Up to this point at the 2026 World Cup, most of the controversies have come off the pitch. Indeed, plenty of headlines have been made about Gianni Infantino and the way he runs FIFA.

Under his watch, the United States have made it extremely difficult for fans, staff members, journalists, officials and even players to come into the co-hosting nation. Most infamously, Somali referee Omar Artan was sent home from Miami, despite having a visa to do his job this summer.

Thankfully, the action in the group stages of the World Cup so far has largely gone smoothly (albeit with some notably empty seats in certain matches, likely due to costly ticket prices). However, there was one controversial incident during the 1-1 draw between Qatar and Switzerland in Group B.

Gary Neville Fumes Over ‘Ridiculous’ FIFA Incident

Switzerland took the lead via a penalty in the 17th minute, converted by Breel Embolo, but could not hang onto the points, with Qatar levelling thanks to an own goal from Miro Muheim in the 94th minute. While the Swiss would have felt robbed to concede so late, having dominated the game, there were plenty of question marks regarding their goal.

The penalty was awarded after Remo Freuler was bundled over by Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada. The contact was obvious, and the referee quickly pointed ot the spot. However, replays appeared to show the Swiss player standing in an offside position before he pounced onto the ball to win the foul.

Despite this, VAR checked and cleared the penalty, allowing Embolo to put Switzerland in front from 12 yards. The incident sparked a strong reaction, with English pundit Gary Neville leading the dissenting voices.

The Manchester United legend questioned FIFA on ITV as there were also no alternative angles of the incident shown on the live broadcast. As quoted by the Daily Mail, Neville even called the organisation a ‘dictatorship’, saying:

“We all think it here and everybody will think it at home [that it was offside]. FIFA are the host broadcaster. They’ve got the evidence of the automatic decision which they can show us.

“Why are they not showing us? They did this in the last tournament. Fans are already distrusting of FIFA and technology to start with. There is a massive question mark over that because that is offside in my eyes until they prove differently.

Fellow pundits Ian Wright and Duncan Ferguson, who were sat alongside Neville in the ITV studio, also agreed that Freuler looked offside to the naked eye. Adding to that, former England defender Lee Dixon, who was commentating on the game, insisted it would be ruled out:

“There’s no doubt about the penalty but he’s offside. This won’t count.”

FIFA Respond To World Cup Offside Controversy

FIFA President Gianni Infantino via REUTERS/Henry Romero

In response to the controversy, FIFA have now shared a statement online, with images, as they defended the offside decision. It’s interesting to note that they claimed the usual supporting animation graphic was not shown due to a ‘technical outage’, although they add that this did not have an impact on the call:

Some fans have questioned just how helpful the supporting images actually are, as they feel as if they simply prove that Freuler was offside, despite FIFA’s claims.

Tottenham have now stormed ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign a South American star during the summer transfer window.

Spurs could be involved in one of their busiest summer transfer windows in recent history, not just in terms of incomings but outgoings too.

A number of players are likely going to want to leave the club after they were once again involved in a relegation battle, while they are without European football heading into the 26/27 season.

Liverpool are also in the market for reinforcements, and despite Spurs’ lack of European football, they could be shopping in similar markets.

The World Cup makes the summer transfer window a little more interesting, with players’ values potentially skyrocketing if they enjoy an impressive tournament.

Tottenham Eyeing Liverpool Target

via Reuters

According to a report from Caught Offside, Tottenham have now moved ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez in the summer transfer window.

Liverpool’s interest has previously been described as serious, but the report claims that the Reds have now pulled away in the race.

Tottenham are now in pole position to secure his signature, while it’s claimed that Brugge could demand in the region of £39m for the defender.

Ordonez, described as ‘phenomenal’, does have interest from other Premier League clubs as well as sides across Europe.

Brugge would be open to cashing in on the Ecuadorian international as long as they receive a fee in the region of £39m.

Tottenham Close to Defensive Signing

via Reuters

According to reports in the Netherlands, Tottenham are closing in on the signing of Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton ahead of the summer transfer window.

Personal terms have already been agreed between Van Hecke and Tottenham, with the Dutch international now waiting for an agreement between the two clubs.

Brighton are looking to involve Luka Vuskovic as part of the deal, and they value the defender at around £30m.

Reports have claimed that a deal could even be done by the end of the weekend, despite Tottenham having multiple bids rejected for the Brighton centre-back.

Manchester United have held talks over the last two or three days to secure a new signing, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Signing a new midfielder appears to be Manchester United’s priority, even though they are close to completing a new addition.

Reports have claimed that a deal is done for Atalanta midfielder Ederson to join the club, despite no official confirmation just yet.

Up next for United could be the signature of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, with one journalist even claiming that the Portuguese star will end up at United this summer.

After solving the midfield situation, attention will likely turn to other positions, as there’s no doubt the Red Devils need reinforcements all over the pitch.

Man Utd Hold Talks Over Last 2/3 Days

According to Italian journalist Romano, over the last two or three days, Manchester United have kept contacts alive and active with those close to Newcastle defender Lewis Hall.

The Red Devils made contact a few weeks ago, but they’ve kept talks up recently with the England international, someone they ‘really love’.

Newcastle have already lost Anthony Gordon to Barcelona this summer, while the likes of Sandro Tonali and Hall are being heavily linked with departures.

United are looking to take advantage, and it’s likely a positive for them that Hall isn’t at the World Cup with England.

Hall the Perfect Shaw Replacement

via Reuters

Hall, described as elite, could be the perfect replacement for Luke Shaw in the long term.

United left back Shaw has seemingly got over his injury issues, starting every Premier League game last season, but he has had fitness problems over the last few years.

The English defender isn’t getting any younger, so signing a long-term replacement would be a smart move, and Hall could be that ideal man.

Hall is certainly ready to be a guaranteed starter at United, but learning and competing with Shaw could be beneficial to his development.

The issue United now have is convincing Newcastle to part ways for a reasonable fee.