World Cup round-up: FIFA reply to Falklands banner, ultimate well being fears and England stars react
The 2026 World Cup final is just around the corner, with Spain and Argentina set to face off in New Jersey on Sunday evening but the fallout of England’s semi-final defeat still lingers
Argentina players celebrated their win over England by holding a banner about the Falkland Islands(Image: WILL OLIVER/EPA/Shutterstock)
Despite heartbreak in the semi-final against Argentina, England will have to pick themselves up again for the third-place play-off against France on Saturday.
However, the fallout of the late defeat to the old rivals still lingers on as England stars react to the loss and FIFA wade in on the decision of the Argentina players to brandish a flag claiming the Falkland Islands are Argentine.
Spain will face Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday evening, with that encounter scheduled for 8pm at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. England will also meet France in a third-place play-off fixture on Saturday at 10pm in Miami. Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the latest World Cup news on the eve of the final weekend.
Medical concerns raised ahead of final
Smoke from Canadian wildfires could impact the World Cup final(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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Football supporters planning to watch the World Cup final have been issued a caution from a lung specialist that Canadian wildfire smoke might produce ‘hazardous’ circumstances. Dr Vin Gupta warned: “It not only is going to be terrible, terrible air quality. It’s hot, and that can cause an extreme amount of stress on the heart.
“That is a very powerful and dangerous one-two punch to the human body. It’s going to be critical to maintain core body temperatures as low as possible.”
Harry Kane speaks out
Harry Kane has spoken out on England’s World Cup exit(Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
The England captain posted on social media following the loss to Argentina: “No words are big enough right now to overcome this empty feeling in the stomach. We were close, really close to another final but it wasn’t enough. We’ve given everything over these last 7 weeks and to fall short is hard to take!”
“I know the expectations are high and rightly so, we’ve been knocking on the door for 8 years now but again are missing that final piece of the jigsaw! That’s where we have to go away, process it and find a way to get better. I’m so proud of the boys and what we have shown throughout this tournament – some tough games and tough environments that we have overcome.
“Some memories that will stay with us players and I’m sure you fans for a long long time! Going for glory doesn’t always mean you will get it. You have to fight for it, get knocked down, pick yourself up and go again and that’s what we will do, there’s no other way but to keep believing and keeping pushing.
“Thank you to every single fan that travelled and showed their support in the stadiums. Thank you to every fan back home for believing in us. Thank you to the boys and staff for everything you have given. As always Win or lose, we learn and go again!”
FIFA’s response to Argentina banner
FIFA has responded after Argentina players unfurled a Falklands banner(Image: Getty Images)
FIFA has issued a statement in response to a contentious “The Falklands are Argentinian,” banner brandished by Lionel Scaloni’s squad following their victory over England.
It states: “As is standard procedure, Fifa’s independent disciplinary committee is currently assessing the match reports and considering the relevant circumstances before deciding on potential further steps based on the Fifa disciplinary code.”
Argentina’s football association were fined £20,000 by Fifa in 2014 for holding a banner with the same message before a friendly against Slovenia.
Referee becomes emotional
Referee Slavko Vincic broke down in tears after learning he would officiate the World Cup final
Slovenian Slavko Vincic was moved to tears upon discovering he will take charge of this weekend’s final, displaying visible emotion as he was presented with his match shirt. The Slovenian oversaw the 2022 Europa League final between Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers, as well as the 2024 Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid.
Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic will serve as Vincic’s assistants, while Adham Makhadmeh will be the fourth official for the final.
Donald Trump confirmation
Donald Trump will attend the World Cup final(Image: Getty Images)
It has been announced that Donald Trump will attend Sunday’s World Cup final. While the US President has not been seen at any of the matches so far, he may participate in the trophy presentation for the victorious team, as is customary at world football’s best tournament.
Jordan Pickford’s wife delivers heartfelt message
Megan Pickford reacted to England’s semi-final defeat(Image: World Cup 2026 News Pool (WCNP))
Megan Pickford turned to Instagram to post a poignant message following England’s 2-1 defeat to Argentina on Wednesday evening. In footage uploaded to her account’s stories section, Jordan Pickford’s spouse can be seen putting away four England shirts worn by their youngsters during this summer’s competition, captioning it: “The end of the dream [crying emoji, heart emoji].”
