Temwa Chawinga and Kansas City Current.
During the NWSL season.
Temwa Chawinga has signed a contract extension with Kansas City Current through 2029. The two-time reigning NWSL MVP and Golden Boot winner remains one of the league’s most productive forwards.
The deal uses the NWSL’s new High Impact Player rule, which allows selected salary-cap flexibility. Chawinga has delivered 42 goals and 11 assists in 56 Current appearances since joining in 2024.
United States authorities and World Cup security teams.
Since the tournament began.
US authorities have seized more than 300 unauthorised drones around World Cup sites. Matchday restrictions ban aircraft and drones within three miles of stadiums and up to 3,000 feet above them.
FBI and TSA teams are using drone detection and mitigation around stadiums and fan zones. Operators breaching restricted airspace can face seizure, criminal charges and fines of up to $100,000.
FIFA and Gianni Infantino.
During the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA will consider keeping hydration breaks for future World Cups despite criticism over extra stoppages. Gianni Infantino defended the breaks, saying they may help players maintain intensity and allow coaches to adjust games.
The breaks have been criticised as unnecessary in covered or air-conditioned stadiums, but Infantino said applying them to all matches protects sporting fairness. He also denied FIFA was making extra broadcast money from them.
Didier Deschamps and France.
Before France’s final World Cup group match against Norway.
France head coach Didier Deschamps will miss the Norway match following the death of his mother. The French Football Federation confirmed he has been allowed to return to France for the funeral.
Assistant coach Guy Stephan will take temporary charge until Deschamps returns. France have already qualified after beating Senegal and Iraq, but the Norway game will decide who finishes top of Group I.
Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino.
At the World Cup final on 19 July.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino says Donald Trump will attend the World Cup final and help present the trophy. The final is scheduled for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The planned presentation follows last year’s Club World Cup ceremony, when Trump stayed on stage during Chelsea’s celebrations. Infantino said he and Trump would hand the trophy to the winning captain together.
Aaron Ramsey and Oxford United.
After Oxford sacked Matt Bloomfield.
Aaron Ramsey has been appointed Oxford United head coach, taking his first permanent managerial role shortly after retiring. The former Arsenal and Wales midfielder joins a club preparing for League One after Championship relegation.
Ramsey says he wants to build a clear identity and high standards. His only previous managerial experience came as Cardiff’s interim boss, but Oxford believe his playing background and leadership can lift the squad.
Scott Phelan and Everton Women.
After Phelan’s interim spell last season.
Scott Phelan has been appointed permanent head coach of Everton Women. The 38-year-old took over temporarily in February and guided the team to an eighth-place Women’s Super League finish.
Phelan won three straight WSL games early in his interim spell after Everton had been near the bottom. He says he wants the club to push back toward the top end of the table.
Joe Hart and World Cup goalkeepers.
During the 2026 World Cup.
Joe Hart has questioned the adidas Trionda ball after noticing repeated long-range goals where goalkeepers struggled with flight and timing. He said shots hit without spin at shoulder height have caused unusual problems during the tournament.
Hart compared the issue to past World Cup ball controversies and said elite keepers appear to be misjudging the ball’s movement. No active tournament goalkeeper has publicly joined the criticism so far.
FIFA and World Cup host stadiums.
During the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA’s clean-stadium rules have forced host venues to cover or remove regular sponsor branding, creating awkward temporary signage at several North American stadiums. Naming-rights brands have been hidden in line with tournament sponsorship requirements.
The rules have added cost and visual confusion for host cities already handling expensive preparations. Some venues used tarps or temporary signs, while brands such as Levi’s turned the cover-up into playful publicity.
Manchester United.
For the 2026-27 season.
Manchester United have decided not to enter the EFL Trophy or National League Cup next season. The club cited their return to the UEFA Youth League and a smaller professional development group as reasons for reducing the youth fixture load.
United will still compete in the Youth League and Premier League Under-21 International Cup. The decision changes the pathway for academy players, who previously used those competitions to face senior or semi-professional opposition.
