‘I am also building Team Karnataka’: CM DK Shivakumar attends public screening of FIFA World Cup 2026 final

BENGALURU: Chief Minister DK Shivakumar attended the public screening organised at the NGV Indoor Stadium (National Games Village, Koramangala) for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain. Congress MLA NA Haris was also present at the venue to watch the match along with football enthusiasts.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, Shivakumar said sports help build team spirit, adding that he is working to build “Team Karnataka.” “When you have been attracted to sports, you have a sporty spirit. I am also building Team Karnataka. It includes my officers, cadres, ministers and all my colleagues…” the CM said.

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar says, “When you have been attracted to sports, you have a sporty spirit. I am also building team Karnataka. It includes my officers, cadres, ministers and all my colleagues… ” https://t.co/cZKN4U6rrJ pic.twitter.com/L2Al8sDcBI

— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2026

Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup 2026 champions after edging defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time, bringing an end to Lionel Messi’s title defence and completing an impressive unbeaten campaign in which La Roja conceded just one goal in eight matches.

Substitute Ferran Torres emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute with a powerful strike into the roof of the net beyond Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The triumph secured Spain’s second men’s FIFA World Cup title and their first since lifting the trophy in 2010.

Meanwhile, Argentina suffered a defensive setback in the first half of the FIFA World Cup final against Spain after centre-back Lisandro Martinez was forced off with an apparent thigh injury on Sunday (local time).

The Manchester United defender, who has been a mainstay in Lionel Scaloni’s defence throughout the tournament, signalled towards his thigh before covering his face with his shirt as he left the field in the 44th minute. Veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi, 38, replaced him, according to ESPN.

Martinez entered the final as Argentina’s leader in clearances with 34 and ranked second in defensive interventions with 63 during the tournament. Before his substitution, he was level with Gonzalo Montiel for the highest number of defensive interventions in the final, with five.

Otamendi, who featured in Argentina’s victorious 2022 World Cup final against France, was called upon to shore up the defence, according to ESPN.

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. (ANI)