World Cup 2026: Ghana coach slams VAR pause and Dutch fan proposes marriage in Kansas City

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz condemned a VAR interruption during the 0‑0 group match against England, saying the video official took a "coffee break" and missed a clear penalty on Prince Adu. Queiroz questioned whether the video‑assisted referee system was still operational at the tournament. In a separate incident, English defender Djed Spence refused to shake hands with Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey before the same match, a moment that spread on social media as English fans jeered Partey.

During the Netherlands‑Tunisia group game in Kansas City, a Dutch supporter proposed marriage on the stadium’s terrace, and her partner accepted as the Netherlands secured a 3‑1 victory. The celebration was highlighted as a memorable personal moment amid the tournament.

Other notable events reported from the World Cup liveblog included Ecuadorian fans partying in Berlin after their team’s 2‑1 win over Germany and advance to the knockout stage, Czech striker Patrik Schick announcing his retirement from the national team after a 0‑3 loss to Mexico, and concerns from FIFA about severe thunderstorm weather potentially disrupting matches in Philadelphia and Kansas City.