— Germany's Jonathan Tah nearly had the go-ahead goal in extra time. Instead, Paraguay's Orlando Gill will be a hero in his homeland. Gill saved the first shot, against Kai Havertz, of a penalty shootout at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Paraguay defeated Germany following a 1-1 draw 4-3 on penalty kicks.
— Mashable: After South Korea's elimination from Group A on Saturday, June 27, head coach Hong Myung-bo resigned the next day, ending a turbulent second stint in charge of the national team. On Sunday, June 28, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called for a formal government investigation into the team's disappointing tournament. "When favoritism and cronyism take precedence over competence in selecting a commander, the result is as predictable as fire burning paper," Lee wrote. Reports out of South Korea have described online death threats against Hong, heightened police security ahead of the team's return to Incheon International Airport, and furious fan reaction across social media. Reports out of South Korea have described online death threats against Hong, heightened police security ahead of the team's return to Incheon International Airport, and furious fan reaction across social media.
— It was Hong's lineup choice against South Africa, though, that enraged fans the most. In the match South Korea needed to rescue its tournament, Hong left Son Heung-min, one of Asia's biggest soccer stars, out of the starting lineup, saying afterward that he planned to use him later when South Africa was tired. Son came on at halftime, but by then South Korea was already chasing the game. Son Heung-min, the team's captain, has posted a lengthy apology on Instagram, asking supporters not to direct excessive criticism and hurt toward the players.
— World Cup organisers are facing growing criticism over prices, with supporters accusing venues of extortionate prices that vary from one matchday venue to the next. Reports from the US, Canada and Mexico have highlighted sharp differences between host cities, including beer, bottled water and a brisket sandwich.
— FourFourTwo: Unlike the other 25 members of Japan's squad, Suzuki was born outside Japan. He took his first breaths in Newark, New Jersey. So he is a U.S. citizen by birth. Indeed, he was reportedly tracked by US Soccer, with the governing body keen to bring him in at youth levels. Instead, he was a Japanese international by the under-15 stage. His father is Ghanaian, his mother Japanese. Suzuki was raised in the former Urawa sector of Saitama. Suzuki's name has been persistently linked with big European clubs in need of an upgrade or a refresh in the goalkeeper department. He was loaned to the Belgian side Sint-Truiden and signed for Serie A outfit Parma in 2024.