Press conference news — SportsCatch

Konsa backs England to cause upset against Mexico despite Azteca altitude concern

Ezri Konsa has insisted England are ready to embrace their underdog status and beat co-hosts Mexico in the World Cup Round of 16 at the Estadio Azteca, despite altitude concerns and a shaky defensive display against DR Congo.

Football Jul 2

Tuchel expects Rice to recover from nerve pain for England's last-16 clash with Mexico

Declan Rice was forced off late in England's 2-1 win over DR Congo while managing nerve pain in his back, but Thomas Tuchel says there is no injury and expects the Arsenal midfielder to be available for Sunday's World Cup last-16 match at the Azteca.

Football Jul 2

Tuchel adjusts England's travel plans to tackle Azteca altitude ahead of Mexico last-16

Thomas Tuchel has moved England's departure to Mexico City one day earlier than planned to help his squad cope with the Azteca Stadium's 2,240-metre altitude. The manager also spoke of 'karma' as England return to the ground for the first time since Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' in 1986.

Football Jul 2

Nagelsmann faces three-hour crisis talks after Germany's third straight World Cup exit

Julian Nagelsmann met German football federation bosses for a three-hour crisis meeting on Thursday after Germany's penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay ended their World Cup campaign in the round of 32 — the country's third consecutive early exit.

Football Jul 2

Phillipson pushes back on Tuchel's plea to excuse children from school for England's 1am World Cup clash

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has said schoolchildren can still attend class after England's 1am BST last-16 World Cup tie against Mexico on Monday, contradicting Thomas Tuchel's call for parents to write school excuses.

Football Jul 2

Tandy insists Wales match fees dispute leaves 'no hangover' ahead of Fiji opener

Head coach Steve Tandy says Wales players can 'wholeheartedly focus' on Saturday's Nations Championship clash with Fiji after a last-minute match fees dispute between the WRU and Welsh Rugby Players' Association was resolved on Wednesday evening.

Rugby Jul 2

Carragher warns Kane's record 72-goal season may not be enough to win Ballon d'Or

Jamie Carragher argues Harry Kane is currently the most deserving Ballon d'Or candidate after 72 goals for Bayern Munich and England, but believes the award will ultimately go to the star player of whichever nation wins the 2026 World Cup.

Football Jul 2

Farrell backs Prendergast to start at fly-half for Ireland's Nations Championship opener against Australia

Andy Farrell has defended his decision to hand Sam Prendergast the fly-half jersey for Ireland's Nations Championship clash with Australia in Sydney, saying the 23-year-old has earned his place after a strong finish to the club season.

Rugby Jul 2

Ex-Springboks coach Mallett warns Ellis Park suits England more than World Cup holders

Former South Africa head coach Nick Mallett says he is 'not secure at all' about the Springboks' opening Nations Championship match against England, arguing Ellis Park's conditions favour Steve Borthwick's physical, cohesive side.

Rugby Jul 2

Platini hails Olise, "a number 10 like in the old days", and his unique connection with Mbappé

Five assists in four matches at the 2026 World Cup: Michael Olise has won over Michel Platini, who praises the return of a true number 10 to the France squad and the instinctive understanding between the Bayern Munich midfielder and Kylian Mbappé.

Football Jul 2

Tuchel urges parents to let children stay up for England's 1am World Cup clash with Mexico

Thomas Tuchel has called on parents to allow their children to watch England face Mexico at the Azteca Stadium at 1am BST, days after Harry Kane's double secured a last-16 place against DR Congo.

Football Jul 2

Mahrez confirms 2026 World Cup will be his last with Algeria

At 35, the Fennecs captain announced he will not play in any World Cup after the 2026 edition, on the eve of the Round of 16 against Switzerland.

Football Jul 2

Tuchel urges parents to keep children up for England vs Mexico, but minister pushes back

England manager Thomas Tuchel called on parents to write school excuses so children can watch Monday's 1am BST kick-off against Mexico in the World Cup. Skills minister Baroness Jacqui Smith rejected the plea, warning against missed learning.

Football Jul 2

Tuchel's pitchside fury at Spence overshadowed by Kane's brace as England beat DR Congo

Thomas Tuchel was caught on pitchside microphones berating Djed Spence for a second time at the 2026 World Cup before substituting the Tottenham full-back, as Harry Kane's two goals sealed England's victory over DR Congo and set up a last-16 meeting with Mexico.

Football Jul 2

Friedel dismisses Mexico as 'so average' but warns England not to concede early at altitude

Former USA goalkeeper Brad Friedel has urged England to avoid conceding an early goal against Mexico in the World Cup round of 16, warning that the extreme altitude of the Azteca Stadium will leave players 'dead' within 20 minutes if they fall behind.

Football Jul 2

Rennie names surprise All Blacks back row for France Test with Savea shifted to No.8

Dave Rennie has revealed his All Blacks loose forward selection for Saturday's Test against France in Christchurch was the most debated part of his squad announcement, with Ardie Savea moving to No.8 and injury-plagued Luke Jacobson returning at openside.

Rugby Jul 2

Schmidt hands Lonergan first Wallabies start as untested halves pairing faces Ireland

Joe Schmidt has named Ryan Lonergan and Carter Gordon as his starting halfback and fly-half for Australia's Nations Championship opener against Ireland, despite the duo never having played together at any level.

Rugby Jul 2

Rudi Garcia denies targeting Senegal with 'those teams' comment after Belgium's qualification

After Belgium's dramatic comeback against Senegal (3-2 a.e.t.) in the World Cup round of 16, Rudi Garcia was accused of a racist slip for referring to 'those teams'. The manager denied the allegation at a press conference.

Football Jul 2

Pochettino insists Balogun red card was 'never a red card' as USA striker faces Belgium ban

Mauricio Pochettino has strongly disputed Folarin Balogun's straight red card in the USA's 2-0 World Cup win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, calling it accidental. Balogun, who scored the opener, will now miss the last-16 clash against Belgium in Seattle.

Football Jul 2

Rooney warns England face World Cup exit unless Tuchel fixes glaring defensive flaws

Harry Kane's two late goals rescued England against DR Congo to secure a round-of-16 place, but Wayne Rooney has warned the side face elimination if Thomas Tuchel cannot address the team's lack of defensive shape and midfield connections before facing Mexico.

Football Jul 2