Spain Reach World Cup Final as Mbappé Turns on Deschamps After France Collapse

Spain are through to the World Cup final after a commanding 2-0 victory over France in Arlington, Texas — a result that extended their remarkable record against their European rivals to three straight wins and ended France's bid to reach a third consecutive final. The manner of the defeat made the aftermath almost as significant as the scoreline itself. Kylian Mbappé, visibly frustrated, publicly questioned Didier Deschamps' tactics and described France's performance as sloppy — a striking intervention that pointed to a serious rupture within one of the world's most watched national sides.

England, meanwhile, prepare for Wednesday's semi-final against Argentina with the welcome confirmation that Declan Rice is fit to start. His availability steadies a midfield that would have looked considerably more exposed without him. Off the pitch, FIFA president Gianni Infantino faced a formal complaint to the IOC over alleged breaches of political neutrality linked to his dealings with Donald Trump — a governance story that has quietly gathered weight throughout this tournament.

The transfer market stirred too. Brighton completed a club-record signing of Luka Vuskovic from Spurs, Manchester United moved for Youri Tielemans, and Mason Greenwood edged closer to Fenerbahçe after Atlético Madrid walked away.