Thai fans may turn to online streams if World Cup rights talks fail, minister says

• 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.

• Prasar Bharati has officially withdrawn from the bidding process and legal battle at the Delhi High Court regarding the media rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Rangers have begun a squad overhaul, with captain James Tavernier and Leon King both departing the Ibrox exit door. • Midfielders Emmanuel Fernandez and Nicolas Raskin are currently attracting significant interest from other clubs and could command major transfer fees.

• Germany's national team is preparing for the 2026 World Cup following a dominant 6-0 victory over Slovakia in their final qualifying match. • Head coach Julian Nagelsmann has confirmed the team's three group opponents, with the draw taking place in Washington.

• Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is launching its most comprehensive viewing experience for Roland-Garros, offering coverage across HBO Max, TNT Sports, and Eurosport. • Fans will have access to 900 matches, providing an extensive look at the tournament through live coverage and dedicated sports platforms.

• 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.