Motherwell, Elliot Watt and the Scottish FA
Thursday

Motherwell midfielder Elliot Watt has received an immediate four-match suspension after admitting charges linked to post-match comments following May’s defeat by Celtic. Motherwell were also fined £5,000 over their own social media post after the match.

Watt criticised a late VAR penalty decision on X, calling it the worst VAR decision in history. The Scottish FA ruled the comments breached discipline rules on criticising officials, while Motherwell are considering possible next steps.

U.S. Soccer, Mauricio Pochettino and JT Batson
Thursday after the USMNT’s World Cup exit

U.S. Soccer remains in active talks over extending Mauricio Pochettino’s contract despite the USMNT’s round-of-16 World Cup exit. Chief executive JT Batson said discussions with Pochettino and his staff are ongoing.

Batson said Pochettino’s group has been involved in long-term planning from youth development to the senior side. The talks suggest the federation still wants continuity after Belgium ended the host nation’s tournament with a heavy defeat.

FIFA, New York officials, Spain and Argentina
Thursday before Sunday’s World Cup final

New York and New Jersey officials have issued an air quality health alert because of Canadian wildfire smoke days before the World Cup final. The open-air New York New Jersey Stadium will host Spain against Argentina on Sunday.

Spain trained outdoors on Thursday while Argentina were due to arrive for Friday training. Officials expect conditions to improve, but smoke has already forced extra breaks in an NWSL game and postponed Chicago Fire’s MLS match.

Thomas Tuchel, England and the Football Association
Thursday after England’s World Cup exit

Thomas Tuchel retains the Football Association’s backing despite England’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina. The England head coach is expected to continue into Euro 2028, which will be hosted across the UK and Ireland.

Tuchel faced criticism for defensive substitutions after England lost a late lead, but FA chief executive Mark Bullingham publicly thanked the squad and staff. Tuchel said he intends to keep working under his contract through the home Euros.

Chelsea, Enzo Fernandez and England supporters
During England’s World Cup semi-final defeat

Chelsea deleted a social media post celebrating Enzo Fernandez’s equaliser for Argentina after backlash from supporters. The post was criticised as insensitive because Fernandez’s goal helped knock England out of the World Cup semi-final in Atlanta.

Fans accused Chelsea of placing player promotion above the mood of the club’s domestic fanbase. The club later removed the post without explaining the decision, adding another off-field flashpoint around Fernandez’s Argentina career.

Jude Bellingham, Valentin Barco and FIFA
After England’s World Cup semi-final defeat

Jude Bellingham could face FIFA disciplinary action after slapping Argentina substitute Valentin Barco on the back of the head following England’s 2-1 semi-final defeat. The incident sparked a small melee as players from both sides moved in.

Footage showed Barco celebrating near England players after Enzo Fernandez’s equaliser, with Bellingham later reacting at full-time. FIFA could review the act, though reports suggest it may be treated as petulant rather than violent conduct.

FIFA, Post Malone, Tom Cruise and IShowSpeed
Ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final

FIFA says Post Malone will headline the World Cup closing ceremony before Sunday’s final between Argentina and Spain. The ceremony will begin 90 minutes before kick-off and also includes Tom Cruise, IShowSpeed and other major performers.

FIFA says the show will celebrate the 48 teams and 16 host cities from the expanded tournament. The announcement adds another entertainment layer to a final already set to feature the tournament’s first half-time show.

Argentina, Giovani Lo Celso, Nicolas Otamendi and FIFA
After Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final

Argentina could face FIFA punishment after Giovani Lo Celso and Nicolas Otamendi displayed a “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” banner during celebrations after beating England. The political Falkland Islands message was shown on the pitch after the semi-final comeback.

IFAB and FIFA rules ban political slogans, flags and symbols from equipment and stadium materials. The incident comes after Argentina’s Falklands chants already drew scrutiny, adding a disciplinary risk before Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain.

German FA, Bernd Neuendorf and Gianni Infantino
Wednesday

The German Football Association has refused to sign a letter supporting Gianni Infantino’s re-election as FIFA president. DFB president Bernd Neuendorf is distancing Germany from Infantino amid wider European frustration over FIFA governance and recent disciplinary controversy.

The refusal follows anger over FIFA’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s World Cup ban after Donald Trump contacted Infantino. Germany says the matter cannot be ignored, while FairSquare has also complained to the IOC about alleged political neutrality breaches.

Leeds United and Leicester City
Wednesday

Leeds United have started legal proceedings against Leicester City, seeking damages over their failed 2023-24 Premier League promotion bid. Leeds argue Leicester’s financial-rule breaches affected the Championship race, with the Foxes finishing above them before later punishment.

The claim follows Burnley’s successful compensation case against Everton, creating a possible new route for clubs harmed by rivals’ PSR breaches. Leicester were handed a six-point penalty last season, while Leeds lost the play-off final and stayed down.