
Sébastien Pocognoli set to be named new Scotland manager
The Scottish Football Association is expected to name Belgian coach Sébastien Pocognoli as Steve Clarke's successor early next week, making him Scotland's first foreign manager since 2004.

The Scottish Football Association is expected to name Belgian coach Sébastien Pocognoli as Steve Clarke's successor early next week, making him Scotland's first foreign manager since 2004.
East Bengal staged a late comeback to defeat Kuwait's Al Arabi SC 4-1 after extra time, securing qualification for the group stage of the AFC Champions League Two in Kolkata.

South Korean police raided the Korea Football Association headquarters to investigate allegations of obstruction of business in the recruitment of former coach Hong Myung-bo following a disappointing World Cup campaign.

A disability rights group in Seoul staged a subway boarding protest on Lines 1 and 4, causing brief suspensions, to demand sufficient government budget allocation for disabled people next year. Further protests are planned every Monday at Hyehwa Station until Aug. 24.
Iran's national football team will continue with head coach Amir Ghalenoei until the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. The decision follows an unbeaten but ultimately unsuccessful FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign where Iran exited at the group stage. Ghalenoei's contract extension was confirmed by the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The White House defended its handling of visa restrictions for Iran's national football team during the World Cup, stating the team's choice to base in Tijuana, Mexico, was mutually beneficial. Despite Iranian complaints, officials cited logistical parity and security concerns, including preventing IRGC members from entering.
The White House defended its handling of visa restrictions for Iran's national football team during the World Cup, stating the team's choice to base in Tijuana, Mexico, rather than Arizona, was mutually beneficial. Officials cited logistical ease and security concerns, including preventing IRGC members from entering.
Spain's national football team has achieved a historic milestone in the World Cup by recording six consecutive clean sheets, with goalkeeper Unai Simon extending his scoreless streak to 609 minutes. This defensive prowess propelled them to a 1-0 victory over Portugal and into the quarterfinals.

Nat Sciver-Brunt will return to captain England in their T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa at The Oval after recovering from a calf injury. She missed three group stage matches, but medical staff have cleared her, despite some risk, for the high-stakes home game.

Nat Sciver-Brunt returns to captain England in their T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa at the Oval after recovering from a calf injury. She missed three group matches, undergoing intensive therapy, and will lead an unbeaten England team against underdog South Africa.

Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 in Mexico City, with goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez, to advance to the World Cup round of 16, ending a 40-year drought in the knockout stage and sparking widespread celebrations.

Two earthquakes struck Venezuela's Caribbean coast, leaving over 1,700 dead and tens of thousands missing. Survivors are being rescued days later, but hope fades amid economic crisis. International aid is arriving, but the government's response and past corruption are questioned.

England faces the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with a high win probability, but the DRC's tactical shift to a back five and strong defensive record, particularly against stronger opponents, suggests a tougher challenge than anticipated. The DRC's ability to frustrate opponents and limit high-quality chances will test England's clinical finishing.

Thomas Tuchel has cautioned England against complacency as they prepare to face the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the World Cup last 32. Despite being heavy favorites, Tuchel stressed the importance of maintaining composure and belief when facing a defensively strong opponent, drawing parallels to previous challenging group stage matches.

Australia winger Ajdin Hrustic shrugged off criticism of the Socceroos' 0-0 World Cup draw with Paraguay, calling it a "job done." The team now prepares to face Egypt and a potentially injured Mohamed Salah in Dallas, focusing on defense and readiness for any scenario, including a penalty shootout.

England supporters in the US have been praised for excellent behavior during the World Cup group stage, with no violence reported. However, domestic incidents in England and Wales have significantly increased compared to previous tournaments, with 463 football-related incidents recorded.

Mexico's national football team faces a critical World Cup knockout match against Ecuador on Tuesday, battling a long history of first-round exits and national anxiety despite their best-ever group stage performance. Coach Javier Aguirre and a "new generation" aim to overcome psychological hurdles.

Canada secured a historic 1-0 victory over South Africa in the GWC knockout stage, with Stephen Eustáquio scoring the late winner. Coach Jesse Marsch celebrated the team's first-ever knockout win. The tournament now heads into a series of exciting matchups, including Brazil vs. Japan and Germany vs. Paraguay.

England's Noni Madueke cautions against underestimating the Democratic Republic of the Congo in their upcoming World Cup last-32 tie in Atlanta, expecting a difficult game despite hopes for a more fluent attacking display than against Ghana. He also discussed penalty practice and competition with Bukayo Saka.
Deniz Undav leads FIFA's attacking player rankings with a 8.36 score, edging Lionel Messi (8.34) despite only 86 minutes played as a substitute, while Messi leads the Golden Boot race with 6 goals.

Morocco faces the Netherlands in a World Cup last-32 match, 32 years after their first encounter. The game holds deep cultural significance due to the Moroccan-Dutch community, with three Moroccan players born in the Netherlands. Tensions may arise from right-wing media and politicians, but the hope is for a memorable, emotion-driven match.

South Korea eliminated from 2026 FIFA World Cup after finishing third in Group A with 3 points, failing to rank among top 8 third-place teams for knockout stage.

India's T20 World Cup campaign ends with a six-wicket loss to Australia at Lord's, securing South Africa's semi-final spot against England.

South Korea, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, failed to advance beyond the group stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the tournament's expanded format allowing more teams into the knockout round. They finished third in Group A with three points.