Football Articles | Mail Online

• World Cup third-place play-off is 'absolute nonsense' and 'should be scrapped', insists Alan Shearer - as ex-England captain sends Euro 2028 warning to Three Lions18 July 2026, 1:53 pm
  Alan Shearer has branded FIFA's third-place play-off 'meaningless' ahead of England's meeting with France tonight. Shearer has long been a critic of the fixture, which was first introduced in 1934.
  
• Argentina or Spain? Daily Mail Sport experts predict who will win World Cup final as Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal go head to head for the first time18 July 2026, 1:51 pm
  The reigning world champions take on the reigning European champions in Sunday's World Cup with Argentina hoping to retain the trophy after facing Spain. 
  
• Mauricio Pochettino's USA future to be decided next week as head coach's fate remains in limbo after World Cup heartbreak18 July 2026, 1:46 pm
  The Argentine, 54, has a four-year contract extension on the table that would take him through to the end of the 2030 World Cup, but he has yet to confirm if he will stay for another cycle.
  
• Spanish legend Xavi reveals what La Roja needs to do to beat Argentina and win the World Cup18 July 2026, 1:30 pm
  The European champions are just one win away from lifting the World Cup for the first time since 2010, with a dominant last-four victory over France sealing their place in Sunday's final.
  
• The key numbers behind the World Cup final: Argentina talisman Lionel Messi's Golden Boot bid, Spain's standout star and their stunning defensive record - here's how the two teams stack up ahead of showdown18 July 2026, 1:01 pm
  After a tournament of thrills, spills and plenty of heartbreak, the race to be crowned world champions has finally been narrowed down to just two teams.
  
• Man United and West Ham target Ben Nelson tells Leicester he wants to leave - but Foxes' £10m fee is proving a sticking point: WINDOW WATCH18 July 2026, 12:25 pm
  It's that time of the year again - 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. 
  
• Fans slam 'cringe' Gianni Infantino after FIFA boss swoons over Trump in 'sickening' exchange with president ahead of World Cup final18 July 2026, 11:19 am
  Infantino and Trump came together for an event at Trump Tower in New York City just days out from the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.
  
• 'I think I've pulled my thigh!': Wayne Rooney hurts himself doing the Viking Row on the Hudson River with Micah Richards and Joe Hart - as he fulfils promise to Erling Haaland after Norway's World Cup performance18 July 2026, 11:12 am
  Wayne Rooney has fulfilled his promise of rowing down the Hudson River after he was left stunned by Norway's remarkable World Cup run to the quarter-finals.
  
• Sacre bleu! Graeme Souness finally admits Paul Pogba is one of France's 'greatest-ever talents' after years of criticising ex-Manchester United star in remarkable Paddy Power U-turn18 July 2026, 10:23 am
  Graeme Souness has finally been forced to concede that Paul Pogba is 'one of France's greatest ever talents' as the former Scotland midfielder once again switches allegiance to England's opponents.
  
• 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'18 July 2026, 9:54 am
  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.
  
• Defiant Thomas Tuchel refuses to bow to critics after World Cup semi-final agony - as England boss admits Three Lions still have 'gap to close' on Argentina, Spain and France18 July 2026, 9:46 am
  JACK GAUGHAN: Tuchel admitted that there is still a visible gap between the world's elite and England as he defiantly insisted that he will not change his decision to remain as Three Lions manager.
  
• FIFA makes decision on World Cup final venue after crisis talks with White House officials over Canada wildfire smoke18 July 2026, 8:56 am
  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.
  
• 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, 8:37 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.
  
• White House BACKS Argentina players in row over Falklands banner after World Cup semi-final win over England18 July 2026, 7:27 am
  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.
  
• World Cup Breakfast: One last game for England, BBQ therapy for Jude Bellingham and Co, and Lamine Yamal plays tourist in New York - plus what else to look out for today18 July 2026, 6:23 am
  Hello and welcome to Daily Mail Sport's World Cup Breakfast from day 38 at the tournament - your one-stop shop for everything you've missed overnight in North America.