Jürgen Klopp, former Liverpool manager, has revealed how the Reds attempted to sign French international striker Kylian Mbappé during his time at Monaco by chartering a private jet for negotiations. While Liverpool showed strong interest in bringing Mbappé to Anfield when Klopp was in charge, the player ultimately decided to join Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 for €180 million. Recently, Klopp, now serving as a special commentator for the 2026 World Cup, encountered Mbappé again following France's 2-0 victory over Morocco in the quarterfinals. On that occasion, Klopp disclosed the extent of Liverpool's efforts to sign the then-27-year-old star, describing the negotiation process as the club's most expensive non-transfer investment due to the private jet charter. "This was an investment that wasn't a purchase—the most expensive thing the club has ever done," Klopp explained. "Mbappé's entire family boarded a private jet with five bedrooms or something like that [traveling from Blackpool to Nice, France]. We spared no effort. We flew around and spoke with his family, had wonderful meals together." He added with a hint of regret: "We flew around—it was wonderful. And then he went to Paris."

Hugo Broos has confirmed his resignation as South Africa's national team coach, despite successfully leading the team to the World Cup knockout round for the first time. While he had previously stated before the 2026 World Cup that he would step down, his position wavered after South Africa lost to Canada in the round of 32 on June 28, when he suggested he might stay on. However, in an interview in his native Belgium, Broos made clear he will not continue as South Africa's coach, although he indicated he could serve in an advisory capacity. "Will I continue as a coach? No, that's definite," Broos said. "If they want me to do something else, like player recruitment, that's another matter. But football won't be part of my life 24/7 anymore." He added that he has spoken with the South African Football Association president, who wants him to remain in a different role as a consultant or similar position. Broos will return in late July for a final farewell and to hear what the federation proposes. After five years in the role, Broos became the longest-serving coach in the country's history and led South Africa to the World Cup knockout round for the first time in 16 years.

Industry Minister Varawut Silpaarch delivered a keynote address titled "ONE MIND, Shared Future: Toward Net Zero 2050" at the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association's (TCMA) 20th anniversary celebration, held at the Grand Centre Point Prestige Hotel in Bangkok. He emphasized that the cement industry stands at a critical juncture for Thailand, serving not only as a foundational industry supporting infrastructure and economic development, but also playing a crucial role in reducing Thailand's greenhouse gas emissions.

The Ministry of Industry is accelerating the industrial sector's transition to a green economy under the Net Zero 2050 target. Future competitiveness will no longer be measured solely by production costs, but by the ability to reduce carbon emissions, manage resources efficiently, and operate according to ESG principles—increasingly becoming a prerequisite for global trade.

As a high-emission industrial sector classified as Industrial Process and Product Use (IPPU), the cement industry must lead the transition to a low-carbon economy. The Ministry is pushing support measures across the entire value chain, including Smart and Green Mining projects, reducing clinker content, developing new low-carbon cement variants like LC3 (Limestone Calcined Clay Cement), and piloting carbon capture technology to align Thai industry with global standards.

The industrial sector is facing a "Poly Crisis"—a complex crisis across four dimensions directly impacting costs and competitiveness: geopolitical and geoeconomic instability affecting energy and raw material prices; climate and environmental challenges increasing pressure on manufacturing; non-tariff trade barriers such as the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM); and structural demographic changes reducing the country's quality workforce.

"The most concerning issue is Thailand's entry into a super-aged society within the next five years," Varawut warned. "In 2024, Thailand recorded only around 400,000 births while experiencing over 500,000 deaths, resulting in a total fertility rate of just 0.8—among the world's lowest. This could significantly impact labor supply and long-term economic productivity."

Over the next 20 years, the Thai cement industry will undergo major transformations across three dimensions: transitioning from traditional cement to low-carbon and zero-carbon cement; developing a comprehensive circular economy where cement plants become processing hubs for municipal waste and industrial byproducts as alternative energy and raw materials; and upgrading to smart factories utilizing AI, robotics, and automation to increase production efficiency and address labor shortages.

Varawut emphasized that ESG is no longer merely corporate social responsibility—it is now a "License to Operate" for future business. "Companies that fail to adapt to environmental and carbon standards risk losing their competitive edge in global markets," he concluded.

Bukayo Saka of the England national team was upset after teammate Jarrell Quansah, a defender, was handed a two-match suspension for receiving a red card during England's 3-2 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. Quansah was sent off in that match, and FIFA subsequently confirmed the two-match ban.

Saka responded to the situation, saying: "I just found out about it—it's quite frustrating, but that's how things are right now." He added, "We need to deal with it and adapt to prepare ourselves for the next match."

England will face Norway in the semi-final round on July 12 at 4:00 AM Thailand time.

French head coach Didier Deschamps was pleased with France's advancement to the World Cup semi-finals for the third consecutive time, while Morocco's head coach Mohamed Walid Regragui acknowledged disappointment but expressed confidence in his team's bright future.

In the 2026 World Cup quarter-final on July 9, France, the defending runner-up, defeated Morocco 2-0. Goals came from Kylian Mbappé in the 60th minute and Ousmane Dembélé in the 66th minute. Mbappé also missed a penalty kick in the 28th minute.

France has now reached the World Cup semi-finals three consecutive times, following their 2018 world championship and 2022 runner-up finish. They await the winner of the Spain-Belgium match scheduled for July 14.

Deschamps stated: "This is our third consecutive World Cup semi-final appearance, which is certainly a positive thing. Of course, it's because I have exceptional players; without them we couldn't have reached this point. We're now where we want to be. After this, we'll rest and see who our next opponent will be."

Regragui said: "Our team's future will be bright if everything continues in this direction. This result is certainly disappointing. We did everything we could, but we faced a very strong opponent. We will continue working for the future."

Erling Braut Haaland, Norway's star striker, has reiterated that the Viking nation's chances of winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup remain very slim. Norway recently defeated Brazil 2-1 in the Round of 16 and will face England in the semi-final. Speaking about their World Cup prospects, Haaland said the odds are still very much against them. "I think there are clear favorites already, and England is one of them. I reckon you all (the media) will put all the pressure on the English players," he said with a laugh. "It's a special match for me personally because I play in England and was born there, so you'll be facing teammates and everything," he added. "It will be fun and it should be a good match."