From Balogun's red card to Cape Verde's upset run, some of the 2026 World Cup's biggest stories

The 2026 World Cup is set to reach its climax as Spain and Argentina battle at MetLife Stadium for the title, with both teams carrying distinct storylines into Sunday’s final. Spain aims to win its first World Cup in 16 years after a 2-0 semifinal win over France on Tuesday, while Argentina seeks a second consecutive title following a 2-1 late comeback over England on Wednesday. France will face England in the third-place match on Saturday at 5 p.m. ET in Miami. The tournament has featured 48 teams across 104 matches in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with major surprises and notable off-field involvement. One highlight involved a U.S. request to review a red card issued to Folarin Balogun on July 1, which FIFA reversed, allowing him to start the round of 16 against Belgium, a game Belgium won 4-1 in Seattle. The article also notes the U.S. exited in the round of 16, ending a run that had been a last-quarterfinal push after 24 years.