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World Cup Commentator Banned by FIFA After Epic On-Air Meltdown During Game

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A 2026 World Cup commentator has been banned by FIFA after completely losing his head during the match between Paraguay and Turkey.

Paraguay needed to pick up at least a point after facing defeat to the United States in their opening match of the competition.

They kept their hopes of qualifying for the knockout rounds alive after beating Turkey 1-0 in a hard-fought match. They managed to triumph despite Miguel Almiron being shown a straight red card in first-half stoppage time.

The former Newcastle United midfielder was given his marching orders after covering his mouth during a confrontation. The rule was introduced in this summer’s tournament to stop players concealing racist, discriminatory, or abusive language.

Miguel Almiron is shown a red card in Paraguay vs Turkey

Paraguayan commentator Jorge Vera unleashed an incredible rant on ABC Cardinal after Almiron was shown his marching orders. He started by calling referee Ivan Barton a ‘thief’ before taking aim at FIFA president Gianni Infantino. He raged, per the Mirror:

“Thief, thief, Barton. They killed football. FIFA, you killed football. [Gianni] Infantino, you’re responsible for this. FIFA, take responsibility for turning football into this. A disgrace. You should be ashamed, Infantino.”

He then hit out at CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez. “Alejandro Domínguez, less photos with Infantino. Grow a pair. You f****** thieves!

“What kind of racism could Miguel Almiron possibly use against the Turkish player? Show me some common sense.”

FIFA have reacted to Vera’s outburst by taking away his accreditation for the remainder of the tournament. ABC Cardinal have condemned that decision. They said:

“We believe that the permanent cancellation of a credential for the entire duration of the tournament constitutes an extreme and manifestly disproportionate sanction for a primary infraction that was immediately acknowledged, for which formal apologies and concrete mechanisms for redress were offered.

“The apologies were presented, the error was admitted, and corrective measures were immediately implemented… Correcting errors is necessary. So is ensuring that sanctions are reasonable, proportionate, and compatible with basic principles of justice.

“No sanction should disregard a professional career based on an isolated incident that has been acknowledged and rectified. We trust that FIFA will review its decision and allow proportionality and dialogue to lead us to justice.”

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Gianni Infantino and the World Cup trophy REUTERS/Henry Romero

Vera has taken to social media to apologise for his comments. He said:

“To the public opinion. During the live transmission of the Paraguay-Turkey match, in the heat of the moment and the tension of the broadcast, I made comments that exceeded the limits.

“I used strong expressions and personal attacks against the referee and FIFA officials, which I deeply regret. I recognise that I went too far with my words. I have already sent a formal note of rectification and apologies directly to the FIFA accreditation team, acknowledging the verbal excess caused by the pressure of the live broadcast.

“I want to apologise publicly to FIFA, to the refereeing team, to my colleagues, and especially to the audience for any offense my words may have caused. It was never my intention to attack anyone personally. I got carried away in the emotion of the moment. I take full responsibility for my mistake. Thank you.”

Paraguay are next in action on Thursday, June 25, when they take on Australia at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. A point would likely be enough to see them progress to the knockout rounds.

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Why England Fans Are Singing Oasis Song Wonderwall at World Cup 2026

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England’s 2026 World Cup campaign got off to the perfect start with a 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas, and the celebrations in the immediate aftermath were given as much attention as the match itself.

As the Three Lions players made their way over to thank the travelling fans after the game, Oasis’ Wonderwall rang out around the stadium, with thousands of supporters belting out the 1995 classic together.

Several of Thomas Tuchel’s men were visibly moved by the moment, with a few even joining in. It quickly became a standout image of the tournament for England fans, and opened up plenty of conversation about how it was added to England’s array of songs and chants.


England fans with flag in the background


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Why England Fans Are Singing Wonderwall

England fans before 2026 World Cup Reuters/Nathan Ray Seebeck

The song wasn’t a spontaneous fan choice picked up on the night. Every country at the tournament was asked to submit a playlist of songs to be played in the stadium before and after their matches, and England’s selection, put together in consultation with fan groups, included Wonderwall alongside The Beatles’ Hey Jude and, of course, Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline.


England players celebrate vs Croatia


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‘Chase the Sun’ by Planet Funk was heard four times in Dallas on Wednesday night as England beat Croatia 4-2.

While all three got an airing after the Croatia win, it was Oasis’ track that clearly resonated most. As the players gathered in front of the supporters at one end of the pitch, led by captain Harry Kane, the crowd’s rendition of the song took over the stadium, with Jude Bellingham and others mouthing along to the words.

Watch England’s rendition of Wonderwall:

Wonderwall Lyrics

Today is gonna be the day that they’re gonna throw it back to you

By now, you should’ve somehow realised what you gotta do

I don’t believe that anybody feels the way I do about you now

And backbeat, the word is on the street that the fire in your heart is out

I’m sure you’ve heard it all before, but you never really had a doubt

I don’t believe that anybody feels the way I do about you now

And all the roads we have to walk are winding

And all the lights that lead us there are blinding

There are many things that I would like to say to you

But I don’t know how

Because maybe

You’re gonna be the one that saves me

And after all

You’re my wonderwall

Today was gonna be the day, but they’ll never throw it back to you

By now, you should’ve somehow realised what you’re not to do

I don’t believe that anybody feels the way I do about you now

And all the roads that lead you there were winding

And all the lights that light the way are blinding

There are many things that I would like to say to you

But I don’t know how

You’re gonna be the one that saves me

I said, “Maybe (I said maybe)

You’re gonna be the one that saves me

I said, “Maybe (I said maybe)

You’re gonna be the one that saves me (saves me)

You’re gonna be the one that saves me (saves me)

You’re gonna be the one that saves me” (saves me)

Oasis and Players’ Reaction

Harry Kane Pawel Andrachiewicz / PressFocus via Reuters Connect

The moment did not go unnoticed by Oasis’ lead guitarist and primary songwriter, Noel Gallagher. Despite previously saying his footballing allegiances lie with Ireland rather than England, he gave his blessing for the song to be adopted by the Three Lions’ supporters.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Gallagher’s message was simple:

“For your information, that song belongs to the people.”

England’s players were just as taken by the occasion. Harry Kane described it as one of his favourite moments in an England shirt, whilst Declan Rice was similarly moved, telling the BBC that being a player for England at a major tournament “feels different.”

Jordan Pickford also spoke about how much the players feed off that kind of backing from the stands, with the goalkeeper expecting even bigger numbers as the tournament progresses.

“The next two games, I think we’ll see a lot more numbers [of fans] coming over. We all love it. We’re all passionate people, and we know the England fans are passionate as well. It drives us.”

Do Other Fans Sing Wonderwall?

Allianz Field (Minnesota United)

It’s also worth noting the Manchester City connection running through the squad. Four of England’s 26-man squad are City players, and it’s a well-known fact that the Gallagher brothers are avid fans of the Citizens, with Wonderwall already holding anthem status at the Etihad. Defender John Stones is good friends with Noel, and at one point put together a playlist with him back in 2018.

Outside of Manchester City and England, it also has a place in MLS. Minnesota United regularly play the song after their matches and even have a 2,920-capacity safe standing area named “The Wonderwall.”

Even with their comeback in 2025 boosting streaming figures, the track reportedly surged by 50 per cent in the UK in the days following the Croatia match, according to Spotify.

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Tottenham Make Man Utd Hijack Progress for Mateus Fernandes

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Tottenham are making significant progress in an effort to hijack Manchester United’s move to sign West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes this summer.

Spurs certainly aren’t messing around in the window as they look to build a squad capable of climbing back up towards the top half of the Premier League table.

They are likely to face competition from United for a host of signings, despite the Manchester club competing in the Champions League next season.

Tottenham are showing plenty of ambition in the market, targeting players who are attracting interest from clubs in Europe.

Fernandes is a player attracting plenty of interest in the summer transfer window after West Ham were relegated to the Championship.


Roberto De Zerbi points during Tottenham's win over Everton


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Tottenham Make Man Utd Hijack Progress

Roebrto De Zerbi celebrates Spurs' win over Everton via Reuters

According to a Tottenham source on X, Spurs are making significant progress on a move to sign West Ham United midfielder Fernandes, looking to hijack Manchester United’s efforts to secure his signature.

Spurs are adamant to secure their priority target ahead of United, and there are expected to be no issues on personal terms.

Reports have claimed that Manchester United are big favourites to sign Fernandes in the summer transfer window, but it appears Tottenham are now making a huge play to bring him to North London.

The Red Devils will have been wary of Spurs making a move with their interest well known, and it’s clear to see that they aren’t messing around this summer.

Tottenham have already signed Jan-Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson, but it appears they’re hoping to get multiple further deals over the line.

England World Cup Quiz

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Tottenham an Attractive Prospect Under De Zerbi

Roberto De Zerbi via Reuters

Although Spurs have massively struggled over the last couple of seasons, finishing 17th in the Premier League twice in a row, there’s no doubt their ambition in the current market will be an attraction to many players.

Tottenham do appear to be headed back in the right direction under Roberto De Zerbi, who managed to save them from relegation last season.

The signings they’ve already made are going to significantly improve their squad, while they still appear to be working on multiple deals alongside that.

Fernandes certainly has a tough decision to make, and it will be interesting to see which club he chooses this summer.

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Every Completed Premier League Transfer in 2026/27

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Premier League clubs have already begun making their moves to strengthen ahead of the upcoming 2026/27 season.

While the World Cup continues to take centre stage, the summer transfer window rumbles on in the background as the richest league in the world proves its might in the market.

GiveMeSport has rounded up all the confirmed deals for each individual team. With the window set to close on September 1, teams still have plenty of time to conclude their business.

Arsenal

Ins

None

Outs

Player

New Club

Fee

Jakub Kiwior

Porto

£14.7 million

Karl Hein

Werder Bremen

£2.6 million

Josh Nichols

N/A

Released

Alexei Rojas-Fedorushchenko

N/A

Released

Samuel Onyekachukwu

N/A

Released

Will Lannin-Sweet

N/A

Released

Cam’ron Ismail

N/A

Released

Seb Ferdinand

N/A

Released

Harrison Dudziak

N/A

Released

Sam Chapman

N/A

Released

Aston Villa

Ins

None

Outs

None

Bournemouth

Ins

None

Outs

Player

New Club

Fee

Michael Dacosta Gonzalez

Moreirense

Free

Marcos Senesi

Tottenham

Released

Brentford

Ins

Player

Previous Club

Fee

Jannik Schuster

RB Salzburg

£17million

Outs

Player

New Club

Fee

Ryan Trevitt

N/A

Released

Reiss Nelson

Arsenal

End of Loan

Brighton & Hove Albion

Ins

Player

Previous Club

Fee

Costinha

Olympiacos

£8million

Zadok Yohanna

AIK Stockholm

£21.5million

Outs

Player

New Club

Fee

Jan Paul van Hecke

Tottenham

£52million

James Milner

N/A

Released

Solly March

N/A

Released

Adam Webster

N/A

Released

Joel Veltman

N/A

Released

Chelsea

Ins

None

Outs

Player

New Club

Fee

Marc Cucurella

Real Madrid

£52million

Jimmy-Jay Morgan

West Brom

£4million

Coventry City (Promoted)

Ins

None

Outs

Player

New Club

Fee

Jamie Allen

N/A

Released

Crystal Palace

Ins

None

Outs

None

Everton

Ins

None

Outs

Player

New Club

Fee

Isaac Heath

Cambridge United

£250,000

Idrissa Gana Gueye

N/A

Released

Seamus Coleman

N/A

Released

Fulham

Ins

None

Outs

Player

New Club

Fee

Olly Sanderson

Stevenage

Free

Raul Jimenez

Wolves

Released

Steven Benda

N/A

Released

Devan Tanton

N/A

Released

Bradley De Jesus

N/A

Released

Ollie Gofford

N/A

Released

Charlie Robinson

N/A

Released

Joseph Walters

N/A

Released

Tom Wingate

N/A

Released

Callum Cliff

N/A

Released

Marcell Hall

N/A

Released

Ruban Khan

N/A

Released

Oliver Mayer

N/A

Released

Harley Platel

N/A

Released

Quinn Schutter

N/A

Released

Ins

None

Outs

None

Ins

Player

Previous Club

Fee

Chuba Akpom

Ajax

£7million

Cedric Kipre

Reims

£2.2million

Outs

Player

New Club

Fee

Arijanet Muric

Sassuolo

£5.9million

Leon Ayinde

Doncaster

Free

Conor Chaplin

N/A

Released

Leeds United

Ins

None

Outs

Player

New Club

Fee

Illan Meslier

N/A

Released

Sam Byram

N/A

Released

Liverpool

Ins

Player

Previous Club

Fee

Victor Munoz

Osasuna

£34.5million

Jeremy Jacquet

Rennes

£60million

Outs

Player

New Club

Fee

Andy Robertson

Tottenham

Free

Ibrahima Konate

Real Madrid

Released

Carter Pinnington

West Brom

Released

Mohamed Salah

N/A

Released

Rhys Williams

N/A

Released

Jacob Poytress

N/A

Released

Terence Miles

N/A

Released

Josh Davidson

N/A

Released

Oakley Cannonier

N/A

Released

DJ Bernard

N/A

Released

James Balagizi

N/A

Released

Emmanuel Airoboma

N/A

Released

Kareem Ahmed

N/A

Released

Manchester City

Ins

None

Outs

Player

New Club

Fee

Bernardo Silva

N/A

Released

John Stones

N/A

Released

Manchester United

Ins

None

Outs

Player

New Club

Fee

Rasmus Hojlund

Napoli

£38million

Casemiro

Inter Miami

Released

Jadon Sancho

N/A

Released

Tyrell Malacia

N/A

Released

Newcastle United

Ins

Player

Previous Club

Fee

Ewen Jaouen

Reims

£18.5million

Outs

Player

New Club

Fee

Anthony Gordon

Barcelona

£69million

Travis Hernes

Groningen

Undisclosed

Aaron Ramsdale

Southampton

End of Loan

Kieran Trippier

Wolves

Released

Emil Krafth

N/A

Released

John Ruddy

N/A

Released

Max Thompson

N/A

Released

Matt Targett

N/A

Released

Nottingham Forest

Ins

None

Outs

Player

New Club

Fee

Stefan Ortega

N/A

Released

Willy Boly

N/A

Released

Angus Gunn

N/A

Released

Ins

None

Outs

Player

New Club

Fee

Bertrand Traore

N/A

Released

Dennis Cirkin

N/A

Released

Milan Aleksin

Partizan Belgrade

Loan

Harrison Jones

Peterborough

Free

Tottenham Hotspur

Ins

Player

Previous Club

Fee

Jan Paul van Hecke

Brighton

£52million

Andy Robertson

Liverpool

Free

Marcos Senesi

AFC Bournemouth

Free

Outs

Player

New Club

Fee

Yves Bissouma

N/A

Released

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