Press conference news — SportsCatch

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

DR Congo manager Desabre learns of father's death at post-match press conference after England defeat

Sebastien Desabre was informed of his father's passing by DR Congo's communications manager at the end of his press conference following a 2-1 round-of-32 loss to England at the 2026 World Cup in Atlanta.

Football Jul 2

McKenzie embraces Rennie's attack reset as All Blacks prepare for France series opener

Damian McKenzie says the All Blacks' renewed attacking intent under Dave Rennie and Mike Blair is as much a shift in mindset as it is a structural overhaul, with the 74-Test playmaker eager to embrace a counter-attacking style ahead of the first-ever Test at Christchurch's new roofed stadium.

Rugby Jul 2

Tuchel credits assistant Barry for Declan Rice right-back switch that turned England's World Cup qualifier

Thomas Tuchel has revealed it was assistant coach Anthony Barry's idea to move Declan Rice to right-back during England's 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo, a switch made just five minutes before Harry Kane's equaliser.

Football Jul 1

Tuchel urges parents to let children stay up for England's last-16 World Cup clash

Thomas Tuchel has called on parents to let their children watch England's 1am BST round-of-16 tie against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday, days after Harry Kane's double sealed a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo.

Football Jul 1

Barry's half-time brainwave moved Rice to right-back as England edged past DR Congo

Thomas Tuchel has credited assistant Anthony Barry with the idea to shift Declan Rice to right-back in the closing stages of England's 2-1 World Cup win over DR Congo, with Rice admitting it was "the hardest 12 minutes of the game".

Football Jul 1

Rooney urges Tuchel to recall Walker as Rice admits right-back role does not suit him

Wayne Rooney has called on Thomas Tuchel to bring Kyle Walker out of international retirement after England's defensive frailties were exposed in a nervy 2-1 win over DR Congo. Declan Rice also conceded that right-back is not his natural position.

Football Jul 1

Garbarino pelts rival Richman with cannoli in chaotic BKFC Liberty Brawl press conference

Johnny Garbarino hurled a cannoli at former BKFC champion Mike Richman during Wednesday's pre-fight press conference in Philadelphia, with security repeatedly forced to separate the two fighters ahead of their BKFC Liberty Brawl bout on Friday.

MMA Jul 1

Tuchel warns altitude at Estadio Azteca gives Mexico huge advantage over England in World Cup last 16

Thomas Tuchel has acknowledged England face an unavoidable disadvantage when they travel to Mexico City's Estadio Azteca for their World Cup Round of 16 tie, admitting the 2,240-metre altitude is impossible to adapt to in just four days.

Football Jul 1

Gavi crowns Yamal the world's best player at the World Cup, Messi aside

Barcelona midfielder Gavi has hailed 18-year-old team-mate Lamine Yamal as the finest player on the planet — second only to Lionel Messi — as Spain prepare for their last-32 clash with Austria at the 2026 World Cup.

Football Jul 1

Mbappé consoles Deschamps after bereavement as France crushes Sweden 3-0

Days after the death of his mother, Didier Deschamps led France to a 3-0 victory over Sweden in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. Mbappé, who scored twice, embraced the manager at half-time in a gesture that deeply moved the coach.

Football Jul 1

Riou Raves About France: "I Don't Need Them to Win This World Cup"

With four victories and fourteen goals scored since the start of the 2026 World Cup, the France national team is captivating observers. Journalist Yoann Riou has gone so far as to argue that winning the title is not essential for this generation to enter legend.

Football Jul 1

Alex Coles urges England to seize their chance as Maro Itoje sits out South Africa opener

Northampton lock Alex Coles has called on England's squad players to step up in Maro Itoje's absence, with Steve Borthwick's side facing South Africa at Ellis Park on Saturday in their Nations Championship opener.

Rugby Jul 1

FIFA grants coaches freedom to move after Tuchel's anthem view 'ruined' at World Cup

Thomas Tuchel complained to FIFA after roughly 50 photographers blocked his view of England's players during the national anthem in their 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas. FIFA responded by updating its matchday protocol for all World Cup venues.

Football Jul 1

Exeter Chiefs owner vows to make club the best in the world after £45m Black Knight takeover

Tony Rowe is staying on as chief executive for two years following Black Knight Rugby's £45m takeover of Exeter Chiefs, and says the American-backed ownership group will target the inaugural Rugby Club World Cup in 2028.

Rugby Jul 1

Pochettino dismisses USA favourites tag ahead of must-win Bosnia clash at World Cup

Mauricio Pochettino has warned against labelling the United States as favourites for their World Cup round-of-32 tie against Bosnia, pointing to the shock exits of Germany and the Netherlands as proof the tournament remains wide open.

Football Jul 1

Bielsa resigns as Uruguay boss after World Cup exit in 100-minute farewell address

Marcelo Bielsa has stepped down as Uruguay head coach following the team's group-stage elimination at the 2026 World Cup, delivering a characteristically candid 100-minute press conference in which he said 'nobody was interested' in what he tried to transmit.

Football Jul 1

Tuchel confident England can cope as James and Quansah ruled out of DR Congo clash

Reece James and Jarell Quansah have both been ruled out of England's World Cup round of 32 match against DR Congo in Atlanta, leaving Thomas Tuchel to reshuffle his right-back options. Declan Rice, however, has returned to full training and is expected to be available.

Football Jul 1

Tuchel reveals how 2016 shootout nightmare shaped England's World Cup penalty preparations

Thomas Tuchel has disclosed that a painful penalty shootout defeat with Borussia Dortmund in 2016 directly drove him to build a rigorous preparation programme, which England will have ready should they need it at the World Cup.

Football Jul 1

Robertson admits she smokes marijuana through fight camps ahead of UFC 330 title shot

Gillian Robertson has revealed she continues using marijuana throughout her fight camps and up to weigh-in day where commissions permit, as she prepares to challenge Mackenzie Dern for the UFC women's strawweight title at UFC 330 on Aug. 15 in Philadelphia.

MMA Jul 1