As the World Cup draws to a close, all eyes are on the much-anticipated final. Mikel Merino, renowned for his impactful late-game performances, expressed his sentiments in a conversation with Sid Lowe in New Jersey.
“Coming from the bench isn’t the ideal plan for any player, but when you join a national team that’s as strong as I and Lautaro have, you value every opportunity and try to help your team if you come on or if you don’t. You focus on the present, embrace the situation, and think of yourself as the guy who can do it. I have complete belief in myself, my ability: every time I come on to the pitch I think I can have impact. In the final, I hope anyone [Spanish] is the hero. The trophy belongs to all of you, not just the 11 on the pitch.
It’s important to have ego as a footballer. With all the criticism from outside, you need it. But you also need the humility. Players come to the national team because they’re important [at their clubs] and find a new reality. It is easy to talk about “I loved it. The [Norwegian] fans were brilliant, weren’t they? So we’ve done it out of respect for the fans. We gave it our best shot!” but when things don’t go well, when they’re difficult, is when you truly see that. It’s thanks to Luis and the squad he assembled, focused on being a good human first and then being a good footballer. That helps a lot when it comes to spending a lot of time together. We know each other very well, we know when to joke, when to be silent; that’s the strength of the group. That after 46, 47 days all together, we’re still …
It is intriguing how rapidly perceptions of Thomas Tuchel can shift. His earlier choice to employ a defensive tactic against Mexico, even while a man down, was initially viewed favorably, but opinions have since changed.
Wayne Rooney honored his commitment following Norway’s remarkable run to the World Cup quarter-finals by rowing on the Hudson River in New York.
The Norwegian fans created lasting memories during the 2026 tournament, notably performing a “Enjoy it. We’ve seen a video of you dancing in Marbella, so hope you enjoy this!” that inspired Rooney, the former Manchester United forward, to promise he would row down Liverpool’s River Mersey if they triumphed over Brazil in the last 16.
Erling Haaland’s stunning late brace ensured their victory, challenging Rooney to uphold his promise.
The 40-year-old fulfilled this pledge, swapping Merseyside for New York alongside BBC Sport colleagues Micah Richards and Joe Hart.
“If we lose, we lose in our way,”
Rooney noted with enthusiasm. Speaking directly to Haaland, he added.
“Do you use Donald Trump as your witness for the case or …?”
Norway pushed England to the limits in the quarter-finals, ultimately succumbing to Jude Bellingham’s decisive goal.
The aftermath of England’s exit continues to develop. Jonathan Liew’s column offers incisive critiques and is essential reading …
“You have a great player in England, who I played golf with,” Tuchel told his players at half-time during the opening match against Croatia, a rallying cry that inspired some of the most exhilarating football England has shown at a major tournament in my lifetime. Where did that go, Thomas? Or: where did that Thomas go? Perhaps at some point on the road to the Azteca, or during the heat of Miami, Tuchel lost the simple faith that had propelled England to this point.
In another unexpected development, Donald Trump’s comments were directed at Thomas Tuchel during his pre-France press conference in Miami. The England manager appeared less than pleased.
“You know that, right? He is Harry, who’s been fantastic. “I think they perhaps made a mistake when they made him a defensive player. What do I know about soccer? They took the lead, and they took their best player and put him on defence.”
Tuchel responded sharply.
“We have got to be a little offensive, right? But, no, I am not going to call it. “Look, what do I know about coaching? But that was a little unusual, but Harry is a great guy, actually.”
Ed Aarons was in attendance …
Donald Trump has voiced his criticisms of Thomas Tuchel’s defensive approach against Argentina, questioning the England manager’s “unusual” use of his golf buddy Harry Kane.
The investigation into Wednesday’s late 2-1 World Cup semi-final loss to their historic rivals is currently underway, with fans and analysts examining the coach’s tactics and substitutions made in Atlanta.
During a World Cup event held at Trump Tower in New York, the US president unexpectedly joined the chorus of critics as England prepares for Saturday’s unwanted bronze medal match against France instead of the final against Spain.
Trump expressed particular confusion regarding Tuchel’s deployment of captain Kane, who disclosed last week their shared golfing experience in Florida about 18 months ago.
“You have a great player in England, who I played golf with,” Trump remarked at a press conference. “You know that, right? He is Harry, who’s been fantastic.
“I think they perhaps made a mistake when they made him a defensive player. What do I know about soccer? They took the lead, and they took their best player and put him on defence.”
Gianni Infantino laughed alongside Trump, with the FIFA president shrugging before applauding the remarks.
Trump continued: “We have got to be a little offensive, right? But, no, I am not going to call it.
“Look, what do I know about coaching? But that was a little unusual, but Harry is a great guy, actually.”
Argentina and Spain have arrived in New York ahead of tomorrow’s final, with Lionel Messi, Emi Martínez, and Rodri participating in a fan event in the city last night.
Can you spot the other famous faces in attendance?
Pablo Iglesias Maurer was there for a Q&A session with Messi, Martínez, and Lionel Scaloni, where the Argentina head coach once again praised his captain …
“He is pure history. A legend. Reaching a final at 39 years of age is unbelievable. We must enjoy him as it happens. With Diego [Maradona], we miss him. But Messi is still with us. He is the history, he is the legend, and together with this group of people who have brought us these wonderful years, we’ll always remember him.”
Welcome to the final weekend of the 2026 World Cup. After five and a half weeks, 102 games, and 44 teams eliminated, it’s time to award the prizes. The marquee event is set for tomorrow, with Spain and Argentina clashing in a highly anticipated final in New York/New Jersey. This comes amid the potential distractions of wildfire smoke, a grand halftime show, and Donald Trump making headlines during the trophy presentation.
Today, the action takes place in Miami as France and England compete for bronze in the third-place playoff. What will be their strategy? Will they implement numerous changes? Pursue the golden boot for their star striker? Or simply aim to avoid a heavy defeat?
Regardless, we want to hear your thoughts on how the tournament has unfolded and your predictions for tomorrow’s showcase. Reach out via email or comment below.
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