Kick Off: Spain celebrated World Cup win; disciplinary probe launched into chaos after the Final

Welcome to All Football's Kick Off, we bring you all important news in the past 24 hours and the 1st day after the grueling World Cup Final. Make sure you do not miss out.

Top Headlines

FIFA to launch disciplinary investigation into violent actions of Argentina players after the match

FIFA to launch disciplinary nvestigation into violent actions of several Argentina players after the match

Spain's World Cup heroes touch down in Madrid

Spain have landed in Madrid after wasting no time in jetting out of New York in the immediate aftermath of winning the World Cup with the victory over Argentina on Sunday night.

World Cup Stats

Messi tops World Cup successful dribbles list with 28, with Yamal and Bellingham second and third

On July 20th,data platform Squawka released the list of successful dribbles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Lionel Messi topped the list with 28 successful dribbles, followed closely by Spanish star Yamal. France had three players on the list: Olise, Mbappe, and Barcola.

Messi tops World Cup chances created list with 25; Dembele, Olise and Mbappe tied for second

On July 20th,data platform Squawka released its 2026 FIFA World Cup chances-created list, with Argentina captain Messi topping the rankings with 25 chances. Several French players also featured, with Dembele, Olise, and Mbappe each creating 18 chances to rank second.

Messi leads World Cup crosses inside the box with 33, Dembele and Olise follow

On July 20th,data platform Squawka announced the list of passes into the penalty area for the 2026 World Cup. Lionel Messi ranked first with 33 passes inside the penalty area, Dembele came second with 31, and Olise was third with 28.

These Things Happen

OFFICIAL: Bayern Munich extend Laimer’s contract until 2029

OFFICIAL: Bayern Munich extend Laimer’s contract until 2029

Infantino heads into Spain's locker room to hand out Super Bowl-style gold rings to the champions

FIFA President Gianni Infantino wasted no time in delivering the inaugural Super Bowl-style gold rings to World Cup champions Spain shortly after their dramatic final win.

Ballon d'Or odds: Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Rodri all in race to be named world's best in 2026

The biggest individual prize in football has many variables. Often the Ballon d'Or race is dictated by those players who have spearheaded their club sides, or national teams, to trophies.

New footage shows what really sparked final-whistle brawl

FIFA will investigate the behavior of Argentina's bitter players after the World Cup final descended into violence following their defeat on Sunday.

Spain dominate World Cup awards as Rodri, Cubarsi and Simon join Mbappe among prizewinners

World Cup winners Spain also dominated the tournament's individual awards, with Rodri, Pau Cubarsi and Unai Simon recognised following Sunday's final win over Argentina.

Argentine media praise team’s gracious conduct despite World Cup final loss

Despite criticism from international public opinion, Argentine local media still gave positive assessments of their team's performance during and after Sunday's FIFA World Cup final against Spain. Argentine mainstream newspapers published articles stating that, despite the chaotic scenes on the field after the defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup final, the Argentine team still "lost with their heads held high, defeated but glorious." The British "Daily Telegraph" reviewed some of the Argentine media's reports.

Chelsea World Cup players' expected return dates: latest on Enzo, Caicedo tomorrow

According to Chelsea team reporter Kieran Gill, players who participated in the FIFA World Cup are entitled to a three-week holiday, so Enzo is expected to be the last player to return to Chelsea.

Schira: Lacroix is one step away from joining Chelsea on a six-year deal

According to transfer journalist Schira, Crystal Palace centre-back Lacroix is just one step away from joining Chelsea.

Multiple clubs are interested in Juventus defender Rugani, who is likely to leave this summer

On July 20th, Italian journalist Schira reported that multiple clubs are interested in Juventus center-back Rugani, and the player is likely to leave this summer.

2026 World Cup awards: Thomas Tuchel, Rodri, Harry Kane and Lionel Messi all feature in tournament highs and lows

As the World Cup draws to a close, with Spain crowned champions for the second time in their history, Sky Sports writers reflect on a tournament that captured the world's attention - but also suffered its fair share of controversy.

Liverpool and Newcastle lead tributes to Kevin Keegan

Liverpool and Newcastle United are among plenty of clubs to have paid tribute to Kevin Keegan, who has died at the age of 75.

What They Say

Messi: The pain is immense after losing World Cup final

Lionel Messi revealed his letter to all the Argentinians, revealing "the pain is immense" after losing the World Cup final, as he spoke for the first time since the defeat.

Simon: Spain did not need a star like Messi, Mbappe or Ronaldo to win World Cup

Spain's lack of a star player in the mould of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo was a strength rather than a weakness at the World Cup, according to Unai Simon.

Alvarez: We will rise again and move forward, dreaming of Argentina reaching the pinnacle

After losing 0-1 to Argentina and failing to defend the title, Argentina striker Alvarez posted on social media.

Matthaus: Bayern do not want to sell Olise; Rodri unlikely to win Ballon d'Or again

German football legend Lothar Matthäus said he is not concerned about the transfer rumors surrounding Bayern winger Olise, and also commented on the FIFA World Cup final, the Ballon d'Or race, and the current state of the German national team.

Scholes: Tuchel's post-match comments suggest he wants England to sack him

England lost 2-1 to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semifinal, and Tuchel's tactics came under heavy criticism. 

Morgan Rogers to Chelsea: Paul Merson says Blues do not need to spend £117m on Aston Villa forward as they have Cole Palmer

In his latest column, Sky Sports' Paul Merson gives his reaction to Morgan Rogers' stunning £117m move to Chelsea.

VIDEO OF THE DAY

Argentinians welcome their players coming back: Infinitas GRACIAS!

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