The government is inviting all employers and insured workers to register immediately to vote in the Social Security Board election on September 27 this year through three channels: the Social Security Office website, the SSO Plus application, or in-person registration at Social Security offices by July 15. Deputy Government Spokesperson Pattarasus Tongsluaykorn explained that elected representatives will directly participate in policy-making, establishing management foundations, and overseeing social security fund operations to ensure transparency and maximum effectiveness. The government aims for the election to be fair, transparent, and open, bringing in a new board to drive policies on healthcare, pensions, and sustainable fund management. The spokesperson noted that this election is expected to attract double the usual number of candidates, with an estimated 400-plus applicants from the insured workers' side and over 130 from the employers' side. All candidates must be active employers or insured workers who have consistently contributed for at least 36 months from July 2023 to June 2026, and the government has imposed strict qualifications barring individuals with conflicts of interest, government officials, and political party members from running. Among the 11 million eligible insured voters, only about 600,000 have registered so far, while only about 4,000 of the 400,000 eligible employers have registered.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal's superstar forward, has set a record as the oldest player to ever score in a World Cup knockout round at 41 years and 147 days old. Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot to earn Portugal a 1-1 draw against Croatia in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 on July 3rd. The record-breaking goal is Ronaldo's first in a knockout stage after six World Cup appearances. At 41 years old, Ronaldo has also become the first footballer to score more than 25 goals combined in World Cup and European Championship tournaments.

At the 2026 FIFA World Cup match held at Toronto Stadium in the United States on the morning of July 3, 2026, Portugal faced Croatia in the final round of 32. Both teams battled fiercely, with Croatia seizing the initiative to take a 1-0 lead in the 53rd minute through Ivan Perisic's goal. Portugal subsequently intensified their attack, and in the 68th minute, they were awarded a penalty kick, which Cristiano Ronaldo converted without error to equalize the match at 1-1. After the scores were level, the game became increasingly open.

Tears flowed in support as actress Min Ratawan Omthaisong, known for her role as Khai Toom in the hit series Thong Nuea Kao, officially ordained as a Buddhist nun at the same temple where her father has ordained and observed Buddhist Lent for four years. The young actress, affectionately nicknamed "Lamom" by colleagues in the entertainment industry, shared photos from the ordination ceremony. Before the event, she posted a farewell video and message explaining: "Tomorrow, July 1, at 3:30 PM, I will participate in the hair-shaving ceremony at Apatharo Monastery in Sikhio District, Nakhon Ratchasima—the same place where my father ordained and has stayed for four Lenten periods." In her message, Min respectfully asked forgiveness from everyone, saying: "If in the past I have ever wronged anyone through my actions, words, or thoughts—whether intentionally or unintentionally, openly or secretly—I humbly ask for your forgiveness and compassion. I also extend my forgiveness to all. I hope all past grievances are resolved and that we each find only happiness, prosperity, and goodness in our lives. With deep respect, I bid farewell as I ordain." Close friends who attended the ceremony were visibly moved, tears streaming down their faces as they paid respects and shared in her merit-making. Entertainment industry colleagues and fans also left supportive comments celebrating her spiritual commitment.

Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul expressed pride in his close friendship with superstar Lionel Messi, calling it deeply meaningful. Since both players joined Inter Miami, De Paul has earned the nickname "Messi's bodyguard" and the pair are frequently photographed together. De Paul recently spoke about his relationship with the Argentine captain, saying "Being a good friend to Lionel Messi means a lot. Friendship is one of the most important things we all have." He added, "I feel very lucky to be there, to share different moments with him both on and off the field, and that makes me very proud." De Paul also urged fans to cherish every moment with Messi, noting that what remains may be like a countdown to his final days on the pitch. "Of course, we value those moments more than things we no longer have. It's part of life, but we're all happy to have him with us," he said. De Paul and Messi are currently on a mission to lead Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup championship, with their next match against Cape Verde.

Yuri Tielemans, Belgium's midfielder, has addressed the on-field confrontation with teammate Leandro Trossard during the 2026 FIFA World Cup match.

Belgium secured passage to the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup by edging Senegal 3-2 in extra time. During the match, an argument erupted between Trossard and Tielemans that was heated enough to require intervention from teammates and coach Rudy Garcia.

Tielemans later responded to questions about the incident, saying: "There's nothing to it, look, it was a moment full of emotion. We all want to win, we all want to win, to do things right, to perform well for our country. All of that is part of it. That's part of football."

He added: "After that, there was no problem. So yes, it was just one game."