Press conference news — SportsCatch

Tchouameni or Koné against Spain: Durand gives his analysis before the semi-final

Back in training after an adductor injury, Aurélien Tchouameni is competing with Manu Koné for the starting midfielder spot for France against Spain in the 2026 World Cup semi-final on Tuesday in Dallas. Former international Jean-Philippe Durand favours Tchouameni, subject to his physical condition.

Football Jul 13

Rennie explains Will Jordan's captaincy as All Blacks leadership group is revealed

Dave Rennie has clarified why Will Jordan captained the All Blacks during the final 15 minutes against Italy, revealing that Jordan was the last of six designated leaders still on the field after a wave of substitutions.

Rugby Jul 13

Martial fined £180,000 and publicly criticised by Mourinho for skipping pre-season to attend child's birth

Anthony Martial was docked two weeks' wages and condemned by Jose Mourinho after leaving Manchester United's 2018 US tour to support his partner through the birth of their second child. The striker fired back, insisting his family would always come first.

Football Jul 13

Dana White blasts UFC production team after Shakur Stevenson mistaken for NBA player at UFC 329

UFC president Dana White publicly lambasted his own production team after four-division boxing champion Shakur Stevenson was incorrectly identified on screen as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams during UFC 329 in Las Vegas.

MMA Jul 13

Rennie taps Jordie Barrett's Leinster knowledge to decode Ireland ahead of Eden Park clash

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has drawn on Jordie Barrett's recent Leinster stint to gain insight into Ireland ahead of their Nations Championship meeting at Eden Park, with both sides unbeaten after two rounds.

Rugby Jul 13

Kane backs Tuchel's harsh verdict as England eye Argentina semifinal

Harry Kane has defended Thomas Tuchel after the England manager called his side 'lucky' in their 2-1 World Cup quarter-final win over Norway, insisting Tuchel's blunt criticism is designed to unlock a higher level from the squad ahead of a semifinal against Argentina.

Football Jul 12

Erasmus targets Argentina Test for Feinberg-Mngomezulu's Springbok comeback

Rassie Erasmus has revealed that Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu could return to the Springbok squad in time for the August 8 Test against Argentina, giving the flyhalf one match to prove his fitness before the All Blacks arrive for the Greatest Rivalry Tour.

Rugby Jul 12

Kane plays peacemaker as Bellingham fires back at Tuchel over 'lucky' England win

Harry Kane has defended Thomas Tuchel's post-match criticism of England's 2-1 extra-time win over Norway, insisting the head coach is simply trying to raise standards — but Jude Bellingham had already hit back sharply at his manager's remarks.

Football Jul 12

Kane admits England have shown their best only in glimpses after reaching World Cup semi-final

Harry Kane acknowledged England have yet to hit top gear at the 2026 World Cup despite reaching the semi-finals, where they will face Argentina in Atlanta after a hard-fought extra-time win over Norway.

Football Jul 12

Grella's 'ugly daughter' jibe leads chorus of criticism at England despite World Cup semi-final place

Former Leeds and Brentford forward Mike Grella delivered a scathing verdict on England's 2-1 quarter-final win over Norway, saying praising the display was like telling 'the world's ugliest daughter' she is beautiful. Troy Deeney echoed the criticism, questioning England's control and late tactical changes.

Football Jul 12

Yakin brands Embolo's VAR red card 'completely unacceptable' after Switzerland's World Cup exit

Switzerland manager Murat Yakin furiously condemned the 'mistaken identity' VAR protocol after Breel Embolo was controversially sent off in the quarterfinal, with Argentina going on to win 3-1 in extra time.

Football Jul 12

Tuchel reveals England's 'pretty simple' formula: Kane and Bellingham will do the rest

Thomas Tuchel has laid out England's World Cup blueprint ahead of their semi-final against Argentina, saying the combination of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham — who have scored all but one of England's goals — is the formula he trusts to carry them through.

Football Jul 12

Bellingham dismisses Tuchel's critique after scoring twice to send England to World Cup semis

Jude Bellingham scored both goals in England's 2-1 extra-time win over Norway at the 2026 World Cup, then pushed back on Thomas Tuchel's post-match criticism of the performance. Analysts say the public disagreement is unlikely to cause lasting tension ahead of a semifinal against Argentina.

Football Jul 12

Dana White blasts UFC production team after Shakur Stevenson misidentified at UFC 329

Dana White publicly tore into his production team at the UFC 329 post-fight press conference after newly signed Zuffa Boxing fighter Shakur Stevenson was incorrectly captioned on the broadcast as NBA star Jalen Williams — the latest in a string of similar errors.

MMA Jul 12

Pimblett eyes McGregor's throne after 52-second win at UFC 329

Paddy Pimblett reacted with both opportunism and sympathy after Conor McGregor's leg injury ended his UFC 329 comeback in 69 seconds. Hours after declaring himself the promotion's new face, Pimblett submitted Benoit Saint Denis in 52 seconds and called out the entire lightweight division.

MMA Jul 12

Lip reader reveals Tuchel's furious half-time rant as England survive Norway scare

Thomas Tuchel berated his England players during a hydration break, demanding they 'work harder' and 'listen to staff', according to a lip reader. Despite the touchline blast, Norway took the lead before Jude Bellingham's brace sealed a 2-1 extra-time win.

Football Jul 12

Vowles vows Williams will 'come back swinging' at Belgian GP after Silverstone struggles

Williams team principal James Vowles has promised a full internal reset following a difficult British Grand Prix, with the Grove outfit targeting a stronger showing at Spa-Francorchamps in the 10th round of the 2026 season.

Formula 1 Jul 12

Tuipulotu hails Scotland's resilience after first Springboks away test ahead of World Cup

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu drew strong encouragement from his side's performance in a 42-28 Nations Championship defeat to South Africa in Pretoria, calling it vital preparation for the 2026 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Rugby Jul 12

Diallo reveals Deschamps extension could have been considered after 2026

FFF president Philippe Diallo confirmed that Didier Deschamps' record would have justified an extension beyond the 2026 World Cup, had the manager not himself announced his departure.

Football Jul 12

Infantino Contested: Diallo Acknowledges Shortcomings but Stops Short of Breaking with FIFA Chief

Questioned about 2026 World Cup controversies — including the Balogun affair — and the 2027 FIFA election, FFF president Philippe Diallo offered measured support to Gianni Infantino while pointing out governance gaps.

Football Jul 12