Press conference news — SportsCatch

Tuchel backs Barry after assistant's blunt half-time verdict on England's shaky World Cup start

Thomas Tuchel has fully endorsed Anthony Barry after his assistant publicly called England 'complicated and confusing' at half-time of their 4-2 World Cup win over Croatia in Dallas, saying he is 'so happy' when Barry speaks his mind.

Football Jun 22

Rangnick accuses VAR of double standards after Messi double sinks Austria in Dallas

Ralf Rangnick was incensed by what he called inconsistent VAR decisions in Austria's 2-0 defeat to Argentina, claiming a clear foul on Xaver Schlager was ignored before Lionel Messi's opener. Messi's brace moved him to 18 World Cup goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose as the competition's all-time leading scorer.

Football Jun 22

Blair admits Kirifi omission was tough as impressive rivals block All Blacks recall

Du'Plessis Kirifi co-captained the Hurricanes to a Super Rugby Pacific title and delivered his best personal season, yet All Blacks assistant Mike Blair confirmed the eight-Test flanker was edged out by stronger competition for loose-forward spots in Dave Rennie's 34-man squad.

Rugby Jun 22

Merlin the duck meets Mexico's president after World Cup viral fame

Merlin, the pet duck in a miniature Mexico shirt who became an unofficial mascot of the 2026 World Cup, was welcomed to President Claudia Sheinbaum's morning press conference on Monday, where his owner received a pledge of support from the head of state.

Football Jun 22

Queiroz rallies 33 million lions as Ghana target England in World Cup Group L

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has issued a bold challenge to England ahead of their World Cup Group L meeting, declaring his nation's 33 million people a match for England's three lions. A Ghana win would seal their place in the Round of 32 with a game to spare.

Football Jun 22

O'Reilly eyes midfield return after thriving as England's first-choice left-back at World Cup

Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly, one of the Premier League season's standout performers, has hinted he sees his long-term future in midfield after making his England debut at the World Cup against Croatia.

Football Jun 22

Klopp dismisses Van der Vaart as 'attention-seeking' after Boeing 747 dig at Van Dijk

Jurgen Klopp has publicly rebuked Rafael van der Vaart after the Netherlands head coach compared Virgil van Dijk's turning speed to a Boeing 747, calling the pundit-turned-manager 'not worth mentioning' and questioning the integrity of his criticism.

Football Jun 22

O'Reilly eyes World Cup tattoo as England left-back targets glory in New York

Nico O'Reilly says he will mark a potential England World Cup triumph with a new tattoo, having already started the tournament as a key figure under Thomas Tuchel with a start in the 4-2 win over Croatia.

Football Jun 22

Martinez stands firm on Ronaldo as Portugal seek redemption against Uzbekistan

Roberto Martinez has dismissed mounting pressure to drop Cristiano Ronaldo and will start the 40-year-old against Uzbekistan in Houston, despite a poor opening draw with DR Congo that has exposed deep tensions inside the Portugal camp.

Football Jun 22

Conceicao urges Portugal to match Ronaldo's hunger as World Cup campaign falters after DR Congo draw

Francisco Conceicao has called on Portugal's younger players to surpass Cristiano Ronaldo's drive and dedication after a frustrating 1-1 draw with DR Congo left their World Cup campaign in need of a response against Uzbekistan in Houston on Tuesday.

Football Jun 22

Garry vows to outgrapple Makhachev at UFC 330: 'I'll bounce him on his skull'

Ian Garry has declared he will beat Islam Makhachev at his own game when the pair meet for the welterweight title at UFC 330 in Philadelphia on August 15, insisting his size, speed and takedown defence will expose the Dagestani champion in ways no opponent has before.

MMA Jun 22

Magomedov calls Strickland's sparring impression 'a pale imitation' ahead of UFC Baku

Sharabutdin 'Shara Bullet' Magomedov has dismissed Sean Strickland's attempt to mimic his flashy style in sparring as a pale imitation, while also admitting he was surprised Strickland ever became UFC champion. Magomedov faces Michel Pereira at UFC Baku on June 27.

MMA Jun 22

Garry vows to end Makhachev's record-tying 16-fight streak at UFC 330 in Philadelphia

Ian Machado Garry will challenge UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev in the UFC 330 main event on August 15 in Philadelphia. Garry, 10-1 in the octagon after wins over Belal Muhammad and Carlos Prates, says he will end Makhachev's historic 16-fight winning streak.

MMA Jun 22

Partey breaks silence on World Cup visa ban as Ghana prepare to face England

Thomas Partey has spoken for the first time since a Canadian court refused to overturn his visa denial, calling the absence from Ghana's opening World Cup fixture against Panama 'just part of football' as he prepares to face England.

Football Jun 22

Magomedov calls Pereira a 'hypocrite' and 'Instagram farmer' ahead of UFC Baku middleweight clash

Sharabutdin 'Shara Bullet' Magomedov has accused Michel Pereira of chasing social media clout, branding him a hypocrite for carrying the Israeli flag after a 2023 fight and then filming a dog rescue in Brazil for online attention.

MMA Jun 22

Dana White calls UFC White House card 'biggest thing we've ever done' as global numbers loom

Dana White says 17 million viewers tuned into the UFC White House event, with 7 million average viewers in the United States alone. He insists the full global figures, due next week, will make the numbers look even more significant.

MMA Jun 22

Erasmus backs Pollard after 'worst player on the pitch' verdict from Zebo

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has defended Handré Pollard following sharp criticism from pundit Simon Zebo, who labelled the fly-half the worst player on the pitch in the Bulls' 36-7 URC final defeat to Leinster.

Rugby Jun 22

FIFA defends MetLife pitch as Saliba, Deschamps and fans criticise surface ahead of England vs Panama

The MetLife Stadium pitch has drawn sharp criticism from France defender William Saliba and manager Didier Deschamps after their opening World Cup match, with FIFA issuing a formal statement defending the surface ahead of England's Group L clash with Panama on June 27.

Football Jun 22

Rashford urges England brotherhood as he battles Gordon for World Cup starting spot

Marcus Rashford has called on England to 'fight for each other' as Thomas Tuchel builds a squad mentality ahead of their Group L clash with Ghana. The Manchester United forward, a substitute in the 4-2 win over Croatia, is competing with Anthony Gordon for a starting berth.

Football Jun 22

Hadjar reveals how Verstappen's openness helps him survive Red Bull's toughest test

Isack Hadjar has opened up on life alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull, describing the four-time world champion as surprisingly candid with information — while admitting the Dutchman's pace demands he "dig very deep" every time he leaves the garage.

Formula 1 Jun 22