FOOTBALL

Iran Captain Blasts FIFA Over World Cup Treatment

Iran, Mehdi Taremi, Amir Ghalenoei and FIFA.
After Iran’s 1-1 draw with Egypt in Seattle.

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi criticised FIFA and Gianni Infantino over the team’s World Cup treatment, calling the tournament a disaster for his squad. Coach Amir Ghalenoei also urged FIFA to stand up to the host nation.

Iran have faced visa, staffing and travel restrictions linked to political tensions and their forced base in Tijuana. The complaints intensified after a late offside call denied Iran automatic qualification, leaving them waiting on third-place results.

Uruguay Exit After Muslera Blunder

Uruguay, Spain, Fernando Muslera and Marcelo Bielsa.
In Uruguay’s final Group H World Cup match.

Uruguay were eliminated from the World Cup after a 1-0 defeat by Spain, with Fernando Muslera’s first-half mistake gifting Alex Baena the decisive goal. Spain advanced as group winners, while Uruguay finished with only two points.

Muslera asked to be substituted at half-time after the error, and Bielsa accepted responsibility for Uruguay’s failure. Federico Valverde was also taken off, Agustin Canobbio saw red, and Uruguay’s players left the pitch in tears.

Weghorst Joins Twente on Free Transfer

Wout Weghorst, FC Twente and Erik ten Hag.
After Weghorst’s departure from Ajax.

FC Twente have completed the signing of Netherlands striker Wout Weghorst on a two-year contract. The 33-year-old joins on a free transfer after leaving Ajax, where he scored 20 goals across two seasons.

Erik ten Hag, now working in Twente’s technical structure, helped secure the deal for his former Manchester United loanee. Weghorst called the move special because he grew up supporting the club and wanted a homecoming before retirement.

Ugarte Injury Hits Man United Plans

Manuel Ugarte, Uruguay and Manchester United.
During Uruguay’s World Cup defeat by Spain.

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte suffered a suspected serious knee injury after colliding with Uruguay team-mate Mathias Olivera. He was stretchered off before half-time, compounding Uruguay’s painful elimination from the World Cup.

United reportedly fear a long lay-off and are waiting for direct medical updates from the player’s camp. The injury could also disrupt their transfer plans, with Ugarte previously viewed as a sellable asset for midfield rebuilding.

Belgium Top Group as Egypt Survive Iran Drama

Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand.
In the final Group G World Cup matches.

Belgium topped Group G after beating New Zealand 5-1, while Egypt advanced after a tense 1-1 draw with Iran. Iran thought they had a stoppage-time winner, but Shoja Khalilzadeh’s goal was ruled out for offside.

Leandro Trossard, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers powered Belgium clear, while Egypt survived late chaos in Seattle. Iran hit the crossbar after the VAR decision and now wait on third-place qualification.

Gotham Beat Current to Win Challenge Cup

Gotham FC, Kansas City Current, Esther Gonzalez and Jordynn Dudley.
In the 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup in Columbus, Ohio.

Gotham FC won the 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup with a 2-0 victory over Kansas City Current, claiming the league season’s first trophy. Esther Gonzalez scored from the penalty spot before rookie Jordynn Dudley sealed the win late on.

The match was the first professional women’s game played in Ohio and drew 11,369 fans. Gotham’s pressing and defensive work frustrated Kansas City, while Dudley’s 79th-minute goal punished a mistake and ended the Current’s revenge bid.

Spain Hit by Williams and Pino Injury Worries

Spain, Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino and Luis de la Fuente.
After Spain’s 1-0 World Cup win over Uruguay.

Spain’s qualification as Group H winners came with fresh injury concerns after Nico Williams suffered a muscular problem and Yeremy Pino sustained a suspected collarbone injury. De la Fuente said Pino could miss the rest of the tournament.

Both players had come on as substitutes in a bruising second half against Uruguay. Pino left the stadium wearing a sling, while Williams’ issue adds concern after an injury-hit season and an already managed World Cup workload.

Pochettino Offered USMNT Extension

Mauricio Pochettino and U.S. Soccer.
During the United States’ World Cup campaign.

Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly held positive talks with U.S. Soccer over a contract extension through the 2030 World Cup. His current deal runs only until the end of this tournament, with no final decision expected yet.

U.S. Soccer wants continuity after the team won Group D and reached the round of 32. Pochettino has also been linked with club jobs, so any renewal would need to settle his long-term commitment and exit terms.

FIFA Denies France Armband Request

France, FIFA, Didier Deschamps and the French Football Federation.
Before France’s World Cup match against Norway.

France’s request to wear black armbands in honour of Didier Deschamps’ late mother was denied by FIFA, according to the French Football Federation. The planned minute’s silence was instead linked to victims of Venezuela’s earthquake.

Assistant coach Guy Stephan led France while Deschamps attended the funeral in France. The decision added an off-pitch controversy around FIFA protocol, although France still produced a strong win over Norway without their head coach.

Arsenal £55m Bruno Bid Rejected

Arsenal, Newcastle United and Bruno Guimaraes.
During Arsenal’s summer midfield search.

Arsenal have had a £55m offer for Bruno Guimaraes rejected by Newcastle United, according to ESPN Brasil sources. The Premier League champions had already held talks with the midfielder’s representatives and believed a deal might be possible.

Newcastle insist Guimaraes is not for sale and want to tie him to a new contract with two years left on his current deal. Arsenal are seeking midfield depth, while also monitoring Sandro Tonali’s situation.