Willie Kirk and Durham Women
Tuesday

Willie Kirk has been appointed head coach of Women’s Super League 2 side Durham, marking his first English football role since Leicester City sacked him in 2024 for breaching their code of conduct over a player relationship.

The appointment is sensitive because player-coach relationships have been criticised over power imbalance concerns in women’s football. Durham praised Kirk’s experience and player-development record, while BBC Sport contacted the club, FA and PFA for comment.

Mauricio Pochettino and USMNT
After the United States’ World Cup exit

Mauricio Pochettino refused to say whether he wants to remain USMNT head coach after the World Cup exit to Belgium. His contract expires after the tournament, and U.S. Soccer had reportedly approached him about an extension before kick-off.

Pochettino said the team must first assess the tournament and discuss the future in coming weeks. He urged supporters to keep faith, arguing the current player pool and younger generation have built the mindset needed for long-term growth.

Liam Rosenior and Paris FC
Tuesday

Liam Rosenior has returned to management with Paris FC on a two-year contract after leaving Chelsea in April. The 41-year-old replaces Antoine Kombouare at the ambitious Ligue 1 club backed by the Arnault family and Red Bull.

Paris FC cited Rosenior’s youth development record and attacking style after his strong Strasbourg spell. His quick return to France follows a difficult Chelsea stint, where he lost his final five league matches before being replaced by Xabi Alonso.

Carlo Ancelotti and Brazil
After Brazil’s World Cup exit

Carlo Ancelotti has vowed to continue as Brazil head coach despite their 2-1 World Cup exit to Norway. The defeat marked Brazil’s worst major tournament result since 1966, but the CBF is backing him through the next cycle.

Ancelotti said the pain is great but trust in the project remains unchanged. Brazil’s national team coordinator Rodrigo Caetano called for calm, saying the squad needs stability and adjustments rather than another immediate reset after elimination.

England, Mexico and BBC Sport
Monday

England’s dramatic 3-2 World Cup win over Mexico drew a peak UK audience of 9.1m across BBC TV and iPlayer. The 02:00 BST kick-off became the biggest live UK broadcast ever between 02:00 and 04:00.

The result also delivered BBC Sport’s biggest ever digital day, with 15m unique visitors and 330m social video views. Catch-up demand was strong too, with highlights streamed 5.9m times after England reached the quarter-finals overnight.

Croatia and FIFA
After Croatia’s World Cup exit to Portugal

Croatia have lodged a formal complaint with FIFA over what they called abuse of technology during their 2-1 World Cup defeat by Portugal. The grievance centres on a stoppage-time equaliser disallowed after connected-ball data detected a touch.

The Croatian federation argues the VAR process went beyond the clear-error spirit of the protocol and relied on data invisible to fans and players. FIFA defended the Trionda ball sensors, saying they can detect even slight contact.

France, FIFA and Michael Olise
After France beat Paraguay

France have asked FIFA to rescind Michael Olise’s yellow card from the World Cup last-16 win over Paraguay. The Bayern Munich playmaker is now one booking away from a suspension if France reach the semi-finals.

The FFF believes replays show Matias Galarza exaggerated contact after Olise tugged his shirt. The appeal follows FIFA’s Balogun ruling, which has encouraged federations to challenge disciplinary calls despite the tournament’s usual strict limits and procedures.

FIFA, Belgium and Folarin Balogun
Monday before USA face Belgium

FIFA has ruled Belgium’s request over Folarin Balogun’s suspended red-card ban inadmissible, keeping the USMNT striker eligible for the World Cup last-16 tie. The governing body said Belgium had no standing to appeal the disciplinary decision.

The ruling followed Donald Trump confirming he asked Gianni Infantino to review the case, while Infantino insisted FIFA’s judicial bodies act independently. Belgium, UEFA and several pundits criticised the decision, saying it undermines consistency and sporting integrity.

The FA, England and Jarell Quansah
Monday after England beat Mexico

The Football Association is considering whether to challenge Jarell Quansah’s red card from England’s World Cup win over Mexico. The defender could face a two-game ban after being dismissed for serious foul play against Jesus Gallardo.

The move follows FIFA’s controversial decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s automatic ban despite tournament rules not allowing red-card appeals. England face Norway next, and Quansah’s absence would worsen Thomas Tuchel’s right-back shortage in a problem position.

Kylian Mbappe, Celeste Amarilla and the FFF
Monday after France beat Paraguay

Kylian Mbappe has condemned Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla as despicable after racist social media posts targeting his origin and education. The French Football Federation called the remarks abhorrent and said it plans legal action against her.

The controversy followed France’s heated World Cup win over Paraguay, where Mbappe scored the decisive penalty. Paraguay’s government distanced itself from Amarilla’s comments, while France said its players and country had been insulted by the remarks.