US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran has accepted "just about everything" the United States has demanded in ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations, particularly regarding denuclearisation. He also asserted that American forces repeatedly carried out military strikes that crippled Tehran's military infrastructure, including radar installations, and escorted commercial oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump dismissed reports of Iran's strength, stating its military and economy were severely weakened.
Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei will not attend his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's, funeral due to security concerns stemming from Israeli threats. This decision follows a sharp warning from Iran's Foreign Minister to the United States, urging it to control Israel after its Defence Minister reportedly marked Khamenei for death. The incident highlights escalating tensions and ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate hostilities in West Asia.
India concluded its campaign at the inaugural Asian U23 Athletics Championships with a total of 16 medals, including two gold medals won by javelin thrower Anand Singh and the women's 4x400m relay team. Anand Singh achieved a personal best throw of 80.57m, while other Indian athletes secured multiple silver and bronze medals across various events.
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.
Lionel Messi will face England for the first time in his career when Argentina meet the Three Lions in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, ending a 20-year wait for one of football's most anticipated match-ups.
Lionel Messi shared insights into Argentina's World Cup preparations in Miami, posting training moments on Instagram. The defending champions are gearing up for their Round of 32 clash against Cabo Verde, with Messi, at 39, remaining a pivotal figure for the team's success.
Formerly Iran's second-largest oil customer, Indian financial institutions were forced to withhold crude oil payments following the 2018 US sanctions.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has acknowledged the possibility of expanding the World Cup to 64 teams, a move that could significantly alter the sport's economics and logistics, despite opposition from major confederations like UEFA and AFC.
Argentina midfielder Rodrigo de Paul highlights Lionel Messi's contentment and record-breaking performance as a significant morale booster for the team, who are 'one step away' from another World Cup final and preparing to face England.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday signed the historic peace deal between the United States and Iran as a guarantor; the agreement will see the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the US naval blockade.
Argentina, one of football's most successful teams, is also one of its most polarising, inspiring both devotion and irritation due to its history, iconic players like Maradona and Messi, and a national identity often perceived as arrogant by rivals.
Indian high jumper Sarvesh Kushare achieved a historic third-place finish in his Diamond League debut in Monaco, clearing 2.26m. This remarkable performance places him among an exclusive group of four Indians to have secured a top-three spot in the prestigious athletics event, alongside Neeraj Chopra, Murali Sreeshankar, and Vikas Gowda. He also outperformed several world champions in the process.
Barcelona legends Xavi Hernandez and Javier Mascherano discuss the profound influence of their former club on the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. They highlight the impact of La Masia-bred players like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi for Spain, and the enduring brilliance of Lionel Messi for Argentina, all products of Barcelona's footballing philosophy. Both former players express pride in the shared playing style and the quality of the final.
Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi scored second-half goals as Switzerland beat Canada 2-1 on Wednesday to qualify for the knock-out stage of the World Cup as Group B winners, with the tournament co-hosts also progressing as runners-up.
Argentina has advanced to the World Cup final after defeating long-time rivals England with two late goals, sparking widespread celebrations across the country, particularly in Cutral Co, Patagonia, home to a new 85-foot statue of Lionel Messi.
In a major shift in Middle Eastern energy and security dynamics, the US Department of the Treasury on Monday issued a temporary 60-day general licence authorising transactions related to the production, delivery, and sale of Iranian crude oil, petrochemicals, and petroleum products.
India has condemned an attack on a Cyprus-flagged commercial vessel off the coast of Oman, which resulted in one Indian crew member going missing. The incident occurred amidst escalating hostilities between Iran and the US in West Asia, prompting India to call for immediate de-escalation and an end to targeting commercial shipping in the region.
Iran's state broadcaster IRIB reported that the Qatari oil tanker "Al-Raqayat" was targeted in the Strait of Hormuz after allegedly ignoring Iranian warnings and attempting to transit with US Navy support. This incident follows the expiry of a US-Iran agreement to halt strikes and comes amidst escalating tit-for-tat attacks in the vital waterway, raising concerns about maritime security.
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.
FIFA has strongly defended Brazilian referee Raphael Claus after US President Donald Trump questioned his integrity following a controversial red card shown to US striker Folarin Balogun at the World Cup.
US Vice President JD Vance on Sunday generated significant online traction after making a light-hearted reference to two "very, very important" Indian and Pakistani people in his life - his wife Usha Vance and Pakistani Army chief Asim Munir, on the sidelines of the US-Iran diplomatic deliberations in Switzerland.
Lionel Messi equalled the men's World Cup all-time scoring record with a hat-trick in Argentina's Group J opener against Algeria on Tuesday.
US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are scheduled to meet on the sidelines of the G-7 summit in France, marking their first bilateral meeting since February last year. Both leaders will be attending the summit, with Trump also meeting other world leaders.
India may not be at FIFA World Cup 2026, but four players with Indian roots will represent their nations on football's biggest stage.
'I'm truly sorry for not meeting your expectations'
'I'm truly sorry for not meeting your expectations'
Morocco's coach Mohamed Ouahbi expressed disappointment after their 2-0 World Cup quarter-final loss to France, acknowledging they faced a better team but stressing the need for self-criticism and progress despite leaving a 'good image'.
The meeting is a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, when France ended Morocco's historic run in Qatar.
Seattle's LGBTQ community members say they hope that this Friday's World Cup "Pride Match" between Egypt and Iran, two countries where homosexuality is criminalised, can be an opportunity to change minds.
The US and Iran have agreed on a roadmap aimed at reaching a final agreement within 60 days after hours-long talks at the Swiss resort of Burgenstock, mediators Qatar and Pakistan said on Monday, describing the progress as "encouraging."
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.
Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a "revenge list" featuring 13 world leaders, including Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, with a graphic depicting them as targets, amidst escalating regional hostilities and US reports of an Iranian assassination plot against Trump.
World Cup 2026 is on track to become the biggest betting event in history, with global wagers expected to exceed $50 billion as sportsbooks report record-breaking activity driven by the expanded tournament format and growing legal gambling markets.
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.
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Andrey Rublev to reach the Qatar Open final, continuing his impressive form. He will face Arthur Fils in the final.
Breel Embolo became the first player in 20 years to be sent off at a World Cup for a second yellow card for simulation, a decision that proved a turning point in Switzerland's 3-1 extra-time defeat to Argentina in the quarter-finals.
The United States has launched a fresh wave of precision strikes, hitting approximately 90 Iranian military targets deep inside Iran, further intensifying a rapidly expanding regional conflict, with Tehran warning of severe retaliation.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already seen eight red cards, matching the combined total of the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. This surge in dismissals, including six straight red cards, highlights a significant increase in disciplinary actions compared to recent editions, with Belgium's Nathan Ngoy being the latest player sent off.
Didier Deschamps, who led France to their second world title in 2018 and established them as international football's most consistent major-tournament force, will be remembered for his unprecedented legacy despite recent semi-final defeats.
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.
