France, FIFA, Didier Deschamps and the French Football Federation.
Before France’s World Cup match against Norway.

France’s request to wear black armbands in honour of Didier Deschamps’ late mother was denied by FIFA, according to the French Football Federation. The planned minute’s silence was instead linked to victims of Venezuela’s earthquake.

Assistant coach Guy Stephan led France while Deschamps attended the funeral in France. The decision added an off-pitch controversy around FIFA protocol, although France still produced a strong win over Norway without their head coach.

U.S. Soccer, Nike and World Cup fans.
After the United States won Group D.

USMNT jerseys are close to selling out across major retailers after a surge in World Cup demand. The Athletic reported limited availability at Nike, Fanatics, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Soccer.com and the official U.S. Soccer store.

U.S. Soccer said jersey sales through its e-commerce store have more than doubled the 2022 group-stage total. Retail sources blamed cautious production planning, warning supply could disappear before the knockout run gains momentum in coming days.

AC Milan, Massimo Calvelli and RedBird Capital Partners.
After Milan’s boardroom clearout.

AC Milan have named Massimo Calvelli as chief executive, with RedBird saying the mandate is to restore a winning culture. He replaces Giorgio Furlani after a season the ownership described as an unequivocal failure publicly.

The appointment follows major changes at Milan, including the departures of senior executives and the hiring of Ruben Amorim. The club are also trying to stabilise Christian Pulisic’s future after rejecting New York City FC’s approach.

Colombia, Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo and Roberto Martinez.
Before the final Group K match in Miami.

Colombia against Portugal has become the most in-demand group-stage ticket of the World Cup, with five million requests reportedly made in the first 24 hours of the December draw. Resale listings have reached more than $6,000.

Demand has been fuelled by Florida’s large Colombian community and Cristiano Ronaldo’s likely final World Cup. Martinez said he bought family tickets months ago, knowing access would be difficult for such a high-profile group decider.

Yimvert Berroteran, Venezuela’s football federation and Universidad Central de Venezuela.
After major earthquakes struck Venezuela.

Venezuelan Under-20 footballer Yimvert Berroteran has died aged 18 after two powerful earthquakes hit the country. The Venezuelan Football Federation confirmed his death, while officials reported hundreds killed and thousands injured in the national disaster.

Berroteran had represented Venezuela from under-15 level and played at the 2025 Under-17 World Cup. His club, federation and agency paid tribute, while the football body also used social media to share urgent missing-person appeals nationwide.

Paris Saint-Germain and Paris city officials.
After a Paris Council vote reopened negotiations.

Paris Saint-Germain have resumed formal talks to buy the Parc des Princes and explore a major redevelopment. The club are studying ways to expand the stadium from 48,000 seats to between 60,000 and 70,000.

City officials and PSG executives will meet weekly to assess valuation, transport, local infrastructure and construction feasibility. The project still needs a final binding council vote before any sale or expansion can move forward.

Emerse Fae, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Ivory Coast.
After Ivory Coast reached the World Cup knockouts.

Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae criticised Bastian Schweinsteiger over comments describing African football as wild, unpredictable and less tactically conditioned. Fae said the remarks could be called racist if judged directly.

Schweinsteiger’s comments were made before Germany faced Ivory Coast, then resurfaced after the Elephants beat Curacao and advanced. Fae said he hoped it was clumsy rather than reflective of Schweinsteiger’s deeper views.

United States officials and Andrew Giuliani.
During the 2026 World Cup.

Andrew Giuliani says the United States could consider bidding to host the 2038 men’s World Cup. The country is currently co-hosting the 2026 tournament with Canada and Mexico.

Giuliani said the US could handle an even larger event if FIFA expands to 64 teams in future. He added that officials first need to complete the current World Cup before making any formal pitch.

FIFA referees, Ghana, Brazil, Scotland, Germany and Ecuador.
After several disputed World Cup decisions.

VAR consistency is under fresh scrutiny after Ghana’s penalty claim against England, Brazil’s disallowed goal against Scotland and Germany’s controversial opener against Ecuador. Fans and pundits are questioning when video officials choose to intervene.

BBC Sport noted the World Cup intervention rate is close to the Premier League, but decisions have looked uneven. FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina wants a high bar, yet recent incidents have fuelled lottery claims.

Brentford and Shakhtar Donetsk.
Ahead of the 2026-27 Champions League season.

Brentford are in talks with Shakhtar Donetsk over hosting the Ukrainian club’s Champions League home matches at the Gtech Community Stadium. Shakhtar will enter the league phase directly next season.

Shakhtar cannot play European home fixtures in Ukraine because of Russia’s ongoing invasion. The club used venues in Slovenia and Poland last year, but Brentford could now offer a London base.