Press conference news — SportsCatch

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

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