Category: Sports

Premier League icon, Alan Shearer has predicted the outcome of the 2026 FIFA World Cup clash to be played between Argentina and Spain.

He believes the Lionel Messi-led South Americans would triumph over Spain in the 2026 final. 

Luis de la Fuente’s Spain and Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina are set to compete in the final on Sunday, July 19, at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

Shearer has stated that while predicting the game’s outcome is difficult, he believes Argentina will ultimately prevail. 

He praised Spain’s ability to maintain possession and control the game but emphasised that Lionel Messi could be a decisive factor.

Shearer pointed out the resilience of the Argentine team, which has demonstrated their capacity for comebacks throughout the tournament. 

As quoted by Tribal Football, Shearer said, “Honestly, I think it’s such a difficult one to predict. If I were to discuss Spain, I would say that their performance against France in the semi-finals was exceptional. However, it is the same Spain that struggled to defeat Cape Verde in their opening match of the tournament.

“Moreover, they faced defeat against Switzerland in 2010, despite winning the tournament. I mentioned that I wouldn’t be overly concerned about Spain’s performance then. They are indeed a remarkable team, and their ability to manage and retain possession is extraordinary.

“On the other hand, when you consider Argentina, they have encountered some truly challenging situations. For instance, they were 2-0 down to Egypt and 1-0 down against England, yet they managed to come back. There is something admirable about their tenacity, regardless of personal opinions about them; their courage is commendable. And with Messi on your side, you always have a chance. Therefore, I will confidently say Argentina, simply because of their determination.”

Historically, Argentina and Spain have faced each other only once, in 1966, when the Albiceleste emerged victorious with a score of 2-1.

 Spain remains unbeaten in their last 37 matches and convincingly defeated France 2-0 in the semi-final.

World Cup: ‘They’ve guts’ – Alan Shearer predicts winner of Spain vs Argentina final

France captain, Kylian Mbappe, on Saturday became the fourth player in the history of the FIFA World Cup to score 10 goals or more at a single tournament.

The Real Madrid forward achieved this feat after scoring a brace in France’s 6-4 defeat against England in the World Cup third-place final.

Before the Les Bleus’ defeat to the Three Lions, Mbappe had scored eight goals in the World Cup.

However, according to OptaJoe, Mbappe is only the fourth player in history to score 10 or more goals at a single World Cup, and the first to achieve the feat in 56 years.

Players to score 10 goals or more in World Cup history:

Sándor Kocsis – 11 goals (1954)

Just Fontaine – 13 goals (1958)

Gerd Müller – 10 goals (1970)

Kylian Mbappe – 10 goals (2026).

World Cup: Mbappe becomes fourth player ever to score 10 goals at single tournament

Former England goalkeeper, Joe Hart, has predicted that Argentina will upset the odds against Spain in the World Cup final.

Spain arrive for Sunday’s clash in New Jersey as favourites.

La Roja outclassed France in the semi-finals, while Lionel Messi and co needed late goals to see off England.

While Spain have been easy on the eye with their style of football, Argentina have not been dominant at all in the knockout stages.

But, speaking on The Rest Is Football, Hart said: “It’s hard to put the other night behind us and it’s hard to not feel anything towards Argentina.

“But if I’m to completely numb myself as a neutral, I’m so excited for this game and I’m so excited to see how Argentina can ruin the perfect football of Spain.

“When it comes to those big moments…Lionel Messi is phenomenal, the level he’s at.”

2026 World Cup: Joe Hart makes surprise prediction for Spain vs Argentina

An astrologer, Christina, has predicted that Argentina will emerge victorious in the final of the 2026 World Cup in North America.

She asserted that Lionel Messi and the current world champions seem to be “empowered by the transits” as they prepare for their highly anticipated match against Spain.

Argentina and Spain are set to play at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 19, in what is expected to be one of the most eagerly awaited finals in recent history.

In anticipation of this event, CBS Sports spoke to astrologer Christina to examine the astrological charts of both teams and provide her insights on the outcome.

While discussing Lionel Messi, who has captivated audiences with his remarkable performances in the tournament thus far, she said, “I believe Messi’s transit indicates that he is driven… driven, driven, driven.”

Christina then shifted her focus to Spain, elaborating on why she perceives La Roja’s astrological profile as reflective of their demonstrated identity throughout the tournament.

She said, “Spain is intriguing because they have four planets in Virgo, which is a sign characterized by hard work, organization, and a tendency to excel through consistent effort. This is a very industrious team that values being grounded and having a strategic plan.”

The astrologer highlighted the parallels between the two finalists before disclosing which team she believes holds the advantage.

“Another interesting aspect of Argentina is that they also have a Sagittarius rising, similar to Spain. Both teams possess their nodes of fate in Scorpio and Taurus, indicating they share comparable fated energies. It is fascinating to observe how both teams have been drawn into this significant moment.”

When asked to predict the winner, she stated, “This is a challenging question to answer, but I genuinely feel that Argentina appears to be empowered by the transits at this moment.”

The last encounter between Argentina and Spain occurred in 1966 during the group stage in England, where the Albiceleste secured a 2-1 victory. It remains to be seen what will transpire in the upcoming match

Argentina vs Spain: Astrologer predicts winner of 2026 World Cup final

Tom Dele-Bashiru is on the verge of sealing a permanent transfer to Greek Super League club Aris, DAILY POST reports.

According to Sky Sport, Aris and Watford have reached agreement on a transfer fee of £425,000 for the Nigerian.

Dele-Bashiru is expected in Greece on Sunday (today), and will undergo a medical on Monday.

The 26-year-old will sign a three-year contract with the former Greek Super League champions.

The midfielder spent last season on loan at Turkish Super Lig club Gençlerbirliği, making 28 league appearances.

Dele-Bashiru joined Watford from Manchester City in 2019.

Transfer: Watford accept Aris offer for Dele-Bashiru

Raphael Onyedika is nearing a permanent transfer to Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt after agreeing personal terms, DAILY POST reports.

Eintracht Frankfurt are, however, still in talks with Belgian Pro League champions Club Brugge to finalise the deal.

The Eagles have made attempts to sign Onyedika twice in the past.

The former UEFA Europa League champions are now close to securing his services.

They are prepared to pay between €8 million and €10 million for the midfielder.

The 25-year-old joined Club Brugge from Danish outfit FC Midtjylland in 2022.

Transfer: Eintracht Frankfurt agree personal terms with Onyedika

Kabiru Dogo has resumed duties as technical adviser of Niger Tornadoes, DAILY POST reports.

Dogo was appointed to his new role earlier this month.

He had his first training session with the team on Saturday.

The experienced tactician guided El-Kanemi Warriors to the 2026 President Federation Cup triumph.

Dogo has managed several clubs in the NPFL including Kwara United, ABS FC and Nasarawa United.

Niger Tornadoes will take on Bida Lions in their next friendly encounter on Sunday.

NPFL: Kabiru Dogo begins work at Niger Tornadoes 

Croatian legend, Davor Suker, has slammed England head coach Thomas Tuchel, stating that he is ‘talking nonsense’ after the coach suggested that his team ‘does not want to play’ in the World Cup Bronze match against France.

England is set to face France in Miami, with an opportunity to achieve their best World Cup finish since their victory in 1966.

It is understandable that the excitement surrounding the third-place play-off, now referred to as the Bronze match by FIFA, is low, as both the Three Lions and Les Bleus are still recovering from their semi-final defeats to Argentina and Spain.

There have been calls to remove the third place game from the roaster, and it remains uncertain whether Tuchel will field his strongest lineup or opt for squad rotation.

Ahead of the match, the German coach stated that neither team was eager to participate in the game and his remarks upset Suker.

The former Real Madrid and Arsenal forward led his nation to a third-place finish in the 1998 World Cup, scoring the decisive goal in the play-off, which also earned him the Golden Boot ahead of Ronaldo.

When asked about Tuchel’s statements, Suker responded, as reported by Goal, “I believe the wealthy do not wish to play when they experience defeat.

“Some have so many trophies and are so rich that this match means nothing to them.

“My message to them is to be quiet, to respect all 211 participants, and to understand that the world doesn’t belong only to them.

“The world also belongs to the medium-sized nations, the small ones, and those who simply enjoy football.”

England stars Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham find themselves in a similar position to Suker, where a few goals in the Bronze match could earn them the Golden Boot.

Both are two goals behind their rival tonight Kylian Mbappe, who in turn trails Argentina captain Lionel Messi’s tally of eight goals and four assists, with the final still to play.

“This match can be very important,” Suker continued. “After 1998 and the game against the Netherlands, we fought for third place, and today I can speak about it with pride.

“Whoever wins third place, I assure you that in 20 years, when they are older, they will certainly remember that bronze medal.

“That’s why, in this whole story, coach Tuchel isn’t important. He’s talking nonsense.”

World Cup: ‘You’re talking nonsense’ – Croatian legend, Suker slams Tuchel over third-place match comment

Akin Maxwell has been appointed the new Sporting Director of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Doma United.

Maxwell previously served as the Chairman of Osun United.

He has also worked with NPFL side Shooting Stars.

Maxwell’s track record is expected to help the Savannah Tigers on their return to the NPFL.

The Gombe-based club gained promotion to the NPFL last season.

They spent the previous two seasons in the Nigeria National League (NNL).

NPFL: Akin Maxwell appointed Doma United sporting director

Former Spain international, Andres Iniesta, has advised the La Roja on how to beat Lionel Messi-led Argentina when both sides clash in the World Cup final on Sunday.

Iniesta also warned Spain that it would be completely impossible to shut Messi down during the encounter.

Speaking to Tribal Football, the former Barcelona midfielder said Spain should focus on their own game by creating chances, being clinical in front of goal and not worrying about Messi.

“Shutting him [Messi] down completely is impossible. It will be more about how much Spain can hurt Argentina with their own game, creating chances, and being clinical when they come along.

“There are no words, or I just don’t know how to describe it. The determination, conviction, and everything he does in every single game is something you just have to take your hat off to.”

World Cup: Iniesta advises Spain on how to beat Messi-led Argentina