Showing posts with label Spain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spain. Show all posts
Friday, 24 July 2026
Tuesday, 21 July 2026
NICO WILLIAMS AND HIS BEAUTIFUL GIRLFRIEND AINHI GARCIA | FIFA WORLD CUP 2026
Monday, 20 July 2026
RTÉ SECURES EXCLUSIVE FREE-TO-AIR RIGHTS TO 2030 FIFA WORLD CUP
RTÉ has announced that it has secured exclusive free-to-air rights to the 2030 FIFA World Cup, following its successful run airing the 2026 World Cup, sponsored by Heineken 0.0.
The 2030 tournament will be hosted across Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with three centenary games to be held in South America.
Football fans across Ireland tuned into RTÉ’s coverage of the World Cup as Spain edged out Argentina in the finals to claim the championship.
The final generated over 1.4 million streams on RTÉ Player, thus making it the most-streamed single event in the platform’s history.
Across the tournament as a whole, audiences generated 23.4 million streams – an increase of almost 15 million streams and nearly three times the audience achieved during the 2022 FIFA World Cup (8.5 million streams).
The top performing matches were Spain v Argentina, England v Argentina, France v Spain, and England v Norway.*
Online
Throughout the tournament, there were 91 million video views across all of RTÉ’s social platforms covering the event, including over 6.8 million views of highlights, as well as analysis on the RTÉ Sport YouTube channel.
As many of the matches took place late at night, RTÉ Player generated 1.6 million streams on RTÉ Player, while other FIFA World Cup content – including unseen moments, clips and Up All Night – added 345k additional streams on the platform.
'One Of Our Big Success Stories’
Speaking about the success of the tournament, director general of RTÉ Kevin Bakhurst said, “We are delighted that RTÉ has been successful in securing rights to the 2030 FIFA World Cup for Irish audiences after what has been a very successful 2026 World Cup with record numbers of people enjoying RTÉ’s coverage.
“From the first game through to the final, audiences have come to RTÉ in large numbers for our coverage and analysis of every single game, but also for our World Cup highlights on RTÉ Player and YouTube, our podcasts, Up All Night on RTÉ Player, and more.
“The huge number of streams on RTÉ Player throughout the tournament has been one of our big success stories this year and has highlighted the value of our investment in the service in recent years.
“We look forward to bringing the next FIFA World Cup to Irish audiences, including the Republic of Ireland’s qualification campaign which we hope will be successful.
“Live sport – free to air – continues to provide national moments and conversations – enjoyment and entertainment to Irish audiences – paid for by your licence fee, public funding and commercial revenue.”
‘Exceptional Month Of Sporting Coverage’
Head of sport at RTÉ, Declan Bennett, also commented, saying, “Yesterday was a memorable day for RTÉ Sport, with the All-Ireland Hurling Final and the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final bringing an exciting day of live sport to audiences.
“More broadly, it has been an exceptional month of sporting coverage, including RTÉ’s most extensive FIFA World Cup broadcast operation to date, delivering all 104 matches with a uniquely Irish overview.
“The strong response across television, RTÉ Player, digital and social platforms reflect the enduring appetite for live sport in Ireland.
“We look forward to bringing audiences more major sporting moments in the years ahead as part of RTÉ’s public service remit, including the FIFA World Cup in 2030.”
* Viewing figures: Spain v Argentina (average audience of 1 million, 65% share on RTÉ2, and 1.4 million streams on RTÉ Player), England v Argentina (average audience 949k, 60% share on RTÉ2 and 1 million streams on RTÉ Player), France v Spain (average audience of 873k, 61% share on RTÉ2, and 1 million streams on RTÉ Player), and England v Norway (average audience of 787k, 72% share on RTÉ2 and 1 million streams on RTÉ Player).
- Sarah O'Sullivan
SIX TEAMS HAVE ALREADY QUALIFIED FOR THE 2030 WORLD CUP DUE TO UNIQUE FIFA RULE
The winners of the World Cup will not qualify automatically for the next tournament
Spain absolutely battering Argentina in the World Cup final isn’t the reason why they will automatically qualify for the next tournament in 2030.
Six host nation countries have already secured their places in the next World Cup.
The tournament's three main co-hosts, Spain, Portugal and Morocco, as well as Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will automatically qualify for the next edition in four years time.
FIFA’s 2030 competition will be held from Saturday, 8 June to Sunday, 21 July, with the opening three matches taking place in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.
These South American countries have been chosen to play first to commemorate 100 years of the World Cup, which was hosted and won by Uruguay in 1930.
Where will the opening 2030 World Cup game be played?
 |
| Spain were the best team in the tournament by a mile (Carl Recine/Getty Images) |
The opening game will be held at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina, which boasts a capacity of 100,000.
Estadio Osvaldo Dominguez Dibb, a brand new venue in Paraguay, and the Montevideo in Uruguay will also host opening matches.
After those three games, the World Cup will shift to the Northern Hemisphere in 18 stadiums across Spain, Morocco and Portugal.
 |
| Ugly scenes at full-time (Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images) |
It comes after FIFA boss Gianni Infantino wants to controversially expand the World Cup to a 64-team tournament in 2030 following the success of the expanded 48-team competition this year.
"These are all issues that we will be examining after the World Cup," Infantino told Blue Sport.
"When organising a World Cup, it's important to organise it for the whole world - not just Europe and South America, but effectively the entire world. Every nation should be allowed to dream of participating in the World Cup.
"You can see that the quality of the teams is extremely high, and it's getting higher and higher, all over the world. If you don't give smaller countries a chance to participate in the World Cup, they'll lack the incentive to keep improving."
No Messi or Ronaldo
 |
| The end of an era (Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images) |
Sadly, the squads of host nations Argentina and Portugal are unlikely to include the two greatest players of all time in Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
After Spain’s convincing 1-0 final, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni was full of praise for Messi: “He is 39 years old, it is unbelievable. It was always crystal clear to me that he would play until he chose to stop and that everyone would support him.
“I hope everyone is proud of him, because he is the best football player ever to set foot on a pitch.”
Both Messi and Ronaldo are yet to comment officially on their international futures.
On the result, Scaloni added: “I feel sadness but knowing that we left everything out there.
“I have a lot of things to say about how we got here, but it’s not worth it.
“I want to thank these guys eternally for giving us another World Cup final and for competing until the end. They were better, that’s the truth.
“But I’ll hold on to an enormous memory of what they have done, of what it’s worth to get this far. We have to give it huge validity because it takes a lot to get here.”
Featured Image Credit: Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
- Anish Vij
KEVIN HART AND SHAKIRA WITH SPAIN FORWARD FERRAN TORRES | FIFA WORLD CUP 2026
 |
| 📸: Bleacher Report Football |
US PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP RECEIVED HOSTILE A HOSTILE REACTION FROM FANS AS HE PRESENTED THE WORLD CUP TROPHY TO SPAIN
 |
| Donald Trump was booed at the World Cup final |
US President Donald Trump received a hostile reaction from fans as he presented the World Cup trophy to Spain.
The US still lost 4-1, and the Belgium players were seen appearing to mock Trump's dance moves from his 2024 presidential campaign.
Donald Trump was booed by fans at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
The President of the United States joined FIFA president Gianni Infantino on the podium to present the trophy after Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time.
US President Donald Trump received a hostile reaction from fans as he presented the World Cup trophy to Spain.
As the two men stepped out onto the pitch at MetLife Stadium on Sunday (19.07.26), boos and jeers could be heard ringing out.
Despite the reaction, Trump could still be seen waving out to people in the stands.
At one point, just before Spain lifted the iconic trophy, Infantino was seen trying to usher the US President out of the way so they could celebrate as a team.
Before the match kicked off, Trump spoke to Fox News and claimed he tried to tell Infantino that the US is "not a soccer country" when the idea of the World Cup was first presented.
However, he said: "It turns out we are a soccer country."
Trump added: "I don’t think there’s ever been anything like what’s happened with the whole World Cup, it’s been beautiful to watch."
Earlier in the tournament, Trump left fans curious after admitting he phoned Infantino and asked him to "review" a red card and suspension handed to US striker Folarin Balogun, which allowed him to still play in the round of 16 game against Belgium.
The US still lost 4-1, and the Belgium players were seen appearing to mock Trump's dance moves from his 2024 presidential campaign.
- Bang Premier
Sunday, 19 July 2026
FIFA WORLD CUP FINAL FEVER GRIPS KERELA AS GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES HOLIDAY ON MONDAY
The holiday covers schools under the General Education Department as well as colleges, universities and professional institutions under the Higher Education Department
 |
| Argentina will take on Spain in the final © Getty |
Kerala's passion for football reached a new high on Sunday as the state government declared a holiday on Monday for all educational institutions, allowing students to stay up and watch the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina without worrying about attending classes the next morning. The holiday covers schools under the General Education Department as well as colleges, universities and professional institutions under the Higher Education Department. The decision was taken following directions from Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan after thousands of football enthusiasts, particularly students, appealed through social media for a holiday.
The final is scheduled to kick off at 12.30 a.m. IST on Monday, making it difficult for students to attend classes after a late-night match.
Football enjoys an unmatched following in Kerala, where the sport is often celebrated with a passion rivalled only by cricket in other parts of the country.
In the days leading up to the final, towns and villages across the state have been transformed into football arenas, with giant cut-outs of international stars towering over roadsides, junctions and playgrounds.
Supporters of Spain and Argentina have erected massive banners, flags and decorative arches, while local fan clubs have organised public screenings, rallies and celebrations, creating a festive atmosphere across Kerala.
The overwhelming response from football fans played a key role in the government's decision. Several schools in Ernakulam had already announced a holiday on their own after receiving requests from students and parents.
The state government's announcement brought uniformity to the decision, ensuring that students across Kerala could enjoy the championship match.
Higher Education Minister Roji M. John announced that all higher education institutions, including professional colleges, would remain closed on Monday. He said the decision would enable students to watch one of world football's biggest sporting events without the inconvenience of travelling to campuses after a sleepless night.
General Education Minister N. Samsudheen also confirmed a holiday for schools under his department through a social media post, opening his message with the playful words, “Happy now, kids?”
He said the government had considered the sentiments of football-loving students before taking the decision.
With public viewing centres, giant screens and football-themed celebrations planned across the state, Kerala is set to witness another unforgettable night as lakhs of fans unite to cheer their favourite teams in the FIFA World Cup final.
- IANS
Saturday, 18 July 2026
LIONEL MESSI REACTS TO ICONIC LAMINE YAMAL PHOTO BEFORE WORLD CUP FINAL:'IT'S CRAZY ..'
 |
| Photo by Elsa/Getty Images |
Lionel Messi has described Lamine Yamal as one of the best players in world football ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final, but the Argentina captain admitted he hopes the Barcelona youngster is kept quiet when the two nations meet with football’s biggest prize at stake.
The meeting between Spain and Argentina has naturally been built around two generations of football’s elite.
On one side is Messi, preparing for another World Cup final with Argentina.
On the other is Yamal, whose performances have confirmed his status as one of the brightest talents in the game.
Away from the official press conferences, FIFA organised a special event at the Fan Fest featuring Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, midfielder Rodri, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.
The biggest attraction, however, was Messi, who also appeared alongside Novak Djokovic, Kevin Durant and Tom Brady for a discussion ahead of the final.
Messi feels Yamal is destined for a special career
 |
| Messi has nothing but praise for Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) |
Asked about the teenager’s rapid rise, Messi had nothing but admiration for the Barcelona winger, revealing he has followed his progress closely because of his affection for the Catalan club.
“Lamine is a truly great player, whom I’ve followed very closely because he plays for a club I love and for which I always wish the best.
“At just 19, he’s already one of the world’s leading players. He has his whole career ahead of him and the chance to achieve something historic.
"We’ll try to make sure it doesn’t happen this time,” said the Barcelona legend.
Messi reflects on iconic Lamine Yamal photo
Messi was also asked about the famous photograph taken nearly two decades ago, showing him holding a baby Yamal during a charity calendar photoshoot.
The image has resurfaced repeatedly in recent months, especially with the pair now preparing to face each other on football’s biggest stage.
Yes, those photos you’ve seen are real.
More than 18 years ago, a baby named Lamine Yamal and his mom Sheila met Lionel Messi at a UNICEF fundraising photoshoot.
Today, their achievements on the pitch inspire millions. Off the pitch, both Messi and Lamine Yamal use their voices and platforms as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors to support and advocate for children around the world.
The goal? That every child survives, thrives, and fulfils their potential.
We are proud to have them on our team.
Credit: Joan Monfort
Reflecting on that moment, Messi said, “That photo is crazy. Life…
“I had my photo taken with him when I was a baby and now we’re set to face each other in a World Cup final.
“He’s one of the best in the world right now and I wish him the very best of luck because if he does well, so will Barcelona.
“That said, we’ll try to put in a good performance so he doesn’t play at his best, although that’s difficult.”
While his admiration for Yamal was clear, Messi also reminded everyone that Spain’s strength lies in the collective rather than one individual.
He concluded, “It’s not just Lamine. Spain have some brilliant players and play great football. We’ve got our own weapons too.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
- Swapnil Bhopatkar
LIONEL MESSI ALMOST PLAYED FOR SPAIN: THE FORGOTTEN STORY OF A VHS TAPE
FIFA World Cup 2026 final carries added significance for Lionel Messi, who came close to committing his international future to Spain during the early years of his career.
 |
| Lionel Messi in action © AFP |
After more than a month of intense competition, Argentina and Spain have emerged as the two finalists of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The tournament, which began with a record 48 teams, has now come down to a highly anticipated title clash between the two football giants, set to take place on Monday in New Jersey. For Argentina captain Lionel Messi, the occasion marks a full-circle moment. The 39-year-old is set to play in his third World Cup final during his sixth appearance at the tournament. However, this final carries added significance for Messi, who came close to committing his international future to Spain during the early years of his career.
In September 2001, Messi arrived in Barcelona at the age of 13 to join the club's famed La Masia academy. He would go on to spend 21 years with the Catalan giants, developing into one of the greatest footballers of all time before leaving for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.
Yet despite spending most of his formative and professional years in Spain, Messi's dream was always to represent Argentina on the international stage-a decision that ultimately shaped one of the most iconic careers in football history.
Former Argentina coach Jose Pekerman, who handed Lionel Messi his senior international debut, once revealed that he first learned about the youngster from members of Argentina's coaching staff during the 2003 U-17 World Cup.
Back in 2002, then-national team coach Marcelo Bielsa and his assistant Claudio Vivas came across information about the Barcelona prodigy while visiting Spain to monitor several Argentine internationals playing there.
However, the story took a different turn when one of Messi's early representatives, Horacio Gaggiolo, shared an incident about the VHS tapes.
"That was [Messi's dad] Jorge's idea. He told me: "Horacio, the Argentine national team is coming to Barcelona, can you get them some footage of Leo?" Leo wasn't well known in Argentina. We had a video that I was given by Barca with some plays, and I went to the Hotel Princesa Sofia in Barcelona where they were staying. I asked for Vivas, who was Bielsa's assistant," Gaggiolo told ESPN, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
"When Marcelo renewed his contract with Argentina, we toured Europe to explain to the players why we had renewed after the South Korea-Japan World Cup [in 2002]. During that stop in Barcelona, an Argentine man approached me," he added.
"I told Marcelo about him and he asked: "Does he play well?" I said: "He doesn't just play well, he's incredible!" "Let me see, play a little bit of it," Marcelo said, adding as I played the tape: "But play it at normal speed, you can't see anything like this." I said: "Marcelo, it is at normal speed, I just pressed play." He said: "But this kid is unbelievable!"
However, by the time the video footage reached Hugo Tocalli, Argentina's youth team coach, preparations for the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Cup were already at an advanced stage. As a result, Tocalli chose not to include Messi in the squad. Argentina eventually suffered a 3-2 defeat to Spain in the semi-finals. Following the tournament, a member of Spain's team staff told Tocalli that Argentina would likely have beaten Spain had Messi featured in their lineup.
How Messi played for Argentina?
Upon returning to Argentina, Tocalli set out to bring Messi into the national team setup. A friendly match was quickly organized to assess the young forward, but the circumstances surrounding it were rather unusual. With little time available to make arrangements, the match even had an Argentine referee officiating it, as FIFA regulations required a recognized match official for the game.
Horacio Gaggioli, revealed that there was significant interest from Spain regarding the youngster's international future.
"I received many calls asking whether he could play for the Spanish national team," Gaggioli recalled. "I would tell them that the decision ultimately rested with Leo and his family. There was no question about his ability, but he had to choose."
Despite the speculation, Messi's stance remained unwavering. According to Gaggioli, the football icon was always determined to represent Argentina while continuing his club career with Barcelona.
- Tushar Mamgaain
Monday, 13 July 2026
Sunday, 12 July 2026
Saturday, 11 July 2026
MIKEL MERINO'S GOAL LIFTS SPAIN PAST BELGIUM IN WORLD CUP QUARTERS
Super-sub Mikel Merino scored in the 88th minute on a rebound yielded by backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens and Spain won 2-1 over Belgium to advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals on July 11.
 |
| "Mikel Merino #6 of Spain celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium. — AFP/VNA Photos" |
LOS ANGELES — Super-sub Mikel Merino scored in the 88th minute on a rebound yielded by backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens and Spain won 2-1 over Belgium to advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals on July 11.
It was a Fabian Ruiz goal that gave the European champions the lead on the half-hour mark at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Ruiz benefits from some poor Thibaut Courtois handling and slammed home on the rebound from close range.
However, shortly Charles De Ketelaere nodded home a cross to bring Belgium level in timely fashion.
He was the first scorer of the tournament who could find the back of the net of Luis de la Fuente's side. Spain's six-game clean sheet streak was ended in the 41st minute.
Both two sides had opportunities to raise the score in the second half.
"Lamine Yamal finds himself one-on-one with Courtois in the 48th mark. The keeper came out on top, but the flag was up on the teenager regardless.
Jérémy Doku and De Bruyne made up a lovely one-two with each other before setting Maxim De Cupyer in a perfect place to score. However, the winger lashed into the side netting in the 55th minute.
Six minutes later Yamal's another effort was beaten away by the busy Courtois who previously saved his net from Oyarzabal's attempt."
 |
| "Belgium's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois receives medical treatment." |
"A turning point came in the 72nd minute when Courtois went off in tears because of injury. He was replaced by Lammens who spilled the ball to Merino in the final minutes, allowing the Spaniard to smash home a rebound for a 2-1 win.
It was the second game in a row that Merino came from the bench and scored a late goal. Earlier, the Arsenal midfielder also netted a late winner as a substitute against Portugal four days ago."
 |
| "Jeremy Doku of Belgium (centre) competes for the ball against Spanish players during their quarter-final match." |
"He was the first player in the history of the World Cup to score winning goals in separate knockout ties as a substitute but that didn't really cover it. Merino was only given nine minutes plus stoppage time across the two games. It was all he needed.
Spain will next play tournament favourite France in the semi-finals on Tuesday in Dallas.
Other quarter-finals will be held tonight between Norway and England at the Miami Stadium and Argentina and Switzerland at the Kansas City Stadium. — VNS"
Thursday, 9 July 2026
Wednesday, 8 July 2026
Friday, 3 July 2026
CATHOLIC PRIESTS PLAYING FOOTBALL IN 1959
One of the most iconic sports photographs ever taken in Spain.
They weren’t actually priests yet. They were seminarians at the Conciliar Seminary of Madrid.
In 1959, photographer Ramón Masats was commissioned to document daily life inside the seminary. Every day after lunch, the seminarians played football in their cassocks. They had tracksuits. They just couldn’t be bothered to change.
Masats set up behind the goal and waited.
The goalkeeper, 21-year-old Lino Hernando, launched himself through the air trying to stop a shot from fellow seminarian Mariano Enamorado.
The photo ended up in MoMA. Almodóvar referenced it in one of his films.
The goalkeeper is still a priest today. The striker left the cassock after 10 years.
Photo: Ramón Masats, 1959.
Wednesday, 1 July 2026
LIVERPOOL UNVEIL NEW £60M DEFENDER JEREMY JACQUET - AS ENGLISH FOOTBALL AGENTS INVOLVED IN DEAL FOR 20-YEAR-OLD LAUNCH NEW FRENCH VENTURE
English agency Unique Sports Group has invested in leading French counterparts One Team Football, to launch Unique France.
The two have collaborated on the £60million deal that took 20-year-old Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes to Liverpool which was confirmed today.
The move brings together two of the more established football agencies in England and France, combining decades of experience, extensive international networks and a shared philosophy of developing and representing elite players throughout all stages of their careers.
Unique already have operations in the UK, Germany, Spain, South Korea, Ivory Coast and the UAE.
One Team client Jeremy Jacquet, regarded as the best defensive prospect coming out of France, officially became a Liverpool player today on a five-year contract in a transaction where Unique Sports Group worked alongside Michael Manuello from the French agency.
Unique also concluded the transfer of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona in May, two of the biggest moves in terms of fees for the summer window so far.
 |
| Liverpool's new signing Jeremy Jacquet with Will Salthouse and Michael Manuello |
Unique’s client roster also includes three members of England’s World Cup squad in Gordon, Marc Guehi and Dean Henderson, as well as Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix who is representing France.
Discussing the launch of Unique France, Will Salthouse, CEO and founder of Unique Sports Group said: 'When Unique was formed, the ambition was always to build a business that could grow beyond the UK and become one of football's leading international agencies.
By making a key investment with One Team and launching Unique France alongside Michael and his team it represents another significant step on that journey. France continues to produce some of the world's best talent and bringing together the strengths of both businesses creates an exciting platform for the future.'
Steve Hitchen, Director of Football at Unique Sports Group added: 'I've known Michael and One Team for many years. They have built an outstanding reputation through their knowledge of the French market and their ability to identify and develop top players.
'Bringing our joint experience together through Unique France is hugely exciting, not only because of the quality of players already within each of our organisations, but because of what we can build together over the coming years.'
Michael Manuello, founder of One Team Football said: 'This is an exciting new chapter for One Team. We have built a fantastic business in France and are proud of the players we represent.
'Joining forces with Unique in this venture gives us access to one of the strongest Premier League platforms in football, creating even more opportunities for our clients and allowing us to continue doing what we do best in France. We share the same values and long-term vision, and I'm excited about what we can achieve together through Unique France.'
- SIMON JONES
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)