All articles tagged “Gunners”: World Cup 2026, Arsenal and analysis.
The 2026 World Cup is over. At MetLife Stadium, Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time to claim their second star, sixteen years after the first. A two-hour siege broken by Enzo Fernández's red card, then a Ferran Torres goal. Emi Martínez made eleven saves, a final record; Messi left the stage in tears. Three Gunners — Raya, Merino, Zubimendi — go home world champions.
The third-place play-off turned into pure madness: France 4-6 England, the highest-scoring World Cup match since 1982. Trailing 0-4 at the break after a first half Didier Deschamps himself called 'disgraceful', France woke up far too late. Bukayo Saka, benched all tournament, walked away with a hat-trick. England finish 3rd, their best World Cup since 1966; Deschamps leaves his post on a loss.
The second semi-final turned in eighteen minutes. Ahead through Anthony Gordon (55'), England dropped deep after Thomas Tuchel's change on 72' and never touched the ball in Argentina's box again. Enzo Fernández equalised from distance (85'), then Lionel Messi hung a cross on Lautaro Martínez's head at 90+2 (2-1). Saka, Eze and Madueke never left the bench. It's Spain-Argentina on Sunday in New York.
The first semi-final delivered its verdict in Arlington: Spain dominated France from start to finish (2-0), driven by an imperious Rodri and an untouchable Lamine Yamal. An Oyarzabal penalty, a one-two finished by Pedro Porro, and heartbreak on top: William Saliba limped off in tears with a hamstring injury after just 30 minutes. Spain await the winner of England-Argentina in the final.
