Spain defeats France and will play in the 2026 World Cup final

Agonizing comeback from Argentina against England

The Argentina National Team got a dramatic ticket to the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They beat England 2-1 in a heart-stopping semifinal, with two goals in the last minutes of regular and added time.

The English team had taken the lead in the 55th minute with a goal from Anthony Gordon. They controlled the game for much of the second half, but could not resist the intense pressure from the South American team.

Decisive goals at the end

Argentina never lowered its arms. With patience and order, he cornered the Europeans in their area. At minute 85, Enzo Fernández tied the score and restored hope to Lionel Scaloni’s team.

When everything indicated that the game would go to extra time, Lautaro Martínez appeared in the 90+2 minute. The striker scored with power to seal the comeback and unleash the Argentine celebration. England saw their lead disappear in a matter of minutes.

Argentina secures its place in the grand final, where it will seek the world title. England says goodbye to the tournament with an outstanding performance, but with the blow of having been so close to glory.

Referee controversy in the 2026 World Cup

France’s defeat against Spain in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup left a strong exchange of statements. Didier Deschamps, coach of the Blues, openly questioned the Salvadoran referee Iván Barton.

“I don’t want to sound like a crybaby. But did tonight’s referee have the level to officiate a World Cup semi-final? I’ll leave the answer to you,” Deschamps declared.

The Frenchman added that there were “quite a few situations” and also “favorable decisions”, without giving more details.

The criticism did not go unnoticed. Hugo Sánchez, Mexican soccer legend, exploded against Deschamps on ESPN’s Futbol Picante program.

“Let’s see, Deschamps, I’m going to answer you. First, you must be respectful and professional. That way of belittling a referee from El Salvador seems fatal to me, you are ordinary and disastrous,” said Sánchez.

The “Pentapichichi” demanded an apology: “You must apologize for that stupidity and respect the referee. Out of anger you belittle a referee who does not deserve it. You look for justifications because you did not do it on the field.”

Deschamps, who will step down after 14 years at the helm of France, will coach the third-place match on Saturday in Miami. The controversy marks the closing of its cycle.

The world of football woke up in mourning this Sunday. Jayden Adams, midfielder for the South African National Team and Mamelodi Sundowns, was found dead in one of his properties. He was 25 years old and had just returned to his country after participating in the World Cup.

What is known so far?

The authorities are investigating the causes of death. No official details have been revealed. The footballer was going through one of the highest moments of his career. FIFA and several sports institutions held minutes of silence at different international meetings.

The tribute of the club and the family

Mamelodi Sundowns organized a farewell ceremony in which teammates, family and fans participated. Everyone gathered to pay tribute to him.

The family broke the silence with a message in memory of the player. Aiden Johnson, Adams’ cousin, told local media:

“There are no words to describe Jayden as a person, he was a pillar for all of us, from when he was a child until the last day. He was always the one who made sure everyone was okay, the one who wanted to know how he could help… There is nothing that can or will ever replace what he meant to me.”

The footballer leaves a void in South African sport. His human quality, both on and off the field, will be remembered by those who knew him.