FOOTBALL

Will Still Returns to Ligue 1 With Auxerre

Will Still, Auxerre, Christophe Pelissier
13 June 2026

Auxerre have appointed Will Still as their new head coach on a two-year contract, with an option for another season. The 33-year-old returns to Ligue 1 after being sacked by Southampton six months earlier in England.

Auxerre moved after parting ways with Christophe Pelissier, betting on Still’s reputation from his Reims spell and his status as one of Europe’s youngest high-profile coaches. He will lead pre-season as the club targets stability.

United Prepare Huge Fernandes Contract Offer

Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United
13 June 2026

Manchester United are reportedly preparing a new £375,000-a-week contract offer for Bruno Fernandes to secure their captain’s long-term future at Old Trafford. The proposed deal would represent a major rise from his current £250,000-a-week salary.

United want to shut down interest from Saudi clubs and other European sides after Fernandes’ record-breaking season. The offer would reinforce his status as the dressing-room leader under the club’s latest rebuild at Old Trafford.

Haiti Carry Hope for Peace Into World Cup Return

Haiti, Duckens Nazon, Woodensky Pierre, Sebastien Migne
13 June 2026

Haiti enter their first men’s World Cup since 1974 carrying hopes far beyond football, with players and fans framing the tournament as a rare source of unity for a country gripped by gang violence and humanitarian crisis.

The national team have not played at home for five years, their coach has never visited Haiti, and many players were born abroad. Captain figure Duckens Nazon said wearing the shirt means representing history, pride and a path away from violence.

Oliver Ruled Out of First World Cup Referee Assignment

Michael Oliver, Francois Letexier, FIFA
13 June 2026

Michael Oliver has been ruled out of his first 2026 World Cup match because of injury. The English referee was due to oversee Ivory Coast against Ecuador in Philadelphia, but FIFA has replaced him with French official Francois Letexier.

FIFA said Oliver is expected to be available again in the coming days, limiting concern over his tournament role. The change still matters because Oliver is one of six English on-field officials selected for the World Cup.

Heat Warnings Hit Major World Cup Matchday

FIFA, Qatar, Switzerland, Brazil, Morocco
13 June 2026

Heat warnings are affecting a major World Cup matchday, with high temperatures expected around Qatar against Switzerland and Brazil against Morocco. Forecasts also flagged very high UV levels and possible thunderstorm disruption across several North American venues.

The conditions underline player welfare concerns at the expanded tournament, where hydration breaks, late kick-offs and local weather protocols are already central planning issues. Thunderstorm rules could also delay matches if lightning is detected within eight miles.

Liverpool Begin Iraola Era With Coaching Clear-Out

Andoni Iraola, Liverpool, Arne Slot, Sipke Hulshoff, Ruben Peeters, Giovanni van Bronckhorst
13 June 2026

Liverpool have confirmed the departures of Sipke Hulshoff, Ruben Peeters and Giovanni van Bronckhorst as Andoni Iraola begins reshaping the first-team staff. The exits follow Arne Slot’s departure after last season’s Premier League title win.

The coaching clear-out gives Iraola space to build his own structure at Anfield before pre-season begins. Liverpool thanked the departing trio for their contributions, while supporters now wait to see who joins the new regime.

Newcastle Revive James Trafford Pursuit

James Trafford, Newcastle United, Manchester City, Eddie Howe
13 June 2026

Newcastle United have revived their interest in Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford as Eddie Howe looks to reshape his goalkeeping department. Trafford is reportedly open to reviewing his future after limited game time at City.

Newcastle missed out on Trafford last summer and have now re-established contact as they assess senior options. His decision may wait until after international duty, with Manchester City’s goalkeeping depth affecting his pathway and first-team prospects.

Neymar Ruled Out of Brazil’s Morocco Opener

Neymar, Brazil, Carlo Ancelotti, Morocco
13 June 2026

Neymar will miss Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco after Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the forward is still recovering from a calf injury. The 34-year-old has not returned to full training and remains doubtful for the Haiti match.

Ancelotti said Neymar is working hard to rejoin the squad next week, but Brazil must start without their record goalscorer. His absence increases pressure on Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and Brazil’s other attackers in Group C.

USMNT Thrash Paraguay in Home World Cup Opener

USMNT, Paraguay, Mauricio Pochettino, Folarin Balogun
13 June 2026

The USMNT opened their home World Cup campaign with a 4-1 win over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, making a major Group D statement. Folarin Balogun scored twice, Gio Reyna added a late fourth, and an own goal started the rout.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side dominated the first half with pressure, pace and sharp finishing, giving American fans a reason to believe early. The result also marked the most goals the U.S. men have ever scored in a World Cup match.

VAR Makes World Cup Mistaken Identity History

Tim Ream, Miguel Almiron, USMNT, Paraguay
13 June 2026

VAR made World Cup history during the USMNT’s win over Paraguay by using the new mistaken identity rule to overturn Tim Ream’s yellow card. Referee Danny Makkelie instead booked Miguel Almiron for simulation after review.

The incident confused fans because play had restarted before the review was made, but officials were allowed to intervene under FIFA’s new tournament law. The decision became the first World Cup VAR correction for mistaken identity.