Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti explained why he kept star forward Neymar on the bench during their 2-1 victory over Japan in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 knockout stage. Though Neymar was seen warming up repeatedly on the sideline throughout the match, he never took to the field.

After the game, Ancelotti addressed the decision, saying: "We were holding Neymar for extra time. I told him he might get on around the 60th or 65th minute, but we scored an equalizing goal and I didn't want to change our structure because the team was controlling the match."

He added: "We have multiple options both on the bench and on the field. Japan is not an easy team—they're well-organized and very intense. The truth is we deserved to win, and that's what matters most."

Brazilian striker Matheus Kuniya raised his five fingers in response to Japanese forward Kento Shioji, who had previously stated that Brazil's "Samba" squad was no longer as strong as before. Before Brazil's match against Japan in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32, Shioji remarked: "Brazil used to be a great team, but now? I think only France and Argentina are truly strong. I haven't heard anything about Brazil lately." Brazil ultimately defeated Japan 2-1 to advance to the Round of 16 and remain on course for a sixth World Cup title. After the match, Kuniya held up five fingers while saying, "We have five championships already. Show some respect," a clear jab at Shioji. He also posted on his personal Instagram story showing him holding up five fingers at Shioji with the caption: "Never above anyone, never below anyone. Now you know us better."

Following a June 29 appearance on a conflict-resolution program where Faridah reconciled with singer Tintin Newcuntry and her friend Neo, the pregnant influencer was rushed to the hospital after the broadcast when bleeding began. Faridah's lawyer announced the hospitalization, noting initial light bleeding pending medical examination. Fellow content creator Fern Wannapa posted hospital updates indicating Faridah experienced heavy bleeding and needed rest, but later confirmed all tests showed the baby was healthy and both mother and child were safe. Doctors advised only one precaution: avoid straining. Despite the scare, Faridah returned to livestream shopping, where sales reached 500,000 baht in just 20 minutes, with supportive comments encouraging her to rest. Faridah also opened gifts purchased by Tintin and Neo for the baby, thanking them for their kindness.

On June 30, 2569, the Thai Meteorological Department issued Alert No. 8 (98/2569) regarding heavy to very heavy rainfall across Thailand and strong winds in the upper Andaman Sea, effective from June 30 to July 3, 2569.

From June 30 to July 3, Thailand will experience heavy to very heavy rainfall in some areas, particularly in the Eastern Region and the Western Coast of the Southern Region. This is due to a monsoon trough passing through the Northern and Upper Northeastern regions, combined with intensifying southwest monsoon winds covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand.

Residents in affected areas are urged to be cautious of dangers from heavy rainfall and accumulated precipitation, which may cause flash flooding and forest runoff, especially in foothill areas near waterways and low-lying regions.

Regarding sea conditions, the upper Andaman Sea will experience fairly strong winds from June 30 to July 3, 2569, with waves 2-3 meters high. Areas with thunderstorms will see waves exceeding 3 meters. The lower Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand will have waves approximately 2 meters high, with waves exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.

Fishermen in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand are advised to navigate cautiously and avoid areas with thunderstorms. Small boats in the upper Andaman Sea should refrain from departing during this period.

For safety and to minimize potential impacts, residents are encouraged to plan daily activities and travel carefully during this period. The public is advised to monitor announcements from the Thai Meteorological Department via their website http://www.tmd.go.th, or by calling 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182, available 24 hours daily.

This alert was issued on June 30, 2569 at 05:00. The next alert will be issued on June 30, 2569 at 17:00.

Germany, the four-time World Cup champions and European group winners, faced Paraguay on June 30 at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts during the 2026 World Cup Round of 32. Despite controlling most of the match, Germany conceded first when Julio Enciso scored unmarked in the penalty area in the 42nd minute, giving Paraguay a 1-0 halftime lead. Germany equalized in the 54th minute through Kai Havertz, and the match remained tied through 90 minutes. In extra time, Jonathan Tah's goal was disallowed after a VAR review determined Germany had committed a foul beforehand. The match went to a penalty shootout, which Paraguay won 5-4 in a shocking result that eliminated Germany from the tournament. Paraguay will next face the winner of the France-Sweden match on July 5 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

Casemiro, Brazil's experienced midfielder, has revealed the crucial factors that enabled the Samba team to overcome Japan in the World Cup knockout stage. Brazil successfully advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by narrowly defeating Japan 2-1 in the Round of 32 match. Brazil will next face the winner between Norway and Ivory Coast in the Round of 16 on July 5th. After the match, Casemiro, who scored the equalizing goal for Brazil, discussed the Samba team's victory, stating: "This victory was about our composure and our patience in pressing and putting pressure on the team that set up defensively." "The most important thing is believing that staying calm will lead us to the moment when we can score." "We fought throughout the entire match and controlled the ball, so we knew we would get our chances. Japan managed their defensive game well, but we played very well in the second half and secured the victory." "I'm very happy with many people celebrating together. I'm proud and we move forward."