Hello everyone, this is the Global Game Hub. Yesterday, the first day of the EWC Esports World Cup saw group stage matches on two stages simultaneously, with seven teams from China and Korea taking the stage. The three LPL teams performed exceptionally well, securing a clean sweep. Among them, the most impressive victory was AL's win over DK in the group of death.

On July 16th Beijing time, the World Cup final matchup was officially set. Spain and Argentina eliminated France and England respectively to meet in the final. After the match, authoritative foreign media updated the latest odds for this year's Ballon d'Or winner. Messi currently ranks first with about 41%, followed by Yamal with about 30%, and Kane in third with 16%.

In the second World Cup semi-final concluded on July 16 Beijing time, England took the lead but were overturned 1-2 by defending champions Argentina, missing their chance to return to the final after 60 years. In this match, 52-year-old England manager Tuchel's defensive tactics after taking the lead drew fierce criticism from British media and many football legends.

The reigning world champions Argentina have advanced to their second consecutive World Cup final by coming from behind to defeat England 2-1, with all goals scored in a dramatic second half.

Just days before the final moments of the 2026 World Cup, the FIFA President managed to plant a controversial seed: the possibility of expanding the 100th anniversary World Cup in 2030 to 64 teams, instead of stopping at the record-breaking 48. A tournament that hasn't even ended is already being discussed for nearly doubling its size compared to the standard that existed from 1998 to 2022.

Vietnam football hot news on July 16: Vietnam national team aims for friendly with Myanmar; Tickets for two home matches on sale.

The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has released the ticket prices for their home matches in the group stage of the 2026 AFF Cup. Notably, the game hosting Vietnam carries a higher price tag compared to the clash with Cambodia.

On July 16, Beijing time, the World Cup final lineup was officially set. Spain and Argentina advanced to the final after eliminating France and England respectively. With Spain and Argentina meeting in the final, the African island nation of Cape Verde, with a population of 540,000, once again sparked heated discussions among fans. They are the only team in this World Cup that remained unbeaten within 90 minutes against both the eventual champion and runner-up.

On July 16, Lakers reporter Jovan Buha revealed on his latest podcast that insiders acknowledge the team is currently entering a strategic hibernation phase. Buha mentioned asking several insiders, who confirmed this outlook. Objectively, the Lakers do not expect to return to title contention within the next two to three years.

In the second semifinal of the World Cup, which concluded on July 16 Beijing time, England squandered a promising lead. After scoring first, they conceded two goals in a row and were overturned by defending champions Argentina, missing their chance to reach the final for the first time in 60 years. What makes the situation both ironic and amusing is that after the match, two Premier League powerhouses, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur, posted official messages congratulating their respective players—Emiliano Martínez and Cristian Romero—on making it to the World Cup final.