In the moments before Spain went out to become world champions in New York, there was an old mantra from their former boss Luis Aragones that was doing the rounds among the squad. They would be reminded of it before extra-time in the World Cup final.
“Stay calm, you’re the better team.”
That has been made fact and is now preserved by the very name inscribed on the trophy, but it was only proven by the principles that the mantra encapsulates.
It may sound simple, and perhaps even arrogant, but within those few words is an entire idea and the story of this 23rd World Cup final.
Jack Rathborn21 July 2026 02:00
Another World Cup managerial exit.
Belgium have confirmed they will not renew the contract of head coach Rudi Garcia, who bows out from the role after the 2026 World Cup.
Garcia took Belgium to the quarter-finals of the competition, where they lost to eventual winners Spain after a late error from substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens proved costly.
Will Castle21 July 2026 01:00
“We need to rediscover the identity of the German national team,” Lahm tells Kicker. “We don’t need to copy Spain and their possession-based style of play; we have our own strengths. Defensive organization, physical, resilient football, and then attacking – that’s what has always defined us as a national team.
“We should return to that, with clearly defined roles and a clear formation so that repetition and consistency can develop in both training and matches. And at some point, personnel changes have to be made if someone consistently fails to perform. If we become more decisive and consistent in these areas again, we’ll find our way out of this slump, even though it has already lasted for a very long time.”
Jack Rathborn21 July 2026 00:00
Zlatan Ibrahimovic appeared to quit punditry following the World Cup final with the former AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain star declaring: “This was the first and last time for me”.
Former Sweden international Ibrahimovic formed part of the Fox Sports punditry crew during the World Cup and was stationed between Thierry Henry, the former World Cup champion with France, and Alexi Lalas, the former US international, along with host Rebecca Lowe.
Will Castle20 July 2026 23:30
(Getty)
Jack Rathborn20 July 2026 23:00
New reports that hot-head of the hour Leandro Paredes played with a cracked rib for the last three matches of the World Cup before Argentina’s final loss to Spain.
It’s claimed there were days where poor Paredes “struggled to breathe” but the news didn’t leak because he didn’t want opponents to target him.
Instead, the only targeted was Eric Garcia’s throat, by Paredes.
Something tells me this development won’t get much sympathy for the midfielder.
(PA)
Will Castle20 July 2026 22:30
Luis de la Fuente’s Spain are now the best side in World Cup history for xG conceded per game.
(Getty)
Jack Rathborn20 July 2026 22:00
Brother,
You’ve won the World Cup. You’ve made history.
But beyond the trophy, thank you for this: you’ve made millions of immigrants like our parents feel proud that their future children might one day live what you’ve lived, and that millions of Spaniards empathize with our story, which isn’t just ours but that of all the people who leave everything behind for a better future, because you’ve touched the sky with your fingertips and you’ve shown that with hard work and effort, anything is possible.
Today the world has come to know you even more, if that’s possible, and you’ve put our last name in the stars, forever and ever.
I admire you. I love you. World Champion.
Jack Rathborn20 July 2026 21:30