Julian Nagelsmann and the DFB
After Germany’s World Cup exit to Paraguay

Julian Nagelsmann is reportedly close to leaving as Germany manager after DFB leaders advised him to resign. The recommendation followed a post-World Cup summit reviewing Germany’s shock round-of-32 penalty defeat by Paraguay in North America.

Nagelsmann attended a long meeting with senior DFB officials and was asked to explain Germany’s tournament failure. Reports say a formal dismissal is expected if he refuses to step down, with Jurgen Klopp linked as successor.

Forest Green Rovers Women and former captain Hattie Jones
After the club closed the women’s side for next season

Former captain Hattie Jones says Forest Green Rovers’ decision to close their women’s team sends a message that women’s football is not valued. The side finished second last season but will not return in 2026-27.

Forest Green said resources must be focused on getting the men’s team back into the English Football League. The closure also ends a girls’ training partnership, leaving players searching for new clubs despite hopes of a future return.

The United States men’s national team, Fox and Telemundo
After the World Cup win over Bosnia-Herzegovina

The USMNT’s 2-0 World Cup knockout win over Bosnia-Herzegovina drew 24.43 million viewers on Fox, making it the most-watched English-language soccer telecast in United States history, according to initial Nielsen data released after the game.

Telemundo reported 9.1 million total viewers, putting the match on track for another Spanish-language record. The audience was boosted by a prime-time kickoff, a tense red-card storyline and the United States reaching Belgium next.

The Football Association of Ireland and Republic of Ireland members
Ahead of a July 8 extraordinary general meeting

The FAI says boycotting Nations League fixtures against Israel would cause lasting damage to Irish football and cost about €10.3m. Members triggered an extraordinary meeting after pressure grew to refuse the games over the Israel-Palestine conflict.

The FAI board warned a boycott could bring UEFA disciplinary action, automatic forfeits, lost revenue, Nations League relegation and future qualification damage. The meeting is non-binding, with both fixtures currently set for neutral venues later this autumn.

England and Thomas Tuchel
Before the World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico

England are keeping their Mexico City base undisclosed before facing Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. The squad will arrive two nights before the game, with staff trying to prevent noisy local supporters from disrupting players’ rest and sleep.

The precautions follow Ecuador’s complaint to FIFA after Mexico fans used loudspeakers, horns and motorcycles outside their hotel. England players will be offered sleep aids, white noise machines and natural remedies as Tuchel prepares for altitude and hostility.

Barcelona and La Liga
During the summer transfer window

Barcelona have reportedly returned to La Liga’s 1:1 spending rule, ending years of restrictive transfer controls. The change allows the Spanish champions to reinvest player-sale income normally as they plan new arrivals this summer.

The shift means funds from deals such as Ansu Fati and Inaki Pena can be fully used for recruitment. Barcelona’s board now gains far greater flexibility after years of financial limits shaped by aggressive accounting and squad-cost pressure.

UEFA, FIFA and IFAB
Thursday

UEFA has confirmed players will not be sent off in its competitions for covering their mouths during confrontations. The governing body will not adopt FIFA’s World Cup rule for the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League.

Officials can still show yellow cards if mouth-covering is judged an attempt to conceal unsporting communication. UEFA will instead assess incidents individually, while keeping disciplinary investigations available for abusive conduct after matches or through formal proceedings.

Santi Cazorla
Thursday

Santi Cazorla has announced his retirement from professional football at 41. The former Spain and Arsenal midfielder ends a 25-year career after helping boyhood club Real Oviedo return to La Liga last season in Spain.

Cazorla confirmed the decision on social media, closing a career that included Arsenal, Villarreal, Malaga and two European Championship titles with Spain. His final spell at Oviedo completed a long comeback from serious injury problems.