Argentina vice president Victoria Villarruel stirred controversy ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final against England by invoking the Falkland Islands dispute and describing the Three Lions as “pirate usurpers” in a post on X.“Tomorrow we play against the pirate usurpers. It’s not just another match. I’m not going to be politically correct or indifferent. Against the English, it’s always something more. It’s the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), it’s Diego (Maradona), it’s Leo’s (Messi’s) last one, and it’s about standing up to the invaders. Long live Argentina! Because until our last breath, we’ll keep demanding what’s ours!” she wrote, translated from Latin American Spanish, on X.Villarruel’s remarks come as defending champions Argentina prepare to face England in Atlanta on Wednesday (local time), with a place in the World Cup final at stake. The winner will meet Spain, who booked their place in the title clash with a 2-0 victory over France.The contest will mark a landmark moment for Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who is set to face England for the first time in his illustrious international career.Despite representing Argentina for more than two decades and playing against every other FIFA World Cup-winning nation, Messi has never taken on the Three Lions.“The truth is, it’s special,” Messi told reporters after Argentina’s 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland in the quarter-finals.“It’s a special match because it’s my first time. I’ve played against everyone except England. And it’s special, as I said before, because they’re a big team, a powerhouse. It’s always nice to play against teams like that, in matches like this, and especially in the semi-finals of a World Cup,” he added.The semi-final also revives one of international football’s most enduring rivalries. England and Argentina have not met in a competitive fixture since the 2002 FIFA World Cup, when England secured a 1-0 victory.Argentina have reached the last four after winning all three of their Group J matches before overcoming Cabo Verde, Egypt and Switzerland in the knockout rounds. The defending champions have scored nine goals across their three knockout fixtures, the highest tally among the semi-finalists.England, meanwhile, advanced with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time win over Norway, courtesy of Jude Bellingham’s brace. The Three Lions had earlier edged past DR Congo and Mexico by one-goal margins, highlighting the resilience that has carried them into just their fourth World Cup semi-final.For Messi, the clash offers an opportunity to complete a rare missing chapter in his international career, while for Argentina and England, another high-stakes encounter adds to a rivalry shaped by decades of sporting history and political undertones.

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have been drawn in a tough group for the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship, the qualifying tournament for the 2027 Africa U20 Cup of Nations.

The draw, held on Wednesday, placed Nigeria in Group B alongside Ghana, Burkina Faso and Togo. The Flying Eagles were seeded as the top team in the group after finishing as the highest-ranked side behind champions Côte d’Ivoire at the last edition.

Group A includes hosts and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire, Niger and Benin Republic.

One of the biggest matches in the group stage will see Nigeria face long-time rivals Ghana in another exciting chapter of their youth football rivalry. Burkina Faso are also expected to provide a strong test, while Togo will be hoping to cause an upset.

The WAFU B Championship is important because it serves as the qualification tournament for the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Ghana. Twelve teams will compete at the continental tournament, while the four semi-finalists will qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup.

CAF has already confirmed Ghana as the host of the 2027 U20 AFCON as part of the country’s 70th independence anniversary celebrations. It will be the second time Ghana hosts the competition after winning it in 1999.

Flying Eagles aiming for another title

Nigeria will head into the tournament under the guidance of experienced coach Abdul Maikaba, hoping to add another WAFU B title to their growing collection.

The Flying Eagles reached the final of the first edition in 2018 before losing to Senegal. They suffered a group-stage exit in 2020 but returned strongly in 2022 to win their first title.

Nigeria defeated Ghana 2-0 in the group stage, beat Côte d’Ivoire in the semi-finals and overcame Benin Republic 3-1 in the final to lift the trophy.

They successfully defended the title in 2024, defeating Niger in the semi-finals before beating Ghana 2-1 in the final. Kparobo Arierhi scored twice to inspire the Flying Eagles to victory.

At the last edition, Nigeria looked set to win a third consecutive title after topping their group and eliminating Niger on penalties in the semi-finals. However, they were beaten 1-0 by hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the final after a late goal.

The Flying Eagles will now begin preparations for another challenging campaign as they target a third WAFU B title and qualification for the 2027 Africa U20 Cup of Nations.

Argentina Vs England Live: Team news: Tuchel makes 3 big changes; De Paul out for Argentina!

The official team sheets have dropped at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Thomas Tuchel is certainly not playing it safe! The England boss has rung the changes, throwing down a bold tactical gauntlet for this massive semi-final clash.

Here is how both heavyweight giants line up tonight:

England Starting XI & Substitutes: Thomas Tuchel isn’t going to die wondering. He has made three major changes to the lineup that outlasted Norway, completely revamping his flanks. Reece James and Djed Spence lock down the fullback positions, replacing Ezri Konsa and Nico O’Reilly. Up front, the explosive Morgan Rogers gets the nod on the wing over Noni Madueke to partner Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon behind Harry Kane.

Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1): Jordan Pickford (GK); Reece James, John Stones, Marc Guéhi, Djed Spence; Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice; Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane (C).

Bench: James Trafford, Dean Henderson, Nico O’Reilly, Ezri Konsa, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Trevoh Chalobah, Dan Burn, Kobbie Mainoo, Ollie Watkins, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Ivan Toney.

Argentina Starting XI & Substitutes: A massive blow for La Albiceleste. Lionel Scaloni has been forced into a single, crucial change from the side that beat Switzerland. Engine room enforcer Rodrigo De Paul is out injured, failing a late fitness test. He is replaced by the energetic Giuliano Simeone, who will provide the tireless running to shield Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez.

Starting Lineup (4-1-3-2): Emiliano Martínez (GK); Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Leandro Paredes; Giuliano Simeone, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi (C), Julián Álvarez.

Bench: Juan Musso, Gerónimo Rulli, Marcos Senesi, Gonzalo Montiel, Valentín Barco, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Nicolás González, Thiago Almada, Rodrigo De Paul, Nico Paz, Nicolás Otamendi, Julián López, Lautaro Martínez, Facundo Medina.

Referee: Ismail Elfath (United States)

England’s national anthem was drowned out by Argentinian boos and chants before Three Lions fans repaid the gesture as tensions boiled over before their seismic World Cup semi-final even kicked off.

Sharing a storied footballing rivalry, this last-four clash also has a sharp historical edge to it, with conflict over the Falkland Islands forming part of the narrative going into the match in Atlanta.

Argentina invaded the British Overseas Territory in 1982 but emphatically lost the Falklands War in 74 days, which claimed the lives of 907 people: 649 Argentine military personnel, 255 from Britain and three Falkland Islanders.

Argentina still vehemently believe that the archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean, which sits 300 miles away from its east coast, should be under its sovereignty, with the cause enshrined in much of the country’s culture, including its football.

As the players lined up around the centre-circle for the national anthems, Argentina fans were deafening with their chants of “whoever doesn’t jump is English”, before heavily booing “God Save the King”.

England fans responded in toe by jeering Argentina’s anthem, setting the tone for the feisty semi-final that was being anticipated.

“I am looking forward to it, and I am excited. Listening to those national anthems – that was brilliant. They don’t like each other and that is fine,” said former England striker Alan Shearer on BBC commentary.

Argentina’s vice-president stoked the fire pre-match by calling England “invaders” and “usurping pirates” before their semi-final clash, but others insist that expression surrounding the Falklands does not represent a hatred towards the British.

The April 2 War Veterans Federation has called on the match to banish the Falklands from the narrative, saying in a statement: “Sport is not war: The semi-final match is a global sporting event, not an armed rematch or a form of historical redress.”

Egypt boss Hossam Hassan explains his viral ‘X’ gesture, denies racism allegations and makes a surprise claim about Lionel Messi’s emotional reaction/ Image: AP

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has spoken out after his controversial “X” gesture during his side’s dramatic 3-2 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 defeat to Argentina sparked widespread debate. The moment, directed towards referee François Letexier in stoppage time, quickly drew attention because it resembled UEFA’s official anti-racism reporting protocol used by players and staff to signal discriminatory abuse. With tensions high following a chaotic finish and a series of disputed decisions, the gesture became one of the most talked-about incidents of the match, prompting questions about its meaning and intent.

Hassan says gesture was aimed at the referee, not an allegation of racism

The flashpoint came in the closing stages of Egypt’s Round of 16 defeat after Argentina completed a remarkable comeback from two goals down.With emotions running high, television cameras captured Hassan crossing his forearms into an “X” shape while directing his frustration towards referee François Letexier. His twin brother and assistant coach, Ibrahim Hassan, immediately lowered his arms before the Egypt manager was shown a yellow card.Because the gesture has been used in professional football to report alleged racist abuse, including during Benfica’s Champions League meeting with Real Madrid earlier this year, it quickly led to speculation over its intended meaning.Speaking after the tournament, however, Hassan firmly rejected that interpretation.“The gesture wasn’t racist,” Hassan said, as quoted by The Sun.“I was telling [the referee], ‘you’re not being fair’.”

Hassan reveals exchange with Lionel Messi

Hassan also shed light on his confrontation with Lionel Messi during the closing moments of the match.According to the Egypt coach, Messi questioned him immediately after the incident as tensions escalated on the touchline.“[Messi] came up to me and said, ‘why?’ Why? Why?’ And I don’t know what else,” Hassan said.“It was one of the few times Messi got into arguments during a match. And he ended up crying because he was having a hard time emotionally.“We were a very tough team and we put them in a difficult position. I tried not to respond to him and to avoid any verbal friction between us, out of respect for his career.”The emotionally charged contest saw Argentina overturn a 2-0 deficit through goals from Cristian Romero, Messi and Enzo Fernández during a frantic 13-minute spell to book a place in the quarter-finals.

Egypt maintained officiating cost them the match

Despite clarifying the meaning of his gesture, Hassan has not softened his criticism of the officiating.Egypt believed they were denied several crucial decisions during the match, including the disallowing of Mostafa Ziko’s goal and what they felt was an unpunished foul on Mohamed Salah in the build-up to Enzo Fernández’s dramatic winner.Immediately after the defeat, Hassan suggested external pressure had influenced the officials.“We haven’t seen respect or fair play,” he said.“There seems to have been pressure on the Argentinian side on the referee that has brought about this outcome.“Life is unfair. The world is unfair. OK, but why isn’t there any fairness in sports?“I’m not convinced by this outcome and by the way things unfolded in this match.“The referee is unfair, God is sufficient for me and the best disposer of affairs.“He’s wasting the effort of an entire nation. The cup is directed towards Argentina.”The Egyptian Football Association later issued its own strongly worded statement, calling for FIFA to investigate what it described as “blatant errors” by the officiating team and demanding the removal of referee Letexier and his crew from the remainder of the tournament.

FIFA responded as disciplinary uncertainty remains

The accusations prompted a response from FIFA through Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina, who defended the integrity of the officials and dismissed suggestions that Argentina had received favourable treatment.Although Hassan has not yet faced disciplinary action over either his touchline behaviour or his post-match remarks, the matter has not been fully closed.According to The Athletic, FIFA intends to review potential disciplinary cases after the conclusion of the World Cup, following the same approach it adopted after the 2022 tournament.Hassan and Egypt forward Mostafa Ziko are among those who could still face sanctions for comments deemed to have brought the game into disrepute, while other figures, including Switzerland defender Manuel Akanji and England manager Thomas Tuchel, have also publicly criticised refereeing standards during the tournament.Hassan’s latest explanation, however, removes one aspect of the controversy. While Egypt continue to dispute the officiating that accompanied their heartbreaking elimination, the veteran coach insists the gesture that generated worldwide debate was never intended as an allegation of racism but rather a protest against what he believed was an unfair performance from the referee.

Didier Deschamps will mark a bittersweet record when he leads Les Bleus for the 27th and final time in a World Cup match on Saturday, after 14 years at the helm. But the bronze-medal tie in Miami is certainly not the sendoff he had hoped for to bring his time with France’s national team – their most successful yet – to a close.

“We’ve got another match in four days’ time, even if it’s not the one we were expecting. Tonight we’re very disappointed – in fact, we’re deeply disappointed,” Deschamps conceded after his side were outplayed and outsmarted by Spain in a gruelling semi-final loss at the Dallas Stadium.

Read moreSpain deliver masterclass to sink French Armada and reach World Cup final

France’s defeat – their third consecutive one at the hands of La Roja, after semi-final exits at Euro 2024 and the Nations League last year – provides an anticlimactic farewell for the 57-year-old, who announced last year that he would step down when his contract expired after the tournament.

Ironically, the chastening defeat comes as Deschamps’ swashbuckling France had begun to silence critics of his defensive-minded tactics, putting an abrupt end to their short-lived experiment in champagne football.

Winning, with the break pulled

Over the years, Deschamps has established a winning pedigree that speaks for itself, guiding France to back-to-back World Cup finals and clinching the famous golden trophy both as player (1998) and as coach (2018).

Success with Les Bleus followed a distinguished stint as club manager that saw him take AS Monaco to the 2004 Champions League final, guide Juventus back into Serie A immediately after their demotion in the Calciopoli scandal, and end Marseille’s 18-year wait for a French league title in 2010.

Eric Cantona once dismissively described him as a “water carrier”, but the label came to capture the qualities that defined Deschamps: discipline, intelligence, selflessness and an instinctive understanding of what winning teams required.

When he took the France job in July 2012, it was those qualities that helped him rebuild a team still reeling from the players’ strike that ended their dismal 2010 World Cup campaign.

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And yet in the eyes of many fans of the beautiful game, Deschamps’ conservative approach had left a blemish on his extraordinary record. Why, the sceptics asked, be so timid with the likes of Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé in your squads – not to mention Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud and (on the few occasions he was called up) Karim Benzema.

With a lone World Cup title from six major tournaments, along with the inaugural Nations League in 2021, many had come to see the glass as half-empty rather than half-full, noting that the Deschamps era has been blessed with an extraordinary wealth of homegrown talent.

His critics finally got what they wanted as France went in with all guns blazing at this World Cup. Tuesday’s semi-final suggests the coach may have been right all along.

Vindicated in defeat?

After 14 years of pragmatic football, France’s risk-averse manager unleashed their full attacking potential for his last tournament at the helm, to the delight of French and other fans in awe of Les Bleus’ formidable armada of forwards.

At the start of the World Cup Bradley Barcola spoke of the joy players took from their newfound freedom on the pitch: “We get the ball, we do pretty much what we want, we don’t overthink things, and that’s how it works.”

It’s hard to think of a statement more at odds with Deschamp’s philosophy, typically a byword for discipline and control – the very things that deserted them against Spain.

Read moreFrance’s World Cup dream extinguished in chastening semi-final loss to Spain

France had but two weaknesses going into the match – at midfield and left-back. Both were ruthlessly exploited by La Roja, who bossed the midfield and repeatedly sliced through their opponents’ weaker flank, leaving Les Bleus’ much-vaunted attack disjointed, starved of the ball and bereft of ideas.

It was a grim final chapter for a coach whose sides had usually found a way, even when playing poorly.

“I do not want to throw away everything we have done,” Deschamps said after the defeat. “But in this match Spain showed they had something more.”

Deschamps’ critics had long argued that France’s extraordinary talent pool demanded more expansive football. His response had generally been the same: tournaments were won through adaptability, defensive resilience and an acceptance that style mattered less than survival.

In defeat, perhaps, came his final vindication.

(FRANCE 24 with Reuters)

Official lineups for England-Argentina

England: Pickford – O’Reilly, James, Konsa, Guéhi – Rice, Bellingham, Anderson – Kane, Gordon, Saka.

Argentina: Martinez – Tagliafico, Romero, Martinez, Molina – Paredes, De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez – Messi, Alvarez.

England have impressed throughout this tournament, reaching the semi-finals after their dramatic extra-time victory over Norway in the quarter-finals. Jude Bellingham‘s brace proved decisive, cementing their status as genuine contenders. Thomas Tuchel’s side have combined attacking prowess with defensive solidity, establishing themselves as one of the competition’s elite sides.

Argentina, the defending World Cup champions, have shown the resilience and experience expected of tournament favourites. Their dramatic extra-time triumph over Switzerland secured their passage. The Albiceleste’s attacking quality and tactical discipline have carried them through the knockout stages with their sights firmly set on retaining the trophy.

When Alyssa Thomas put a fist to the throat of Caitlin Clark, she was not punished in the immediate aftermath.

She ultimately was given a one-game suspension and a Flagrant 2 foul after the WNBA conducted a review, but that apparently was almost not the case.

According to the Sports Business Journal, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert was not planning on suspending Thomas but was ultimately convinced by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

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Caitlin Clark watches the action during the Indiana Fever’s highly anticipated matchup with the Las Vegas Aces. (Photo by David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images) ((Photo by David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images))

Engelbert was reportedly worried that a suspension for a play that was not called on the court was too harsh a penalty. However, Silver said there was evidence of a flagrant foul and implored Engelbert to hand down the punishment.

The outlet reported that the league operated under usual protocols for potential flagrant fouls. However, it also said Engelbert does not want to show favoritism toward Clark because of her popularity while also trying to “appease players who believe they’ve been overshadowed by” her. On the flip side, the SBJ said Engelbert has not been to an Indiana Fever game since Clark was drafted.

The WNBA told SBJ that the report is “absolutely false” – neither league immediately responded to an email from Fox News Digital.

HOST CLAIMS WNBA COMMISSIONER CATHY ENGELBERT CANCELED INTERVIEW AS CAITLIN CLARK CONTROVERSY MOUNTS

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks during a press conference prior to the NBA Japan Games 2019. (KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Images)

Silver told reporters on Tuesday that they will “have ongoing discussions about what the future looks like” regarding Engelbert’s role in the WNBA.

“I think Cathy continues to do a strong job building that league,” Silver said, citing her “tremendous progress.”

Clark has fallen victim to numerous hard fouls and boastful trash talk while being the clear face of the league. The Thomas incident prompted Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind., to join a group of lawmakers to write a letter to Engelbert, saying she has a responsibility to ensure every player competes “in a safe and professional environment.”

The letter said “the face of your league” is subject to “repeated acts of unnecessary physical hostility and violence.” It concluded by urging the league to take stronger action.

“The league has an extraordinary opportunity to inspire the next generation of female athletes to pursue athletics, but that opportunity is undermined when its brightest stars are not adequately protected,” the letter reads. “Your fans deserve better, and so do the young girls who look to the WNBA as a model for excellence, sportsmanship, and opportunity.”

Connecticut Sun forward Olivia Nelson-Ododa (10) fouls Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) in the first half of a WNBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

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Clark recently went after the WNBA, saying it needs to do a better job of protecting its players both on and off the court. Thomas said she received death threats after the foul.

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