SPORTS EDITORIAL. Five days before the grand final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the tournament has not only left behind memorable goals and unexpected results, but also statements that have sparked controversy, laughter, reflection, and emotion among players, coaches, and former footballers.

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Since the start of the competition on June 11th, press conferences and post-match interviews have been the stage for phrases that quickly went viral and remained etched in the fans’ memories.

Among the most forceful statements is that of the German Thomas Müller, who criticized the refereeing after his national team’s elimination against Paraguay.

“We feel used and deceived. This is daylight robbery on the biggest stage in football,” expressed the veteran forward.

Croatian captain Luka Modric also sparked debate by questioning a penalty called in Croatia’s loss to Portugal.

For his part, French coach Didier Deschamps defended his team’s style of play with a phrase that quickly went viral.

“We are not a Hollywood team, we are football workers. If you want a show, go to the cinema.”

The Uruguayan coach Marcelo Bielsa once again left one of his traditional reflections by relativizing competitive pressure.

“Pressure? Pressure is getting up at five in the morning to work for minimum wage. This is just a game with an inflated ball.”

Argentine captain Lionel Messi highlighted the legacy of the Albiceleste after reaching the semifinals once again.

“It is not normal what this group did: being world champion, winning the Copa América, and being in a semifinal again.”

French forward Ousmane Dembélé surprised everyone with a statement full of humor before the quarterfinals.

“If we get eliminated, I’m going home to play PlayStation.”

Another unexpected confession was that of the Norwegian Erling Haaland, who revealed that as a child he supported England and wished to see them become champions after Norway’s elimination.

In England, there was also an exchange of opinions between manager Thomas Tuchel and midfielder Jude Bellingham, who offered different views on the team’s performance after advancing to the semifinals.

Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni stated that his team uses criticism as motivation to continue competing at the highest level, while Bielsa brought smiles again with another one of his quips by admitting that he is in the habit of saving phrases to repeat them later as if they were his own.

The former Brazilian striker Romário was also a protagonist by publicly calling for the departure of manager Carlo Ancelotti following Brazil’s elimination.

The most emotional statement came from Neymar, who confirmed the end of his time with the Brazilian national team after the defeat against Norway in the round of 16.

“I started here and I end here. Now it is over.”

With the World Cup final yet to be played, the tournament can still produce new statements that will become part of the history of a World Cup marked by intensity both on and off the pitch.