USMNT and U.S. Soccer staff
Before the World Cup last-16 match against Belgium

USMNT staff have erected barriers around their Seattle training ground before the World Cup last-16 match against Belgium. The move came after staff noticed elevated university buildings near Husky Soccer Stadium could offer views of tactical sessions.

U.S. Soccer said there is no specific suspicion of Belgian spying, but the team wanted to close gaps around the pitch. The precaution follows wider tournament concern over training privacy and past international football espionage cases.

Carlo Ancelotti and Brazil
Before Brazil face Norway

Carlo Ancelotti has defended his Brazil credentials after criticism of the side’s cautious World Cup style, saying only Sir Alex Ferguson has prepared more matches and is truly qualified to advise him before Brazil face Norway.

The comments followed Brazil’s late comeback win over Japan, where Ancelotti was praised but also questioned online. He said he is not a genius or a fool, while stressing Brazil must defend collectively against Erling Haaland.

FIFA, England and Mexico
Friday

FIFA has kept England’s World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico at its original 01:00 BST Monday kick-off after discussing a move to Sunday afternoon. Both associations pushed back over concerns around player preparation, fan travel and match logistics.

The proposed change came because of Mexico City thunderstorm forecasts, but officials decided the disruption was too great. Mexico coach Javier Aguirre called the idea a kick in the stomach, while England players said they would adapt.

Philadelphia organisers, France and Paraguay fans
Before Saturday’s World Cup last-16 match

Philadelphia has introduced extra fan-safety measures before France face Paraguay, with extreme heat expected around the 5pm local kick-off. Organisers added 20 misting tents and 10 water stations on the last-mile route to the stadium.

The city extended a Heat Health Emergency through Sunday as temperatures and humidity made conditions dangerous. The fan festival hours were reduced, while forecasts warned of heat index values above 105F and possible thunderstorms during match time.

Ange Postecoglou and Al-Nassr
Friday

Ange Postecoglou has been appointed head coach of Al-Nassr on a two-year contract. The former Tottenham, Celtic and Nottingham Forest manager joins the Saudi champions, where Cristiano Ronaldo captains a squad built to defend their league title.

Postecoglou had been working as a World Cup pundit after leaving Forest last October. Al-Nassr moved after Jorge Jesus left, giving the Australian another major job alongside Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Kingsley Coman and Joao Felix.

Germany, Julian Nagelsmann and Jurgen Klopp
Friday after Germany’s World Cup exit

Julian Nagelsmann has resigned as Germany manager after the four-time champions were knocked out by Paraguay in the World Cup last 32. The DFB accepted his request and ended his contract immediately after days of internal review.

The German FA said it will seek talks with Jurgen Klopp, who has signalled willingness to consider the job. Nagelsmann said Germany need a fresh start, while officials admitted the tournament performance fell short of national standards.

Napoli and Massimiliano Allegri
Friday

Napoli have appointed Massimiliano Allegri as head coach on a contract running until June 2029. The 58-year-old replaces Antonio Conte, who left after two seasons and a league title followed by second place last term.

Napoli waited for Allegri to resolve his Milan contract before finalising the move. The six-time Serie A winner returns to the club where he briefly played, bringing heavyweight domestic pedigree after spells with Milan and Juventus.

England supporters, FIFA and the Football Association
Before Monday’s World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico

Tickets bought through England’s official supporter ballot for the Mexico match have appeared on FIFA’s resale portal for huge markups, with four seats listed at £26,220 each after buyer fees, around 57 times face value.

The FA confirmed the tickets came from the England Supporters’ Travel Club allocation but cannot block resale because FIFA permits it. The Football Supporters’ Association criticised FIFA’s platform and fans listing tickets at extreme prices.

Nottingham Forest and Vitor Pereira
Thursday evening

Nottingham Forest have confirmed Vitor Pereira’s departure, with Oliver Glasner still poised to replace him. The club activated a break clause after Pereira kept Forest in the Premier League and reached the Europa League semi-finals last season.

Pereira said the decision came without warning and left him disappointed. Forest also removed his coaching staff, making another sharp change after months of instability and clearing the path for Glasner to become their fifth manager in under 12 months.

Julian Nagelsmann and the DFB
After Germany’s World Cup exit to Paraguay

Julian Nagelsmann is reportedly close to leaving as Germany manager after DFB leaders advised him to resign. The recommendation followed a post-World Cup summit reviewing Germany’s shock round-of-32 penalty defeat by Paraguay in North America.

Nagelsmann attended a long meeting with senior DFB officials and was asked to explain Germany’s tournament failure. Reports say a formal dismissal is expected if he refuses to step down, with Jurgen Klopp linked as successor.