Hemelingen — Fixtures, Results & How to Watch

What's in an emote? Analyzing 747 gestures during the World Cup group stage

For years, soccer lineups were just static lists of names, but the 2026 World Cup has given us two-to-three-second videos in which players can make a gesture or emote. The group stage had 747 player gestures; let's break them all down.

Jul 17, 2026 · ESPN

Press and possess: Spain's secret sauce is a suffocating defense

Spain are known as the modern purveyors of the beautiful game, but what has got them to within 90 minutes of another World Cup win is an elite defense.

Jul 17, 2026 · ESPN

Messi is the best player at the World Cup, and the best male athlete of all time

Lionel Messi has long been considered the greatest soccer player ever, but he's so much more than that. He's the best male athlete, in any sport, in history.

Jul 17, 2026 · ESPN

Jude Bellingham shares taxi driver's poem in 'unity' message after World Cup

Jude Bellingham has called for continued unity after England's World Cup exit against Argentina, insisting that "when we're together, we can achieve big things."

Jul 17, 2026 · ESPN

Falklands War veteran asks FIFA to 'do something' about Argentina banner at World Cup

A British Falklands War veteran called on FIFA to intervene after Argentina's national team posed with a banner claiming sovereignty over the contested islands.

Jul 17, 2026 · ESPN

World Cup Daily: World Cup winners (and fans!) to get championship rings

Enjoy all the features, news, video analysis and color from around the competition as we enter the final weekend of the 2026 World Cup.

Jul 17, 2026 · ESPN

Harry Kane: 'Empty feeling' after England's World Cup heartbreak

Heartbroken captain Harry Kane vowed to fight on as England continue to search for the "final piece of the jigsaw" that can take them from nearly men to trophy-winners.

Jul 17, 2026 · ESPN

Grief and mental health - The real reasons for Stanley Nwabali's exit from, and return to, Chippa United

Five months after his surprise departure from Chippa United without much explanation, Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has returned to the South African Premiership club, in equally unexpected fashion.

Jul 17, 2026 · ESPN

Nigeria 'never get tired of winning' WAFCON says Washington Spirit's Deborah Abiodun

Jul 17, 2026 · ESPN

Messi and the forgotten tape: Oral history of Argentina's race vs. Spain to recruit young Barcelona star

As Lionel Messi prepares to lead Argentina against Spain in Sunday's World Cup final, ESPN spoke to those who shaped his international career.

Jul 17, 2026 · ESPN