World Cup 2026 exit leaves South Korean football in crisis - BBC Sport

• Nearly 63 million Americans watched Spain defeat Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final this past Sunday, setting a new viewership record for the sport in the U.S. • While the audience remains smaller than Super Bowl LX's 126 million viewers, the surge highlights soccer's successful transition toward mainstream popularity.

• Arsenal is actively pursuing Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, a move that has reportedly left the Magpies frustrated. • The club is working with Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta to strengthen the squad to ensure they can compete across four different competitions next season.

• Chelsea has reportedly made a €75 million bid to sign midfielder Alex Scott from Bournemouth. • Bournemouth has turned down the offer, while Arsenal has also emerged as a potential suitor for the player.

• While the 2026 World Cup dominated headlines, several high-profile club transfer sagas unfolded behind the scenes. • Liverpool intercepted a €40 million deal for Spanish winger Víctor Muñoz, who was originally destined for Newcastle United.

• Vietnam U23 has been designated as a top seed for the 20th Asian Games following the official seeding announcement by the OCA and AFC. • Joining Vietnam in the top seed group are host nation Japan, South Korea, and China, a status earned by Vietnam's third-place finish at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship.

• The PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and Asian Tour have announced a strategic global alliance to unify men's professional golf. • This move puts significant pressure on LIV Golf, as the Asian Tour previously partnered with the breakaway league in 2021 to create a pathway for its $30m tournaments.

• The Philippines national team has opted for a youth-focused roster for the 2026 ASEAN Championship in an effort to replicate their semifinal success from two years ago. • This strategic shift follows a history of struggle in the tournament since 1996, which included a severe 13-1 defeat to Indonesia in 2002.

• Defending champions Vietnam will begin their title defense for the Asean Hyundai Cup 2026 this Friday, July 24. • Led by coach Kim Sang-sik, the Vietnamese squad will face qualifiers Timor-Leste in their opening Group A match held in Chonburi.

• Malaysian badminton players Man Wei Chong-Soh Wooi Yik and Leong Jun Hao advanced at the 2026 China Open, with the former pair securing their first win together and Jun Hao defeating H.S. Prannoy. • In the women's singles, Ratchanok progressed to face Vietnam’s Nguyen Thuy Linh, while Indonesia’s Putri Kusuma Wardani defeated China’s Han Qian Xi 21-16, 21-16.

• Singapore begins its campaign in the 16th ASEAN Hyundai Cup (ASEAN Championship) with an opening match against Cambodia on July 24. • Following the opener, the Lions will face defending champions Vietnam in Hanoi on July 31 and conclude their group stage against Indonesia on August 7.

• 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.

• The "Football Daily" newsletter highlights the enduring appeal of the World Cup while previewing the upcoming 2030 tournament. • The 2030 event will be uniquely hosted across three continents, featuring matches in Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.