World Cup 2026: Spain v Argentina final buildup; England win 10-goal thriller – live

World Cup 2026: Spain v Argentina final buildup; England win 6-4 thriller – live

Key events

Preamble

Sid Lowe spoke with Mikel Merino about his role as a substitute at this World Cup and related topics.

“Coming from the bench isn’t the ideal plan for any player, but when you join a national team that’s as strong as I and Lautaro have, you value every opportunity and try to help your team if you come on or if you don’t. You focus on the present, embrace the situation, and think of yourself as the guy who can do it. I have complete belief in myself, my ability: every time I come on to the pitch I think I can have impact. In the final, I hope anyone [Spanish] is the hero. The trophy belongs to all of you, not just the 11 on the pitch.”

Unai Simon has performed steadily for Spain during the tournament. Spain reached the final with Simon in goal.

Can Lionel Messi catch Kylian Mbappe after the Frenchman’s two goals in the third-place match? Goals scored in the bronze medal match carry the same official weight as other tournament goals.

The schedule requires teams to travel quickly after a match ending at midnight BST in Miami.

The England squad returned to the UK and landed at Birmingham Airport.

Bystanders watched the plane carrying the England squad land.

Ed Aarons published player ratings for the England squad. Jude Bellingham received a high rating.

Senne Lammens will return from the World Cup as a more experienced goalkeeper, according to Manchester United teammate Tom Heaton.

Lammens was involved in Belgium’s 2-1 quarter-final loss to Spain when he failed to hold Pau Cubarsi’s 25-yard shot, allowing Mikel Merino to score the winner in the 88th minute. Lammens had replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois for his only appearance of the tournament.

Heaton said after United’s 1-0 pre-season friendly defeat to Wrexham: “It was obviously a challenging moment for him, but I think that’s the life of a goalkeeper. As soon as you put the gloves on and go between the sticks, you have to be ready to deal with that. He certainly is. I actually think he’ll be stronger for it. I think his personality is fantastic for a goalkeeper, so no issues there. It’s obviously disappointing for him, but I do honestly think it can help him in the long run.”

Heaton added that Lammens possesses the personality to handle pressure at the highest level: “I’ve certainly seen that from him as a young goalkeeper coming into Manchester United and dealing with that unbelievably well. I highly doubt he’ll be going into (the next match) with fear or worrying about what may happen. It’s more about what you want to go and achieve, whilst also accepting if it happens you can deal with it.”

A quiz on the final is available.

Bukayo Saka commented on England’s performance after their 6-4 win over France that secured third place. It is England’s highest finish since 1966.

Philipp Lahm published a column on Spain’s style of play.

“The architect of Spain’s vision is Johan Cruyff. He brought the 4-3-3 formation and a specific ideology to Barcelona. A cadre of tactical purists, such as Pep Guardiola and Unai Emery, refined his approach into a philosophy that has defined the playing style of the entire league, all youth squads and the national team for nearly two decades. Its principles include ball-oriented defending, clearly defined positions and roles, a high level of organisation, and technical, combination-based football. Eleven players operate as a unit, moving like a swarm.

Spain’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, has internalised this guiding philosophy. He spent decades working in youth development at club and federation level, and his assistants are longtime associates. On the pitch, this style is embodied by Rodri, the world’s best player.”

The Council of Europe’s secretary general, Alain Berset, stated in an open letter that Fifa has provided an “open door to fraud” and allowed political influence to affect the integrity of the World Cup. The letter, published ahead of the final, called for a new integrity framework before the 2030 tournament and noted concerns over money and power at Fifa.

Niall Mullen wrote that post-tournament analysis of England’s exits often involves historical and cultural references that would change with different outcomes in key moments.

Goalkeeper Radek Vitek said he is prepared to leave Manchester United for regular first-team football. The 22-year-old kept 12 clean sheets in 41 appearances on loan at Bristol City last season. With Senne Lammens established as United’s first-choice goalkeeper and Karl Darlow signed as backup, Vitek stated he is ready for a permanent move if required.

“I feel great and ready to go again somewhere to hopefully be number one. I hope there will be some interest. I think you will know when the things are more concrete.”

Vitek has two years remaining on his contract and has been linked with Celtic. He said he is open to either a loan or permanent transfer depending on the club’s preference.

Marcela Mora y Araujo wrote about Argentina’s national character and historical context, including references to 19th-century British military actions in the region.

The England squad’s third-place finish means they will watch the final from outside the decisive match. Questions about crossing the line in major tournaments have been raised in commentary.

Emma Hayes has been noted as a pundit during the coverage.

Spain fan Santi Alonso noted that if Spain win the final, Alex would hold European, Olympic and World Cup titles simultaneously, a combination not previously achieved by a male footballer in international competition.

The referee for the final is Slavko Vincic. Spain may prefer stricter enforcement of fouls and cards, while Argentina may prefer a more flowing game.

Argentina have scored regularly but face a different challenge against Spain, requiring efficiency in possession and clinical finishing. Messi and Julián Alvarez provide goal threat, though opportunities against Spain may be limited.