The 2026 World Cup will go down as one of the most controversial in history and FIFA have been dealing with immense criticism.

Conspiracy theories, contentious refereeing decisions, the suspension of a red card ban and a brawl after a disappointing final marred the greatest tournament in football. Spain became champions, dethroning Argentina, whom the sporting body were accused of trying to ensure remained in the competition for as long as possible.

La Abiceleste’s journey to the final took many twists and turns, which included a drama-filled comeback victory over Egypt. They also beat Switzerland in the quarter-finals, taking advantage of Breel Embolo’s second-half sending off.

IFAB Claim Embolo Sending Off Incorrect

Denny Medley (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)

Argentina won 3-1 against the Swiss courtesy of goals from Alexis Mac Allister (10′), Julian Alvarez (112′), and Lautaro Martinez (120+1′). Their two extra-time goals came after Embolo’s red card in the 72nd minute and at that time the European nation were largely the better team.

Embolo received his marching orders after VAR opted to overturn Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro’s on-field decision. He initially ruled that Leandro Parades had fouled the Rennes forward, but VAR stepped in and deemed that there was no contact and handed the player a second yellow card for simulation.

A mistaken identity rule was used to send Embolo off and led to huge backlash, including from Switzerland manager Murat Yakin. He said that it “destroyed our game.” Others in the sport hit out at the ruling and two weeks later the IFAB (International Football Association Board) gave their verdict.

The IFAB released a statement this week and insisted that a yellow card “can only be reviewed to identify the player who committed the offence that was penalised.” The football lawmakers claim that although the use of the mistaken identity clause to deal with simulation was “well received” during the World Cup, it will not be used “until a review is concluded.”

This wasn’t the only occasion the mistaken identity clause had been used during the tournament. Tim Ream had a yellow card rescinded after VAR alerted referee Danny Makkelie that the wrong player had been penalised for an offense in the USA’s 4-1 win over Paraguay during the group stage.

The booking was transferred to Miguel Almiron instead after Makkelie rewatched the incident on the pitchside monitor. The IFAB’s statement confirms that, technically, both uses of the clause were incorrect because neither player committed the same foul.

‘Cannot be Disputed’ – FIFA Respond to IFAB

FIFA president Gianni Infantino via REUTERS/Gareth Bumstead

FIFA have now responded to the IFAB and strongly defended their interpretation of the mistaken identity clause. On X, their FIFA Media account wrote:

“FIFA’s interpretation of Mistaken Identity was consistently applied during the FIFA World Cup. There were two instances in which a player was mistakenly identified as having committed a yellow card offence and the VAR advised the referee to correct the factual error caused by the opponent’s simulation. The simulation itself cannot be disputed and it should not result in a disciplinary sanction against an opponent that may then lead to further consequences, such as a sending off for a second yellow card or a match suspension for accumulated cautions.”

They added: “We do not consider this to have been a referee or VAR error and the decision restored justice. We note IFAB’s comments in its Circular, we have been in contact with them throughout and they confirmed that this interpretation is valid, that it was well received and that it will form part of the discussion on revisions to the VAR Protocol, as discussed at the last AGM.”

The main issue surrounding the use of the clause is the wording of the existing protocol and is set to lead to further discussions about VAR’s scope for intervening in simulation cases. The standard of refereeing became a major talking point throughout the tournament, as did FIFA’s handling of big calls.

Embolo’s wasn’t even the biggest controversy to take place at the World Cup. FIFA’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban for a sending off in the USA’s Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegoniva came after influence from the White House.

Arsenal are now closing in on a £75m agreement to sign Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes, according to TEAMtalk sources, although the Magpies continue to downplay the chances of a move happening.

After a slow start to the transfer window, Arsenal club chiefs appear to have sprung into life in recent weeks, with deals for Illan Meslier and Christos Tzolis already completed.

The Gunners had been hoping to land Morgan Rogers too after he returned from representing England at the 2026 World Cup, but Chelsea swooped in and hijacked any move after agreeing a £117m fee with Aston Villa for the attacker.

Not only are the north Londoners currently eyeing up an audacious move for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior as they look to take the next step and win the Champions League next term, as well as retaining their Premier League title, but they also want Guimaraes to strengthen their midfield options.

Mikel Arteta is a huge fan of the 28-year-old and is one of the driving forces behind the potential transfer, as he looks to increase the quality and depth of his central midfield heading into the 2026-27 campaign.

While Guimaraes has told Newcastle he would like to join Arsenal before the September 1 deadline, an agreement on a fee could be more difficult to find given the Magpies have no intention of losing such a key player.

Arsenal Closing in on £75m Guimaraes Agreement

via Reuters

Even though the Newcastle sources who TEAMtalk have spoken to continue to downplay the fact that a deal to take Guimaraes to London is close, the outlet also claims that separate sources say an agreement is in sight over a £75m deal for the Brazilian.

The midfielder has made it clear that after four-and-a-half years at St James’ Park, he would like to explore a move to the Premier League champions, after the Magpies missed out on European football altogether for next season.

Arsenal are said to be intensifying their efforts to sign the South American, with negotiations between the two clubs intensifying and gathering momentum in recent days, with a £75m agreement moving closer.

However, Newcastle still have no interest in sanctioning a sale and, even if they did, they would want in excess of £100m for their captain.

Bruno Guimaraes ‘Delighted’ After Latest Update

via Reuters

The same report says that Guimaraes is ‘delighted’ after the latest developments in talks, as he hopes to get ready to leave St James’ Park after Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon already left the club this summer.

While Newcastle and Eddie Howe love the Brazilian and would prefer him to stay, it is thought that a substantial offer from Arsenal, coupled with the player’s desire to leave, could force them to make a U-turn on their not-for-sale stance.

Now, the Gunners are working hard and confident that they will find common ground with their Premier League rivals over a deal, with discussions over the structure of a potential £75m deal ongoing, including the payment terms.

If Arsenal manage to land Guimaraes and a big-name winger like Vini Jr ahead of the new season, they will be in a very strong position.

Liverpool are set to place their opening bid to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, but they have already identified their ‘dream’ alternative if they fail to land the Frenchman.

Liverpool are ramping up their attempts to land their Mohamed Salah replacement, after manager Andoni Iraola recently made it clear that they have to sign another winger in this window.

The Reds may have brought in Victor Munoz, but they are still yet to land the high-profile heir to Salah they crave, having already missed out on another top target in RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande.

The Merseyside outfit have now started to work on a deal to bring Barcola to Anfield, with an exit opening up after it was reported that the 23-year-old won’t be extending his contract that expires in the summer of 2028.

Liverpool already look to have the buy-in of the France international, who has agreed to join the club after speaking to Iraola and club executives according to L’Equipe, but the difficulty will come in trying to agree a fee with Paris Saint-Germain.

The Champions League holders are said to be looking for €170m for the attacker, having seen some of the prices for another attacking players this summer.

Liverpool Identify Rayan as ‘Dream’ Barcola Alternative

According to talkSPORT, Liverpool have identified Bournemouth winger Rayan as a ‘dream’ alternative to Barcola, if they fail to agree a deal with PSG for the France international.

The Reds currently view Barcola’s price tag as being too high given he only has two years remaining on his deal at the Parc des Princes, and they may feel they can get better value elsewhere, with Koln’s Said El Mala, Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo and Brighton and Hove Albion’s Yankuba Minteh named as potential targets.

However, it is Rayan who they really like, with the Brazilian teenager’s £85m release clause coming into effect in 2027.

The 19-year-old only joined the Cherries in January of this year, but he quickly made a big impact with five goals and two assists in 15 Premier League outings for the south coast outfit, and has been labelled as a ‘world-class talent’ by teammate Marcus Tavernier.

Liverpool Ready to Offer £80m for Barcola

via Reuters

According to the same report, Liverpool’s initial valuation of Barcola is around £80m, as they get ready to launch their first bid for the Frenchman.

While PSG point to the price tags of the likes of Elliot Anderson and Morgan Rogers this summer for their £145m valuation, the Merseyside outfit will point to the fact that the attacker only has two years remaining on his contract and won’t be signing a new one.

TalkSPORT also claim that even though there are suggestions that the 23-year-old may have already agreed terms with Liverpool, those reports are premature with only preliminary discussions taking place so far.

While Liverpool view Barcola as the ideal signing as things stand, they have no plans to overpay for him in what is an inflated market.