Nadal and Alcaraz back Spain before World Cup final

Two of Spain's most celebrated tennis stars, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, have thrown their support behind the national football team ahead of its historic FIFA World Cup final against Argentina on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The match will be held at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Alcaraz, currently recovering from a wrist injury, was present at the stadium on Sunday afternoon. Ahead of the final, he participated in a ceremonial presentation of the FIFA World Cup Winners Trophy alongside South Korean actress and model Hoyeon. The 23-year-old, a known football fan who supports Real Madrid and Spain, has not played a competitive tennis match since April but made the trip to New Jersey to cheer on his country.

Meanwhile, retired 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal shared an emotional message of support on social media on Saturday, July 18. In a post reflecting on his lifelong passion for football, Nadal recalled the thrill of being in South Africa for Spain's 2010 World Cup victory. "Ever since I was little, soccer has been one of my great passions," he wrote. "I still remember the thrill of living in South Africa for the 2010 final. We'll never forget it! Tomorrow we have...