Press conference news — SportsCatch

Klopp brands Trump-Infantino intervention over Balogun ban reversal 'crazy'

Jurgen Klopp has publicly criticised Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino after football's governing body suspended Folarin Balogun's automatic one-match ban, allowing the USA forward to face Belgium in the World Cup round of 16.

Football Jul 6

Belgium appeal Fifa's last-minute decision to lift Balogun's red-card ban before USA clash

Belgium's football association has been granted the right to appeal Fifa's controversial decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's one-match ban, hours before the USA face Belgium in a World Cup round of 16 tie at Seattle Stadium. Both sides were asked to submit arguments just 12 hours before kick-off.

Football Jul 6

Aguirre steps down as Mexico boss after England's historic Azteca victory

Javier Aguirre has left his role as Mexico manager following their World Cup defeat to England at the Azteca Stadium, with assistant Rafa Marquez set to take charge in a succession plan agreed before the tournament.

Football Jul 6

Tuchel blasts refereeing after England's qualification against Mexico

Qualified for the World Cup quarter-finals at Mexico's expense, England saw manager Thomas Tuchel launch a scathing attack on referee Alireza Faghani and VAR officials, whom he suspects of bias.

Football Jul 6

Faghani's two penalties and Quansah red card spark referee row after England edge Mexico 3-2

Referee Alireza Faghani divided opinion with a string of contentious VAR-assisted decisions in England's 3-2 round-of-16 win over Mexico, prompting a furious post-match rant from Thomas Tuchel and calls from fans to appoint Faghani for the final.

Football Jul 6

Tuchel demands FIFA consistency after Trump's Balogun red card reversal opens England appeal door

Thomas Tuchel has questioned FIFA's decision to overturn Folarin Balogun's red card following a private intervention by Donald Trump, arguing the U-turn creates grounds for England to appeal Jarell Quansah's dismissal against Mexico.

Football Jul 6

Tuchel rages at referee after 10-man England survive Azteca scare to reach World Cup quarter-finals

Thomas Tuchel launched a furious attack on match officials despite England's 3-2 last-16 victory over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, condemning the referee and a VAR panel he claimed was stacked with South American officials.

Football Jul 6

Ronaldo silences retirement questions ahead of Portugal's last-16 clash with Spain

Cristiano Ronaldo hit back at reporters asking about his international future at a World Cup press conference, insisting he will retire 'when I want to, not when you want me to.' The 41-year-old has scored three goals in the tournament as Portugal prepare to face Spain in the last 16.

Football Jul 6

Tuchel blasts referees after VAR controversies cloud England's 3-2 win over Mexico

England reached the World Cup quarter-finals with a 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Azteca, but Thomas Tuchel directed sharp criticism at the officials after two VAR interventions — a red card for Jarell Quansah and a penalty — shaped a nervy second half.

Football Jul 6

Pochettino backs FIFA's Balogun ban suspension ahead of USA's last-16 clash with Belgium

FIFA has suspended Folarin Balogun's red card ban, clearing the USA's top scorer to face Belgium in Monday's World Cup last-16 tie in Seattle. Coach Mauricio Pochettino called the decision a victory for ethics and integrity, despite the move following a direct call from President Trump to FIFA chief Gianni Infantino.

Football Jul 6

Ex-Springboks coach Mallett slams Borthwick for benching Pollock in 45-21 Ellis Park defeat

Nick Mallett, the former Springboks head coach, has criticised Steve Borthwick for failing to start 21-year-old Henry Pollock against South Africa, arguing England's back row was weaker for it in a 45-21 loss at Ellis Park.

Rugby Jul 6

Garcia calls it an April Fool's joke as FIFA reinstates Balogun for USA vs Belgium

Belgium manager Rudi Garcia was left stunned after FIFA rescinded Folarin Balogun's red-card suspension, making the USA striker available for Monday's round of 16 clash in Seattle. U.S. boss Mauricio Pochettino, by contrast, was all smiles at his press conference.

Football Jul 6

Garcia brands Balogun ban reversal an 'April Fools' as Belgium rage at FIFA ruling

Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia has publicly condemned FIFA's decision to overturn Folarin Balogun's one-game suspension, freeing the Monaco forward to face Belgium in the World Cup round of 16 in Seattle.

Football Jul 5

Neville, Keane and Wright savage Gabriel after Haaland header ends Brazil's World Cup

Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Ian Wright tore into Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes after Erling Haaland scored twice — including an unchallenged header — to eliminate Brazil from the World Cup at the hands of Norway.

Football Jul 5

Leclerc seals Ferrari's 250th grand prix win at Silverstone, where it all began in 1951

Charles Leclerc won the 2026 British Grand Prix at Silverstone to deliver Ferrari's 250th Formula 1 victory, with president John Elkann on the pitlane to witness the landmark result at the very circuit where the team claimed its first win 75 years ago.

Formula 1 Jul 5

Balogun's FIFA reprieve fires up 'USA vs. the world' narrative ahead of Belgium clash

FIFA has lifted Folarin Balogun's automatic red card suspension, clearing the United States' leading scorer to face Belgium in the World Cup Round of 16. Analyst Alexi Lalas welcomed the ruling but warned it will fuel perceptions of special treatment for the co-hosts.

Football Jul 5

Ronaldo confirms 2026 World Cup will be his last as Portugal face Spain

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that the 2026 World Cup will be his final tournament with Portugal. The 41-year-old made the admission at a press conference ahead of his side's round of 16 clash against Spain.

Football Jul 5

Smith brands England 'soft' after 45-21 mauling hands Boks fifth straight Test win

Fly-half Fin Smith admitted England were 'soft' in defence and missed too many tackles as South Africa ran out 45-21 winners at Ellis Park on Saturday, extending England's losing run to five consecutive Tests.

Rugby Jul 5

2026 World Cup: Paraguay denounces 'theft' after VAR penalty that eliminated them

Beaten 1-0 by France on a Kylian Mbappé penalty awarded after VAR intervention, Paraguay is crying foul. Press, coach and supporters all point to video refereeing as solely responsible for their elimination.

Football Jul 5

Antonelli seizes fifth pole of 2026 at Silverstone as Wolff hails teenager's greatness traits

Kimi Antonelli claimed his fifth pole position of the 2026 season at the British Grand Prix, beating Charles Leclerc by nearly two tenths, hours after overtaking Lewis Hamilton to win the Silverstone sprint. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says the 19-year-old shows every trait of a future all-time great.

Formula 1 Jul 5