Messi, Scaloni shrug off World Cup final pressure at star-studded event

July 18, 2026
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Messi, Scaloni shrug off World Cup final pressure at star-studded eventJuly 18, 2026
Thomas Tuchel: England must learn to handle pressure to close gap to rivalsJuly 18, 2026
Thomas Tuchel has said England must close a gap to the top nations after suggesting his side must learn to play better football under pressure at tournaments. England will contest the World Cup third-place match against France on Saturday after losing an agonising semifinal against Argentina, in which their inability to close the game out… Read more: Thomas Tuchel: England must learn to handle pressure to close gap to rivals
Messi on viral Yamal baby photo: ‘Incredible’ we’re playing in World Cup finalJuly 18, 2026
Argentina captain Lionel Messi called the photo of him bathing Lamine Yamal in 2007 “incredible,” praising the Spanish winger ahead of Sunday’s 2026 World Cup final. “That photo is incredible,” Messi said on Friday. “I took a picture with him when he was a baby… the fact that we’re both playing in the World Cup… Read more: Messi on viral Yamal baby photo: ‘Incredible’ we’re playing in World Cup final
Spain captain Rodri says team must raise level vs. ArgentinaJuly 18, 2026
NEW YORK — Spain reaching the FIFA World Cup final is still something of a novelty, given this is just the second time the country has gotten this far. Rodri sees it as the culmination of years building to this point. Winning the Nations League in 2023 and the European Championship in 2024 set the… Read more: Spain captain Rodri says team must raise level vs. Argentina
President Donald Trump questions England tactical ‘mistake’ after World Cup exitJuly 18, 2026
U.S. President Donald Trump has joined the growing criticism of Thomas Tuchel’s tactics in England‘s World Cup semifinal defeat to Argentina by questioning Harry Kane‘s second-half role. Sources have told ESPN that Tuchel retains the support of the Football Association and is expected to remain in charge through to Euro 2028 despite a backlash to… Read more: President Donald Trump questions England tactical ‘mistake’ after World Cup exit
FIFA president Infantino proclaims World Cup a success at U.N.July 18, 2026
NEW YORK — FIFA President Gianni Infantino deemed the FIFA World Cup a success on Friday, saying the tournament achieved its mission of uniting people from all corners of the globe. Infantino spoke at the United Nations as part of a daylong session about how the game can be a catalyst for youth mental health.… Read more: FIFA president Infantino proclaims World Cup a success at U.N.
Didier Deschamps confirms Kylian Mbappé ‘available’ for third place playoff with Golden Boot in sightsJuly 18, 2026
Didier Deschamps confirmed Kylian Mbappé is “available” for the World Cup third place playoff with England, but confirmed he plans to make changes to his regular starting XI in his final match as France boss. Mbappé has been one of the biggest stars of this tournament and although his side are now out of the… Read more: Didier Deschamps confirms Kylian Mbappé ‘available’ for third place playoff with Golden Boot in sights
World Cup breakout star Johan Manzambi joins Aston VillaJuly 18, 2026
BIRMINGHAM, England — World Cup breakout star Johan Manzambi joined Champions League-bound Aston Villa on Friday in a record transfer deal for a Swiss player. Manzambi had an offer to join Newcastle but a viral clip after Switzerland’s quarterfinal loss last Saturday in Kansas City showed the 20-year-old midfielder replying yes to Argentina goalkeeper Emi… Read more: World Cup breakout star Johan Manzambi joins Aston Villa
World Cup beer sales hopping for host cities across U.S.July 18, 2026
The FIFA World Cup has been a bonanza for beer in the U.S. Bars in Boston reported needing emergency deliveries to keep taps from running dry on some game days. Fans downed a total of 290,000 stadium beers during the six matches in Philadelphia, FIFA organizers said. But all that frothy foam obscures a cold… Read more: World Cup beer sales hopping for host cities across U.S.
Gary Neville has ‘big problem’ with Thomas Tuchel’s England ‘DNA’ commentJuly 17, 2026
Former England defender Gary Neville has said he has a “big problem” with Thomas Tuchel questioning his team’s “DNA” in major tournaments, while insisting the manager left out “generational talents” who could have helped him at the World Cup. After England let a 1-0 lead slip in the closing minutes of their semifinal against Argentina… Read more: Gary Neville has ‘big problem’ with Thomas Tuchel’s England ‘DNA’ comment

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