Football Articles | Mail Online

• Lionel Messi speaks out on 'crazy' Lamine Yamal baby photo as Argentina icon makes appearance in New York two days out from World Cup final18 July 2026, 12:28 am
  Argentina's victory over England set up a mouthwatering showdown between the world champions and Spain in Sunday's final, which pits Messi against the potential heir to his throne.
  
• Nepo babies are now taking over the world of elite sport. They have the athletic good looks, the multi-millions... but do they have the talent?18 July 2026, 12:01 am
  Being a highly marketable, photogenic student athlete and the child of a superstar sports figure is proving that the sports field - never level in the first place - is now extremely slanted indeed.
  
• Trump takes swipe at World Cup fans over Folarin Balogun drama as he tells Gianni Infantino he won't get credit for 'great decision'17 July 2026, 11:42 pm
  Donald Trump has taken aim at critics of Gianni Infantino after FIFA sparked outrage at the World Cup by suspending the ban of USA striker Balogun following a call from the White House.
  
• White House BACKS Argentina players in row over Falklands banner after World Cup semi-final win over England17 July 2026, 11:30 pm
  The Argentinians sparked a feud with political figures in England by displaying a sign which read 'The Malvinas are Argentine,' using the country's term for the South Atlantic islands.
  
• 'It's the middle of the goal!': Jude Bellingham left fuming with Jordan Pickford over Argentina's equaliser in World Cup nightmare - as Lionel Messi discovers England star's penalty 'cheat sheet'17 July 2026, 11:14 pm
  Jude Bellingham appeared to be frustrated with Jordan Pickford over Argentina's equaliser during England's abject World Cup exit.
  
• Expert lip reader reveals what really happened between THAT World Cup couple caught on camera... after tense exchange went viral17 July 2026, 11:14 pm
  Lip readers believe they have uncovered what was said in a viral video of a South African couple arguing during a match at the World Cup.
  
• David Beckham is BOOED on stage in New York after failing to pick a winner between Argentina and Spain ahead of World Cup final clash17 July 2026, 11:14 pm
  The former England captain has been a near-ever-present at the tournament in North America, and made headlines as he cheered on his country's win over Norway with wife Victoria.
  
• Now DONALD TRUMP slams Thomas Tuchel's 'unusual' tactics: US President bizarrely takes aim at England boss for playing 'great guy' Harry Kane 'in defence'17 July 2026, 11:10 pm
  Trump has taken centre stage on more than one occasion this World Cup, none more famously than when he intervened to have Folarin Balogun's red card suspended via a chat with Gianni Infantino.
  
• FIFA makes decision on World Cup final venue after crisis talks with White House officials over Canada wildfire smoke17 July 2026, 10:52 pm
  Spain is due to face Argentina on Sunday afternoon and there have been warnings that the combination of heat and poor air quality poses a threat to both players and fans.
  
• France star Ibrahima Konate brands World Cup third-place play-off against England 'the game no one wants to play'17 July 2026, 10:49 pm
  The two nations will go head-to-head at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium at 8pm tomorrow after losing their respective semi-finals.
  
• Expert reveals the impact Canadian wildfire smoke will have on World Cup final... as White House officials meet FIFA for crisis talks in New York17 July 2026, 10:30 pm
  The crisis talks follow several days of heavy pollution across the Northeast, leaving many wondering if MetLife Stadium will remain safe enough to host Sunday's final.
  
• Man United target Ederson signs new Atalanta deal after £38m move collapsed, Tottenham tell Newcastle their asking price for Lucas Bergvall and Aston Villa sign £59m Johan Manzambi: WINDOW WATCH17 July 2026, 10:12 pm
  The transfer window is now open until September 1 and it's sure to be a busy period with clubs looking to make big signings ahead of next season. Here are today's latest developments...
  
• World Cup winners to receive Super Bowl-style RINGS for the first time - and you can get your hands on one for an eye-watering £110,000 in yet another FIFA cash grab17 July 2026, 9:40 pm
  FIFA revealed on Friday that it has manufactured 'bespoke championship rings', 30 of which will be presented to either the Spanish or Argentinian squads on Sunday night.
  
• Taking your foot off the gas, lads? England stars including Jude Bellingham gorge on BBQ FOOD at a petrol station ahead of third-place play-off17 July 2026, 8:54 pm
  The team and manager Thomas Tuchel have received backlash for their approach after going ahead against Argentina, with some defensive moves resulting in them conceding twice.
  
• England may not be in the World Cup final... but Gareth Southgate will be there! Former Three Lions boss 'set to attend Argentina vs Spain showdown in New York after speaking at private gathering'17 July 2026, 8:26 pm
  England fans are still recovering from the gut-wrenching defeat by Argentina on Thursday, which saw Thomas Tuchel's side take the lead before collapsing and ultimately losing 2-1.