European lawmakers and Gianni Infantino
Wednesday after the Balogun controversy

Dozens of European lawmakers are gathering support for an investigation into FIFA president Gianni Infantino over his role in Folarin Balogun’s suspended red-card ban. They say FIFA’s decision damaged fairness and transparency at the World Cup.

The lawmakers want EU national football associations to push FIFA’s Ethics Committee to examine political pressure from Donald Trump and possible neutrality breaches. FIFA maintains the ruling came from an independent disciplinary committee, not Infantino himself.

Zlatko Dalic and Croatia
Wednesday after Croatia’s World Cup exit

Zlatko Dalic has stepped down as Croatia head coach after nine years in charge. The 59-year-old leaves after Croatia’s World Cup defeat by Portugal, ending a reign that included the 2018 final and a third-place finish in 2022.

The Croatian federation thanked Dalic for victories, medals and unity after a cycle that also included a Nations League final. With Luka Modric likely finished at major tournaments, Croatia now enter a clear generational and managerial reset.

United States, Belgium and Fox
Monday night

The United States’ 4-1 World Cup defeat by Belgium drew an average of 30 million viewers on Fox, making it the most-watched soccer telecast in US history. Telemundo added another record Spanish-language USMNT national audience.

The combined Fox and Telemundo audience is expected to reach around 40 million once final Nielsen inputs are counted. The figure surpassed the Bosnia knockout record set days earlier, proving the US run delivered mainstream national attention.

FIFA, IShowSpeed and an Argentina supporter
After Argentina’s win over Cape Verde

FIFA has opened an investigation into alleged racist abuse involving American influencer IShowSpeed and a supporter during Argentina’s World Cup win over Cape Verde. The incident allegedly happened at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on 3 July.

Footage from IShowSpeed’s livestream showed a confrontation in the stands while he wore a Cape Verde kit. FIFA said it acted immediately after becoming aware of the incident and stressed that racism undermines the tournament’s values.

Gotham FC and New York City FC
From 2028

Gotham FC will move home matches to Etihad Park in Queens from 2028, bringing the reigning NWSL champions inside New York City limits for the first time. The 25,000-seat venue is being built for NYCFC.

The agreement gives Gotham their own locker room and matchday branding control through digital signage. NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said the move reflects the league’s push for better infrastructure, stronger fan experience and growth in major markets.

Willie Kirk and Durham Women
Tuesday

Willie Kirk has been appointed head coach of Women’s Super League 2 side Durham, marking his first English football role since Leicester City sacked him in 2024 for breaching their code of conduct over a player relationship.

The appointment is sensitive because player-coach relationships have been criticised over power imbalance concerns in women’s football. Durham praised Kirk’s experience and player-development record, while BBC Sport contacted the club, FA and PFA for comment.

Mauricio Pochettino and USMNT
After the United States’ World Cup exit

Mauricio Pochettino refused to say whether he wants to remain USMNT head coach after the World Cup exit to Belgium. His contract expires after the tournament, and U.S. Soccer had reportedly approached him about an extension before kick-off.

Pochettino said the team must first assess the tournament and discuss the future in coming weeks. He urged supporters to keep faith, arguing the current player pool and younger generation have built the mindset needed for long-term growth.

Liam Rosenior and Paris FC
Tuesday

Liam Rosenior has returned to management with Paris FC on a two-year contract after leaving Chelsea in April. The 41-year-old replaces Antoine Kombouare at the ambitious Ligue 1 club backed by the Arnault family and Red Bull.

Paris FC cited Rosenior’s youth development record and attacking style after his strong Strasbourg spell. His quick return to France follows a difficult Chelsea stint, where he lost his final five league matches before being replaced by Xabi Alonso.

Carlo Ancelotti and Brazil
After Brazil’s World Cup exit

Carlo Ancelotti has vowed to continue as Brazil head coach despite their 2-1 World Cup exit to Norway. The defeat marked Brazil’s worst major tournament result since 1966, but the CBF is backing him through the next cycle.

Ancelotti said the pain is great but trust in the project remains unchanged. Brazil’s national team coordinator Rodrigo Caetano called for calm, saying the squad needs stability and adjustments rather than another immediate reset after elimination.

England, Mexico and BBC Sport
Monday

England’s dramatic 3-2 World Cup win over Mexico drew a peak UK audience of 9.1m across BBC TV and iPlayer. The 02:00 BST kick-off became the biggest live UK broadcast ever between 02:00 and 04:00.

The result also delivered BBC Sport’s biggest ever digital day, with 15m unique visitors and 330m social video views. Catch-up demand was strong too, with highlights streamed 5.9m times after England reached the quarter-finals overnight.