2026 World Cup ‘good rather than great’ amid scandal and compromise
Jonathan Wilson assesses the 2026 World Cup as ‘good rather than great’ on the pitch, citing off-field controversies including the Balogun Affair and FIFA’s political interference.
Spain National Team
Spain Celebrate World Cup Triumph with Madrid Homecoming
Over one million supporters are expected in central Madrid as Spain’s national team parade their second World Cup trophy. La Roja defeated Argentina 1-0 in New Jersey on Sunday night.
Lahm: Germany must rediscover identity, not copy Spain
Former Germany captain Philipp Lahm has urged the national team to abandon attempts to mirror Spain’s possession-based style and instead return to traditional strengths of defensive organisation and physicality.
Yamal Leads Spain’s New Generation for World Cup Semi-Final Against France
Lamine Yamal headlines Spain’s squad for the 2026 World Cup semi-final against France, with Barcelona teammate Eric García returning after a three-year absence and Osasuna’s Víctor Muñoz earning a surprise call-up.
Spain enter 2026 World Cup as favourites with star-studded squad
Luis de la Fuente’s European champions boast attacking flair and midfield depth, though the manager insists favourite status guarantees nothing ahead of their Group D opener.
Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia: Yamal and Oyarzabal Fire La Roja to Emphatic World Cup Victory
Spain bounced back from their opening stalemate with a crushing 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia as Lamine Yamal marked his return with a goal and Mikel Oyarzabal bagged a brace on coach Luis de la Fuente’s 65th birthday.
Merino Tells Spain to Keep Cool After Cape Verde Stalemate
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has called for unity and calm within the Spain camp after the European champions opened their World Cup defence with a frustrating goalless draw against debutants Cape Verde.
World Cup 2026 Betting Shock: Spain and Brazil Stalemates Cost Punters Millions
Bookmakers celebrate a profitable start to the 2026 World Cup as heavy favourites Spain and Brazil fail to win their opening clashes, costing high-stakes punters millions of dollars across global betting markets.
Spain Embrace Favourites Tag Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 Campaign
Reigning European champions Spain have embraced their status as FIFA World Cup 2026 favourites, insisting their unbeaten run and strengthened squad make them genuine contenders for global glory.
2026 World Cup Final Odds: Could Messi Face Yamal in Historic Showdown?
Bookmakers have released early betting odds for the 2026 World Cup final, with a dream clash between Argentina and Spain featuring Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal priced at +1600.