Mikel Oyarzabal & Spain Soundly Defeat France to Reach FIFA World Cup Final

Posted on July 14, 2026 by Tom Castaneda

Mikel Oyarzabal has helped kick Spain straight into the FIFA World Cup finals.

The 29-year-old Spanish professional footballer’s first-half penalty goal helped Spain beat France 2-0 in their semifinal clash in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday to make it three wins in a row against their European heavyweight rival having beaten Les Bleus in the 2024 European Championship semifinals and the UEFA Nations League semifinals in 2025.

The win for Luis de la Fuente’s side also ended France’s dream of returning to the World Cup final for a third consecutive tournament — a feat achieved only by West Germany from 1982 to 1990 and Brazil from 1994 to 2002.

A first-half penalty from Oyarzabal and an early second-half strike by Pedro Porro staked Spain to a 2-0 lead as they played a near-perfect match against France to advance to a final against England or Argentina on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

“We gave it our all in order just to go through to the final,” Porro said after the game. “We knew that we’re a very tough team, we’re doing things really well. This is our team, it’s not about me.”

Trailing 1-0 at Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium) after Oyarzabal converted a penalty following a foul on Lamine Yamal in the area, France took another hit when center back William Saliba was forced off because of a back injury in the 30th minute and replaced by Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix.

The European Champions looked like a well-oiled machine as they were strong in possession of the ball and did a great job of limiting the impact of France stars Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé to take a 1-0 lead into the break.

Spain’s metronome throughout the game was central defender Rodri, who made decisive interventions and diffused threats from France, while always being steady on the ball in the middle of the field.

“It was a collective effort of everyone. Today we did best our best performance of the World Cup so far,” Rodri said after the game. “France is a very strong team and can punish you everywhere. But everyone [on Spain] rose to the level.

“I said it before. We are showing the character of being mature in big moments and this was the most important moment to wait for. Because in the big moments [France] will punish you, so the composure was the key.”

Spain were able to tie Italy for the most consecutive games without a loss at 37 and the nation’s second trip to a World Cup final to boot.

“It means a lot, because we have only been [to the final] twice in our history so we want to win the World Cup,” Rodri said. “We need to rest now and see what we can improve because we want to win the next one.”

France will play in the third-place game in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday, against the loser of Wednesday’s semifinal between England and Argentina.

Belinda Named New Brand Ambassador for Levi’s in Latin America

Posted on July 13, 2026 by Tom Castaneda

Belinda is sharing her denim style to inspire others to find their perfect fit.

The 36-year-old Mexican singer and actress has been named the new brand ambassador for Levi’s in Latin America.

Known for her impact in music, television, film and fashion, Belinda joins the brand’s global platform, Behind Every Original campaign, which celebrates individuals who defy convention, inspire self-expression and drive culture.

“Everyone has a story that defines who they are, and I have always sought to express mine through music, fashion, and creativity,” Belinda said in a press statement. “I am excited to join Levi’s and be part of a platform that celebrates the originality within each person.”

It’s been a busy summer for Belinda.

The singer and actress recently joined Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 as the voice of the new character Lilypad, a modern toy, interactive tablet, in the Spanish-language dub for Latin America.

Belinda and Los Ángeles Azules last month performed “Por Ella,” included in the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album, at the FIFA Countdown Concert in Mexico as well as at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony ahead of the Mexico and South Africa inaugural match at Estadio Azteca on June 11.

“Por Ella” peaked at No. 24 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Pop Songs chart, dated June 27.

“Life has been a journey full of learning, growth, and constant evolution — both personally and artistically,” she previously said to Billboard when she was honored with the Evolution Award at the 2025 Billboard Latin Women in Music gala.

“I keep working while having many goals […] I’m always thinking about new ideas, new songs, new challenges, new projects.”

Shakira’s Burna Boy-Collab “Dai Dai” Rises to No. 1 on Billboard Global 200

Posted on July 13, 2026 by Tom Castaneda

Shakira is celebrating her latest global hit…

The 49-year-old Colombian superstar and Burna Boy’s “Dai Dai (FIFA World Cup Official Song 2026)” is the most popular song in the world, rising two spots for its first week at No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200.

It also holds for a third week atop the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart.

It’s the first official FIFA World Cup anthem to lead both charts, which began in 2020.

“Dai Dai” drew 41.5 million streams (up 8% week over week) and sold 6,000 (down 4%) worldwide July 3-9, according to Luminate.

Shakira claims her second Global 200 No. 1, after “TQG,” with Karol G, led in its debut week in March 2023. Burna Boy reigns for the first time.

Shakira and Burna Boy performed “Dai Dai” for a reported 80,000-plus fans at the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony June 11 at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca. Soccer’s preeminent tournament runs through Sunday, July 19, when Shakira, Justin Bieber, BTS and Madonna are set to take the stage at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., for the first-ever World Cup final halftime show.

“Dai Dai” leads Global Excl. U.S. with 37.1 million streams (up 8%) and 4,000 sold (down 8%) outside the U.S.

The Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts rank songs based on streaming and sales activity culled from more than 200 territories around the world, as compiled by Luminate. The Global 200 is inclusive of worldwide data and the Global Excl. U.S. chart comprises data from territories excluding the United States.

Chart ranks are based on a weighted formula incorporating official-only streams on both subscription and ad-supported tiers of audio and video music services, as well as download sales, the latter of which reflect purchases from full-service digital music retailers from around the world, with sales from direct-to-consumer (D2C) sites excluded from the charts’ calculations.

Pitbull Breaks Guinness World Record for Largest-Ever Gathering of People Wearing Bald Caps

Posted on July 12, 2026 by Tom Castaneda

Pitbull is celebrating a bald-tastic world record…

After vowing to host the largest-ever gathering of people wearing bald caps, the 45-year-old Cuban American Grammy-winning singer, rapper, songwriter, actor and entrepreneur set a Guinness World Record on Friday night when thousands of his fans showed up to his headlining set at BST Hyde Park in their signature Pit drag of bald caps, aviator shades, white shirts, black ties and fake beards, an homage to his look in the “Back in Time” video from Men in Black 3.

Before the kick-off of the show in London’s Hyde Park, fans gathered by the main stage for the official Guinness headcount, according to NME, with the record-keeping organization later confirming that 22,141 people set a new high bar for bald-ing out, though reports on the ground said it looked like way more than that many fans were dressed to impress.

“WE DID IT BALD-ES! We officially set the @guinnessworldrecords for the largest gathering of bald caps with @pitbull at American Express presents @bsthydepark 2026 ,” read a post from BST Hyde Park featuring a snap of Pitbull celebrating the certification on stage with two fans who helped make it happen.

The “Give Me Everything” rapper had been hyping the record attempt on his Instagram in the week leading up to the show, giving his faithful instructions on how to be properly counted and posting videos of his many female baldies getting into costume and dancing to “Hey Baby (Drop it to the Floor).”

He also posted a video of the moment when the record attempt became official.

When the Guinness representative announced the final count, Pitbull broke out into a joyous shout of “We did it baldies!” Asked how it feels to be a world record holder, Pit said, “I’ll tell you what. I’m speechless at this point, but I can tell you this much: I say it to the Baldies all the time at the shows, when ya’ll put on them bald caps you know you’re about to have the TIME OF YOUR LIVES! And now you’re officially in the Guinness Book of World Records. Dale!”

Speaking backstage after receiving the Guinness plaque, Pit spoke of the importance of bringing fans together for a special moment.

“Who would ever thought first generation Cuban would be able to be in London record-breaking and record making, it’s history in the making,” said Mr. Worldwide.

In addition to the Guinness high mark, Pitbull’s show set a new record for the most-attended gig ever in Hyde Park, with park officials reporting more than 77,000 tickets sold.

Backed by a full band and his six “Most Bad Ones” dancers, Pitbull’s two-hour show was an extended homage to his baldie baddies and the virtues of “flying high like bald eagles.”

Speaking to the BBC earlier this year, Pitbull said the long-running bald cap trend, which is especially prevalent among his female fans, is a sign to him that a good time is in the offing.

“Every time I’m at a show, I let them know that when you put on a bald cap, I hope you’re ready to have the time of your lives – it feels deeper than just music,” he said. “It’s the ultimate trophy to be able to go on stage and see all the hard work that you put into the music. I’ve been in the game for 25 years and to see every demographic, everybody [dressing up] at the shows is priceless.”

In addition to his Baldie Nation, Pitbull was joined at the show by special guest Kesha, who donned a bald cap over her pink hair for the first joint live performance in 13 years of their hit “Timber.”

The Miami-based star also took a moment to pay homage to the tune that has become the anthem of the English soccer team’s deep FIFA World Cup run, Oasis’ “Wonderwall.”

He told the audience, “Being here I thought, what was the best way to represent you all. And a good friend of mine said, I think you should do this record. So, let’s not just talk about it, let’s do it …”

The cover came one night before The Three Lions punched their card to the semifinals with a 2-1 win over Norway on Saturday night (July 11); England will meet Argentina in the second semifinal match on Wednesday (July 15).

Julian Alvarez & Lautaro Martinez Lead Argentina to FIFA World Cup Semifinals

Posted on July 11, 2026 by Tom Castaneda

Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez have propelled Argentina into the FIFA World Cup semifinals.

The 26-year-old and 28-year-old world-class forwards for the Argentina national team scored deep in extra time to secure a dramatic 3-1 quarterfinal win over 10-man Switzerland on Saturday, setting up a heavyweight last-four clash against England in Atlanta on Wednesday.

Lionel Messi’s Argentina side kept alive their bid to become the ‌first team to retain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962 with a victory that sparked pandemonium among the sea of sky-blue-and-white supporters and ended Switzerland’s fairytale run.

The Swiss had reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1954, but fell one match short of an unprecedented semifinal appearance, suffering a major blow when Breel Embolo was sent off for diving in the 72nd minute.

The thriller looked headed for a shootout before Alvarez whipped a gorgeous long-range shot into the top corner in the 112th minute that Gregor Kobel at full-stretch had no chance of saving.

Martinez added a third for the holders nine minutes later when he calmly slotted home the rebound of Thiago Almada‘s shot.

“We’re used to ⁠suffering,” Almada said. “We come from being champions and now being among the top four is not easy at all. We want to chase glory and put Argentina at the very top.”

Alexis Mac Allister had given Argentina the lead in the 10th minute, meeting Messi’s corner at the front post with a flicked header that sailed beyond Kobel and into the far corner. It was the first time Switzerland had trailed in the tournament.

But the Swiss, without injured leading scorer Johan Manzambi, who had three goals and two assists, refused to wilt.

After a largely uneventful first half, the contest burst into life as Switzerland repeatedly tested Emiliano Martinez, forcing the Argentina goalkeeper into a string of sharp saves and jolting the South American supporters into full voice.

An equalizer felt almost inevitable as the Swiss piled on the pressure, and they were rewarded in the 67th minute when Dan Ndoye exchanged passes with Ricardo Rodriguez down the left before sliding a right-footed finish through Martinez’s legs.

Ndoye snarled into the nearest television camera as the small section of Swiss fans erupted.

However, Switzerland were reduced to 10 men when Embolo got a second yellow card for simulation. It came after a lengthy VAR review for mistaken ‌identity, with ⁠the referee overturning his initial decision to caution Argentina’s Leandro Paredes.

The call left Swiss coach Murat Yakin livid.

“I know that (FIFA) will protect their referee, but this rule destroyed our game today, and it is incredibly painful,” he said. “And to be eliminated in that way hurts a lot. Unfortunately, we have to accept it.”

Embolo collapsed in tears and was consoled by teammates as he left the pitch.

“This team has so much passion. Despite the fact we were one man down, we gave it all. I’m extremely proud of everyone,” Swiss coach Murat Yakin said.

Argentina responded to Swiss misfortune by pinning them back for long periods. Cheered on by fans who made ⁠Arrowhead Stadium feel more like Buenos Aires than Kansas City, they surged forward as chants of “Vamos, vamos!” echoed around the venue.

Messi, playing in his sixth World Cup at the age of 39, nearly settled the contest in stoppage time with a fierce strike that flashed inches wide of the post.

Switzerland weathered wave after wave of pressure and appeared destined to force a shootout but their resistance was finally broken in the closing moments of ⁠extra time.

“We had to suffer a lot. We knew they were a physical team and that gave us a lot of trouble,” said Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni. “Today we had luck on our side because one of their players was sent off. We could have played better but it’s a big achievement to be in the semi-finals.”

The distraught Swiss dropped to their knees, consoling each other, while Argentina’s star-studded ⁠squad lingered on the pitch soaking up the atmosphere as Messi tugged off his shirt and twirled it above his head in front of the Argentina fans.

Wednesday’s semifinal will mark the first time England have faced Messi at a World Cup.

Shakira to Perform at the Great Pyramids of Giza

Posted on July 11, 2026 by Tom Castaneda

Shakira is returning to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World…

Nearly two decades after first performing in one of the most unique concert settings on the planet, the 49-year-old Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer and record producer is returning to the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

Shakira will set up shop in the shadow of the archaeological treasure on November 28 in a show presented by Venture Lifestyle, which has staged similar events there with JLo, John Legend and Katy Perry.

The gig will be a return of sorts for Shak, who previously performed in front of the Pyramids — the only surviving structure from the original seven wonders of the ancient world — in 2007 during her Oral Fixation tour. Tickets for the November show are available here.

“I’m very happy to be performing in Egypt, at the Pyramids of Giza. I love you all,” Shakira said in a statement about her return to the iconic site.

The pyramids show, part of the singer’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran world tour, was originally scheduled for April 7, but was rescheduled to November due to what promoters called “the situation in the region,” in the wake of the U.S. and Israel’s war against Iran.

Before that, Shakira will take the stage for the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

The show, curated by Coldplay singer Chris Martin, will also feature performances from Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS, Burna Boy and Gustavo Dudamel.

“It’s going to be a shared halftime show … it’s going to be pretty historic, five amazing artists, well four amazing artists plus me,” the singer said in an interview earlier this week.

She previously helped open the 2026 FIFA World cup last month when she performed at the opening ceremony in Mexico City at the iconic Azteca Stadium alongside Burna Boy and J Balvin.

The singer performed her official 2026 World Cup anthem, “Dai Dai,” whose profits will be donated to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund; $500,000 from that fund will be used to support education intervention for children affected by the recent pair of devastating earthquakes in Venezuela.

Shakira was spotted taking in the France vs. Morocco World Cup quarterfinal game on Thursday (July 9) at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.

Mikel Merino Scores Late Goal to Lead Spain Into FIFA World Cup Semifinals

Posted on July 10, 2026 by Tom Castaneda

Mikel Merino is once again Spain’s FIFA World Cup hero.

Four days after the 30-year-old Spanish professional footballer scored a clutch goal as substitute in injury time to beat Portugal, he found himself in the right spot again in the quarterfinals when Belgium’s backup goalkeeper spilled the ball into his path.

Merino booted it home in the 88th minute, sending Spain to a 2-1 victory on Friday and into a titanic semifinal showdown with tournament favorite France.

“I’ve done this again, and it’s happened to me again, so it would seem that coincidence exists,” a smiling Merino said. “If you’re ready and you try, I guess it can happen for you.”

Already a versatile contributor in any role he can get as a depth player for his country or English club Arsenal, the multi-positional Merino has transformed into the ultimate super-sub while providing exactly what Spain needed to survive two knockout matches against top opponents.

Merino has scored two goals in his first World Cup — and they’re both historic.

“Honestly, it’s crazy to be able to help the team once again,” he said. “This time in a different way, but at the same time to believe and trust that the opposing goalkeeper could make a mistake and to stay alert. … I prepare for when the moment comes, and hopefully they keep coming.”

Merino is the first to admit he also needed luck, and Belgium keeper Senne Lammens provided it after he was forced into his first World Cup match in the 71st minute by an injury to starter Thibaut Courtois.

Merino came on in the 86th minute and scored on his second touch of the match, charging into the box and pouncing after Lammens lost control of Pau Cubarsí’s long shot.

Fabián Ruiz scored a rebound goal in the 30th minute for Spain, but Belgium forward Charles De Ketelaere evened it with the first goal allowed by the Spanish team in the entire World Cup in the 41st minute.

Merino’s clutch goal against an upset-minded Belgium sent La Roja to the semifinals for the first time since they won the World Cup in 2010. A powerhouse matchup with France has been anticipated since the draw was announced late last year, and Spain was grateful to secure its spot.

“We came here for this, to play against the best teams in the world,” Merino said. “We are confident in our possibilities, at the same time respecting the opposition. This is one of those games that you dream of when you’re a kid, and now we have the chance to compete against a massive rival. Hopefully we’ll get the win.”

Spain and France will meet on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas, in a matchup anticipated for years. Neither team has lost at this year’s World Cup.

“It will be a clash of giants,” Spain coach Luis De La Fuente said through a translator. “We are capable of winning this game — and not just now, but I would have said this a few weeks ago as well. They are a great giant of football, but I trust our team.”

Courtois made four saves, but the Real Madrid keeper went down to the grass in the second half after a long kick. He received treatment during the hydration break, but broke down in tears when coach Rudi Garcia removed him moments later.

Only Germany’s Manuel Neuer has played more World Cup matches than Courtois’ 21. Lammens, the capable Manchester United keeper, was forced to become the first goalkeeper other than Courtois to play for Belgium in the last four World Cup tournaments — and he wasn’t able to make the play that would have kept it level.

“We were on equal footing with Spain, and we have nothing to feel bad about,” Garcia said. “In the first half, they only had one chance, but they were very efficient. Unfortunately, to beat a team of this caliber, you need luck on your side as well, and it was too much for us to get into the semifinals.”

Belgium desperately pressed for an equalizer in the final minutes with substitute forward Romelu Lukaku leading the effort, but Aymeric Laporte acrobatically volleyed the best chance out of the box in the second minute of injury time.

“We knew how we could hurt them, and I think we did this today,” Belgium defender Brandon Mechele said. “It’s a pity that it ended like this, but I think we can be proud of the tournament we played.”

Spain remained unbeaten in 37 straight competitive matches since March 2023, while Belgium’s streak of 18 consecutive unbeaten matches across all competitions ended.

Spain didn’t allow a goal in its first five matches at this year’s tournament, and goalkeeper Unai Simón hadn’t conceded in a World Cup-record 650 minutes dating to Qatar.

The streaks abruptly ended when De Ketelaere muscled past Cubarsí and headed home a cross from Timothy Castagne for Belgium’s tying goal.

Belgium hadn’t generated anything close to a strong scoring chance before the latest big moment for De Ketelaere, the Atalanta forward who scored two goals in Belgium’s 4-1 rout of the co-host U.S. on Monday.

Belgium captain Youri Tielemans was removed from the starting lineup after getting injured during warmups. He joined injured defender Amadou Onana on the sidelines.

Lionel Messi Helps Lead Argentina into the FIFA World Cup Quarterfinals in Historic Fashion

Posted on July 7, 2026 by Tom Castaneda

Lionel Messi continues making history while leading his team onward at the FIFA World Cup.

The 39-year-old Argentine professional footballer scored in a record sixth straight World Cup knockout match to help Argentina reach the quarterfinals with a stunning late comeback to beat Egypt 3-2 on Tuesday in Atlanta.

Egypt were leading the defending champions 2-0 heading into the closing stages before Messi provided an assist for Cristian Romero in the 79th minute and a goal of his own four minutes later to tie the score.

Just when it seemed that extra time was in the cards, Enzo Fernández headed into the net in the second minute of stoppage time to complete a remarkable turnaround at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

It was the first time in World Cup history that a team had won a knockout match in regulation time after trailing by two goals in the 75th minute.

“This is a phenomenal group that never gives up,” Fernández said. “Four years have passed since Qatar, and we’ve come to enjoy another World Cup — and we want to win it again. That’s what we’re aiming for.”

Argentina, who are bidding to become the first back-to-back World Cup champions since Brazil in 1958 and 1962, will face Switzerland in the quarterfinals in Kansas City, Missouri, on Saturday.

“I’m so emotional,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. “What a group of players, brother.”

Egypt looked set to produce a stunning upset after Yasser Ibrahim‘s 15th-minute goal was added to by Mostafa Zico‘s close-range strike on the counterattack in the 67th minute. The record seven-time African champions, who made history by advancing to the round of 16 for the first time, also had a goal ruled out following video review.

Messi missed a chance to equalize in the first half when his penalty was saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir. Messi also hit the post when the score was 1-0.

But he delivered the goods once again late. Messi has scored in a record nine consecutive World Cup matches dating to Argentina’s title run in 2022. Tuesday’s goal marked his 13th in that span.

“Honestly, I’m just so happy we made it through and about the way we did it,” Messi said. “Things got tough at 2-0, so it was incredibly exciting to turn it around once again. We suffered a lot, but that’s the World Cup for you: Every match is playing out the same way; everything is so evenly matched.

“But as always, this group never gives up and keeps trying until the very end.”

Messi’s eight goals at this tournament put him one clear of France‘s Kylian Mbappé and Norway‘s Erling Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot.

His goal also gave Messi a two-goal lead over Mbappé on the World Cup career leaderboard.

“Seeing him get emotional was moving too,” teammate Lautaro Martínez said of Messi’s reaction at full time. “I told him right there on the pitch to enjoy the moment because he deserved it and that we would keep giving our all for ourselves — but above all for him, since this is his last World Cup and he has given us so much.”

For much of the game, it looked as if it would be a painful exit for 39-year-old Messi in his sixth and perhaps final World Cup.

Egypt took a surprising lead in the 15th minute when Ibrahim got ahead of Lisandro Martínez to meet Marwan Attia‘s cross and head the ball into the bottom corner.

Argentina were quickly given the chance to level the match when Haissem Hassan tripped Nicolás Tagliafico in the box moments later. Referee François Letexier pointed to the penalty spot, and Messi stepped up with an expectant crowd waiting for him to score.

Shobeir had other ideas, diving to his left to block the shot for Messi’s second penalty miss of the 2026 tournament after also failing from the spot against Austria in the group stage.

Despite being the leading career scorer at World Cups, Messi has missed a record four of his eight penalty kicks at the tournament through the years.

After Messi hit the post later in the half, Shobeir pulled off another great save to stop Julián Álvarez from close range.

Egypt thought they had doubled their 1-0 lead in the second half when Zico finished off a sweeping attack. But the wild celebrations were cut short when a foul earlier in the move was confirmed on video review and the goal was disallowed.

The second goal for Egypt came in the 67th from a similar break, and this time Zico’s effort counted. It just ended up not being enough.

Mikel Merino Helps Propel Spain into the FIFA World Cup Quarterfinals

Posted on July 6, 2026 by Tom Castaneda

Mikel Merino has helped propel Spain into the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since the European nation won the global tournament in 2010.

The 30-year-old Spanish professional footballer scored a late goal on Monday to send Spain past Portugal 1-0 in the round of 16.

With the game looking like it was headed to extra time in Arlington, Texas, Ferran Torres‘ through ball led Merino into the penalty area, and he sent a shot past Diogo Costa for the winner as Spain topped their neighbors on the Iberian Peninsula.

Merino had just been knocked down, and a foul was called. While a Portugal player argued, Merino played the ball back in, ran toward the goal and put a shot past goalkeeper Costa after taking a pass from Torres.

There were some anxious moments down the stretch for Luis de la Fuente‘s side as Portugal twice came close to levelling the score, but the 2024 European Champions clung to their lead to eliminate Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo, who said Monday that this will be his last World Cup.

“Mikel Merino never lets you down. He’s a sure thing. He won us the Euros,” de la Fuente said after the game. “He’s a huge player — one of the best in the world in his position. We’re lucky to have players on the bench who would be starters in any other national team. The important thing is the attitude when they come on, and in the day to day.

“All I ask is for people to be fair in their recognition. Mikel Merino is a player with exceptional performance. He’s a player who is always where he needs to be.”

Spain will battle Belgium in the quarterfinals at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

“You remember everything, all the good, all the bad, what you’ve got back at home,” Merino said after the game. “There’ve been very difficult moments for me this year, but good ones as well. With the injury, all this time that I haven’t been able to see my little one [newborn baby] grow up.

“I use it to get the best of myself.”

It was the sixth consecutive clean sheet for Spain at the World Cup, a tournament record, and goalkeeper Unai Simón extended his record shutout streak to 609 minutes.

Spain broke a tie with Italy (1990) and Switzerland (2006-10) for the most consecutive World Cup matches not allowing a goal. Spain’s streak began with a 0-0 draw in the round of 16 in 2022, when Morocco advanced after a penalty shootout.

There was also a surprising scoreless draw against Cape Verde to open group play in this tournament, followed by four consecutive shutout victories to advance to the quarterfinals.

Simón surpassed the previous record of 517 consecutive scoreless minutes during a 3-0 blanking of Austria to open the knockout round Thursday. Famed Italy goalkeeper Walter Zenga set the standard in 1990 with five consecutive clean sheets in his home World Cup.

Simón’s shutout streak started in 2022 in Qatar during a 2-1 loss to Japan to wrap up group play.

He came into the Portugal game having made only four saves in this World Cup – Austria had no shots on target – and on Monday, Simón had to make two saves in the first half against Portugal.

The second of those saves was an impressive diving stop, when he was still in midair after reaching back to grab the ball with both hands. Ronaldo took that shot after teammate José Sá’s header went off the shoulder of the 29-year-old Athletic Bilbao keeper.

Carlos Vives to Perform Telemundo’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Anthem at Billboard Latin Music Awards Alongside Emilia, Wisin & Xavi

Posted on October 6, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Carlos Vives is preparing to get in the game earlier than planned…

The 64-year-old Colombian singer, songwriter and actor will join voices with Emilia, Wisin and Xavi to premiere Telemundo’s official song for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the upcoming Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will be presented live on Telemundo on Thursday, Oct. 23.

Titled “Somos Más,” the track’s lyrics will “deliver a powerful message of unity, pride and global connection through fútbol, inviting fans to wear their team colors, raise their voices and celebrate together,” according to a press release.

“Telemundo’s World Cup anthem is more than a song – it’s a celebration,” said Telemundo’s EVP of primetime unscripted & specials Francisco Suarez in a statement. “By bringing together these artists from four vibrant Latin American countries, we’re showcasing the richness and diversity of Latino culture while delivering a powerful message of unity, peace, and joy.”

Telemundo will broadcast all 104 matches of next year’s World Cup live – 92 of them on Telemundo and 12 on Universo. Every match will stream live on Peacock and the Telemundo App.

“This anthem is a tribute to the global spirit of fútbol and the communities we serve,” said Joaquin Duro, EVP of sports at Telemundo. “As the exclusive Spanish-language home of the World Cup, we are committed to delivering the most authentic and relevant coverage of this historic tournament. ‘Somos Más’ is one of many efforts that will elevate the fan experience and bring audiences even closer to the game.”

Vives, Emilia, Wisin and Xavi will also, for the first time, speak about the making of the song and the importance of the World Cup during a conversation at Billboard’s Latin Music Week on October 22.

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