Press conference news — SportsCatch

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

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