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Watch | Slavko Vincic Named Referee for FIFA World Cup 2026 Final, Argentina's 'Ultimate Bogeyman'
The high-profile final, scheduled to be played in New York on Sunday, will see Vincic assisted by fellow Slovenian officials Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic as assistant referees. Adham Makhadmeh has been named the fourth official, while Mohammad Alkalaf will serve as the reserve assistant referee.
Argentina's Javier Milei to Skip FIFA World Cup Final Due to a 'Superstition'
Milei said he plans to watch the defending champions' eighth match of the tournament from the presidential residence at Olivos, just as he did for their previous seven victories. He also revealed that he intends to wear the same heavy jacket he has worn throughout the team's winning run.
Rohit Sharma Told His ODI Future May Be Over During BCCI Meeting, Gautam Gambhir Also Informed, Report
Questions over Rohit's place in India's long-term plans had already surfaced when the squad for the England series was announced. With preparations gradually shifting towards the 2027 ODI World Cup, there has been increasing speculation over whether the 39-year-old will remain part of the team's plans. The presence of young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is waiting for a sustained opportunity, has further intensified the debate.
Joe Root Left Unbeaten on 99 as England Beat India by Four Wickets
Chasing a target of 234 on a surface that offered plenty of assistance to the bowlers, England endured an early wobble before Root held the innings together with a measured knock. Ben Duckett was dismissed for a golden duck by Jasprit Bumrah off the opening delivery of the chase, while Jacob Bethell departed for four in the fourth over, leaving England under pressure.
"No doubt Messi is the greatest": Lionel Scaloni Declares GOAT Debate Settled
Although Messi failed to find the net for the second consecutive match, he produced assists for both Argentine goals as the defending champions recovered from a difficult position in the second half.
Watch | Lionel Messi Weaves Past Five England Players With Stunning Dribble, Sparks Chaos
Although he did not find the net himself, the Argentine captain proved to be the difference, first setting up Enzo Fernandez for the equaliser before delivering a sublime cross that Lautaro Martinez converted deep into stoppage time for the winner.
Watch | Jude Bellingham Clashes With Lionel Messi Before Heated Confrontation With Another Argentina Player
The flashpoint came soon after kick-off following a series of robust challenges. Leandro Paredes arrived late on Bellingham before Enzo Fernandez produced a similar tackle on Elliot Anderson. England believed at least one of the incidents deserved a booking, but the referee opted against taking disciplinary action, prompting a brief exchange between Messi and Bellingham.
Watch | FIFA World Cup: Jude Bellingham Slaps Argentina's Valentin Barco During Heated Post-Match Altercation
Bellingham, who had been among England's standout performers throughout the tournament, was unable to influence the contest against Argentina as Lionel Messi inspired the defending champions' late comeback by setting up goals for Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez within a seven-minute spell.
Argentina Players Mock England With Falklands Banner After FIFA World Cup Victory
The fiercely contested encounter at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium lived up to expectations, with Lionel Messi's Argentina overturning a second-half deficit to book a place in Sunday's World Cup final against Spain. The match was punctuated by repeated confrontations between players, producing 26 fouls and four yellow cards.
‘England Fell Into Trap of Fear’: Oliver Kahn, Robbie Fowler Criticise Tuchel’s Tactics
England looked on course for the final after Anthony Gordon put them ahead in the 55th minute. However, the side gradually retreated into a defensive shape, allowing Argentina to dominate possession and create sustained pressure. The defending champions equalised through Enzo Fernandez's long-range strike in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martinez headed home the winner in the second minute of stoppage time.
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