Canada had the better opportunities in the opening 45 minutes but failed to convert, while Morocco capitalized ruthlessly after halftime to eliminate the co-hosts 3-0 in a World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match on July 5 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Canada, co-hosts and Group B runners-up who had edged South Africa 1-0 in the knockout round, faced Morocco—who advanced from their group by defeating the Netherlands 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes. The teams have a history: Morocco won a 2016 friendly 4-0 and defeated Canada 2-1 at the 2022 World Cup.

Canada manager Jesse Marsch deployed a 4-4-2 formation with Maxim Crepeau, Alistair Johnston, Luc de Fougerolles, Moises Bombito, Richie Laryea, Tajon Buchanan, Nico Sigur, Stephen Ustachio, Ali Ahmed, Jonathan David, and Tani Oluwaseyi in the starting XI.

Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi used a 4-2-3-1 setup featuring Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Redwan Halhal, Noussair Mazraoui, Ayoub Boulaid, Nayel El Aynaoui, Brahim Diaz, Azzedine Ounaahi, Bilal El Khannouss, and Ismail Saibari.

In the opening 20 minutes, Morocco controlled possession but Canada generated four shooting chances, with two on target. The first half ended goalless. Early in the second half at the 50-minute mark, Achraf Hakimi set up Azzedine Ounaahi for Morocco's opener. Ounaahi struck again in the 82nd minute to extend the lead to 2-0. In the 90+8th minute, Sofyan Rahimi sealed the victory with a third goal, giving Morocco a commanding 3-0 win.

Morocco advances to the quarterfinals and will face the winner of France versus Paraguay on July 10 at Gillette Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Two armed men on a motorcycle opened fire with four shots, killing a young man identified as Phakaphumi Khwanmuang, 34, grandson of the late Somsak Khwanmuang, former mayor of Om Noi subdistrict. The victim was drinking with two friends outside an apartment building in Moo 13, Om Noi subdistrict, Krathumbaen district, Samut Sakhon, when two men wearing black jackets and helmets rode up and shot him from behind. The bullets struck his right armpit three times and right elbow once. He died at the scene with blood visible from gunshot wounds to his back.

Witnesses reported the victim was having drinks with two companions when the assailants arrived. Police questioned the companions and are investigating the motive. The gunmen fled the scene on their motorcycle. Provincial Police Commander Theeradej Adhikul stated preliminary findings suggest the weapon was an unregistered firearm, as no shell casings were found at the scene. Police have deployed officers to track the suspects' escape route and gather evidence.

Phakaphumi was a part-time student and casual laborer. He was the son of the late mayor's younger brother. Police sources indicate he had experienced conflict with rivals in recent weeks, with friends having warned him to be careful, but the shooting still occurred.

At 3 p.m. on July 4, 2569, officers responded to a collision between an Isuzu MU-X vehicle and a modified Honda Wave motorcycle with sidecar on Highway 2 near Na Thong Kham village, Mueang District, Udon Thani. One passenger died and the driver suffered minor injuries after the sidecar was struck with such force that both vehicles careened into a roadside canal.

The deceased was identified as Porn Chai (Ploy), 62, a passenger on the sidecar. The motorcycle driver, Pisit (Ham Noi), 67, explained he was heading to collect money from his wife at a gas station to pay for steel materials when the accident occurred. The car driver, Sunipim (Lee), 33, traveling from Kumphawapi District with flowers for delivery, stated the motorcycle suddenly cut across traffic against her direction, leaving her no time to brake or swerve.

The deceased's wife, Yupin, 60, revealed that illegal reverse driving is common in the area because the official U-turn point is distant, suggesting her husband made the dangerous choice. She described him as a devoted family man and skilled mechanic who had only recently recovered from illness. The car driver attributed her survival to a protective amulet she carried, noting she had previously survived an airplane air pocket incident during a return trip from Taiwan.

Officers found the accident site had clear straight roads with dry pavement, good visibility, and no skid marks, indicating speed was not the primary factor. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns at the location.

His Majesty the King has graciously granted a special royal water blessing ceremony and floral garland presentation, as well as special cremation rites, for the eight Buddhist monks who tragically lost their lives in a vehicle collision during their morning alms walk.

At 4:30 p.m. on July 4, 2569, His Majesty the King instructed Governor Nairong Thepsenai of Ubon Ratchathani province to present the King's floral garland and the Queen's floral garland before the coffins of Phra Bhikkhu Yothin Wannsri, Phra Bhikkhu Rachatda Thongburanam, Phra Bhikkhu Yuttha Pongsawisek, Phra Bhikkhu Sakda Sila, Phra Bhikkhu Samruay Rawang, Phra Bhikkhu Chaiason Nanthasing, and Phra Bhikkhu Nikorn Angkab, who died when struck by a vehicle near Na Si Nuan market on Mukdahan-Don Tal road in Na Si Nuan subdistrict, Mueang Mukdahan district, Mukdahan province on July 2, 2569. A merit-making ceremony was held at Wat Nam Khun in Nam Khun district, Ubon Ratchathani.

In this regard, His Majesty has graciously accepted the deceased monks into royal patronage and bestowed both the special royal water blessing and special cremation rites.

On this occasion, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn, Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, Her Royal Highness Princess Tippangkarmsame, Her Serene Highness Princess Somsavali, Her Serene Highness Princess Siripha Chudaphorn, Her Serene Highness Princess Adityadej Kittikun, and Her Serene Highness Princess Sineenart Pilaskalayani graciously instructed Governor Nairong Thepsenai to present additional royal garlands at the coffins.

His Majesty the King also graciously instructed the governor to present royal gift baskets to the families of the deceased monks, expressing profound joy and deep appreciation of the royal compassion extended to the bereaved families.

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Phuket – A special patrol unit operating on Bangla Road in Patong arrested a 22‑year‑old Myanmar man found carrying a homemade handgun and ammunition in the heart of the busy entertainment district. Under the direction of Acting Police Colonel Korakrit Khanthakrua, Superintendent of Patong Police Station, officers from the Bangla Special Patrol Unit (Squad 1) […] Myanmar Man Arrested with Gun on Bangla Road -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil's head coach, has responded to critics on social media, saying only legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson has the credentials to advise him. Despite guiding Brazil to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup, the Italian coach has faced criticism over his team's 1-1 draw with Morocco in their opener, as well as player selection and tactical decisions. Ancelotti remarked: "I don't know if I understand football or not, but I don't think anyone should judge me on that. The fact is I've prepared for over 1,400 competitive matches throughout my career. That may not be enough to understand football, but it is considerable experience. Only one person has managed more matches than me—Alex Ferguson, with over 2,000. I may listen to advice from anyone, but he's the only one qualified to advise me. I don't think I'm a genius, but I'm confident I'm not a fool either."