Lead:
The 2026 FIFA World Cup concludes on Sunday, July 19, 2026, with Argentina and Spain competing for the championship at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. England claimed the bronze medal after defeating France 6-4 in the third-place match, while the tournament's top scorer, Kylian Mbappe of France, finished with ten goals.
Top Stories:
Argentina and Spain advance to World Cup final — The Albiceleste and La Roja secured their places in the championship match after progressing through semifinal play. Lionel Messi, Argentina's captain, enters the final aiming to defend his nation's 2022 title, while Spain seeks its second World Cup championship following success in 2010.Slovenian referee Slavko Vincetic named World Cup final official — Vincetic becomes the first Slovenian referee to officiate a World Cup final match. The appointment came from FIFA for the Sunday evening fixture between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium.England defeats France 6-4 for third-place finish — The Three Lions secured the bronze medal with a 6-4 victory over France in the third-place playoff at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Bukayo Saka scored three goals in the decisive match.Al-Hilal signs goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Owais through 2028 — The Saudi club officially completed a two-year contract with international goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Owais. The signing reinforces the squad's goalkeeping position ahead of the new domestic season.Francisco Trincao joins Al-Ahli from Sporting Lisbon — The Portuguese winger transferred to the Saudi club in a deal valued at 187 million Saudi riyals, described as historic in scale. Sporting Lisbon confirmed the complete financial details of the transaction.Chelsea acquires Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa — The English club reached an agreement with Aston Villa to sign winger Morgan Rogers in a record summer transfer. The deal is described as the largest in Chelsea's transfer history.What to Watch:
Argentina and Spain contest the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 10:00 p.m. Saudi Time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Al-Hilal opens preseason friendly matches in Austria against Sturm Graz on Sunday, part of its preparation campaign ahead of the new Saudi domestic season.