Rodri, the 2024 Ballon D'Or winner who has excelled at the heart of Spain's midfield during the World Cup, said he expects the final to be unlike any other game the European champions have faced.

The third-place decider is often described as the World Cup's most unwanted fixture. No player begins a tournament dreaming of featuring in it, yet one of the semifinal losers has to walk away with bronze while the other leaves empty-handed.

Messi, playing in what is expected to be his final World Cup, remains Argentina's biggest threat as they seek to defend their title against a Spain side chasing a first global crown since 2010.

Trump also shared that FIFA president Gianni Infantino has approached him about the possibility of the USA and China co-hosting a World Cup in the future.

The third-place play-off was first introduced at the 1934 World Cup, where Germany defeated Austria 3-2.

Kane and Bellingham have had standout World Cup performances for the Three Lions despite the disappointment of not reaching the final.

Bangladesh star Hamza Choudhury has hailed Lamine Yamal as the best player in the world right now, backing the teenager to inspire Spain to victory against Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

Messi, accompanied by Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni and goalkeeper Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez, spoke at an event ahead of Monday's World Cup final against Spain in New York/New Jersey (1:00am Bangladesh Time).

Bangladesh star Hamza Choudhury has hailed Lamine Yamal as the best player in the world right now, backing the teenager to inspire Spain to victory against Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

The shirt had previously sold at auction in 2004 for 70,505 pounds ($105,600), according to Sotheby's.

Holding, 72, never played with Sobers but said he was struck by the way he was revered in the game.

For more than two decades, world football has been shaped by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s extraordinary rivalry. Their brilliance defined an era, rewriting records, collecting trophies and inspiring generations of fans.

The French, world champions in 2018 and finalists four years ago, were one of the main title contenders and were hoping for a third straight final before being knocked out by European champions Spain in the semifinal.

Three names are chanted in songs in the Argentine dressing room throughout this campaign. It is more than a song that says “let’s go and win”.

"A great innings has come to an end. In our hearts, now and forever, Sir Garfield Sobers," West Indies Cricket posted on X above a photograph of him titled 'Legend. Icon. Hero'.

Bangladesh's women's kabaddi team made a convincing start to the five-match series against Nepal, defeating the Himalayan nation 34-24 in the opening match at the National Kabaddi Stadium in Paltan on Friday.

Garry Sobers, widely regarded as one of cricket's greatest allrounders, has died at the age of 89, West Indies Cricket announced on Friday.

Argentina will return to their iconic sky blue and white home strip for the FIFA World Cup final against Spain on Monday (1:00 am Bangladesh time), according to Argentine media reports.

Half-centuries from openers Saif Hassan and Tanzid Tamim, followed by a blistering late cameo from Mohammad Saifuddin and a four-wicket haul from Rishad Hossain, powered Bangladesh to a 34-run victory over Zimbabwe in the second T20I of the three-match series in Bulawayo on Friday.

Argentine President Javier Milei said Thursday he will not attend the World Cup 2026 final in the United States, preferring to continue watching his country take on Spain from home.