FIFA, World Cup organisers, players and spectators.
As the knockout stage begins across North American host cities.

Extreme heat is expected to become a major issue in several World Cup host cities this week, with forecasts near 100F and heat index levels around 110F. Toronto, New York, Boston, Kansas City and Philadelphia are among the concern areas.

FIFA’s mandatory hydration breaks, previously criticised in milder conditions, could become important safeguards for players and fans. Indoor venues in Atlanta, Dallas and Houston are less exposed, while western host cities are expected to stay cooler.

Hong Myung-bo, South Korea and the Korean Football Association.
Less than 24 hours after South Korea’s World Cup elimination was confirmed.

Hong Myung-bo has resigned as South Korea head coach after the team failed to reach the World Cup knockouts. His exit follows public criticism from the country’s president, who ordered a review of the national team programme.

Hong apologised to Korean football supporters and said he had tried to make decisions in the team’s best interest. The resignation deepens scrutiny on the KFA, whose 2024 appointment process had already faced government criticism.

Jurgen Klopp, Andoni Iraola, Liverpool and Mohamed Salah.
After Iraola was confirmed as Liverpool’s new head coach.

Jurgen Klopp backed Andoni Iraola to succeed at Liverpool, calling him a great coach while warning that long-term success at Anfield will still need luck. Klopp also reflected on Arne Slot’s exit and Liverpool’s difficult previous season.

Klopp said Liverpool can now look forward under Iraola, while praising Mohamed Salah’s greatness and revealing their relationship has grown into friendship since he left management. His comments frame Liverpool’s latest reset after another managerial change.

South Korea president Lee, the KFA and head coach Hong Myung-bo.
After South Korea’s World Cup group-stage exit.

South Korea’s president called for a government investigation after the national team failed to reach the World Cup knockouts. He said he was baffled by the outcome and questioned whether competence had guided the appointment of Hong Myung-bo.

The president cited taxpayer funding and asked the sports ministry to examine what went wrong, then propose reforms. The statement also revived scrutiny of Hong’s 2024 appointment, which the KFA previously defended despite ministry concerns.

FIFA, Miami Stadium officials, local authorities and World Cup fans.
During the World Cup group stage after past Copa America final chaos.

FIFA and local officials tightened security at Miami Stadium after the chaotic Copa America final raised fears of a repeat at the World Cup. The Colombia-Portugal match became a major test because of huge ticket demand.

Organisers added a third security perimeter, extra ticket checks, shuttle controls and a no-tailgating policy to keep non-ticket holders away. The system worked smoothly, with further pressure expected when Argentina return to Miami against Cape Verde.

Steve Clarke, Scotland and the Scottish FA.
After Croatia’s win over Ghana confirmed Scotland’s World Cup elimination.

Steve Clarke has resigned as Scotland head coach after Croatia’s win over Ghana confirmed Scotland’s World Cup exit. The Scottish FA announced his departure minutes after elimination was sealed, despite Clarke signing a new four-year contract only a month earlier.

Clarke thanked his players and leaves after seven years, having led Scotland back to major tournaments but winning only once across three finals. The timing shocked many, with players reportedly told while still at their Charlotte base.

Cody Gakpo, Noa van der Bij and the Netherlands.
During the Netherlands’ World Cup campaign.

Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo and partner Noa van der Bij have shared the loss of their unborn son, Elijay Raphael. The Dutch football association said Gakpo will remain with the national squad during the World Cup.

Gakpo asked for privacy during what he called an incredibly difficult time for his family. The KNVB said it supports him fully, while the Netherlands prepare to face Morocco in the round of 32.

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz and FIFA.
After Ghana reached the World Cup knockouts as a third-placed side.

Carlos Queiroz criticised the expanded 48-team World Cup, saying the tournament risks becoming vulgar and ordinary when qualification is less rare. The Ghana coach also questioned whether third-placed teams should advance beyond the group stage.

Queiroz argued that wider access weakens qualification tournaments and reflects money’s growing influence in football. His comments came despite Ghana benefiting from the format and reaching a round-of-32 match against Colombia.

Iran, Mehdi Taremi, Amir Ghalenoei and FIFA.
After Iran’s 1-1 draw with Egypt in Seattle.

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi criticised FIFA and Gianni Infantino over the team’s World Cup treatment, calling the tournament a disaster for his squad. Coach Amir Ghalenoei also urged FIFA to stand up to the host nation.

Iran have faced visa, staffing and travel restrictions linked to political tensions and their forced base in Tijuana. The complaints intensified after a late offside call denied Iran automatic qualification, leaving them waiting on third-place results.

Mauricio Pochettino and U.S. Soccer.
During the United States’ World Cup campaign.

Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly held positive talks with U.S. Soccer over a contract extension through the 2030 World Cup. His current deal runs only until the end of this tournament, with no final decision expected yet.

U.S. Soccer wants continuity after the team won Group D and reached the round of 32. Pochettino has also been linked with club jobs, so any renewal would need to settle his long-term commitment and exit terms.