Football Articles | Mail Online

• 'Don't be disrespectful - speak to me respectfully': Lionel Messi's unusual exchange with World Cup referee is revealed... as officials face new scrutiny over Argentina's 'rigged' run to the semi-finals12 July 2026, 5:57 pm
  The incident occurred during the 42nd minute of the South Americans' 3-1 victory over the Swiss when Messi confronted Portuguese official Joao Pinheiro.
  
• Police braced for logistical nightmare ahead of England's huge semi-final with Argentina after fans clashed in Atlanta as authorities are made aware of arch rivalry12 July 2026, 5:32 pm
  MIKE KEEGAN IN MIAMI: Officers are expecting a 50-50 split of fans of both nations and are aware of the prospect of increased tensions thanks to relations between the countries.
  
• Do England now have their own 'Hand of God'?: How alternative angle of Norway spidercam incident risks new scandal that will overshadow the World Cup, writes MARK CLATTENBURG12 July 2026, 5:18 pm
  MARK CLATTENBURG: England had scored their equaliser. The English fans at Miami Gardens were going crazy, celebrating Jude Bellingham's brilliant goal. 
  
• Now Southampton offer Spygate intern, 23, permanent role at the club - after he insisted he was acting on orders from above12 July 2026, 4:20 pm
  The youngster was spotted by Middlesbrough filming their training session ahead of the Championship play-off semi-final.
  
• Ted Lasso star makes his US pro soccer debut... but it ends in disaster as team is dumped out of cup12 July 2026, 4:01 pm
  Cristo Fernández - the actor best known for his role as Dani Rojas on the popular comedy 'Ted Lasso' - has made his American pro soccer debut.
  
• INSIDE SPORT: FIFA continues to turn a blind eye ahead of England Argentina showdown, the water is strong in Miami and Juan Mata goes Stateside12 July 2026, 3:44 pm
  INSIDE SPORT: After their extra-time quarter-final win over Switzerland Nicolas Otamendi shared footage on his Instagram of him and his fellow players again belting out the anthem.
  
• England 'are like having world's ugliest daughter who you say is beautiful': Three Lions torn apart on American TV for 'really poor' World Cup - despite being two games from glory12 July 2026, 3:27 pm
  Jude Bellingham scored twice as the Three Lions came from behind to see off Norway, leveling the game just before halftime and popping up with the all-important winner three minutes into extra-time.
  
• 'He wants a bit of respect!': Gary Neville backs Jude Bellingham's 'punchy' hit back at Thomas Tuchel after England manager suggested his players were 'lucky' against Norway12 July 2026, 3:09 pm
  However, England boss Tuchel was unimpressed with the resolute performance in the sweltering Miami heat , labelling it 'sloppy, lucky' and not good enough in 'every sense'.
  
• Thomas Tuchel and Jude Bellingham are not close and perhaps never will be but it doesn't matter... the No 10 is motivated, firing and the best player at the World Cup, writes IAN LADYMAN12 July 2026, 2:19 pm
  IAN LADYMAN IN MIAMI: You don't have to be a body language expert to work out what Jude Bellingham made of ITV interviewer Gabriel Clarke's revelation.
  
• Fans brutally mock World Cup star Kylian Mbappe as viral video of height difference with NBA's Victor Wembanyama resurfaces12 July 2026, 2:09 pm
  Fans are stunned after a viral video of one of Kylian Mbappe's first interactions with Victor Wembanyama has re-surfaced amid the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
  
• Peter FitzSimons calls trio of football's biggest superstars the biggest poseurs at the World Cup12 July 2026, 1:37 pm
  Peter FitzSimons has hit out at three of football's biggest superstars as the World Cup nears it's conclusion.
  
• Leeds transfer briefing: Latest on their complicated hunt for a No1 and the defenders they're pursuing after Harry Wilson coup... as Elland Road chiefs prepare for a busy six weeks before window slams shut12 July 2026, 1:26 pm
  Leeds hope to find out this weekend if they have been successful in their pursuit of Southampton midfielder Shea Charles. Talks were understood to be positive as they tried to strike a compromise on Friday.
  
• Heartbreaking footage of tragic World Cup star emerges: Video of Jayden Adams goes viral after his lack of celebration following South Africa win - days before he was found dead12 July 2026, 1:24 pm
  Adams, 25, was found dead on Saturday morning in Schotschekloof, Cape Town, just weeks after featuring twice in the World Cup. His cause of death is unconfirmed.
  
• 'Work harder... you're just standing! Fight!': Thomas Tuchel's hydration break rant at England's stars is revealed by expert lip-reader - as manager lets rip again12 July 2026, 1:00 pm
  Tuchel's fiery messaging has proved to be a useful tool throughout this tournament - but it didn't have the immediate intended consequence on this occasion.
  
• How Jude Bellingham's MUM helped save him from World Cup suspension disaster: England's star man free to face Argentina - with help of mother's advice12 July 2026, 12:35 pm
  The 23-year-old was the Three Lions' saviour once again in the 2-1 victory over the Vikings, bagging his fifth and sixth goals of this summer's tournament.