After a two-week break, Formula 1 returns with a double round before the mid-season break. Drivers travel to Belgium for one of the most anticipated weekends on the calendar, at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, with activities scheduled for July 17th and 19th.
The championship has reached its tenth stage, and spectators have been watching an intense battle for the title for 14 years. Although Mercedes is seen as a favorite due to the presence of its two drivers, Kimi Antonelli, with 179 points, and George Russell, with 154 points, occupy the leading positions, Ferrari remains in the fight with Lewis Hamilton, who has accumulated 147 points and aims for his eighth title.
Despite the positive prospects for the leading teams, a driver from the papaya team suffered a ten-place drop in the starting grid for the Belgian GP. Lando Norris, the current champion of the category, received a penalty from the FIA because McLaren announced the installation of the fourth power unit in their car, exceeding the regulatory limit.
In addition to the change in the power unit, both MCL40 cars will receive a new rear wing. The situation of Oscar Piastri, Norris's teammate, is not considered serious, as this is only the third replacement for the Australian driver this season, remaining within the limit stipulated by the FIA. Red Bull also implemented a modification at Spa: the team removed the 'Macarena' wing from the RB22 after this component caused several run-offs with Max Verstappen, opting to return to the original configuration until the mechanical problem is resolved.
During the first free practice session this Friday, Red Bull demonstrated good performance. After withdrawing from the race in Silverstone, Max Verstappen led the team to the top of the Belgian GP TL1, recording a time of 1min47s070. Ferrari completed the top 3 with a pair, placing Lewis Hamilton second and Charles Leclerc third.
Since 1950, Spa-Francorchamps has been recognized as the largest circuit on the calendar, boasting just over 7.004 kilometers in length. The track is known for its high speeds, unstable weather, and for hosting one of the most emblematic sections of Formula 1: the descent of Eau Rouge followed by the climb of Raidillon.
The weekend will follow the traditional format, comprising three free practice sessions, qualifying on Saturday, and the race on Sunday, which will feature 44 laps. The text also mentions the schedule for the Formula 1 Austrian GP, informing that in Brazil it will be broadcast by Globo on open TV, while the free practices, qualifying, and the race will be available on Sportv and F1 TV.
In the upcoming FIFA World Cup final, the national teams of Spain and Argentina will meet at the New Jersey Stadium. This match promises to be not just a fight for the trophy, but also a redefinition of the personal legends of two nations.
The match originally scheduled between Spain and Argentina as part of the Finalissima on March 27, 2026, at Lusail Stadium in Qatar was postponed due to security concerns in the Middle East. It seems that circumstances have led to the world receiving a long-awaited 'dream' final.
Both teams have demonstrated immense determination, hunger, and concentration throughout the tournament to reach the biggest sporting arena. Formally, Argentina is favored as they are the reigning champions and possess a powerful attacking squad that has managed to breathe new life into the team even in critical playoff moments.
Argentina took the lead twice to advance: they managed to overcome difficulties against Egypt in the Round of 16 and defeated England in the semi-finals. These significant victories would likely have been impossible without the team's talisman, Lionel Messi. The 39-year-old player is demonstrating impressive form at the World Cup, scoring eight decisive goals and providing four assists. His ability to deliver results in the most important moments has once again reignited the debate about who is the greatest player of all time.
If he leads his team to victory in the second consecutive tournament, he will become the first captain of the modern era to achieve this, and he will add the title of top scorer and assist provider at the World Cup to his resume, having already scored 21 goals and provided 12 assists since his debut in 2006. It is believed that in recognition of everything he has given to sport, fate has decreed that Messi plays his last World Cup match against his spiritual successor, Lamine Yamal.
Argentina's coach, Lionel Scaloni, commented on Messi's influence on Spanish football, stating: 'I hope the Spanish are happy that Argentina reached the final. After all, Argentina gave Spain the privilege of watching Lionel Messi here for so many years. I hope they appreciate what an extraordinary player he is. For me, what more can Messi do to be considered the greatest footballer in history? There is no slightest doubt in my mind.'
This match will also be closely watched at the Las Rosas football center, where the former coach and student of the game will meet for the first time. Spain's coach, Luis de la Fuente, trained his Argentine colleague Scaloni there in 2017 as part of a coaching course. Since then, both coaches have held deep respect for each other, especially during the Copa America and Euro 2024, when they simultaneously led their teams to continental titles.
Although Scaloni was once a student, he has achieved enormous success at the highest level, including winning the 2022 World Cup and winning the Copa America twice in a row. However, De la Fuente, with his rich career at the youth international level, understands that the sweetest success cannot be rushed. Both coaches will arrive in New York on Sunday with great respect and gratitude for each other's paths. But this goes beyond them—it relates to the game itself and the poetic battle between Messi and Yamal, which seems to have been written by the gods of football themselves.
Argentina national team captain Lionel Messi shared his opinion on Spanish winger Lamine Yamal ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Messi highly rated Lamine, calling him a remarkable footballer whom he has observed since he played for his favorite club. He wished Yamal luck, noting that at the age of 19, he has already become one of the world's best footballers.
According to Messi, a great career and the opportunity to make history await Yamal. However, regarding the upcoming final, Messi emphasized that they will do everything possible to prevent this. He acknowledged that Yamal is currently among the world's best players and wished him success, as Yamal's success will also benefit Barcelona.
Messi also noted that Spain has excellent footballers and the team plays very well, but added that their team also has its own strengths.
Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina in Hanover, New Jersey, on July 16, 2026, Spanish national team players Lamine Yamal and Pedro Porro underwent individual training sessions during the team's first session in New Jersey.
Spain aims to ensure the full physical readiness of its top players before Sunday's clash with Argentina, targeting a second World Cup title. Both footballers, Yamal and Porro, are expected to be part of the decisive title match.
The individual sessions were scheduled after the team secured a convincing victory over France in the semi-final. Yamal, who had faced injury issues throughout the tournament, played the entire match against 'Les Bleus'. Porro started as a right-back and participated for 84 minutes before being substituted due to a muscle strain.
Porro's condition drew increased attention, as Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente described the defender's issue as muscle overload. The medical team will continue to examine him until the final. However, this separate training was viewed as part of Spain's efforts to manage player fatigue, rather than a sign of a serious injury.
Yamal has been a key figure in Spain's pursuit of a second world title. The Barcelona star has played 496 minutes in the tournament and started in every match except the group stage game against Cape Verde. De la Fuente calmed concerns about the teenager's physical condition after the semi-final, stating: 'As far as I know, Lamine does not have a serious injury. I just spoke with the medical staff, and everything looks positive.'
The tournament has also been a breakthrough for Porro. The Tottenham defender was selected to start on the right flank in the Champions League ahead of Marcos Llorente and participated in five of his country's seven matches. He scored twice during the competition, including goals against Austria in the 32nd round and against the two-time French champion in the semi-final.
Spain's final preparations took place under unusual conditions, as smoke from Canadian wildfires affected air quality in the northeastern US states. The weather forecast predicts rain before the final, which is expected to improve conditions in New Jersey.
'La Roja' will face reigning champion Argentina on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, which has a capacity of 82,500, in search of a second World Cup title. Meanwhile, Argentina aims to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the highest football prize.
