Midfielder Jayden Adams dies at 25

Spain wins the semi-finals

Spain secured its place in the World Cup final after beating France 2-0 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro were enough to eliminate the French team.

Luis de la Fuente spoke at a press conference about the message prior to the game. “We were facing one of the best teams in the world, but they were facing the best team in the world,” he declared. He highlighted that the key was “order, balance, sacrifice, effort and interpreting the phases of the game well.”

The Spanish coach assured that reaching the final “is not a coincidence, it is talent, work and sacrifice.” He praised his players: “They are an exceptional generation, with a commendable attitude.”

“We had no doubt that by being ourselves we were going to do a lot of damage to France. I am surprised by what this team is capable of, it improves from one game to the next.”

Regarding the rival in the final—Argentina or England—De la Fuente confessed that he would prefer to face Argentina because of his friendship with Lionel Scaloni, but he respects England’s potential.

“The finals are to be played. The most difficult step remains, but we are looking forward to playing it. We are not satisfied, we will go to fight to win the championship,” he stated.

Referee controversy in the 2026 World Cup

France’s defeat against Spain in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup left a strong exchange of statements. Didier Deschamps, coach of the Blues, openly questioned the Salvadoran referee Iván Barton.

“I don’t want to sound like a crybaby. But did tonight’s referee have the level to officiate a World Cup semi-final? I’ll leave the answer to you,” Deschamps declared.

The Frenchman added that there were “quite a few situations” and also “favorable decisions”, without giving more details.

The criticism did not go unnoticed. Hugo Sánchez, Mexican soccer legend, exploded against Deschamps on ESPN’s Futbol Picante program.

“Let’s see, Deschamps, I’m going to answer you. First, you must be respectful and professional. That way of belittling a referee from El Salvador seems fatal to me, you are ordinary and disastrous,” said Sánchez.

The “Pentapichichi” demanded an apology: “You must apologize for that stupidity and respect the referee. Out of anger you belittle a referee who does not deserve it. You look for justifications because you did not do it on the field.”

Deschamps, who will step down after 14 years at the helm of France, will coach the third-place match on Saturday in Miami. The controversy marks the closing of its cycle.

The world of football woke up in mourning this Sunday. Jayden Adams, midfielder for the South African National Team and Mamelodi Sundowns, was found dead in one of his properties. He was 25 years old and had just returned to his country after participating in the World Cup.

What is known so far?

The authorities are investigating the causes of death. No official details have been revealed. The footballer was going through one of the highest moments of his career. FIFA and several sports institutions held minutes of silence at different international meetings.

The tribute of the club and the family

Mamelodi Sundowns organized a farewell ceremony in which teammates, family and fans participated. Everyone gathered to pay tribute to him.

The family broke the silence with a message in memory of the player. Aiden Johnson, Adams’ cousin, told local media:

“There are no words to describe Jayden as a person, he was a pillar for all of us, from when he was a child until the last day. He was always the one who made sure everyone was okay, the one who wanted to know how he could help… There is nothing that can or will ever replace what he meant to me.”

The footballer leaves a void in South African sport. His human quality, both on and off the field, will be remembered by those who knew him.