Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero
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Senior Editor @TheAthleticFC 1/3 of @EuroZoneShow Ambassador @NCTJ_news 🗣🇫🇷🇪🇸 Covered the World Cup in Monterrey 🇲🇽 ⛰️
Articles by Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero
Dembele, Kvaratskhelia and Ruiz on beating Arsenal, the Ballon d’Or and chasing a third Champions League Original
Ousmane Dembele is the current Ballon D’Or holder. Fabian Ruiz is unbeaten in 50 games for the World Cup winners Spain. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was the Champions League’s MVP last season and the best player not to feature at the World Cup this summer. In a room overlooking Paris Saint-Germain’s pristine training pitches, these three superstars are chatting to The Athletic in three different languages about, among other things, how driven they are to win a third consecutive Champions League title.
Lionel Messi unsure playing career will last ‘much longer’ after death of his father, Jorge Original
Lionel Messi has spoken of his doubts over continuing his playing career “for much longer” following the death of his father, Jorge. Jorge Messi passed away, aged 68, on August 8.
Real Madrid’s Franco Mastantuono set to complete Fiorentina loan move Original
Real Madrid’s Franco Mastantuono is set to join Serie A club Fiorentina on loan, only a year after signing for Madrid in deal worth €63.2million (£54.1m; $72.8m). The Athletic reported in the Transfer DealSheet on July 28 that Mastantuono could leave the Bernabeu this summer, after joining from River Plate last year. The 18-year-old has attracted interest from multiple European clubs, with both the player and River also keen on a reunion.
Messi’s Argentina face Spain in 2026 World Cup final as Trump watches on: Live updates
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Messi’s Argentina face Spain in 2026 World Cup final as Trump watches on: Live updates Argentina attempt to defend their title against European champions Spain. July 19, 2026 at 3:12 PM EDT Lionel Messi is attempting to win the World Cup once again. Spain 0-0 Argentina Spain and Argentina are level in the first half of the 2026 World Cup final. Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal are going head-to-head at MetLife Stadium, where US President Donald Trump is among those in attendance.
By Luke Brown Verified, Michael Bailey, Jack Lang Verified, Liam Tharme Verified, Phil Hay Verified, Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero Verified, Austin Green, Michael Dominski Verified, James Horncastle Verified, Laia Cervelló Herrero Verified
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The New York Times
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The Lionel Messi I know, by one of his closest childhood friends Original
Leandro Benitez was a childhood friend of Lionel Messi and played alongside the Argentina star in the youth ranks of Newell’s Old Boys, the Rosario-based club where Messi started. Benitez, 39, was a left-back who went on to join other teams in Argentina, such as Lanus and Chacarita Juniors. He previously worked in the Newell’s academy and is now head coach of Rosario youth side ADIUR. I met Leo when I was eight years old at Newell’s Old Boys’ youth academy.
From remote regions to the bustle of Buenos Aires, Argentina unites behind the national team Original
By now, you probably know how much Argentina loves its national team. Whether it is videos of the streets of Buenos Aires exploding in celebration or thousands of supporters jumping up and down in unison in the bowels of Atlanta Stadium, the country’s passion for La Albiceleste is clear. But do you know how that extends to the whole of this huge South American country — by far the biggest by area left in the World Cup, at 1,044,325 square miles (2,704,789 square kilometres)?
Maradona’s half-smoked cigar and Toni Kroos’ socks: Inside the lair of a soccer memorabilia collector Original
If there is one item which sums up Gabriel Bustamante’s extraordinary dedication to collecting football memorabilia, it is a half-used Diego Maradona cigar. Maradona had just lost a 2019 play-off final with the Mexican second-division side he was coaching at the time, Dorados de Sinaloa, when Bustamante spotted him smoking the cigar on his way out of the stadium. When Maradona threw what was left of it under the team bus, Bustamante got down on his knees to rescue the relic smoked by El Diego.
The ‘Robodogs’ on World Cup patrol in Mexico Original
A group of police officers patrolling a stadium with three dogs on a World Cup matchday wouldn’t usually raise eyebrows. But when those three dogs are high-tech robots equipped with video cameras that can sustain speeds of 20kmph, you can understand the fuss. That was the case at Estadio BBVA before the stadium’s fourth and final World Cup game, as The Athletic joined three policemen controlling the K9-X robots in the build-up to the round-of-32 tie between the Netherlands and Morocco.
Marcelo Bielsa signs off from Uruguay with marathon press conference: ‘Nobody was interested’ Original
Marcelo Bielsa has said that “nothing” of what he tried to transmit during his time as Uruguay coach was “important, at any level” after his side’s group-stage exit from the World Cup.
Blood, tears and prayer: The chaos and emotion of Morocco’s win over the Netherlands Original
A penalty slotted low to the goalkeeper’s left. A shirt ripped off and thrown up in celebration. A host of team-mates in white joyfully rushing towards the corner flag. A place in the round of 16 grasped with the last ounces of energy. In the centre circle, players in orange lying on the floor, wondering when — or perhaps even if — their next opportunity will come. Another major tournament lost to fine margins and (at least) another four-year wait to make amends.
Morocco inflict World Cup heartbreak on the Netherlands after chaotic penalty shootout Original
Morocco are through to the last 16 of the World Cup — but that only tells half the story. A remarkable match was settled by a chaotic penalty shootout which Morocco won 3-2, with five kicks out of 10 missed and only one saved. It extended the Netherlands’ miserable record in shootouts at World Cups: they have only won one of five at the tournament.
South Korea’s World Cup wreckage: From Son’s ‘absolute heartache’ to threats against the coach Original
It was not the usual question asked of a manager after defeat. “The players just looked heavy. Were they collectively food-poisoned prior to the game? Or was there anything that happened that was out of your control? Otherwise, this was not an unacceptable performance by any standard.” South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo, already looking shellshocked after his team’s 1-0 defeat by South Africa, responded to the Korean Broadcasting System reporter by saying: “The performance itself was not good.
Netherlands team-mates supporting Cody Gakpo after death of unborn baby son Original
Cody Gakpo is being supported by his Netherlands team-mates and coach Ronald Koeman after he and his partner lost their baby son during pregnancy. Gakpo’s partner Noa van der Bij posted about the loss on social media earlier this week, and Koeman told his press conference before their World Cup round-of-32 tie against Morocco there was “never a moment” when the Liverpool forward asked to go home from the tournament.
Netherlands team-mates supporting Cody Gakpo after death of unborn baby son
Cody Gakpo is being supported by his Netherlands team-mates and coach Ronald Koeman after he and his partner lost their baby son during pregnancy. Gakpo’s partner Noa van der Bij posted about the loss on social media earlier this week, and Koeman told his press conference before their World Cup round-of-32 tie against Morocco there was “never a moment” when the Liverpool forward asked to go home from the tournament.
Monterrey police arrest four people over attempted robbery of World Cup fans Original
Police in Monterrey, Mexico have arrested four people over an attempted robbery of Japanese and South Korean fans visiting the city for the World Cup. The group of alleged thieves — two Peruvians and two Mexican nationals, based in Mexico City — were caught attempting to steal rucksacks and hand luggage belonging to the visiting supporters from hotels. Three of the people targeted were Japanese nationals, while one was from South Korea.
A homage to the land of El Diego and Lionel: The story of Muchachos, Argentina’s favourite chant
It was the soundtrack to Argentina’s 2022 World Cup win — and you’ve probably heard it at this tournament, too. ‘Muchachos’ is the song about heartbreak, the late Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi and the country’s successful quest for a third World Cup star. It references the Falklands War, Maradona’s parents and the multiple finals La Albiceleste lost before lifting football’s most prestigious honour again in Qatar, 36 years on from their previous victory in Mexico.
A World Cup in limbo: What now for fans as they wait to see if team qualify for last 32?
World Cup trips on a fixed budget or timeframe are relatively easy to organise. The cost is the cost. For anybody with a job, the time off work is the time off work. Supporters fly in, supporters fly out and it stacks up like a standard summer holiday (with the added bonus of football, and without the guarantee of family fall-outs). But what of those who make the World Cup an open-ended adventure?
A World Cup in limbo: What now for fans as they wait to see if team qualify for last 32?
World Cup trips on a fixed budget or timeframe are relatively easy to organise. The cost is the cost. For anybody with a job, the time off work is the time off work. Supporters fly in, supporters fly out and it stacks up like a standard summer holiday (with the added bonus of football, and without the guarantee of family fall-outs). But what of those who make the World Cup an open-ended adventure?
South Korea have lost their identity – with and without talisman Son Heung-min
When the final whistle blew, some South Korea players lay sprawled on the floor. Others dropped to their haunches, including an inconsolable Lee Kang-in. Son Heung-min just stood and took it all in, as if he couldn’t believe what had just happened at Estadio Monterrey. South Africa had beaten them to second place in Group A, sealing a historic first World Cup knockout-phase spot.
South Korea have lost their identity - with and without talisman Son Heung-min
When the final whistle blew, some South Korea players lay sprawled on the floor. Others dropped to their haunches, including an inconsolable Lee Kang-in. Son Heung-min just stood and took it all in, as if he couldn't believe what had just happened at Estadio Monterrey. South Africa had beaten them to second place in Group A, sealing a historic first World Cup knockout-phase spot.
South Africa’s stirring upset books Canada showdown, South Korea bench Son Heung-min and left stunned Original
MONTERREY, Mexico – South Africa reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in their history after rescuing their campaign with an exhilarating 1-0 victory over South Korea at Estadio Guadalupe. Having entered the night at the foot of Group A, Bafana Bafana surged into second place in Group A thanks to Thapelo Maseko’s 63rd minute winner.
Why Monterrey’s Korean enclave will make South Korea’s World Cup match feel like a home game
A sign in Korean welcomes you into a restaurant. Inside, fans are whirring and a woman behind the cash register speaks on the phone in Korean. From the kitchen, you can smell dishes such as samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), while a TV shows the South Korean broadcast of France vs Iraq. The walls are plastered with posters and adverts from the East Asian country. We are not in Seoul, however, but more than 7,000 miles away — in the outskirts of Monterrey, north-east Mexico.
Why Monterrey's Korean enclave will make South Korea's World Cup match feel like a home game
A sign in Korean welcomes you into a restaurant. Inside, fans are whirring and a woman behind the cash register speaks on the phone in Korean. From the kitchen, you can smell dishes such as samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), while a TV shows the South Korean broadcast of France vs Iraq. The walls are plastered with posters and adverts from the East Asian country. We are not in Seoul, however, but more than 7,000 miles away -- in the outskirts of Monterrey, north-east Mexico.
Herve Renard unable to prevent Tunisia exit as Japan win 4-0 in World Cup’s 1000th game Original
Japan has one foot in the World Cup knockouts after a comfortable win against Tunisia in Monterrey that eliminates the north African side. Before the game all eyes were on new Tunisia coach Herve Renard, and what defensive improvements he had been able to instil in the team in the space of four days following the sacking of Sabri Lamouchi. The immediate answer was: not many. Japan went ahead via Daichi Kamada after just four minutes, and proceeded to dominate the first half.
Pele, Diego Maradona and the sombrero as World Cup symbol: ‘You give one to the king’
Pele wore one at the World Cup of 1970. Diego Maradona did the same in 1986. Mexico fans threw tens of thousands onto the Estadio Azteca turf before last week’s opening game of the 2026 edition. Whenever the World Cup comes around, sombreros inevitably make an appearance if Mexico are involved. They have been even more visible this summer, with football’s greatest tournament returning to the country after a 40-year absence. Why are there so many sombreros at the World Cup?
Pele, Diego Maradona and the sombrero as World Cup symbol: 'You give one to the king'
Pele wore one at the World Cup of 1970. Diego Maradona did the same in 1986. Mexico fans threw tens of thousands onto the Estadio Azteca turf before last week's opening game of the 2026 edition. Whenever the World Cup comes around, sombreros inevitably make an appearance if Mexico are involved. They have been even more visible this summer, with football's greatest tournament returning to the country after a 40-year absence.
‘I don’t see meaning in football without Mexico’: Guillermo Ochoa eying retirement post-World Cup
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has said he doesn’t see meaning in football without the national team. This is the 40-year-old’s sixth appearance in a men’s World Cup squad — a joint record with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo — and he has previously suggested he will hang up his gloves for Mexico once the co-hosts’ tournament ends.
'I don't see meaning in football without Mexico': Guillermo Ochoa eying retirement post-World Cup
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has said he doesn't see meaning in football without the national team. This is the 40-year-old's sixth appearance in a men's World Cup squad -- a joint record with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo -- and he has previously suggested he will hang up his gloves for Mexico once the co-hosts' tournament ends.
Sweden’s World Cup fan march: The chants, costumes and drama as they ‘come with 100,000 men’
A sea of yellow. A woman holding a baby with ear defenders. A man wearing a red wig with pigtails. A boy shouting at the top of his lungs. And drumming — so much drumming. Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of the Sweden fan march — a staple at international tournaments that made its men’s World Cup return on Sunday. The Sweden team hadn’t qualified for football’s most prestigious tournament since 2018, when they reached the quarter-finals in Russia.
Sweden beats Tunisia: Did Ayari score the best World Cup 2026 goal so far? Is this soccer’s snicko? Original
Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak enhanced their claim to be the best attacking pair at the World Cup while Yasin Ayari scored a superb goal as Sweden made a flying start to their World Cup campaign beating Tunisia 5-1. Ayari’s superb strike was followed by a non-celebration as a mark of respect to Tunisia, the country of his father, and Sweden we’re quickly 2-0 ahead when Alexander Isak scored.
Sweden's World Cup fan march: The chants, costumes and drama as they 'come with 100,000 men'
A sea of yellow. A woman holding a baby with ear defenders. A man wearing a red wig with pigtails. A boy shouting at the top of his lungs. And drumming -- so much drumming. Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of the Sweden fan march -- a staple at international tournaments that made its men's World Cup return on Sunday. The Sweden team hadn't qualified for football's most prestigious tournament since 2018, when they reached the quarter-finals in Russia.
Sweden vs Tunisia live updates: World Cup 2026 game latest score, goal updates
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Sweden vs Tunisia live updates: World Cup 2026 game latest score, goal updates Follow live as Sweden face Tunisia in the second Group F World Cup match. June 14, 2026 at 10:06 PM EDT Sweden face Tunisia in their World Cup opener in Monterrey, Mexico today Getty Images Sweden 0-0 Tunisia — Latest Sweden face Tunisia as the remaining two sides in Group F begin their World Cup campaign in Monterrey today.
By Max Mathews Verified, Michael Bailey, Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero Verified, Will Jeanes, Steve Madeley Verified
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The New York Times
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Monterrey has magical views for World Cup fans. Might they see UFOs too? Original
It may be the best view at the World Cup. Some believe it is literally out of this world. Estadio Monterrey — usually known as Estadio BBVA — is built in the shadow of the Cerro de la Silla, a mountain which rises 1,820 metres above sea level and is part of the Sierra Madre Oriental range in northeastern Mexico. Its distinctive peaks are visible from inside the stadium, which will host four games this summer, including a round of 32 match.
Sweden’s fan motto is ‘again and again’. It sums up their approach to football – and to beer
As part of our Language of Soccer World Cup series, The Athletic is speaking to supporters of all 48 nations competing at the 2026 edition to capture their unique football culture, distilled into a single phrase. You can read the articles in one place here. Kanna pa – Again and again What started as a song about getting the beers in has become a symbol of what it means to support the Swedish national team. “Kanna pa Kanna pa” is a phrase which roughly translates to “keep the beers coming”.
Sweden’s fan motto is ‘again and again’. It sums up their approach to football – and to beer
As part of our Language of Soccer World Cup series, The Athletic is speaking to supporters of all 48 nations competing at the 2026 edition to capture their unique football culture, distilled into a single phrase. You can read the articles in one place here. Kanna pa – Again and again What started as a song about getting the beers in has become a symbol of what it means to support the Swedish national team. “Kanna pa Kanna pa” is a phrase which roughly translates to “keep the beers coming”.
World Cup 2026 stadium guides: Welcome to Monterrey and the stunning ‘Steel Giant’, a ground with gills
If picturesque football stadiums are your thing, Estadio Monterrey is probably top of your bucket list. With sweeping views of the northeastern Mexican city’s Cerro de la Silla — a mountain which forms part of the Sierra Madre Oriental — you will struggle to find a more impressive vista at this summer’s World Cup.
Sweden name World Cup squad: Dejan Kulusevski misses out, strong Premier League contingent Original
Sweden have announced their 26-man squad for the World Cup this summer, with Tottenham Hotspur’s Dejan Kulusevski missing out after his knee injury struggles. There is also no spot for Barcelona winger Roony Bardghji in head coach Graham Potter’s squad for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer. Premier League players Viktor Gyokeres, Alexander Isak, Lucas Bergvall and Victor Lindelof are all included.
Barcelona 2 Real Madrid 0: Hansi Flick’s side wrap up La Liga title in El Clasico Original
Barcelona are La Liga champions once again — and they made history in wrapping up their title defence with victory over wounded rivals Real Madrid in El Clasico. Valverde suffered a head injury and was ruled out of the game, but Tchouameni was among Madrid’s starters at the Camp Nou, where home fans witnessed a historic moment for the club. Never before had Barca won La Liga in El Clasico.
Gerard Pique given six-game ban, two-month suspension by Spanish football federation for referee abuse Original
Former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has been banned by the Spanish football federation (RFEF) for six matches and given a two-month suspension from all official football activity due to “alleged minor violence” directed at referees during and after FC Andorra’s 1-0 Spanish second-division loss to Albacete on Friday. The 39-year-old, whose holding company Kosmos owns FC Andorra, was also suspended for two months for “blatant and public acts that undermine the dignity and decorum of sport”.
Meet the art schools designing Champions League posters for Paris Saint-Germain
A Champions League partnership between Paris Saint-Germain and the French capital’s art schools is giving fresh meaning to the phrase ‘hang it in the Louvre’. Since the start of last season, PSG’s pre-match posters and pennants for their European ties have been designed by university students from two of the city’s schools for design and architecture. The results have been impressive.
Meet the art schools designing Champions League posters for Paris Saint-Germain
A Champions League partnership between Paris Saint-Germain and the French capital's art schools is giving fresh meaning to the phrase 'hang it in the Louvre'. Since the start of last season, PSG's pre-match posters and pennants for their European ties have been designed by university students from two of the city's schools for design and architecture. The results have been impressive.
Barcelona one point from La Liga title ahead of El Clasico after Real Madrid beat Espanyol Original
Barcelona will be crowned La Liga champions if they avoid defeat against Real Madrid in the upcoming El Clasico. Hansi Flick’s side require just one point to take an unassailable lead over second-place Madrid, who defeated Espanyol 2-0 on Sunday. Vinicius Junior scored twice in 11 minutes in the second half of the fixture to keep Barca from taking the title this weekend.
When can Barcelona win La Liga? Could they do it in El Clasico against Real Madrid? Original
Barcelona are 11 points clear of second-placed Real Madrid at the top of La Liga and look set to retain their Spanish crown from last season. Hansi Flick’s side have experienced an up-and-down campaign — they were knocked out of the Champions League quarter-finals and the Copa del Rey semi-finals by Atletico Madrid — but winning the league title for a second year in a row would be an impressive achievement. So, when could they seal the trophy?
Senegal, the AFCON trophy and a day of defiance in Paris: 'A people's memory cannot be rewritten'
Two stars above the Senegal badge. A pre-match concert where an announcer shouts "we are champions of Africa!" several times. A trophy parade around Stade de France with tens of thousands of adoring supporters. kAmp== E9:D H@F=5 D66> BF:E6 ?@C>2= 925 J@F DH:E4965 @77 J@FC %' 27E6C $6?682=VD p7C:42 rFA @7 }2E:@?D Wpur~}X 7:?2= H:? 282:?DE |@C@44@ :? y2?F2CJ 2?5 ?@E E9@F89E 23@FE p7C:42?
Senegal head coach on AFCON dispute: 'Everybody knows we are champions of Africa'
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Jose stirs the pot..Racism.
Filipe Amorim / AFP via Getty Images By Tomás Hill López-Menchero Feb. 17, 2026Updated Feb. 18, 2026 8:29 am GMT Benfica coach Jose Mourinho accused Vinicius Junior of inciting an incident that ended with the Real Madrid forward alleging racist abuse during the two sides’ Champions League play-off first leg on Tuesday night.
Jose Mourinho accuses Vinicius Jr of inciting incident that led to alleged racist abuse
Benfica coach Jose Mourinho accused Vinicius Junior of inciting an incident that ended with the Real Madrid forward alleging racist abuse during the two sides’ Champions League play-off game on Tuesday night. Mourinho also said he had reminded Vinicius Jr that “the biggest person in the history of (Benfica)” — referring to their legendary forward Eusebio — “is Black” and said that “every stadium where Vinicius plays, something happens”.
Jose Mourinho accuses Vinicius Jr of inciting incident that led to alleged racist abuse
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Who are Kairat, the Champions League newcomers making the 3,400-mile trip to face Arsenal?
This article features updated excerpts from this piece that looked ahead at Kairat’s home tie against Real Madrid in September and this piece charting their preparations for that game. Arsenal have got the job done so far in the Champions League. Last week’s 3-1 win away at Inter in Milan meant Mikel Arteta’s side secured a top-two finish in the league phase — and with it their safe passage to the round of 16 in Europe’s premier competition (the top eight qualify automatically).
Who are Kairat, the Champions League newcomers making the 3,400-mile trip to face Arsenal?
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