Sports

I don’t think Argentina have played great football to get this far, but they have scored some great goals. They are an experienced and streetwise team, and they are also the defending champions. They are not as good as they were when they won it four years ago, but what …

England and Argentina met in another quarter-final in Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium at the 1986 World Cup, with the Falklands War four years earlier providing the backdrop. It was the day of Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand Of God” – as well as his brilliant second goal – as Argentina won …

Rodrigo de Paul has become, in this Argentina squad, what Jose Manuel Pinto once was at Barcelona, or Luis Suarez later became: the team-mate with whom Messi instantly feels at home. Their bond was forged on international duty. Until then, the midfielder’s only connection to Messi had been asking for …

Spain produced an absolute masterclass in control to secure their place in just their second World Cup final – leaving the rest of the world stunned at how France were blown away. Les Bleus went into Tuesday’s eagerly anticipated semi-final as overwhelming favourites having cruised through the tournament, with the …

Tuchel could become only the fourth manager to reach a World Cup final with a team other than their home nation – and first since Austrian Ernst Happel with the Netherlands in 1978. But his England side will have their work cut out against Argentina, who are in the World …

Deschamps is one of only three people to win the World Cup as a player and manager – alongside Brazil’s Mario Zagallo and West Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer. His longevity as manager is also rare in the current era – having led the national team for 14 years. He won 20 …

Fifa said: “Uniquely, Trionda Final celebrates the 16 iconic host cities that have welcomed the world for the biggest Fifa World Cup ever. “As host of the semi-finals, bronze final and final, Dallas, Atlanta, Miami and New York New Jersey are prominently featured within the main blocking of the design. …

The frantic summer of cricket continues at Edgbaston BBC News

While Scottish broadcaster Andrew Neil declared his support, external for the Three Lions following Scotland’s elimination, comments made last week by SNP MP Lara Bird suggest the King was right not to expect Scots to back England. Bird, who is half English, told Politics Live, external that Scots had become …

The half-time break in Sunday’s World Cup final is expected to last between 20 and 25 minutes. An 11-minute Super Bowl-style show, co-headlined by Madonna, Shakira and K-pop boy band BTS, will take place during the interval at New York New Jersey Stadium. While sources within World Cup organisers Fifa …

Pedro Porro plays a one-two with Dani Olmo and doubles Spain’s lead against France in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup. BBC News

Pedro Porro plays a one-two with Dani Olmo and doubles Spain’s lead against France in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup. BBC News

Viktor Gyokeres may be used as a makeweight to bring Julian Alvarez to Arsenal, Liverpool have made contract with Paris St-Germain over a transfer for Bradley Barcola, while Tottenham captain Cristian Romero is set to leave the club. Arsenal have explored the possibility of offering Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres, 28, …

Spain are into the 2026 World Cup final after goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro see them convincingly beat France 2-0 in their semi-final in Dallas. BBC News

Mike Maignan: Guessed the right way for Mikel Oyarzabal’s penalty but beaten for pace and power. Also guilty of some poor distribution. 5 Jules Kounde: Struggled at times with his passing. France have looked so solid at the back at this World Cup but they came undone in what some …

Mikel Oyarzabal gives Spain the lead from the penalty spot during their semi-final against France after a clumsy challenge from Lucas Digne on Lamine Yamal. BBC News

Fenerbahce have signed English forward Mason Greenwood from Marseille on a four-year contract. The Turkish club state the transfer fee is 39m euros (£33.27m) but did previously advise it would be a total fee of 45m euros (£38.36m). Greenwood finished joint-second behind Rennes’ Esteban Lepaul in the 2025-26 Ligue 1 …

Leeds United have agreed a £34.1m fee with Italian club Sassuolo for defender Tarik Muharemovic. The centre-back, 23, has still yet to agree personal terms or complete a medical, with other Premier League clubs having shown an interest. If the Bosnia-Herzegovina international opts for Elland Road he would be Daniel …

Jordan Henderson and Jarell Quansah are set to be the only players unavailable for England in their World Cup semi-final against Argentina. Henderson is still recovering from surgery on the broken arm he suffered while celebrating the win over Mexico in the last 16, while defender Quansah is suspended following …

Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Manchester United striker Melvine Malard for about £850,000. The 26-year-old France international is set to have a medical before completing her move to Stamford Bridge, where she will be reunited with manager Sonia Bompastor. Malard is expected to become Chelsea’s third signing of …