Argentina and Spain needed extra-time to settle the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium after a tense match in New Jersey. Lionel Messi and Nico Gonzalez started for Argentina, with Lautaro Martinez and Nico Paz on the bench, while Spain included Lamine Yamal in its lineup. Argentina’s task grew harder when Enzo Fernandez was sent off after a challenge brought a red card. The build-up had already been disrupted, with supporters told to arrive four hours before kick-off because of long queues and flash flooding hitting New York ahead of the game.

England claimed third place with a wild 6-4 win over France in Miami, its best World Cup finish since 1966. Bukayo Saka, back after missing the semifinal defeat to Argentina, scored a hat-trick as England tore into France early. Declan Rice struck in the third minute, and England was 4-0 up by halftime before seeing out a game that eventually turned into a goal-filled shootout. Thomas Tuchel praised his players afterward.

Away from the tournament, Chelsea moved closer to signing Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix after agreeing personal terms, though the clubs remain £3m apart on the fee. Napoli, meanwhile, approached Chelsea about a loan for Benoit Badiashile, but Chelsea is only willing to discuss a permanent deal.

In Italy, Fiorentina completed the signing of Christ Inao Oulai from Trabzonspor for €26m plus €4m in bonuses and a 10 percent sell-on clause. Udinese also added Mergim Vojvoda from Como in a deal worth €1.6m including add-ons.