Press conference news — SportsCatch

FIFA approves roadblocks for England hotel as Mexico fans plot sleepless night before Azteca clash

FIFA has granted England's request for roadblocks around their Mexico City hotel ahead of Sunday's World Cup last-16 tie at the Azteca, after thousands of fans disrupted Ecuador's sleep with fireworks and noise before Mexico's 2-0 round-of-32 win.

Football Jul 3

Townsend backs 'Test match animal' Jordan to fill Russell's fly-half role against Argentina

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has named Tom Jordan at fly-half for Saturday's Nations Championship opener against Argentina in Cordoba, with Finn Russell sidelined by a calf injury. Townsend praised the Bristol back as a 'Test match animal' ahead of his 18th cap.

Rugby Jul 3

Kasanganay backs PFL's middleweights as world's best ahead of interim title clash with Eblen

Impa Kasanganay has declared the PFL's middleweight division the strongest in MMA as he prepares to face former champion Johnny Eblen for the interim title at PFL Austin on July 18 — the first interim championship bout in PFL history.

MMA Jul 3

Garcia issues statement after 'African teams' remark sparks backlash following Belgium's comeback win

Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia has clarified his post-match comments after suggesting teams like Senegal lose tactical shape when protecting a lead, remarks widely perceived as disrespectful to African nations. The controversy follows Belgium's 3-2 extra-time comeback win over Senegal at the World Cup.

Football Jul 3

Garry vows to surpass McGregor as face of Irish MMA by dethroning Makhachev at UFC 330

Ian Garry says beating Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight title at UFC 330 on 15 August in Philadelphia would make him the most victorious Irishman in UFC history, surpassing his idol Conor McGregor's legacy.

MMA Jul 3

Cormier warns Garry's late-stoppage prediction could backfire against Makhachev at UFC 330

Daniel Cormier has cautioned Ian Garry that his desire to call his shot against Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 on August 15 in Philadelphia is a dangerous mindset — insisting the only thing that matters is winning, regardless of how.

MMA Jul 3

Savea backs debutant Love to deliver as All Blacks face full-strength France scepticism

New All Blacks captain Ardie Savea has endorsed Ruben Love ahead of the 25-year-old's first Test start at fly-half, while dismissing talk of a weakened France side as 'rubbish' on the eve of New Zealand's Nations Championship opener.

Rugby Jul 3

Wilson urges Wallabies to seize sold-out Sydney moment 15 months from home World Cup

Harry Wilson says the Wallabies must convert a sold-out Allianz Stadium crowd into lasting momentum as Australia prepares to host Ireland on Saturday, with the 2027 Rugby World Cup looming on home soil.

Rugby Jul 3

Rangnick sees Spain as world champions after eliminating Austria

After Austria's elimination by Spain in the World Cup round of 16, Austrian manager Ralf Rangnick has named Spain as the future world champions, despite France being positioned as the overwhelming favorite by specialists.

Football Jul 3

Riolo tempers hype around Olise and Mbappé: "We haven't done anything yet"

After France's 3-0 victory over Sweden in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16, the Mbappé-Olise duo has captured media attention. Journalist Daniel Riolo argues this enthusiasm is premature and calls for restraint.

Football Jul 3

Garry cites Strickland's Chimaev upset as proof he can dethrone Makhachev at UFC 330

Ian Garry (17-1) faces welterweight champion Islam Makhachev (28-1) in the UFC 330 main event in Philadelphia on August 15, and the Irishman insists Sean Strickland's shock win over Khamzat Chimaev shows title upsets are possible.

MMA Jul 3

Rudi Garcia clarifies remarks on Senegal after racism controversy

Accused of racism after mentioning the « tactical control » of opposing teams late in the match, Belgian manager Rudi Garcia issued a statement to clarify that his words were not specifically aimed at African teams.

Football Jul 3

Marsch calls Morocco a "horrible nightmare" ahead of Round of 16 clash in Houston

Two days before facing Morocco in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, Canadian manager Jesse Marsch admitted his fears about the Lions of the Atlas, while promising to "seize the chance" for his team.

Football Jul 3

Ronaldo defers retirement call until after World Cup as 2030 appearance stays on the table

Cristiano Ronaldo refused to announce any decision on his international future after Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 to reach the World Cup Round of 16, saying he will decide once the tournament is over. Coach Roberto Martinez has backed the 39-year-old to compete at a record seventh World Cup in 2030.

Football Jul 3

McGregor promises greater power at welterweight ahead of UFC 329 rematch with Holloway

Conor McGregor says fighting at 170 pounds will bring a "different thud" as he prepares to face Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas — his first bout since breaking his leg in 2021.

MMA Jul 3

Rennie backs Barrett despite All Blacks omission: 'His contributions have been massive'

New All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has praised Beauden Barrett's training impact despite leaving the 144-Test veteran out of the 23-man squad to face France in Christchurch, with Hurricanes fly-half Ruben Love handed the No.10 start.

Rugby Jul 2

Tuchel warns altitude gives Mexico huge advantage in World Cup Azteca showdown

England manager Thomas Tuchel has conceded that his side cannot adapt to the altitude of Mexico City's Azteca Stadium in time for Sunday's World Cup round of 16 clash, calling it a "huge advantage" for the hosts.

Football Jul 2

Borthwick backs Pollock to thrive as South Africa name him 'public enemy number one'

England flanker Henry Pollock has been branded 'public enemy number one' by South African fans and former players ahead of Saturday's Test at Ellis Park, but head coach Steve Borthwick insists the 21-year-old will only shine brighter under the pressure.

Rugby Jul 2

Tuchel warns altitude gives Mexico huge advantage as England prepare for Azteca showdown

Thomas Tuchel has admitted Mexico hold a "huge advantage" over England ahead of their World Cup last-16 tie at the Azteca Stadium, with FIFA rules preventing England from avoiding the worst effects of the 7,200-foot altitude.

Football Jul 2

Tuchel vows England will claim World Cup karma at Azteca, 40 years after Hand of God

Thomas Tuchel has promised England are due a stroke of fortune at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium, where Diego Maradona's infamous handball knocked them out of the 1986 World Cup. England face joint hosts Mexico at the same venue in the 2026 tournament.

Football Jul 2