Pape Thiaw, Senegal Football Federation, Senegal
28 May 2026

Senegal’s football federation denied reports that head coach Pape Thiaw refused to travel with the squad before the World Cup. The federation said the team’s delayed flight was caused by administrative, logistical and visa issues instead.

The statement said contract talks with Thiaw are ongoing but had no effect on travel plans. Senegal are preparing for friendlies against the United States and Saudi Arabia before facing France, Norway and Iraq in Group I.

Filipe Luis, Monaco, Bayer Leverkusen
28 May 2026

Filipe Luis is reportedly set to become Monaco head coach after rejecting Bayer Leverkusen’s approach. The former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid defender has agreed a deal until 2028 as Monaco move to replace Sebastien Pocognoli.

Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro drove the talks and convinced Luis to choose the Ligue 1 project over other interest. Leverkusen must now return to alternative candidates after making the Flamengo coach one of their preferred options.

Steve Clarke, Scotland
28 May 2026

Steve Clarke signed a new Scotland contract covering the 2028 Euros and 2030 World Cup, removing doubts over his future before this summer’s tournament. The deal gives Scotland long-term certainty after qualifying for their first men’s World Cup since 1998.

Clarke said he was honoured to lead Scotland into the World Cup and proud to continue. The extension lets the squad focus on the Haiti opener in Boston while the association builds around a manager who has delivered repeated tournament qualification.

Seamus Coleman, Republic of Ireland, Israel
28 May 2026

Seamus Coleman said Republic of Ireland players should not have been left to answer questions over upcoming Nations League matches against Israel. Pressure for a boycott has grown, but the Football Association of Ireland says the fixtures will go ahead.

Coleman said the issue should have been dealt with above the players and called the situation uncomfortable. The captain stressed the human side of the debate while acknowledging football sanctions could follow if Ireland refused to play.

Kenneth Vargas, Warren Madrigal, Alejandro Bran, Costa Rica
28 May 2026

Kenneth Vargas, Warren Madrigal and Alejandro Bran have been dropped from Costa Rica’s camp before friendlies against Colombia and England. The federation said discipline and respect for team rules are essential to representing the national side.

Bran’s removal followed reports of a police investigation into an alleged shooting incident involving his car. Vargas and Madrigal were then excluded separately, while Alajuelense also acted against Bran and Vargas at club level this week.

Tommy Elphick, Bournemouth, Bristol City, Marco Rose
27 May 2026

Tommy Elphick is set to remain at Bournemouth after turning down the chance to become Bristol City manager. The assistant coach is expected to stay at the Vitality Stadium under new boss Marco Rose.

Bristol City had targeted Elphick ahead of Lincoln City manager Michael Skubala, who later signed a new deal. The Robins must continue their search after Roy Hodgson’s interim spell ended with a 12th-place finish.