SportFootballWorld Cup 2026LIVEUpdated 11 mins agoFollow LIVE updates from the 2026 World Cup as the fallout continues from England's defeat to Argentina in the semi-final, while we gear up for Sunday's final(Image: Alex Gottschalk/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)Welcome to Mirror Football’s latest LIVE 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 have issued a statement in response to Argentina players holding a Falkland Islands banner after their win over England on Wednesday night.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.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.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.Today08:09 BSTJude Bellingham messageJude Bellingham has also sent a message to England fans, posting a photo of a poem written by team driver, Michael Chandler.Posting on Friday morning, Bellingham said:[I] was really struggling to find the right words for yesterday and the last few weeks but this pretty much hits the nail on the head from our driver in Kansas.Thank you for the unbelievable support from back home and to those who spent their hard earned money to travel to America and get behind us.Don’t let the unity and love we’ve seen in our country end with this campaign. When we’re together we can achieve big things… And we will! Love yous!Jude Bellingham of England(Image: 2026 Getty Images)Today08:03 BSTHarry Kane messageEngland captain Harry Kane has issued a message after the Three Lions' defeat to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final.Kane posted on social media:"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 seven 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 eight 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!"Today07:55 BSTThomas Tuchel 'rejection'Thomas Tuchel is reported to have rejected the idea that he instructed the England players to be more defensive after taking the lead against Argentina.The Telegraph have reported that Tuchel rejects the suggestion that he asked the England players to try and hold onto their lead after Gordon’s goal.Instead, the report claims that Tuchel wanted his players to “play higher”, with the Football Association (FA) still believed to back the Three Lions boss.Thomas Tuchel led England to the World Cup semi-finals(Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)‌Today07:48 BSTFIFA statement on Argentina bannerFIFA have issued a statement after members of the Argentina squad held up a banner that had a message related to the Falkland Islands.During the post-match celebrations, Argentina stars Lisandro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso held up a banner which read "Las Malvinas son Argentinas", which translates to English as "The Falklands are Argentinian".The Falkland Islands have condemned the banner, while British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called for FIFA to launch an investigation.In response, FIFA have issued a statement which read: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.Today07:42 BSTWelcomeGood morning and welcome to the latest edition of Mirror Football's World Cuo LIVE blog.We'll be on hand throughout the day to provide the latest news from the tournament in North America with the final set to take place this weekend.Make sure you stay tuned!‌