The royal family will be among the high-profile spectators as Spain take on the reigning world champions in the World Cup final. King Felipe VI travelled to Mexico in June to watch Spain secure a 1-0 victory over Uruguay during the group stage.
The visit was widely seen as reinforcing improving diplomatic ties between the two nations after years of strained relations.
England appeared to be within touching distance of football history after Anthony Gordon broke the deadlock shortly after half-time, putting Thomas Tuchel’s side 1-0 ahead against Argentina in Atlanta.
With the clock ticking down, supporters dared to believe the long wait for another World Cup final was finally coming to an end.
However, England’s decision to retreat and protect their narrow advantage ultimately proved costly. Tuchel switched to a back five during the closing stages, inviting Argentina forward and allowing Lionel Messi and his teammates to take control of the game.
Enzo Fernández equalised in the 86th minute with a powerful finish following a short corner, before Lautaro Martínez delivered the crushing blow in stoppage time by heading home a Messi cross.
England had gone from leading and dreaming of Sunday’s showpiece to losing 2-1 in a matter of minutes.
The defeat means Argentina will now face Spain, who secured their place in the final with a convincing 2-0 victory over France in Texas. Spain are now one win away from lifting the trophy for only the second time, having previously been crowned world champions in 2010.
The Spanish royals watched the semi-final together while wearing matching national-team shirts, and the Palace has since confirmed the entire family will travel to the New York area for Sunday’s final.
Their appearance will also carry a touch of royal history. Felipe and Letizia attended Spain’s victorious World Cup final in South Africa in 2010, although their daughters were still children and did not accompany them. This time, Leonor and Sofía will be there to witness what could become another defining night for Spanish football.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.express.co.uk ’
