News

Reports, analysis and guides from our coverage

Unai Simón's gesture towards Argentina: world champion and a model of sportsmanship

After the final whistle of the 2026 World Cup final, as Spain celebrated the title, Unai Simón produced a gesture that went viral: he approached the Argentine players one by one, devastated after the 1-0 defeat, to shake their hands and offer words of comfort. An image of respect for the opponent that moved thousands of fans and crowns a goalkeeper also named the tournament's best.

Redacción·JUL 20 2026·3 min read

The big screen announces a VAR check at a World Cup match

Analysis

VAR and refereeing at the 2026 World Cup: technology as another player

Goals on the offside line, reviewed penalties and millimetric decisions: the 2026 World Cup again put the focus on VAR and technology, now a normal part of a tournament in which every detail could change a tie.

Redacción·AUG 16 20263 min read

A spot kick during a penalty shoot-out, with both teams in the centre circle

Analysis

Extra time and penalties: the World Cup bracket decided by fine margins

The 2026 World Cup was played on a knife's edge. Four ties were settled on penalties and several more stretched into extra time, including the final. We review the moments when the tournament turned on the smallest margins.

Redacción·AUG 15 20263 min read

Spain's players with their medals after winning the 2026 World Cup

Analysis

The best XI of the 2026 World Cup: the top players by position

What was the best possible team of the 2026 World Cup? With Spain champions, Argentina runners-up and great individual displays, we review the names in contention for the tournament's best XI, position by position.

Redacción·AUG 15 20263 min read

Jordan's starting line-up, one of the 2026 World Cup debutants

History

Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan: the other debutants of the 48-team World Cup

The expansion to 48 nations opened the door to four debutants. Alongside Cape Verde, the 2026 World Cup saw the historic first appearances of Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan, three teams that fulfilled the dream of playing a World Cup for the first time.

Redacción·AUG 14 20263 min read

Analysis

Lautaro Martínez, the 'Bull' who showed up in Argentina's big finishes

When it mattered most, he showed up. Lautaro Martínez scored in the dying moments of the quarter-final against Switzerland (120') and the semi against England (90+2), two decisive goals that took Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final.

Redacción·AUG 14 20263 min read

Analysis

Colombia, out with honour: beaten on penalties by Switzerland

Colombia had a solid World Cup and left through the cruellest door. After beating Ghana in the round of 32 (1-0), the Tricolor lost in the last 16 to Switzerland on penalties (0-0, 3-4) without losing in normal time.

Redacción·AUG 13 20263 min read