- Big day of knockouts: Brazil faces unbeaten Japan — classic favorite vs potential giant-killer.
- Germany opens its title chase vs Paraguay, who’ve kept clean sheets in their last two games.
- Blockbuster Netherlands vs Morocco match plus sportsbooks are promoting more than $2,000 in combined bonuses for the knockout stage.
The news, distilled into what matters.
- Former Titans star RB Chris Johnson (aka “CJ2K”) revealed on Good Morning America that he was diagnosed last year with ALS.
- He says he’s “choosing to fight,” is undergoing experimental treatments, and communicates via a speech‑generating device while being cared for by his wife Brittany and their four children.
- The Titans and former teammates have rallied around him, remembering his 2,006‑yard 2009 season and lasting impact on the franchise.
- Brazil vs Japan — Vinícius Júnior is red-hot (scored in all group games) and Neymar could return to add playmaking in what promises to be a high-stakes rematch.
- Germany vs Paraguay — Germany chase a fifth World Cup with creative threats like Havertz and Wirtz, while Paraguay come in compact and hard to break down.
- Netherlands vs Morocco — a top‑10, high-drama knockout between Brobbey/Gakpo’s firepower and Morocco’s consistent threats like Ismael Saibari and Brahim Díaz.
- Brazil — Vinícius Júnior has been electric and Neymar is back from injury, but unbeaten Japan (led by Ayase Ueda/Daichi Kamada) could still spring an upset.
- Germany vs Paraguay — Germany’s attack (Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz) looks to break down a very disciplined, hard-to-beat Paraguay defense.
- Netherlands vs Morocco — a heavyweight knockout clash (Brobbey, Gakpo vs Ismael Saibari/Brahim Díaz) that could be one of the day’s most tense, watchable matches.
- Putin acknowledged Ukrainian strikes are causing energy and fuel problems and a shortage of air-defense equipment in Russia, though he called the situation "not critical" and said fixing those gaps is a top priority.
- Ukraine has intensified strikes — including a recent heavy drone attack on 12 Russian regions and occupied Crimea — prompting Crimea to declare a state of emergency and halt civilian fuel sales.
- A new poll found 81% of Russians want the war to end, but Putin rejected a Ukrainian proposal for a mutual ceasefire.
- Netherlands vs. Morocco in the Round of 32 on June 29 at Monterrey (broadcast on FOX) — a tasty knockout clash to watch.
- Netherlands topped Group F unbeaten, scoring 10 goals and extending a 15-game World Cup unbeaten run while never trailing in this tournament.
- Morocco reached the knockout stage again for the first time after its historic 2022 semifinal run, finishing second to Brazil in Group C.
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