The Daily · Sunday, 19 July 2026
Spain Are World Champions Again as Torres Settles a Fiery Final
The 2026 World Cup came to a close on Sunday as Spain were crowned world champions for the second time, defeating Argentina in a bad-tempered final settled by Ferran Torres in extra time. It was a fitting end to a tournament that had pitted two of football's dominant cultures against each other, and Spain's victory ended Argentina's reign as the game's reigning champions. As Philipp Lahm had argued in the build-up, the Spanish philosophy — rooted in Cruyff's legacy at Barcelona and refined through decades of elite coaching — proved decisive when it mattered most.
The day's earlier match produced its own talking point. Bukayo Saka, dropped by Thomas Tuchel for England's semi-final defeat to Argentina, responded with a hat-trick as England beat France to claim third place — their best World Cup finish in the modern era. The performance will fuel debate about Tuchel's selection decision for weeks to come. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé collected the Golden Boot with ten goals across the tournament, becoming the first player in history to win the award twice, finishing two ahead of Lionel Messi.
It was, by any measure, a day to close a remarkable World Cup.
The record
Torres Fires Spain Past Argentina to Win Second World Cup Title
Ferran Torres scored an extra-time winner as Spain defeated reigning world champions Argentina in a bad-tempered final to claim their second men's World Cup title. Torres was the decisive figure in what proved a fiercely contested match between two of the game's heavyweights. Spain's victory ends Argentina's reign as world champions and delivers Spain their second World Cup title.
Saka Hat-Trick Earns England Bronze Medal Against France
Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick as England beat France to claim third place at the World Cup. Saka, who had been left out of England's semi-final defeat to Argentina by Thomas Tuchel, said after the match he was fit and wanted to play more in the tournament. England's World Cup third-place finish marks a significant achievement, and Saka's hat-trick in the bronze medal match will intensify debate over Tuchel's decision to drop him for the semi-final loss.
Mbappe Wins 2026 World Cup Golden Boot With 10 Goals
Kylian Mbappe claimed the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot after finishing as the tournament's top scorer with 10 goals — the first player to win the award twice. He finished two clear of Lionel Messi, who ended the tournament on eight goals. Mbappe becomes the first player in history to win the World Cup Golden Boot twice, cementing his place among the all-time greats of the game.
Saka Stars as England Claim Third Place at 2026 World Cup
Bukayo Saka put in a standout performance as England secured third place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Saka earned a 9/10 player rating for his display in the third-place match, making him the clear standout performer on the day. England finishing third at a World Cup is a significant result for the nation, marking one of their best tournament finishes in the modern era.
England Finish Third at 2026 World Cup as Squad Ratings Published
England finished third at the 2026 World Cup, with all 24 squad members who appeared at the tournament now rated. Jordan Pickford, who made more World Cup finals appearances than any other Englishman, earned a 7, credited with crucial saves including one from Nicolás González in the semi-final. England's third-place finish at a World Cup is a significant achievement for the national team.
Lahm: Cruyff's Legacy at Barcelona Shaped Spain's Footballing Dominance
Philipp Lahm argues that Johan Cruyff's introduction of the 4-3-3 formation and a distinct football ideology at Barcelona laid the foundation for Spain's enduring success. Coaches such as Pep Guardiola and Unai Emery refined Cruyff's approach into a philosophy that has shaped Spanish club football, youth development, and the national team for nearly two decades. Lahm frames Spain and Argentina as the World Cup's defining footballing cultures.
Robbie Williams, Tom Cruise and Jennifer Hudson headline World Cup Closing Ceremony
Robbie Williams, Tom Cruise and Jennifer Hudson are among the stars set to appear at the World Cup closing ceremony. The entertainment continues at half-time with performances from Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira and BTS.