Spain edge past France, Rodri goes the distance
Spain booked their place in Sunday's final with a 2-0 win over France in Dallas on July 14. It was a semi-final that saw two City players on opposite sides, with Rodri and Rayan Cherki both involved.
Mikel Oyarzabal put Spain ahead from the penalty spot after 22 minutes, following a foul on Lamine Yamal by Lucas Digne. Pedro Porro doubled the lead in the 58th minute, finishing after Dani Olmo's pass.
Rodri played the full 90 minutes and was typically busy. The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner had 82 touches, made six defensive contributions, won 4 of 4 aerial duels and completed 87% of his passes. Cherki came off the bench in the 72nd minute, replacing Michael Olise. He managed one key pass and completed both of his dribble attempts.
Argentina break English hearts in Atlanta
England's semi-final against Argentina followed a different script. A goalless first half gave way to drama, with the Three Lions taking the lead through Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute, Morgan Rogers providing the assist.
Argentina hit back late. Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute from a Lionel Messi corner, and Lautaro Martinez headed the winner from another Messi cross deep into stoppage time.
City had three players involved for England. Marc Guehi and Elliot Anderson both started and played the full match. Guehi registered 62 touches, five defensive contributions and completed 98% of his passes. Anderson, booked in the 37th minute, had 73 touches, eight defensive contributions, and won 4 of 4 aerial duels. Nico O'Reilly replaced Declan Rice in the 82nd minute, making two defensive contributions and winning his only aerial duel. James Trafford, City's academy graduate and England's third-choice keeper, was an unused substitute.
Third-place playoff and final details
France and England will meet in the third-place playoff at Miami Stadium on July 18. It will be the fourth World Cup meeting between the two nations. Their last encounter came in the 2022 quarter-final, a 2-1 win for France.
Rodri is City's sole representative in the final. He lines up against Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, aiming to add a World Cup winners' medal to his European Championship and Nations League triumphs with Spain.
The two sides have met 14 times previously, each winning six with two draws. Their last meeting was a friendly in March 2018, a 6-1 win for Spain. Their last competitive meeting was at the 1966 World Cup group stage, which Argentina won 2-1.