Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia believes Lionel Messi needs to win the 2026 World Cup to truly equal Diego Maradona's legendary status, despite Messi's 2022 triumph. Bhutia rates Maradona higher due to his single-handed 1986 World Cup victory, while also tipping Spain as slight favourites over Argentina in the upcoming final.
France captain Kylian Mbappe admitted his side failed both tactically and technically in their 2-0 FIFA World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain, ending their hopes of a third successive final appearance.
Switzerland players have heaped praise on Lionel Messi ahead of Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Argentina, but said they have identified weaknesses in the defending champions and believe they can cause an upset.
England's national football team is gearing up to face Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals, with their primary challenge being to contain prolific striker Erling Haaland, who has already scored seven goals in the tournament.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha and Norway striker Erling Haaland have been named in the fan-voted FIFA World Cup dream team, with both rewarded for standout performances during unexpected runs by their teams.
After England's 2-1 World Cup quarter-final win over Norway, midfielder Jude Bellingham pushed back against manager Thomas Tuchel's "sloppy" performance assessment, highlighting the team's resilience and the challenging conditions. Despite the friction, Bellingham's two goals were crucial in securing England's semi-final spot, underscoring his vital role in the tournament.
Mikel Merino, the Arsenal midfielder, has once again proven to be Spain's late-game hero, scoring an 88th-minute winner against Belgium to send his team into the World Cup semi-finals. This follows his stoppage-time goal against Portugal in the last 16. Merino attributes his consistent clutch performances to thorough preparation, embodying the collective spirit praised by coach Luis de la Fuente.
Former Manchester City and Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has turned down the opportunity to coach the Italy national team, a source familiar with the discussions said on Friday, confirming media reports.
Switzerland coach Murat Yakin blasted the rule behind Breel Embolo's controversial red card as "unacceptable" after Argentina's 3-1 extra-time victory ended the Swiss team's historic FIFA World Cup 2026 run.
The Indian men's hockey team's forward line, including Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, and Shilanand Lakra, is meticulously preparing for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup. They are focusing on chemistry, consistency, and the evolving role of modern forwards, which now includes being the first line of defence. Senior players like Mandeep are mentoring younger talents, emphasising teamwork, mental fortitude, and converting chances.
Spain have knocked Portugal out of the World Cup after Mikel Merino's late goal sealed a dramatic 1-0 victory, ending Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup campaign.
Norway pose a formidable threat through Erling Haaland, whose pace and power have made him one of the World Cup's most feared forwards.
Belgium secured a dominant 4-1 victory over the United States in the World Cup last-16, with midfielder Nicolas Raskin suggesting the win felt like 'justice' following FIFA's controversial decision to allow US striker Folarin Balogun to play despite a previous red card.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated arch-rivals East Bengal 1-0 in the Durand Cup opener, thanks to a decisive goal from Sahal Abdul Samad and a strong defensive performance led by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith. The pre-season derby saw Mohun Bagan combine clinical finishing with resolute defending to secure the win.
England captain Harry Kane has dismissed suggestions of a rift between manager Thomas Tuchel and midfielder Jude Bellingham, stating that media scrutiny had exaggerated a brief post-match exchange following their World Cup quarter-final victory over Norway.
TRAU FC and NEROCA FC played out a goalless draw in a high-intensity Imphal Derby during the Durand Cup. Both teams created numerous scoring opportunities, with goalkeepers making crucial saves. TRAU FC finished the match with ten men after Adriko Rogers received a red card, but NEROCA FC failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage.
Spain face Belgium on Friday in a World Cup quarterfinal that pits one of the tournament's smoothest operators against a side emboldened by a thunderous 4-1 win over the United States that followed one of football's most bizarre political interventions.
Belgium have appointed former Netherlands international Mark van Bommel as their new head coach on a two-year contract running until the 2028 European Championship.
Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo has been given a five-match ban after receiving a red card for a tackle which seriously injured Canada midfielder Ismael Kone, FIFA said on Wednesday.
France coach Didier Deschamps conceded his side were 'outclassed' by Spain in their 2-0 World Cup semi-final defeat, highlighting technical, tactical, and physical shortcomings that ended their quest for a third title.
Norway forward Erling Haaland has openly challenged the media to 'put every single pressure on the English lads' ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final clash against England, following Norway's stunning upset victory over Brazil.
Having registered a ninth-place finish in the 2023 edition held at Bhubaneswar, India will be aiming to bring the gold home, riding on the back of the momentum of two back-to-back Olympic bronze medals, an Asia Cup title win, two Asian Champions Trophy wins and an Asia Cup gold.
France take on Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final aiming for a third consecutive World Cup final, with Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele leading Les Bleus against Europe's champions.
Former France midfielder and Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the new head coach of the French national football team, succeeding Didier Deschamps.
Argentina's national football team anticipates a challenging last-16 World Cup match against Egypt, following a hard-fought victory over Cape Verde. Players Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina emphasised the increasing competitiveness of international football, highlighting that no easy games remain in the tournament, as they prepare for a stern test from the highly motivated Egyptian side.
Switzerland are preparing for a fiery contest on and off the pitch against Colombia as they gear up for what they expect to be their toughest test of the tournament in Tuesday's World Cup round-of-16 clash, midfielder Ardon Jashari said on Sunday.
Jude Bellingham delivered an authoritative and relentless performance, scoring two crucial goals to lead England to a 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway in their World Cup quarter-final, securing their place in the semi-finals.
Italy's technical director Paolo Maldini revealed that the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) first approached Carlo Ancelotti for the national team coaching job before engaging with Pep Guardiola, as they seek to rebuild the Azzurri after failing to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
France's World Cup campaign ended in a 'devastating' 2-0 semi-final defeat to Spain, with coach Didier Deschamps admitting his team was 'technically, second best' and star players like Michael Olise failing to perform.
England's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign concluded with a semi-final defeat to Argentina. Star midfielder Jude Bellingham expressed gratitude to supporters for their unwavering backing and called for the unity shown during the tournament to continue. Bellingham was England's top scorer, playing a crucial role in their journey to the semi-finals.
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in a dramatic World Cup final after extra time, preventing Argentina from staging another of their characteristic comebacks. Lionel Messi, who had been instrumental in previous matches, was effectively neutralised by the Spanish defence, leaving Argentina without an answer and unable to register a shot on target for much of the game.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said he wants to see greater hunger and a desire to improve from his players as he prepares for his first Premier League season in charge.
Former India captain Climax Lawrence has predicted Spain to lift the FIFA World Cup, praising their tactical discipline and fitness.
Despite losing the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, the Argentine national football team received a massive hero's welcome upon their return to Buenos Aires. Thousands of passionate fans gathered at Ezeiza International Airport to celebrate their team, demonstrating that their bond with the players transcends mere results and trophies.
Becomes youngest England player to score a goal and assist in a World Cup match
India has announced its 20-member women's hockey squad, led by Salima Tete, for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. The team aims to secure a gold medal to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with minor changes to the strike force from the FIH Nations Cup winning side.
France's journey to the World Cup semi-finals is not just about star players like Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, but also a deep-seated unity and player-led analysis forged in private conversations and hotel rooms, according to midfielders Adrien Rabiot and defender Jules Kounde.
The end of coach Didier Deschamps' Midas-like reign turned into a Tantalus torment as France suffered a comprehensive World Cup semi-final defeat by Spain before losing 6-4 to England in a wild third-place playoff, but those disappointments will not tarnish his legacy.
Substitute Mikel Merino scored in the 88th minute after goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled Pau Cubars's long-range effort, restoring Spain's lead and putting the 2010 champions 2-1 ahead of Belgium.
Lionel Messi's Argentina take on Jude Bellingham's England in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, reviving one of football's greatest rivalries with a place in the final on the line.
