J.T. Realmuto took the blame for a baserunning mistake that ended a potential Phillies rally in Tuesday night's 2-1 loss to the Dodgers.

When we look back at the 2026 World Cup decades from now, what will we remember most? There will be plenty. Spains triumph over defending champion Argentina. Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbapp, Jude Bellingham and Erling Haalands race for the Golden Boot. Scotlands Tartan Army drinking Boston dry. Norways supporters introducing the world to the Viking Row. Well remember that this was the biggest World Cup ever the first with 48 teams and how, for 39 glorious days, the tournament captivated billions around the globe. Well remember that, even though the U.S. mens national team fell short of the deeper run many envisioned, it reignited interest in soccer in America. The full impact of this group wont be known for years, but in time well see how it inspired the next generation of players and fans. There are countless storylines that will define this summer, and we could talk about them forever. But one that resonated most was the way smaller nations seized the moment and put on some of the most special performances. There was skepticism when FIFA expanded the field from 32 to 48 teams. Critics wondered if those teams would dilute the quality of play and whether fans would tune in for those games. Turns out, this gave the World Cup some fresh energy. New countries introduced us to their cultures, their stars and memorable moments. Sure, the biggest blowout of the tournament was when Germany crushed debutant Curaao 7-1 in their group stage opener. But this experience was monumental for Curaao, the tiniest nation at this World Cup. The island's population is around 158,000 and has a total land mass of 171 square miles, which is seven times smaller than Rhode Island. Theyre a soccer-loving country and thousands of fans were at this match against the four-time World Cup champs. Germany took a 1-0 lead six minutes in, but in the 21st, Curaao midfielder Livano Comenencia made history by scoring his nations first-ever World Cup goal. And for the next 17 minutes, the game was tied. "We fought so hard to be here," Comenencia said after the match. "Its just beautiful my dream actually came true." Then there was the game goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 spectacular saves to lead Curaao to a 1-1 draw against Ecuador and secure their first-ever point in the tournament. Rooms performance was legendary and goes down as the second-most saves in a single World Cup game behind Tim Howards 16 against Belgium in 2014. Telling the story of Curacaos journey to the World Cup was one of my all-time favorite pieces as part of our coverage. It was fascinating to learn that the entire team except for one player was born in the Netherlands, and how each of them made a conscious decision to build something in their homeland. The work paid off, and theyve inspired future generations to keep it going. There was also Cape Verdes remarkable and improbable run in its first World Cup. While on the way to a USA training in Seattle, my Uber driver told me he was from Cameroon and had never even heard of Cape Verde. By now, of course, everyone has. Cape Verde tied all three of their group stage matches, including holding eventual champion Spain to a scoreless draw. Goalkeeper Vozinha became an instant folk hero, making seven heroic saves in that game. The Blue Sharks were the only team that La Roja did not beat. Later on during the round of 32 match against Argentina because yes, Cape Verde made it to the knockout stage in their first-ever World Cup Vozinha was magnificent again. He repeatedly denied some of the worlds greatest players, including Messi. And when Sidney Lopes Cabral scored a stunning equalizer in extra time, the cameras cut to a section of their supporters who were all losing their minds. For a few minutes, it felt like things were heading towards a penalty shootout until an own goal gave Argentina the 3-2 victory. The entire team was a joy to watch and Vozinha in particular who, by the way, is 40 years old and saw a surge of some 20 million followers on social media reportedly swapped jerseys with Messi afterward. Curaao and Cape Verde made the most headlines, but other nations left their mark, too. DR Congo tied Portugal in its opener and made England nervous in the round of 32. Egypt advanced to the round of 16 by upsetting Australia on penalties before pushing Argentina to the brink in a 3-2 loss. Paraguay beat Germany in a penalty shootout in what was considered one of the biggest upsets in the knockout stage, before narrowly losing 1-0 to France in the round of 16. And so while well think of Spain winning its second-ever World Cup title and maybe seeing Messi on this stage for the last time, well also remember the countries who made significant strides and delivered unforgettable performances.

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Emi Martinez has hinted he could bring his Argentina career to an end after the Albiceleste lost the World Cup final to Spain. The Aston Villa goalkeeper admitted his heartbreak in an emotional message, leaving his international future uncertain. Heartbreak after World Cup defeat Martinez has suggested he could retire from international football after Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final in New Jersey. The Aston Villa goalkeeper was visibly emotional after the final whistle as Argentina missed out on retaining the trophy they won in Qatar four years ago. Martinez later addressed the defeat publicly for the first time, raising fresh doubts over his future with the national team. Emotional message sparks uncertainty Martinez admitted the defeat had left him devastated as he reflected on Argentina's failed title defence and his future with the national team. He wrote on Instagram: "I dreamed that we won it back, I dreamed of bringing it to Argentina and making history once again. The truth is pain is difficult to explain, it remains to reflect on many things and see how it moves forward and if it's time to take a step aside. I'm so sorry, really tried my best to help my country and my fellow countrymen." Heroics not enough for Argentina Despite the defeat, Martinez earned praise for his performance in the final after producing a series of important saves to keep Argentina in the contest. However, he could do nothing to prevent Ferran Torres from scoring the extra-time winner that ended Albiceleste's hopes of winning consecutive World Cups. Retirement decision now awaits Following Argentina's defeat to Spain, Martinez now faces a difficult decision as he considers whether to end his international career and focus on his club career. Meanwhile, at club level, the 33-year-old goalkeeper is still under contract at Aston Villa until 2029, but several reports claim that he could leave Villa Park this summer.

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CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez has claimed on social media that the 2030 World Cup will expand to an unprecedented 64-team tournament. The bold declaration follows confirmation from Gianni Infantino that FIFA plans to evaluate further expansion after the groundbreaking 48-team 2026 edition in North America. South American chief's claim CONMEBOL president Dominguez sparked widespread speculation after claiming on social media that the 2030 World Cup will feature 64 participating nations. The centenary edition is scheduled to be co-hosted by Spain, Morocco, and Portugal, alongside three ceremonial opening matches in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. This bombshell assertion arrived shortly after the 2026 tournament in North America successfully debuted a 48-team format, which concluded with Spain crowned as champions. Leaders address tournament growth In a post on platform X, Dominguez declared: "In 2030, the World Cup comes to Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay, a great opportunity for football, to celebrate the World Cup Centenary with a 64-team tournament." Although there has been no official confirmation from FIFA on the matter, president Infantino previously indicated a willingness to evaluate further expansion. Speaking to Swiss broadcaster Blue Sport, Infantino stated: "This is certainly an issue that will be looked at and discussed in the relevant committees after this World Cup. "When you organise a World Cup, it's important that you organise it for the whole world. It's not just Europe and South America, but the entire world, effectively. Every nation should be able to dream of taking part in the World Cup. "We can see that the quality of the teams is extremely high, and it's getting higher and higher everywhere in the world. If you don't give smaller countries the chance to participate in the World Cup, they also lose the incentive to keep improving." Format changes alter calendar The proposal to stage a 64-team World Cup would completely overhaul the tournament structure by featuring 128 matches, double the total of the classic 32-team format. This system would likely divide the opening phase into 16 groups of four, driving the group-stage fixture list up from 72 to 96 matches. Extending the competition to six weeks risks escalating calendar friction with the clubs, as players would need to commit up to two full months, including pre-tournament preparations. FIFA weighs expansion hurdles FIFA's governing bodies are scheduled to convene a series of internal committee meetings to thoroughly assess the feasibility of the proposed expansion. World football's authority faces a delicate balancing act between tournament commercialisation and a fierce pushback from player unions and clubs regarding athletes' workloads. A final verdict regarding the competition format is expected to be formally announced at an upcoming FIFA Congress.

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Newly-appointed Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has insisted he will refrain from making wholesale changes to the squad following their premature World Cup exit. The former Al-Nassr manager confirmed that his upcoming selection will closely resemble the previous group, keeping the door firmly open for veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo. Jesus Plans Minimal Changes Portugal's new manager Jesus, who signed a four-year deal to lead the national team until the 2030 World Cup, has asserted he will not fundamentally overhaul the squad composition ahead of his Nations League debut. The 71-year-old feels limited preparation time makes major experimentation a risky move following their 2026 World Cup round-of-16 exit. This pragmatic approach strongly signals that 41-year-old Ronaldo remains part of his core plans. Coach Addresses Squad Continuity The former Al-Nassr tactician reassured the public that he will only alter a few names from the group that featured in North America. Speaking to Canal 11, Jesus stated: "People might think that the new manager is going to come in and change a lot of players. That won't happen. I'm not stupid. On top of that, I don't have enough time to bring in several players who weren't called up this time." He continued: "Over the next four years, new players will undoubtedly emerge, [but] it won't stray far from those who were called up [for the 2026 World Cup]. Two or three new players, something along those lines, it won't stray far from that." Focus Turns To Performance While retaining the core framework including Al-Nassr superstar Ronaldo, Jesus demands a significant step-up in performance levels to remain competitive on the European stage. Addressing national team standards, Jesus added: "If the national team doesn't play better than they did at the World Cup, I won't do any better. Together with my coaching staff, we have to play better, otherwise, we'll just keep chasing a dream we've had for years. "We have great players, but we don't win much. We won the Euros 10 years ago, and we've won two Nations Leagues, which isn't the most important competition, but it is the hardest competition because you're always up against the best European teams. Just last year, Portugal, France, Germany, and Spain reached the finals." New Era Begins Soon The manager's first test arrives in Portugal's Nations League Group A4 opener against Wales on September 24. Clarity over Ronaldo's international future now rests with Jesus after they won the Saudi Pro League title together at Al-Nassr last season. Their national team reunion is expected to anchor the initial transition into their new era.

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Former Sweden international Zlatan Ibrahimovi took aim at Leandro Paredes and Spain's players following the tempestuous end to the World Cup final in New Jersey. The 44-year-old pundit condemned the Argentina midfielder's fiery antics during a post-match brawl while questioning Spain's lack of response to the provocation. Tensions Boil Over Post-Match Spain secured the World Cup trophy via a 106th-minute extra-time goal from Ferran Torres, having dominated the match without allowing Argentina a single shot on target in normal time. The South Americans' frustration boiled over with a late red card for Enzo Fernndez before normal time expired, while Paredes escaped an expulsion despite a second-half booking. A post-match melee erupted as Nahuel Molina struck Rodri, before Paredes kicked Eric Garcia and dragged Gavi to the ground, while coach Roberto Ayala appeared to punch Dani Olmo. Ibrahimovi Slams Fiery Scenes Ibrahimovi hit out at the post-match chaos during his punditry stint on Fox Sports. Slamming Paredes' conduct while questioning the perceived passive response of the Spanish players, the former AC Milan striker declared: "Paredes can be happy there was no player like me on the pitch. If I had been there, I would have headbutted him and been sent off. It is unprofessional behavior from him." He added: "I dont know what the Spanish players are doing? They are just watching another player hit their teammate." Swedish Icon Confirms Punditry Exit Beyond his frank analysis of the scuffle in New Jersey, Ibrahimovi surprised viewers by announcing his retirement from punditry duties. Following his headline role in the Fox Sports studio throughout the tournament alongside fellow pundits Thierry Henry and Alexi Lalas, the former Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain frontman stated: "I have talked a lot during the past month and a half, but these will be my last words. "Alexi [Lalas], Thierry, Rebecca [Lowe], thank you. It has been my pleasure to share this studio with you. I also thank Fox, the United States and everyone who watched. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. This is my last visit to the studio. For me, this was the first and last time." Disciplinary Actions Loom Large FIFA have opened formal disciplinary proceedings into the mass confrontation involving Argentina's players and coaching staff at full-time. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) faces potential heavy fines and player suspensions if any squad and staff members are found guilty of wrongdoing. Meanwhile, Spain will continue to celebrate an iconic European and World Cup double in the weeks ahead.

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NEW YORK NEW JERSEY STADIUM Ive often joked that ranking World Cups is like choosing between your children: Theyre all different and unique. You dont love one above another. It just doesnt work that way. The 2026 FIFA World Cup was the sixth, mens or womens, that Ive had the privilege of covering. The first five took me to Brazil, Canada, France, Qatar, Australia and New Zealand. Each was incredibly special. Years earlier, as a young professional, I hoped to cover one, one day, if I worked my ass off and maybe got a bit lucky. Until this summer, I couldnt have picked a favorite if my life depended on it. But a home World Cup like this summers? That was a new experience for me, just like it was for most of my colleagues. The feeling is hard to describe. We all went into it knowing full well that its probably a once-in-a-career thing. Now the biggest, most spectacular World Cup of all time is over. And as I sit here typing in a mostly empty 80,000-seat arena after Spain beat Argentina in Sundays final, watching La Rojas players on the field below me celebrate their well-deserved triumph with their families, Im filled with gratitude and maybe a little sadness, too. Part of that is exhaustion, having been on the road and away from my family for almost two full months. That will subside. The memories wont: The way the United States mens national team ran out to an early lead against Paraguay in the first World Cup match on U.S. soil in 32 years, then ran away with the match en route to a historic 4-1 victory that captured the imagination of the American public. How the upper deck at Seattle Stadium began vibrating when VAR awarded Alex Freemans goal in the USAs 2-0 win over Australia, the first time the U.S. had ever won two straight World Cup games. I was in Los Angeles to witness Canada, led by American coach Jesse Marsch, win a World Cup knockout game for the first time in that countrys history. A couple of days later, in the San Francisco Bay Area, Mauricio Pochettinos 10-man U.S. squad not only survived a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina but actually padded its lead on the way to a 2-0 win just the second knockout victory in this countrys history, even if it came in the new round of 32. Unfortunately, that was as good as it got for the World Cup co-hosts. By the time you read this, it will have been more than two weeks since Pochettinos team squandered an incredibly rare opportunity with 50 million in the U.S. watching live,getting embarrassed, 4-1, by Belgium, even after striker Folarin Balogun was controversially allowed to play by FIFA despite the red card he received against the Bosnians. Its still difficult to understand how the home team, playing in front of another incredible crowd up in Seattle, was so unprepared for that game and so unable to find a way back when things started to go so horribly wrong, despite having the most decorated and handsomely paid coach it's ever had. It was the largest margin of defeat the U.S. has suffered in a World Cup knockout match since 1934 and will probably remain so for decades. Yet despite the ugly loss, the Americans surely won millions of new fans this summer. For other countries, the World Cup continued. I was fortunate enough to see England and Norways hard-fought quarterfinal in Miami, and while the battle between the sport's two most lethal pure center forwards Harry Kane and Erling Haaland didnt materialize, it was a treat to watch Jude Bellingham steal the show with both of the Three Lions goals in a 2-1, extra-time win. That night, writing in a hotel lobby between bites of a Cuban sandwich, I was struck by Englands fans cheering for Switzerland as passionately as they had for their own team hours earlier. They wanted no part of Lionel Messi and Argentina, one confirmed. That fear soon proved justified. For me, the highlight of this World Cup came in Englands next match. Say what you will about Thomas Tuchels tactics after his Three Lions took a 1-0 lead over the defending champions, but watching La Albiceleste claw back two goals in the last five minutes, plus stoppage time, with the incomparable Messi setting up both, is not something Ill ever forget. And not just because an Argentine journalist sitting to my right in the press box where merely applauding politely is usually forbidden removed his shirt and began swinging it around his head in celebration. On the streets of Atlanta afterward, one comically inebriated English fan challenged every Argentine he saw to a fistfight. Fortunately for him, all were too drunk on victory to oblige. Which takes us to Sundays grand finale. If every World Cup tournament is special, the final is on another level still. While Sundays didnt match the drama of the 2022 decider I saw in Lusail, Qatar on Dec. 18, 2022 (no, I didnt have to look up the date), theres always this cosmic energy surrounding the title bout. You know more than a billion people across the globe are tuned in, that history is being written in real time before your very eyes. I can vividly recall where I watched every final since I caught the soccer bug as a kid. Getting to work the last two mens versions in person is an immense privilege, an aspirational milestone everyone in this business works toward for years or sometimes decades before finally getting there if they ever do. For someone raised in New York City, Sunday was the ultimate full-circle moment. In my early 20s, I covered MLS games across the parking lot at the old Giants Stadium. A decade before that, on a similarly sunny, sticky summer afternoon in 1994, I saw my first World Cup game in the same building, with my father. Soccer in mainstream America was a curiosity then. As these 39 days have proven, this is a soccer country now. Although I hope to cover more World Cups in the future, this one will be impossible to top. Thats the magic of the World Cup. Its the memories thatmake them great.

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NEW YORK Allow me to imagine a scenario for a moment. Indulge me with this fantasy. Months from now. Perhaps years. When the World Cup is long gone. I will be having coffee at my favorite spot in downtown Manhattan, a Puerto Rican establishment right by the historic Stone Street, paved in the late 1700s and one of the oldest streets of the city. Ill sit down with Erling Haaland, Vozhinha, Jude Bellingham and Rodri and drink Mazapn lattes (look it up). Bad Bunnys "Nuevayol" plays in the background, and so we listen. Sit. And then reminisce about the summer of 2026 and the World Cup that was. "Fellas," Ill say. "Let me ask all of you something." And they will look up, put down the morning's brew and listen to the following. Do you remember Gio Reynas trivela against Paraguay? How it beautifully swerved from the outside of his foot, thus electrifying the entirety of America? Did Folarin Baloguns story make you feel proud, not just as a fan of the game, but of what the game represents? Is John Denvers "Take Me Home, Country Roads" the anthem or should it beAlive, from my hero Eddie Vedder and my all-time favorite band, Pearl Jam? Was Ral Jimnezs first World Cup goal months after the death of his father a piece of poetry that made you sink to the ground with emotion? Did Julin Quioness story a Colombian-born player turned into one of Mexico's brightest stars become a blueprint for the fact that identity is more than just a birth certificate? Or Canadas Stephen Eustquio, also dealing with the heartache of losing both parents (something I sadly know too well), did his winner against South Africa in the Round of 32 shake you to your very core? Or how about Moroccos Ayyoub Bouaddi, at 18 years old, how is it possible that he created that level of midfield magic against the Brazilians? Or anyone? Did you feel slightly Congolese when Yoanne Wissa scored the nations first ever World Cup goal in that draw against Portugal? Did you hear the Azteca from wherever you were in the continent? Did you feel the intensity of its people as the anthem and "Cielito Lindo" played through millions of Mexican voices? How good is 17-year-odl Gilberto Mora? No, really. Arent you inspired by his journey and what may come? Could he maybe join you in Madrid one day, Jude? Also, Jude? How did it feel to sing Wonderwall in the altitudes of Mexico City or listen to your country serenade you with a song so iconic such asHey Jude, that it now has two meanings because of your name, do you realize how much youre loved? Did Englands incredible victory against El Tri become the ultimate display of sacrifice, will and guts? Speaking of love, is there a better word than can describe the Tartan Armys relationship with their Scottish team? Or Boston? Or Miami? Or anywhere in America? Why cant I go to sleep without thinking about Amad Diallos historic goal for his Ivory Coast or Julin lvarezs majestic winner against Switzerland? Why do I not care if Norways Andreas Schjelderup meant it or not? Or if I cant stop analyzing the illustrious creativity of the genius Michael Olise? Is there a better highlight to show young players than Cucho Hernandezs relentless fight to win the ball from Uzbekistan's Jakhongir Urozov near the corner flag, recovering it, and then placing a pinpoint assist for a Jaminton Campaz? Is there a better show of strength and will than the Netherlands Brian Brobbey? Can we keep playing on loop the persistence and dynamic ability of the Swiss Johan Manzambi? Do I need to reflect more on Lionel Messis emotions after the final, or can I just remember everything else before? Can I save his magic, including Argentinas first goal of the World Cup, which was against Algeria? And by the end, it became a historic hat-trick? Is Golden Boot winner and all-time leader Kylian Mbapp real or is this a simulation? Which goal can I select that will make me think he perhaps isnt mortal? His stoppage-time winner against Senegal, which made him Frances all-time scorer? Or the history breaker against England in the third-place playoff? Speaking of that match, Jude my goodness? Have you recovered? Was your goal so good it took a piece of you? Back to you Erling. Do you realize that your goals, especially the one against Brazil, ignited a nation towards a global Viking row? Is your social media presence tired of generating more and more fans? Do you realize the commotion and excitement that you created for millions of people and turned them into Haaland disciples Does your partner Isabel approve of the your "Whiskey Raccoon" holding an empty liquor bottle that you brought back home and will she let you keep it in the house or will she make you put it in the basement? Also, did you know Erling that in my Peru, nearly 500 Peruvian babies who were born this summer now have your name? Now thats DEDICATION. Thats impact. When you stop sipping on your latte, Erling, as a striker, can you explain to me how Haitis Wilson Isidor was able to produce that kind of power with his goal against Morocco? Or the piece of art that was Cape Verdes Sidny Lopes Cabral against Argentina? Does anyone realize that the latter essentially broke the internet? It made us all believe in something bigger than ourselves, right? How about those incredible comebacks? From Belgiums over Senegal or Gabriel Martinellis winner against Japan? Did you feel alive with Ecuadors historic win over Germany? Or Paraguays? How about Curaaos Eloy Room? Did his 15 saves against the aforementioned Ecuador suddenly create a window for him and his beautiful island to be globally recognized? Wasnt it just a thing of beauty to see so much resilience? Speaking of resilience. Hey Vozinha? Do you want another coffee? By the way, how is your life now? No, really? Do you understand that your heroics, your insane performances and those of your teammates at this World Cup impacted so many of us? Are you wishing you went back to normalcy? Perhaps, part of you does? Or are you taking it all in? Is it okay for me to tell you that what you did, for me and millions of us, absolutely became a reminder of why we love this game of ours in the first place? Are you okay with the fact that your life will never be the same again? Is it fine for me to tell you that we are so grateful for what you and the Blue Sharks did? Is there a perfect way to express the fact that your national team became the muse, the proverbial star of this World Cup? Do you also remind Rodri, the World Cup champion sitting next you, that he may have won this whole thing but La Roja never went past you. Do you cheekily remind him of that? Speaking of Spain, Rodri, what makes this team so special? Why should the rest of the footballing world admire not just the way you play football but the way you treat others and the gamedo you think about your impact? How does it feel to know that you are the ultimate general of an army that wonders us all with possession and intoxicates you with the relentless pursuit of getting it back? Do you contemplate another way, or is this the only way to live? Isthisthe way we should all see the game? What was Pau Cubars born with that makes him such a giant, despite only being 19? Speaking of that generation, is Lamine Yamal okay with the fact that his three-year-old brother Keyne is the actual hero? Can we remember the words you said of Ferran Torres, how he was so unappreciated by so many Spanish fans but in the end, his winner ended up deeply embedded in history? Can we put that in our photo album? Lastly, fellas. Is there a perfect, singular way to describe what we witnessed this summer? Or is it really just a mosaic of reflections? An island of treasures? Or should we just use a Pearl Jam lyric here and simply say, "Hail, Hail the lucky ones, I refer to those in love yeah" Because quite simply, World Cup moments. I want you to know: we all fell in love with you. Dont worry, boys. Ill get the check.

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Lionel Messi arrived back in Argentina on Tuesday for a few days of rest following the World Cup final loss to Spain. Messi's private jet landed near his hometown of Rosario in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at 6:27 a.m. Although many fans were waiting with signs and flags, he did not make a public appearance. Supporters only caught a brief glimpse of the SUV that met Messi on the tarmac to transport him and his family to the private neighborhood of Funes, roughly 300 kilometers (185 miles) north of Buenos Aires. The Argentina captain reportedly traveled with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their three children, all of whom had accompanied him throughout the tournament in North America. Waiting for him in Rosario was his 68-year-old father, Jorge, whose ongoing medical treatment for an undisclosed illness had been disclosed by the family during the World Cup. Fans had gathered at the airport as early as 3:30 a.m. hoping to catch a sight of the star. Among them were two young girls in Albiceleste jerseys holding welcome signs, one of which read: "Messi: Youre a legend. Thank you for bringing joy to our hearts. A whole country loves you!" Messi is expected to rejoin Inter Miami in late July or early August for the ongoing MLS season. Fifteen members of Argentinas 26-player World Cup roster, led by head coach Lionel Scaloni, landed at Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport on Monday on a chartered flight. The squads arrival follows Sundays 10 extra-time loss to Spain in the World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, decided by a Ferran Torres goal. The match marked Messis third World Cup final appearance following 2014 and 2022. He ended the tournament as the runner-up for the Golden Boot with eight goals, two behind France's Kylian Mbapp. Mbapp tops the all-time World Cup goalscoring chart with 22, one more than Messi. Reporting by The Associated Press.

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After 104 matches, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially come to an end, with Spain topping Argentina 1-0 in extra time in the championship match. The victory gave Spain its second-ever World Cup title, and also extended La Roja's unbeaten run to 38 consecutive matches (28 wins, 10 draws), the longest known unbeaten streak by any mens national team in history. Now we set our sights on four years from now. Let's take a look at the opening odds to win the 2030 FIFA World Cup at DraftKings Sportsbook as of July 19. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. To Win 2030 World Cup Spain: +500 (bet $10 to win $60 total)France: +600 (bet $10 to win $70 total)England: +900 (bet $10 to win $100 total)Portugal: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)Germany: +1100 (bet $10 to win $120 total)Brazil: +1100 (bet $10 to win $120 total)Argentina: +1100 (bet $10 to win $120 total)Netherlands: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)Norway: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total)Belgium: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total)Italy: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)Colombia: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)Morocco: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)Switzerland: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total)Uruguay: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)Poland: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)Denmark: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)Croatia: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)USA: +8000 (bet $10 to win $810 total) Here's what to know about this oddsboard: The Favorite: Spain opened the 2026 World Cup as one of the two pre-tournament favorites, and now, it has opened as the favorite to lift the trophy again in 2030. The outlook is especially promising with a young core expected to remain together, led by Lamine Yamal, who will be just 23 years old at the next World Cup. In addition, Pau Cubars will remain in the fold, after winning the Young Player of the Tournament award this go-round. The USA: On home soil this summer, the U.S. won its first World Cup knockout match since 2002, captivating the nation with one of the programs most memorable tournament runs. Unfortunately, after winning three World Cup matches for the first time in history, the Stars and Stripes fell to Belgium 4-1 in the Round of 16. The Americans opened up at +8000 to win the 2030 World Cup.

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In the wake of Argentina's 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final, Lionel Messi shared a message with Argentina fans after what likely was his last World Cup match. On his official Instagram account, Messi reflected on the emotional weight of the defeat while highlighting the resilience and achievements of the squad throughout the tournament. "The pain is very great and it will take time for this wound to heal," Messi wrote. "But I also take away all the good things With the matches we turned around leaving everything on the pitch and that will remain forever in the memory, with the support of an entire country that together with the work and effort of this group led us to be, once again, among the best in the world." Messi shared the difficulty of processing a loss on the biggest stage, yet urged fans to recognize the historic nature of the team's accomplishment in reaching the final stage of the tournament once again. "Today it is hard to value what we did, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals," Messi wrote. While Argentina was unable to lift the trophy for a second consecutive time, the Inter Miami forward expressed deep gratitude for the fans who rallied behind the team throughout the tournament. "Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and for every message," Messi wrote. "Once again we managed to unite as a country and all be together, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine."

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The ending was ugly in every language. Argentina lost the World Cup final 1-0 to Spain, and the scoreline flattered it. The defending champion went 120 minutes without a single shot on goal. It brought fight instead of football, and when the fight was all that remained, it spilled over: Enzo Fernndez was sent off in stoppage time, Leandro Paredes received a red card after the whistle for grabbing Eric Garca by the throat, Nahuel Molina swung at Rodri, and the entire squad turned its back while Spain lifted the trophy. The only man who left the final with his dignity intact was Lionel Messi, shaking every Spanish hand with tears on his face. Which brings us to the conversation nobody in Buenos Aires wants to have. Messi's next birthday is his 40th. He delivered eight goals and four assists at age 39, dragged this team to a final almost by himself, and it still wasn't enough. He is not eternal, no matter how hard he keeps pretending otherwise. It's time to imagine an Argentina without him, because that Argentina arrives whether anyone is ready or not. Start up front, where the succession is easiest. Julin lvarez is the heir, full stop. His thunderbolt against Switzerland was the goal of Argentina's tournament not scored by a 39-year-old, and with Barcelona currently pressing Atltico Madrid on a bid with a July 31 deadline, his club platform is about to get even bigger. He'll be 30 in 2030, smack in his prime, and Lautaro Martnez's clutch finishing can carry the bridge years alongside him. The harder question is who creates for Argentina. This World Cup exposed a team starved of invention whenever Messi rested, and the answer was sitting on the bench in a Como kit. Nico Paz (a player who we should keep tabs on for 2030) got one start, against Jordan, and looked like the only Argentine besides the captain who sees passes before they exist. That elegant left foot needs 90 minutes a game starting in September, not cameos. Lionel Scaloni protected the old guard this cycle. The next one has to be built around the kid born on the Spanish island of Tenerife to former Argentina international Pablo Paz. Then there's the player who wasn't even there. Franco Mastantuono, Real Madrid's teenager, was Scaloni's most controversial omission, reportedly excluded because he occupies the same spaces Messi does. Well, those spaces are about to be vacant. He'll be 22 when the 2030 World Cup kicks off, with four full seasons at the Bernabu (or elsewhere) behind him and everything to prove to a country that told him he wasn't needed just yet. Those players tend to arrive with a chip on their shoulder. Good. Fringe players like Facundo Buonanotte, who comes from Rosario's talent pipeline, could start featuring with more consistent club performances. Argentina's problem in this final wasn't heart. It was ideation. They lacked pure technical ability across the board. The backline needs the same honesty. Marcos Senesi only made this tournament as an injury replacement for Leonardo Balerdi, which is criminal for a defender who plays out of pressure as calmly as he does and just had a big money move to Tottenham. Nicols Otamendi and Cristian Romero's partnership has one more cycle at most, if that. It's time to feature Senesi now. Same for Valentn Barco, whose highlight during the World Cup was getting slapped in the back of the head by Jude Bellingham; he made the squad but barely sniffed the field. Jokes aside, he's exactly the kind of progressive, young, ball-playing fullback this team lacked when Spain squeezed them into oblivion. Here's the uncomfortable truth Sunday created: Argentina didn't just lose a final. It looked old, and then its players acted small. The scenes after the whistle were the tantrum of a team that knows its era is ending and has no plan for what comes next. The talent for the plan exists. lvarez, Paz, Mastantuono, Senesi, Barco and even Claudio Echeverri (part of the Manchester City system and now on loan to Girona). What's missing is the courage to start the transition before Messi makes it mandatory. The king is still on his throne. But somebody should really start building the next one.