Carlos Queiroz and Ghana
Sunday

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

The former Manchester United assistant was managing at his fifth straight World Cup and framed the exit as a lesson rather than failure. Ghana now need another reset after missing AFCON qualification and changing coach shortly before the tournament.

Folarin Balogun, FIFA and the United States
Sunday before USA face Belgium

FIFA has suspended Folarin Balogun’s automatic one-match ban, making the United States striker available against Belgium despite his red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina. The decision triggered Belgian anger and questions over consistency at the World Cup.

The suspension is deferred for a one-year probation period, with FIFA giving no detailed reasoning. Belgium called the decision astonishing, while Donald Trump thanked FIFA after reports he had asked Gianni Infantino to review the case.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal
Before Portugal face Spain

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed the 2026 tournament will be his final World Cup as Portugal prepare to face Spain in the last 16. The 41-year-old said he will leave on his own terms, not because critics demand it.

Ronaldo joked with reporters about repeated questions over his future, thanked critics for helping him grow and insisted a World Cup title will not define him. Portugal must beat Spain to keep his final chase alive.

Mexico squad and Stevewilldoit
Before Mexico face England

Mexico players and staff have returned luxury watches gifted by American content creator Stevewilldoit before their World Cup tie against England. He said the Rolex gifts cost $1m, but FIFA ethics rules restrict non-trivial gifts.

The Mexican team said the watches were given on the creator’s own initiative and returned by mutual agreement. The decision avoids an ethics issue before Mexico’s biggest World Cup match since hosting the tournament in 1986.

Jurgen Klopp, Germany and Julian Nagelsmann
Sunday

Jurgen Klopp has reportedly agreed to become Germany’s new national team manager after Julian Nagelsmann’s resignation. The former Liverpool boss is set to return to coaching after working as Red Bull’s head of global football.

Germany moved quickly after their World Cup last-32 exit to Paraguay, with talks already signalled by the DFB. Final details around Klopp’s Red Bull departure remain, but his acceptance would mark a major reset for Die Mannschaft.

USMNT and U.S. Soccer staff
Before the World Cup last-16 match against Belgium

USMNT staff have erected barriers around their Seattle training ground before the World Cup last-16 match against Belgium. The move came after staff noticed elevated university buildings near Husky Soccer Stadium could offer views of tactical sessions.

U.S. Soccer said there is no specific suspicion of Belgian spying, but the team wanted to close gaps around the pitch. The precaution follows wider tournament concern over training privacy and past international football espionage cases.

Carlo Ancelotti and Brazil
Before Brazil face Norway

Carlo Ancelotti has defended his Brazil credentials after criticism of the side’s cautious World Cup style, saying only Sir Alex Ferguson has prepared more matches and is truly qualified to advise him before Brazil face Norway.

The comments followed Brazil’s late comeback win over Japan, where Ancelotti was praised but also questioned online. He said he is not a genius or a fool, while stressing Brazil must defend collectively against Erling Haaland.

FIFA, England and Mexico
Friday

FIFA has kept England’s World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico at its original 01:00 BST Monday kick-off after discussing a move to Sunday afternoon. Both associations pushed back over concerns around player preparation, fan travel and match logistics.

The proposed change came because of Mexico City thunderstorm forecasts, but officials decided the disruption was too great. Mexico coach Javier Aguirre called the idea a kick in the stomach, while England players said they would adapt.

Philadelphia organisers, France and Paraguay fans
Before Saturday’s World Cup last-16 match

Philadelphia has introduced extra fan-safety measures before France face Paraguay, with extreme heat expected around the 5pm local kick-off. Organisers added 20 misting tents and 10 water stations on the last-mile route to the stadium.

The city extended a Heat Health Emergency through Sunday as temperatures and humidity made conditions dangerous. The fan festival hours were reduced, while forecasts warned of heat index values above 105F and possible thunderstorms during match time.

Ange Postecoglou and Al-Nassr
Friday

Ange Postecoglou has been appointed head coach of Al-Nassr on a two-year contract. The former Tottenham, Celtic and Nottingham Forest manager joins the Saudi champions, where Cristiano Ronaldo captains a squad built to defend their league title.

Postecoglou had been working as a World Cup pundit after leaving Forest last October. Al-Nassr moved after Jorge Jesus left, giving the Australian another major job alongside Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Kingsley Coman and Joao Felix.