Ecuador, Mexico fans, FIFA and World Cup organisers.
Before Ecuador’s round-of-32 match against Mexico in Mexico City.

Ecuador have complained to World Cup organisers after local fans staged a noisy serenade outside their team hotel. Reports said around 1,000 Mexico supporters used music, pans and noisemakers before police moved them back.

Ecuador’s federation called the behaviour contrary to fair play, equality and World Cup unity, while saying the team would respond on the pitch. FIFA was contacted for comment before the knockout match at Mexico City Stadium.

England supporters, UK Football Policing Unit and U.S. police.
After England’s World Cup group-stage matches in the United States.

England fans in the United States have been praised for excellent behaviour, with no reported violence or disorder linked to supporters. However, football-related incidents in England and Wales have risen compared with Euro 2024 and the 2022 World Cup.

The UK Football Policing Unit said five England fans were arrested in America, with only two arrests at a World Cup match. Domestically, police recorded 463 football-related incidents and 88 arrests during the same stage.

Ronald Koeman, the Netherlands, Morocco and the KNVB.
After the Netherlands’ World Cup round-of-32 exit.

Ronald Koeman has resigned as Netherlands head coach after Morocco knocked his side out on penalties following a 1-1 draw. The exit was followed by racist abuse aimed at Dutch players who missed in the shootout.

The KNVB said it would seek criminal charges against anyone responsible for discriminatory posts, while Koeman said the disappointment and family health concerns shaped his decision. Morocco’s win leaves the Dutch facing another major rebuild.

IFAB, FIFA and World Cup knockout teams.
As the World Cup knockout stage begins.

Football’s rulemakers have rejected FIFA’s proposed penalty shootout coin-toss change during the World Cup. The current system keeps two tosses, one for the penalty end and another for deciding which team shoots first.

FIFA wanted one toss, with the winner choosing either the end or the shooting order and the loser taking the other choice. IFAB resisted changing rules mid-tournament, though the idea may be revisited after this competition.

Liam Rosenior, Paris FC and Antoine Kombouare.
After Rosenior’s short Chelsea spell ended.

Liam Rosenior is close to returning to management with Paris FC, with his unveiling reportedly delayed until July 9. He is expected to replace Antoine Kombouare despite the veteran coach steering the club away from relegation trouble.

Paris FC appear ready to move in a new direction after tension with Kombouare over contract and pay issues. Rosenior’s previous French football experience at Strasbourg could help him adapt quickly in Ligue 1.

Real Madrid, Florentino Perez, Barcelona and Venezuela earthquake victims.
After two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela.

Real Madrid have donated €1m to help Venezuela earthquake victims, with president Florentino Perez adding another €1m personally. Barcelona also launched a humanitarian campaign and made an initial €100,000 contribution to wider relief efforts.

Real Madrid’s foundation is working with the Red Cross to support search, rescue and family assistance efforts. The disaster has hit Spain emotionally too, with Spaniards among the dead and Venezuela’s diaspora deeply affected.

Enzo Maresca, Manchester City, Chelsea and Pep Guardiola.
After City completed compensation talks with Chelsea.

Enzo Maresca has been confirmed as Manchester City’s new head coach on a three-year deal, replacing Pep Guardiola after his May exit. The move was delayed by compensation talks, with BBC Sport reporting City will pay Chelsea about £17m.

Chelsea said Maresca also reached a confidential compensation agreement with them after leaving midway through last season. Maresca apologised for the disruption caused at Stamford Bridge, but said his resignation opened the path for a return to City.

Lionel Scaloni, Argentina and the Argentine Football Association.
Before Argentina’s World Cup knockout match against Cape Verde.

Lionel Scaloni has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to stay as Argentina head coach until 2031, extending his successful spell beyond the current World Cup cycle. The AFA wants him to continue leading the defending champions long term.

Talks reportedly took place before Argentina arrived in the United States, but Scaloni wants formal contract discussions paused until the tournament ends. The deal would keep Messi’s trusted coach in charge through the 2030 World Cup.

Juan Mata and Melbourne Victory.
After Mata’s first season in Australian football.

Juan Mata has agreed to buy a significant long-term minority stake in Melbourne Victory, deepening his involvement with the A-League club. The former Manchester United midfielder will also chair a new football committee after his playing career ends.

Victory said the ownership agreement is separate from Mata’s playing status, which remains undecided. Mata said he believes in Australian football’s potential and wants his investment to support the club’s long-term football direction and community work.

Moises Caicedo, Enner Valencia and Ecuador.
After Ecuador reached the World Cup knockout stage.

Moises Caicedo has officially been named Ecuador captain after Enner Valencia stepped down from the role during the tournament. The armband was handed over in front of the squad after Ecuador secured their first knockout place in 20 years.

Valencia chose the moment to mark a generational shift, with Caicedo already captaining the side during Ecuador’s upset win over Germany. The Chelsea midfielder now leads the team into their next round-of-32 tie against Mexico.