Argentina may already have scaled the summit of world football in Qatar, but the reigning champions have shown throughout this World Cup that lifting the trophy once has done little to dull their appetite for another.

If Argentina are to retain the trophy they won in Qatar in 2022, they must first break down a Spanish defence that has been virtually impenetrable throughout the competition. Luis de la Fuente's side has conceded just one goal in seven matches, making defensive discipline the cornerstone of its run to the final.

The Arsenal dynamo became just the fourth Englishman to score a hat-trick at the global finals, after Geoff Hurst in 1966, Gary Lineker 20 years later and then Harry Kane at Russia 2018.

The two nations will battle for the title on Monday [1am, Bangladesh Time] at the East Rutherford, N.J.

This is England’s best finish at the global finals since they triumphed on home soil in 1966.

Mbappe finished his third World Cup campaign with 10 goals to the lead the Golden Boot standings, two ahead of Messi.

While Latin Americans have traditionally rallied behind football teams from the region who adadvance deep into the World Cup tournament, a flood of memes, jokes and criticism has made it clear there is one exception: Argentina.

Tonight’s final caps a World Cup where fans were willing to shell out more than ever for a seat at the quadrennial showpiece, as ticket buyers confounded even the greatest cynics in the face of sky-high prices.

Former Spain coach Vicente del Bosque believes Spain hold the edge ahead of the FIFA World Cup final against Argentina but has warned that the defending champions' resilience, experience and tactical discipline make them dangerous opponents.

There are rooftops draped in blue and white and murals of Lionel Messi everywhere -- but this is not Argentina, it is Bangladesh where football-crazy fans are again celebrating their unique bond with the South American giants.

Rodri, the 2024 Ballon D'Or winner who has excelled at the heart of Spain's midfield during the World Cup, said he expects the final to be unlike any other game the European champions have faced.

The third-place decider is often described as the World Cup's most unwanted fixture. No player begins a tournament dreaming of featuring in it, yet one of the semifinal losers has to walk away with bronze while the other leaves empty-handed.

Messi, playing in what is expected to be his final World Cup, remains Argentina's biggest threat as they seek to defend their title against a Spain side chasing a first global crown since 2010.

Trump also shared that FIFA president Gianni Infantino has approached him about the possibility of the USA and China co-hosting a World Cup in the future.

The third-place play-off was first introduced at the 1934 World Cup, where Germany defeated Austria 3-2.

Kane and Bellingham have had standout World Cup performances for the Three Lions despite the disappointment of not reaching the final.

Bangladesh star Hamza Choudhury has hailed Lamine Yamal as the best player in the world right now, backing the teenager to inspire Spain to victory against Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

Messi, accompanied by Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni and goalkeeper Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez, spoke at an event ahead of Monday's World Cup final against Spain in New York/New Jersey (1:00am Bangladesh Time).

Bangladesh star Hamza Choudhury has hailed Lamine Yamal as the best player in the world right now, backing the teenager to inspire Spain to victory against Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

For more than two decades, world football has been shaped by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s extraordinary rivalry. Their brilliance defined an era, rewriting records, collecting trophies and inspiring generations of fans.