Facing Lionel Messi in training is a joy 😍

Facing Lionel Messi in training is a joy 😍

Spain are known as the modern purveyors of the beautiful game, but what has got them to within 90 minutes of another World Cup win is an elite defense.

Former England defender Gary Neville has said he has a "big problem" with Thomas Tuchel suggesting England's "DNA" needs to change in major tournaments.

For years, soccer lineups were just static lists of names, but the 2026 World Cup has given us two-to-three-second videos in which players can make a gesture or emote. The group stage had 747 player gestures; let's break them all down.

Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has signed a new long-term contract at Anfield.

The World Cup final is not under any threat despite the air quality warnings in the area, sources have told ESPN.

Andrey Santos could get his first run-out in Manchester United colours on Saturday after being included in the travelling squad for their pre-season friendly against Wrexham in Helsinki.

For those who are just tuning in, here are the highlights of the World Cup so far, from Lionel Messi heroics and underdog upsets to brave USMNT performances.

Jarrod Bowen will stay at West Ham this season despite their relegation to the Championship, he has confirmed.

Atlético Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has firmly declared the club will not transfer Julián Álvarez this summer despite Barcelona's attempt to lure the Argentina striker to the Camp Nou.

The winners of the World Cup will be awarded championship rings in addition to the traditional trophy and gold medals.

Declan Rice might be better suited to playing in defence because of his "limited" passing range, according to Graeme Souness.

Mauricio Pochettino has said he will make a decision regarding his future as coach of the United States national team next week.

Arsenal have announced the signing of 18-year-old goalkeeper Isabella Damm from Brondby IF.

Little did Lionel Messi know when he picked up the baby Lamine Yamal two decades ago that he was holding a future World Cup final opponent in his arms.

Jude Bellingham has called for continued unity after England's World Cup exit against Argentina, insisting that "when we're together, we can achieve big things."

Arsenal are ramping up a move for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers even after agreeing a deal for Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis. Transfer Talk has the latest.

The agony is perpetual, and the torment terminal. Once again, everything seemed to be going right for England in a tournament -- precisely up until the moment it didn't.

Heartbroken captain Harry Kane vowed to fight on as England continue to search for the "final piece of the jigsaw" that can take them from nearly men to trophy-winners.

- Argentina President Javier Milei said on Thursday he won't be attending the

England boss Thomas Tuchel says the DNA of English football needs changing if his side are to win major tournaments -- and insists he is "100%" committed to staying in the job.

Lionel Messi has a message for Argentina's detractors: "Nothing was handed to us."

Coventry have announced the signing of Switzerland defender Aurele Amenda from Eintracht Frankfurt.

The jersey Pelé wore during Brazil's 5-2 victory over Sweden in the 1958 FIFA World Cup final sold at Sotheby's for $4.88 million on Thursday.

England boss Thomas Tuchel says the DNA of English football needs changing if his side are to win major tournaments -- and insists he is "100%" committed to staying in the job.

Aston Villa have reached an agreement to sign Wolverhampton midfielder João Gomes on a permanent transfer, sources have told ESPN.

Arsenal are closing in on a €40 million deal to sign Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, sources have told ESPN.

England's Parked Bus Got Towed 😬

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has told England's players to "look in the mirror" and ask "how good you really are" after the Three Lions suffered their latest failure to reach a World Cup final with defeat to Argentina.

José Got a Red Card 😂