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Spain Win World Cup, Bardem Backs Palestine And Libya Bids For AFCON
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July 20, 2026
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From Spain’s World Cup glory to Palestine support and Libya’s AFCON ambitions, there’s plenty happening across regional football. Spain are world champions after beating Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, Javier Bardem continued backing Palestine while celebrating La Roja’s triumph, and Libya has officially submitted a bid to host the 2028 or 2032 Africa Cup of Nations.
Spain Are World Champions After Extra-Time Drama
What Is It About
Spain are world champions. La Roja beat defending champions Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, with Ferran Torres scoring the winner in extra time to seal one of the biggest nights in Spanish football history.
Why It Matters
This was not just a final, it was a statement. Spain dominated the ball, shut Argentina out without a single goal, and ended Messi’s final World Cup run in heartbreak. Argentina’s night collapsed further when Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a foul on Spain defender Pau CubarsĂ.
What’s Next
Rodri lifted the World Cup trophy as Spain captain after being named player of the tournament, while Argentina’s frustration spilled into a post-match scuffle. Spain leave the tournament as champions, and Argentina leave it beaten, furious and no longer on top of the world.
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Javier Bardem Backs Palestine After Spain’s World Cup Win
What Is It About
Spanish actor Javier Bardem continued showing support for Palestine while celebrating Spain’s 2026 FIFA World Cup triumph. After Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the final, Bardem shared an Instagram carousel praising the team’s diversity and their support for people who need a voice, including images of Lamine Yamal holding a Palestinian flag.
Why It Matters
Spain’s World Cup win became bigger than football for many fans because of the team’s visible Palestine support throughout the tournament. Bardem, one of Spain’s most famous actors, added to that moment by linking the celebration to solidarity, representation and political symbolism.
What’s Next
Hours after the final, Bardem joined journalist Mehdi Hasan for a Zeteo interview, where he discussed Gaza and argued that criticising the Israeli government or Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should not automatically be treated as antisemitism. His comments are now part of the wider conversation around Spain’s title win and Palestine’s presence at the World Cup.
Libya Bids To Host Africa Cup Of Nations
What Is It About
Libya has officially submitted a bid to host the 2028 or 2032 Africa Cup of Nations. According to WinWin, the proposal includes eight modern stadiums and key venues in Tripoli and Benghazi.
Why It Matters
Hosting AFCON would be a major statement for Libyan football and the country’s wider sporting ambitions. The bid aims to show that Libya can stage Africa’s biggest football tournament with upgraded infrastructure and major cities ready to welcome the continent’s top teams.
What’s Next
Libyan authorities are still working to secure the required government guarantees before submitting a full proposal. CAF has not confirmed the host yet, meaning Libya will now wait to see how its bid compares with other potential candidates.
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SMASHI MOMENTS
A video of Lamine Yamal hesitating to shake hands with Trump is currently trending on social media
Lamine Yamal beat both Ronaldo and Messi en route to being crowned World Cup champion
Fans are rooting for Spain against Argentina in the World Cup final, for their support of Palestine
Gulf United head coach Andres Iniesta is present at the FIFA World Cup final
Hamza Abdelkarim was spending 1 on 1 time with Hansi Flick after returning from the World Cup