Match Background: A Crucial Table-Ends Battle This Allsvenskan fixture pits bottom-side Örgryte against high-flying Djurgården. · Örgryte (15th, 9 pts) are deep in the relegation zone and fighting for survival as newly promoted. · Djurgården (5th, 19 pts) are just outside the European spots and aim to keep their winning run going. --- Recent Form: Home Boost vs Away Firepower · Örgryte are rejuvenated – they ended a nine‑match winless streak with a thrilling 4‑3 home victory over Häcken last time out. · Djurgården are in red‑hot form – they’ve won both games since the break (4‑2 away at Häcken, 3‑0 home against Halmstad) and have netted 20 goals in their last six league matches.
With both semi-finals complete, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set for its final chapter. FIFA has confirmed the officiating crews for both the third-place play-off and the final. The biggest talking point is that final referee Slavko Vinčić previously officiated Argentina's shock 1-2 defeat to Saudi Arabia at the 2022 World Cup. Latest News: U.S. President Donald Trump to Attend the Final Severe thunderstorms around Atlanta delayed Argentina's scheduled flight to the New York metropolitan area, forcing the squad to remain in Atlanta longer than planned. Meanwhile, thick smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires has blanketed New York and surrounding regions, prompting New York State to issue an air quality health advisory and urge residents to limit prolonged outdoor activities. According to French media reports, tensions erupted inside the French camp following the team's 0-2 semi-final loss to Spain. During halftime, Ousmane Dembélé reportedly criticized the team's lack of coordinated pressing and poor movement in attack, comments that were not well received by several teammates and led to a tense atmosphere in the dressing room. France defender William Saliba has been diagnosed with a fractured back after being forced off during the semi-final. The injury reportedly dates back to a Premier League match two months ago, and he had played through the tournament with pain-relief treatment. Saliba will miss the third-place play-off against England. The White House has confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump will attend FIFA's official reception at Trump Tower before watching the World Cup Final in person. He is also expected to join FIFA President Gianni Infantino in presenting the World Cup trophy to the champions after the match. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has officially announced a contract extension for head coach Walid Regragui, who will remain in charge of the national team following the World Cup. Off the Pitch: Champions to Receive Limited-Edition Rings One of the most talked-about stories ahead of the final is the so-called "Bathtub Derby." Back in 2007, during a charity event organized by Diario Sport and UNICEF, Lionel Messi famously posed for a calendar photo while bathing a baby Lamine Yamal. Nearly two decades later, the two are set to face each other in the World Cup Final, inspiring fans to nickname the matchup the "Bathtub Derby." The story has become one of the most viral talking points across global sports media. Another viral topic resurfaced this week after a social media post from 2021 correctly predicted that Argentina would defeat Spain 3-2 in the 2026 World Cup Final. The post has now received more than 150,000 likes, while Spanish fans have responded by highlighting their team's outstanding defensive record of conceding just one goal in seven matches. FIFA has also announced a special commemorative reward for the champions. Every player on the winning team will receive an exclusive Champions Ring, while a limited production run of 2,026 individually numbered rings will also be released. Thirty rings will be reserved for the World Cup winners, with the remaining 1,996 made available for purchase by fans worldwide as officially licensed collectibles. Match Preview: Final Referee Previously Oversaw Argentina's Loss to Saudi Arabia Third-Place Play-off: England vs France Date: July 18 Venue: Miami Stadium Referee: Jesús Valenzuela (Venezuela) Assistant Referee 1: Jorge Urrego (Venezuela) Assistant Referee 2: Tulio Moreno (Venezuela) Fourth Official: Jalal Jayed (Morocco) Reserve Assistant Referee: Zakaria Brinsi (Morocco) One of South America's most respected international referees, Valenzuela has already officiated three matches at this World Cup: Australia 2-0 Türkiye Bosnia & Herzegovina 3-1 Qatar Côte d'Ivoire 1-2 Norway World Cup Final: Spain vs Argentina Date: July 19 Venue: New York / New Jersey Referee: Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia) Assistant Referee 1: Tomaž Klančnik (Slovenia) Assistant Referee 2: Andraž Kovačič (Slovenia) Fourth Official: Adham Makhadmeh (Jordan) Reserve Assistant Referee: Mohammad Al-Kalaf (Jordan) The 46-year-old Vinčić is one of UEFA's elite referees. He has officiated three group-stage matches at this tournament: Brazil 1-1 Morocco Jordan 1-2 Algeria Mexico 2-0 Ecuador His most recent Argentina assignment came at the 2022 World Cup, when he officiated Argentina's surprising 1-2 defeat to Saudi Arabia in the group stage.
The first FIFA World Cup semi-final has concluded, with Spain defeating France 2-0 to become the first team to book a place in the final. Attention now shifts to the highly anticipated clash between England and Argentina, where the second finalist will be decided. Recap: Spain Defeat France to Reach the Final Spain secured a convincing 2-0 victory over France in the opening semi-final, earning their place in the World Cup Final for the second time in history. Spain broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute after Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty. France suffered another setback shortly afterward when center-back William Saliba was forced off with a recurring back injury. Early in the second half, Pedro Porro finished a well-worked move with Dani Olmo to double Spain's advantage. Lamine Yamal later had a goal ruled out for offside, but Spain remained in complete control throughout the match. France will now compete in the third-place playoff, while Spain await the winner of England vs Argentina in the championship match. Latest Updates: 30-Minute Halftime Confirmed for the Final England manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Declan Rice has fully recovered and is available to start the semi-final. Only Jarell Quansah (suspension) and Jordan Henderson (injury) remain unavailable. With a long-standing football rivalry and passionate fan bases, England vs Argentina has been identified by security authorities as the highest-risk fixture of the tournament. Local officials in Atlanta have introduced enhanced security measures, including dedicated fan routes and increased stadium protection. FIFA has also announced a major change for the World Cup Final: halftime will be extended from the traditional 15 minutes to 30 minutes to accommodate a special halftime entertainment show. Match Preview: England vs Argentina Atlanta will host one of international football's greatest rivalries as England and Argentina battle for a place in the World Cup Final against Spain. England rely on an energetic young squad and an aggressive high-pressing system. Declan Rice is expected to play a key role in limiting Lionel Messi's influence, while England will look to exploit space down the flanks and capitalize on their aerial strength from set pieces. Their biggest concern remains vulnerability to counterattacks after committing players forward, and they will hope to avoid another penalty shootout after several painful tournament exits. Argentina are expected to adopt a more patient and compact approach. Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister will control possession in midfield, while Messi will drift between the lines to create attacking opportunities. Argentina remain highly dangerous in transition, with Messi's passing capable of launching quick counterattacks. However, aerial defending remains a weakness, and the team lacks consistent one-on-one threats on the wings, making their attack heavily dependent on Messi's creativity. Head-to-Head England hold the edge in overall meetings between the two nations, with 6 wins, 6 draws, and 2 defeats in 14 senior internationals played in regular time. At the FIFA World Cup, the teams have met five times, with England recording three wins, one draw, and one defeat. In knockout matches, England won the famous 1966 quarter-final, while Argentina eliminated England in both 1986 and 1998 (the latter via a penalty shootout). One of football's greatest rivalries returns, with a place in the World Cup Final on the line.
Qarabag VS CSKA Sofia 
