UK police, City of London Police and football fans
During the World Cup

Counterfeit football shirts worth more than £18m were seized in the UK during the World Cup. Police recovered over 220,000 fake merchandise items under Operation Bloxwich, as demand for cheap replica kits surged during the tournament.

Fire Service testing found counterfeit shirts were far more flammable than genuine kits, with police warning about harmful dyes and child safety risks. The case links football merchandising, consumer protection and organised counterfeit supply chains.

Zinedine Zidane, France and Didier Deschamps
After France’s World Cup exit

Zinedine Zidane is expected to become France head coach from 1 September after Didier Deschamps’ long reign ended this summer following another major tournament disappointment. The former Real Madrid manager has spent five years away from front-line coaching.

France’s federation expressed gratitude to Deschamps after their chaotic World Cup finish, clearing the path for Zidane. His appointment would give France a national icon with three Champions League titles as a coach ahead of Euro 2028 planning.

Aleksander Ceferin, UEFA and FIFA
Sunday’s World Cup final

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin skipped the World Cup final in protest against FIFA. His decision followed anger over Folarin Balogun’s suspended ban, half-time shows, ticket prices, VAR interpretation and Gianni Infantino’s 64-team World Cup idea.

UEFA called the Balogun decision unprecedented and damaging to competition integrity after Donald Trump’s intervention. The boycott shows a deepening split between European football and FIFA over commercialisation, governance and tournament rules.

FIFA, Argentina, Spain and Leandro Paredes
Monday after the World Cup final

FIFA has opened a disciplinary investigation into the post-final clashes between Argentina and Spain players. Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala were among those reportedly involved after Spain’s 1-0 victory.

FIFA appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to assess possible breaches of its code. Players or coaches could face bans, while Argentina’s federation may be fined, adding to its separate case over the Falklands banner.

Pep Guardiola, Italy and the FIGC
Monday

Italy have sounded out Pep Guardiola about becoming their next national-team coach after missing the World Cup. Reports said senior Italian football figures approached him, though ESPN said his camp still expects at least a one-year break.

Italy are searching for a replacement after Gennaro Gattuso’s exit and a third straight World Cup absence. Guardiola’s availability is also being watched by other national teams, including England, despite the FA backing Thomas Tuchel.

Rudi Garcia and Belgium
Monday

Rudi Garcia has left his role as Belgium head coach after their World Cup quarter-final exit. He guided Belgium past Senegal and the United States before a 2-1 defeat by eventual champions Spain.

Garcia was appointed in February 2025 on a deal running through the World Cup cycle. Belgium improved after a slow group stage, but the federation has now decided to move on before the next international cycle.

Kevin Keegan, his family and English football
Monday

Kevin Keegan has died aged 75 after battling cancer, his family announced. The former England captain, Liverpool icon and Newcastle manager was one of British football’s most celebrated figures and a two-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Keegan won major trophies with Liverpool, starred for Hamburg and later managed Newcastle, England, Fulham and Manchester City. Tributes from across football reflected his impact as both an elite player and charismatic manager.

Jurgen Klopp, Germany and Red Bull
Monday

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed he is close to becoming Germany head coach after reaching an exit arrangement with the Red Bull group. Only formal discussions with the German Football Association remain before a possible announcement.

Klopp said nothing is final but talks are moving in the right direction, clearing the biggest obstacle to his return to management. The move would mark his first coaching role since leaving Liverpool in 2024.

David Beckham, MLS and World Cup sponsors
During the 2026 World Cup

David Beckham became one of the tournament’s most visible commercial figures in the United States, fronting campaigns for 11 brands including McDonald’s, MLS, Stella Artois, Home Depot and Bank of America.

Beckham’s US appeal links football, celebrity, fashion and business, helping brands sell the World Cup to casual audiences. His role also reflects MLS history, from his LA Galaxy move to helping bring Lionel Messi to Inter Miami.

Javier Milei, Argentina and Lionel Scaloni’s squad
After Sunday’s World Cup final defeat

Argentina president Javier Milei announced a national holiday to celebrate the team’s World Cup runner-up finish despite their 1-0 final loss to Spain. The exact celebration date will be chosen by players and staff.

Milei skipped the final because of personal superstitions, but praised the team’s achievement after they reached back-to-back World Cup finals. The decision shows how deeply Argentina’s national team remains tied to public identity and politics.