Sportsbooks say World Cup betting has surged past expectations, with US hype driving action |

• The U.S. Department of Justice has seized over 400 web domains used to illegally stream matches for the 2026 World Cup. • This action follows a separate operation by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment and three other groups that shut down 44 domains linked to a piracy ring generating 950 million annual views.

• The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout rounds are underway, featuring a high-stakes match between the Netherlands and Morocco that remained tied during stoppage time. • High demand for the upcoming USA versus Turkey match has driven resale ticket prices above $1,400, prompting authorities to issue warnings regarding potential scams.

• Brazil and Japan are set to face each other in a high-stakes Round of 32 knockout match during the FIFA World Cup 2026. • The clash features a tactical battle between Brazil's "Samba flair" and Japan's "Samurai spirit," with both teams fighting for a spot in the next round.

• Neymar has officially returned to action, appearing as a substitute in a match against Scotland during the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup. • Despite Neymar's return, significant injury concerns persist for other key stars, including Lamine Yamal, Reece James, and Christian Pulisic.

• African football has seen significant success leading into the 2026 World Cup, contrasting sharply with a period of failure for Asian teams. • South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has demanded an investigation into the national team's poor performance, citing failures in personnel and organization.

• South Korea's national football coach has resigned following the team's elimination from the World Cup 2026 qualifiers after failing to secure a spot among the eight best third-placed teams. • President Lee has called for a formal probe into the team's performance and the circumstances surrounding the exit.

• The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has officially launched a 50-day countdown for the BWF World Championships 2026 in New Delhi. • Scheduled for August 17-23, the tournament will feature over 800 participants representing more than 55 countries.

• Brazil advanced to the next round of the World Cup after securing a dramatic victory over Japan in their last-32 tie. • After Japan took an early lead through a strike by Kaishu Sano, Brazil responded with goals from Casemiro and a last-gasp winner by Gabriel Martinelli.

• Brazil defeated Japan 2-1 in a FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring the decisive goal to secure the victory. • The match highlighted Japan's growth as a competitive force, as the "Samurai Blue" pushed Brazil to the limit, signaling they are no longer satisfied with merely reaching the knockout stages.

• South Korea has crashed out of the 2026 World Cup, leaving the national football program in a state of crisis. • Internal turmoil plagued the team, including a boycott of domestic media duties after staff were caught mocking star player Son Heung-min's military exemption.

• Bangladesh women won the toss and elected to bat first in their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 match against South Africa. • The high-stakes encounter is taking place on Sunday, June 28, at the historic Lord's Cricket Ground in London.