Croatia and FIFA
After Croatia’s World Cup exit to Portugal

Croatia have lodged a formal complaint with FIFA over what they called abuse of technology during their 2-1 World Cup defeat by Portugal. The grievance centres on a stoppage-time equaliser disallowed after connected-ball data detected a touch.

The Croatian federation argues the VAR process went beyond the clear-error spirit of the protocol and relied on data invisible to fans and players. FIFA defended the Trionda ball sensors, saying they can detect even slight contact.

France, FIFA and Michael Olise
After France beat Paraguay

France have asked FIFA to rescind Michael Olise’s yellow card from the World Cup last-16 win over Paraguay. The Bayern Munich playmaker is now one booking away from a suspension if France reach the semi-finals.

The FFF believes replays show Matias Galarza exaggerated contact after Olise tugged his shirt. The appeal follows FIFA’s Balogun ruling, which has encouraged federations to challenge disciplinary calls despite the tournament’s usual strict limits and procedures.

FIFA, Belgium and Folarin Balogun
Monday before USA face Belgium

FIFA has ruled Belgium’s request over Folarin Balogun’s suspended red-card ban inadmissible, keeping the USMNT striker eligible for the World Cup last-16 tie. The governing body said Belgium had no standing to appeal the disciplinary decision.

The ruling followed Donald Trump confirming he asked Gianni Infantino to review the case, while Infantino insisted FIFA’s judicial bodies act independently. Belgium, UEFA and several pundits criticised the decision, saying it undermines consistency and sporting integrity.

The FA, England and Jarell Quansah
Monday after England beat Mexico

The Football Association is considering whether to challenge Jarell Quansah’s red card from England’s World Cup win over Mexico. The defender could face a two-game ban after being dismissed for serious foul play against Jesus Gallardo.

The move follows FIFA’s controversial decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s automatic ban despite tournament rules not allowing red-card appeals. England face Norway next, and Quansah’s absence would worsen Thomas Tuchel’s right-back shortage in a problem position.

Kylian Mbappe, Celeste Amarilla and the FFF
Monday after France beat Paraguay

Kylian Mbappe has condemned Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla as despicable after racist social media posts targeting his origin and education. The French Football Federation called the remarks abhorrent and said it plans legal action against her.

The controversy followed France’s heated World Cup win over Paraguay, where Mbappe scored the decisive penalty. Paraguay’s government distanced itself from Amarilla’s comments, while France said its players and country had been insulted by the remarks.

Roberto Martinez and Portugal
After Portugal’s World Cup defeat by Spain

Roberto Martinez has confirmed he is leaving as Portugal head coach after their 1-0 World Cup defeat by Spain. The former Belgium manager said his contract ends now and that the team needs a new voice.

Martinez said his mission was to win the World Cup, making continuation difficult after elimination. His exit also follows Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup appearance, leaving Portugal facing a major leadership reset before their next cycle.

Nottingham Forest and Oliver Glasner
Monday

Nottingham Forest have appointed Oliver Glasner as head coach, making the former Crystal Palace manager their fifth boss in less than a year. He replaces Vitor Pereira, who was removed shortly before an exit clause expired.

Glasner arrives with a strong cup-winning record after lifting major trophies with Palace and Eintracht Frankfurt. Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis called him a winner, but the City Ground role carries major instability and heavy expectations.

UEFA, FIFA and Folarin Balogun
Monday before USA face Belgium

UEFA has condemned FIFA’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s automatic red-card ban, calling it unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable. The USMNT striker remains eligible against Belgium after Donald Trump reportedly spoke with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

UEFA said the ruling crossed a red line because automatic one-match bans are written into tournament regulations. Belgium are exploring appeal options, while Thomas Tuchel questioned whether England could now challenge Jarell Quansah’s suspension too.

Carlos Queiroz and Ghana
Sunday after Ghana’s World Cup exit

Carlos Queiroz has stepped down as Ghana head coach after their World Cup last-32 defeat by Colombia. The 73-year-old leaves after three months in charge, having guided Ghana through the group stage before elimination in North America.

Queiroz said football teaches teams to win or learn and called for better off-field foundations around Ghana’s talent. His departure follows a short rescue job after Otto Addo was sacked before the tournament officially began.

England, Mexico and FIFA
Before Sunday’s World Cup last-16 tie

England’s World Cup last-16 match against Mexico has been delayed by one hour after severe weather and lightning hit the Azteca Stadium. A shelter-in-place order was issued, with fans told to seek cover before kick-off in Mexico City.

Play cannot start until 30 minutes pass without lightning inside an eight-mile radius of the stadium. FIFA had earlier considered moving the match forward, but pushback from both associations kept the original slot before storms caused the late delay.