Here are 48 reasons to cherish the World Cup (minus the Geopolitics) | Soccer

• The Premier League transfer window is set to close on Tuesday, September 1, at 11 p.m., with several clubs seeking final deals. • Juventus is currently linked with a move for Aston Villa's 33-year-old goalkeeper, though a deal remains uncertain.

• FIFA announced that the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, became the most-watched tournament in history. • A strategic partnership with TikTok allowed broadcasters to air up to 10 minutes of match footage and utilize the platform's monetization tools.

• Morgan Rogers is set to move from Aston Villa to Chelsea in a deal valued at £117 million. • The transfer is poised to become one of the most expensive player acquisitions in Premier League history.

• The Indian Under-17 women's football team has been placed in Group E for the AFC Under-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers. • India will compete against Malaysia, Syria, and Iraq in the qualifying tournament scheduled from October 5 to 11.

• PV Sindhu is leading India's campaign at the BWF China Open 2026 in Changzhou, where she faces fellow Indian Unnati Hooda. • Coming off a victory at the Japan Open, Sindhu is aiming to secure consecutive Super 1000 titles to build momentum.

• PV Sindhu won her first Japan Open title in Tokyo by defeating World No. 3 Akane Yamaguchi in straight games. • The victory marks Sindhu's first Super 750 crown and ends a 19-month drought without a BWF World Tour title.

• India's Ayush Shetty faced Indonesia's Alwi Farhan in the men's singles Round of 32 at the BWF China Open 2026 on Wednesday, July 22. • The match, held at the Olympic Sports Centre Gymnasium, intensified as Alwi Farhan forced a deciding third game to determine the winner.

• Indian shuttler and 2023 World Championships bronze medallist HS Prannoy was eliminated in the opening round of the China Open 2026 after losing 10-21, 14-21 to Malaysia's Leong Jun Hao. • Devika Sihag also exited the tournament following a spirited performance in her opening match.

• Indian badminton veteran HS Prannoy was eliminated from the BWF China Open 2026 after a straight-games defeat in the men's singles opening round. • Prannoy struggled against Malaysia's Leong Jun Hao, losing the match with scores of 21-10 and 21-14.

• BBC Sport is inviting fans to vote for the best goals, players, and moments of the 2026 World Cup. • Reporters highlighted key tournament events, including France's semi-final defeat by Spain and the US team's exit following a loss to Belgium.

• Soccer America has curated a collection of readings focusing on the impact and excitement surrounding the 2026 World Cup in the United States. • Featured pieces include Steven Goff's analysis of the tournament's appeal and Joe Prince-Wright's perspective on Boston's role in the event.