FIFA have made a decision over Argentina after millions signed a petition demanding the South American nation are handed a permanent ban from future World Cup finals.

A staggering 23,316,108 people signed the “Leave, Argentina” petition, which reportedly called for a lifetime ban on the Argentina national team, according to Euro News, via GOAL.

Argentina’s ‘dirty’ tactics during the 2026 World Cup, followed by the unsavoury post-match altercations that marred the final against Spain at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, left a bitter taste in the mouths of football fans all over the world.

Argentina’s players were criticised further after they were seen with their backs turned while Spain’s Rodri lifted the World Cup trophy.

Defender Lisandro Martinez has now provided an explanation, insisting Argentina’s players were not deliberately snubbing their Spanish counterparts.

Meanwhile, FIFA are continuing their investigation into the post-match behaviour of Argentina’s players and coaching staff to determine whether their disciplinary code was violated.

FIFA ‘Confirm’ World Cup Decision Over Argentina

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Mark J Rebilas

While individual players are at risk of being punished by FIFA, there are no suggestions that Argentina will be blocked from competing in future tournaments.

In fact, talkSPORT say FIFA have now confirmed that all six host nations for the 2030 World Cup will automatically qualify, meaning Argentina are guaranteed a spot at the next tournament.

Argentina, along with Uruguay and Paraguay, are set to host one match each during the 2030 World Cup finals. The games will take place in the three countries’ capital cities: Buenos Aires, Montevideo and Asuncion, respectively.

Spain, Portugal and Morocco are the three main co-hosts of the next World Cup, but three matches will be played in South America to mark the 100th anniversary of the first-ever World Cup finals, hosted by Uruguay in 1930.

Lionel Messi’s Chances of Making 2030 World Cup

REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

It’s unlikely that Argentina’s legendary captain Lionel Messi will be part of the squad that attempts to win the World Cup trophy back in four years’ time.

The 39-year-old was sensational in North America up until the final, scoring eight goals and registering a further four assists.

Messi will turn 43 years old midway through the 2030 World Cup and may have already retired by the time the tournament begins.

One of Messi’s teammates has brought the curtain down on his international career following the World Cup final defeat to Spain. Defender Nicolas Otamendi, 38, released an emotional statement last week confirming he will no longer represent La Albiceleste after 139 appearances.

Tyson Fury has broken his silence after Anthony Joshua‘s come-from-behind win over Kristian Prenga on Saturday night.

After being knocked down twice in the first round and seemingly being on the way to suffering a seismic upset, Joshua recovered in the second to claim victory over Prenga.

It was the first time the 36-year-old had been in the ring since the death of his friends, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, when visiting Nigeria in December 2025.

Surviving the chaos, the former two-time heavyweight champion unsurprisingly cut an emotional figure afterward, claiming it was what champions do: “We rise, we get knocked down, and we stand up, and we keep going, that’s life’s motto.”

It now sets up a long-awaited Brit super fight against Fury which has been building for more than a decade. While Fury himself was not at the fight, he’s now revealed his thoughts on AJ’s chaotic showing.

Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua Explored

The prospect of a fight between Fury and Joshua first materialised back in 2016.

Mandatory challengers and rematch clauses, though, consiistently derailed that prospect becoming a reality. Perhaps most notably of all, back in 2021, when an undisputed heavyweight championship fight was on the table. However, it didn’t happen as Deontay Wilder exercised a rematch clause against Fury. Wilder went on to lose their trilogy fight by 11th-round knockout.

Joshua then lost his titles, as did Fury, both to the same man: Oleksandr Usyk.

Finally, earlier this year, it was revealed that the fight was on the verge of happening.

Joshua was ringside as Fury defeated Arslanbek Makhmudov, where the latter did declare his intention to face AJ. Joshua refused to get into the ring, though.

Despite Joshua’s hesitation, the pair signed a contract to fight each other before the end of 2026. Both men have since won their latest warm-up fights, Fury in front of just 1,500 spectators in Thailand against Mariusz Wach, Joshua in what some have felt were controversial circumstances versus Prenga.

But regardless, the path is now clear for Joshua and Fury to finally meet. So, what did the Gypsy King make of his rival’s performance on Saturday night?

Tyson Fury’s Reaction to Joshua vs Prenga

After doing his part against Wach, Fury was watching on like many others as Joshua took to the ring to take on Prenga.

Fury, commenting on a social media video from Turki Alashikh showing highlights of the clash, was abrupt in his initial reaction. “Wow, wtf,” he wrote.

The Gypsy King would later pen an Instagram post of his own. Sharing an image of the official fight poster for his clash with Joshua, Fury stated:

“Next stop. I’m gonna beat this p**** up real bad. The biggest fight in British history. Let’s see if he’s got the balls to fight in November. I’ll be ready. Let’s rock and roll. Over a decade in the making.”

It is worth pointing out that while Fury tagged both Netflix and Alalshikh in his post, he did not tag Joshua himself. The planned date and location for the fight has already been leaked, although there has been no official confirmation from promoters.

Chelsea are keeping a keen eye on transfer speculation surrounding Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola and RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande this summer.

The Blues have been linked with both players since the opening of the window, but the £117 million spent on Morgan Rogers has made the London outfit outsiders for another marquee winger arrival.

Nonetheless, chiefs at Stamford Bridge are monitoring the fees being demanded for Barcola and Diomande as they shape their own plans for outgoings. Pedro Neto has been linked with an exit from Chelsea as Manchester City and Liverpool weigh up a move for the Portugal international.

Chelsea ‘not surprised’ by Pedro Neto interest

The Daily Mail had reported on Sunday that Chelsea are ‘not surprised’ by interest in Neto but, even with the arrival of Rogers, will not allow the player to leave for cheap. The Blues are aware of the premium being paid for wide men this summer.

Chelsea are believed to be using the fees demanded for Barcola and Diomande to set their asking price for Neto. Both PSG and RB Leipzig are expected to command around £100 million or more for their players.

Goal reports that while Chelsea are aware that Neto would struggle to fetch the same price, he should be valued in that ballpark. The 26-year-old managed 20 goal contributions last season – Barcola chalked up the same number, with Diomande managing 23.

Chelsea paid £54 million to sign Neto from Wolves in 2024 and are now expected to demand above £75 million, a figure that would rise should fees for Barcola and Diomande soar.

Enzo Maresca linked with Neto reunion at Man City

Lee Smith via Reuters

Neto is not actively being touted for sale by Chelsea. The winger is not currently on pre-season tour with the Blues in Sydney, but that is not due to transfer speculation.

The forward has been given an extended holiday having been involved with Portugal at the World Cup. Neto is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2031.

Manchester City and Liverpool are the two clubs said to be interested in the player’s services, although links with the Reds would likely drop should Andoni Iraola’s side sign Barcola from PSG.

A move to the Etihad Stadium would see Neto reunite with former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who favoured the winger on the right flank while in charge at the Bridge.

The Italian was outspoken in praising Neto’s ability on the ball, and his attitude off it. Maresca said: “It’s on the ball and it’s off the ball, it’s on both sides that Pedro is doing fantastic.

“If you just attack and you are not able to defend, you don’t play many games, in my view. In terms of sacrifice, Pedro has been top since we started together.”