FIFA, Arsene Wenger and World Cup organisers
Saturday

Arsene Wenger says FIFA will review the impact of mandatory hydration breaks after the World Cup. The three-minute pauses were used in every match, regardless of weather or venue, and drew boos from fans as the tournament progressed.

FIFA introduced the breaks for player welfare, but broadcasters also used them for commercials and coaches treated them like tactical timeouts. Wenger said FIFA has not reached a conclusion yet and will analyse whether they should continue.

Spain, Argentina and FIFA
Saturday before the World Cup final

Spain’s final training session before the World Cup final was cancelled after heavy thunderstorms hit New York and New Jersey. Luis de la Fuente’s squad were moved indoors after lightning triggered the tournament’s storm safety protocol.

Argentina’s nearby session was delayed for about 45 minutes before going ahead, while FIFA said Spain had no alternative outdoor slot. The disruption adds another weather issue before Sunday’s final at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Joan Capdevila, Donald Trump and Spain’s 2010 World Cup squad
Friday before the World Cup final

Former Spain defender Joan Capdevila appealed to Donald Trump for help after saying his US travel permit was denied before Sunday’s World Cup final. Capdevila wanted to attend with his children and reunite with Spain’s 2010 winners.

Capdevila believes the ESTA denial may be linked to a 2016 legends match he played in Iran. The case adds another travel-access controversy to a tournament already affected by visa, immigration and entry issues.

England supporters, domestic abuse charities, police and the CPS
After England’s World Cup semi-final defeat

Domestic abuse charities warned of heightened risk after England’s World Cup exit, with Lancaster University research saying abuse rises by 26% when England play and 38% when they lose. Solace said many victims fear what happens when partners return home.

The article linked football disappointment, alcohol and existing abusive behaviour, while stressing football itself is not the cause. The CPS said abuse can include coercive control, stalking and emotional blackmail, and urged communities to watch for vulnerable people.

White House World Cup task force, Argentina and FIFA
Friday

The White House World Cup task force defended Argentina players’ ability to display a Falklands banner after their semi-final win over England. Andrew Giuliani said they had free-speech rights in the United States.

FIFA is still assessing match reports before deciding whether Argentina should face action for a political message. The response adds tension because football rules restrict political slogans even when US free-speech principles are cited.

Scot Gemmill and the Scottish FA
Saturday

Scot Gemmill has left his role as Scotland Under-21 head coach after 13 years, the Scottish FA announced. The former Scotland midfielder also coached the national under-17s and spent more than a decade developing young Scottish players.

Gemmill did not guide the under-21s to a European Championship but led them to fourth place at the Toulon Tournament in 2018. Scotland Under-21s now need a new coach before autumn European Championship qualifiers.

FIFA, World Cup players, teams and officials
During the 2026 World Cup

FIFA says harmful social media posts and comments during the 2026 World Cup were 14 times higher than in 2022. Its social media protection service identified and removed more than seven million messages across the tournament.

FIFA said more than 200,000 abusive or threatening posts were detected, with over 1,000 serious threats passed to authorities. The figures highlight the growing online abuse problem facing players, coaches and officials during major tournaments.

Ed Davey, the English FA, UEFA and FIFA
Saturday

UK Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey urged the English FA, UEFA and European bodies to consider a coordinated exit from FIFA. He accused Gianni Infantino’s organisation of being broken after World Cup ticketing, Balogun and Falklands-banner controversies.

Davey called for a clean, transparent governing body that puts fans first, while FIFA has defended its conduct and ticket pricing. The comments increase political pressure around Infantino, who is expected to seek another FIFA term.

Southampton, Tonda Eckert, the EFL and the FA
Friday

Southampton boss Tonda Eckert has apologised for his role in the Spygate scandal that saw the club expelled from last season’s Championship play-offs. Saints will also start the new Championship campaign on minus four points.

Southampton admitted spying on three clubs, including filming Middlesbrough before their play-off semi-final. The FA investigation remains ongoing and could still punish individuals, while owner Dragan Solak has publicly backed Eckert to continue.

MLS, Don Garber, Gary Berg and David Nathanson
Friday

MLS has narrowed its search for Don Garber’s successor, with Gary Berg and David Nathanson reportedly emerging as the leading candidates. Garber has served as MLS commissioner since 1999 and is preparing to step aside.

The Athletic says owners are expected to vote in early August after a succession process run by an ownership committee and external search firms. The decision will shape MLS strategy after the league’s World Cup exposure.