Mbappé and Yamal, the stars of the France-Spain duel

Robert Lewandowski is already in Chicago. The Polish forward, with more than 600 goals in his career, joins the Chicago Fire of the MLS as a franchise player. His arrival marks one of the most relevant signings in the history of the Illinois club.

A historic signing

Chicago Fire coach Gregg Berhalter called the addition a key moment for the team and the league.

“This is a historic day for Chicago Fire FC, and also for the city and for MLS. I want to thank Robert for choosing Chicago. He is a huge signing for our club. Not only is he an extraordinary player, he is also an incredible person. Robert is the piece that will take us to the top,” declared the American strategist.

Lewandowski explained that his decision to leave Europe was complex, but his relationship with Barcelona played a role.

“For a few months I knew that I wanted to come here, but it took me a while to make the decision because it is something completely new for me and my family. I didn’t want to play for any other club in Europe after Barcelona; I couldn’t imagine myself in another team outside of Barcelona,” shared the Pole.

The attacker has already completed his first training session with the team after a long trip from Poland. He said he felt good and ready to adapt.

Imminent debut

Lewandowski sees potential in the Eastern Conference as a whole. “I’m here not only to play, but to help the team take a step forward on and off the field,” he said. His possible debut would be this Thursday against the Vancouver Whitecaps in the resumption of the MLS.

A resounding victory in Dallas

Spain qualified for the 2026 World Cup final on Tuesday after defeating France 2-0 at the Dallas stadium, United States. La Furia Roja will seek its second world title.

The goals came from Mikel Oyarzabal in the 22nd minute, from a penalty, and from Pedro Porro in the 58th. The score could have been greater, but the Iberians slowed down due to the poor reaction of the rival.

France, with Kylian Mbappé absent from the game, never found a way to make Spain uncomfortable. The French team, which had shown solidity during the tournament, disappeared in the decisive match.

What’s coming for both teams

The Spanish team will play the final on Sunday, July 19 at the New York stadium at 1:00 p.m. Their rival will emerge from the other semi-final between Argentina and England.

For its part, France will play for third place on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. in Miami, seeking to close its participation with a decent result.

The pulse between two generational talents

The World Cup semi-final between Argentina and England will have an inevitable face-to-face: Lionel Messi, 39, against Jude Bellingham, 23. Sixteen years separate them, but both are the driving forces of their teams.

It will be the first time that Messi faces England in an official match. English goalkeeper Jordan Pickford recognized the Argentine’s greatness:

“We all know Messi’s excellence, but also Argentina’s. It’s great to face him after watching him play since I was a child.”

Pickford, however, warned that the Argentine team seeks to repeat the title, something that has not been achieved since Brazil 1958-1962.

Key data of the confrontation

Messi has eight goals and two assists in his sixth World Cup. With 21 goals in the history of the Cup, he is the top scorer. Leading Argentina to consecutive championships would put him at the level of the legendary Diego Maradona.

Bellingham, in its second World Cup, has responded with six goals, including doubles against Mexico and Norway. He arrived at the tournament with doubts about his role under coach Thomas Tuchel, but he established himself as an English figure.

A rivalry that transcends the field

Argentina and England relive a history full of memorable episodes. In 1966, Argentine captain Antonio Rattín was expelled and sat on Queen Elizabeth’s red carpet. In Mexico 1986, four years after the Falklands War, Maradona signed the Hand of God and the Goal of the Century.

Argentine midfielder Alexis Mac Allister commented:

“It means a lot because it is a semi-final. Being inspired by what Diego did is complicated; only Leo can do it. I hope we achieve something similar.”

It will be the sixth World Cup match. The balance favors England with three victories, the last in 2002 (1-0). Argentina will play in their blue away jersey, the same one they wore when they won in 1986 and when they eliminated England on penalties in 1998 after David Beckham was sent off.

Both teams arrive in Atlanta with their sights set on the final. Messi seeks a finishing touch to his career; Bellingham, confirm that he is the heir of the new era.