The final of the biggest World Cup ever is on the horizon, and you can’t ask for a much better match than what we’ll see on Sunday. 

Argentina dramatically punched its ticket to the World Cup final on Wednesday, defeating England 2-1 in a comeback thriller. It’ll take on Spain, who upset France in Tuesday’s semifinal matchup. 

Lionel Messi’s Argentina side had another dramatic victory in its win over England. Messi assisted two goals in seven minutes, with Lautaro Martinez’s header in stoppage time proving to be the game-winning goal. 

Now, Argentina is one win away from becoming the first nation to win back-to-back men’s World Cups since Brazil did so in 1958 and 1962. As for Spain, it’s seeking to win its second World Cup. It’s in the final for the first time since 2010, when it defeated the Netherlands. 

As for England and France, their World Cup journeys aren’t over yet. They’ll play in the third-place match on Saturday. 

As we near the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, here is how the bracket looks: 

Tuesday, July 14

France arguably looked like the best team at the World Cup … until it faced Spain.

Spain took down France in the first semifinal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, winning 2-0. Mikel Oyarzabal scored on a penalty kick in the 22nd minute after Lamine Yamal drew a penalty. Pedro Porro made it 2-0 in the 58th minute, as Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón had a clean sheet.

This will mark Spain’s first trip to the World Cup final since it won it all in 2010. It’s also Spain’s second trip ever to the World Cup final. 

As for France, it’ll play in Saturday’s third-place match. 

Wednesday, July 15

Argentina dramatically took down England on Wednesday. It scored twice after the 80th minute to come back from a 1-0 deficit. Enzo Fernández scored the first goal, nailing a shot from outside the box in the 85th minute. Lautaro Martínez scored the game-winner two minutes into extra time. 

World Cup Final (Sunday, July 19)

New York New Jersey Stadium (3 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)

Spain will go head-to-head in the World Cup final at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium. 

Third-Place Match (Saturday, July 18)

Miami Stadium (5 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)

France and England will go head-to-head in the third-place match at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday at Miami Stadium. 

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The 2026 MLB trade deadline is approaching, and there will be teams buying and selling – and plenty of rumors about both – before then.

Here you’ll find the latest rumors, news and trades from around the league.

July 15

Could the team with the best bullpen ERA in the American League trade for the National League leader in saves?

The New York Yankees “love the idea” of acquiring San Diego Padres star closer Mason Miller, according to the New York Post. Miller, who’s under team control through 2029, was a 2026 All-Star, the reliever’s second such honor in what’s just the right-hander’s fourth season at the big-league level.

Across 39 ⅔ innings this season, Miller sports a 0.91 ERA, an 0.78 WHIP, has totaled 72 strikeouts, 2.2 wins above replacement and a 458 ERA+; he’s 25 for 25 in save situations. He would join a Yankees’ bullpen that’s second in MLB as a whole in ERA (3.10), tied for second in WHIP (1.19) and is fourth in opponent batting average (.225).

Miller was acquired by the Padres from the Athletics at the 2025 MLB trade deadline. The Yankees have possession of the No. 1 AL wild-card seed (54-42), while the Padres are three-and-a-half-games out of the third NL wild-card seed (48-48).

The Astros are finalizing a trade to send Lance McCullers Jr. to the Brewers, per MLB. McCullers has a no-trade clause in his current contract, but waived it to make the move from Houston to Milwaukee. Left-handed pitcher Colton Gordon is the reported return, per the New York Post.

The move is a shift for McCullers in terms of potential, as the Astros are in fourth place in the AL West, three back of the division-leading Rangers and 1.5 back of a wild-card spot thanks to a tough start to the year for Houston, while the Brewers are second in the majors in wins with 59, five games ahead of the second-place Cubs. Both teams are in contention, but the Brewers have already thrived, while Houston has been outscored by 47 runs on the season despite its proximity to a postseason appearance.

McCullers has made eight starts in 2026, posting a 6.86 ERA over 39 ⅓ innings. While he has missed bats, whiffing just under 10 batters per nine, his control has suffered and he has been prone to the long ball the past two years, following two seasons away from the game recovering from multiple elbow and forearm strains, as well as a pair or surgeries. This season, McCullers has deal with shoulder inflammation that has had him on the IL since May 16.

The Brewers are taking a shot on getting McCullers back in the form that made him a valuable member of the Astros’ pitching staff before the injuries, when he had the lowest home run and hit rates in the AL and signed a five-year, $85 million extension with Houston. McCullers is in the final year of that deal, which pays him a total of $17.7 million this season.

Padres ‘Open-Minded’ About Trade Deadline Strategy

Padres’ general manager A.J. Preller doesn’t have a trade deadline strategy quite yet, per MLB, as everything depends on the team’s performance before the deadline. Will the Padres be buyers or sellers is a question that will be answered by San Diego’s post-break success, or lack thereof, and that’s according to Preller himself.

“We’re going to go into the process open-minded to see what’s there and see what can help our club,” Preller told MLB. “We’re going to go in open-minded about whether it’s acquiring players or looking at it if we have to go another direction. All those things are on the table.”

San Diego’s offense has only recently started to perform as it was expected to, with slow starts by third baseman Manny Machado and outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. finally being overcome, but the team is 48-48 at the All-Star break, 12.5 back in the NL West. However, the Padres are just 3.5 back of a wild-card spot, and have underperformed to get there, which makes sticking with this team and even adding to it tantalizing prospects over the next few weeks.

Closer Mason Miller, who represents both sides of this particular coin, was asked during his media availability at the All-Star Game of the possibility of being traded, again, at the deadline, per The San Diego Union-Tribune. While it’s unclear if the Padres would entertain dealing the closer they spent so much to acquire last summer from the Athletics, that Miller is both as productive as he is and remains under team control – he’s in the first year of arbitration and won’t be a free agent until 2030 at the earliest – are both reasons to keep him and restock the farm system with him.

July 14

Willson Contreras isn’t leaving …

The Boston Red Sox first baseman revealed that he informed the front office he won’t waive his no-trade clause, per WEEI. Contreras, who’s in his first season with the Red Sox, has a club option for the 2028 MLB season as part of his five-year, $87.5 million contract and has a no-trade clause in the deal.

Through 88 games this season, the 34-year-old Contreras has totaled 20 home runs, 61 RBIs, 3.5 wins above replacement and a career-high 159 OPS+, while boasting a .285/.379/.542 slash line. Contreras, who reached the second round of the 2026 Home Run Derby, is an All-Star for the fourth time in his 11-year career.

While Boston is 46-48, it has won nine consecutive games and 14 of its last 16, putting it just a half-game out of the third American League wild-card seed.

The Rays are looking for a serious deadline upgrade to bolster their chances in the AL East. According to multiple reports, Tampa Bay is targeting Tigers’ ace and two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal.

USA Today reports that the Rays “plan to be aggressive buyers at the deadline,” with Skubal the primary target. While Skubal missed time already this season recovering from surgery to remove loose bodies in his elbow, he has made six starts with a 3.62 ERA and a 44/5 strikeout-to-walk ratio since his return.

Skubal is a free agent after season’s end, and has the remainder of a record $32 million arbitration salary to be paid over the last two-plus months of the 2026 campaign.

Part of the Rays’ aggressive plan at the deadline includes Diamondbacks’ second baseman Ketel Marte. Like with Skubal, though, the willingness to part with a star player depends on whether his current team is still in the race: the Tigers are 3.5 back of an AL wild-card spot, the D-backs 2.5 back, through July 13.

Marte has an additional complication, in that he’s under contract through 2030, with an $11.5 million player option for 2031.

There are “multiple teams” interested in acquiring Spencer Steer from the Reds, per USA Today. Steer, who plays first base, third base and the outfield, is 28 years old and batting .247/.328/.421 this season.

Steer isn’t a free agent until 2029, so he’s not a rental, but instead is arbitration-eligible – his 2026 salary is $4 million. While not an impact bat, Steer has been around the league average offensively most seasons of his career and has been highly effective against lefties (.269/.356/.478) in his career.

The Reds are in last place in the NL Central, 15.5 games behind the Brewers, and also eight back of a wild-card spot: just three other teams are further from the postseason at the All-Star break, and the next-closest to Cincinnati, the Nationals, is four games ahead in the wild-card standings.

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Spain sensation Lamine Yamal has set his sights on a dream World Cup final against defending champions Argentina, revealing his desire to swap shirts with icon Lionel Messi. 

The Barcelona starlet chose to remain grounded regarding pre-tournament promises, insisting that securing the prestigious trophy is the only objective that truly matters.

Yamal Reveals Ultimate Dream

Barcelona starlet and Spain international Yamal has openly revealed his grand ambitions in a World Cup questionnaire with Mundo Deportivo. 

The gifted winger stated that he is desperate for a dream showdown against Argentina should La Roja progress all the way to the final. The two sides were originally scheduled to meet in  the highly anticipated Finalissima back in March in Qatar, but the match was canceled due to security concerns due to conflicts in the Middle East.

Yamal’s ultimate desire is not just to guide his country to glory but also to secure the rare opportunity to swap shirts with footballing legend and former Barça icon Messi.

Teenager Targets Messi Jersey

During a brief interview discussing his preferences and personal targets in this major tournament, Yamal gave a definitive answer. When asked which player he would like to swap jerseys with, he replied: “With Messi.”

And when questioned about who he would like to face if Spain reach the final, the young player of Moroccan descent responded: “Argentina.”

Yamal Names His Biggest World Cup Surprise

The tournament in North America has been full of surprise standouts, with many teams and individuals capturing the hearts and minds of the watching public. Asked for his biggest shock so far, Yamal picked Morocco’s Ismael Saibari. 

The forward, whose transfer to Bayern Munich from PSV was confirmed during the competition, scored in three consecutive games before netting the decisive penalty in the shootout win against Netherlands. Unfortunately, however, the 25-year-old sustained an injury against Canada and had to sit out the quarterfinal defeat to France.

Heavyweight Clashes Await Stars

Before that dream final can materialize, Argentina must first navigate past the hurdle of an England side who are in form and have had some gutsy performances. Should Argentina win, Yamal would get the opportunity to face the Barcelona legend at the same age Messi was when he debuted at the 2006 World Cup.

Meanwhile, Messi and an Argentina side hold a 12-match winning streak and are aiming to become the first back-to-back World Cup champion since Brazil in 1962.

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If Lamine Yamal wins the World Cup on Sunday, he legally wouldn’t be allowed to partake in any celebratory champagne with Spain teammates in the United States. 

At the age of 19, Yamal will be playing in a World Cup final after helping La Roja defeat France in Tuesday’s semifinal. How does his age compare to previous legends who also played in the final? Let’s take a look:

Pelé | Brazil

(Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

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Pelé was 17 years and 249 days when he helped Brazil win its first World Cup in 1958. Pelé had burst onto the international scene at the tournament in Sweden, scoring six goals in all – including in the final over co-hosts. Pelé remains the youngest goalscorer in a World Cup final. Of course, his status only grew as he led Brazil to titles in 1962 and 1970.

Diego Maradona | Argentina

(Photo by Archivo El Grafico/Getty Images)

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Maradona was 25 years old when he and Argentina won the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. But he could have joined Pelé as another 17-year-old champion had he been selected to Argentina’s squad in 1978. Despite already being a teen phenom, he was left of that squad by then-coach César Luis Menotti who felt the youngster wouldn’t be able to handle the pressures of a home tournament. Good thing it worked out in the end.

Ronaldo | Brazil

(Photo by Stewart Kendall/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

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Another Brazilian legend, another World Cup champion before the age of 18. Although Ronaldo didn’t actually play at the 1994 World Cup, he was part of the squad that won it all at the Rose Bowl. At the age of 17 years and 298 days, Ronaldo was just two months older than when Pelé got his first in 1958. After losing the final in 1998 to hosts France, Ronaldo would win his second career title in 2002 by beating Germany. 

Kylian Mbappé | France

 (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

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Mbappé burst onto the scene at the 2018 World Cup for France and instantly became a global phenom. At 19 years and 207 days old, he helped Les Bleus lift its second World Cup ever. He made history during that match against Croatia by scoring France’s fourth goal, becoming only the second teenager in history to score in a World Cup final, joining Pelé’s performance in 1958.

Lionel Messi | Argentina

(Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

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When compared to other players on this list, Messi was a late bloomer when it came to playing in the World Cup final. He was 27 years old when he and Argentina fell to Germany in the 2014 final in Brazil. Of course, Messi finally helped Argentina get over its World Cup drought by winning the 2022 title at age 35.

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In what was billed as a blockbuster between arguably the two best teams in the world, Spain defeated France 2-0 in surprisingly convincing fashion. Spain took advantage of French mistakes, used slick passing to maintain possession, and pressed relentlessly to down the French at Atlanta Stadium. 

Spain was in control from the opening whistle and scored first through a penalty drawn by Lamine Yamal that was converted by Mikel Oyarzabal in the 22nd minute. Then in the second half, right back Pedro Porro found an opening to move into the box and beat Mike Maignan. 

The results for Spain under head coach Luis de la Fuente are phenomenal. The team has not lost a game in its last two major tournaments. At Euro 2024, Spain won all seven of its games en route to the title. At this World Cup, Spain has won six games and drew once (take a bow, Cape Verde). 

Spain now enters Sunday’s final as the favorite.

1. Spain’s System Is On Full Display

Spain’s Pedro Porro extends lead with goal vs France | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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From the opening whistle, it was clear that France was in for a far different test than anything else it has faced at this World Cup. Spain is always an excellent possession-based team that can make its opponents chase the game for long stretches due to its passing. 

France knew what it was going to face. Spain defeated France each of the three times the teams played this current decade. First was a 2-1 win in the Nations League final in 2021. Then it was a 2-1 win in the semifinals of Euro 2024. Then last year in the Nations League semifinal, Spain won a wild 5-4 decision. 

Entering this game, France had a lot of momentum with both Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé scoring and assisting in droves. On top of that, Michael Olise was the tournament’s most impactful midfielder. 

But the story of this game is how France was so overwhelmed when it could not maintain possession or handle the press. France was clearly frustrated chasing the game as much as it did. It could not focus and play to its strengths and get the ball to Mbappé or Dembélé in dangerous areas. 

Spain played its system to perfection. On both sides of the ball, the entire team was perfectly in synch with each other. 

Offensively, Yamal was a nightmare for France even if he did not score. Both goals originated from his side of the field. He had a goal called back on a close offside, and he demanded a lot of respect. 

Defensively, Spain again showed why they are so difficult to score against. Spanish defenders were always shutting down passing lanes and forcing turnovers. 

It was a double-edged sword. Spain was brilliant, but France also lacked the resolve to figure out solutions. Les Bleus became frustrated and let Spain do whatever they wanted. 

2. Rodri Led An Immense Spanish Spine

(Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images) –>

The biggest strength for Spain was its spine, specifically its central defender pairing and central midfield pairing. In the midfield, Rodri and Fabian Ruiz were excellent at winning and maintaining possession. The chemistry they displayed on both sides of the ball was on another level.

Rodi was the best player on the field in this game. He was everywhere on both sides of the ball. He won 7/11 of his ground duels. He won 4/4 of his aerials. He drew three fouls. 

In central defense, Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte continued to frustrate opponents. Cubarsí is just 19 years old and the season he has had with Barcelona and now leading Spain into the World Cup final with six clean sheets makes him one of the most promising and accomplished teenage players in the world.

But with the midfield and defenders so well-connected, it puts less pressure on the attack. Spain does not need to score goals in droves. It can control games and be patient until the moment comes.

3. France’s Cheap Giveaways And Mistakes Proved Costly

(Photo by Tullio Puglia – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) –>

What was also apparent in this game is how France struggled to often make important passes. There were many times when midfielders could not get the ball into the attack and saw passes intercepted by Spanish defenders.

Michael Olise was particularly guilty of this, and that was surprising given how well he had been playing entering into this game. But he was a big reason why Dembélé and Mbappé saw such little of the ball.

But Olise was far from the only culprit. Lucas Digne’s foul on Lamine Yamal to concede a penalty was a mental error that cannot be made at such a level. France’s fullback and wingers were never able to get forward to get numbers into the attack. 

4. Oyarzabal Scores Big Goals In Big Moments

Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal nets penalty, taking lead vs France | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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Mikel Oyarzabal is not Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, or Harry Kane – but he is perfect for this Spain team. Since 2025, he now has 17 goals in 19 games. In 2024, he scored the winner against England in the final of Euro 2024. 

In this game, he took the penalty in the 22nd minute and hit an unstoppable shot. 

Oyarzabal is interesting because he is the center forward for maybe the best national team in the world. He doesn’t play for one of the best clubs in the world, such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City, or Paris St. Germain. He plays for Real Sociedad, where he has spent his entire professional career. 

But Oyarzabal is a testament to this Spanish team that it is about the system and the players that fit that system. It’s about the right players, not necessarily the best players. Oyarzabal is a perfect fit for this team, and he scores the big goals. 

France vs Spain Highlights 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Semifinals

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A spot in the World Cup final is on the line when Argentina and England meet on Wednesday at Atlanta Stadium. The mindset and the motivation between the two nations and their fans are different as Argentina desperately wants to defend its title while England is looking to join the world’s elite and win its first title since the 1966 World Cup.

The winner of the second World Cup semifinal will face Spain, which beat France, 2-0, on Tuesday in the first semifinal match. 

Here is everything you need to know for Wednesday’s World Cup semifinal.

England vs. Argentina: How To Watch

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• Time: Wednesday, July 15, 3 p.m. ET 
• Where: Dallas Stadium
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One

Is It Coming Home? 󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Bellingham & England Defeat Haaland’s Norway to Reach Semifinal

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All eyes are on Lionel Messi in every game he plays. He has won a World Cup, Copa Américas, Champions League titles and every domestic league in which he has participated. But there is one thing Messi has never done: played against the English national team.

These teams have a storied rivalry at the World Cup. In the quarterfinal of the 1966 World Cup, England defeated Argentina 1-0 in a game that saw Argentina’s captain, Antonio Rattín, have to be escorted off the field by police after a disputed red card. Coincidentally, Rattin died at 89 years old last week on the same day as Argentina’s quarterfinal win over Switzerland.

Then in 1986 in Mexico City, we saw Diego Maradonna’s infamous “Hand of God” incident when he punched in a long ball past English goalkeeper Peter Shilton and the handball was missed by Tunisian referee Ali Ben Nasser. Argentina ended up winning, 2-1, and it is still widely one of the most talked about moments in World Cup history.

Then in the round of 16 at the 1998 World Cup, England again disputed the officiating, as David Beckham was sent off and Alan Shearer had a goal disallowed. Argentina prevailed on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

After having been eliminated by Argentina in two of the last three World Cups, England got revenge in a group stage matchup in 2002 with a 1-0 win. The goal was scored by Beckham via a penalty after Michael Owen was fouled by Mauricio Pochettino. That result led to Argentina’s shocking failure to advance out of group play.

On Wednesday, the teams will write another chapter in their intense World Cup rivalry, and both teams should feel confident about arriving at this stage.

Lionel Messi is the 2026 World Cup’s leading goalscorer with eight goals. He now has 21 career World Cup goals, making him the tournament’s top scorer. But in this tournament, he has assists in each of the last two games to also give him a record 10 career World Cup assists.

What is perhaps the best news for Argentina is that Lionel Scaloni’s team has been developing a more balanced attack as the tournament has progressed. Messi scored the team’s first five goals of this World Cup. Since then, he scored three of the team’s next 12 goals. That balanced attack makes La Albiceleste far more difficult to stop.

For England, the story is similar in that Harry Kane is not doing as much heavy lifting as he was at the beginning of the tournament. Since England’s lackluster 2-1 win over DR Congo in the round of 32 where Kane rescued England with two late goals, Jude Bellingham has sprung to life and been one of the tournament’s best players in the round of 16 and the quarterfinals.

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Bellingham scored two goals in a 3-2 win over Mexico and then two goals again in a 2-1 win over Norway. In doing so, Bellingham became the first player to score two or more goals in consecutive World Cup knockout games since Maradona accomplished the feat in 1986, which coincidentally included the “Hand of God” against England.

Against Argentina, England will need Bellingham to also get wingers Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka involved to isolate Argentina’s fullbacks and create space.

Meanwhile, Argentina’s midfield trio of Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul will need to control the pace of the game and contain Bellingham. Central defenders Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez will also need to be on their game to stop Kane and the multitude of scoring options England has.

England should be considered the favorite with more depth and players in their prime years. But even at age 39, Messi can win games by himself.

Players To Watch

The Real Madrid playmaker is in excellent form with two goals in each of his last two knockout games. He is finding space and is finishing with clinical precision. With Bellingham playing this well, England is far less reliant on Kane, and that helps the Three Lions immensely.

At age 39, Messi continues to put up numbers that show why most people consider him to be the greatest player of all time. Against England, it will be another huge test and one of the big takeaways is how he will hold up after playing 330 minutes in his last three games.

2026 FIFA World Cup™ Semifinals ?? Best Bets, Picks & Predictions

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Even though France’s World Cup title hopes ended with Tuesday’s 2-0 semifinal loss to Spain, Kylian Mbappé has not been eliminated from the Golden Boot race.

France will still play in Saturday’s third-place match, and any goals scored in that game count toward the Golden Boot standings. Les Bleus will face the loser of Wednesday’s semifinal between England and Argentina.

As things stand, Mbappé and Lionel Messi are tied for the tournament lead with eight goals apiece. If they finish level on goals, the Golden Boot will be decided by FIFA’s tiebreakers:

• Most assists: The player with more assists wins.
• Fewest minutes played: If assists are also tied, the award goes to the player who scored their goals in fewer minutes.

Mbappé currently holds the edge with three assists compared to Messi’s two. 

Mbappé has logged 609 minutes through seven matches, while Messi has played 531 minutes through six. If Messi plays at least 79 minutes against England on Wednesday, he will overtake Mbappé in total minutes played, meaning the minutes tiebreaker would also favor the French star.

Despite the semifinal loss, Kylian Mbappé is +180 to win the Golden Boot award (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images).

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So what does Mbappé need to do to win a second straight Golden Boot?

Right now, his clearest path is for the standings to remain exactly as they are. If Messi does not score or record another assist in Argentina’s remaining matches, Mbappé would win the award on the assists tiebreaker if both finish with eight goals. Of course, England’s Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham or Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal surpass them both. 

However, if Messi adds either a goal or an assist in Wednesday’s semifinal, Mbappé would likely need to respond in France’s third-place match to keep his repeat Golden Boot hopes alive.

Let’s take a look at the updated Golden Boot odds at FanDuel Sportsbook as of July 14.

Current Golden Boot Winner Odds: 

Lionel Messi: -160 (bet $10 to win $26.50 total)
Kylian Mbappé: +180 (bet $10 to win $28 total)
Harry Kane: +950 (bet $10 to win $105 total)
Jude Bellingham: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)
Mikel Oyarzabal: +12500 (bet $10 to win $1,260 total)

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Spain advanced to the 2026 World Cup final after defeating France, 2-0, in the semifinals on Tuesday, ending the French bid for another title and setting up the final match of manager Didier Deschamps’ tenure. 

Prior to the start of the World Cup, Deschamps announced his plans to step down as France’s manager afterward. France will now move on to the third-place match on Saturday against either England or Argentina, which will serve as Deschamps’ final match in charge of the French national team.

Deschamps took over the French national team in 2012, leading the country through its most consistent era of modern success. 

Under his leadership, France won the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2021 UEFA Nations League, while also reaching the finals of Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup. Over Deschamps’ career, he has 20 victories at the World Cup and 10 at the knockout stage, both the most of any manager in the history of the tournament.

His departure after the upcoming third-place match will conclude a 14-year reign as head coach.

Zinedine Zidane earned 108 caps for France and won the 1998 World Cup, scoring a brace in the final. (Photo by Pablo Rodriguez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

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According to ESPN, Zinedine Zidane will succeed Deschamps as the France national team head coach this summer. A verbal agreement has already been reached between the former Real Madrid manager and the French Football Federation (FFF).

The final details of the contract are yet to be finalized.

This succession follows comments from FFF president Philippe Diallo, who told French newspaper Le Figaro that he already knew who Deschamps’ successor would be, though he declined to name Zidane publicly at the time.

Zidane previously coached Real Madrid Castilla from 2014-2016 before coaching the first team from 2016-2018 and again from 2019-2021.

Didier Deschamps: The Architect Behind France’s Third Straight FIFA World Cup™ Semifinal 🇫🇷

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Spain secured its spot in the FIFA World Cup final with a convincing 2-0 victory over France in Dallas, and FOX Sports analyst Landon Donovan came away highly impressed with the performance of Lamine Yamal.

Speaking after the match, the former United States men’s national team star observed the defensive fears Yamal caused for the French side whenever he was on the ball, pointing out his decision-making in possession.

“Every time he gets the ball, there’s this real fear in the French team, and his decision-making as to when to just pass quickly and then everybody relaxes, or he starts to go at you, and he mixed it up perfectly all night,” Donovan said.

Yamal didn’t score or have an assist in Tuesday’s match. However, he helped set up Spain’s first goal when France defender Lucas Digne fouled him in the penalty box. Yamal nearly scored as well, putting a shot past France goalkeeper Mike Maignan. The goal was called off, though, as Yamal was slightly offside. 

The LA Galaxy legend highlighted Yamal’s growth over the course of the tournament, noting how the young player’s physical recovery from a pre-tournament hamstring injury has matched his rising form.

“He was fantastic,” Donovan said. “He drew the penalty. He hasn’t been the goalscorer we’ve expected this tournament, but as he’s gotten healthier throughout the tournament, he’s gotten better and better.”

Donovan also pointed out the winger’s involvement in Spain’s offense against France, noting that Spain’s attacking threat consistently focused on his wing.

“Both goals came down that side,” Donovan said. “Plus the goal he scored that was a little bit offside. He was great. He was fantastic.”

With the victory, Spain advances to the final, where it will face the winner of the semifinal between Argentina and England.

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With France’s 2026 FIFA World Cup run ending in the semifinals on Tuesday, Kylian Mbappé will have to wait four more years for another chance at his second World Cup title. 

France fell to Spain 2-0 in the semifinals, denying Mbappé a third straight World Cup final appearance after reaching the championship match in both 2018 and 2022.

When he burst onto the scene in 2018, Mbappé was just 19 years old. He became the youngest French player ever to score at a World Cup and only the second teenager in history to score in a World Cup final, joining Pelé’s iconic feat in 1958.

Now, eight years later, the French superstar has broken all different kinds of World Cup records. 

Here’s a detailed look at Mbappé’s performance across his first three World Cup appearances, along with the records he has already set during his remarkable international career. Keep in mind, he can add to these totals with France’s third-place match still to come, on July 18. 

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Career World Cup Records

• Kylian Mbappé has scored 20 goals in 21 World Cup games overall, the second-most all-time behind Lionel Messi (21).
• He has 12 knockout stage goals at the World Cup, the most of any player all-time.
• He is the first player ever to score eight goals in two separate World Cups.
• Mbappé has scored multiple goals in seven World Cup matches, more than any player ever.
• He has 11 goals and three assists in his last eight World Cup matches.
• His 17 non-penalty goals are tied for the most in World Cup history with Messi.
• Mbappé has been involved in 11 goals at the 2026 World Cup (eight goals, three assists); that’s the most by a player in a single edition of the World Cup since Gerd Müller in 1970 (10 goals, three assists).
• He has registered 10 goal involvements in each of his last two World Cups; he and Messi are the only players on record since 1966 to achieve this in two different tournaments.
• He is the first player to be involved in 100 goals for the French national team (64 goals, 36 assists).

Kylian Mbappé has scored 20 goals in 21 World Cup games overall, the second-most all-time behind Lionel Messi (Getty Images).

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• Mbappé has scored the winning goal in eight World Cup matches, the most of any player in history.
• He passed Hugo Lloris for the most World Cup appearances in French history with 21.
• He played 21 World Cup matches under Didier Deschamps, the most by a player with the same coach in tournament history.
• He’s won 17 of 21 World Cup matches he’s played in, losing to Tunisia (2022 group stage), Spain (2026 semifinal), and drawing against Denmark (2018 group stage) and Argentina (2026 final).
• Against Morocco, Kylian Mbappé (27 years, 201 days) became the youngest player to reach 20 appearances at the World Cup, breaking Władysław Żmuda’s record (28 years, 34 days).
• Mbappé has scored 64 goals for France, more than any player in team history.
• His 105 appearances for France are the ninth-most in team history.
• He is currently +200 to win the Golden Boot at FanDuel Sportsbook, the second-best odds of any player, trailing Lionel Messi (-175).

2026 World Cup

• Eight goals, three assists
• 16 chances created, 14 key passes
• 41 take-ons, 131 passes in the attacking third
• 52 touches in the opposition’s box

2022 World Cup

• Eight goals, two assists
• 11 chances created, nine key passes 
• 56 take-ons, 123 passes in the attacking third
• 68 touches in the opposition’s box
• Golden Boot, Silver Ball

2018 World Cup

• Four goals, no assists
• 10 chances created, 10 key passes 
• 52 take-ons, 70 passes in the attacking third
• 36 touches in the opposition’s box
• Young Player of the Tournament

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