Pirlo's candidacy came under scrutiny because of his role as a global ambassador for Russian bookmaker Fonbet, prompting objections from Italian Football Federation (FIGC) officials and from Italian lawmakers.

The 48-year-old described the emotional aftermath of the final, saying: "Sadness and joy have intertwined, tears and smiles, anguish and tranquility."

Ayala was caught forcefully placing his hands near Olmo's neck in the aftermath of Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina during the scrap that followed after full time.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper AS following Spain's World Cup triumph, the 65-year-old coach reflected on the tactical identity that carried his side to a flawless tournament, while also reiterating the values that have shaped one of the most successful international teams in recent years.

A female referee suffered concussion when she was knocked to the ground as she tried to break up a melee between male players during a friendly between French club Metz and Fortuna Sittard of the Netherlands on Saturday, media reports said.

A logo inspired by Bangladesh's traditional Jamdani weaving and Nakshi Kantha embroidery was unveiled at the Sheraton Hotel in Dhaka yesterday, carrying the colours and identity of South Asia's seven nations as the symbol of the upcoming SAFF Championship.

The Argentina captain attended a Primera C league match between Leones FC -- a club run by his family -- and Central Córdoba on Saturday at the Antonio Di Giacomo Stadium in Arroyo Seco, near his hometown of Rosario, where he is spending time with his family before resuming club duties with Inter Miami.

Luis Suarez converted a penalty in the 81st minute to secure the victory after Miami's Mexico international German Berterame was injured in a sickening clash of heads.

The 34-year-old came under fire after photos emerged of him taking part in a poker tournament in Sao Paulo on Tuesday, the same day Santos thrashed Venezuela's Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV) 4-1 in the first leg of their Copa Sudamericana play-off for a place in the round of 16.

The FairSquare complaint alleges that Infantino has "repeatedly breached IOC's rules on political neutrality by offering his political support for US president Donald Trump".

The 59-year-old German, known for his high-intensity football and direct communication style, has been tasked with leading the four-times world champions into a new era after another disappointing World Cup campaign.

Vozinha, who left Portuguese second-tier side Chaves before the World Cup, was voted into FIFA's fan-selected World Cup dream team after helping tournament debutants Cape Verde hold eventual champions Spain to a goalless draw and pushing eventual runners-up Argentina into extra time in the last 32.

Balogun's red card in the last-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina resulted in an automatic suspension for the match with Belgium. But FIFA stepped in and suspended his ban, leading to widespread condemnation, especially when it emerged that Trump had intervened by phoning Infantino.

Yamal arrived at the World Cup carrying a hamstring injury that had ruled him out for parts of Barcelona’s LaLiga-winning campaign. The setback affected his early involvement for Spain, with head coach Luis De la Fuente carefully managing his minutes in the opening matches.

Players representing Real Madrid scored a total of 22 goals, putting the Spanish giants comfortably at the top of the club goalscoring standings. Their contribution highlighted the quality and attacking strength of the club’s squad on the world stage.

The Spain captain, who won the Golden Ball after inspiring his country to its first FIFA World Cup 2026 triumph since 2010 earlier this summer, now faces another spell on the sidelines following two injury-hit seasons at City.

Uruguayan veteran Suarez captained Miami with Messi and fellow Argentine Rodrigo de Paul missing four days after Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final.

The organization issued a statement following media reports that its president Claudio Tapia and treasurer Pablo Toviggino had been detained at New York's John F. Kennedy airport before boarding the flight transporting the national squad home after their loss to Spain Monday.

Asked whether the budget for the coach's salary could be increased in the case of Guardiola, he said: "Yes, and that is the exception for obvious reasons".

The world's richest domestic competition once again underlined its quality. Premier League clubs supplied more goalscorers than any other league at the World Cup.