Predrag Vujić

Tadej Pogačar won the Tour de France for the fifth time, joining Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain among the race’s most successful riders. His third consecutive title was secured before the final Paris stage, and his dominant performance included five stage wins, notably in the Alps. Jonas Vingegaard, his principal rival, abandoned the race after breaking his collarbone, while Remco Evenepoel finished second and Pogačar’s teammate Isaac del Toro took third and won the young rider classification. Richard Carapaz claimed the mountain classification, and the race was also marked by several serious crashes and scrutiny of overnight anti-doping tests conducted by the International Testing Agency.

Jürgen Klopp has agreed to become Germany’s national football coach through the 2030 World Cup, replacing Julian Nagelsmann after Germany’s disappointing early elimination from the 2026 tournament. Klopp, widely supported by German fans, is expected to restore optimism, a winning mentality and a stronger connection between the team and its supporters. He will make his competitive debut against the Netherlands on 24 September. The appointment follows a series of coaching departures after the World Cup. Italy is also seeking a new coach after another failure to qualify, but Pep Guardiola has rejected the role; Andrea Pirlo is now considered the leading candidate, while Carlo Ancelotti remains in charge of Brazil through 2030.

The White House defended Argentina’s national football team after it displayed a banner asserting Argentine claims to the Falkland Islands following its World Cup win over England, prompting calls from the UK for FIFA to investigate. Falklands authorities expressed disappointment and urged FIFA to enforce rules against political messages. Argentine political figures, including Vice President Victoria Villarruel, amplified national claims in their reactions. Donald Trump commented on England’s tactics in the semifinal during a meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, drawing a dismissive response from England manager Thomas Tuchel amid criticism over defensive play late in the match.

A rediscovered 2007 photograph showing Lionel Messi bathing an infant Lamine Yamal resurfaced as the two prepare to face each other in the 2026 World Cup final. The photo, taken during a UNICEF charity event, gained renewed attention after Yamal’s father shared it during Euro 2024, where the young winger excelled for Spain. Messi, now 39, enters his third World Cup final after leading Argentina to a comeback victory over England, while Spain defeated France to reach the final. The article highlights Messi’s record‑breaking achievements, including becoming the all‑time top scorer in World Cup history, and outlines the parallel rise of Yamal, Barcelona’s youngest-ever starter and scorer. Quotes from the photographer Joan Monfort and football figures Lionel Scaloni and Mika Richards emphasize Messi’s enduring greatness and the unique narrative surrounding the upcoming final.

Argentina risks disciplinary action from FIFA after players celebrated their World Cup semifinal victory over England with a banner asserting Argentine sovereignty over the Falkland Islands. The gesture revived tensions rooted in the 1982 conflict between Argentina and the United Kingdom. Argentine officials, including Vice President Victoria Villarruel, publicly reinforced the political message, while coach Lionel Scaloni urged separating football from politics. The match was held under heightened security, and celebrations erupted across Buenos Aires as Argentina advanced to the final.

Argentina overturned England's lead in a tense World Cup semifinal in Atlanta, advancing to the final against Spain after late goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez. England's defensive approach under Thomas Tuchel faltered under Argentine pressure, while Argentina continued its pattern of dramatic recoveries throughout the tournament. The match reignited historical tensions between the nations as passionate supporters filled the stadium and surrounding streets. Spain reached the final after a dominant performance against France, setting up a clash with the defending champions.