Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has strongly defended Argentina against mounting criticism over the team’s conduct during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the Albiceleste have done nothing to deserve the level of hostility directed at them.

LArgentina’s journey to the World Cup final was overshadowed by controversy, with the South American side facing accusations of overly aggressive play, disciplinary issues and claims of receiving favourable refereeing decisions throughout the tournament.

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The criticism intensified after Argentina suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Spain in the final. Following the match, several Argentine players turned their backs while Spain celebrated lifting the World Cup trophy, an action that sparked widespread backlash from football fans and pundits.

The final itself was also marred by heated confrontations between players, further fuelling debate over Argentina’s conduct on the biggest stage in football.

Responding to the growing criticism, Martinez dismissed the accusations and insisted the team had always treated opponents with respect.

Speaking to Foot Mercato, the Manchester United defender said the anti-Argentina narrative was unfair.

“The anti-Argentina campaign? I’m a little annoyed because they have no real reason to hate us.

“They say we’re arrogant, but that says more about them than about us. We have always been very respectful towards every opponent we have faced.”

Martinez’s comments echo those of Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who also defended Argentina’s World Cup campaign despite the controversies that surrounded the team.

Fernandez was sent off late in the final after picking up a second yellow card for a challenge on Spain’s Pau Cubarsi. Meanwhile, teammate Leandro Paredes later came under FIFA investigation over his conduct after the match.

Argentina also attracted criticism after displaying a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Falklands are Argentine”) following their semi-final victory over England, a gesture that reignited political tensions surrounding the disputed South Atlantic islands.

Despite the criticism, Fernandez maintained that the players represented Argentina with pride and gave everything for the national team throughout the tournament.

In a message shared on Instagram, the Chelsea midfielder said the squad had always represented the country “in the best possible way,” adding that football is not only about winning trophies but also about fighting with commitment, pride and determination for the national jersey.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have unveiled a striking new 10-star jersey ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), celebrating the team’s unparalleled success on the African continent.

The newly designed kit features 10 stars encircling the team’s badge, with each star representing one of Nigeria’s 10 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles.

The symbolic design reflects the Super Falcons’ legacy as the most successful side in the history of the competition.

READ MORE: Germany Appoint Jurgen Klopp as New National Team Head Coach

The nine-time defending champions first wore the special jersey during Thursday’s 2-1 international friendly victory over Tanzania’s Twiga Stars, giving supporters a glimpse of the new look ahead of the continental showpiece.

Justin Madugu’s team will now turn its attention to Morocco, where it will be aiming to capture a record-extending 11th WAFCON title and further cement its dominance in African women’s football.

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to begin on Saturday, with Nigeria opening its title defence against tournament debutants Malawi on Tuesday at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.

See the jersey below

WAFCON 2026: Iconic Super Falcons 10-Star Jersey

The German Football Association (DFB) has officially appointed former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp as the new head coach of the country’s men’s national football team.

Klopp, 59, replaces Julian Nagelsmann, who departed following Germany’s disappointing campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The announcement was made on Friday during a press conference in Frankfurt by DFB President Bernd Neuendorf.

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Neuendorf confirmed that Klopp has signed a contract that will run until the summer of 2030, keeping him in charge through the next FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Morocco, Spain and Portugal. He added that Klopp will officially assume his new role on August 15.

Speaking during the unveiling, Neuendorf expressed confidence that Klopp is the right man to restore Germany’s status as one of world football’s elite nations.

Germany’s latest World Cup campaign ended in disappointment after a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in the Round of 32.

The exit marked the country’s third consecutive poor World Cup performance since lifting the trophy for a fourth time in Brazil in 2014.

The four-time world champions also failed to progress beyond the group stage at the 2018 and 2022 editions, while their only knockout victory in the last five major tournaments came during Euro 2024, where they reached the quarter-finals on home soil.

Klopp had previously indicated his interest in leading the national team after Nagelsmann’s departure earlier this month.

Widely regarded as one of football’s most successful managers, Klopp built his reputation at Mainz before guiding Borussia Dortmund to domestic success.

He later transformed Liverpool into one of Europe’s dominant clubs, winning multiple major trophies, including the UEFA Champions League and the English Premier League.

Germany will now look to Klopp to oversee a long-term rebuild and guide the national team back to competing for major international honours.