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World Cup LIVE: FIFA react to Falklands banner row as Thomas Tuchel's private rejection emerges
Jul 17 2026 08:48 · By Mark Wakefield,Sport Central Audience Writer · 12 Reads
Welcome to Mirror Football’s latest LIVE coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We’ll be on hand throughout Friday, July 17 to provide the latest news from the tournament in North America.
This weekend will see the World Cup come to an end as Spain and Argentina go head-to-head in Sunday’s final in New Jersey.
Before that, England will take on France in Miami on Saturday in the third-place play-off fixture after their defeat to Argentina in the semi-final earlier this week.
FIFA have issued a statement in response to Argentina players
holding a Falkland Islands banner after their win over England on Wednesday night.
Thomas Tuchel has faced criticism following the defeat, but reports have emerged claiming that the Three Lions boss rejects the suggestion that he instructed the players to try and hold on after opening the scoring against Argentina.
England's Harry Kane has spoken out on his future
with the national side, while
Jude Bellingham has since issued a message to fans
after their semi-final defeat in Atlanta.
The Falkland Islands have issued a statement after members of the Argentina squad held up a banner after their win over England.
Jude Bellingham has also sent a message to England fans, posting a
photo of a poem
written by team driver, Michael Chandler.
England captain Harry Kane has issued a message after the Three Lions' defeat to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final.
Thomas Tuchel is reported to have rejected the idea that he instructed the England players to be more defensive after taking the lead against Argentina.
The Telegraph
have reported that Tuchel rejects the suggestion that he asked the England players to try and hold onto their lead after Gordon’s goal.
FIFA have issued a statement after members of the Argentina squad held up a banner that had a message related to the Falkland Islands.
During the post-match celebrations, Argentina stars Lisandro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso held up a banner which read "Las Malvinas son Argentinas", which translates to English as "The Falklands are Argentinian".
The Falkland Islands have condemned the banner, while British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called for FIFA to launch an investigation.
Good morning and welcome to the latest edition of Mirror Football's World Cuo LIVE blog.
We'll be on hand throughout the day to provide the latest news from the tournament in North America with the final set to take place this weekend.