As the FIFA World Cup concludes, we give you a curated list of the most impressive Hindi and English shows from 2026 to fill the OTT void.
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.
Inspirational Lionel Messi would like to end his glittering career on a high as Argentina begin their World Cup defence on June 17 against Algeria in their Group J encounter.
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.
Youri Tielemans struck a 125th-minute penalty as Belgium rallied from two goals down and defeated Senegal 3-2 after extra time in their World Cup last 32 clash in Seattle on Wednesday to keep alive their title hopes that had looked dead and buried.
Morocco, Norway, Turkey, Colombia, Mexico and Japan are among the leading dark horses for FIFA World Cup 2026, with each side possessing the talent and momentum to challenge football's traditional powers.
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.
Yasin Ayari -- the son of a Tunisian father and a Moroccan mother -- chose not to celebrate his opener, briefly raising his hands in acknowledgement rather than joining the jubilant scenes around him.
Argentina, having secured top spot in Group J, will face Jordan in their final group match with an eye on the knockout stage. Coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to rotate the squad, potentially resting Lionel Messi, while Jordan aims to conclude their debut World Cup campaign on a positive note despite early elimination.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has unanimously approved its revised Constitution, aligning with the National Sports Governance Act (NSGA), 2025. This significant overhaul, decided at a virtual Special General Body Meeting, introduces a new election panel, mandates national anthems before matches, modifies foreign player rules in ISL, and updates the disciplinary code, aiming to enhance governance, transparency, and player development in Indian football.
Iran's bid for a first World Cup knockout stage appearance ended dramatically after Austria's late equaliser against Algeria denied them a spot. Despite remaining unbeaten, the team faced significant logistical challenges and travel restrictions due to their conflict with the U.S., which captain Mehdi Taremi described as a "disaster."
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.
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'.
Iraq's participation in the inter-confederation play-offs in Mexico that will decide two berths at this year's FIFA World Cup is in doubt because of the travel chaos triggered by the conflict in neighbouring Iran.
Sweden and Japan played out a 1-1 draw in their World Cup Group F match, with Anthony Elanga scoring for Sweden and Daizen Maeda for Japan. The result ensures both teams progress to the knockout rounds, with Japan finishing second and Sweden securing a spot as one of the best third-placed teams.
Nicolas Pepe scored two goals to lead Ivory Coast to a 2-0 victory over Curacao, securing their first-ever qualification for the World Cup knockout phase. Curacao, the smallest nation to qualify, was eliminated. Ivory Coast will now face the second-place team from Group I (France or Norway) in Arlington, Texas.
High costs, visa hurdles, and logistics for the World Cup are deterring fans, leading to a disappointing boost for US hotels, airlines, and the travel industry.
The expanded World Cup is being dominated by superstar performances from Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland, who are leading the scoring charts. Young talent like Lamine Yamal is also making a significant impact, while Harry Kane continues to impress. The tournament is shaping up to be a thrilling display of individual brilliance, with a potential repeat of the last final between Messi and Mbappe.
Brazilian defender Wesley has been ruled out of the World Cup squad due to a left thigh muscle injury sustained during a friendly match.
Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi will not participate in the upcoming World Cup match against Germany in Canada.
Manchester City and Belgium footballer Jeremy Doku became a father, welcoming a baby boy named Praise with his wife Shireen. He temporarily left the national team's FIFA World Cup camp in the USA to be present for the birth in London, a decision supported by the Belgian Football Association despite some public criticism.
France coach Didier Deschamps said he feared Kylian Mbappe would be "chopped down" as Paraguay turned their World Cup last-16 tie into a bruising battle, with Les Bleus eventually clawing their way into the quarter-finals with a 1-0 win on Saturday.
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.
Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1 in an inter-confederation playoff to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 40 years. Aymen Hussein scored the winning goal, securing Iraq's place in Group I alongside France, Norway, and Senegal.
South Africa has made history by qualifying for the World Cup knockout phase for the first time, thanks to a decisive second-half goal from Thapelo Maseko against South Korea. This 1-0 victory places them on four points in Group A, securing their progression, while South Korea still has a chance to advance as a best third-placed team.
German footballers at their FIFA World Cup base camp in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, are concerned about venomous snakes, specifically copperheads, after spotting one. Captain Joshua Kimmich expressed worries about potential bites, a sentiment echoed by Swiss and Norwegian teams, highlighting an unusual distraction for players preparing for the tournament.
England captain Harry Kane sparked a social media buzz after showing off his cricket skills during the team's FIFA World Cup 2026 training camp in the United States.
Kylian Mbappe scored two goals, leading France to a dominant 3-0 victory over Sweden in the World Cup Round of 32. This win maintains France's perfect record and sets up a last-16 clash with Paraguay, with Mbappe continuing his impressive World Cup scoring streak.
Mostafa "Zico" Mohamed, initially planning a summer vacation, received an unexpected call-up to the Egyptian national team for the World Cup. He has since become a standout performer, scoring and assisting in Egypt's historic 3-1 victory over New Zealand, their first-ever World Cup win, and is now crucial to their knockout stage aspirations.
Ecuador secured a stunning 2-1 victory over Germany in a crucial World Cup match, ensuring their qualification for the last 32. Despite an early German goal, Ecuador fought back with goals from Nilson Angulo and Gonzalo Plata to clinch the win.
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.
India may not be at FIFA World Cup 2026, but four players with Indian roots will represent their nations on football's biggest stage.
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.
The San Jose Earthquakes, despite their strong season, are making way for the U.S. national team as California hosts World Cup knockout matches. This event is seen as a significant opportunity to showcase soccer's global appeal and accelerate its growth in the state, which already boasts a thriving football culture driven by its diverse population and numerous professional teams.
Croatia secured their first points in the World Cup Group L by defeating Panama 1-0, thanks to a second-half goal from substitute Ante Budimir. The victory eliminated Panama from the tournament. The match also saw captain Luka Modric achieve his 200th cap for Croatia.
Switzerland beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties after the teams were locked goalless at the end of extra-time in the Round of 16 match to enter the World Cup quarter-finals at BC Place, Vancouver, on Tuesday.
Iran's national football team is training in Turkey for upcoming friendlies as they prepare for the FIFA World Cup, facing heightened attention due to geopolitical tensions.
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.
Mexico's World Cup aspirations were shattered after a 3-2 defeat by England at their home ground, Azteca Stadium, leaving fans heartbroken despite 'El Tri' reaching the round of 16 without conceding a goal.
Portugal's football team faces Uzbekistan in their next World Cup match, needing a significant improvement in their attacking performance after a disappointing 1-1 draw with DR Congo.
