Trump Criticises England Tactics, Tuchel Responds
Donald Trump has mocked England's tactics in the World Cup, criticising Thomas Tuchel for deploying Harry Kane as a defensive player. Speaking ahead of the third-place play-off, Trump said: "I think they perhaps made a mistake when they made him a defensive player, but what do I know about soccer?"
England boss Thomas Tuchel defended his approach but offered to take the blame. "Listen, if it's easier, easier if someone takes the blame, I take the blame," he said in a press conference. However, when asked about Trump's comments, Tuchel snapped: "Do you use Donald Trump as your witness for the case, or? I was just asking."
Infantino Hails 'Greatest Cultural Event'
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has declared the 2026 World Cup the greatest cultural event of all time. Speaking at a reception at Trump Tower in New York, he said: "This has not just been – and is not just – the greatest (FIFA) World Cup of all time. It is the greatest human, social and cultural event that mankind has ever witnessed and seen, and we are all part of it, and for this I thank you very much, Mr President."
Spain's World Cup Winner Denied US Entry
Spain's World Cup winner Joan Capdevila has been denied entry to the United States ahead of attending this weekend's final. He has called on Trump for help to resolve the situation.
Messi Reflects on Yamal Photo
Lionel Messi has spoken about the photograph of him bathing a baby, Lamine Yamal. "I took a picture with him when he was a baby ... the fact that we're both playing in the World Cup now is crazy," he said. Yamal is set to be fit for the final after returning to training. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said: "He's fine, there are no problems with him. He took a heavy knock, but he coped with the match perfectly. We gave him a rest yesterday; today he's been training with his teammates as normal."
Saliba Out for France
William Saliba is set to miss France's third-place play-off after Didier Deschamps revealed the pain became 'unbearable' for the defender. The Arsenal star was forced off in the semi-final against Spain.
US Government Supports Argentina Over Falklands Banner
The US government will not ban Argentina players amid a FIFA investigation into the display of a banner about the Falkland Islands. World Cup chief Andrew Giuliani stated that Argentina were exercising their right to freedom of expression.
Two matches remain: France vs England for third place, and Spain vs Argentina for the final.
