BBC pundit Micah Richards learned of the unexpected death of his father, Lincoln, moments before going on air for the broadcaster's coverage of England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina on 2026-07-16. The 38-year-old formed part of the BBC's punditry team in Atlanta alongside Wayne Rooney and Joe Hart as England were eliminated in a 2-1 defeat.
Richards, a former Manchester City, Aston Villa and Fiorentina defender who earned 13 caps for England, announced the news on Instagram after the broadcast, describing his father's passing as unexpected.
Tributes were reported from across the sporting world, including from Jamie Carragher, Joe Hart, Juan Mata, Jill Scott and Jenson Button.