White House backs Argentina in Falklands banner row; FIFA issues statement

Updated: 23:12, 17 Jul 2026

Welcome to Mirror Football’s latest 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 Issues Statement on Falklands Banner

FIFA have issued a statement in response to Argentina players holding a Falkland Islands banner after their win over England on Wednesday night — with the White House making their stance clear on the matter.

Tuchel Under Fire

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.

Kane and Bellingham Speak Out

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.

Trump to Attend Final

With the final taking place this weekend, it has been confirmed that US President Donald Trump will be in attendance for the game at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Latest Updates

17th Jul 23:11 BST — Goodnight!

That's all we've got for today. Thanks for joining our coverage ahead of another busy weekend of football.

Be sure to join us for build-up to the World Cup third-place playoff between England and France. Until then, rest well!

— Joe Krishnan

17th Jul 22:56 BST — Souness Questions Rice and Anderson Combination

Liverpool icon Graeme Souness has questioned whether England's midfield duo Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are truly world-class.

An exhausted Rice struggled to make an impact in the tournament while Manchester City's £116 million signing Anderson was overrun against Argentina.

Souness said on Sports Uncensored:

"One is very young, 22 [sic 23], so he's (Anderson) got a chance of getting better. Declan won't get any better; he's looking as good as he will get at 27.

>

"I don't see enough football in the two of them. I see them as players who will recycle the ball, but I don't see them hurting people... I think these two young lads are limited. Declan Rice for me, limited.

>

"You hear people talk about Declan Rice as a world-class footballer, I think he might be a center-half. There's nothing to dislike about him in terms of his attitude to the game, nothing to dislike about him, his athleticism, commitment from the first minute to the last minute.

>

"My criticism of his, is, he doesn't have enough football in him. They talk about how, 'Well, look how he runs with the ball.' A center midfield player, you shouldn't do."

17th Jul 22:32 BST — Konate Hits Back at Tuchel

Ibrahima Konate has insisted France are motivated to beat England in tomorrow's World Cup third-place playoff.

Tuchel claimed that his exhausted players shouldn't have to take part in the Bronze final. But Konate, who recently signed for Real Madrid, thinks differently.

"I believe as French players, for this team, many players would have loved to compete and played this game. I'm not saying it's easy, far from it.

>

"I've read in the press that Thomas Tuchel said that no-one wants to play this game. Well, it's true that, given the aim and objective we had, we wanted to play the final.

>

"But we are still representing France and it is the dream of many people to wear the shirt, the jersey, and sing the national anthem."

Other Updates

• Klopp denies Tuchel comments
• White House defends Argentina stars after Falklands controversy
• White House to meet Infantino over wildfire threat
• Thunderstorms set to hit Miami before England vs France tie