Alexia Putellas claimed the women's prize for a third time to extend Spain's domination of the award, thanks to her role in leading Barcelona to last season's Champions League before moving to London City Lionesses.

The first ever Ballon d'Or ceremony on English soil got off to an inauspicious start as the London traffic caused a delay of nearly an hour, with many of the star names arriving late.

But there was a happy ending for the hometown hero as Kane collected the crowning glory of his career to date.

The 33-year-old Bayern Munich forward struck a remarkable 73 goals in 65 games for club and country last season, propelling the German giants to a league and cup double.

He also scored six times as England finished third at the World Cup.

"Without you guys (his Bayern Munich team-mates) and the rest of the team it wouldn't be possible, the way you guys push me, the way we compete. So thank you very much," he said after collecting the award.

Kane's medal collection is limited to German domestic triumphs since he arrived at Bayern in 2023.

He was on the losing side for Tottenham in the 2019 Champions League final against Liverpool and twice tasted bitter defeat in the final of the European Championship with England.

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But his remarkable goalscoring consistency has earned him the highest individual award in football.

"Making the move to Bayern Munich was a big step in my career," Kane told AFP earlier. "Some people saw it as a risk but for me it was always about improving and seeing if I could get better around the team-mates, the team, the club and it has pushed me onto another level.

"Being a number nine for Bayern and England you are expected to score goals and to do that the number of times I did last year is something I'm really proud of," he added.

Putellas back on top

Winner in 2021 and 2022, Putellas's third Ballon d'Or caps her return back to the top of the women's game after an anterior cruciate ligament injury derailed her rise four years ago.

Putellas succeeds Spain team-mate Aitana Bonmati, the winner the past three years who was sidelined by a leg break for most of last season.

"Ever since I suffered the injury, I've been trying to enjoy every moment as if it were my last, because you never know if it'll happen again," Putellas told AFP in an interview last month.

"I never felt that the (Ballon d'Or) trophy was 'mine'... Having already experienced it once, I’m able to enjoy it even more now," she added.

Yamal made the boldest fashion statement of the contenders with a pink flower on the front of his black suit.

The Barcelona winger scooped up the first award of the night for young talent of the year for the third consecutive time.

But the 19-year-old fell short of becoming the youngest ever Ballon d'Or winner after he failed to produce his best form during Spain's World Cup success.

Mbappe got the better of Yamal with two goals as Real Madrid edged Barcelona 2-1 in El Clasico on Sunday.

But his wait to win the Ballon d'Or goes on despite his prolific year for France and Real Madrid.

Luis de la Fuente beat out Paris Saint-Germain's Luis Enrique and Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to be named men's coach of the year after leading Spain to World Cup glory.

"I'm really privileged to work with a team of such high quality on a professional and human level," said de la Fuente.

Barcelona's Pere Romeu scooped the prize for women's coach of the year.

Arsenal's Bukayo Saka won the Socrates award for his humanitarian work.

Paris Saint-Germain missed out on any of the main individual awards despite winning a second consecutive Champions League, but did have the consolation of men's club of the year.

Spanish duo Unai Simon and Cata Coll were named best men's and women's goalkeeper.

French superstar Mbappe opened the scoring before the interval and then slotted home late on to inflict Barca's first domestic defeat of the campaign after Raphinha had equalised for the champions.

Real Madrid remain third, behind Atletico Madrid and Hansi Flick's Barca, who had won their first nine games before a chastening week.

The Catalans suffered a second straight defeat after losing on Tuesday against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

Mourinho was delighted with his team's display in his first Clasico back at the helm of Madrid.

"My team had an extraordinary game, very organised, good concentration, with courage to play out from the back against a team that presses you a lot," Mourinho told reporters.

"We had chances for the second goal... obviously Barca had a strong reaction but we were calm and organised and at 1-1 we never lost our tranquility."

Barca had won six of the seven previous Clasicos since Flick arrived but were surprisingly subdued against Mourinho's side.

"You saw today, we lacked freshness," said Flick of his team's performance.

"It's the first defeat in La Liga, we won nine in a row. This is what we have to see.

"Defeats are a part of the game. We have to analyse, we have to make things better. Now it's important that we make a reaction."

Los Blancos, without suspended winger Vinicius Junior, won their fifth straight game across all competitions and are finding their footing under veteran Portuguese coach Mourinho.

After two trophyless seasons Madrid turned back to Mourinho to try and stop Barca's dominance, and this result will give them hope they are on the right track.

The opening period of the game was cagey, with few opportunities.

Barca defender Pau Cubarsi twice reacted well to shut down Mbappe, while Real Madrid's Marc Cucurella took a rapid liking for Lamine Yamal's shirt, constantly grabbing at the 19-year-old winger.

Anthony Gordon, playing in his first Clasico since joining Barcelona from Newcastle, backheeled the ball to Raphinha, who fired narrowly wide as Barca threatened.

The hosts were dealt a setback when young defender Xavi Espart pulled up hurt and needed to be replaced by Alejandro Balde before the half-hour mark.

Andriy Lunin, playing in goal for Madrid after Thibaut Courtois pulled out of the squad with flu, saved at his near post from Gordon before the visitors took the lead.

Mbappe scored his 10th league goal of the season and also his easiest, with Barca's Gerard Martin clearing a cross straight at the Frenchman, who deflected it into the net.

Barca responded by carving out a glorious chance for an equaliser but teenage sensation Yamal for once miscued in front of goal, firing wide when poised to level.

The game opened up and Yan Diomande came close to doubling Madrid's lead before half-time, drilling into the side-netting.

Sting in the tail

Martin redeemed himself early in the second half as he held off Jude Bellingham, who could neither beat the defender nor find a free Mbappe.

Raphinha, who had a quiet first half, pulled Barcelona level just after the hour mark.

Pedri fed the Brazilian, La Liga's top goalscorer with 13, who fired through Bellingham's legs and Lunin could not keep the shot out.

The Ukrainian goalkeeper did make a superb save to deny Martin at a corner, as Barcelona flowed forward with the wind finally in their sails.

Yamal bent an effort wide with Lunin at full stretch and Barca substitute Frenkie de Jong had a shot desperately blocked by Dean Huijsen.

There was a sting in the tail for the Catalans though as substitute Gabriel Jesus lost possession and Madrid raced through on goal.

Eduardo Camavinga beat Cubarsi and unselfishly cut the ball back for Mbappe to tuck home his second of the night into an empty net with Joan Garcia drawn out of position.

It brought up a century of goals since Mbappe joined Madrid from PSG in 2024, although the trophies to match have not yet followed.

"(Winning) is a good message today, but we can't think the season is done -- next week (at Racing) Santander we have to put in the same intensity," Mbappe told Real Madrid TV.

Bernardo Silva opened the scoring for Madrid from close range towards the end of a tight first half, with Arda Guler doubling the record 15-time European champions' advantage soon after the interval.

Mbappe bent home a third before Tidiam Gomis pulled one back for the German side and Diomande rammed a volley into the top corner to cap Madrid's triumph late on.

"We know every point is important to get into the top eight, we know we have to win as many games as possible -- we've won three and there are five to go," Mbappe told Movistar.

The French superstar, who hopes to win the Ballon d'Or next week, has netted in each of Madrid's Champions League matches this season and has 12 goals in 12 games.

"I'm doing well (but) I think I can do more," said Mbappe.

"I'm one of the few players who always has to demand more from himself... right now it's a good moment, but we have to keep going and I have to do more."

Their fourth consecutive win across all competitions will boost Madrid's morale ahead of Sunday's La Liga Clasico against bitter rivals Barcelona.

Without a major trophy for two seasons and having endured a shaky domestic start, Madrid can at least boast a perfect European record in the league phase, unlike Barca after their defeat at Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.

"For a Clasico, confidence doesn't exist," Mourinho told Movistar.

"It's one more league game, but it's not a game like the others. We're losing 24 hours of rest (compared to Barca)."

Mourinho started with Vinicius, serving a four-match ban in La Liga, on the left flank and benched former Leipzig winger Diomande, despite his encouraging form.

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Visitors Leipzig created the first big chance, with Madrid stopper Thibaut Courtois getting down low to make a superb save from Romulo Cardoso.

Vinicius, who improved on a poor showing at Roma last week without breaking out of his rut, drew a save at full stretch from Leipzig's Maarten Vandevoordt.

Madrid carved out an advantage in the final stages of a low-key first half when Valverde cut the ball back for Guler, whose shot was blocked by Vandevoordt, but Silva darted in to score his first goal for the club.

Guler put Madrid two goals ahead in the 52nd minute, holding off a defender and turning home Mbappe's header back across goal from Jude Bellingham's cross.

Sad Vinicius

Mourinho sent on Diomande for Vinicius with 20 minutes remaining, with the Brazilian left looking downcast on the bench, aware he cannot play again until November 4, when Madrid visit AEK Athens.

"I think it's good that he's sad, because it means he wants to give a lot to the team, to the fans," said Mbappe.

"I think he just needs to stay calm, he needs to be calm, proud of who he is, because a great player must always be proud of what he is, and keep his confidence, because the quality is there."

Mourinho thought the Brazilian winger had a decent game.

"I don't want to say he's sad, because that's a feeling only he can say if he has, but his coach is happy," said Mourinho.

Vinicius watched on as Madrid's record 140 million euro ($157m) signing Diomande pulled the ball back to Mbappe on the edge of the box for the third, with the France attacker bending home.

Leipzig quickly grabbed a consolation goal at the other end as Dean Huijsen switched off, with Gomis firing past Courtois.

Diomande ended proceedings with a bang as he rattled an emphatic volley from Brahim Diaz's cross into the top corner for his third goal in his last four appearances.

Real Madrid finished with 10 men against Villarreal after Vinicius Junior was sent off for hair pulling in a 1-0 victory, with Yan Diomande's goal keeping Jose Mourinho's side, third, on Barcelona's trail.

Los Blancos are six points behind Barca, who also lead second-place Atletico Madrid by five points after Diego Simeone's team snatched a late 2-1 win at Alaves.

England winger Gordon opened the scoring for Barca in the second minute and Gabriel Jesus added another after half an hour for the league leaders, who have won every match they have played this season.

France defender Jules Kounde tucked home the third from Lamine Yamal's cross to cap Barca's solid win against Jose Bordalas's side at Camp Nou.

Barca were without their top scorer Raphinha, who sustained a hamstring problem during the international break with Brazil.

Flick replaced him with former Arsenal striker and Selecao compatriot Jesus and his side came roaring out of the blocks.

"Being at Barca is a dream... playing with these players is very easy too, everyone plays very well," Jesus told DAZN after his first start and third goal for the club.

"That makes it easier for me as a striker, to have chances, and I'm ready to score the goals...

"(But) I hope Rafa can recover quickly, because of course the team misses him."

Gordon, who has impressed since joining this summer, grabbed his first Barca goal with a low deflected effort after bundling his way past three players.

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He was Barca's brightest spark in the first half, continuing his fine goalscoring form for England in the recent Nations League matches.

"He's doing very well," said Flick of Gordon. "He scored with England. He has a lot of confidence... he gives us a lot."

Getafe defender Zaid Romero gave the ball away in his own box for Barca's second, passing it straight to Jesus, who stroked into the bottom corner.

The otherwise quiet Yamal supplied Kounde for the third as Barca secured a ninth win from nine games across all competitions.

Narrow victories

Diomande, Real Madrid's record 140-million-euro ($157 million) signing, scored his first goal for the club to help them shade Villarreal, but the game was marked by Vinicius's dismissal.

The Brazil international, on as a substitute, scored but his goal was disallowed and he was sent off after a VAR review showed he pulled the hair of Villarreal's Nathan Saliba in the build-up.

"Sorry to my team and the fans," said Vinicius on Instagram.

Mourinho's Madrid battled through the final stages with 10 men but held on to their slender lead earned by 19-year-old winger Diomande.

Despite Madrid's victory, Vinicius's red card left a bitter taste for Los Blancos, with the winger running the risk of a potential ban which could keep him out of the Clasico on October 25.

"I don't know what's going on with the referees, with this red card, I don't understand, but the most important thing is the victory," said Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.

Mourinho declined to attend his post-match press conference in protest at the refereeing, a club source said.

The Madrid coach had complained bitterly about refereeing decisions which did not go his team's way in the derby defeat by Atletico before the recent international break.

Striker Kylian Mbappe was fit to start the match for Madrid and hit the post in a largely dull first half.

Home fans were not happy with the team at half-time but after 63 minutes they were able to celebrate Diomande's first goal, a sharp low finish into the far corner after being set up by Federico Valverde.

The drama with Vinicius followed, but in part thanks to goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, Madrid were able to clinch three important points.

Earlier Cristian Romero's header in the 87th minute earned Atletico Madrid a narrow win at 10-man Alaves.

Alejandro Grimaldo put Atletico in front before Lucas Boye equalised from the penalty spot for Alaves before the interval.

Angel Perez was sent off for the hosts in the second half and Romero's header from Alex Baena's cross late on secured the victory.

"It's always important that the goal comes from wherever it comes, as long as it comes," said Simeone.

Ronaldo had been due to train with his team-mates at the Parken stadium in Copenhagen on Wednesday but left abruptly after Jesus's press conference.

The veteran coach had said that Ronaldo, who spent the entire match on the bench against Norway on Sunday, would not start Thursday's Nations League clash away to Denmark either.

"Following the national team coach's press conference, and after having a conversation with the Portuguese Football Federation president, I decided to leave the national team's training camp," Ronaldo wrote on Instagram.

"In due course, I will tell the truth to all the Portuguese people about my reasons for leaving the national team, to which I have always been dedicated.

"Now is time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my team-mates, without exception."

Jesus had insisted earlier that there was no rift between him and Ronaldo, although the 72-year-old did acknowledge that his captain had been disappointed to remain on the bench in the side's Nations League win over Norway.

The news sparked a wave of memes on social media and furious backlash from Ronaldo's sister, Elma Aveiro.

"They don't deserve to have the best of anything," she said about the Portuguese people on Instagram.

"We are envious, scornful, and ignorant, and we deserve to return to the mediocrity that defined us in the pre-CR7 era of football."

'No incident'

Following the 2-1 victory in Oslo, Ronaldo went straight to the changing rooms without joining his team-mates in acknowledging the Portuguese supporters in the stands.

"There was no incident whatsoever," Jesus told reporters.

"Any player –- and I was a player myself... when you spend 20 or 30 minutes warming up and then don't get on... no one is happy about that," Jesus said on Wednesday.

The Portuguese coach added that he had told Ronaldo before the match that he would not be in the starting line-up, but that he might bring him on towards the end of the game.

"Afterwards, as coach, I decided not to bring him on. It's nothing to make a fuss about," Jesus insisted.

The former Benfica boss also explained that Ronaldo had not refused to train on Tuesday, as some Portuguese media outlets had suggested, but that he had had to do individual exercises for physical "mobility" and "strengthening".

Jesus had said that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner would train as normal on Wednesday, however, despite arriving at the stadium in the team bus, Ronaldo did not join his team-mates on the pitch in Copenhagen.

Portuguese media shared a video of him leaving the Parken stadium alongside two members of the backroom staff just after Jesus's press conference.

They also said that Ronaldo's private jet was heading to Copenhagen.

Following Ronaldo's social media post, the Portuguese federation released a statement confirming that the former Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus player had left the squad's training camp.

"Preparation for the two matches against Denmark and Norway... continue as planned with the 24 remaining squad members," the federation said.

"The entire delegation remains totally focussed on the national team's next fixtures and on achieving the established objectives."

Jesus had said earlier that for the Denmark match he again intended to start AC Milan striker Goncalo Ramos, who scored the winner against the Norwegians.

"If everything goes according to plan, it will be Goncalo who plays," he said, before adding regarding Ronaldo: "If I need him, he'll come on. If I don't need him, he won't."

At 41, Ronaldo announced this summer that this season would "probably (be) my last year in football".

He is Portugal's leading goalscorer and most capped player, with 146 goals in 234 appearances.

After watching Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid defeat Espanyol 2-1 on Saturday with a late winner, Barca's display warned the Portuguese coach that the Catalans will not relinquish the title easily.

Karim Adeyemi also found the net on his debut as Barca made light work of a vulnerable Elche side at the Martinez Valero stadium.

Hansi Flick started with several regular starters on the bench as they continue to get up to speed following the World Cup.

Teenage winger Lamine Yamal, a key part of the triumphant Spain squad, did start on the right but was far from his best, although it did not matter given Barca's otherwise sparkling display.

"This is a difficult place to go and they're a team that like to have the ball, but we did very well," Raphinha told Movistar.

Brazil international Raphinha lined up as the team's number nine, after Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres left the club, and shone.

Barcelona are still looking for a striker after Atletico Madrid rejected their bid to sign Julian Alvarez.

"I'll leave that to the president," said Raphinha, when asked if Barca needed to sign a number nine. "I am comfortable (anywhere) on the pitch."

Raphinha was cut down in the box by Victor Chust and stroked home the resulting penalty after 14 minutes to get Flick's team on their way.

Eric Garcia was sharp at the back to ward off a threatening Elche attack, while Barca's Gavi caught the eye in midfield -- admittedly more for his pink haircut, to celebrate Spain's triumph, than for his performance.

Rapid winger Adeyemi, playing on the left, started shakily but grew into the game and doubled Barca's lead before the break after Raphinha unselfishly set him up.

In the second half, former Newcastle United winger Gordon, on as a substitute, teed up Raphinha for his second and then supplied Lopez for Barca's fourth in an electric and impressive cameo.

Youngster Xavi Espart played in Lopez, who endured a difficult summer after missing Spain's World Cup triumph through injury, for his second to seal Barcelona's comfortable triumph.

Flick's high-line defence showed the occasional sign of its usual frailty but goalkeeper Joan Garcia did well when called on to keep a clean sheet.

"We were playing against a great team and you pay for your errors," said Elche defender Chust.

"It was a tough day but I'll take from it that the team didn't stop running."

The 26-year-old forward cost the Ligue 1 title-holders a reported 50 million euros ($58 million).

"Paris Saint-Germain is delighted to announce it has secured the services of Ferran Torres. The Spanish World Cup-winning forward has signed with the Club until 2031," read the club statement.

The former Valencia and Manchester City star is reunited with PSG coach Luis Enrique, who as Spain coach gave him his international debut in a Nations League match against Germany in 2020.

"Ferran is a top-class international player, who we know really well," Luis Enrique told the media on Saturday.

"I think he will adapt perfectly to what we want him to do.

"He is a player who can play anywhere in attack.

"We have players who have or are leaving, so it is important we find this type of player."

Torres, who also won Euro 2024 with Spain, said PSG had not lost their hunger for success despite winning back-to-back Champions League titles.

"I'm delighted to be beginning a new adventure at such an ambitious club as Paris Saint-Germain," said Torres in the club statement.

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"I'd like to thank President Nasser Al-Khelaifi, Luis Campos and coach Luis Enrique for giving me the opportunity to join the team, which I hope to help win as many trophies as possible."

Torres, who won three La Liga titles while at Barcelona, came on as a substitute in the World Cup final and scored in extra time to dash Argentina's hopes of retaining their title.

He joined Barcelona from Man City in the 2022 January transfer window.

Torres went on to score 65 times in 207 appearances for the Catalan giants, including in the Copa del Rey final victory against Real Madrid in 2025.

"The club would like to express its gratitude to Ferran Torres for his commitment over the last four and a half seasons as a Blaugrana and wishes him all the best for the next stage of his professional career," said Barcelona in a statement.

His arrival in the French capital may raise Premier League side Liverpool's hopes of signing PSG's 23-year-old winger Bradley Barcola, who sparkled for France at the World Cup.

The two clubs have been in discussions for weeks, with PSG's apparent asking price of around 150 million euros ($173 million) proving the stumbling block.

We are talking about César Luis Menotti and Carlos Salvador Bilardo, the two heads of a dual leadership in soccer that has shaped both the collective imagination of an entire country and its very philosophical essence. These are two stances as profoundly complex and valuable as they are opposed, which for quite some time sparked a major division that spilled over both onto the soccer field and into the newsrooms of the country's most prestigious sports media outlets. Menottism versus Bilardism: the idea of lyrical soccer versus the most rock-solid pragmatism; Achilles and Odysseus; jazz versus industrial rock.

Although until recently the rise of a figure capable of burying this two-headed monster seemed unthinkable, the disaster that was the 2018 World Cup in Russia for Argentina was destructive enough to plunge the Albiceleste into a sporting crisis that forced the Argentine Football Association to take the urgent measure of immediately firing Jorge Sampaoli. Although there were candidates of unquestionable renown at the time, such as Diego Simeone or Mauricio Pochettino, the chosen one would be a figure who had not yet coached in the First Division and whose experience on the bench was limited to serving as an opponent analyst during the Sampaoli era and a brief stint as coach of the U-20 national team: Lionel Scaloni.

Turning defeat into triumph and the construction of an unparalleled era

The former player for teams such as Deportivo La Coruña and West Ham United would take the helm of one of the most challenging coaching positions at the most complex moment in the team's modern history, following the pathetic performance and lackluster play displayed in Russia, a self-esteem decimated after the Copa América finals against Chile, and a "golden generation" that had run its course but which no one seemed willing to let go of. The Argentina that Scaloni inherited was considerably more challenging and formidable than the teams Menotti and Bilardo inherited in their respective eras. After all, while "El Flaco's" team was preceded by the disappointment of '74 and a lack of media pressure, "El Narigón's" team was preceded by Spain '82—a tournament with more shadows than highlights, but with plenty of reasons for short-term optimism.

Scaloni's achievements represent one of the finest bodies of work ever produced by any head coach, considering what has been accomplished over the past eight years and the series of obstacles he managed to overcome. Because it wasn't just about finding a system that could maximize the players' quality and finally provide Lionel Messi a space where he could feel comfortable and fully unleash his endless talents, but also to bring about a difficult generational shift by instilling confidence in a group of players who are now stars but who, at the time, did not seem to be so in the eyes of fans and critics alike.

Scaloni's approach was marked by courage and a sense of soccer that seemed to have been forgotten since 2014. While he didn't win the 2019 Copa América, the performance in the semifinals against Brazil displayed a level of play and character not seen in the previous four years—and which Argentina had not shown against its classic rival in an official match since that night when Juan Román Riquelme shone at the Monumental stadium in the Núñez neighborhood. That match was the beginning of it all. The turning point from which the Albiceleste would go on to achieve an impressive streak of 36 consecutive matches without a loss, during which it claimed its first title since 1993 against none other than Neymar's Brazil and a Finalissima in which it would dismantle the European champion in one of the greatest performances ever delivered by Argentina in its more-than-successful history.

Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni touches the World Cup trophy.AFP

The streak would come to an end following the loss to Saudi Arabia at the World Cup in Qatar, where Argentina would ultimately lift the trophy and achieve absolute glory, in what was the definitive crowning achievement of a project and a series of decisions that elevated Scaloni to the footballing pantheon and placed him among those who were right from the beginning. And, while it might have seemed that the unquestionable greatness achieved along the way was the result of chance, Scaloni knew how to sustain it and give it continuity, which allowed him not only to achieve a formidable qualifying campaign but also to win another Copa América in which his team maintained superiority from start to finish.

While all of this would have been more than enough to warrant a well-deserved break after such success, Argentina would go on to reach another World Cup final, where everything it demonstrated on the field in 2022 was mirrored emotionally and psychologically. It pulled off a series of wins in matches which seemed doomed only to rise again at the last moment, as if it were the "Real Madrid of national teams" or the main character in a story where the underdog remembers, just before giving up, that it is invincible.

The big picture shows that Scaloni has achieved an unbeatable 78.8% win rate in the 104 matches he has coached so far. Focusing solely on his record, he stands as the most successful coach in the history of the Argentine national team with four titles, clearly surpassing Menotti and Bilardo, who each won only one World Cup. And if what happened at Italy '90 is considered an emotional triumph, it stands on par with the events of the recently concluded World Cup—even in statistical and numerical terms.

Scaloni transcended the dichotomy

Menotti's legacy extends not only to a style and a way of viewing soccer, but primarily to having secured the first of the Albiceleste's three World Cup titles and having professionalized Argentine soccer, which until then had been mired in amateurism. Bilardo's legacy revolves around both a World Cup victory and the introduction of a results-oriented pragmatism that took sufficient hold to become the defining hallmark of Argentine soccer years later, evident primarily the many clubs that went on to win Copa Libertadores titles.

Scaloni's legacy boils down to the restoration of diminished greatness—the resurrection of what many considered a soccer "corpse" that was in a situation not unlike other mammoth national teams, such as Germany or Brazil, who have been suffering for some time. He rescued the Albiceleste from a widespread crisis to restore the glory that had been buried in the final years of the last century.

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In light of this fact, continuing the debate between "Menottism" and "Bilardism" is an exercise that is more absurd than significant. Although it is still too early to determine whether Scaloni should be considered a completely separate third way in terms of model and worldview (he incorporates clear elements of both), the question of who has been the greatest and most influential head coach for the Argentine national team is meaningless in the face of an overwhelming reality forged over the last eight years—one that neither "El Flaco" nor "El Narigón" managed to match, even under less dramatic circumstances.

In a country that for decades wavered between a drive for the lyrical and ruthless calculation, Scaloni demonstrated that true mastery lies in intelligent harmony—that rare ability to unite beauty and effectiveness without betraying either. Argentina's current head coach has not only bridged the gap between two irreconcilable philosophies; he has transcended the dichotomy itself.

Where Menotti embodied the foundational lyricism and Bilardo the raw realism of survival, Scaloni represents something deeper and, perhaps, more valuable: the calm fusion of a soccer-loving nation that has finally come to recognize itself once again in a mirror, the rebuilding from the ashes of disappointments and lost finals of a national team that seemed doomed to nostalgia. His true triumph lies not solely in the titles—however monumental they may be—but in having restored to Argentina something it had lost: the conviction that its greatness is not a memory of the past, but a living possibility in the present.

As revealed by Sky Sports News, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has formally decided to open an investigation to thoroughly analyze the unsportsmanlike conduct displayed by members of the Argentine national team on the field at MetLife Stadium before determining the appropriate sanctions.

The governing body will compile the referee's reports, the match delegates' reports, and television footage to evaluate the behavior of the Argentine players and coaching staff, who reacted aggressively and in frustration after failing to defend their World Cup title.

A brawl marked by blows and physical aggression

The confrontation was triggered when the Spanish players were preparing to celebrate their title. According to the footage analyzed, Argentine defender Nahuel Molina slapped Rodri as the Spanish midfielder ran to celebrate with his teammates. Tensions escalated immediately when defender Eric García stepped in to mediate and was abruptly grabbed by the neck by Leandro Paredes.

The spiral of violence intensified when young midfielder Gavi came to his teammate's aid, only to be knocked to the ground after being attacked by Thiago Almada and Paredes himself. Despite attempts by Argentina's head coach, Lionel Scaloni, to separate those involved and calm tempers, the altercations multiplied in different areas of the field.

Red cards, the coaching staff, and institutional disrespect

Among the most serious issues being reviewed by FIFA is the red card shown to Leandro Paredes for violent conduct after the match ended, as well as the alleged intervention by the Argentine assistant coach, Roberto Ayala, who allegedly shoved Spanish forward Dani Olmo in the midst of the brawl.

Furthermore, the investigation will not be limited solely to acts of physical violence on the field. FIFA will also evaluate the behavior of the South American delegation during the official award ceremony.

Several Argentine players decided to turn their backs on the officials' podium while the Spanish national team lifted the World Cup, a move that violates the protocols of sportsmanship and institutional integrity required in the world's top competitions.

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The team coached by Luis de la Fuente imposed its possession-based style and defensive solidity throughout 120 minutes of battle, capping off a memorable tournament in which it conceded just a single goal in seven matches.

The European champions maintained constant territorial dominance throughout the match, but repeatedly came up against Argentina's ironclad defensive structure and the standout performance of goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.

Argentina, which had reached the final after epic comebacks against Egypt and England in the knockout rounds, withstood La Roja's assaults by relying on its experience and the talent of Lionel Messi.

The tactical flow of the match took a decisive turn in regulation time stoppage. Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card after a hard tackle on young Spanish defender Pau Cubarsí, leaving the Albiceleste with ten men to face extra time.

With a numerical advantage, Spain intensified its pressure on an opponent entrenched near its own box. The persistence paid off early in the second half of extra time. A brilliant header assist from Nico Williams set up Ferran Torres—who had come off the bench—inside the box, and Torres finished with precision, firing a cross-shot past the Argentine goalkeeper to seal the decisive victory.

Throughout the tournament on North American soil, Spain stifled its opponents with fluid possession and a solid defensive structure that showed no cracks, even under intense pressure.

Argentina fought until the very last breath to retain the title won in the previous edition, but playing a man down combined with physical exhaustion ultimately derailed its aspirations against the European team's relentless pressure.

With information from AFP.

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Both teams had higher aspirations at the 2026 tournament but suffered painful semi-final exits -- France were outplayed by Spain while England suffered a late collapse against Argentina.

Both coaches made multiple changes for the match in the oppressive heat of Miami, with a host of stars on the bench at the start.

England boss Thomas Tuchel left out Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham from his starting line-up while Deschamps, stepping down after 14 years at the helm, omitted Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice put England ahead with a goal from distance in the third minute and Ezri Konsa headed home to make it 2-0.

Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise were a threat as France searched for a way back into the game but they found England's second-choice goalkeeper Dean Henderson in top form.

The game threatened to become embarrassing for France when Bukayo Saka made it 3-0 after a swift break.

And it was 4-0 in first-half stoppage time when Saka scored his second goal of the game, celebrated with a fist pump by Tuchel.

France coach Didier Deschamps told French TV channel M6 that the first-half display had been "catastrophic", urging his men to show pride.

He made four changes, bringing on Dembele, Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Digne and Barcola and was rewarded almost instantly when Mbappe scored his ninth goal of the tournament to move clear of Lionel Messi at the top of the Golden Boot standings.

The game had now totally changed complexion and Barcola pulled another goal back, with Deschamps clenching his fist on the bench.

Mbappe then netted his second of the game to become the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer with 22 goals -- slotting home from Olise's pass.

That put him two ahead of Messi in the race to finish as top scorer at the 2026 tournament.

France squandered a number of chances to equalise and England were handed a chance to extend their lead when Malo Gusto brought down Djed Spence in the penalty area.

Saka stepped up to the spot and converted to complete his hat-trick.

There was still time for Dembele to grab a fourth for France but Bellingham then strode forward to score the 10th goal of the match with an individual effort.

In doing so Bellingham became the first England player to score seven goals at a World Cup.

By finishing third, England secured their best result at a World Cup since winning the tournament in 1966, though they will carry bitter memories of their defeat by defending champions Argentina.

Deschamps led France to World Cup glory in 2018 and finished as runners-up four years ago.

Les Bleus were favourites to win the 2026 tournament after a sensational start but were well-beaten 2-0 by Spain in the semi-finals.

Three-time champions Argentina face European champions Spain in the final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday.

"I always had the dream of covering a World Cup and interviewing the big stars, but I saw it as a distant and remote dream. […] I felt very grateful to Jude Bellingham for his message to the Venezuelan people. For European soccer players, it's normal not to stop in the mixed zone. However, he decided to break with protocol, and as soon as he heard the name 'Venezuela,' he stopped without hesitation and spoke in Spanish so that everyone in the country could understand him. […] I had the opportunity to interview Messi twice; all I can say about him is that he's very approachable and down-to-earth—he's just as great off the field as he is with the ball at his feet," said Gutiérrez.

You can watch the full interview by clicking on the video below.

While Argentine President Javier Milei has decided to prioritize the strict observance of his good-luck rituals over international protocol, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has made an eleventh-hour schedule change in a last-ditch effort to ensure his seat in the presidential box.

The Moncloa Palace initially operated under the assumption that Sánchez would not travel to the United States due to unavoidable official commitments, including a state visit to Algeria scheduled for Monday.

However, after it was confirmed that the Spanish national team would be competing for the title, the Socialist government drastically reversed course. Official sources within the Spanish government confirmed the change of plans to the COPE radio network with a direct message: "We are trying to adjust our schedule so we can attend the World Cup final."

Milei's unwavering ritual: His YPF jacket and the heating off

At the opposite end of the political planning spectrum is Javier Milei. The Argentine leader made it clear that "under no circumstances" will he break the habits that, according to his beliefs, have accompanied the Albiceleste's success over the past month.

In an interview with the radio station El Observador, Milei confirmed that he will watch the decisive match from the official residence in Olivos alongside his sister, rejecting any diplomatic journey due to a matter of strict "superstition."

"I'll be watching the games from Olivos just like I did on the first day. It's a superstition," the president explained. Milei described his unique ritual in detail, which includes watching the match wearing a jacket from the state-owned oil company YPF and keeping the heating turned off:

"Since it was cold and I don't turn on the heat, I wore a jacket from the oil company. On the day of the Switzerland game, I got really hot. As soon as I took it off, they scored a goal against us. I put it back on and didn't take it off again."

A VIP box with Felipe VI and Donald Trump

In contrast to Sánchez's hesitations and Milei's calculated absence, high-level representation at MetLife Stadium is fully assured.

The Spanish Royal House confirmed the attendance of King Felipe VI, who will travel to New Jersey accompanied by Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, and Infanta Sofía to support the national delegation at this historic event.

Also present in the box will be President Donald Trump , who will not only watch the match but will also participate in the presentation of the trophy to the champion alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt emphasized that the president's attendance "will put the finishing touch on what has been the most-watched, safest, and most successful World Cup in U.S. history."

When asked by the press whether Trump would support Argentina, led by his close political ally Javier Milei, or Spain, led by Pedro Sánchez—with whose government he has significant diplomatic disagreements—Leavitt replied humorously: "That's a very good question, and I regret not having asked the president that before coming here."

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The South American team managed to remain the only representative from the Americas with a chance to defend its title, breaking the stranglehold of the UEFA powers that threatened to monopolize the final stages on American soil.

The team led by Lionel Scaloni, true to its tradition of showing resilience in the face of adversity, secured its spot in Kansas City with a 3-1 victory over a tenacious Swiss squad.

The match went into extra time after a 1-1 tie in regulation, a result the Swiss held firm despite playing a man down from the 72nd minute following the ejection of one of their players.

The Roar of the Lions in Miami and the VAR Controversy

Earlier in the day, at the stadium in Miami, the English national team secured its spot in the final four by defeating 2-1 the tournament’s surprise team, Norway.

The star of the day was Real Madrid’s attacking midfielder, Jude Bellingham, who led the British comeback with a left-footed shot across the goal in first-half stoppage time and then capitalized on a rebound in the 93rd minute to dash the hopes of the Scandinavians led by Erling Haaland.

The match was not without controversy. The Norwegian delegation vehemently protested the English equalizer, arguing that the ball struck the aerial camera cable following a goal kick by goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, altering the ball’s trajectory.

Despite the complaints regarding the television footage, FIFA acted swiftly, issuing a statement assuring that there was “no conclusive evidence” to prove such an impact.

Dominance in Extra Time and a Rematch with Unfinished Business

In Kansas City, the Swiss resistance finally gave way to the relentless pressure of the Albiceleste offense. In the 112th minute, Julián Álvarez broke the deadlock with a spectacular mid-range shot that found the back of the Swiss net, sparking euphoria on the Argentine bench.

In the dying moments of stoppage time (120+1’), Lautaro Martínez sealed the victory by scoring the decisive third goal against a European squad decimated by physical exhaustion and the earlier absence of its young prospect, Johan Manzambi.

Wednesday’s match will reignite one of the most intense soccer and cultural rivalries on the planet, with a history that inevitably harks back to the quarterfinals of Mexico 1986.

The English team, seeking to reach its first World Cup final since 1966 under the guidance of German coach Thomas Tuchel, will face off against the defending champions. Coach Scaloni praised the continued impact of his captain, Lionel Messi, ahead of the decisive match: “Maybe people who don’t know him expected that at 39 he wouldn’t be up to the task, but as long as he wants to, he’ll be the best.”

With information from AFP.

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Charles De Ketelaere scored twice, Hans Vanaken punished a goalkeeping howler, and substitute Romelu Lukaku added a fourth to settle a last-16 clash that had been overshadowed by the pre-match uproar surrounding US striker Folarin Balogun.

Balogun, named in US coach Mauricio Pochettino's starting line-up after FIFA suspended a one-game ban following lobbying by US President Donald Trump, was largely anonymous throughout Monday's knockout tie at Seattle's Lumen Field.

Instead, a rampant Belgium ruthlessly dismantled the USA's hopes of reaching a first World Cup quarter-final in 24 years, in a bitterly disappointing end to a campaign that had captivated the host nation.

De Ketelaere fired Belgium ahead after nine minutes, and although Malik Tillman's deflected free-kick leveled it in the 31st-minute, the US fightback was shortlived.

De Ketelaere headed Belgium back in front in the 33rd minute, and Vanaken made it 3-1 in the 57th minute after a dreadful blunder by US goalkeeper Matt Freese, who was dispossessed after charging out of his penalty area to clear.

Veteran striker Lukaku piled on the misery with a fourth in stoppage time.

The defeat capped a tumultuous 24 hours for the World Cup co-hosts, who were lifted by FIFA's shock reprieve of Balogun on Sunday -- a decision which brought widespread condemnation across the football world.

Belgium football chiefs had challenged Balogun's eligibility for the game earlier on Monday but saw their appeal dismissed out of hand by FIFA.

- Sad farewell -

The Belgians advance to a quarter-final meeting with Spain in Los Angeles on Friday.

The Spaniards booked their place in that game with a 1-0 victory over Portugal in the final World Cup match of Cristiano Ronaldo's career.

Spanish substitute Mikel Merino coolly slotted the winner in the first minute of stoppage time to seal victory in a dour contest between the Iberian football rivals at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The defeat marked a sad farewell to the World Cup for Portugal captain Ronaldo, the 41-year-old superstar playing in his sixth edition of the tournament.

Former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Ronaldo, who has struggled to reproduce his best form during a challenging campaign in the United States, had long dreamed of adding a World Cup winners medal to his collection of honours amassed over a career that has straddled three decades.

But the striker was rarely more than a peripheral figure in a performance that saw Portugal muster just two shots on target, compared to Spain's six.

Ronaldo said afterwards he would take time to consider his future following the defeat.

"It was my last World Cup, yes, but I'll have time to think about the rest, to be with my family, not make rash decisions, and just get on with life," Ronaldo said.

"That's football, that's the life of a footballer. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and you have to move on."

Ronaldo, the leading scorer in the history of men's international football, said he would leave the World Cup stage "with a clear conscience".

"The truth is, the biggest title I won with the national team was in 2016 (the European Championship), which for me is just as significant as a World Cup, honestly," he said.

European champions Spain struggled to break down the Portuguese, but finally took the lead in stoppage time, Merino latching on to a through ball from a quick free kick and prodding a low finish past Diogo Costa.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was satisfied with his performance.

"It was a fantastic match -- a final played early -- and, inevitably, we had to sweat it out until the very end," de la Fuente said. "We put in a complete performance."

Neymar came on as a late substitute at the MetLife Stadium and scored a penalty deep in injury time, but that was a mere consolation after Erling Haaland netted twice for Norway, and Brazil lost 2-1.

The 34-year-old is Brazil's all-time top scorer and ironically he got his first goal for his country in the same stadium, in a 2-0 win against the United States back in 2010.

"I tried and I tried. Now it's over. It began here and it ends here," Neymar said in a brief exchange with a journalist from Brazil's Globo Esporte after the game.

He collapsed in tears when the final whistle went, and had to be consoled by teammates.

Worn down by injuries in recent years, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player, now back at first club Santos, was a surprise inclusion in Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil squad for the World Cup.

Injury prevented him from featuring in Brazil's first two group games at the tournament, but he did come on in the 3-0 win over Scotland in Miami which completed the opening round.

That was his first international appearance since October 2023, but his only other appearance in the United States came Sunday against Norway.

France captain Mbappe coolly stroked in a 70th-minute spot-kick to settle a tense duel with the tough-tackling Paraguayans in furnace-like conditions at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field.

The goal was Mbappe's seventh of the tournament, putting him alongside Argentina's Lionel Messi in the race for the tournament's Golden Boot.

Paraguay, who pulled off a massive upset in the last 32 by ousting four-time champions Germany on penalties, frustrated France for long periods with an ultra-disciplined defensive effort.

But the introduction of substitute Desire Doue for left winger Bradley Barcola in the 61st minute led to the breakthrough.

Paris Saint-Germain player Doue cut in menacingly from the left and jinked past several Paraguayan players before being upended by Diego Gomez in the area.

There was a brief delay after referee Ilgiz Tantashev waved play on, but when the incident was sent to VAR for review, the Uzbek official swiftly pointed to the spot.

Mbappe stepped up and converted with aplomb to settle a match played in temperatures of around 38 degrees Celsius (100 Fahrenheit) as a heatwave roasted the northeastern United States as it celebrated the July 4 holiday.

"We knew what sort of match we were in for, but I think today went really well," Mbappe said after an ill-tempered affair that saw three France players pick up yellow cards.

"They thought we'd turn up in tuxedos, that we'd just come to pull off some spectacular moves," Mbappe added.

"But we know how to play the dirty game too. And we did that today; we won, and even in that respect we were better than them."

France will now face Morocco in the quarter-finals in Foxborough, outside Boston on Thursday -- a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semi-final won by Les Bleus.

Friday, July 3, marks the first anniversary of Jota’s death in a traffic accident in Spain.

“It’s incredible how things turn out in life (…). It means a lot to us, not only because we won the match, but also because of the way we did it,” Ronaldo told the press after the game in Toronto, Canada.

Croatia took the lead with a goal by Ivan Perisic (53'), but Portugal came back with goals by Cristiano Ronaldo on a penalty kick (68') and Gonçalo Ramos (90+4').

Before the comeback, a goal by Ronaldo was disallowed for offside.

"We dominated the game in the first half, and in the second half, after their goal, we panicked a little; but that's soccer," the 41-year-old forward analyzed.

“After my goal was disallowed for offside, the fans started to believe, and after the penalty, things turned around for us. We created chances, and I think, in the end, we deserved to win the match,” he added.

Gonçalo Ramos’s last-minute goal secures a spot in the Round of 16

Gonçalo Ramos celebrated his decisive goal as a sign that Portugal is never “dead.”

Ramos entered the game in the 63rd minute, replacing João Cancelo, with Croatia leading 1-0.

“In the final minutes, when a goal is needed, I’m there,” the 25-year-old celebrated.

“It’s not the first, second, or third time. Whenever they need a goal in the final minutes, they can call on Gonçalo Ramos,” he added with satisfaction in comments to the official TV broadcast.

"The team is growing as the tournament goes on," he said. "We’re showing our strength. We’re always going for the win and we believe until the very end, because we’re never out of it," the scorer of the decisive goal concluded.

Portugal will face Spain on Monday in the round of 16.

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The co-hosts' first World Cup knockout victory in nearly a quarter-century -- and only their second ever -- sets up a clash with Belgium in Seattle on Monday.

Balogun's goal on the stroke of half-time had sent the California crowd into delirium, with some 30 million Americans expected to be watching the blockbuster clash across the nation.

But the striker saw red as VAR intervened following a nasty clash with Bosnia's Tarik Muharemovic. But even with the US forced into a 10-man rearguard action, Malik Tillman curled in a free kick to secure the win.

US supporters had flocked into the San Francisco Bay Area stadium in festive mood, their exuberant confidence summed up by the traditional pre-match fighter jet flyover in the bright California skies.

Bosnia's tactics were made clear from the kickoff -- an immediate long ball -- while the US defense quickly camped out on the halfway line, always pushing forward.

Still, Bosnia had the best early chances. Forty-year-old captain Edin Dzeko held up a launched pass from his goalkeeper and laid it off for Ermedin Demirovic, who shot right at Matt Freese.

The US 'keeper made another good save moments later from a Kerim Alajbegovic corner, which threatened to swing straight into his net.

But the US pressure began to tell. Balogun had a decent penalty shout for a clumsy Amar Dedic tackle waved away. Soon after the American striker had the ball in the net, but was offside from Weston McKennie's smart pass.

Those near misses enlivened an increasingly anxious crowd. But their nerves were soon reduced, as Balogun scored in the 45th minute.

US captain Tim Ream had intercepted a Bosnian goal kick, swiftly playing it to Tillman. His through ball deflected into the path of Balogun, who tucked it under the goalkeeper.

Impressive holding midfielder Tyler Adams nearly created a second before the break. He found Sergino Dest, who headed back to Balogun. His shot from the six-yard line clipped the crossbar on its way over.

Historic win

Just five minutes into the second half Dzeko limped off. Bosnian coach Sergej Barbarez made a triple substitution.

A younger, more mobile front line featuring Wisconsin-born, US-raised Esmir Bajraktarevic immediately pressed higher and faster.

In the 64th minute, Balogun was shown a straight red after VAR review, harshly judged to have stamped on the back of Muharemovic's foot.

With the crowd stunned, Demirovic spurned a chance to add insult to injury, shooting straight at Freese from a dangerous position.

US coach Mauricio Pochettino used the hydration break to gather his squad in a tight huddle on the field, rallying his outnumbered troops to hold out for the game's final phase.

Despite his team suddenly being on the backfoot, Christian Pulisic put the ball in the net, but was comfortably offside.

And in the 82nd minute, the US won a free kick on the edge of the Bosnian box from a pull on Dest. Tillman curled it over the wall and to the right of Nikola Vasilj, whose fingertips could not keep it out.

The Americans rode out a nervy 10 minutes of stoppage time, substitue Ermin Mahmic's shot flashing inches wide of the far post.

But they ultimately holding out for a clean sheet and a historic win, keeping alive their World Cup journey on home soil, as "USA" chants and "Take Me Home, Country Roads" reverberated around the giant arena that hosted this year's Super Bowl.

The round-of-32 match was delayed for an hour due to stormy weather and when it started the co-hosts flew out of the blocks, mounting wave after wave of attacks.

In a supercharged atmosphere, Julian Quinones gave Mexico a deserved lead midway through the first half with a thunderous strike and then turned provider for Raul Jimenez.

Ecuador desperately needed to wrest back the momentum after the break but struggled to shift through the gears, with the home side largely in control.

Mexico had not won a World Cup knockout game since 1986, when they last hosted the tournament.

Tuesday's win means they are now unbeaten in 10 World Cup games at the Azteca and will fancy their chances against England or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the round of 16.

Mexico were one of only three teams in the group phase to win all three of their matches, alongside France and Argentina, and did not concede a single goal.

Ecuador finished third in their group, scoring just two goals.

Gilberto Mora, 17, was named in the starting line-up for Mexico, becoming the second-youngest player to start a knockout match at the World Cup finals behind Pele in 1958.

The home team started on the front foot, refusing to allow a shell-shocked Ecuador to settle.

Jimenez wasted a glorious headed chance in the seventh minute and Mora flashed just wide.

At the other end, John Yeboah muscled his way into the penalty area in a rare foray forward for the visitors, clipping the outside of the near post.

Mexico took the lead in the 22nd minute when Saudi-based Quinones received the ball from Roberto Alvarado and tore down the left before driving into the box and unleashing an unstoppable shot past goalkeeper Hernan Galindez, raising the roof.

The first hydration break failed to change the script and Mexico doubled their lead after half an hour when Quinones fed Fulham striker Jimenez, who fired a rocket into the top corner.

Raul Rangel produced a fine save to keep out another Yeboah effort as Ecuador got a foothold in the match but chances kept flowing at the other end.

Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece made a number of changes after the break in an effort to find a way back into the match.

But Mexico, largely content to sit back, still looked the more threatening team, with Cesar Montes twice going close.

Ecuador substitute Kevin Rodriguez poked just wide with just over a quarter of an hour but their chances ran out.

Piero Hincapie was sent off in stoppage time after covering his mouth during a confrontation with an opposition player to cap a miserable night for Ecuador.

Mexico will hope the Azteca, which hosted the World Cup final in 1970 and 1986, works its magic again in the last 16 on Sunday.

From the quarter-finals onwards, all the matches at the World Cup will be taking place in the United States.

Alex Baena's weak shot slipped through Muslera's grasp for the only goal as Spain avoided a last 32 showdown against Argentina.

The European champions will instead face Austria or Algeria next in Los Angeles on Thursday.

Uruguay's defeat allowed debutants Cape Verde to secure second place and a meeting with Lionel Messi and the defending champions thanks to a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia.

Two-time winners Uruguay become the highest ranked side to crash out in the group stages as the defeat rounded off a miserable tournament for Marcelo Bielsa and his squad.

After draws against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, reports of a revolt in the Uruguay camp emerged with leading players, including Real Madrid's Federico Valverde, clashing with Bielsa over his tactics.

Spain's King Felipe was among those in attendance but the only clash between two former winners of the World Cup in the group stages was a huge disappointment.

Lamine Yamal's to the starting line-up had sparked the Spanish attack into life in a 4-0 thrashing of Saudi Arabia after La Roja began in underwhelming fashion with a goalless draw against Cape Verde.

But another laboured attacking performance leaves Luis de la Fuente with plenty to ponder before the knockout stages begin on Sunday.

A hero of Uruguay's run to the semi-finals in 2010, Muslera was at fault for both Cape Verde's goals in a 2-2 draw.

And in Guadalajara, Spain had barely threatened the Uruguay goal before the 40-year-old allowed Baena's shot to dribble over the line from Marcos Llorente's cross on 42 minutes.

To rub salt into Urguayan wounds, Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte was injured in the build-up to the goal and stretchered off with what appeared a serious knee injury.

Bielsa replaced Muslera at half-time by Sergio Rochet and the Uruguay boss made an even bolder call when Valverde was taken off on the hour mark.

De la Fuente also turned to his bench and the introduction of Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz finally injected some life into the Spanish performance.

Olmo should have done better when he spooned a shot over from a rare flash of Yamal's brilliance to tee up his Barcelona team-mate.

Yamal was replaced 15 minutes from time as his minutes continue to be managed after a hamstring injury ended his club season prematurely.

His replacement Ferran Torres should have doubled the lead five minutes from time but hit the bar with just the goalkeeper to beat.

Uruguay's miserable tournament was summed up when Agustín Canobbio was shown a straight red card in stoppage time for a wild lunge on Pau Cubarsi.

Hyped as one of the pre-tournament favourites, Spain are now 34 competitive games unbeaten and are yet to concede a goal at the World Cup.

But in stark contrast to some of the scintillating attacking play on show from the likes of France, Argentina and the Netherlands, La Roja are yet to convince in their quest for a second World Cup triumph.

Despite the last-minute defeat, the U.S. team managed to advance to the Round of 16 as group leader with six points, where they will now face Bosnia and Herzegovina. The setback exposed defensive lapses that somewhat dampened the enthusiasm the local fans had been building up.

A back-and-forth battle decided in the closing moments

The match began with USMNT holding the upper hand. Just six minutes in, Auston Trusty capitalized on a breakaway with a shot from a near-impossible angle to open the scoring.

However, the lead was short-lived; the talent of young star Arda Güler tied the game at the ten-minute mark, and later, Baris Yilmaz completed the Turkish comeback before the end of the first half.

In the second half, the US response was immediate, and Sebastian Berhalter restored the tie with a powerful volley from outside the box. Seeking to secure the lead decisively, Pochettino brought in Christian Pulisic, who was returning after overcoming physical discomfort suffered in training.

The Milan forward reignited the offense by hitting the crossbar and testing the opposing goalkeeper. However, just when the tie seemed set in stone, a stroke of genius from Güler set up Kaan Ayhan to score the decisive 3–2 goal in the 98th minute.

Paraguayan pragmatism holds steady against Australia’s discipline

Meanwhile, the national teams of Australia and Paraguay played a match dominated by tactical rigidity and extreme caution, ending in a 0-0 draw. The result secured the Australians’ advancement to the Round of 16 with four points, placing them second in the group.

Paraguay’s head coach, Gustavo Alfaro, implemented a distinctly conservative formation, fielding a five-man defensive line and a physically intense midfield with the primary goal of neutralizing the Australians’ wing play.

Although the initiative lay with the Socceroos—who came close to scoring in the first half with a shot by Cristian Volpato deflected by Orlando Gill—Paraguay evened the match in the second half with the substitution of Maurício.

With that point, "La Albirroja" moves to four points and remains in contention to clinch a spot as one of the tournament's eight best third-place teams.

The South American team has already performed better than the third-place finishers in Groups A and C (South Korea and Scotland), and is guaranteed to finish ahead of the third-place team in Group I.

To secure its spot, it only needs the combination of results to go its way in one of the five remaining groups.

(With information from AFP)

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