The first knockout round of the 2026 World Cup kicks off with perfectly balanced matchups. Top-tier teams like France and England are expected to encounter some challenges when facing obstacles named Sweden and Congo.

On June 30th Beijing time, Trail Blazers general manager Joe Cronin officially announced that Portland has acquired guard Ja Morant from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for forward Jerami Grant and forward Kris Murray. The team's official social media posted a photo of Morant and welcomed him to the squad. Yang Hansen and Lillard now have a new teammate.

On June 30, Beijing time, shortly after news broke that the Warriors were interested in acquiring both LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Draymond Green declined his $27.7 million player option, taking the first step toward facilitating such moves and further fueling speculation about forming a super team.

On June 30, Beijing time, the Warriors and Kristaps Porzingis reached a 2-year, $40 million contract extension. Subsequently, ESPN rated the extension, giving it a low score of C. The analysis is as follows: For an old championship contender aiming to build a lineup with a low floor but a high ceiling, this signing represents a typical high-risk, high-reward gamble. Porzingis's floor is entirely dependent on his availability.

In the third match of the Round of 32 at the World Cup, which concluded on June 30 Beijing time, the German men's football team lost 4-5 to Paraguay in a penalty shootout, failing to reach the Round of 16 for the third consecutive World Cup. [Watch the World Cup on Migu Video] Notably, Germany had scored a last-gasp goal in extra time, but it was disallowed by the referee. After the match, young German coach Julian Nagelsmann once again strongly questioned this controversial decision.

In the early hours of June 30, before the kickoff of the knockout match against Brazil, the atmosphere in Japan was still full of optimism. Although Brazil was regarded as a very strong opponent, many Japanese fans still believed that their team could create a new miracle on the world stage.

According to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Algiers, the International Federation of Football Association (FIFA) has included Vietnamese-origin player Ibrahim Maza of the Algerian national team in the list of the most impressive young talents in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes and multiple sources, the Pistons and Jalen Duren are far apart in extension negotiations. The restricted free-agent center plans to meet with the Lakers and Kings on Wednesday when free agency opens, aiming to finalize a sign-and-trade deal. Reports from last weekend indicated Duren was deeply frustrated with Detroit's initial offer, leading to a standstill in talks.

With less than a month between the ASEAN Cup and the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, coach Kim Sang Sik faces a tough choice on prioritizing objectives, allocating squad resources, and planning players' peak form.

Breaking Vietnamese football news for June 30: Vietnam national team increases its power; TPHCM 1 on a three-game winning streak in the V-League.