World Cup Betting News This Week, Spain Add Second Star | Match Reports and Analysis | July 22, 2026 |

by Johnny Francisco

Updated: July 17, 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is now over!

Forty-eight teams have became two, and Spain defeated Argentina after extra time in the World Cup Final on Sunday in New Jersey. The European champions are now the World champions too!

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What’s been happening this week?

The 2026 World Cup reached a memorable conclusion this weekend as Saturday saw France and England contest the Bronze Final to decide the third and fourth best teams of the tournament, and Spain became World champions for the second time in their history.

The Bronze final was played in testing temperatures in South Florida as losing semi-finalists France and England had the unenviable task of playing yet another match on Saturday while all eyes were elsewhere in anticipation of Sunday’s final.

England, fresh from disappointment at the hands of Argentina, raced into a four-goal lead before half-time, seemingly eager to repay the strong English turn-out in the stands. France, by contrast, were apparently already on the beach but the first half dynamic was reversed in the second when France Mbappé scored just after the break.

A short while later, it was as close as 4-3, before England eventually won an extraordinary game by six goals to four.

The Final

A turgid, bitterly contested final was eventually won by Barcelona forward, Ferrán Torres’ goal in extra-time.

Spain had dominated the ball until that point and created a number of presentable chances once Argentina were reduced to ten men after Enzo Fernandez’ red card as the end of normal time loomed.

Despite the ten men mounting a faint fightback after conceding, Spain had justified their status as favorites with a commanding showing. Argentina coach, Lionel Scaloni admitted his side were second best thoroughout, and Spain returned to Madrid as World champions having defeated both finalists of the previous World Cup without conceding a goal.

The biggest World Cup betting soccer storylines this week

• Kylian Mbappe won the World Cup Golden Boot after scoring a brace against England which took his tournament tally to ten goals – two clear of closest challenger, 39 year-old Lionel Messi. Mbappe is the only player to win consecutive World Cup Golden Boots having also claimed the award in 2022.
• Spain captain Rodri won the 2026 Golden Ball after a dominant pair of performances in the semi and final. He adds it to a growing list of individual accolades including the Ballon D’Or and Euro 24 player of the tournament.
• Rodri’s teammate, Unai Simon won the Golden Glove after conceding a solitary goal in eight games at this World Cup. His seven clean sheets is a single tournament record.
• Another Spain player, nineteen year-old centre-back Pau Cubarsí was named the Best Young Player after an imperious campaign at the heart of the World Champions’ defense.

Games to keep your eyes on this week

• Philadelphia vs New York Red Bulls: Though bottom of the Eastern Conference, Philly are favorites to get the better of the Red Bulls on Wednesday.
• Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire: Messi-less Miami are fancied to see of Chicago Fire, who could well be inspired by new signing, Polish legend Robert Lewandowski.
• New England Revolution vs Toronto FC: The Gilette Stadium, a popular World Cup venue, plays host to Canadian visitors as the Revolution can jump to third in the Eastern Conference, should Chicago fail to beat Inter Miami.

26/27 Season

As Spanish celebrations start to die down after becoming World Champions, we look ahead to the upcoming club season in England, France, Germany, Spain and Italy.

Premier League

After Arsenal’s first title in 22 years last season, the world’s most watched league returns in August. As Arteta approaches his eighth year in charge, all his title rivals have changed coach this calendar year with the reigning champions early favorites to retain the title

Among the teams most likely to stop them from doing so are Manchester City. New coach Enzo Maresca has trophy-winning pedigree and a couple of shiny new toys to play with, including England midfielder Elliot Anderson who starred at the World Cup.

Chelsea, with Spain legend Xabi Alonso in charge, have no European football to play this coming season but may feel that benefits them domestically. The former Real Madrid coach has already stated his intention to return the club to continental competition at the earliest opportunity and he appears to have strong backing in the transfer market from his new employers.

Ligue Un

In France, it would take brave punter to bet against a sixth consecutive title for PSG. The European champions are overwhelming favorites to win a fifteenth French title.

Marseille are likely to be their biggest rivals but the gulf between PSG and the rest is wide not just domestically, but in Europe as well.

Bundesliga

FC Bayern have similar stranglehold over the competition in Germany to that of PSG in France. The Bavarians have emerged victorious in thirteen of the last fourteen seasons and after strengthening their squad, look in great shape to do so again.

Perennial bridesmaids Borussia Dortmund are likely to run them as close as anyone else. RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen, champions three seasons ago, will also aim to challenge convincingly but this is Bayern’s title to lose.

La Liga

FC Barcelona seek a third consecutive title under Hansi Flick. The Catalans have enjoyed two trophy-laden seasons under the German, picking up various domestic honors despite somewhat underwhelming in Europe, and have a plethora of young talent on which to call, including the irresistible Lamine Yamal.

La Liga has suffered from a decrease in viewership in recent years since the departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and then Lionel Messi, but the return to the Bernabeu of former coach Jose Mourinho is sure to get eyes back on Spanish football. The Portuguese has already made a number of incursions into the transfer market, including signing Spain’s World Cup winning left-back, Marc Cucurella and France defender Ibrahima Konaté.

Mourinho can also call on the inimitable talents of Kylian Mbappe, fresh from another World Cup Golden Boot. La Liga 26/27 promises to be a belter!

Serie A

Inter are keen favorites to retain the title they won last season under Cristian Chivu. Traditional title rivals Napoli, Milan and Juventus are some way behind and the champions are seeking a fourth Scudetto in seven seasons.

Former Milan and Juve coach, Massimiliano Allegri has replaced Antonio Conte at Napoli and the Partenopei are the team most likely to disrupt Inter’s rhythm. They are hoping for a third title in five seasons themselves but Allegri’s recent travails at former clubs suggest that is unlikely.

Confirmed Transfers

Despite the World Cup, many clubs have moved early to add to their squads. Here are some of the continents’ most notable deals:

• Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa to Chelsea
• Joao Gomes from Wolves to Aston Villa
• Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa to Man Utd
• Anthony Gordon from Newcastle to Barcelona
• Andrey Santos from Chelsea to Man Utd
• Goncalo Ramos from PSG to Milan
• Bernardo Silva from Man City to Real Madrid
• Ismael Saibari from PSV to Bayern
• Sandro Tonali from Newcastle to Spurs

Potential Transfers

• Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle to Arsenal
• Rodri from Man City to Real Madrid
• John Stones to Chelsea
• Bradley Barcola from PSG to Liverpool/Arsenal
• Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace to Chelsea
• Ousmane Diomande from Sporting CP to Nottingham Forest

Previous betting news updates

• [July 2026]: Spain win the 2026 World Cup!
• [July 2026]: Favorites France are out! Spain vs Argentina in the Final.
• [July 2026]: Top four teams in the FIFA rankings fill out the semi-finals.
• [July 2026]: Trump taints tournament, but USA out anyway!
• [July 2026]: Germany and Netherlands shoot home after penalties.
• [June 2026]: Group phase concludes. South Africa are first team eliminated in the knockouts.
• [June 2026]: Knockout rounds taking shape. All three hosts are through!
• [June 2026]: Hosts reach the knockouts. World Cup fever has now set in.
• [June 2026]: The World Cup begins! Messi becomes the oldest player to score a World Cup hattrick.
• [May 2026]: Paris Saint-Germain won the Champions League for a second consecutive season.
• [May 2026]: Arsenal win the Premier League for the first time since 2004.
• [May 2026]: Liverpool sacked Arne Slot as manager, and have replaced him with Andoni Iraola.
• [May 2026]: Man Utd have agreed a deal with Atalanta to sign Brazil midfielder Ederson.
• [June 2026]: Real Madrid have announced the signing of Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer from Liverpool.
• [June 2026]: Juventus have failed to reach an agreement with Dusan Vlahovic over a new contract, and he will leave for free.