Read for 2 minutesUpdated: 21 July 2026 12:16 PM IST The FIFA world team rankings have been reshuffled at the end of the 2026 World Cup, with new champions Spain beating Argentina 1-0 in the final at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute strike helped La Rosa win their second World Cup in 16 years, breaking Argentina’s grip on the trophy. Lionel Messi’s side dropped two places in the standings, while France, who finished fourth at the World Cup, maintained third place. England, who defeated France 6-4 to win the bronze medal, remain in fourth place. Also read |How

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Read 3 minutesUpdated: 20 July 2026 08:55 AM IST Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was shown a red card after being whistled in Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. In some ugly scenes after the match, Paredes was seen fighting with Spain defender Eric Garcia and Gavi. Also read | A teary-eyed Messi says Spain are a ‘good team’ after World Cup final heartbreak It is unclear what the provocation was but in videos floating around social media, Garcia can be seen falling to the ground seconds after the referee blew the final whistle. He then

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Read 6 minutesNew JerseyUpdated: 20 July 2026 09:16 PM IST Even the bright sun over MetLife Stadium lost a touch; The bright blue sky faded, streaked with gray. With Lionel Messi mourned by the elements, his dream shattered and his last act on the grandest stage ended in a tragic twist, reminding the world of the triumph of the collective over individual brilliance. Messi, the most brilliant footballer of all time, tried his best to fulfill his country’s dream of defending the title. But Messi is human and mankind has failed against a smooth running machine in human form. He

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105:28. New Jersey. Nahuel Molina glanced over his shoulder. Nico Williams crawled back a few yards. The Argentine right-back assumed he would cover if a cross came from the opposite side. Molina set himself to meet the delivery of Pedro Porro. Then came the cold. Williams was no longer behind him. He was in front. Molina was defeated by a sprint. That’s what Williams does. Second among Spaniards in top speed, third in number of sprints per 90 minutes. He scores, creates, dribbles and dances. Mostly, though, he runs. He runs as the other two once walked. Spain’s Ferran Torres,

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Read 3 minutesUpdated: 20 July 2026 07:33 PM IST FIFA to investigate Argentina For the behavior of some of their players after the final whistle of the World Cup final against Spain. After losing the final 1-0, Leandro Paredes clashed with several Spanish players, including Eric Garcia and Gavi, Sky Sports reported. Argentina were shown a red card for violent behaviour. It is unclear what the provocation was but in videos floating around social media, Garcia can be seen falling to the ground seconds after the referee blew the final whistle. He then gets up and has a heated exchange

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Read 3 minutesUpdated: 20 July 2026 11:57 PM IST therefore Ferran Torres scores the winning goal for Spain in the FIFA World Cup final In the 106th minute, it brought back memories for Vijay Patil, who was watching from the stands at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Torres’ football journey was through India and Navi MumbaiWhen he was part of the Spanish squad for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup held in India. One of his teammates in the current senior team, Eric Garcia, also played at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. DY Patil Stadium owner Vijay Patil

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Read 3 minutes20 Jul 2026 11:43 PM IST Argentina legend Lionel Messi said it will take time to heal from losing the World Cup final to Spain, as he thanked his teammates and everyone who supported the team throughout the tournament. He also congratulated Spain for winning the World Cup. “The pain is great, this wound will take time to heal. But I also choose to hold on to all the good things, all the matches we gave everything and moments that will remain in our memories. I will always remember the support of the whole country which, with the

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Read for 5 minutes20 Jul 2026 09:39 PM IST Even in the anti-football approach adopted by Argentina in World Cup Final One man kept the Spanish Armada at bay. Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martinez, a key factor in their two Copa America titles and the 2022 World Cup title, was single-handedly responsible for keeping his team in the game as long as he played. The 2022 World Cup Golden Glove winner cut a sultry figure as the Spanish celebrated their second World Cup title. 11 saves, 70 touches. Martinez’s first figure can be really proud. Second, less. Having the most touches after

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Read 4 minutes20 Jul 2026 07:47 PM IST They lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final in New Jersey on Sunday. Lionel Messi Argentina failed to defend their crown. After Messi won his first World Cup in 2022, many hoped Argentina would make history by lifting the trophy in 2026. French striker Kylian Mbappe won the Ballon d’Or with ten goals, while Messi was stuck on eight goals in Sunday’s final against Spain. The 39-year-old played his part in Argentina’s comeback to a 2-1 win over England in the semi-finals with assists from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez.

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Read 4 minutesUpdated: 20 July 2026 06:45 PM IST Spain’s World Cup final victory went as well as their competition. Luis de la Fuente championed a Spanish side built on an unyielding defensive formation at the back – which provided the twin engines of being one third of Spain’s possession providers and creating any chances in their midfield. That aspect of their football was never challenged by Argentina which only went one way. Touching, passing and not giving the ball up Spain was not going to give up the ball. Lionel Scaloni wasn’t even going to try – he said

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