Even though the 2026 World Cup is over, with Spain beating Argentina 1-0 in the final, plenty of debate continues to rage on about the tournament. A petition asking FIFA to replay the game due to corruption has even been signed by nearly 100,000 people.

While that petition argued that Slovakian referee Slavko Vincic favoured Spain in the final, there has also been talk throughout the tournament that FIFA boss Gianni Infantino wanted Lionel Messi to win the World Cup, so Argentina were favoured throughout the competition.

After Egypt lost 3-2 to Lionel Scaloni’s team in controversial circumstances, manager Hossam Hassan boldly claimed: “They want Argentina and Messi to stay in the World Cup for marketing. If they wanted Argentina to win, why invite other teams to participate? This match was clearly rigged, and the whole world witnessed it.”

Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes has now addressed any conspiracy theories, while also speaking about his true thoughts on Spain.

Leandro Paredes Speaks on World Cup Backlash

REUTERS/Mike Segar

Paredes did not show himself in the best light after the final, as he came to blows with Spanish players Gavi and Eric Garcia once the full-time whistle had been blown. Any conspiracy theories about FIFA siding with Argentina have been helped, however, as the player is confirmed to have avoided a red card for his actions – despite seeming to get sent off in the moment.

In a new interview with ESPN, via Goal, Paredes has now spoken to dismiss any notion that his team were treated favourably during the World Cup:

With a little time now passed since the final, the midfielder has admitted that Spain were deserving winners. He explained:

“Spain was superior to us in the final, they are fair winners, and all that’s left for us is to appreciate what we accomplished over these eight years. It was a spectacular cycle, a pleasure to be part of, and it will surely sink in later.”

Paredes Reveals Fractured Rib During World Cup

Jeenah Moon/Reuters

It’s also since come out that Paredes had been dealing with a fractured rib during the tournament. He spoke about how he had to manage the pain, noting: “The first few days were tough because I had a small fracture, but now I’m feeling better. The severe pain was in the first few days after the match against Egypt, and we managed it well with orthopaedic specialists and staff to hold out for as long as I could.”

Finally, he concluded with a comment about how Argentina fans were able to relate to their team, explaining: “It’s going to be a long process to get over what we experienced. Even though we achieved important things, losing the World Cup final is going to hurt for a long time because we were so close once again.

“We have to take pride in it, because maintaining the level we kept for so long isn’t easy. Despite losing the final, the fans felt represented by us, which is deeply rewarding, and for that, I’m happy.”

Few Premier League players spark debate among fans more strongly than Alejandro Garnacho. He controversially left Manchester United for Chelsea, but has now moved on to Aston Villa after just one season at Stamford Bridge.

Even before leaving the Red Devils, the Argentine didn’t always endear himself to the Old Trafford faithful. Most notably, he upset many supporters when spotted wearing a Villa shirt after Marcus Rashford had joined the West Midlands club on loan.

There was naturally a lot more anger when he joined the Blues from Man Utd, and even neutral fans seem to often take issue with his public persona. Having now agreed to join Aston Villa on loan, in a move with a conditional obligation to buy next summer, it’s interesting to learn how those at Chelsea really felt about him.

Chelsea True Feelings on Garnacho

As reported by the Daily Mail, due to his reputation, employees at Cobham were unsure what to expect with Garnacho. However, it claimed that he was actually well-liked by those at Chelsea. Journalist Kieran Gill explained:

The same report also noted that Garnacho missed pre-season due to the timing of his transfer to Chelsea, and then ended up playing under three head coaches in nine months. This may explain why he struggled to truly shine at Stamford Bridge, still scoring a respectable eight goals while getting four assists in 43 games across 2025/26.

The report goes on to note how ‘Chelsea tried to help Garnacho along the way’, while highlighting former coach Liam Rosenior’s efforts. It’s said that the Englishman ‘felt a particular need to try to protect his player, sensing he was someone who preferred an arm around him.’

In one press conference, when asked why Garnacho was booed wherever he went, Rosenior defended the player, replying: “I don’t understand why that happens. Maybe it’s because he can be such a threat.”

Garnacho Hopes To Do Better at Villa Than He Did at Chelsea

It’s interesting to note that Garnacho doesn’t appear to have been that impressed by his own form at Chelsea last season either. When speaking to Aston Villa after his move was confirmed, he spoke about wanting to rediscover the player he was at Man United.

“I’m really happy to be here. I can’t wait to start on the pitch. It’s an important club that is growing really quickly, so I can’t wait to get started,” Garnacho said before adding:

He also spoke about being keen to play in the Champions League, saying: “It’s important to play in European competitions. The Champions League is the best one, so we’re going to play in that this season. I’m really happy about that and hopefully we can do something important.”

Chelsea failed to secure European football last term, finishing 10th in the Premier League.

It’s all change for Liverpool as Andoni Iraola begins his tenure, leaving Bournemouth for Anfield to replace Arne Slot, just a year after the Reds were crowned Premier League champions.

Following a trophyless campaign, a fifth-placed finish ensured Champions League football, but it left fans with plenty of questions and concerns heading into the 2026/27 season.

A failed transfer window that saw over £400m spent is yet to pay dividends, but if both Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz find their form, the duo may feel like new signings. Confirmed exits of experienced starters and long-term injuries have also combined to make this summer an important one from a recruitment perspective.

Additions have been few and far between thus far, but for a squad that contains remnants from both Jürgen Klopp and Slot’s tenures at the club, Iraola will require additions if Liverpool are to be truly reborn in his image.

Ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, GIVEMESPORT brings you every new signing and departure from Anfield.

New Liverpool Signings 2026/27

One deal that was already confirmed before the end of last season was the signing of talented defender Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes for a sizable £60m. Known for his physicality, he is being eyed as a long-term Virgil van Dijk successor and the Reds had to beat out intense competition for his signature.

Also arriving is the versatile attacker Victor Munoz from Osasuna. The 2025/26 campaign was his first full season at senior level as he made 31 starts and netted six goals and two assists. He was part of Spain‘s World Cup winning squad but failed to earn a minute of action.

With a lack of depth at centre-back and questions over their midfield and attack, Liverpool have been linked with additions across the pitch — but the most noise right now is surrounding RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande after they submitted a bid earlier in the window. However, Paris Saint-Germain look to be in the driving seat and Bradley Barcola could well be a more suitable target, and he is one that they have already identified.

In midfield, France‘s Manu Kone has attracted attention due to his World Cup performances, but Liverpool will face serious competition from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United. Another potential attacking addition could include the lesser-known Genk attacker Konstantinos Karetsas, who has been linked in the summer transfer window.

Liverpool Departures 2026/27

There has been significant movement in terms of exits for Liverpool this summer, saying goodbye to club legends Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah following the expiration of their contracts. Across the past decade, both were key cornerstones of their successes and it represents a new dawn for the squad.

However, the shock of losing Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid will also hurt fans and the squad overall, especially given he started 36 league games and was a key starter in the 2024/25 title winning season. Expect 2025 addition Giovanni Leoni to enter the fray, alongside Jacquet and Joe Gomez to pick up the slack.

Rumours have been circulating about further departures, with the future of Alexis Mac Allister up in the air after a poor league campaign, whilst Curtis Jones is someone with multiple suitors. There’s also multiple players with contracts expiring in 2027, including: Alisson Becker, Van Dijk, Wataru Endo, Gomez, Kostas Tsimikas, Jones, Harvey Elliot, Calvin Ramsay, Harvey Davies and Stefan Bajcetic.

Liverpool has also released a number of academy players this summer, including Kareem Ahmed, Emmanuel Airoboma, DJ Bernard, James Balagizi, Oakley Cannonier, Josh Davidson, Terence Miles and Jacob Poytress. Elsewhere, Carter Pinnington has exited to West Brom for an undisclosed fee, while Luca Stephenson has joined Bolton in a £700,000 deal.

Premier League Transfers