FIFA World Cup 2026: CONMEBOL chief Alejandro Dominguez meets US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during Argentina vs Spain final
New Jersey, July 20
CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez shared a photograph with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Argentine Football Association President Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia ahead of the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.
Posting the picture on X, Dominguez described the meeting as a pleasure.
"With Marco Rubio, Secretary of State of the United States, and with Chiqui Tapia. Always a pleasure!" Dominguez wrote on X.
The photograph showed Rubio holding an Argentina national team jersey alongside Dominguez and Tapia.
The meeting came as football fans from across the world gathered in New York for the FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, where defending champions Argentina faced 2010 champions Spain in the tournament's showpiece clash.
Coming to the match, Argentina is only the 2nd team in the last 60 years to not record a shot in a World Cup final 1st half. They were held to just 17 touches in the attacking third and 0 in the attacking penalty area, according to X handle of ESPN Insights.
Earlier, Lionel Messi also became the oldest outfield player to start a FIFA World Cup final at 39 years and 25 days, adding another record to his illustrious resume.
Defending champions Argentina secured a thrilling 2-1 comeback win over England in the semifinal, overturning a first-half deficit with Enzo Fernandez scoring the equaliser before Lautaro Martinez netted the stoppage-time winner to send the defending champions into the title clash against Spain.
Spain, on the other hand, secured a place in the FIFA World Cup final for the first time since their 2010 triumph after defeating France 2-0 with a composed performance.
Lamine Yamal played a key role in the win, winning a penalty after dispossessing Lucas Digne, which Mikel Oyarzabal converted in the 22nd minute to give Spain the lead. Pedro Porro doubled Spain's advantage after the break following a fine move with Dani Olmo, while France struggled to create clear chances.
Yamal had a goal ruled out for offside, and despite late efforts from Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni, Spain's defence held firm to secure their sixth clean sheet in seven tournament matches.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Indian football fan, I just wish we could see our national team in such a tournament someday. But these world cup matches are still thrilling to watch. Argentina vs Spain final - classic European vs South American showdown. Vamos Argentina! 🇦🇷⚽
That 2-1 semifinal comeback against England was pure drama! Enzo and Lautaro really stepped up when it mattered. But Argentina not having a single shot in the first half of the final? That's concerning for defending champions. Let's see if they can turn it around.
I'm honestly so tired of the same teams dominating world football. Spain, Argentina, France - it's always the same faces. Where's the African or Asian representation? India may not be there yet, but I'd love to see more diversity in the final stages. Just my two cents.
Lamine Yamal at such a young age winning penalties and making big plays! Spain's future looks bright. But I'm rooting for Messi to get one more world cup before he retires. That comeback against England was legendary - truly a team effort! 🏆
The meeting between Dominguez and Rubio is interesting geopolitically too. US hosting the world cup in 2026 and already cozying up with South American football bodies. Smart move. But I still think FIFA needs to address the growing commercialisation - football is becoming too business-like.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.