The World Cup 2026 knockout stage is well under way and the stakes are getting higher by the day.
One moment of madness or dodgy decision can spell the end of a team’s hopes of global glory for another four years, so it is no surprise that emotions can run high.
From spoilt superstars to VAR, here are five controversial quotes that have defined the World Cup 2026 so far.
1. Muller’s VAR outrage
Few topics boil the blood of football fans and players like VAR, particularly when it contributes to a World Cup exit.
That was the case for Germany in their last-32 defeat by Paraguay. The four-time winners went out on penalties – yes, you read that right – but felt they had a perfectly good goal disallowed in extra-time, when Jonathan Tah’s header was ruled out for an apparent foul by Waldemar Anton on Albirroja goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
“We feel used and cheated…this is daylight robbery on the biggest stage in football.”
Thomas Muller, former Germany striker
Referee Jalal Jayed initially gave the goal, but it was disallowed after a VAR review – and Germany legend Thomas Muller did not hold back with his criticism on Magenta TV after the game.
“We, the Germans, feel used and cheated,” the World Cup 2014 winner said. “This is wrong. This is daylight robbery on the biggest stage in football. If that’s a foul, then football has completely lost its consistency… Right now, it feels like we’ve been punished by technology instead of protected by it.”
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2. Dembele hates the circus
After starring in the past two World Cup finals, it is no surprise that Kylian Mbappe has hit the ground running this summer in North America.
The France superstar has scored six goals in just four games to become his country’s record goalscorer and move second in the list of all-time top scorers in World Cup history, with only Lionel Messi ahead of him.
“Whether he ties his shoelaces or not, whether he pulls up his socks or not… it’s too much.”
Ousmane Dembele, France forward
With standards that high, it is inevitable that Mbappe will get flak when he falls below those levels – and team-mate Ousmane Dembele leapt to his captain’s defence as the media circus ratcheted up on the eve of the tournament.
“Some people overdo the criticism because he’s Kylian Mbappe,” the Paris Saint-Germain forward said. “They shouldn’t keep going after him. Whether he ties his shoelaces or not, whether he pulls up his socks or not… it’s too much. He’s still a human being.”
3. Portugal’s pandering problem
Anyone who has listened to Chris Sutton’s punditry will know the former Blackburn Rovers and Celtic striker isn’t shy about sharing his opinions.
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez was in the crosshairs ahead of his side’s last-32 clash with Croatia, after one of the most talented squads at the tournament failed to win Group K.
“I think (it) is embarrassing for Roberto Martinez. I’ve never known a manager to pander to a player as much as he does.”
Chris Sutton, BBC Sport pundit
Sutton placed the blame on Martinez’s attitude towards 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, who played every minute during the group stage despite producing underwhelming displays in the draws with DR Congo and Colombia.
He told BBC Sport: “Cristiano Ronaldo is 41 but has played every minute for Portugal so far, which I think is embarrassing for Roberto Martinez. I’ve never known a manager to pander to a player as much as he does. Portugal have some incredible players, but as great as Ronaldo once was, they are being held back by having him permanently on the pitch as their centre forward.”
4. Koeman’s defiance in defeat
It takes a brave manager to defend their tactics to the hilt in the immediate aftermath of their side exiting the World Cup, but that’s exactly what Ronald Koeman did after the Netherlands’ defeat by Morocco.
The Dutch looked set to reach the last 16 when Cody Gakpo put them ahead with 18 minutes remaining, only for Issa Diop’s stoppage-time equaliser to force extra-time and penalties, with the North Africans prevailing.
“If I had to do it again I’d do it all the same way.”
Ronald Koeman, Netherlands manager
Koeman took plenty of flak for playing a back five and setting his side up defensively, with fans and pundits claiming it had invited Morocco onto the Netherlands.
However, the 63-year-old fired back: “If I had to do it again I’d do it all the same way. As the Dutch coach when the equaliser is scored I am always going to be scolded for the fact I chose five defenders.”
Despite those comments, Koeman may have had some regrets – he resigned as manager the following day.
5. Montella makes a stand
Arguably the most disappointing team of the whole tournament was Turkey, whose exciting young side were eliminated after two games without scoring a goal.
Predictably, Vincenzo Montella’s men came in for plenty of criticism back home, but the Italian used his press conference before the Group D finale against the USA to hit back at the naysayers.
“If there is someone who would like me to resign, well, maybe they need to accept that I will not.”
Vincenzo Montella, Turkey manager
“I don’t want my boys to be influenced by what people are saying, but I’ve seen their faces,” Montella said as part of a rant that went on for more than 10 minutes. “It’s like if they were my children.
“I have the support of the (federation) president and this is enough for me. I have the support of the players and this is even more important for me. If there is someone who would like me to resign, well, maybe they need to accept that I will not.”
The speech seemingly had an impact, as Turkey beat USA 3-2 to take a little bit of pride home with them across the Atlantic.