Spain has advanced to the World Cup final, maintaining their undefeated status with a 2-0 win against France in the semi-final. Manager Luis de la Fuente stated his team is "peaking at the right moment," drawing parallels to Spain's 2010 World Cup victory which also followed an opening draw. Spain's current run includes six consecutive wins, 13 goals scored by seven different players, and only one goal conceded since their initial 0-0 draw.
Meanwhile, French coach Didier Deschamps questioned the refereeing standards after the match, his final game after a 14-year tenure. Deschamps is reportedly set to be succeeded by Zinedine Zidane. The defeat marked the end of an era for France, with Kylian Mbappe also reaching a significant milestone, making his 21st World Cup appearance, surpassing Hugo Lloris.
Team News and Player Status
Arsenal defender William Saliba was substituted in the first half due to a back injury. Elsewhere, Thomas Tuchel expressed confidence in leading England to World Cup glory, dismissing comparisons to his playing career and affirming his positive relationship with Jude Bellingham.
Match Atmosphere and Fan Presence
Reports from Atlanta indicated a strong presence of Argentina supporters, suggesting England might face a de facto away game in their semi-final. Despite the large contingent of Argentina fans, there has also been significant support for England from American fans.
Pre-Match Considerations
England's Declan Rice is reportedly recovering from an illness that kept him in bed prior to their previous match, with his full fitness for the upcoming game uncertain. Jordan Henderson has undergone surgery for a forearm injury, and Jarell Quansah is suspended. The referee for the England vs. Argentina match, Ismail Elfath, has previously officiated in matches where Lionel Messi's team won, a statistic that has drawn attention.
Notable Attendees and Viral Moments
David and Victoria Beckham, along with three of their children, were in attendance. Football legends Xavi, Sergio Ramos, Iker Casillas, and Carles Puyol were also present. Sprinters Usain Bolt and Noah Lyles were seen together, as were actors Timothée Chalamet and Javier Bardem.
A viral moment from the broadcast showed FIFA president Gianni Infantino on screen as boos were heard, which commentators attributed to the owner of the Dallas Cowboys NFL team, Jerry Jones, who appeared on a stadium screen simultaneously.
Statistics and Unbeaten Streaks
Spain's unbeaten streak now stands at 37 matches across all competitions, dating back to March 2024, and is tied for the longest such run by a European nation. Midfielder Fabian Ruiz remains undefeated in his 49 caps for Spain. The team's performance has set a high bar for any opponent in the final, including England.