World Cup 2026 awards: the Guardian team give their final tournament verdicts | World Cup 2026

• The article highlights 10 football transfers that occurred during the 2022 World Cup, focusing on players like Leandro Trossard, Sergio Ramos, and Denzel Dumfries. • Denzel Dumfries is specifically noted for his strong tournament performances, including a goal and two assists against the USA in the round of 16.

• An analysis by UCA News examines how FIFA has shifted the World Cup from a purely sporting event into a platform for political theatre and global power dynamics. • The report highlights the intersection of commercial interests and political influence, questioning how these forces shape the selection and management of host nations.

• Midfielder Wan Kuzain has received his first senior national team call-up for Harimau Malaya after a seven-year wait. • The Sporting JAX player departed from Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 today to join the squad in Yangon.

• Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen was eliminated from the BWF China Open 2026 after losing his Round of 16 men's singles match. • The match took place on Thursday, July 23, at the Olympic Sports Centre Gymnasium, where Canada's Victor Lai secured the victory.

• India's PV Sindhu will lead the national challenge at the China Open Super 1000 tournament. • Sindhu enters the competition with significant momentum following her recent victory at the Japan Open.

• PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, and Ayush Shetty have all advanced to the Round of 16 during Day 1 of the BWF China Open 2026. • A key highlight of the opening round saw PV Sindhu secure a victory over Unnati Hooda, avenging her loss from the previous year.

• The Asean Championship is highlighting a new generation of rising young talents poised to make a significant impact during the tournament. • The focus is on identifying key players who possess the skill and potential to challenge the rivals of the Singapore national team.

• The official draw for the men's football competition at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, has been revealed. • The tournament is scheduled to take place from September 14 to October 3, 2026, featuring highly competitive group matchups.

• U.S. viewership for the 2026 World Cup reached record levels, with 128.4 million people watching across Fox, FS1, and Tubi. • The tournament's 104 matches averaged 7.7 million viewers, marking a 116% increase compared to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

• India's PV Sindhu faces China's world No. 4 Chen Yu Fei in the women's singles Round of 16 at the BWF World Tour Super 1000 China Open. • The match takes place on Thursday, July 23, at the Olympic Sports Centre Gymnasium following Sindhu's opening round victory over Unnati Hooda.

• Singapore national team coach Gavin Lee is focusing on identifying and developing young talent during the current Asean Championship. • Lee aims to discover "five stars"—promising new players who can integrate into the senior squad and elevate the team's performance.