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.

The French, world champions in 2018 and finalists four years ago, were one of the main title contenders and were hoping for a third straight final before being knocked out by European champions Spain in the semifinal.

Three names are chanted in songs in the Argentine dressing room throughout this campaign. It is more than a song that says “let’s go and win”.

Argentina will return to their iconic sky blue and white home strip for the FIFA World Cup final against Spain on Monday (1:00 am Bangladesh time), according to Argentine media reports.

Argentine President Javier Milei said Thursday he will not attend the World Cup 2026 final in the United States, preferring to continue watching his country take on Spain from home.

Spain's prime minister Pedro Sanchez and U.S. President Donald Trump are set to meet again at Sunday's World Cup final, as strained relations between the two leaders over defence spending and the war with Iran continue to simmer.

Before boarding Argentina's flight from Kansas City to New York on Friday, the Chelsea midfielder once again cupped his hands behind his ears in the famous "Topo Gigio" celebration--the same gesture he produced after scoring against England in the World Cup semifinal.

Football's global governing body FIFA will assess match reports before deciding if they take any action over Argentina's players holding up a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" (The Falklands are Argentine) following their 2-1 victory over England.

Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic will officiate the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday.

The winners of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Monday will not only lift football's most coveted trophy but also receive championship rings for the first time in the tournament's history.