China's Tiangong Ultra humanoid robot has set a new 100-metre sprint record of 8.86 seconds at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, significantly surpassing Usain Bolt's human world record of 9.58 seconds.
Defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, have shown remarkable resilience in the World Cup knockout stages, overcoming a 2-0 deficit against Egypt and needing extra time against Cape Verde to reach the quarter-finals against Switzerland.
The World Cricketers' Association (WCA) has expressed 'concern' over the International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision to revise the format of next year's 50-over World Cup without consulting the players, stating that such significant changes deserve genuine consultation and transparency.
Merlin, a domesticated duck dressed in a miniature Mexico shirt and custom socks, has become an unexpected unofficial mascot for Mexico's World Cup team. After going viral during street celebrations, Merlin's popularity soared, with fans embracing the feathered supporter and his owner, Karla Gomez, expressing delight at his newfound fame.
Watching the World Cup and hearing the music in the stadium may have left you wondering - how is that chosen? Is it just coincidence that "Wonderwall" plays after England matches? Are "Freed from Desire" or "Livin' on a Prayer" always played? And why?
Ivory Coast is set to face Norway in a World Cup Round of 32 match, with much attention on Norway's star striker Erling Haaland. While Ivory Coast's defence, featuring Ousmane Diomande, will focus on containing Haaland, their coach Emerse Fae also plans to unleash their own array of attacking talent, including Yan Diomande and Nicolas Pepe, to challenge Norway.
Alexander Zverev defeated Karen Khachanov in a hard-fought US Open semi-final, winning in three sets. This victory propels him to his sixth major final and second at Flushing Meadows, marking a significant achievement in his career.
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.
Canadians and tourists at Niagara Falls celebrated Canada's historic first-ever win at the FIFA World Cup against Qatar. The euphoric victory, witnessed by hundreds at a special viewing event, sparked widespread joy and a renewed interest in football across the nation.
Spain and Portugal are set to clash in the World Cup Round of 16 in Texas, a rematch of last year's Nations League final. The match features a generational battle between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lamine Yamal, with Spain entering unbeaten in 34 matches and Portugal looking to overcome recent struggles.
England's manager Thomas Tuchel has faced heavy criticism following their World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, but he attributes the loss to fundamental issues like a lack of 'ball possession DNA' rather than just tactical errors, while acknowledging the unstoppable brilliance of Lionel Messi.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Vinicius Jr speaks on emotional bond with grandmother, racism and WC journey
France's defender Ibrahima Konate states the team is not afraid of Spain ahead of their World Cup semi-final, despite acknowledging Spain's exceptional quality and formidable defence. Having lost to Spain in previous tournaments, France is preparing thoroughly, focusing on containing individual talents like Lamine Yamal while aiming for their fifth World Cup final appearance.
India's 19-year-old Grandmaster Pranesh M clinched the Group A title at the prestigious Kanizsa Open 2026, defeating Germany's Vadim Petrovskiy in the final round.
World Cup winner and TV pundit Bastian Schweinsteiger on Friday rejected claims his comments on African football were racist, saying he was merely delivering an analysis of a playing style.
Japan's fans once again captured the world's admiration after clearing thrash from the stands following their Group F match against the Netherlands on Sunday.
The World Cup round-of-32 match between Mexico and Ecuador was delayed by one hour due to adverse weather conditions, including lightning risk, near Estadio Azteca. Both teams are vying for their first knockout stage victory, with Mexico entering after a flawless group stage and Ecuador having a more challenging path.
Several sports teams around the world have paid a hefty price for spying on their opponents over the years but the potential financial cost to English soccer club Southampton for their infraction could be the heaviest.
The meeting is a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, when France ended Morocco's historic run in Qatar.
Indian esports teams Orangutan and GodLike Esports have successfully qualified for the PUBG Mobile World Cup (PMWC) Grand Finals at the Esports World Cup 2026 in Paris. Both teams secured their spots by finishing in the top five of their respective group stages, and will now compete for a share of the USD 3 million prize pool from August 14 to 16.
Morocco confirmed their progress to the World Cup last 32 but twice had to come from behind to get the better of plucky Haiti with a 4-2 win in an action-packed game on Wednesday and fell short of topping Brazil in the Group C standings.
'Frankly, I'm in that zone for another Olympics.'
FIFA's new hydration breaks at the 2026 World Cup have sparked controversy, with coaches including Marcelo Bielsa and Gustavo Alfaro claiming they disrupt football's rhythm and serve commercial interests more than player welfare.
The More Than Equal initiative, co-founded by David Coulthard, is actively supporting young female drivers like Alexia Danielsson, 17, who are competing in junior series with the ultimate goal of reaching Formula One, a feat no woman has achieved in 50 years.
Indian men's hockey team chief coach Craig Fulton is focused on ending the 51-year World Cup medal drought, aiming for consistency and a strong performance at the upcoming tournament in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Josh Kushner said Thrive Capital misjudged football's political dynamics, would have avoided FIFA's failed $20 billion rights plan, but still supports its aim of broader investment.
France can secure a more comfortable route through the World Cup when they face Norway in their final Group I match on Friday, though finishing top could leave them facing one of the toughest roads to the trophy.
Algeria's coach Vladimir Petkovic attributed his team's 2-0 defeat to Switzerland and subsequent World Cup exit to costly defensive errors. He acknowledged the higher level of competition at the tournament and praised his team's overall performance, considering their return to the World Cup after 12 years and reaching the group stage a success despite the elimination.
Germany's national football team has been eliminated from the World Cup in the round of 32, marking their third consecutive early exit from the tournament. The German Football Association (DFB) has announced that changes will be made, with DFB President Bernd Neuendorf stating they will examine the reasons for the team's underperformance. The future of coach Julian Nagelsmann, who wishes to stay, is now uncertain.
South Korea's national football association has issued a deep apology following a media report alleging it provided 'sexual services' to foreign referees during international matches over a decade ago, specifically in 2011 and 2012.
Japan v Tunisia marks 1,000th FIFA World Cup match
Cape Verde, a tiny island nation, has made history by advancing to the round of 32 in the FIFA World Cup.
Lionel Messi is poised to further cement his legendary status as Argentina faces Austria in a crucial FIFA World Cup Group J match. Following a record-breaking hat-trick against Algeria, Messi is on the verge of equalling or surpassing several all-time World Cup records, including consecutive goals, total goals, and match victories. The football world watches as he leads Argentina against a formidable Austrian side.
'Our biggest opportunity lies with the younger age-group teams.' 'If you look at the senior national team, our chances are about 50-50.' 'The gap becomes smaller as you move down the age groups.' 'At the Under-20 level, it's closer to 60-40.' 'By the Under-17 level, it's around 80-20. That's where I feel we have our best chance.'
Displaced Palestinians in Gaza are overcoming power cuts, poor internet and ongoing insecurity to follow the FIFA World Cup, finding brief moments of joy and escape amid the hardships of war and displacement.
England manager Thomas Tuchel expressed hope that his players would eventually feel pride in their third-place finish at the World Cup, despite falling short of their ultimate goal.
Spanish football coach Manolo Marquez has criticised the expansion of the FIFA World Cup, arguing it compromises quality and that countries like India should prioritise grassroots development over relying on increased qualification slots. He also highlighted the impact of naturalised players on international competition, citing his experience with the Indian team.
Argentina will wear their navy-and-black away kit for the World Cup semi-final against England, a decision that has sparked fan interest due to the kit's association with past victories against England, including the 1986 'Hand of God' match and the 1998 penalty shootout win. The team hopes this alternate strip brings them continued success.
King Philippe of the Belgians visited the national football team to offer his support and encouragement ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final match against Spain. He shared a meal, received a signed jersey, and praised their performance, expressing confidence in their victory. Both teams have had strong runs to the quarter-finals, with Belgium overcoming several challenges and Spain maintaining an unbeaten record.
Humanoid machines boxed, danced and tackled everyday tasks at the 2026 World Robot Conference in Beijing.
