World Cup round-up: Star begs Donald Trump for assist as US backs Argentina in Falklands spat
The FIFA World Cup is set to conclude on Sunday with the final between Argentina and France, and there has been no shortage of drama in the build-up to the showpiece
US President Donald Trump claims he stopped some World Cup controversy(Image: MANDEL NGAN, AFP via Getty Images)
The final two days of the World Cup are upon us with just two matches remaining. The biggest international tournament ever is set for its culmination as Spain face Argentina in the final on Sunday evening.
England also still have some skin in the game as they meet France in a third-place play-off fixture on Saturday at 10pm in Miami. Thomas Tuchel has been forced to defend his position after coming under scrutiny for the Three Lions’ semi-final exit.
The end of the compeition has also seen plenty of self-congratulations from FIFA boss Gianni Infantino and US president Donald Trump. Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the latest World Cup news on the final weekend.
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Greatest of all time
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has hailed this summer’s tournament as the most significant cultural event in history. Speaking at a gathering held at Trump Tower in New York, he proclaimed: “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.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino with President of the United States Donald J. Trump (Image: 2026 FIFA)
Donald Trump talks tactics
In addition to praising the tournament, Donald Trump expressed his tactical knowledge on Friday evening. The Apprentice star took a swipe at Thomas Tuchel’s strategy against Argentina, and ridiculed the Three Lions for converting Harry Kane into a defender.
“I think they perhaps made a mistake when they made him a defensive player, but what do I know about soccer?” Trump quipped.
Tuchel didn’t take too kindly when questioned about Trump’s remarks. “Do you use Donald Trump as your witness for the case, or? I was just asking,” he retorted.
The German coach also defended his approach but accepted he would be the figure to take the blame if the media needed someone. “Listen, if it’s easier, easier if someone takes the blame, I take the blame,” he declared.
Thomas Tuchel engaged in a tense press conference(Image: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Trump stopped the controversy
U.S. President Trump also asserted that his phone call to Infantino ensured there was no controversy following Folarin Balogun’s red card. “It’s so much better the way it worked out because there’s no controversy,” he stated.
The 80-year-old must have missed the major fallout from Balogun not being banned for the USA’s clash with Belgium
World Cup winner denied entry
Spain’s World Cup winner Joan Capdevila has been refused entry to the United States before attending this weekend’s final. He has appealed to Trump for assistance.
He said: “I NEED HELP @realDonaldTrump! They just told me that I can’t travel to the final with my kids because my ESTA has been denied.
“Can anyone help me with this? You have no idea how excited I was to be there with all my 2010 teammates and this team to cheer them on. I can’t believe they’re not letting me into the USA… and that I’ll miss a moment like this with my kids who love soccer so much…
Messi vs Yamal
Lionel Messi has discussed 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 also expected to be available for the final after he returned to training following a day off.. “He’s fine, there are no problems with him. He took a heavy knock, but he coped with the match perfectly,” Luis de la Fuente said. “We gave him a rest yesterday; today he’s been training with his teammates as normal.”
20-year-old Messi cradling a baby Yamal(Image: AP)
Saliba injury
William Saliba is expected to miss out for France after Didier Deschamps disclosed that the discomfort became ‘unbearable’ for the defender. The Arsenal star was substituted during the semi-final against Spain.
US backs Argentina
The US government will oppose a suspension for Argentina players during a FIFA investigation into the display of a banner regarding the Falkland Islands. World Cup chief Andrew Giuliani has strongly insisted that Argentina were merely exercising their right to freedom of expression.
