He was appointed national coach in a challenging sporting and financial context. Thanks in particular to his commitment and experience, team cohesion was restored and a strong result was achieved at the most recent FIFA World Cup," Mannaert noted.

The departure comes at a symbolic time for Belgian football, as several members of the famed 'Golden Generation' likely played their final minutes in a major tournament.

The immediate future for Belgium involves home matches against heavyweights France and Italy later this year, as they continue their journey in the Nations League. Meanwhile, Mannaert confirmed that the search for Garcia's successor is already underway.

"Together with my team, I am currently preparing for a new cycle, including the appointment of a new national coach," Mannaert added.

World Cup brawl sees Argentina player putting hand on throat of Spain opponent after match

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:42:56 -0400

Spain’s exciting FIFA World Cup victory over Argentina in extra time was marred by a post-match brawl that included Leandro Paredes and Eric García.

The aggressive tackling and chippyness from the Argentinian side led to a confrontation between the two squads. Paredes was seen coming over to a post-match fracas between players from the two nations and putting his hand on the throat of García.

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Paredes was issued a red card after the whistle and was sent off. He was also given a yellow card during the match for a hard tackle shortly after coming into the match.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni was held back by a Spain player while he shouted at someone. Nicolas Otamendi exchanged words with several Spanish players, including Rodri.

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

BBC’s Joe Hart ripped Argentina over the brawl.

Ferran Torres scored the go-ahead goal for Spain in extra time, giving them a 1-0 victory over Argentina.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Why Conor McGregor calls his exact knee injury 'quite shocking' after finding out results

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:35:39 -0400

Conor McGregor has finally revealed what exactly happened to his right knee during a very short return to the UFC octagon on July 11 in Las Vegas.

McGregor, who lost by technical knockout to Max Holloway in UFC 329, called it "quite shocking" to learn what he injured during UFC 329.

"Update: it was acl and meniscus," McGregor posted on X.

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"It is the same injury as the first Holloway fight, only this time the opposite leg. Quite shocking."

McGregor previously fought Holloway 13 years ago before he gained worldwide stardom for his mixed martial arts. It’s a total coincidence this happened now over a decade later, but McGregor is trying to keep a positive mindset once again.

"With today’s regenerative medicine advancements and improved training methods it is well within my realm to return by next summer," McGregor continued, confidently. "I am walking without a crutch. I done leg extension machine work the other day to no issue. So I can walk without aid, and activate my quad under resistance. All very positive. I am maximum discipline and have maintained it fully since the bout.

JOE ROGAN CALLS OUT 'CRAZY' KICK ATTEMPT BY CONOR MCGREGOR THAT LED TO INJURY: 'YOU DON'T DO THAT'

"I wonder was I saved from something worse here. I believe so. I would have attended the after party as ‘the man’ and who knows then. I believe I was saved. Thank you God! On we go, no sad stories. Thank you for the support and well wishes everyone, your health is your wealth."

It wasn’t much of a bout, as McGregor attempted a jumping roundhouse kick on Holloway. As McGregor landed on the canvas, he immediately grabbed at his right knee and hit the deck.

Holloway took advantage of the situation, trying to get McGregor while he was down. But despite evading some serious punches from Holloway, McGregor clearly wasn’t right.

Referee Mike Beltran eventually called the fight just seconds into the first round, giving Holloway the victory and ending the UFC 329 co-main event in lackluster fashion.

After the match, McGregor was understandably upset.

"My head gasket is gone. Destroyed," he wrote on X at the time. "I had no injury/injuries going into the fight. I was throwing kicks, planted and jumping, all throughout camp as well as backstage before the fight. This came out of nowhere. I am beyond dark here. I can only describe it as hell."

McGregor’s camp even showed pre-fight footage from the locker room, where the two-division champion was seen rehearsing his jumping roundhouse kicks. He was landing perfectly fine.

McGregor’s UFC career record is now 22-7 after this TKO finish, but it seems like the 38-year-old is still ready to recover and get back in the octagon. He doesn’t want to end his fighting career in that fashion.

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Josh Kerr crushes 27-year-old world mile record after delivering on bold promise in London

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:18:47 -0400

British runner Josh Kerr ran the fastest mile in history Saturday, clocking 3 minutes, 42.66 seconds to shatter the men's mile world record at the London Diamond League.

Kerr's historic run broke Moroccan Hicham El Guerrouj's mark of 3:43.13, set in Rome in 1999, ending a record that had stood for 27 years, according to The Associated Press.

The 28-year-old then took a celebratory lap around London Stadium after cementing his place in track and field history.

SABASTIAN SAWE FINISHES LONDON MARATHON IN UNDER TWO HOURS TO BREAK MEN’S WORLD RECORD

Video shared by the Diamond League on X captured the historic moment as Kerr threw his arms into the air after crossing the finish line while the packed stadium erupted.

The league's official account declared, "History made by Josh Kerr!"

The former University of New Mexico standout finished more than three seconds ahead of American Yared Nuguse, who crossed in 3:45.69. Britain's Jake Heyward finished third in a personal best 3:46.73, according to the official results released by World Athletics.

SABASTIAN SAWE FINISHES LONDON MARATHON IN UNDER TWO HOURS TO BREAK MEN’S WORLD RECORD

Reaction poured in across social media shortly after Kerr's record-breaking run.

Team Scotland wrote on X: "A new world record. Congratulations to Josh Kerr, breaking the long-standing mile world record with an incredible run of 3:42.66. What an achievement."

The Olympic Games' official X account also celebrated the feat, posting: "History made. Great Britain's Josh Kerr roars to a world record in the men's mile, snapping a 27-year record in 3:42.66 at the London Diamond League."

SABASTIAN SAWE FINISHES LONDON MARATHON IN UNDER TWO HOURS TO BREAK MEN’S WORLD RECORD

Kerr had targeted the London Diamond League mile as one of his primary goals this season, which does not include the Olympics or World Championships, according to the AP.

Speaking with BBC Sport after the race, Kerr said the atmosphere inside London Stadium helped carry him through the final stretch.

"It was just me, my shoes and the track," he told the outlet. "I was absolutely deaf in that last 110 meters."

"I didn't take my foot off the gas," Kerr continued. "But ... I started to glide and I was like, 'Oh wow, this feels incredible.' It's incredible because I'm slowing down. So, I was like, 'I better get to the line.' So, crossing the finish line, seeing 42-something, anything, was my goal, so it was great."

Kerr also reflected on the pressure he put on himself after publicly declaring months ago that he would chase the record.

"It's very overwhelming with the amount of hype [I created]," he told BBC Sport. "It's silly to call [the attempt] that early because there's a lot of things which can go wrong, but I am surrounded by amazing people and was able to stay consistent and put the work in."

Kerr said he hoped the performance would help define his legacy in British athletics.

"If I am to leave my mark on this sport as a British legend, following in the footsteps of the legends behind me, I have to put in those performances," he told BBC Sport.

"Those performances take every single part of you, every single part of your team. The amount of work behind the scenes is incredible. Today it was a performance I was able to bring out — I just hoped it would be a little bit faster!"

Before turning professional, Kerr starred at the University of New Mexico, where he won three NCAA titles, captured eight Mountain West championships and set the collegiate record in the 1,500 meters, according to the school's athletics website.

Saturday's performance lowered Kerr's previous personal-best mile time of 3:45.34 by nearly three seconds and erased one of track and field's longest-standing world records, according to World Athletics.

Former Blue Jays reliever Duane Ward dead at 62 while in Toronto for World Series tribute

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:18:48 -0400

Former MLB reliever Duane Ward, known for helping the Toronto Blue Jays win World Series in the 1990s, has died. He was 62 years old.

The Blue Jays announced Ward’s death on Sunday, saying he died of natural causes while in Toronto.

Ward was in Toronto for the unveiling of a statue outside the Blue Jays’ home Rogers Centre to commemorate the back-to-back World Series championship from 1992 and 1993, which he was a part of.

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The unveiling was set for Saturday, where over two dozen players, coaches and executives were on hand to see it for the first time.

"Duane will be deeply missed by our fans, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family," the Blue Jays said in a statement. "Duane will always be a cherished part of the Blue Jays family, and we will be forever grateful for his contributions to our organization and to baseball in Canada."

BOBBY COX, LEGENDARY ATLANTA BRAVES MANAGER WHO LED 1995 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS, DEAD AT 84

The Blue Jays also had a tribute for Ward before Sunday’s first pitch against the Chicago White Sox, holding a moment of silence for him after a montage played on the videoboard in center field.

Ward was the top draft choice of the Atlanta Braves out of Farmington High School in New Mexico during the 1982 MLB Draft, but while he made his major league debut with the club, he didn’t last there long.

Ward was traded to the Blue Jays midway through the 1986 season, and he truly found a home north of the border.

He spent parts of nine years with the ballclub, turning into a key reliever that could be relied upon as the Blue Jays proved they had what it took to reach, and win, the World Series in the early 1990s.

Ward’s best season came during the 1993 World Series run, leading the league with 70 games finished and 45 saves, while owning a 2.13 ERA across 71.2 innings (71 games).

Ward also had a dominant 1.95 ERA during the 1992 season, earning himself 12 saves, and 103 strikeouts across 101.1 innings pitched.

In the postseason, Ward was just as exceptional, owning a 1.13 ERA and two saves during his World Series appearances. And though Game 6 of the 1993 World Series will forever be remembered for Joe Carter’s walk-off home run against the Philadelphia Phillies, it was Ward who earned the victory as the pitcher that shut the door to allow that to happen.

"Whether setting the stage in the eighth inning or closing out wins, he will be remembered for the role he played in some of the greatest moments in Blue Jays history," the team’s statement continued.

After an arm injury forced Ward to miss the entire 1994 season, he pitched in just four games in 1995 before he last saw a big league mound.

In 462 games, Ward earned a career 3.28 ERA with 679 strikeouts over 666.2 innings pitched.

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Spain beats Argentina to win 2026 FIFA World Cup behind Ferran Torres' extra-time goal

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:02:37 -0400

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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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.

TRUMP TAKES IN JENNIFER HUDSON'S INCREDIBLE NATIONAL ANTHEM PERFORMANCE BEFORE WORLD CUP FINAL

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 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 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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Trump takes in Jennifer Hudson's incredible national anthem performance before World Cup final

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 15:15:03 -0400

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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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.

FOX WORLD CUP ANNOUNCER SAYS TRUMP'S APPEARANCE AT FINAL IS 'FUN, UNIQUE THING' DESPITE POTENTIAL BACKLASH

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.

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.

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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