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Clip of Zinedine Zidane in the Stands During Argentina 3-0 Algeria Goes Viral

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Zinedine Zidane watched on from the stands as an Algeria side featuring his son, Luca, were beaten by Argentina at the 2026 World Cup.

Luca, a goalkeeper, was born in France and has spent much of his life in Spain. However, he has always been eligible to represent Algeria and officially switched allegiances ahead of this summer’s tournament.

The 28-year-old, who plays for Spanish second tier side Granada at club level, was named in his nation’s starting lineup for their opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Argentina.

Luca was powerless to resist as the reigning World Cup champions picked up a comfortable victory courtesy of the brilliant Lionel Messi. The Inter Miami forward, who was perhaps fortunate not to be sent off, netted a stunning hat-trick as the South Americans won 3-0.

Video of Zinedine Zidane in the Stands Goes Viral

Zinedine Zidane watches on from the stands at the 2026 World Cup Dylan Martinez via Reuters

Luca did not have his best match in goal. According to SofaScore, he made just three saves during the game and had a goals-prevented stat of -0.78, meaning he conceded more goals than expected.

Despite completing all 37 of his passes, Luca was given a rating of just 6.3/10.

The camera panned to his father, Zinedine, with Argentina leading 2-0 with just over 15 minutes of the game remaining. The Real Madrid and France legend did not look impressed at all as he shook his hand before falling back into his seat.

Luca Zidane’s Performance vs Argentina Sparks Big Reaction

Lionel Messi scores against Luca Zidane Siphiwe Sibeko via Reuters

Football fans watching the match were not impressed with Luca’s performance. One fan was especially brutal as they said: “The Algerian FA should be investigating everyone involved in getting Luca Zidane a starting spot in the XI. There’s no way he starts for them without serious strings being pulled behind the scenes. They’re risking an early World Cup exit and possibly losing out on millions of dollars.”

Another stated: “He doesn’t even know how to do the simple basics of goalkeeping. [The] first goal was genuinely embarrassing, and he went and conceded an even worse goal the second time.”

A third said: “Algeria’s population is 48 million. Is it possible there’s no better goalkeeper than this?” While a fourth commented: “There’s no way this guy goes professional without Zidane.”

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Why Luca Zidane is Wearing a Mask at the 2026 World Cup

Luca Zidane Denny Medley via Reuters

In the spring, Luca fractured his jaw and chin, while suffering a severe concussion, following a sickening collision during a match against Almeria. He subsequently missed the rest of the domestic season and had to have surgery.

Despite that injury, Luca was named in Algeria’s 26-man squad for the World Cup. He hasn’t fully recovered, though, and is only allowed to play while wearing a black mask that covers the perimeter of his face.

Luca gave an update on his injury ahead of the tournament. He said: “I’m doing well, I don’t have any pain anymore. The surgery went well and five weeks have passed now. I returned to training on the pitch two weeks ago and I’m very happy.”

Luca and Algeria will be looking to bounce back when they face Jordan in their next Group J match on Monday, June 22.

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic Puts Alexi Lalas in His Place During World Cup

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Thierry Henry produced a priceless reaction live on FOX Sports after Zlatan Ibrahimovic put Alexi Lalas in his place on live TV following France’s 3-1 win over Senegal at the 2026 World Cup.

The trio have only been working together since the tournament began last week but there have already been moments of tension between Lalas, the former United States international, and his fellow pundits.

Lalas made headlines last week after describing British presenter James Corden as a “full kit w***er” live on TV on day two of the tournament, prompting a shocked reaction from his fellow panellists.

Since then, viewers on social media have been speculating that Zlatan and Henry have little time for the outspoken Lalas.

Zlatan Shuts Down ‘Arrogant’ France Accusations

Zlatan Daniele Mascolo via Reuters

There was another tense moment between Ibrahimovic and Lalas on Tuesday, following France’s victory over Senegal.

Lalas attempted to spark a discussion over whether the French team were guilty of being arrogant during the goalless first half. The 56-year-old made the comment after former USA star Landon Donovan called Les Bleus “arrogant” and “casual” in their approach during the opening 45 minutes.

“The reality is, if they are arrogant, it’s because they can do things like that,” Lalas said, highlighting France’s second-half performance in which Kylian Mbappe scored twice. However, Zlatan shut down any suggestions of France being arrogant, responding:

“It’s not arrogance, it’s confidence. Ignorant people will say it’s arrogance, intelligent people will say it’s confidence.”

Henry’s eyes widened and stayed that way for several seconds as the dust settled on Zlatan’s cutting response. Watch the clip below:

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France, one of the pre-tournament favourites, struggled during the first half against Senegal in hot conditions at the New York New Jersey Stadium. But Didier Deschamps’ side found their rhythm after the break and secured all three points thanks to Mbappe’s brace and another goal from substitute Bradley Barcola.

However, France only find themselves second in Group I after the first round of matches due to Norway securing a 4-1 win over Iraq. Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, making his maiden appearance at a World Cup finals, scored twice at the Boston Stadium.


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Ballon d’Or 2026 Power Rankings

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In the night’s other games, over in Group J, Lionel Messi became the World Cup’s joint all-time leading goalscorer after netting a hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria, while Austria sealed a 3-1 win over Jordan.

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Ruben Amorim Wants Manuel Ugarte From Man Utd

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Ruben Amorim could offer Manuel Ugarte an escape route, as The Mirror claims that the former Manchester United head coach wants the midfielder at his next club, AC Milan.

The Uruguayan international has struggled to make much of an impression since his switch from Paris Saint-Germain, having dropped down the team pecking order in the past year.

Ugarte’s struggles have been well-documented, and as Man United look to bolster their midfield ranks, he has been put among the players shortlisted for a potential exit this summer.

As they look to recoup much of the £42 million spent on the 25-year-old this summer, Amorim could give the Red Devils a much-needed financial boost.

AC Milan Want Manuel Ugarte

Manuel Ugarte vs England
Manuel Ugarte vs England

According to the report from The Mirror, Amorim is looking at a potential move for Ugarte this summer, with the hopes of reuniting at AC Milan.

It’s stated that Man United have slapped a £30 million price tag on the midfielder, as they hope to land a decent fee to move him on three years before the end of his contract.

As it stands, the Rossoneri are currently unwilling to match that demand, but talks are planned so that the two clubs can reach a compromise to get a deal over the line.

There is some hope that a positive World Cup for Ugarte, who is featuring for Uruguay in North America this summer, will help the Red Devils in their case to get a strong fee for him.

It remains to be seen whether that will be the case, but any move is likely to free up funds for the club to go back into the market for even better options.

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Man United’s Midfield Refresh

Michael Carrick Manchester United manager (2026)

A transfer exit for Ugarte could help get the midfield refresh at Manchester United firmly underway, replacing a wantaway star with some quality.

Ederson’s move from Atalanta is already agreed in a huge boost for the position, while talks are continuing over the signing of Mateus Fernandes from West Ham.

At least two additions to the central ranks are expected, but an exit for Ugarte for a strong fee could free up funds to add a third midfielder who could make all the difference.


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Manchester United are in the market for midfielders, with a former Manchester City academy player in their sights.

Links have continued for the likes of Alex Scott and Carlos Baleba, who may emerge as strong candidates later in the transfer window.

It remains to be seen if that is possible, especially with interest for a new left-back, backup goalkeeper, and a forward of some description before the window closes.

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Why Tuchel Didn’t Call Up Trent Alexander-Arnold to Replace Tino Livramento

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Thomas Tuchel has again decided against calling up Trent Alexander-Arnold to England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, and his reasons for doing so have emerged.

The Real Madrid defender was excluded from England’s 26-man squad for this summer’s tournament in May, with the likes of Reece James, Djed Spence and Tino Livramento preferred.

Livramento had to withdraw from England’s squad just days before the Three Lions’ opener against Croatia after suffering a calf injury in training.

Tuchel again decided against calling up Trent to replace the Newcastle defender, instead bringing Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah into the fold.

Why Tuchel Decided Against Calling Up Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold in action for Real Madrid Lee Smith via Reuters

Many football fans questioned Tuchel’s decision to leave out Alexander-Arnold when he initially named his squad, and many are baffled they have overlooked him again.

Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett has now explained the two reasons why the Real Madrid defender, considered one of the best right-backs in the world, was not called up.

He said: “There will be a lot of England fans and pundits saying ‘why not Trent Alexander-Arnold?’ – that’s a question Tuchel will be asked.

“It’s my understanding there are two reasons why it wouldn’t be Alexander-Arnold – firstly, we don’t know where he is. Could the England logistics teams get him here in time before the deadline?

“Also, Tuchel has left some big names out of this squad, Cole Palmer, Harry Maguire and Phil Foden. He didn’t want to bring them if they weren’t going to be guaranteed game time. So the England manager may have had concerns about bringing in a superstar like Alexander-Arnold if he was going to spend time sitting on the bench.”

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Thomas Tuchel Explains Reasons For Calling Up Chalobah

England manager Thomas Tuchel during a press conference in England Press Conference in Gardens North County District Park, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, U.S. Thomas Tuchel via Reuters/Jim Rassol​​​​​​​

Tuchel has now addressed Livramento’s injury and explained why he decided to replace him with Chalobah.

He said: “Tino was of course very disappointed and sad. All of us were. It was a bit of a shock when he had to stop training and he had a feeling that this could be an injury that could cost him the tournament. He was unfortunately right after assessment.

“We got the information that it’s about four or five weeks, which is unfortunately too long to keep on rebuilding and reintegrating him into the squad. We took the decision to send him home, which is disappointing.

“We called Trevoh Chalobah, because we can free up Jarell Quansah as a full-back on both sides. Djed Spence can play as a full-back on both sides. Trevoh comes as a centre-back alternative, which gives us full coverage in the back four.”

England get their 2026 World Cup campaign underway on Wednesday evening when they take on Croatia at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

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