World Cup News: Shiri boss Collina rejects criticism from Egypt

The head of international football referees, Pierluigi Collina, has firmly denied allegations of bias against Lionel Messi during the World Cup 2026. The claims originated from Egypt, where some fans and analysts suggested that the referee decisions had favored the Argentine star. In response, Collina stated that such ungrounded accusations have no place in the sport. He emphasized that no one can claim that officials' decisions are influenced by anyone, even the president of FIFA. While he did not specify any particular incident, his comments were seen as a clear rejection of the allegations and an affirmation of the integrity of the refereeing process.

The controversy comes amid a broader discussion about fairness and transparency in major sporting events. Collina's remarks highlight the ongoing efforts by FIFA to maintain the credibility of its officiating system. His statement was released on the official FIFA website, reinforcing the organization’s stance on impartiality. Despite the lack of concrete examples, the message was clear: the governing body will not tolerate baseless criticism of its decision-making processes.

In another development related to the tournament, Mexico has completed a planned coaching change following their exit in the quarterfinals. Rafael Márquez, a former star player and assistant coach under Javier Aguirre, has taken over as head coach of the national team. This transition was part of a prearranged plan that had been in motion since Márquez was appointed as assistant two years ago. Aguirre, who stepped down after leading Mexico into the quarterfinals, had prepared Márquez for this role ahead of the 2030 World Cup. Márquez, known for his five appearances at the World Cup as a player, is considered one of the most influential figures in Mexican football history.

The move follows a dramatic 2-3 loss to England in the quarterfinal match at the Azteca Stadium. Márquez’s appointment signals a shift in leadership but also continuity, given his deep understanding of the game and experience within the national team setup. His new responsibilities include preparing the squad for future tournaments, including the 2030 World Cup, which will be hosted in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

Meanwhile, Belgium has made a unique gesture to support its national team before their upcoming quarterfinal against Spain. The airline Brussels Airlines has decided to repaint one of its Airbus planes in the colors of the Belgian national team, known as the "Red Devils." The aircraft will fly between Brussels and several Spanish cities, including Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, and Alicante. This initiative aims to boost morale and show solidarity with the players heading into a crucial match.

Another notable addition to the World Cup spectacle involves entertainment. The FIFA organization has announced that Canadian pop star Justin Bieber will perform during the halftime show of the final match, scheduled for July 19 in New Jersey. This marks the first time a halftime show has been included in a World Cup final, drawing comparisons to the famous Super Bowl halftime performances. Alongside Bieber, the lineup includes global stars such as BTS and Coldplay, with the latter set to perform alongside a school choir. However, organizers have confirmed that the performance will remain within the traditional 15-minute limit.

Norway has also made adjustments to ensure optimal preparation for their upcoming quarterfinal against England. The national team recently moved hotels due to noise issues near their previous accommodation. Captain Martin Ödegaard explained that the new location offers better conditions for focusing on the important match. Their old hotel was surrounded by construction sites and heavily trafficked roads, making it difficult to prepare effectively. The move reflects the importance placed on creating a conducive environment for the players ahead of high-stakes matches.

In Switzerland, preparations for the country's first World Cup quarterfinal in 72 years have led to special measures. Authorities have lifted curfews in Zurich, Basel, and the canton of Bern for the night before the match against the defending champions. These changes aim to allow fans to celebrate and gather without restrictions, highlighting the significance of the occasion for Swiss football. The relaxed regulations underscore the excitement surrounding the nation's historic participation in the tournament.