The opening match of the last 32 at the 2026 World Cup saw some major VAR controversy towards the end of the first half in the game between Canada and South Africa at the Los Angeles Stadium.

Despite being the co-hosts of the tournament, Jesse Marsch’s side are playing outside of the Great White North after finishing second to Switzerland in Group B.

The first 45 minutes of the game were hardly memorable, although the Canucks had the better of the action and came close to breaking the deadlock on a number of occasions.

However, they will feel as though they should have had a spot-kick on the stroke of half time. South Africa’s Khuliso Mudau made a challenge in the penalty area, bringing down Richie Laryea just as he was about to send the ball into the centre of the box.

Canada Controversially Denied Penalty vs South Africa

Canada fans screamed for a penalty, as did boss Marsch on the sidelines. The referee in charge initially waved away the protests, awarding a goal kick.

As is customary with such incidents, VAR immediately renewed the contact and upheld the referee’s decision. Among those to be stunned by VAR’s failure to advise an on-field review was ITV’s referee analyst Christina Unkel, who insisted that Canada had been harshly treated.

“I would prefer to see a penalty given here. There is always an argument that the person stepped into the passing lane or the movement of the leg.

Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Jessie Alcheh

“A good comparison example would be Brazil against Scotland where Vinicius Junior, where they gave a foul to take away the goal because he stepped into the stepping lane of that player.

“So these are the ones that are up for debate. We have seen very high thresholds from FIFA at these tournaments. However, I do want this to be a penalty. In my personal opinion, I do think this is a foul,” declared Unkel.

Jesse Marsch Confronts Referee After Canada Miss Out on Penalty

Marsch couldn’t believe his side had been denied the opportunity to try and take the lead in such a crucial game. Raging, he confronted the referee as the officials made their way off the pitch at the break.

The former Leeds head coach was criticized in some quarters for his approach in Canada’s final group match, where a 2-1 defeat to the Swiss saw them lose the chance to play on Canadian soil in the knockout stages. Already under pressure, the referee’s refusal to point to the spot left him fuming during the biggest game in his managerial career.

Manchester United are reportedly ready to rival Manchester City and Arsenal in the race to sign one of Europe’s most highly sought-after teenage talents.

According to Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport, United are eyeing Lille sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi amid a breakout World Cup campaign. The Moroccan midfielder has been one of the best performers during the international tournament and his exploits haven’t gone unnoticed.

The Red Devils’ transfer chiefs are in the process of overhauling Michael Carrick’s midfield. Replacing Casemiro is the priority, and Bouaddi is likened to their previous top target, Elliot Anderson, who joined City for £116m.

Man Utd Set Their Sights on Bouaddi

via Reuters

Bouaddi is in high demand and Manchester United join City, Arsenal and Bayern Munich in tracking the 18-year-old. He lit up Ligue 1 last season and has earned widespread acclaim for his performances at the World Cup.

Lille’s stance is that they prefer a sale which includes a one-year loan so he can continue developing with the French club. They are demanding €80-100m to part with the Moroccan wonderkid.

One club that is out of the picture is Paris Saint-Germain, who are not focused on signing a midfielder. The Parisians have instead prioritised a new winger and Yan Diomande has snubbed Liverpool in favour of a move to the Parc des Princes.

United’s interest in Bouaddi comes at an intriguing time as the club searches for a Casemiro replacement. They were also ready to offload Manuel Ugarte until the Uruguayan sustained a knee ligament injury while representing his country at the World Cup.

Bouaddi Could Transform Carrick’s Midfield

Carrick spent years controlling the tempo in United’s midfield, and he will likely have a huge say over his club’s midfield rebuild. Bouaddi possesses a profile that the Red Devils’ head coach will like, extremely gifted on the ball and a physical presence that could suit the Premier League.

Bouaddi’s defensive abilities are extremely impressive, and he is strong in the air thanks to his six-foot-one-inch frame. While he’s not the best going forward, he can leave that to Kobbie Mainoo, who could benefit from a partnership with the Moroccan.

The issue United have is that they are one of many top European giants keen on the ‘World Cup prodigy.’ Once a bid is made for the midfielder, you can imagine an auction will ensue, reaching Lille’s desired €100m valuation.

Steve Clarke shocked many Scotland fans by handing in his resignation immediately after his team’s 2026 World Cup elimination. Following a disappointing showing in the group stages, the Scottish FA is on the hunt for a new boss.

Clarke has been at the helm at Hampden Park since 2019 after taking over from Alex McLeish. His country hadn’t been in a major competition since the 1998 World Cup before his arrival, but have now taken part in three of the last four.

He’s undoubtedly got Scotland back to being tournament regulars, but crashing out of the 48-team World Cup at the first hurdle has been met with strong backlash. As a result, the ex-Scotland international has stepped down. But who will replace him? Well, Bet365’s odds have thrown up some interesting contenders.

Ange Postecoglou Among Favourites For Scotland Role

So far, there appear to be 20 names in the mix for the job. However, many are given odds of 25/1 or worse. For example, ex-Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa is at 40/1.

The legendary manager has just exited the World Cup at the same stage as Clarke, with better players at his disposal, so he goes down as a huge outsider. Meanwhile, former Scotland internationals Duncan Ferguson, Scott Brown, Barry Ferguson and Derek McInnes are all given 33/1 odds.

The latter would have likely been a strong contender after almost toppling the Old Firm with Hearts last season, but has recently been appointed as Rangers’ new boss. Recently departed Ipswich Town coach Kieran McKenna and Dunfermline’s Neil Lennon have the same chance of being the next manager.

At 25/1 are Scott Gemmill and Steven Pressley. But more notably, World Cup-winning manager Joachim Low is among the list of potential Clarke replacements. The ex-Germany boss hasn’t been involved in football since 2021, but has many years of experience in international management.

Former Bayer Leverkusen tactician Kasper Hjulmand (16/1) and two men who used to play in the famous blue shirt, Darren Fletcher and Shaun Maloney (both 10/1), would be shock appointments.

Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann and Millwall’s Alex Neil, however, have plenty of experience and could well be looked at by the SFA. They have 8/1 and 7/1 odds, respectively.

Roberto Martinez is confirmed to be leaving Portugal after this summer’s tournament and is married to a Scottish woman, whom he met while playing for Motherwell. The Spaniard has slightly better odds (5/1) than Clarke’s old assistant, Steven Naismith (13/2).

Joining Martinez as the hottest contenders are John McGlynn of Falkirk, serial winner Ange Postecoglou and perhaps the best Scottish manager around, David Moyes. The Everton boss is the frontrunner, with 4/1 odds. It’d be a tough task for the Scotland bosses to lure him away from his £5 million-per-year salary.