France and Morocco face off Thursday in Boston as the World Cup quarter-finals begin, with referee Facundo Tello of Argentina set to officiate a rematch of the 2022 semi-final that ended France’s run.

Didier Deschamps, France’s coach, declined to criticise the appointment, telling reporters he trusts the refereeing team. France’s Michael Olise will miss the next match if his yellow card against Paraguay is not rescinded; the French Football Federation’s appeal was rejected by FIFA on Wednesday.

Morocco, unbeaten in regulation since the group stage, reached Boston after a 3-0 win over Canada in the round of 16. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi’s side conceded only once in open play across the first four matches and has not trailed since the fifth minute of the 2022 semi-final.

Egypt’s federation filed a formal complaint with FIFA after Argentina’s 1-0 victory in Houston, alleging bias and questioning the fairness of the officiating. Striker Mostafa Ziko told reporters the referee was “zalim” — oppressive — and recited the Quranic verse “Hasbunallahu wa nimal wakeel.” Egyptian officials also demanded an investigation into VAR decisions, while Argentina fans were accused of violence and racism by Cape Verde supporters after incidents in earlier knockout games.

Norway’s Erling Haaland, scorer of two goals in the 2-1 win over Brazil in Arlington, will line up against England in Miami on Friday. Norway’s team changed hotels ahead of the quarter-final, citing dissatisfaction with accommodation standards.

England’s Declan Rice, Reece James and Marc Guehi missed training on Tuesday, raising fitness concerns for the quarter-final against Norway. The Football Association of Ireland passed a motion to fulfil Israel fixtures in the Nations League, despite ongoing political tensions.

In entertainment news, Justin Bieber, Burna Boy, Coldplay and Shakira will perform in the MetLife Stadium half-time show on 19 July, with proceeds supporting children’s education worldwide.

FIFA’s decision to lift Folarin Balogun’s red-card suspension following a call from Donald Trump has prompted 72 European Parliament members to demand an investigation into President Gianni Infantino.

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Articles

Liveblog Fußball-WM 2026: Nach neun Jahren: Kroatien-Trainer Dalic tritt zurück Liveblog zur FIFA Fußball-Weltmeisterschaft 2026 vom 11.06. bis 19.07.2026 in den USA, Kanada und Mexiko | FAZ

faz · 1 day ago

World Cup 2026: France-Morocco refereeing already sparks debate as Deschamps responds The referee for Frances World Cup quarter-final against Morocco is already drawing attention. FIFA has appointed Argentine official Facundo Tello to oversee the match, a decision that has prompted widespread discussion. Asked about the appointment, France coach Didier Deschamps refused to fuel the debate, saying he trusts the refereeing team.

france24 · 1 day ago

Walmart is hosting VIP tours for curious World Cup fans Tourists cant get enough of the big portion sizes in America — and its ranch

independent · 1 day ago

FIFA World Cup: Quarterfinal brackets, match schedule and game previews Talking points as France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, Norway, England, Argentina and Switzerland aim for World Cup glory.

aljazeera · 1 day ago

Egypt criticises influential refereeing in Argentina World Cup match Egyptian football officials have reportedly lodged a complaint with FIFA against the referees in their last-16 match.

aljazeera · 1 day ago

How Morocco can win the FIFA World Cup 2026 title Morocco has long dreamed of a World Cup title. Now, the trophy is finally within reach - can they seize the moment?

aljazeera · 1 day ago

Spanish football legend Alexia Putellas joins London City Lionesses Womens Super League club lands the two-time Ballon dOr winner after her exit from Barcelona following a 14-year career.

aljazeera · 1 day ago

Do World Cup hydration breaks protect players in the heat? Scientists are questioning whether FIFAs hydration breaks do enough to protect players competing in extreme heat. While some argue the breaks disrupt the game, researchers say longer cooling periods and active cooling measures may better reduce heat-related health risks.

euronews · 1 day ago

Statesman, comedian and dealer of hard truths: how Kylian Mbappé became the king of this World Cup

bluesky_The Guardian · 1 day ago

Declan Rice, Marc Guehi and Reece James all missed England training on Wednesday, raising injury concerns before the World Cup quarter-final against Norway on Saturday

bluesky_The Times · 1 day ago

Seventy-two members of the European Parliament demanded today an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino after FIFA lifted the red-card suspension of star U.S. striker Folarin Balogun following a call from Donald Trump.

bluesky_Politico Europe · 1 day ago

What do you want to know about the World Cup? Reuters reporters are covering the matches, fans, politics, business and stories beyond the pitch. Send us your question, and it could be answered on Pitchside: reut.rs/4oXc7y0 Watch last weeks episode here: reut.rs/4wijWR9

bluesky_Reuters · 1 day ago

Justin Bieber added to World Cup final halftime show lineup reut.rs/3TokAOQ

bluesky_Reuters · 1 day ago

🏃 When millions tune in for a World Cup match, the players fitness is on full display, but one athlete on the field — not belonging to either team — runs just as much: the referee reut.rs/4fe08Yy

bluesky_Reuters · 1 day ago

Gutted Christie desperate to help Scotland to more finals At 31, Bournemouth midfielder Ryan Christie is determined to help Scotland reach more major finals after his World Cup disappointment.

bbc sport · 1 day ago

Henderson not ruled out of World Cup despite breaking arm Jordan Henderson has not been ruled out of playing for England again during the World Cup despite undergoing surgery on a broken arm.

bbc sport · 1 day ago

England players granted day off after Mexico win England manager Thomas Tuchel gave his players permission for an offsite family day on Tuesday as the squad recharged after their euphoric win over Mexico.

bbc sport · 1 day ago

The key players walking disciplinary tightrope Four England players are at risk of missing a potential World Cup semi-final because of the tournaments yellow-card rules.

bbc sport · 1 day ago

Are Argentina being treated favourably at World Cup? Egypt have alleged bias in favour of Argentina and favouritism towards their star player, Lionel Messi. Is this fair?

bbc sport · 1 day ago

A Golden Boot race for the ages - but who will come out on top? Its fast becoming a World Cup Golden Boot for the ages. But who will win it?

bbc sport · 1 day ago

The hidden runners: referees keep pace with players and pressure When a World Cup match turns on a split-second decision in the dying moments, the referee is expected to be in the right place at the right time — no small ask when battling everything from Miami humidity to Mexico Citys lung-busting altitude. While fans focus on players chasing goals, referees are sprinting just as […]

cyprus mail · 1 day ago

This is the best Ive seen England play since 1966 Football brings the world together

new statesman · 1 day ago

Πόλο: Οι κλήσεις του Θοδωρή Βλάχου για την τελική φάση του World Cup στο Σίδνεϊ Ο Θοδωρής Βλάχος ανακοίνωσε σήμερα (8/7) την τελική 15άδα, η οποία θα αναχωρήσει στις 13/7 για την Αυστραλία, όπου θα μετάσχει σε τουρνουά προετοιμασίας πριν τους αγώνες

protothema · 1 day ago

Fußball-Weltmeisterschaft: Prinz William reist nicht zu Englands Viertelfinalspiel Der britische Thronfolger und FA-Präsident fehlt am Samstag, könnte aber beim Finale dabei sein - sollte England den Einzug schaffen. Ein anderer Vertreter der europäischen Royals reist aber an.

tagesspiegel · 1 day ago

Fußball-WM: Wegen WM: Sperrstunde in der Schweiz teilweise aufgehoben Public Viewing um 3 Uhr morgens, geöffnete Bars bis zum Abpfiff: Die Schweiz feiert ihr WM-Wunder mit einigen Ausnahmen am Wochenende.

tagesspiegel · 1 day ago

Fußball-WM: Gelbe Karte gegen Frankreichs Olise bleibt bestehen Trainer Didier Deschamps berichtet vor dem Knaller gegen Marokko von einer Mitteilung der FIFA. Bayern-Profi Michael Olise wird aufpassen müssen, will er in einem möglichen Halbfinale nicht fehlen.

tagesspiegel · 1 day ago

Fußball-WM: Nach Sturz bei Feierlichkeiten: Englands Henderson operiert Jordan Henderson muss nach Englands Drama-Sieg gegen Mexiko ins Krankenhaus. Vor dem Viertelfinale gegen Norwegen gibt der Routinier ein Update zu seiner Verletzung.

tagesspiegel · 1 day ago

Fußball-WM: Unzufrieden mit Hotel: Norweger ziehen vor Viertelfinale um Vor dem Duell mit England wechselt das norwegische Team die Unterkunft. Trainer und Kapitän äußern sich dazu. Zudem spricht der Coach über die angebliche Krankheitswelle in seinem Tross.

tagesspiegel · 1 day ago

Staraufgebot für die Halbzeitshow: Auch Justin Bieber beim WM-Finale dabei Erstmals wird es bei einem Endspiel einer Fußball-WM zwischen den Halbzeiten ein Showprogramm geben. Shakira, Madonna und BTS waren dafür schon gesetzt – jetzt kündigen sich weitere Stars an.

tagesspiegel · 1 day ago

Trainerwechsel nach WM: Mexikos Fußballikone Márquez übernimmt Nationalmannschaft Nach fünf WM-Teilnahmen und vielen Jahren als Profi beim FC Barcelona soll Rafael Márquez das mexikanische Team als Chefcoach zur WM 2030 führen. Der Übergang wurde lange geplant.

tagesspiegel · 1 day ago