Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Neves and Portugal.
Before Portugal’s World Cup match against Uzbekistan.

Portugal’s camp has been pulled into debate after Neves described Ronaldo as one of the squad, sparking backlash from Ronaldo supporters and members of his inner circle. The issue followed Ronaldo’s poor display in the opening draw with DR Congo.

The row has raised questions over Ronaldo’s role, Martinez’s team balance and whether Portugal are too focused on their captain. Portuguese media warned the dispute could divide the squad unless results and performances quickly improve.

Thomas Partey and Ghana.
Before Ghana’s World Cup match against England.

Thomas Partey says he is ready to face England after missing Ghana’s opener against Panama because Canada denied him entry. The midfielder remains able to play in the United States, where Ghana’s second group match takes place.

Partey’s situation remains sensitive because of ongoing criminal charges in the UK, which he denies. Ghana boss Carlos Queiroz avoided discussing the issue directly but said his starting line-up would change against England.

Senegal, Pape Thiaw and the Senegalese Football Federation.
During Senegal’s 2026 World Cup group campaign.

Senegal’s poor start has been overshadowed by off-pitch issues involving unpaid bonuses, complaints around catering, supporter ticket frustration and uncertainty over Thiaw’s contract. The team remain pointless after defeats by France and Norway.

Thiaw says the contract issue has been resolved, while players insist they remain focused. Senegal must now beat Iraq to keep knockout hopes alive, but internal distractions have added pressure to an already difficult tournament.

Manchester United
Monday

Manchester United have acquired most of the land needed for a proposed 100,000-capacity stadium near Old Trafford. The club says the deal gives them a 25-acre site and moves the redevelopment project into its next phase.

The land sits near roads behind the Stretford End and allows United to build close to their current home. Funding details remain unclear, but the wider Old Trafford regeneration masterplan is due to be unveiled on 9 July.

Derek McInnes, Motherwell, Elliott Watt
Monday

The Scottish FA has charged Derek McInnes, Motherwell and Elliott Watt over comments about Celtic’s late penalty against Motherwell last season. The disciplinary hearings are scheduled for 16 July after criticism of the VAR-backed handball decision.

McInnes called the penalty decision disgusting while still Hearts manager, and Motherwell also posted criticism online. The SFA complaint says officials and clubs cannot publicly attack match officials in a way that implies bias, incompetence or character flaws.

Jeremy Doku, Belgium
Monday

Jeremy Doku has become a father after leaving Belgium’s World Cup camp to attend the birth of his son in London. The Manchester City winger is expected to rejoin Belgium before their decisive group match against New Zealand.

Belgium approved the trip after medical staff cleared Doku to fly despite a recent respiratory issue. His absence sparked wider debate after a French television presenter criticised fathers attending childbirth, prompting apologies and support from players and unions.

Rade Bogdanovic, RTS, Nathan Ngoy
Monday

Former Yugoslavia striker Rade Bogdanovic and Serbian broadcaster RTS have apologised after racist comments about black players during World Cup coverage on Monday. The remarks came while discussing Belgium defender Nathan Ngoy’s red card against Iran.

Bogdanovic questioned the concentration and stamina of black players during a live broadcast, drawing immediate criticism online. RTS said he is not an employee but apologised as broadcaster, while Bogdanovic issued a separate apology to Reuters.

Vincenzo Montella, Turkey
Monday

Turkey’s football federation has backed Vincenzo Montella despite the national team’s early World Cup elimination in North America. Defeats to Australia and Paraguay ended Turkey’s knockout hopes before their final group match against the United States.

TFF president Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu said the federation will stand by Montella and the players, arguing continuity matters more than another reset. Turkey will now use the USA match as damage control before turning toward Euro 2028.

Martin Demichelis, RB Leipzig
Monday

RB Leipzig have confirmed Martin Demichelis as their new head coach after sacking Ole Werner. The former Manchester City and Bayern Munich defender joins from Mallorca and has signed a contract running until June 2028.

Leipzig triggered Demichelis’ release clause and moved quickly with Jurgen Klopp’s backing inside the Red Bull structure. Club officials praised his pressing style, international experience and ability to develop young players in a refreshed sporting project.

Manchester City, Enzo Maresca, Chelsea
Monday

Manchester City are closing in on Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola’s successor after agreeing compensation with Chelsea. The Italian is expected to take a three-year deal, with the package reportedly worth more than £10 million.

City identified Maresca as their preferred candidate because of his previous spell inside Guardiola’s staff and familiarity with the club. Chelsea had pushed for compensation because Maresca remained tied to his Stamford Bridge contract after leaving in January.