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Emotions always run high during a World Cup, and that often leads to some fiery words both on and off the pitch.

The knockout rounds of the 2026 World Cup are in full swing, and with every passing day, the stakes continue to rise.

One rash moment or a questionable decision can destroy a team’s dream of lifting the trophy for another four years, so it’s no surprise that tempers are flaring across North America.

From superstar outbursts to VAR controversies, here are five of the most headline-grabbing quotes that have shaped the 2026 World Cup so far.

Few issues stir as much anger among footballers and fans as VAR, especially when it leads to a devastating exit from the tournament.

That was exactly what happened to Germany in their last-32 clash with Paraguay. The four-time world champions were knocked out on penalties—yes, penalties—but believed they were robbed after Jonathan Tah’s extra-time header was disallowed for a foul by Waldemar Anton on Paraguay’s goalkeeper Orlando Gill.

“We feel used and cheated... this is daylight robbery on the biggest stage in football.”

Referee Jalal Jayed initially awarded the goal, but it was overturned after a VAR review. Germany legend Thomas Muller didn’t hold back when speaking to Magenta TV after the match.

“We, the Germans, feel used and cheated,” said the 2014 World Cup winner. “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 being protected by it.”

After shining in the previous two World Cup finals, Kylian Mbappe has once again burst into form this summer in North America.

The French ace has netted six goals in just four matches, becoming his nation’s all-time top scorer and moving into second place on the list of all-time World Cup scorers—only Lionel Messi stands ahead of him.

“Whether he ties his shoelaces or not, whether he pulls up his socks or not... it’s too much.”

With expectations that high, criticism inevitably follows when Mbappe falls short. Team-mate Ousmane Dembele jumped to his captain’s defence as media scrutiny intensified ahead of the tournament.

“Some people overdo the criticism because he’s Kylian Mbappe,” said the Paris Saint-Germain forward. “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.”

Former Blackburn Rovers and Celtic striker Chris Sutton is well-known for his no-nonsense punditry, and Portugal manager Roberto Martinez became his latest target before Portugal’s last-32 match against Croatia. Despite boasting one of the most talented squads in the competition, Portugal failed to top 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.”

Sutton laid the blame squarely on Martinez’s handling of 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, who played every minute of the group stage despite lacklustre performances in the draws against 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.”

It takes courage for a manager to stand by his tactical choices right after a painful World Cup exit, but Ronald Koeman did exactly that following the Netherlands’ defeat to Morocco.

The Dutch looked set to progress to the last 16 when Cody Gakpo put them ahead with 18 minutes left, only for Issa Diop’s stoppage-time equaliser to send the contest into extra time and penalties—where Morocco prevailed.

“If I had to do it again, I’d do it all the same way.”

Koeman was heavily criticised for deploying a defensive back five, with many arguing it encouraged Morocco to attack. But the 63-year-old stood firm.

“If I had to do it again, I’d do it all the same way,” he insisted. “As the Dutch coach, when the equaliser is scored, I’m always going to be blamed for choosing five defenders.”

Despite his defiance, Koeman resigned as Netherlands manager the very next day.

Turkey were widely seen as the tournament’s biggest disappointment, crashing out after two group-stage matches without scoring a single goal.

Facing mounting criticism from home, coach Vincenzo Montella used his press conference before Turkey’s final Group D game against the USA to deliver a passionate response.

“If there is someone who would like me to resign, well, maybe they need to accept that I will not.”

“I don’t want my boys to be influenced by what people are saying, but I’ve seen their faces,” Montella said in an emotional 10-minute speech. “They are like 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 passionate address appeared to motivate his team, as Turkey defeated the USA 3–2 to salvage some pride before heading home.