With disgust, anger, irony or even humor, the World Cup 2026 has left a collection of phrases that reflect the emotional intensity of the tournament. Footballers, coaches, former players and even political figures have made statements that have gone around the world and are now part of the fans’ memory.
Five days before the final of the tournament, scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, these are some of the most striking quotes from the World Cup:
The voices of the World Cup
1. “We feel used and deceived. This is a robbery in broad daylight.”
Thomas Müller exploded after a goal for Germany against Paraguay was disallowed, in a match that ended with the German elimination on penalties.
2. “They charged us with a penalty that only existed in the referee’s virtual reality glasses.”
Luka Modric expressed his indignation after Croatia’s defeat against Portugal in the round of 32.
3. “The VAR? It’s like a ghost: it’s scary, but no one knows when it appears.”
Antonio Rüdiger spoke ironically about the use of technology after the German elimination.
4. “You are a despicable woman and unworthy of your position.”
Kylian Mbappé responded harshly to the racist comments of a Paraguayan senator after France-Paraguay.
5. “We are not a Hollywood team, we are football workers.”
Didier Deschamps defended France’s pragmatic style in the face of criticism.
6. “Pressure? Pressure is getting up at five in the morning for minimum wage.”
Marcelo Bielsa relativized the demands of football after the elimination of Uruguay.
7. “What this group has done is not normal.”
Lionel Messi highlighted Argentina’s achievement after reaching the semifinals again.
8. “If they eliminate us, I’m going to play PlayStation.”
Ousmane Dembélé provided humor before the duel against Morocco.
9. “I want England to win.”
Erling Haaland surprised with his confession after Norway’s elimination.
10. “Today we were lucky.”
Thomas Tuchel, critical even of England’s victory.
11. “Sometimes you have to win dirty.”
Jude Bellingham responded to his coach after the victory against Norway.
12. “We take it as a rebellion.”
Lionel Scaloni on external pressure towards Argentina.
13. “I repeat phrases as if they were my own.”
Bielsa, true to his style, also left room for humor.
14. “I would break that contract.”
Romário called for the departure of Carlo Ancelotti after Brazil’s elimination.
15. “I started here and I end here. Now it’s over.”
Neymar said goodbye to the Brazilian team in tears.
A World Cup that is also told in words
Beyond the goals and results, the World Cup 2026 has also been narrated through phrases that condense emotions, controversies and historical moments.
From protests over referee decisions to farewells full of nostalgia, these statements reflect that football is not only played on the field, but also in words. And with the final still to be played, the tournament can still leave new phrases destined to go down in history.