Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterThe 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 teams 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. Mullers VAR outrageFew 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 Tahs header was ruled out for an apparent foul by Waldemar Anton on Albirroja goalkeeper Orlando Gill. You may like Why was 103rd minute Croatia equaliser ruled out by VAR in climactic World Cup knockout match? World Cup day five highlights: Cape Verde humble Spain, water break frustration, work ahead for Marcelo Bielsa and groups shaping up nicely How to watch World Cup 2026: FREE live streams, groups, next matches 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.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Play our FREE World Cup predictor game HERE and win �1k2. Dembele hates the circusAfter 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 countrys record goalscorer and move second in the list of all-time top scorers in World Cup history, with only Lionel Messi ahead of him.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 captains defence as the media circus ratcheted up on the eve of the tournament. What to read next Drama around Portugal World Cup squad as Cristiano Ronaldo criticism proves divisive 'Roy Keane leaving Saipan in 2002 galvanised us but Mick McCarthy wasn't right to question him in front of the squad' Ex-Republic of Ireland international Clinton Morrison gives first-hand account of famous 2002 World Cup fallout World Cup day four highlights: Underestimate Germany at your peril, dark horse emerges, late drama and Graham Potter's redemption story 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. Portugals pandering problemAnyone who has listened to Chris Suttons punditry will know the former Blackburn Rovers and Celtic striker isnt shy about sharing his opinions.Portugal manager Roberto Martinez was in the crosshairs ahead of his sides last-32 clash with Croatia, after one of the most talented squads at the tournament failed to win Group K.Sutton placed the blame on Martinezs 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. Ive 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. Koemans defiance in defeatIt takes a brave manager to defend their tactics to the hilt in the immediate aftermath of their side exiting the World Cup, but thats 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 Diops stoppage-time equaliser to force extra-time and penalties, with the North Africans prevailing.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 standArguably 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 Montellas 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.I dont want my boys to be influenced by what people are saying, but Ive seen their faces, Montella said as part of a rant that went on for more than 10 minutes. Its 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.TOPICSThomas MllerOusmane DembeleKylian MbappeCristiano RonaldoChris SuttonRoberto MartinezRonald KoemanVincenzo MontellaGermanyFrancePortugalNetherlandsTurkeyJames RobertsFreelance writerJames Roberts is a freelance sports journalist working for FourFourTwo and other titles. He started his career at the Oxford Mail, where he covered Oxford United home and away, before becoming a sports sub-editor for various national newspapers.
