Manchester United and Collette Roche
Thursday during the stadium masterplan update

Manchester United plan to explore naming rights for their proposed 100,000-seat stadium as part of a £2bn Old Trafford redevelopment. The club also outlined the new stadium’s planned location, 350 yards from their current home.

United said the project must be driven by sanity, not vanity, because the club carries heavy debt and wants to protect affordable ticketing. Naming rights, private investment and wider regeneration revenue are being considered before final designs are shared.

Steve Cherundolo and U.S. Soccer
Thursday

U.S. Soccer has appointed former LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo to manage the men’s Under-23 team for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The former USMNT defender brings major club success and long international pedigree into the role.

Cherundolo won MLS Cup, the Supporters’ Shield and the U.S. Open Cup during four years with LAFC. U.S. Soccer said his leadership will help develop the next generation and build a team capable of chasing a home Olympic medal.

Sunderland Women, James Gray and Bay Collective
Thursday

Sunderland Women are set to appoint FA commercial director James Gray as chief executive following their recent Bay Collective takeover. Gray will start in September and lead the club’s commercial, strategic, financial and football operations.

The appointment reunites Gray with former FA colleagues Kay Cossington and Anja van Ginhoven, now key figures in Bay Collective. Sunderland are trying to build a stronger women’s football operation after also naming Rehanne Skinner as manager.

Mexico, Rafael Marquez and Javier Aguirre
After Mexico’s World Cup exit

Rafael Marquez has been appointed Mexico manager after Javier Aguirre’s planned departure following the World Cup. The former Barcelona defender takes over immediately after the co-hosts lost 3-2 to England in the last 16 now.

Aguirre had accepted the job knowing his spell would end after the home tournament, with Marquez positioned as successor. The rebuild now turns toward 2030, with tactical improvement and youth integration central to Mexico’s next cycle.

Justin Bieber, FIFA and Global Citizen
Wednesday

Justin Bieber has joined Madonna, Shakira and BTS for the 2026 World Cup final halftime show at MetLife Stadium. FIFA said the 11-minute performance will support its Global Citizen Education Fund on 19 July showpiece.

Chris Martin curated the lineup, which also includes Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, PS22 Chorus, Sesame Street and The Muppets. FIFA says the fund aims to raise $100m for education and football opportunities for children worldwide.

Sheffield United, United World and COH Sports Bidco
Wednesday

Sheffield United’s former owners have filed a winding-up petition against current owner COH Sports Bidco, claiming they are owed more than £35m. United World also questioned the ownership structure and last month’s board update publicly.

United World said it was forced to act in the High Court after becoming alarmed over unpaid sums and club stability. The dispute raises pressure on Sheffield United’s ownership less than two years after COH Sports completed its takeover.

FIFA, France and Michael Olise
Wednesday before France face Morocco

FIFA has upheld Michael Olise’s yellow card from France’s World Cup win over Paraguay, rejecting the French federation’s appeal. Didier Deschamps confirmed the decision, leaving the Bayern Munich playmaker one booking from a semi-final suspension risk.

France argued Olise had only tugged Matias Galarza’s shirt before the Paraguayan went down holding his face. The appeal followed the Balogun controversy, but FIFA refused to rescind the caution before the Morocco quarter-final showdown.

Argentine Football Association, FBI and Claudio Tapia
During the World Cup

The U.S. Department of Justice and FBI have reportedly opened a preliminary investigation into the Argentine Football Association and president Claudio Tapia over suspected financial irregularities linked to American banks and international commercial agreements.

Investigators are examining whether more than $300m routed through TourProdEnter LLC and banking institutions could involve money laundering or wire fraud. The legal scrutiny runs alongside Argentina’s title defence and wider criticism around FIFA transparency.

Fulham and Alvaro Arbeloa
Tuesday

Fulham have appointed former Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa as their new head coach on a three-year contract. The Spaniard replaces Marco Silva, who left Craven Cottage to take over Portuguese giants Benfica this summer.

Fulham moved quickly after considering several candidates, backing Arbeloa’s Madrid reputation and strong references from Florentino Perez and Jose Mourinho. He now starts pre-season next week and is already linked with moves for young Real Madrid talent.

U.S. Soccer, Sam Zapatka and Frank Pannell
Monday during USA’s World Cup exit

FIFA suspended two United States men’s team staff members from the Belgium match, with team manager Sam Zapatka and security vice-president Frank Pannell disciplined. FIFA did not publicly explain the punishment before the US were eliminated.

A source said the offence related to the Bosnia-Herzegovina match and involved mishandled FIFA protocols, including people entering restricted areas. U.S. Soccer said the matter was unrelated to the successful Balogun ban reversal effort.