Yamal and Porro train apart, Spain's final nerves tighten

Yamal and Porro train separately, final doubts grow

Lamine Yamal and Pedro Porro trained apart from the group on Thursday (2). Two days before the World Cup final against Argentina, and your two starters are not fully integrated into the session. The Spanish camp has not confirmed any injury, but the images are enough to make a fan's stomach drop (2).

Spain can break a world record even without the trophy

Beat Argentina on Sunday and Spain become the first nation ever to win the World Cup while already holding the Euros, the Nations League, and Olympic gold. But here is the wild part: even a loss could yield a record. Spain are one match away from becoming the team with the most consecutive international tournament finals across men's and women's football combined, spanning back through every recent major competition (1).

Laporta's pre-final jab: "If the referee imposes himself..."

Joan Laporta could not resist. The Barcelona president told reporters that if referee Slavko Vincic "imposes himself, Spain will have many more chances" against Argentina (4). He also confirmed Barça have made an offer to Atlético Madrid for Julián Álvarez (4). The timing, two days before a World Cup final, is pure Laporta.

Egypt wants the Supercopa

Multiple bids have landed for hosting rights to the Spanish Super Cup, and Egypt has positioned itself as a serious candidate (5). Saudi Arabia has held the tournament since 2020. That deal is up for renewal.

France and England play for bronze Saturday

The third-place match is set. France, beaten 2–0 by Spain in the semi-final, face England on Saturday 18 July at 23:00 (7).

Fan reactions

The mood online is tense. Scaloni's pre-final quote is circulating heavily: "I hope the Spanish are happy that Argentina made the final. Messi has brought that country so much happiness. I know they love him. Well, not all of them." Spain fans are also celebrating a remarkable stat: your team has now reached the final of every senior tournament across the last four cycles. Full thread here.