A remarkable chapter in FIFA World Cup history has come to an end as Bayern Munich will have no player in the World Cup final for the first time since 1982. The club's extraordinary 44-year streak, spanning 11 consecutive World Cups, ended after England and Bayern striker Harry Kane were eliminated from the tournament. Meanwhile, Inter Milan continues its impressive record, extending its run of having at least one player feature in the World Cup final for a 12th straight tournament. The historic milestone highlights the lasting influence of Europe's biggest clubs on football's greatest stage.

Bayern Munich's 44-year FIFA World Cup final streak ends | Inter Milan extends historic record

Iran congratulated Spain after La Roja defeated France to reach the World Cup final. Iran's backing for Spain is because of the European nation's stance against U.S.


FIFA world cup 2026: Iran says Spain on 'right side of history' ahead of world cup final

Iran congratulated Spain after La Roja defeated France to reach the World Cup final. Iran's backing for Spain is because of the European nation's stance against U.S.

Iran Says Spain on 'Right Side of History' Ahead of World Cup Final

Spain have booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final after a dominant 2-0 victory over France in the semifinal. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro sealed a memorable win as Spain produced another outstanding defensive display. The European champions will now face England or Argentina in the World Cup Final, while France will play in the third-place playoff. Watch the full match highlights, key moments, goals, and post-match analysis from this thrilling semifinal.

Spain beat France 2-0 to reach FIFA World Cup 2026 final | Oyarzabal & Porro seal historic win

Next up, we have a special economic segment called pitch & portfolio, a series where we analyze the beautiful game of football through the lens of global markets.

As we come down to the business end of the tournament, the analysis goes deeper, but to see who wins the economic match.
As Spain and Belgium prepare to face off, this is a closely watched contest on the field and in their portfolios.

World cup of economies: Spain vs Belgium

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday ordered a halt to the overall trade with NATO ally Spain, calling it a “terrible partner”. During the NATO summit, as European leaders were trying to put a lid on the conflict within the military alliance, Trump unleashed on NATO for getting a “free ride”. Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump said that he has no business to be done with Spain. He further annoyed the NATO leaders by once again invoking Greenland.&nbsp;"Spain doesn't agree ‌to anything, and you shouldn't carry them," Trump told Rutte, who tried to ease the tension, suggesting that Spain “made a huge step last year” in increasing the budget to 2 per cent. He also added that "there are still issues ​we have to solve"."Spain is a wasted cause. I don't want to do any trade with them, alright?" said Trump while turning to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who responded, "Yes, Sir!" Trump then continued, "Take ⁠it immediately. Don't even talk to them. They're hopeless. They're bad people ... They make so much money with us, and we're going to see that they make a lot less."The office of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a statement that it was treating Trump's statements as "business as usual" and did not ​intend to change the "excellent" relations ​it enjoyed with Washington. It also pointed out that Spain runs a trade deficit with the US, and economic ties were forged by private companies rather than governments. It also said that European Union rules require trade negotiations to be conducted as a single bloc.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pune-pcmc-waste-to-energy-plant-building-collapse-workers-trapped-heavy-rain-1783506255509">Pune building collapse: At least 15 trapped after waste mound crashes into PCMC plant</a>Spain’s health minister, Mónica García, said on Wednesday that President Trump had called the country a “terrible partner” because Spain “does not accept blackmail or threats.” “We are a sovereign, democratic country that defends multilateralism and peace,” García said, adding, “What is terrible is confusing diplomacy with bullying.”<h2>Trump invokes Greenland again to irk Europeans</h2>Trump also attacked NATO for its role, or lack of it, in the Iran war, and brought up Greenland, which is bound to agitate the Europeans. “I’m not happy with NATO because of what they did with Greenland, and I’m not happy with NATO because of the fact that they didn’t want to help us with the number one state sponsor of terror,” he told reporters, standing alongside the secretary general of NATO, Mark Rutte. “That’s Iran.”Denmark's Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, said that the country would defend “every inch” of its territory and reiterated that Greenland was not for sale. She said, &nbsp;“We will defend the kingdom of Denmark,” adding, “We are ready to defend every inch of NATO, including our own territory.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">.<a href="https://x.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;Spain is a wasted cause. We don&#39;t want to do any trade business with Spain anymore by the way... Spain is a terrible partner in NATO. They don&#39;t participate, they don&#39;t pay. I don&#39;t want anything to do with Spain.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/3prqux6p54">pic.twitter.com/3prqux6p54</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://x.com/RapidResponse47/status/2074775059210654114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Donald Trump ordered a halt to trade with Spain, called it a "terrible partner," and reignited the Greenland dispute during the NATO summit, drawing sharp reactions.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday ordered a halt to the overall trade with NATO ally Spain, calling it a “terrible partner”. During the NATO summit, as European leaders were trying to put a lid on the conflict within the military alliance, Trump unleashed on NATO for getting a “free ride”. Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump said that he has no business to be done with Spain. He further annoyed the NATO leaders by once again invoking Greenland. "Spain doesn't agree ‌to anything, and you shouldn't carry them," Trump told Rutte, who tried to ease the tension, suggesting that Spain “made a huge step last year” in increasing the budget to 2 per cent. He also added that "there are still issues we have to solve". "Spain is a wasted cause. I don't want to do any trade with them, alright?" said Trump while turning to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who responded, "Yes, Sir!" Trump then continued, "Take ⁠it immediately. Don't even talk to them. They're hopeless. They're bad people ... They make so much money with us, and we're going to see that they make a lot less." The office of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a statement that it was treating Trump's statements as "business as usual" and did not intend to change the "excellent" relations it enjoyed with Washington. It also pointed out that Spain runs a trade deficit with the US, and economic ties were forged by private companies rather than governments. It also said that European Union rules require trade negotiations to be conducted as a single bloc. Also Read: Pune building collapse: At least 15 trapped after waste mound crashes into PCMC plant Spain’s health minister, Mónica García, said on Wednesday that President Trump had called the country a “terrible partner” because Spain “does not accept blackmail or threats.” “We are a sovereign, democratic country that defends multilateralism and peace,” García said, adding, “What is terrible is confusing diplomacy with bullying.” Trump invokes Greenland again to irk Europeans Trump also attacked NATO for its role, or lack of it, in the Iran war, and brought up Greenland, which is bound to agitate the Europeans. “I’m not happy with NATO because of what they did with Greenland, and I’m not happy with NATO because of the fact that they didn’t want to help us with the number one state sponsor of terror,” he told reporters, standing alongside the secretary general of NATO, Mark Rutte. “That’s Iran.” Denmark's Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, said that the country would defend “every inch” of its territory and reiterated that Greenland was not for sale. She said, “We will defend the kingdom of Denmark,” adding, “We are ready to defend every inch of NATO, including our own territory.”

Donald Trump ordered a halt to trade with Spain, called it a "terrible partner," and reignited the Greenland dispute during the NATO summit, drawing sharp reactions.

Trump halts trade with Spain, calls NATO ally a ‘terrible partner’ at summit

Cristiano Ronaldo left the pitch for the last time at a World Cup, after Spain beat Portugal 1-0 in stoppage time in the round of 16. The 41-year-old ends his international career with 11 World Cup goals in 27 appearances.


FIFA world cup 2026: Ronaldo bids adieu to World Cup football

Europe is facing a climate-driven crisis as record-breaking heatwaves and early-onset wildfires devastate the continent. As of July 5, 2026, over 42,000 acres of land—more than twice the size of Manhattan—have been scorched across Portugal, Spain, France, and Greece.


Europe wildfire: 2026 Tour De France cancelled due to fire

Portugal came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 in Toronto, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring from the spot and Goncalo Ramos heading a stoppage-time winner. The result sends Portugal into a Round of 16 clash with Spain and leaves Roberto Martinez weighing a major selection call.

FIFA world cup 2026: Portugal to face Spain in next round 

 Portugal came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 in Toronto, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring from the spot and Goncalo Ramos heading a stoppage-time winner. The result sends Portugal into a Round of 16 clash with Spain and leaves Roberto Martinez weighing a major selection call.

FIFA world cup 2026: Ramos, Ronaldo goals lead Portugal to dramatic win

European prosecutors have launched coordinated raids across France, Italy, Spain and Belgium as part of an investigation into the alleged misuse of €4.3 million in European Parliament funds by the now-defunct far-right Identity and Democracy (ID) group. The probe centres on alleged financial irregularities between 2019 and 2024. 

EU raids target far-right group in €4.3m misuse of funds probe 

Poland is closing the gap with Britain after already surpassing two other Western European economies. IMF data confirms that Poland's average annual income adjusted for purchasing power reached $58,560 last year, slightly higher than Spain's $58,350. IMF forecasts also indicate Poland has already reached around 87% of the UK's per capita income in purchasing power terms. In this next report, we look at how Poland is silently joining the "European economic elite".

Poland Joins Europe's Economic Elite Now

Millions of people across Europe are trapped in a suffocating, prolonged heat dome that is smashing century-old temperature records day after day. From Spain to Germany, major urban centers are experiencing unprecedented thermal stress as a combination of high-pressure atmospheric systems and warming trends trap intense heat over the continent.

Europe Heatwave: Why Is Europe Sweltering With Historic Record-Breaking Heat?

Spain's deadly heatwave is being linked to 212 deaths in just four days as temperatures soar across Europe. Health authorities are monitoring the impact of extreme weather, while experts warn that prolonged heat poses growing risks to vulnerable populations. The crisis comes as Europe endures one of its most intense heatwaves in years.

Heatwave Intensifies: Spain Heatwave Linked To 212 Deaths In Four Days

Pope Leo is set to address the Spanish Parliament and conduct a special mass during his ongoing visit to Spain. The trip is expected to focus on strengthening diplomatic ties, promoting interfaith dialogue, and engaging with political and religious leaders. The visit highlights the Vatican’s continued outreach to Europe amid global discussions on faith, migration, and social unity.


Pope Leo to Address Spanish Parliament, Conduct Mass Amid Visit

Spain is battling rising wildfire threats as soaring temperatures and dry weather fuel dangerous fire conditions across several regions. Authorities have issued warnings amid fears of fast-spreading blazes during the intense summer heatwave. Emergency services remain on high alert as firefighters work to contain fires and protect residents.


Spain Wildfire: Spain Confronts Fire Danger Amid Soaring Temperatures

A fast-moving wildfire has scorched large swathes of southeastern Spain.
The blaze forced evacuations and triggered a major emergency response
Amid growing concerns over extreme heat and fire risk.

Spain Wildfires: Wildfire Rages Near Spain’s Murcia As Record Heat Sparks Crisis

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of central Madrid on Sunday. They were angry, and they had one clear message, housing has become unaffordable.

Madrid Protests: Thousands Rally In Madrid Over Soaring Rent Crisis

An investigation revealed that the Russian cargo ship Ursa Major (also known as Sparta 3) sank off the coast of Spain on December 23, 2024, after multiple explosions. Investigators believe it was secretly transporting submarine nuclear reactor components to North Korea. The incident is speculated to be a Western intelligence intervention to stop nuclear technology transfer.


Mystery Deepens Around Sunken Russian Ship Off Spain | Was It Carrying Nuclear Materials? 

A key wetland in southern Spain is drying out and its most iconic residents, flamingos, are leaving. Their numbers have dropped sharply in just weeks, as falling water levels disrupt feeding and nesting grounds.


Birds Forced to Shift to Nearby Wetlands

Spain is witnessing an early arrival of heatwave-like conditions, with temperatures rising sooner than expected this year. Weather experts warn that the unseasonal warmth could signal a challenging summer ahead, raising concerns over water shortages, wildfire risks, and public health. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as climate patterns continue to shift, bringing extreme weather events earlier and with greater intensity.


Spain Heatwave: Warm Weather Conditions Arrive in Spain Earlier Than Expected

The United States is reportedly considering measures against certain NATO allies amid disagreements over the ongoing Iran conflict. According to reports, tensions within the alliance have escalated due to differences in military support, access rights, and strategic coordination during the crisis. The proposed actions are said to reflect growing frustration in Washington over allied responses, raising concerns about unity and cohesion within NATO at a time of heightened global instability.


US Considers Action Against NATO Allies Over Iran Conflict

Spain has approved a new measure granting legal status to thousands of undocumented immigrants. The move aims to address labour shortages and bring more migrants into the formal workforce.

Spain Clears Legal Status For Thousands Of Immigrants 

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez arrived in Beijing on Saturday for a three-day visit aimed at extracting greater technological benefits from Chinese investment in Spain, with the two countries set to sign a landmark investment deal during the trip.

Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez Marks His Fourth State Visit To China Amid Trade Tensions

UEFA, football governing body in Europe, has said that the Finalissima between Spain and Argentina is still on for March 27 in Doha, Qatar. The statement comes amid onoing US-Israel-Iran war in which Iran has struck US bases in multiple Middle East countries including Qatar. The match, played between Copa America (Argentina) and Euro winners (Spain), will be played at the iconic Lusail Stadium in Doha where Messi helped Argentina win the FIFA World Cup 2022 against sprited France. The match, organized by UEFA and CONMEBOL (South American counterpart), will the fourth such game with the last edition being played between Argentina and Italy in 2022, in London (UK) where Argentina came out winners by 3-0 scoreline.<h2>Why Finalissima's fate between Spain and Argentina hangs in balance?</h2>While the UEFA, on Thursday (Mar 5), has said that "at present, there are no alternative venues being considered" and "A final decision is anticipated towards the end of next week," the fate of the Finalissima hangs in balance because of ongoing geopolitical crisis in the Middle East region.The conflict started with joint US-Israel strikes on Iran on last Saturday (Feb 28) which killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollha Ali Khamenei. Since then, Iran has responded by targetting US bases across the Middle East region and various countries, including UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, bore the brunt.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fooball-world-cup-2026-fifa-allows-tv-ads-during-water-breaks-in-all-104-matches-1772767041409">Fooball World Cup 2026 | FIFA allows TV ads during water breaks in all 104 matches</a>The conflict has escalted since and the two sides are still going at each other, disrupting oil-tanker movements through Strait of Hormuz, shutting down of various air space corridors which has led to mass flight cancellations, and also the loss of life as well as property in various countries.<h2>What is Finalissima?</h2>The idea to pitch Europe and South America's best team, decided via Euro cup (Spain in 2024) and Copa America (Argentina in 2024), was first implemented in 1985 when it was called Artemio Franchi Cup. It went on for one more match in 1993 before being shelved.It was in 2022 that UEFA and CONMEBOL revived the fixture again and named it Finalissima and Argentina took on Italy in the first revived edition with the South American side coming out at winners after beating Italy 3-0 in London.In 1985, Uruguay had beaten France 2-0 in Paris and in 1993, Argentina had beaten Denmark 5-4 on penalties in Mar del Plata after the regulation time ended the match at 1-1. The 2026 edition is the fourth time overall that Finalissima is being played with Argentina playing it for the third time.

The match, played between Copa America (Argentina) and Euro winners (Spain), is scheduled to played at the iconic Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar on March 27.

UEFA, football governing body in Europe, has said that the Finalissima between Spain and Argentina is still on for March 27 in Doha, Qatar. The statement comes amid onoing US-Israel-Iran war in which Iran has struck US bases in multiple Middle East countries including Qatar. The match, played between Copa America (Argentina) and Euro winners (Spain), will be played at the iconic Lusail Stadium in Doha where Messi helped Argentina win the FIFA World Cup 2022 against sprited France. The match, organized by UEFA and CONMEBOL (South American counterpart), will the fourth such game with the last edition being played between Argentina and Italy in 2022, in London (UK) where Argentina came out winners by 3-0 scoreline. Why Finalissima's fate between Spain and Argentina hangs in balance? While the UEFA, on Thursday (Mar 5), has said that "at present, there are no alternative venues being considered" and "A final decision is anticipated towards the end of next week," the fate of the Finalissima hangs in balance because of ongoing geopolitical crisis in the Middle East region. The conflict started with joint US-Israel strikes on Iran on last Saturday (Feb 28) which killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollha Ali Khamenei. Since then, Iran has responded by targetting US bases across the Middle East region and various countries, including UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, bore the brunt. Also Read - Fooball World Cup 2026 | FIFA allows TV ads during water breaks in all 104 matches The conflict has escalted since and the two sides are still going at each other, disrupting oil-tanker movements through Strait of Hormuz, shutting down of various air space corridors which has led to mass flight cancellations, and also the loss of life as well as property in various countries. What is Finalissima? The idea to pitch Europe and South America's best team, decided via Euro cup (Spain in 2024) and Copa America (Argentina in 2024), was first implemented in 1985 when it was called Artemio Franchi Cup. It went on for one more match in 1993 before being shelved. It was in 2022 that UEFA and CONMEBOL revived the fixture again and named it Finalissima and Argentina took on Italy in the first revived edition with the South American side coming out at winners after beating Italy 3-0 in London. In 1985, Uruguay had beaten France 2-0 in Paris and in 1993, Argentina had beaten Denmark 5-4 on penalties in Mar del Plata after the regulation time ended the match at 1-1. The 2026 edition is the fourth time overall that Finalissima is being played with Argentina playing it for the third time.

What's Finalissimma - Match between most recent (2024) winner of Euro (Spain) &amp; Copa America (Argentina).When &amp; where it is scheduled - Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar on Mar 27What's the issue - US-Israel-Iran war including strikes in Qatar has left the fate of game in balance.

Finalissimma 2026 | Argentina vs Spain match fate on March 27 in Qatar hanging in balance amid US-Israel-Iran war

#Gravitas A major rift is opening across the Atlantic. Three of America’s key European allies, the United Kingdom, France and Spain appear to be refusing to back US President Donald Trump’s military campaign against Iran.  Trump has infact reportedly criticised British prime minister Keir Starmer after London declined to support the initial US-Israeli strikes.   


UK, France, Spain Draw the Line, Refuse to Back Trump’s Iran War

Spain has ordered a major investigation into child abuse content hosted on social media platforms. Prosecutors will examine whether these platforms may be responsible for enabling or failing to prevent crimes against minors.

Spain Orders Probe Into Child Abuse Content on Social Media

Storm Nils tore through Catalonia with powerful winds, leaving at least 86 people injured and forcing school closures. Authorities across Spain are assessing the damage as emergency teams respond to widespread destruction and disruption.


Storm Nils Batters Catalonia, 86 Injured As Extreme Winds Force School Closures Across Spain

Storm Marta is still lashing the Iberian Peninsula in southern Spain. Floodwaters remain high in and around Jerez de la Frontera, with streets submerged, homes waterlogged, and farmlands drowned. 


Spain: Floodwaters Stay High Across Andalusia

Storm Marta battered Spain and Portugal, prompting evacuations of over 11,000 amid flood warnings, road closures, and rail disruptions after prior storms like Leonardo. 

Portugal, Spain Flooded: Marta Claims Victim Amid Chaos

Leaders are urging caution as Storm Marta approaches Southern Europe, with rivers rising and thousands evacuated due to flooding. Emergency crews remain on high alert as authorities warn of further risks from worsening weather conditions.


Storm Marta Triggers Flood Emergency Across Southern Europe

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