The heat was building in some parts of the country, and that is where some of the matches are taking place. As yet, there haven't been major issues for games with heat issues. Many of the stadia have roofs and air conditioning (how sustainable?)
Canada and Mexico are now out of the tournament so only the USA remain from the co-hosts.
The England result over the previous weekend led to a lot of excitement and news coverage of schools adapting to the late kick-off. And then we had the Norway game.
One major story following the Mexico game was the decision by FIFA to overturn a red card in the tournament given to an American player following some apparent intervention from Trump (they'd already allowed Ronaldo to play when he should have been suspended). This didn't end up going well for the USA against Belgium - and Ronaldo was ineffective against Spain. The same opportunity wasn't available for players from other teams.
There have also been allegations of favouritism for Argentina in their comeback against Egypt.
Some cities have not experienced the boom in business they were expecting, such as Seattle.
There was some controversy over a ball potentially hitting a cable which was used to support an overhead camera and more VAR controversies of course.
The Argentina game led to a lot of controversy over the tactics of the manager, but also the unveiling of a banner referring to the owenership of the Falkland Islands, which didn't seem to be condemned in the way that it should have been.
Wikipedia even has a special page.
There was also an extra final touch of commercialism announced (as if the whole competition hadn't been a chance to rake in the cash) with the news that winners will get a spcial tacky FIFA bling ring (with replicas for sale of course...). This is taken once again from American sport leagues and competitions (as is the extended half time show which is against the rules of football...)
Some have been quick to point out that it's in Argentinian colours...
Apparently...
Each of the 30 rings for the winners will then be customised before being officially presented at a later date, ensuring the perfect lifelong fit for an achievement that will echo through eternity.
And apparently, the rings could cost over £100 000 each.... looking for confirmation of this.
There have been suggestions that the FA should withdraw from FIFA.
Joey D'Urso shared his own thoughts on his Substack about the way that the game has been a hostage to the tournament.
There has been much said about the aftermath of the final... I liked how Spain photoshopped Trump out of their photos...
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