On June 29 Beijing time, the World Cup group stage is over, and the knockout rounds with single-elimination have started. Asian teams suffered a major blow: 7 out of 9 teams were sent home, leaving only Japan and Australia to reach the round of 32. This reality forces us to admit that Asian teams are still very weak, basically at the bottom, and 8.5 spots are truly excessive.

The transfer of Matheus Fernandes has turned into a farce. Manchester United's delaying tactics in signing M. Fernandes now risk them ultimately losing out on the 21-year-old Portuguese midfield talent.

Reporter Chen Yong reports: As the World Cup group stage enters its third round, with teams striving or strategizing for the 32 spots, the Chinese Super League has resumed action. Sharing the stage with the World Cup is undoubtedly a challenge, whether from the perspective of technical and tactical viewing, fan enthusiasm, or even the standard of refereeing decisions.

Written by Han Bing. The World Cup expanded to 48 teams, with Asia and Africa being the continents that benefited most from additional slots. Both continents gained four direct berths and each secured one more through intercontinental playoffs. Nine teams marked a record number of Asian participants in the World Cup, but after the group stage, the performance of Asian teams brought more concern than joy.

According to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Canada, hundreds of thousands of supporters across the country were overwhelmed with emotion after the national team defeated South Africa 1-0 with a stoppage-time goal, thereby qualifying for the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup for the first time, writing a new chapter in the history of Maple Leaf soccer.

According to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Africa, the 2026 World Cup marks a notable milestone for African football as nine teams from the continent have qualified for the round of 32 for the first time, reflecting clear progress in professional standards, training efforts, and competitiveness on the international stage.

Written by Nan Nan. In the final group stage match against Belgium, New Zealand had to win to advance, and no one in the world believed they could. By the 75th minute, the score was already 0-3. Juste took a shot after receiving a knockdown from Wood, sending the ball high over the field. It was the first time in the match they successfully connected to create a scoring opportunity. Against the European giants, New Zealand seemed far too insignificant.

The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) has announced Daikin as the Official Partner of four major regional tournaments: the ASEAN Hyundai Cup, ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup, ASEAN Women's MSIG Cup, and ASEAN U23 Championship, all under the ASEAN United FC brand. The agreement was signed through SPORTFIVE, AFF's exclusive commercial partner.

Chido Obi, the 18-year-old Manchester United teenage striker, could be playing in the Bundesliga next season as he is in advanced talks with FC Cologne over a potential season-long loan. Obi first made headlines by netting 10 goals in a single game for Arsenal's U16 side against Liverpool before being poached by United.

Written by Han Bing. The group stage of the USA-Mexico-Canada World Cup has concluded, drawing over 4.6 million fans to the 72 matches, nearly double the 2.428 million at the 1994 World Cup, and even breaking the record for total attendance in a single World Cup that had stood for 32 years. Naturally, this unprecedented bustle is due to the significantly increased number of matches.