FIFA forced into huge decision, journalist banned, Messi makes history – World Cup round-up

Need to know

1. Severe weather causes a lengthy delay in Philadelphia – The Group I World Cup match between France and Iraq was suspended at half-time due to torrential rain and dangerous lightning. Spectators were forced to evacuate the open seating bowl, leading to a total delay of over two hours before play could safely resume.
2. A second-half hydration break is cancelled – FIFA took the unusual step of cancelling the mandatory three-minute second-half hydration break during the France vs Iraq game. This emergency decision was made because the prolonged storm delay had left substantial moisture on the pitch and altered the stadium conditions.
3. Controversy continues to grow over tournament drinks breaks – Originally introduced by FIFA across all 104 matches to combat extreme North American summer heat, hydration breaks have faced severe backlash from fans and pundits alike. Critics, including Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk, argue that the mandatory pauses disrupt a game’s natural momentum and are primarily used to show television adverts.
4. Lionel Messi claims the ultimate World Cup goalscoring record – Argentina icon Lionel Messi became the outright top goalscorer in World Cup history by netting twice in a 2-0 victory over Austria. Despite missing an early penalty, his historic 17th tournament goal surpassed the long-standing record held by Germany legend Miroslav Klose.
5. Erling Haaland shines for Norway alongside the world’s elite – Manchester City forward Erling Haaland bounced back from an embarrassing early miss to score a stunning second-half brace in Norway’s 3-2 victory against Senegal. His match-winning performance ensured that he, Messi, and Mbappe all remarkably scored doubles on the exact same day of tournament action.
6. A commentator is stripped of credentials after an angry on-air rant – Paraguayan broadcaster Jorge Vera had his World Cup press accreditation revoked by FIFA following an explosive live meltdown. He launched a scathing personal attack on the match referee and FIFA President Gianni Infantino after player Miguel Almiron was sent off. The former-Newcastle star became the first player ever dismissed under a strict new FIFA anti-discrimination guideline that bans covering one’s mouth during confrontations. Although his national broadcaster has pleaded for leniency regarding the commentator’s subsequent outburst, Vera has publicly apologised for losing his composure.
7. Jeremy Doku takes an emergency flight home for family reasons – Belgium winger Jeremy Doku was granted permission to leave the squad’s camp to catch a short-notice flight to London for the birth of his first child. He successfully welcomed his new baby boy, Praise, and is scheduled to rejoin his international teammates in Seattle ahead of their crucial match against New Zealand.
8. Roy Keane dismisses praise for Thomas Tuchel’s team talk – Pundit Roy Keane has claimed that players and media are heavily overreacting to England manager Thomas Tuchel’s half-time speech during their 4-2 win over Croatia. While England stars Declan Rice and Harry Kane credited the manager’s tactical adjustments for transforming their performance, Keane bluntly argued that motivating the squad is simply a basic requirement of the job.

Follow all of the World Cup updates: World Cup LIVE: FIFA make hydration break decision as Kylian Mbappe fires Lionel Messi response