FIFA has announced that the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States, will feature separate opening ceremonies in each of the three countries. The ceremonies will feature a diverse lineup of musical performers and cultural showcases.
Paraguay achieved a stunning upset by eliminating four-time World champions Germany from the World Cup in a penalty shootout. After a 1-1 draw in their Round of 32 match, Paraguay secured a 4-3 victory in the shootout, with Jose Canale scoring the decisive kick.
Guillermo Ochoa said he has entered his final Mexico training camp as the veteran goalkeeper closes in on a historic sixth FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026.
'Thank you Los Angeles for your hospitality'
FIFA has dismissed Belgium's challenge regarding the eligibility of US striker Folarin Balogun, upholding the controversial decision to suspend his one-match ban ahead of the World Cup Round of 16 clash, despite the US ultimately losing 4-1 to Belgium and being eliminated.
In one of the biggest upsets ever seen at the World Cup, Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill saved the efforts of Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade before Jonathan Tah fired over the bar, paving the way for Jose Canale to blast home the decisive spot kick.
India commenced its U-19 Asian Boxing Championships campaign with impressive victories from Chandrika Pujari and Joyshree Devi. Chandrika secured a unanimous 5-0 win, while Joyshree forced an RSC. The campaign continues with U-23 men's boxers entering the ring, highlighting India's strong contingent and the championships' role in developing young talent.
Global pop stars Shakira, Madonna and Korean sensation BTS will headline the first-ever halftime show at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with proceeds going towards a global education initiative.
Football's global players' union has renewed concerns about the potential impact of heat on the 2026 World Cup, following a scientific analysis indicating a high likelihood of dangerous temperatures for both players and fans.
Iran's football coach, Amir Ghalenoei, has strongly criticised the United States for imposing travel restrictions on his team during the World Cup, claiming it unfairly hampered their preparation and performance.
Cape Verde pulled off a stunning 2-2 draw against two-time World Cup winners Uruguay in Miami on Sunday.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that star forward Neymar is fully fit for the World Cup but acknowledged the player's frustration over limited game time. Ancelotti praised Neymar's character and confirmed he can play a full 90 minutes, indicating he will be deployed when the team needs him.
Human rights and sports advocacy groups are urging the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to reconsider reported plans for universal genetic sex testing for female athletes and a blanket ban on transgender and intersex competitors, warning of potential harm to gender equity in sports.
Carlo Ancelotti has extended his contract as the manager of the Brazilian national football team until the 2030 World Cup.
Defending champion Jannik Sinner returns to Wimbledon with his aura of invincibility dented after a dominant stretch, leaving the world number one to prove he can impose his game on grass and keep the challengers led by Novak Djokovic at bay.
Indian archers Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Dhiraj Bommadevara plan to use the upcoming Archery World Cup stages as testing grounds for equipment changes ahead of the Asian Games later this year. Both archers are part of the 12-member Indian squad for the Asian Games, scheduled to begin in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan from September 19.
Austria coach Ralf Rangnick likened his side's dramatic 3-3 World Cup draw with Algeria to an Alfred Hitchcock film, dismissing conspiracy theories and calling it the most incredible match of his coaching career.
Portugal's latest bid for World Cup glory begins in Houston on Wednesday when they take on the Democratic Republic of Congo in a Group K clash.
Lionel Messi, on the eve of his 39th birthday, demonstrated his unwavering commitment to Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign by engaging in an intense gym session. The football legend, who is already the FIFA World Cup's all-time top goalscorer, is leading Argentina into the Round of 16 and continues to break records with his exceptional performance.
Lionel Messi made history by scoring in his seventh consecutive World Cup match, leading a second-string Argentina to a 3-1 victory over Jordan in their Group J clash in Dallas. Goals from Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martinez also contributed to Argentina's win, setting them up for the round of 32.
Miguel Almiron became the first player sent off at the World Cup for violating a new rule against covering mouths during confrontations. His dismissal left Paraguay with 10 men, but they still secured a 1-0 victory over Turkey, keeping their World Cup hopes alive while eliminating Turkey. The incident has sparked debate among coaches about the impact of new rules on the game's essence.
Yastika Bhatia scripted history by becoming the first woman to score a Test century at Lord's. Here's the inspiring story of her journey from Baroda prodigy and ACL injury comeback to India's latest cricket hero.
Argentina secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in their World Cup last-32 encounter, which extended into extra time. An own goal in the 111th minute ultimately decided the match, sending the reigning champions into the last 16 where they will face Egypt.
Norway pose a formidable threat through Erling Haaland, whose pace and power have made him one of the World Cup's most feared forwards.
The jubilant Norwegians edged Senegal 3-2 to reach the last 32 and then celebrated by taking part in a "Viking row" on the pitch.
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman has warned against underestimating Morocco despite topping Group F, calling the Round of 32 clash the Dutch side's "real test" while admitting there is still room for defensive improvement.
Croatia and AC Milan's Luka Modric sustained the injury following a clash of heads with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli during their Serie A match on Sunday.
Next year's 48-team World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Indian archers Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Dhiraj Bommadevara will use upcoming Archery World Cup stages to experiment with new equipment ahead of the Asian Games in Japan.
Portugal defender Diogo Dalot has defended Cristiano Ronaldo and insisted the squad remains united despite criticism following their World Cup draw with DR Congo, claiming some people are actively hoping Portugal fail.
Iran's football federation is in discussions with FIFA about moving their World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico due to concerns about the safety of their players, Iranian football president Mehdi Taj said.
Cristiano Ronaldo called for unity ahead of Portugal's crucial World Cup clash against Uzbekistan, while teammate Ruben Dias dismissed criticism of the veteran forward following a difficult tournament opener.
Lionel Messi has become the most prolific scorer in World Cup history, netting two goals in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria. This achievement, which saw him surpass Brazilian great Marta's record of 17 goals, also secured Argentina's place in the knockout stage with a game to spare. Despite missing a penalty, Messi expressed satisfaction with the team's performance and the crucial win.
India's most-capped hockey player Manpreet Singh idolises Virat Kohli and credits his longevity to fitness, saying he has drawn inspiration from the star cricketer's fitness regime.
Australia's coach, Tony Popovic, believes Donald Trump's potential attendance at their World Cup match against the United States would motivate his team. While midfielder Jackson Irvine voiced concerns about FIFA's Peace Prize to Trump and LGBT rights in the U.S., Popovic remains focused on the team's preparation and player fitness.
Manchester United's Amad Diallo struck in the 90th minute as Ivory Coast stunned Ecuador 1-0 in their World Cup Group E opener on Sunday.
The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) Core group has been updated, with rising stars like Samrat Rana and Gulveer Singh joining, while underperforming athletes such as H.S. Prannoy and Deepak Punia have been dropped.
Cristiano Ronaldo silenced his critics in spectacular fashion, becoming the first player to score in six World Cups.
The final teams have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Find out which teams have qualified and their group stage assignments.
Maxi Araujo scored a late equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw for Uruguay in their World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia on Monday, preventing another stunning upset in Group H after Spain's earlier goalless draw with Cape Verde.
