Argentina Player Ratings vs Spain — 2026 FIFA World Cup Final

Argentina Player Ratings vs Spain.Argentina’s dream of becoming back-to-back world champions ended in heartbreak after a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Lionel Scaloni’s side battled bravely and defended resolutely for long spells, but Spain’s relentless pressure finally told through Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute goal.

Injuries to key defenders Cristían Romero and Lisandro Martínez disrupted the backline, while the midfield struggled to gain control against a dominant Spanish side. Enzo Fernández’s red card in stoppage time was the defining moment that handed Spain the decisive advantage in extra time. playerbros.org

Ratings at a glance

Player	Rating	Role / Key note
Emiliano Martínez	7/10	Goalkeeper — outstanding saves; kept Argentina in it through 90 mins
Gonzalo Montiel	6/10	Right-back — disciplined; quiet evening; cleared well vs Cucurella
Cristían Romero	6/10	Centre-back — authoritative until injury forced him off
Lisandro Martínez	6/10	Centre-back — key Yamal block; booked; injured before half-time
Nicolás Tagliafico	5/10	Left-back — struggled vs Yamal’s pace; limited offensively
Nico González	5/10	Right wing — failed to justify start; withdrawn at half-time
Alexis Mac Allister	6/10	Midfield — composed under pressure; limited by Spain’s dominance
Enzo Fernández	3/10	Midfield — RED CARD (2nd yellow); anonymous; left team with 10 men
Rodrigo De Paul	5/10	Midfield — never stamped authority; chasing possession all night
Lionel Messi	5/10	Forward — supressed by Spain’s structure; final WC match
Julián Álvarez	5/10	Striker — isolated; lacked service; movement sharp but no chances
Nicolás Otamendi (sub)	6/10	Sub CB — important clearances; organised backline after injuries
Leandro Paredes (sub)	4/10	Sub midfield — yellow card immediately; struggled with Spain’s intensity
Giuliano Simeone (sub)	5/10	Sub winger — energy but blasted over late in extra time
Facundo Medina (sub)	5/10	Sub CB — courageous in difficult situation; eventually breached
Nahuel Molina (sub)	4/10	Sub RB — lost Williams for Torres’ winning goal; costly lapse

Read also: Argentina vs Spain

Player-by-player ratings

Starters

Emiliano Martínez 7/10

The Aston Villa goalkeeper was Argentina’s standout performer and their best chance of keeping a clean sheet. He produced an early stop to deny Yamal, dealt with Torres’ header, and in extra time kept Argentina alive with two outstanding saves — one denying Nico Williams before the disallowed effort. There was little he could do when Torres finally found the corner. The best player in a losing cause.

Gonzalo Montiel 6/10

Handed a starting role and enjoyed a relatively quiet opening period with Alex Baena rarely threatening his flank. His best contribution came in the second half when he reacted quickly to deny Cucurella a clear shot on goal before making way for a substitute.

Cristían Romero 6/10

Marshalled the defence with authority during the first half alongside Lisandro Martínez and kept Spain’s attackers at bay. Unfortunately his evening ended prematurely with an injury — a cruel setback in what had otherwise been another impressive tournament for the Tottenham defender.

Lisandro Martínez 6/10

Made the outstanding block that prevented Yamal from opening the scoring and defended aggressively throughout. His booking for bringing down Oyarzabal summed up his commitment to the cause. Forced off through injury before half-time, adding to Argentina’s defensive problems.

Nicolás Tagliafico 5/10

Endured a difficult evening against the electric Yamal. Struggled to cope with the teenager’s pace and was fortunate to avoid a booking after hauling him down during one dangerous move. Offered very little going forward and found it hard to influence the game.

Nico González 5/10

Rewarded with a start but failed to justify his selection. Found no joy against Spain’s organised defence, struggled to retain possession and was withdrawn at half-time as Scaloni searched for more control in midfield.

Alexis Mac Allister 6/10

One of Argentina’s more composed midfielders despite the relentless Spanish pressure. Lucky to avoid disciplinary action early on but kept the ball moving whenever Argentina had spells of possession. His influence was ultimately limited by Spain’s dominance.

Enzo Fernández 3/10

A night to forget following his starring role in the semi-final. Completely overrun in midfield as Spain dictated the tempo. His frustration boiled over in stoppage time when a reckless challenge on Cubarsí — his second yellow — left Argentina with ten men for the entirety of extra time. The lowest point in an otherwise fine tournament.

Rodrigo De Paul 5/10

Usually the heartbeat of Argentina’s midfield, De Paul never managed to stamp his authority on this final. Spain’s pressing restricted his ability to drive the team forward and he spent most of the game chasing possession rather than dictating play.

Lionel Messi 5/10

Spain executed their game plan to perfection to nullify football’s greatest player. Messi struggled to find space and was surrounded whenever he received the ball. He tried to inspire his teammates but could not unlock Spain’s disciplined defensive structure. A poignant farewell to the World Cup stage for the greatest player of his generation.

Julián Álvarez 5/10

Worked tirelessly up front but was isolated throughout. With Argentina unable to establish themselves in midfield, the striker rarely threatened Spain’s defence. His movement remained sharp but clear opportunities never materialised.

Substitutes

Nicolás Otamendi 6/10

Introduced after the defensive injury disruption and made several important clearances to organise the backline. Battled bravely alongside the other centre-backs but could not prevent the decisive goal.

Leandro Paredes 4/10

Came on at half-time to add steel in midfield but immediately picked up a needless yellow card. Struggled to cope with Spain’s intensity and looked increasingly frustrated as the match wore on.

Giuliano Simeone 5/10

Brought energy after coming on but failed to make a meaningful impact. His best chance arrived late in extra time, but he lacked composure and blazed over from close range.

Facundo Medina 5/10

Thrown into a difficult situation following Romero’s injury. Defended courageously for long spells but, like the rest of Argentina’s backline, was eventually breached as Spain’s pressure finally told.

Nahuel Molina 4/10

Found life difficult after entering the game. Lost track of Nico Williams during the move that led to Spain’s decisive goal, allowing the winger to head the ball into Torres’ path. A costly lapse on a painful night for Argentina.

Gianni Infantino est dans le pétrin. La FIFA et son président Gianni Infantino font face à une nouvelle vague de critiques en Angleterre. Le Parti libéral-démocrate britannique a appelé la Fédération anglaise (FA) et l’UEFA à envisager une sortie de l’instance mondiale afin de créer une nouvelle organisation chargée de gouverner le football international. Cette prise de position intervient après plusieurs polémiques ayant marqué la Coupe du monde 2026. Parmi les dossiers les plus contestés figure la suspension aménagée de l’attaquant américain Folarin Balogun, ainsi que l’enquête ouverte à l’encontre de certains joueurs argentins après une célébration liée aux îles Falkland. Les détracteurs de la FIFA dénoncent également certaines décisions organisationnelles du tournoi et accusent l’instance de manquer de transparence. Les appels à une réforme de la gouvernance du football mondial se font de plus en plus entendre, tandis que l’avenir de Gianni Infantino continue d’alimenter les débats.

Yanis B.

L’article CM : Les députés anglais appellent la FA à quitter la FIFA (Yanis B) est apparu en premier sur Foot Afrique.

Le tirage au sort du troisième tour de qualification de la Ligue des Champions saison 2026-2027 a eu lieu ce lundi à midi à Nyon (Suisse).

Six matchs se dérouleront par la voie des champions et 4 auront lieu par voie de ligue dont la double confrontation entre l’Olympique Lyonnais, club de Ligue 1, et le club tchèque du Sparta Prague. Les matches aller des duels auront lieu les 4 et 5 août, tandis que les retour se joueront le 11 août.

Tirage au sort du troisième tour de la Ligue des Champions 2026/27

Voie des champions
FC Thun (SUI) / GNK Dinamo (CRO) – KÍ Klaksvík (FRO) / FK Kauno Žalgiris (LTU)
Mjällby AIF (SWE) / Lincoln Red Imps FC (GIB) – FC Iberia 1999 Tbilissi (GEO) / ŠK Slovan Bratislava (SVK)
PFC Levski Sofia (BUL) / Universitatea Craiova (ROU) – Omonia FC (CYP) / FC Kairat Almaty(KAZ)
AGF Aarhus (DEN) / KKS Lech Poznań (POL) – Sabah FC (AZE) / KuPS Kuopio (FIN)
FC Ararat-Armenia (ARM) / Shamrock Rovers FC (IRL) – KF Egnatia (ALB) / NK Celje (SVN)
Víkingur Reykjavík (ISL) / Hapoel Beer-Sheva FC (ISR) – Larne FC (NIR) / FK Crvena Zvezda (SRB)

Voie de la ligue
Olympiacos FC (GRE) – N.E.C. Nimègue (NED)
R. Union Saint-Gilloise (BEL) – FK Bodø/Glimt (NOR)
Fenerbahçe SK (TUR) / Górnik Zabrze (POL) – SK Sturm Graz (AUT) / Heart of Midlothian FC (SCO)
AC Sparta Prague (CZE) – Olympique Lyonnais (FRA)

The post Ligue des Champions 2026-2027 : tirage au sort du troisième tour de qualification appeared first on AfricaFootUnited.

La fête peut officiellement commencer. Quelques heures après son sacre au MetLife Stadium face à l’Argentine, la sélection espagnole a retrouvé Madrid avec le trophée de la Coupe du monde. Les nouveaux champions du monde sont de retour en Espagne et vont partager leur joie avec tout un peuple ce lundi.

Un accueil triomphal à Barajas

L’avion de la Roja a atterri à l’aéroport Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas avec les joueurs, le staff et le précieux trophée à bord. À leur descente de l’appareil, les champions du monde ont été accueillis sous les applaudissements, marquant le début des célébrations officielles après plusieurs semaines de compétition.

Une journée chargée avant la grande fête populaire

Après un passage par leur hôtel, les joueurs de Luis de la Fuente vont participer aux rendez-vous institutionnels prévus dans l’après-midi. La délégation espagnole sera reçue au palais de la Zarzuela par le roi Felipe VI, puis au palais de la Moncloa par le gouvernement espagnol.

La journée se poursuivra avec un grand défilé dans les rues de Madrid, où les supporters pourront célébrer ce deuxième titre mondial et admirer le trophée.

Madrid prête à célébrer ses champions

La capitale espagnole se prépare déjà à une grande soirée de fête. Des milliers de supporters sont attendus sur la place de Cibeles pour la cérémonie finale. De retour au pays avec la Coupe du monde, la Roja s’apprête à célébrer un sacre historique et à rendre hommage à une génération qui a marqué l’histoire du football espagnol.

The post Coupe du monde 2026 – Espagne : la Roja est de retour au pays appeared first on AfricaFootUnited.

How Betting Odds Work on SportPesa. Betting odds on SportPesa indicate the likelihood of an event happening and determine how much you can win if your bet succeeds.

What are betting odds?

Betting odds are a numerical representation of probability. They show how likely an outcome is and how much you can win if your bet is successful. The higher the odds, the less likely the outcome — but the bigger the potential payout.

For example, the probability that real Madrid will beat Barcelona in the El Clasico could be 1.5 while the chances of getting beaten could be 2.4 with a draw being 2.1

Decimal odds — the most common format

SportPesa uses decimal odds. This is the most widely used format worldwide, including across Europe, Africa, Canada and Australia.

Decimal odds represent the total return of the bet — including the amount you staked — for every unit wagered.

For example ,,,Sportpesa has odds of 2.43 on spain beating Argentina in the FIFA World cup 2026 final ,Draw (2.97), and Argentina to win at (3.41). So a person who bet with 10 shillings on spain at 2.43 had a potential payout of 24.3 (10 initial stake ☓ 2.43 decimal odds).This payout includes the 10 initial stake

Example: how to read decimal odds

Suppose SportPesa shows odds of 2.43 for Team A to win, 2.97 for a draw, and 3.41 for Team B to win. Here is how a stake of 10 units on each outcome would pay out:

Selection	Decimal odds	Stake (10 units)	Total return
Team A to win	2.43	10 units	24.30 units
Draw	2.97	10 units	29.70 units
Team B to win	3.41	10 units	34.10 units

Read also: How to download and install sportpesa app

Key formulas

• Total Return = Stake × Decimal Odds
• Profit = Stake × (Decimal Odds − 1)

For example, a 50 units bet at decimal odds of 3.50 would return 175 units in total, with a profit of 125 units. Your original 50 units stake is included in that return.

Advantages of decimal odds

• Simplicity — easy to calculate total returns and profits with basic multiplication.
• Global standard — widely used in Europe, Africa, Canada, Australia and on betting exchanges worldwide.
• Comparison-friendly — easy to compare different betting opportunities and identify value.
• Conversion-friendly — decimal odds can be converted from fractional odds (e.g. 5/2 = 3.50 decimal) and are easier to interpret than American odds.

Interpreting what the number means

• Odds above 2.00 — the outcome is considered an underdog (less likely), but the payout is higher.
• Odds below 2.00 — the outcome is considered a favourite (more likely), but the payout is smaller.
• Odds of exactly 2.00 — an even-money bet. Your potential profit equals your stake exactly.

The lower the decimal odds, the more likely the outcome. The higher the decimal odds, the bigger the potential return for the same stake.

Read also: Key betting terms on Sportpesa explained