Press conference news — SportsCatch

Wallabies target second-half collapse as Schmidt era ends against Italy in Perth

Australia have pinpointed the opening five minutes of the second half as a critical area for improvement ahead of Saturday's Nations Championship clash with Italy in Perth, after surrendering leads against both Ireland and France in recent weeks.

Rugby Jul 14

De Paul defends Argentina's Falklands chants ahead of politically charged England semi-final

Rodrigo De Paul says Argentina's Falklands chants honour the nation's war dead but insists the semi-final against England in Atlanta on Wednesday must be decided on the pitch. FIFA did not punish the Argentine federation despite the songs appearing to breach political expression rules.

Football Jul 14

Kane breaks Rooney's caps record as England face Argentina in World Cup semi-final

Harry Kane will earn his 121st England cap — surpassing Wayne Rooney's outfield record — when the Three Lions face reigning world champions Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, a game Kane says he has dreamed of since childhood.

Football Jul 14

Kane dismisses England rift talk as Bellingham-Tuchel row fades before Argentina semi-final

Harry Kane has insisted there is 'complete togetherness' in the England camp after Jude Bellingham appeared to question Thomas Tuchel's post-match criticism following their 2-1 extra-time win over Norway in Miami.

Football Jul 14

Usman Nurmagomedov mimicking Ian Garry to sharpen Makhachev ahead of UFC 330

AKA head coach Javier Mendez has revealed that unbeaten PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov is serving as Islam Makhachev's primary sparring partner for UFC 330, replicating Ian Garry's distance management and long-range striking style.

MMA Jul 14

Tchouameni or Koné: Deschamps faces a real dilemma before France-Spain

Hours before the World Cup semi-final against Spain, Didier Deschamps is still uncertain about his midfield: Aurélien Tchouameni, doubtful after ten days without playing, could give way to Manu Koné, who has impressed since entering the competition.

Football Jul 14

Costa rejects UFC's short-notice Abu Dhabi call-up and blasts promotion's negotiating tactics

Paulo Costa has turned down a last-minute offer to replace Khalil Rountree against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25, citing a 13-day turnaround, a 16-hour flight, a five-round fight, and no extra pay or title implications.

MMA Jul 14

Makhachev would accept Holloway fight, says AKA coach Mendez after UFC 329

American Kickboxing Academy coach Javier Mendez says UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev would not turn down a fight with Max Holloway, who beat Conor McGregor at UFC 329 on July 11.

MMA Jul 14

Yamal vows Spain fear no one ahead of World Cup semifinal against France

Lamine Yamal, who turned 19 on Monday, faced the media ahead of Spain's World Cup semifinal against France at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday, insisting the European champions fear nobody after eliminating Les Bleus in each of the last two major tournaments.

Football Jul 14

Pickford backs Bellingham and Kane to hurt Argentina despite Messi GOAT nod

Jordan Pickford has warned Argentina that England's attacking depth — led by Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane — makes them a genuine threat in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, even as he acknowledged Lionel Messi's greatness.

Football Jul 14

Blair confirms Barrett still in contention as Love cements All Blacks No. 10 role

Ruben Love has started New Zealand's first two Tests of 2026 after a standout Super Rugby Pacific season with the Hurricanes, but assistant coach Mike Blair insists Beauden Barrett remains firmly in the All Blacks' plans despite consecutive omissions.

Rugby Jul 14

Deschamps names Spain favourites for World Cup semi-final despite France's superior record

Didier Deschamps has backed Spain as favourites ahead of Tuesday's World Cup 2026 semi-final in Dallas, despite France topping the world rankings and outscoring their opponents across the tournament. Spain beat France in both Euro 2024 and last year's Nations League.

Football Jul 13

Pickford backs England to keep cool against Argentina in World Cup semi-final

Jordan Pickford has expressed confidence that England will avoid the flashpoints that have marred previous meetings with Argentina, as Thomas Tuchel's side prepare to face the reigning world champions in Atlanta on Wednesday for a place in the World Cup final.

Football Jul 13

Rodri tells anxious Yamal to calm down as Spain star insists goals won't matter if they lift the World Cup

Rodri has urged Lamine Yamal to stop obsessing over his lack of goals at the World Cup, while the Barcelona teenager insists nobody will remember his tally if Spain go on to win the tournament.

Football Jul 13

New Portugal boss Jorge Jesus confirms Ronaldo will remain central to his four-year plan

Jorge Jesus, appointed on a four-year contract to lead Portugal through to the 2030 World Cup, has declared Cristiano Ronaldo 'never going to be a problem' and pledged to select the 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward as long as he remains fit.

Football Jul 13

Rodri urges Yamal to curb anxiety as Spain face France in World Cup semifinal

Spain captain Rodri has called on 19-year-old Lamine Yamal to manage his anxiety ahead of a World Cup semifinal against France, praising the winger's maturity while identifying composure as the key area he still needs to sharpen.

Football Jul 13

Pickford vows England will not fall for Argentina's dark arts at World Cup semi-final

Jordan Pickford has pledged that England will keep their discipline against Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, insisting the squad are too streetwise to be provoked — unlike David Beckham's infamous 1998 red card against the same opponents.

Football Jul 13

Reece James returns from injury and relishes England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina

Reece James came off the bench in England's quarter-final win over Norway in Miami after recovering from a hamstring strain, and says the semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta is what childhood dreams are made of.

Football Jul 13

Wolff admits Mercedes must fix reliability after nine poles yield just seven wins

Toto Wolff insists he would rather have a fast, unreliable car than a slow, dependable one, but concedes Mercedes should have converted all nine pole positions into victories during the 2026 Formula 1 season.

Formula 1 Jul 13

Alonso confirms Enzo Fernandez talks but hints Garnacho could leave Chelsea

New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed he has spoken privately with Enzo Fernandez following Real Madrid's public denial of interest in the midfielder, while also revealing that Alejandro Garnacho has attracted interest from other clubs.

Football Jul 13