Feed MRSS-S Noticias, english.elpais.com, sports en-us https://english.elpais.com Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:39:27 GMT https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-10-06/three-afghans-arrested-in-kabul-for-playing-in-the-chess-olympiad-we-feel-afraid-our-situation-is-unsustainable.html Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:39:27 GMT https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-10-06/three-afghans-arrested-in-kabul-for-playing-in-the-chess-olympiad-we-feel-afraid-our-situation-is-unsustainable.html Leontxo García The EU, the Spanish government and FIDE are undertaking efforts in support of the three chess players detained a week ago, while remaining cautiously optimistic The EU, the Spanish government and FIDE are undertaking efforts in support of the three chess players detained a week ago, while remaining cautiously optimistic FIDE ICO Kirsty Coventry Milagros Tolón Z. A. (EL PAÍS) Documento oficial del Gobierno talibán en el que se ordena la detención de los ajedrecistas desplazados a la Olimpiada de Samarcanda (Uzbekistán), en septiembre de 2026 Official Taliban government document ordering the detention of the chess players who traveled to the Samarkand Olympiad. Official Taliban government document ordering the detention of the chess players who traveled to the Samarkand Olympiad. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/3LBMUXLRLJCQVFWWH7M6INURFU.jpeg?auth=9f48fb7fb622c24eb1bcf7a42d4e4e5447117c79823997b0f6e53117cb1884ff" width="768" height="576" alt="Official Taliban government document ordering the detention of the chess players who traveled to the Samarkand Olympiad."></img><p>Anxiety hangs over the three Afghans who have been under house arrest for a week after traveling to Samarkand, Uzbekistan, to compete in the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-09-29/three-of-the-four-afghans-who-left-the-country-to-play-the-chess-olympiad-are-detained-in-kabul-and-face-uncertain-fate.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-09-29/three-of-the-four-afghans-who-left-the-country-to-play-the-chess-olympiad-are-detained-in-kabul-and-face-uncertain-fate.html">Chess Olympiad</a>. The players were arrested upon their return to Afghanistan, where <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-05-20/the-afghan-government-bans-chess-once-again-as-it-did-until-2001.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-05-20/the-afghan-government-bans-chess-once-again-as-it-did-until-2001.html">chess is banned</a>. Khaiber Farazi, Habibullah Amini and Habibullah Guldoost are awaiting punishment from the Taliban authorities, though there are grounds for hope: EL PAÍS has learned that the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the European Parliament and the Spanish government are all working to support them.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-10-06/three-afghans-arrested-in-kabul-for-playing-in-the-chess-olympiad-we-feel-afraid-our-situation-is-unsustainable.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-10-06/leo-messis-final-appearance-argentina-bids-farewell-to-its-all-time-record-scorer.html Tue, 06 Oct 2026 12:17:56 GMT https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-10-06/leo-messis-final-appearance-argentina-bids-farewell-to-its-all-time-record-scorer.html Javier Lorca After 21 years, over 200 matches and 175 goals, Lionel Messi will play his final international match against Benin in Buenos Aires After 21 years, over 200 matches and 175 goals, Lionel Messi will play his final international match against Benin in Buenos Aires Lionel Messi Argentina Benín Copa América Fútbol FC Barcelona Maradona AFA Lionel Scaloni Icon Sportswire (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Lionel Messi with Argentina in Atlanta, July 7, 2026. Lionel Messi with Argentina in Atlanta, July 7, 2026. <p>The story coming to an end had it all: surprise and hope, sadness and dismay, the bitterest defeats and the triumphs that brought joy to an entire nation. Twenty-one years ago, <a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-06-16/the-sixth-and-final-world-cup-act-of-leo-messi.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-06-16/the-sixth-and-final-world-cup-act-of-leo-messi.html">Lionel Messi</a> began writing the first page of his story with the Argentina national team, and on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, he will write the last. Between that ill-fated debut against Hungary on August 17, 2005 — when he was sent off 43 seconds after stepping onto the pitch — and the match with Benin that will close his international career, Messi has already become a legend of assured immortality.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-10-06/leo-messis-final-appearance-argentina-bids-farewell-to-its-all-time-record-scorer.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-10-02/the-popping-of-the-cristiano-ronaldo-bubble.html Fri, 02 Oct 2026 18:03:54 GMT https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-10-02/the-popping-of-the-cristiano-ronaldo-bubble.html Diego Torres The 41-year-old captain’s decision to leave the national team training camp appears to have brought an end to an era in which the star player was overhyped at the expense of Portugal’s collective performance in two World Cups The 41-year-old captain’s decision to leave the national team training camp appears to have brought an end to an era in which the star player was overhyped at the expense of Portugal’s collective performance in two World Cups Portugal Jorge Jesus Cristiano Ronaldo Fernando Santos Manchester United Bernardo Silva António Costa Al Nassr FC Gianni Infantino Tim Cook Elon Musk Roberto Martínez Rafael Leão Luis Figo PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA (AFP) Cristiano Ronaldo during the game against Wales on September 24. Cristiano Ronaldo during the game against Wales on September 24. <p>On December 6, 2022, hours before facing Switzerland in the last 16 of the Qatar World Cup, Portugal coach Fernando Santos summoned <a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2024-08-26/cristiano-ronaldo-signs-deal-to-sell-tableware-in-asia.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2024-08-26/cristiano-ronaldo-signs-deal-to-sell-tableware-in-asia.html">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> to his room at the team hotel. “I explained to him that he would not start that night because he lacked match rhythm, and he took it badly,” the coach recalled. It was the trigger for a crisis that four years later still consumes time and energy at a federation that has failed to promote an extraordinary generation of talent without subordinating it to the contradiction of playing for a footballer who achieved greatness thanks to his dynamism but is now 41 and has long struggled to move around the field.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-10-02/the-popping-of-the-cristiano-ronaldo-bubble.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-10-01/garry-kasparov-threatened-with-death-by-putins-circle-ties-his-security-to-ukraines-victory.html Thu, 01 Oct 2026 19:29:36 GMT https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-10-01/garry-kasparov-threatened-with-death-by-putins-circle-ties-his-security-to-ukraines-victory.html Leontxo García US security services reveal a plan by agents linked to Russian intelligence to kill the former world chess champion, who is living in New York US security services reveal a plan by agents linked to Russian intelligence to kill the former world chess champion, who is living in New York Gari Kasparov Kremlin Vladimir Putin Mijail Gorbachov NurPhoto (NurPhoto via Getty Images) Kasparov Garry Kasparov in Warsaw, Poland, on July 31. Garry Kasparov in Warsaw, Poland, on July 31. <p>Garry Kasparov, 63, is the only one still alive of three very prominent opponents of Vladimir Putin who were threatened in 2012; the other two were Boris Nemtsov, murdered near the Kremlin in 2015, and Alexei Navalny, who survived a poisoning attack in 2020 and who <a href="https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2024-02-21/my-friend-navalny.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2024-02-21/my-friend-navalny.html">died suddenly in a Siberian prison in 2024</a>. The U.S. Department of Justice has now revealed a plan by agents linked to Russian intelligence to kill the chess player and activist—who is highly critical of Putin on a daily basis—last summer in New York, where he lives. The former world champion, who holds a Croatian passport, ties his fate to that of Ukraine.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-10-01/garry-kasparov-threatened-with-death-by-putins-circle-ties-his-security-to-ukraines-victory.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-09-29/three-of-the-four-afghans-who-left-the-country-to-play-the-chess-olympiad-are-detained-in-kabul-and-face-uncertain-fate.html Tue, 29 Sep 2026 17:36:35 GMT https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-09-29/three-of-the-four-afghans-who-left-the-country-to-play-the-chess-olympiad-are-detained-in-kabul-and-face-uncertain-fate.html Leontxo García The players are under house arrest and face corporal punishment because the game has been banned by the Taliban government for religious reasons The players are under house arrest and face corporal punishment because the game has been banned by the Taliban government for religious reasons Kabul Afganistán Uzbekistán Habibullah Guldoost (EL PAÍS) Habibullah Guldoost (en primer plano), Khaibar Farazi y Habibullah Amini, ajedrecistas afganos, retenidos en la frontera con Uzbekistán el 28-9-2016 cuando regresaban de jugar la Olimpiada de Aejdrez en Samarcanda Habibullah Guldoost, Khaibar Farazi and Habibullah Amini, Afghan chess players. Habibullah Guldoost, Khaibar Farazi and Habibullah Amini, Afghan chess players. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/JILBLGDDCJBQZI3IQ3TVIXCAPU.jpeg?auth=4000796bdd9b01c8c943bedefa699d323b65e5d4bcef2c5cf9dae51fc3bc99e0" width="1280" height="960" alt="Habibullah Guldoost, Khaibar Farazi and Habibullah Amini, Afghan chess players."></img><p>Three of the four Afghans who left their country to compete last week in the Chess Olympiad <a href="https://english.elpais.com/travel/2026-05-24/bukhara-and-tashkent-opposing-universes-in-uzbekistan.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/travel/2026-05-24/bukhara-and-tashkent-opposing-universes-in-uzbekistan.html">in Samarkand, Uzbekistan</a>, were detained at the border on Monday when they returned to Afghanistan, where chess is banned by the Taliban government. The players are under house arrest in Kabul and face penalties that could include corporal punishment. The fourth player has been able to return home without reprisals. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-09-29/three-of-the-four-afghans-who-left-the-country-to-play-the-chess-olympiad-are-detained-in-kabul-and-face-uncertain-fate.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/ROZFK33S2RDFTPBQMPMAIMUT44.jpeg?auth=44cdc79731f6bb3254a88c978ea422be4d8169d0997f42de6f197935ba8b1008" width="986" height="1752" alt="The four Afghan female players at the Olympiad, last week in Samarkand. Standing, left to right: Gouham, Azizi and Belqis; sitting: Farahman"></img> https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-09-25/mikel-oyarzabal-often-the-best-thing-you-can-do-is-not-touch-the-ball.html Fri, 25 Sep 2026 14:11:51 GMT https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-09-25/mikel-oyarzabal-often-the-best-thing-you-can-do-is-not-touch-the-ball.html Juan I. Irigoyen,David Álvarez The forward praises coach Luis de la Fuente and emphasizes teamwork as the key to Spain’s success The forward praises coach Luis de la Fuente and emphasizes teamwork as the key to Spain’s success Mikel Oyarzabal Luis de la Fuente Eibar Real Sociedad Xabi Alonso David Silva Nico Williams Lamine Yamal INMA FLORES (EL PAÍS) Mikel Oyarzabal Mikel Oyarzabal Thursday at Spain's training base in Las Rozas. Mikel Oyarzabal Thursday at Spain's training base in Las Rozas. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/RV2TKRZH3NCM5OMKXJW4JZF7OA.jpg?auth=b6a8f4c1d37b4510921081090d1fc0386109ad378a52503573a96b3c026fa559" width="5969" height="4106" alt="Mikel Oyarzabal Thursday at Spain's training base in Las Rozas."></img><p>Mikel Oyarzabal (Eibar, 29) is as allergic to the spotlight as he is relaxed in conversation. He’s not fond of how he sounds in his answers, but he is clear. He is also polite and, above all, practical. He knows what he wants. A mirror of the way he plays. He scored the winning goal in the Euro 2024 final against England, Saturday’s opponent for Spain in the Nations League opener, and left the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-20/spains-victory-the-worlds-victory.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-20/spains-victory-the-worlds-victory.html">2026 World Cup</a> as La Roja’s top scorer with five goals. A symbol, if you will, of Luis de la Fuente’s successful tenure.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-09-25/mikel-oyarzabal-often-the-best-thing-you-can-do-is-not-touch-the-ball.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/HZFJKR54K5DMLAV3LNZT3YOBZ4.jpg?auth=cf703ff7718b325456136f0783ac421d6a42b4c27827e795d740ef314ee31290" width="7126" height="4706" alt="Mikel Oyarzabal, before the interview."></img> https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-09-16/lionel-messi-to-bid-farewell-to-argentina-national-team-with-a-final-match-in-buenos-aires-the-last-tango-of-the-worlds-best-player.html Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:54:43 GMT https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-09-16/lionel-messi-to-bid-farewell-to-argentina-national-team-with-a-final-match-in-buenos-aires-the-last-tango-of-the-worlds-best-player.html Javier Lorca The Argentine Football Association confirms the World Cup-winning captain will appear in a friendly against Benin on October 6 The Argentine Football Association confirms the World Cup-winning captain will appear in a friendly against Benin on October 6 Lionel Messi Argentina Benín Lionel Scaloni Copa América Fútbol Hannah McKay (REUTERS) Lionel Messi Lionel Messi celebrates Argentina's victory at the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Lionel Messi celebrates Argentina's victory at the Qatar 2022 World Cup. <p>A story that had it all, from painful defeats to everlasting victories, will come to an end. It will happen on October 6, when Lionel Messi plays his final match with the Argentina national team. That day the Albiceleste will face Benin in Buenos Aires in a friendly. “The last tango of the world’s best player,” said the president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), <a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2025-11-28/argentine-soccers-credibility-battered-by-suspicions-of-corruption-biased-refereeing-and-controversial-trophy-awards.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2025-11-28/argentine-soccers-credibility-battered-by-suspicions-of-corruption-biased-refereeing-and-controversial-trophy-awards.html">Claudio Tapia</a>.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-09-16/lionel-messi-to-bid-farewell-to-argentina-national-team-with-a-final-match-in-buenos-aires-the-last-tango-of-the-worlds-best-player.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-09-12/spains-purebred-horse-business-leaps-past-the-86-billion-mark.html Sat, 12 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-09-12/spains-purebred-horse-business-leaps-past-the-86-billion-mark.html Miguel Ángel García Vega Prized for centuries for their noble, docile and loyal character, Andalusian horses are gaining prominence around the world and selling at prices of up to $580,000 Prized for centuries for their noble, docile and loyal character, Andalusian horses are gaining prominence around the world and selling at prices of up to $580,000 Jerez de la Frontera Leonardo da Vinci EL PAÍS Horse business Mares owned by José Luis de la Escalera; photo courtesy of the owner. Mares owned by José Luis de la Escalera; photo courtesy of the owner. <p>In the 16th century, Lorenzo de Medici admired both <a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2023-03-15/leonardo-da-vincis-mother-was-a-slave-according-to-new-research.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2023-03-15/leonardo-da-vincis-mother-was-a-slave-according-to-new-research.html">Leonardo Da Vinci</a> and his Spanish stable groom — who, on foot, could stop a galloping horse with a single hand. The link between these animals and Spain is historical and it goes beyond mere numbers. The consulting firms Green Oak and Deloitte published <a href="https://www.animalshealth.es/fileuploads/user/PDF/2022/03/Segundo_Estudio_Impacto_Sector_Ecuestre_Espana.pdf" target="_blank" rel="" title="https://www.animalshealth.es/fileuploads/user/PDF/2022/03/Segundo_Estudio_Impacto_Sector_Ecuestre_Espana.pdf">an industry report</a> in 2022 that remains the most recent study to date. Back then, the sector was worth €7.4 billion ($8.6 billion), but that figure has undoubtedly fallen behind. Seventy percent of the stock in Spain is purebred Andalusian horse (also known as Pure Spanish Horse or Pura Raza Española, PRE). There is no crossbreeding. The bloodlines are clean. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-09-12/spains-purebred-horse-business-leaps-past-the-86-billion-mark.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><h3>From Spain to New York</h3><p>José <span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Daniel </span>Martín Dockx is one of Spain’s leading references in the discipline of dressage. He is an Olympian and selector of young PRE horses, and is in New York on a training project at one of the most powerful studs in the United States. “Of course you can make a living from this profession. I started at 18 and now I’m 52,” he says, speaking by phone. &quot;The problem is that we started competing late, and Germany, Denmark and England are ahead of us. The system is simple: “almost all riders have their own high level horse, although we can also ride those of private owners or other studs.” It’s the same as any sector — “you represent different clients.”</p> https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-09-12/alexia-putellas-i-would-have-loved-for-previous-generations-the-real-pioneers-to-have-experienced-what-ive-experienced.html Sat, 12 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-09-12/alexia-putellas-i-would-have-loved-for-previous-generations-the-real-pioneers-to-have-experienced-what-ive-experienced.html Sofía Ruiz de Velasco Four Champions League titles, 10 league titles, 11 Copa de la Reina trophies, six Spanish Super Cups, two Ballons d’Or, the 2023 World Cup… the footballer has achieved it all, becoming a central figure in the transformation of women’s soccer Four Champions League titles, 10 league titles, 11 Copa de la Reina trophies, six Spanish Super Cups, two Ballons d’Or, the 2023 World Cup… the footballer has achieved it all, becoming a central figure in the transformation of women’s soccer Alexia Putellas FC Barcelona Femenino Maradona Lionel Messi Lamine Yamal Sabadell (Barcelona) Michele Kang Aitana Bonmatí David Beckham Penélope Cruz Rosalía Antonio Mingot (EL PAÍS) Alexia Putellas poses at the entrance to Piccadilly Station in London wearing a Dior tuxedo and a Stephen Jones headpiece. Alexia Putellas poses at the entrance to Piccadilly Station in London wearing a Dior tuxedo and a Stephen Jones headpiece. <p>Alexia Putellas, 32, is left-footed, though not entirely. Alexia has what is known as cross-dominance: she’s left-footed but right-handed. She plays with her dominant left foot but signs contracts and autographs with her right, like <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-08-20/maradona-death-trial-upended-by-bizarre-error-experts-analyzed-his-fathers-clinical-records.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-08-20/maradona-death-trial-upended-by-bizarre-error-experts-analyzed-his-fathers-clinical-records.html">Diego Maradona</a>, Lionel Messi, and Lamine Yamal.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-09-12/alexia-putellas-i-would-have-loved-for-previous-generations-the-real-pioneers-to-have-experienced-what-ive-experienced.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><h3>Photography: </h3><p>Antonio Mingot</p><h3>Styling: </h3><p>Alba Melendo</p><h3>Make-up: </h3><p>Faye Bluff (Agency of Substance)</p><h3>Hair: </h3><p>Shunsuke Meguro (Future Rep)</p><h3>Manicurist: </h3><p>Jasmine Eleazer</p><h3>Production: </h3><p>Cristina Serrano</p><h3>Local production: </h3><p>Rosie Cartwright and Sarah Nimmo (Rosie Cartwright Ltd)</p><h3>Photography assistant: </h3><p>Karolina Burlikowska</p><h3>Styling assistants: </h3><p>Hugo Latorre and Ariadna Mayal</p> https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-09-09/zhang-ziyu-the-223-meter-world-cup-sensation.html Wed, 09 Sep 2026 13:50:39 GMT https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-09-09/zhang-ziyu-the-223-meter-world-cup-sensation.html Juan Morenilla Villalba The tallest basketball player in history is the main attraction because of her size, though she only considers herself ‘a young girl’ The tallest basketball player in history is the main attraction because of her size, though she only considers herself ‘a young girl’ FIBA Europa WNBA Yao Ming Caitlin Clark EL PAÍS Zhang Ziyu, in a game against Italy, in an image provided by FIBA. Zhang Ziyu, in a game against Italy, in an image provided by FIBA. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/AQLZHYZNQZBWBAXVV2TEDVMGEI.webp?auth=4f68f446985b474fb1fa5dc62f6528466f5e9aa020881d5317fb630eba1a9b1e" width="2400" height="1599" alt="Zhang Ziyu, in a game against Italy, in an image provided by FIBA."></img><p>Seeing her seated is striking. When she stands, all you can do is look up. Zhang Ziyu is 19 and stands 2.23 meters tall (seven feet and three inches). She is the tallest professional women’s basketball player in history and the main attraction at the World Cup in Berlin, where she is competing with China’s national team, but as she herself points out, she’s still almost a child. “Everyone thinks I’m tough because I’m very tall, but I’m still a young girl, sometimes quite childish,” Zhang says in a FIBA documentary. It shows in her youthful face, in the jokes with her teammates and in the laughter as she runs through the mixed zone. And in her hobby of crocheting handicrafts that she gives to friends, like a stuffed elephant she spent two weeks sewing with yarn. When she recalls how she became a star, she says she misses her childhood bed full of rag dolls.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-09-09/zhang-ziyu-the-223-meter-world-cup-sensation.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-09-01/egg-freezing-gains-traction-among-elite-athletes-there-arent-enough-studies-on-how-it-affects-them.html Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:46:42 GMT https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-09-01/egg-freezing-gains-traction-among-elite-athletes-there-arent-enough-studies-on-how-it-affects-them.html Domitila Diez Federations, clubs, and unions are beginning to cover treatments to preserve the fertility of their players, who are torn between becoming mothers at the peak of their careers or postponing the decision Federations, clubs, and unions are beginning to cover treatments to preserve the fertility of their players, who are torn between becoming mothers at the peak of their careers or postponing the decision RFEF Kentucky UEFA Chelsea FC FC Barcelona Femenino Levante UD WTA Tour WNBA Harriet Lander - Chelsea FC (Chelsea FC via Getty Images) Chelsea has reached an agreement with a fertility clinic and set up a fund to cover players’ assessments, treatments, and counseling. Chelsea has reached an agreement with a fertility clinic and set up a fund to cover players’ assessments, treatments, and counseling. <p>Elite athletes have been choosing to freeze their eggs on their own for years, when they find a gap during holidays or even while rehabilitating after surgery for an injury. Right at the point when they are focused on winning and setting records, they must ask themselves whether they will want to become mothers, because the peak of their careers coincides with the highest quality of their eggs and the best time to get pregnant. What’s new now is that national teams, leagues, and clubs are beginning to take charge of the process. The <a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-15/how-the-spain-coach-spent-over-a-decade-recruiting-the-players-who-will-be-at-the-world-cup-final.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-15/how-the-spain-coach-spent-over-a-decade-recruiting-the-players-who-will-be-at-the-world-cup-final.html">Royal Spanish Football Federation</a> (RFEF) is finalizing an agreement with a fertility clinic to offer vitrification treatments to its players, which it will make public in September. In addition, the Spanish Footballers’ Association recently announced a collaboration agreement with a private hospital “to make the experience of its assisted reproduction unit available to members.”</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-09-01/egg-freezing-gains-traction-among-elite-athletes-there-arent-enough-studies-on-how-it-affects-them.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2026-08-24/why-chess-still-fascinates-us-the-game-that-teaches-us-to-think-in-an-age-that-thinks-less-and-less.html Mon, 24 Aug 2026 12:57:06 GMT https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2026-08-24/why-chess-still-fascinates-us-the-game-that-teaches-us-to-think-in-an-age-that-thinks-less-and-less.html Leontxo García Chess.com’s 250 million accounts and the growing number of countries adopting it as an educational tool are breathing new life into a sport with 15 centuries of history Chess.com’s 250 million accounts and the growing number of countries adopting it as an educational tool are breathing new life into a sport with 15 centuries of history Internet Judit Polgár Magnus Carlsen Richard Kalvar ( Magnum / Europa Press / CONTACTO ) Ajedrez Children playing with a giant chess set in Place de la République, Paris, 2025. Children playing with a giant chess set in Place de la République, Paris, 2025. <p>There are strong indications that people are thinking less and less, and that many now consider a 30-second video too long. But there is also evidence that more people are playing chess than ever before, using it as an educational tool and a form of mental exercise (an approach supported by a growing body of research). </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2026-08-24/why-chess-still-fascinates-us-the-game-that-teaches-us-to-think-in-an-age-that-thinks-less-and-less.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-08-12/uefa-compensates-somali-referee-who-was-vetoed-by-the-us-during-world-cup.html Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:47:43 GMT https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-08-12/uefa-compensates-somali-referee-who-was-vetoed-by-the-us-during-world-cup.html Diego Fonseca Omar Artan is refereeing Wednesday’s Super Cup final in Salzburg between PSG and Aston Villa. The game is being played against a backdrop of tension between the European soccer governing body and FIFA boss Gianni Infantino Omar Artan is refereeing Wednesday’s Super Cup final in Salzburg between PSG and Aston Villa. The game is being played against a backdrop of tension between the European soccer governing body and FIFA boss Gianni Infantino UEFA FIFA Gianni Infantino Somalia Donald Trump Folarin Balogun Anadolu (Anadolu via Getty Images) dep110816 Referee Omar Artan, arriving in Mogadishu, Somalia, on June 10 after being vetoed by the U.S.  Referee Omar Artan, arriving in Mogadishu, Somalia, on June 10 after being vetoed by the U.S.  <p>At 9.00pm on Wednesday at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria, for the first time in history a non-European referee will officiate a Super Cup soccer final, a competition that began in 1973. Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was selected two months ago by the European football governing body UEFA to referee the match between the Champions League winner, Paris Saint-Germain, and the Europa League winner, Aston Villa. The decision carries great symbolism after the U.S. government denied the referee entry to its territory in June and prevented him from becoming the first from his country to officiate <a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-27/us-faces-the-challenge-of-turning-soccer-into-a-mass-sport-following-the-success-of-the-world-cup.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-27/us-faces-the-challenge-of-turning-soccer-into-a-mass-sport-following-the-success-of-the-world-cup.html">in a World Cup. </a></p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-08-12/uefa-compensates-somali-referee-who-was-vetoed-by-the-us-during-world-cup.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-31/goodbye-world-cup-hello-olympics-los-angeles-races-to-prepare-for-its-next-major-sporting-event-in-2028.html Fri, 31 Jul 2026 07:12:59 GMT https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-31/goodbye-world-cup-hello-olympics-los-angeles-races-to-prepare-for-its-next-major-sporting-event-in-2028.html María Porcel Estepa After hosting eight FIFA matches, the California city is now turning its attention to the Olympic Games it will stage in two years, an event for which, despite its efforts, it is still not ready for After hosting eight FIFA matches, the California city is now turning its attention to the Olympic Games it will stage in two years, an event for which, despite its efforts, it is still not ready for Los Ángeles FIFA California LA28 US - LOS ANGELES - OLIMPICOS - EP Design of the pool set to be located in SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympic Games. Design of the pool set to be located in SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympic Games. <p>Los Angeles is a jumble of neighborhoods, styles, cities, people and problems that is hard to explain. But perhaps one example says it all. On July 16, a water main ruptured in West Hollywood, one of the city’s wealthiest, most central and trendiest areas. A break of barely three feet caused damage to homes and cars and opened up a massive sinkhole on Sunset Boulevard, one of Los Angeles’s main thoroughfares. The street remained closed for 10 days, bringing traffic to a standstill. If a rupture of less than a meter can cause that much disruption, what will happen when several million people descend on this sprawling, Frankenstein-like city — with its limited public transit system, scarce hotel capacity and already high costs — for the Olympic Games two years from now?</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-31/goodbye-world-cup-hello-olympics-los-angeles-races-to-prepare-for-its-next-major-sporting-event-in-2028.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/society/2026-07-29/living-through-a-world-cup-with-a-gambling-disorder-winning-is-the-worst-thing-that-can-happen-to-you.html Wed, 29 Jul 2026 12:51:21 GMT https://english.elpais.com/society/2026-07-29/living-through-a-world-cup-with-a-gambling-disorder-winning-is-the-worst-thing-that-can-happen-to-you.html Bárbara Ayuso The major sporting event put gambling addicts on alert, many of whom now have new profiles linked to online betting The major sporting event put gambling addicts on alert, many of whom now have new profiles linked to online betting UN Internet China Primera división Iker Casillas Beatriz Festa () World Cup gambling disorder A user in front of online betting advertising. A user in front of online betting advertising. <p>Óscar’s euphoria after <a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-19/spain-beat-argentina-to-win-the-world-cup.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-19/spain-beat-argentina-to-win-the-world-cup.html">Spain’s World Cup win</a> resembled other bursts of joy: ecstasy, the national team shirt and arms raised for a collective triumph. But it was also an intimate celebration, because this time he didn’t have any betting slips crumpled in his hands. “This is the first World Cup I’ve watched without betting; during Qatar it was really bad and I can’t even calculate how deep in debt I got — I bet on every match,” he says. He is 25 and describes himself as “a gambler in advanced rehabilitation, although I’ll be a gambler forever.” Agustín, 37, had to watch it in a safe environment, at home with his girlfriend. He has been in therapy for nine months for <a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2023-05-08/americans-bet-220-billion-on-sports-in-five-years-since-legalization.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2023-05-08/americans-bet-220-billion-on-sports-in-five-years-since-legalization.html">sports-betting addiction</a>, but has been gambling for almost a decade. He has no access to money or cards. “I didn’t even consider going to a bar to watch it, because now there are machines there that let you bet and no one asks for ID,” he says. At 39, Carlos calls himself a “rehabilitated gambler” and takes detours on the street to avoid passing betting shops. If someone saw Sergio, 37, enjoying the final at home with his son, they would notice nothing unusual. He is blind and, listening to the match, feared it would go to penalties because that could recreate the adrenaline rush he gets from betting. He hasn’t bet since March, his phone app reminds him.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/society/2026-07-29/living-through-a-world-cup-with-a-gambling-disorder-winning-is-the-worst-thing-that-can-happen-to-you.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-28/toni-kurzs-agony-on-the-north-face-of-the-eiger-90-years-since-mountaineerings-greatest-tragedy.html Tue, 28 Jul 2026 13:38:16 GMT https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-28/toni-kurzs-agony-on-the-north-face-of-the-eiger-90-years-since-mountaineerings-greatest-tragedy.html Óscar Gogorza In July 1936, the four climbers attempting the first ascent of the face lost their lives, giving rise to a horror story that shaped the way mountaineering was portrayed for decades… until Ueli Steck came along In July 1936, the four climbers attempting the first ascent of the face lost their lives, giving rise to a horror story that shaped the way mountaineering was portrayed for decades… until Ueli Steck came along Adolf Hitler Joseph Goebbels Waffen SS DEA / ALBERT CEOLAN (De Agostini via Getty Images) Frontal view of the Eiger (3,967 m). Frontal view of the Eiger (3,967 m). <p>The north face of the Eiger, an intimidating, seemingly endless wall of rock, ice, and snow with 1,800 meters of vertical relief in the Swiss Bernese Alps, had not yet been climbed in 1936 — a “problem” to be solved, and a <a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2025-03-14/it-wasnt-just-terror-the-nazis-won-the-cultural-battle-in-a-year.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2025-03-14/it-wasnt-just-terror-the-nazis-won-the-cultural-battle-in-a-year.html">propaganda opportunity</a> for the Nazi regime. The events of that July, the 90th anniversary of which is this week, for decades shaped the way mountaineering was portrayed, as if the sport had to be forever tied to drama, epic scenarios, suffering, and loss. In recent years the burden of the tragic story of the north face of the Eiger’s conquest has only begun to ease with the advent of a new approach to mountaineering and risk management. Grand feats stopped being a matter of sheer chance and gave way to scientific training grounded in deep knowledge of the environment, equipment vastly superior to that used nine decades ago, precise weather forecasting, and the absence of inappropriate extrinsic <a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2025-06-14/annapurna-1950-the-warlike-and-deceitful-account-of-the-first-ascent-of-an-eight-thousander.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2025-06-14/annapurna-1950-the-warlike-and-deceitful-account-of-the-first-ascent-of-an-eight-thousander.html">motivations such as nationalism</a>.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-28/toni-kurzs-agony-on-the-north-face-of-the-eiger-90-years-since-mountaineerings-greatest-tragedy.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-27/us-faces-the-challenge-of-turning-soccer-into-a-mass-sport-following-the-success-of-the-world-cup.html Mon, 27 Jul 2026 13:31:58 GMT https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-27/us-faces-the-challenge-of-turning-soccer-into-a-mass-sport-following-the-success-of-the-world-cup.html Jesús-Sérvulo González Moreno An Ipsos poll reveals that nearly 60% of Americans believe the tournament will increase interest in the sport An Ipsos poll reveals that nearly 60% of Americans believe the tournament will increase interest in the sport FIFA Donald Trump Gianni Infantino Super Bowl MLB NBA David Beckham Lionel Messi Antoine Griezmann Robert Lewandowski Inter Miami CF Dylan Martinez (REUTERS) Fans at a World Cup game in New Jersey. Fans at a World Cup game in New Jersey. <p>Two days before the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, Donald Trump hosted a cocktail reception at the Manhattan skyscraper that bears his name, in the heart of New York City. There, alongside his friend <a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-07/gianni-infantino-from-la-liga-intern-to-fifas-balogun-debacle.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-07/gianni-infantino-from-la-liga-intern-to-fifas-balogun-debacle.html">Gianni Infantino</a>, president of FIFA, he celebrated the organizational success of the biggest football tournament in history, featuring 48 national teams that played a total of 104 matches, more than ever before. Half-joking, half-serious, Trump told Infantino that the United States should host another World Cup. “Based on the numbers we will be requesting it again immediately,” he said.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-27/us-faces-the-challenge-of-turning-soccer-into-a-mass-sport-following-the-success-of-the-world-cup.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-07-27/eu-sanctions-fide-president-arkady-dvorkovich-who-opposed-the-ukraine-invasion.html Mon, 27 Jul 2026 07:40:47 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-07-27/eu-sanctions-fide-president-arkady-dvorkovich-who-opposed-the-ukraine-invasion.html Leontxo García The Russian former Kremlin insider, sidelined by Moscow after condemning the war in 2022, steps aside as chief of world chess’s governing body, with Viswanathan Anand taking over on an interim basis The Russian former Kremlin insider, sidelined by Moscow after condemning the war in 2022, steps aside as chief of world chess’s governing body, with Viswanathan Anand taking over on an interim basis FIDE Vladimir Putin Viswanathan Anand Magnus Carlsen Eng Chin An (Eng Chin An) FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE president, during the closing of the World Championship in Singapore in December 2024 Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE president, during the closing of the World Championship in Singapore in December 2024 <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/BRPZEN66WNHQRFBH7UN7774MNM.jpg?auth=3fa0ae4a3a0cc5d60fac5c9c0d991c714f0c1a434c6040744e8375b4ff839468" width="799" height="533" alt="Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE president, during the closing of the World Championship in Singapore in December 2024"></img><p>Chess has once again produced a story worthy of a novel, full of twists and ambiguities. Arkady Dvorkovich, 54, a highly respected figure in Russia for his professional achievements, has stepped down as president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), which represents 201 national federations, after being placed on the European Union’s sanctions list for “undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.”</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-07-27/eu-sanctions-fide-president-arkady-dvorkovich-who-opposed-the-ukraine-invasion.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/FAGIRPDZLND7VM5YWYR2O5UNPI.jpg?auth=712b9787c41ec37f86ddfca071a1a5db2a3218044c9a66b24918223eda4f5780" width="6731" height="5026" alt="Dvorkovich, accompanied by Anand, after his re-election in August 2022 in Chennai."></img> https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-23/which-brand-won-the-world-cup-adidas-moves-ahead-of-nike-but-a-coffee-brand-with-latin-roots-pulled-off-the-big-shock.html Thu, 23 Jul 2026 18:49:28 GMT https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-23/which-brand-won-the-world-cup-adidas-moves-ahead-of-nike-but-a-coffee-brand-with-latin-roots-pulled-off-the-big-shock.html Ana Franco With an estimated $5.2 billion at stake, Adidas reached the final on the shirts of Spain and Argentina and outpaced Nike on several commercial measures. Nevertheless, sales, public attention and purchase consideration pointed to other winners: a brewer and a coffee brand With an estimated $5.2 billion at stake, Adidas reached the final on the shirts of Spain and Argentina and outpaced Nike on several commercial measures. Nevertheless, sales, public attention and purchase consideration pointed to other winners: a brewer and a coffee brand Nike Adidas Ferrán Torres FIFA Kim Kardashian LeBron James Kylian Mbappé Haaland Cristiano Ronaldo TikTok Instagram AB InBev Coca-Cola Loewe Burberry Louis Vuitton VCG (VCG via Getty Images) Mundial de futbol Una tienda 'pop up' de Adidas, con el balón oficial del Mundial en gigante, en Nanjing, China. Una tienda 'pop up' de Adidas, con el balón oficial del Mundial en gigante, en Nanjing, China. <p>By the time <a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-19/watch-ferran-torres-scores-the-goal-that-gives-spain-its-second-world-cup.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-19/watch-ferran-torres-scores-the-goal-that-gives-spain-its-second-world-cup.html">Ferrán Torres scored the extra-time goal</a> that gave Spain its second World Cup in New Jersey, Adidas had already won the final. The German brand, one of FIFA’s commercial partners, supplied La Roja (its white second kit has become ubiquitous this summer) and also Argentina (it outfitted 14 of the 48 participating teams), and created the tournament’s official ball. Its main rival, the U.S. company Nike, technical provider for 12 teams, launched a campaign that featured Kylian Mbappé, Cristiano Ronaldo, Erling Haaland, LeBron James and <a href="https://english.elpais.com/people/2025-05-22/kim-kardashian-earns-her-law-degree-after-six-years.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/people/2025-05-22/kim-kardashian-earns-her-law-degree-after-six-years.html">Kim Kardashian</a>, but it was left without a team in the final match. On the pitch, then, Adidas prevailed last Sunday. Deciding which brand emerged victorious from the World Cup in sales, advertising, and awareness, however, requires looking at other measures.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-23/which-brand-won-the-world-cup-adidas-moves-ahead-of-nike-but-a-coffee-brand-with-latin-roots-pulled-off-the-big-shock.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-07-23/javier-bardem-addresses-controversy-around-the-world-cup-final-milei-is-not-all-of-the-argentine-population.html Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:19:57 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-07-23/javier-bardem-addresses-controversy-around-the-world-cup-final-milei-is-not-all-of-the-argentine-population.html EL PAÍS The actor posts a video on Instagram to contextualize remarks he made in an interview that riled a lot of Argentines The actor posts a video on Instagram to contextualize remarks he made in an interview that riled a lot of Argentines Javier Bardem Javier Milei Argentina Rosalía AFP7 vía Europa Press (AFP7 vía Europa Press) France v Spain: Semi Final - FIFA World Cup 2026 Javier Bardem on July 14 during the semifinal against France. Javier Bardem on July 14 during the semifinal against France. <p>Controversy over <a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-19/spain-beat-argentina-to-win-the-world-cup.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-19/spain-beat-argentina-to-win-the-world-cup.html">the World Cup final</a> between Spain and Argentina shows no sign of stopping. On Wednesday it was the Spanish singer Rosalía who apologized for a social media post that upset some people in Argentina, where she is scheduled to perform as part of a tour. On Thursday, it was Spanish actor Javier Bardem who felt the need to speak out after another controversy sparked by an interview in which he discussed the Sunday match.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-07-23/javier-bardem-addresses-controversy-around-the-world-cup-final-milei-is-not-all-of-the-argentine-population.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-22/spain-the-first-reigning-champion-to-host-a-world-cup-amid-many-uncertainties.html Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:36:33 GMT https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-22/spain-the-first-reigning-champion-to-host-a-world-cup-amid-many-uncertainties.html José Miguel Benítez Gómez The 2030 World Cup, which will be held on the Iberian Peninsula and in Morocco, still has many mysteries to resolve: the venues, the stadium for the final and how many teams will compete The 2030 World Cup, which will be held on the Iberian Peninsula and in Morocco, still has many mysteries to resolve: the venues, the stadium for the final and how many teams will compete FIFA Portugal Gianni Infantino Conmebol Carlos Queiroz RFEF Estadio Santiago Bernabéu Casablanca Bilbao San Sebastián Málaga CF Jesus Troyano/Real Madrid (Real Madrid via Getty Images) Spain first reigning champion to host a World Cup Panoramic view of the Santiago Bernabéu on May 25. Panoramic view of the Santiago Bernabéu on May 25. <p>After the whirlwind of 104 matches in just 39 days at the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, it is time to begin preparations for the next World Cup. In 2030, <a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2023-10-04/fifa-awards-the-2030-world-cup-to-spain-portugal-and-morocco.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2023-10-04/fifa-awards-the-2030-world-cup-to-spain-portugal-and-morocco.html">Spain, Portugal and Morocco will host a historic centennial tournament</a>, but many questions remain unanswered: which venues will be chosen, which stadium will stage the final, how many teams will take part... One thing is certain: Spain will be the first country whose national team, <a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-19/spain-beat-argentina-to-win-the-world-cup.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-19/spain-beat-argentina-to-win-the-world-cup.html">as reigning world champion</a>, will defend the title at home.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-22/spain-the-first-reigning-champion-to-host-a-world-cup-amid-many-uncertainties.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-19/the-vip-box-of-few-words-trump-and-sanchez-temporarily-put-aside-differences-during-world-cup-final.html Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:31:53 GMT https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-19/the-vip-box-of-few-words-trump-and-sanchez-temporarily-put-aside-differences-during-world-cup-final.html Jesús-Sérvulo González Moreno The US president broke protocol by patting the World Cup trophy before kick-off The US president broke protocol by patting the World Cup trophy before kick-off FIFA Pedro Sánchez Donald Trump Zohran Mamdani Claudia Sheinbaum Gianni Infantino Alejandro Ruesga (EL PAÍS) Saludo Trump Sanchez U.S. President Donald Trump greets Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in the presence of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. U.S. President Donald Trump greets Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in the presence of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/RQIHNSLODVCJDNADP7LVGP55KE.jpg?auth=b15ecdaa0473878bbbc5365a6c99b40326e0f7b1144fc9119e31ba417e2822a1" width="4367" height="2457" alt="U.S. President Donald Trump greets Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in the presence of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. "></img><p>U.S. President Donald Trump played host on Sunday to the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-19/spain-beat-argentina-to-win-the-world-cup.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-19/spain-beat-argentina-to-win-the-world-cup.html">2026 World Cup final</a> between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The VIP box, enclosed by bulletproof glass in a stadium under heavy security, brought together a group of world leaders who share little common ground. Inside what felt like a political fishbowl, Trump sat alongside several leaders with whom he has had strained relations. It was a gathering that represented two opposing visions of the world.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-19/the-vip-box-of-few-words-trump-and-sanchez-temporarily-put-aside-differences-during-world-cup-final.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-19/spain-beat-argentina-to-win-the-world-cup.html Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:21:17 GMT https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-19/spain-beat-argentina-to-win-the-world-cup.html Álvaro Corcuera ,Mikel Muñoz,Rafael Pineda Fajardo,David Álvarez Ferran Torres strikes in the 106th minute as La Roja dethrone the defending champions in a dramatic final in New Jersey Ferran Torres strikes in the 106th minute as La Roja dethrone the defending champions in a dramatic final in New Jersey FIFA Argentina Lionel Messi Lamine Yamal Luis de la Fuente Julio Cortez (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) directo final Spain's Ferran Torres (7) celebrates scoring their first goal during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. Spain's Ferran Torres (7) celebrates scoring their first goal during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. <p>Spain claimed their second<a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-06-17/who-will-win-the-world-cup-here-are-our-predictions.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-06-17/who-will-win-the-world-cup-here-are-our-predictions.html"> World Cup</a> title on Sunday after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time in a dramatic final in New York. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, ending a tense contest that had seemed destined for penalties and confirming Spain as the new world champions.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-19/spain-beat-argentina-to-win-the-world-cup.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-20/lamine-emulates-pele-and-denies-messi-a-second-world-cup-title.html Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:52:15 GMT https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-20/lamine-emulates-pele-and-denies-messi-a-second-world-cup-title.html Juan I. Irigoyen Spain’s winger gets the better of the Argentine and matches the precocious achievement of the legendary Brazilian player Spain’s winger gets the better of the Argentine and matches the precocious achievement of the legendary Brazilian player FIFA Lionel Messi Lamine Yamal Argentina Pelé JAMES LANG (IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters) MESSI LAMINE Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi embrace after the match. Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi embrace after the match. <p>In New Jersey, soccer’s past and present converged with its most immediate future. In other words, Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal. And they did so on the biggest stage of all: the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-19/spain-beat-argentina-to-win-the-world-cup.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-19/spain-beat-argentina-to-win-the-world-cup.html">World Cup final</a>. The first ever between two countries whose footballing histories are as deeply intertwined as they are rich.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-20/lamine-emulates-pele-and-denies-messi-a-second-world-cup-title.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-20/spains-victory-the-worlds-victory.html Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:41:24 GMT https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-20/spains-victory-the-worlds-victory.html EL PAÍS La Roja’s second World Cup is a triumph for an exemplary group and a lasting moment of collective emotion La Roja’s second World Cup is a triumph for an exemplary group and a lasting moment of collective emotion Lionel Messi Argentina Lamine Yamal Luis de la Fuente Lionel Scaloni FIFA Sr. García (EL PAÍS) españa 20072026 <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/P4X526KXAZEWXKZSZA44PUVQLY.jpg?auth=b8fec43e0b5ec943e64327ec3adc45e6d0d3f04ef08fbe3639c3771524235ccd" width="1358" height="1225" alt="."></img><p>It was no dream. Spain are <a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-19/spain-beat-argentina-to-win-the-world-cup.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-19/spain-beat-argentina-to-win-the-world-cup.html">world champions once again</a> after defeating a spirited Argentina in an agonizing, heroic final in New Jersey and overcoming the greatest legend in soccer history, Lionel Messi. It is the triumph of coach Luis de la Fuente and an extraordinary group of players who, in a sport dominated by stars and social media divas, have put team values, collective intelligence, and a commitment to hard work above all else. But soccer is never just soccer, and La Roja’s victory, 16 years after the team’s win in South Africa, has sparked a moment of shared emotion that runs counter to the bad temper dominating public discourse, and which need not fade once the celebrations end. It is not difficult to see in this team, in the diversity of its origins and regions, in the character of its stars, in its style of play, and in its ability to connect with supporters and citizens alike, a reflection of what this country is and what it can become in the 21st century.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2026-07-20/spains-victory-the-worlds-victory.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p>