FIFA media rights officials visit India where no World Cup broadcast deal is yet signed, sources say

• Barcelona is prioritizing a new striker to replace 37-year-old Robert Lewandowski, targeting Harry Kane (32), Julian Alvarez (26), and Joao Pedro (24). • Manchester United has reportedly agreed to a £46m (€53m) deal to sign 26-year-old Brazilian midfielder Ederson from Atalanta.

• A Borussia Dortmund star has reportedly been ruled out of Germany's squad for the 2026 World Cup, according to a report by Bild. • The news comes as Germany prepares to announce its final roster with less than a month remaining before the tournament begins.

• The International Cricket Council (ICC), led by Jay Shah, has announced a strategic goal to establish women's cricket as the most popular sport globally. • This initiative involves expanding the reach and visibility of the women's game through increased investment and structural support.

• Prasar Bharati has officially withdrawn from the bidding process and legal battle at the Delhi High Court regarding the media rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. • This decision leaves Indian football fans facing a potential media blackout, as no broadcaster has secured the rights just three weeks before the tournament begins.

• Thailand's government is currently negotiating broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to ensure local accessibility. • Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi stated on May 20 that fans may be forced to rely on unofficial online streams if an agreement is not reached.

• North Korean team Naegohyang won the Asian Women's Champions League on Saturday, marking the first time a North Korean sports team has visited South Korea in eight years. • The victory secures the team's qualification for next year's FIFA Women's Champions Cup, a global tournament featuring champions from six continental confederations.

• Manchester United and Liverpool are reportedly competing to sign Brazilian defender Bremer from Juventus. • Separately, Sky Sports reports that 32-year-old striker Paulo Dybala is interested in a move to England despite ongoing contract negotiations with Roma.

• Several high-profile football stars are expected to miss the 2026 World Cup in North America, including veteran Polish striker Robert Lewandowski. • Italy's failure to qualify for the tournament for a third consecutive time ensures that top talents like goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and midfielder Sandro Tonali will be absent.

• National teams have begun announcing their 26-man squads for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. • Belgium's roster features veterans Kevin De Bruyne, Axel Witsel, and Thibaut Courtois, alongside new addition Matias Fernandez-Pardo, who recently committed to his birth country over Spain.

• FIFA is currently facing a standoff over media rights for the Men's World Cup in India, with no TV agreement in place just weeks before the tournament begins. • The organization risks losing a potential $60 million deal as it struggles to secure a viable broadcasting partner in the Indian market.

• Saud Abdulhamid has made sports history by becoming the first Saudi player to win the French Cup. • After moving to Europe in the summer of 2024, Abdulhamid previously became the first Saudi athlete to compete in both Italy’s Serie A and France’s Ligue 1.