FIFA, France and Morocco
Before Thursday’s World Cup quarter-final

FIFA has appointed an all-Argentine officiating crew for France’s quarter-final against Morocco, led by referee Facundo Tello. The decision drew attention because Argentina remain in the tournament and could become a direct rival to France later.

France publicly downplayed concern, with Dayot Upamecano and Robin Risser saying the team must focus on Morocco. FIFA says appointments are merit-based, but the single-nationality crew has added another refereeing debate to a tense tournament.

Portugal, Jorge Jesus and Roberto Martinez
Wednesday

Portugal hope to name Roberto Martinez’s successor by the end of the week, with Jorge Jesus emerging as the leading candidate. The 71-year-old is available after leaving Al Nassr and has coached Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix.

FPF president Pedro Proenca said the next coach must understand Portuguese football and the federation’s winning mindset. Jesus has never managed a national team, but his success with Benfica, Flamengo, Al Hilal and Al Nassr strengthens his case.

Wrexham and Firefox
Ahead of the new season

Wrexham have agreed a front-of-shirt sponsorship deal with Firefox, replacing United Airlines across the men’s and women’s teams. The browser brand’s logo will appear on all three kits from the start of the coming campaign.

The partnership also makes Firefox the club’s official web browser partner, strengthening Wrexham’s commercial profile under Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds. Fans will first see the new away kit in this weekend’s friendly against Wisla Krakow in Poland.

Egyptian Football Association and FIFA
After Egypt’s defeat by Argentina

Egypt have filed a complaint to FIFA demanding the removal of the refereeing team from the World Cup after their 3-2 loss to Argentina. The EFA cited double standards, VAR errors and decisions it believes cost Egypt a quarter-final place.

The complaint focused on Mostafa Zico’s disallowed goal and a rejected penalty claim involving Mohamed Salah before Argentina’s winner. Egypt accused officials of discrimination, but FIFA protests over refereeing decisions rarely succeed and often end without detailed explanation.

USMNT, U.S. Soccer and USWNT
After the United States’ World Cup exit

The USMNT earned U.S. Soccer $16m in FIFA prize money for reaching the World Cup last 16. Under equal-pay agreements, the payout will be shared between the men’s squad and the next U.S. women’s World Cup roster.

U.S. Soccer keeps 20% of the prize money, while the remaining 80% is split equally between men’s and women’s players. Each roster’s share is $6.4m, with the women’s portion held pending 2027 World Cup qualification.

European lawmakers and Gianni Infantino
Wednesday after the Balogun controversy

Dozens of European lawmakers are gathering support for an investigation into FIFA president Gianni Infantino over his role in Folarin Balogun’s suspended red-card ban. They say FIFA’s decision damaged fairness and transparency at the World Cup.

The lawmakers want EU national football associations to push FIFA’s Ethics Committee to examine political pressure from Donald Trump and possible neutrality breaches. FIFA maintains the ruling came from an independent disciplinary committee, not Infantino himself.

Zlatko Dalic and Croatia
Wednesday after Croatia’s World Cup exit

Zlatko Dalic has stepped down as Croatia head coach after nine years in charge. The 59-year-old leaves after Croatia’s World Cup defeat by Portugal, ending a reign that included the 2018 final and a third-place finish in 2022.

The Croatian federation thanked Dalic for victories, medals and unity after a cycle that also included a Nations League final. With Luka Modric likely finished at major tournaments, Croatia now enter a clear generational and managerial reset.

United States, Belgium and Fox
Monday night

The United States’ 4-1 World Cup defeat by Belgium drew an average of 30 million viewers on Fox, making it the most-watched soccer telecast in US history. Telemundo added another record Spanish-language USMNT national audience.

The combined Fox and Telemundo audience is expected to reach around 40 million once final Nielsen inputs are counted. The figure surpassed the Bosnia knockout record set days earlier, proving the US run delivered mainstream national attention.

FIFA, IShowSpeed and an Argentina supporter
After Argentina’s win over Cape Verde

FIFA has opened an investigation into alleged racist abuse involving American influencer IShowSpeed and a supporter during Argentina’s World Cup win over Cape Verde. The incident allegedly happened at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on 3 July.

Footage from IShowSpeed’s livestream showed a confrontation in the stands while he wore a Cape Verde kit. FIFA said it acted immediately after becoming aware of the incident and stressed that racism undermines the tournament’s values.

Gotham FC and New York City FC
From 2028

Gotham FC will move home matches to Etihad Park in Queens from 2028, bringing the reigning NWSL champions inside New York City limits for the first time. The 25,000-seat venue is being built for NYCFC.

The agreement gives Gotham their own locker room and matchday branding control through digital signage. NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said the move reflects the league’s push for better infrastructure, stronger fan experience and growth in major markets.