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.
England's football team has reached the World Cup semi-finals, demonstrating significant resilience by overcoming setbacks. They are set to face old rivals Argentina, a match steeped in history. The team's success is largely attributed to the partnership of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who have scored a combined 12 goals. Coach Thomas Tuchel acknowledges the team's fighting spirit but also sees room for improvement as they aim to end a 60-year wait for a World Cup title.
France is preparing for a FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Morocco, a rematch of the 2022 semi-final. Les Bleus, strong favourites with a perfect record and a dangerous attacking unit led by Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise, are anticipating a tactical battle. Morocco, unbeaten in their last 10 matches, aims to make history for African football and secure their first-ever win against France.
Harmanpreet Kaur was on Tuesday retained as captain of a largely predictable 15-member India squad for this year's Asian Games in Japan.
FIFA's digital watchdogs uncovered 89,000 abusive posts on social media during the group stage of the World Cup, marking a 13-fold increase from the 2022 edition in Qatar, world soccer's governing body said on Wednesday.
Julien Alfred became the third-fastest woman in 200m history with a 21.51-second win, while Emmanuel Wanyonyi broke a 27-year-old world record in the rarely contested 1,000m at the Monaco Diamond League.
Japan v Tunisia marks 1,000th FIFA World Cup match
Indian women's hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne expressed gratitude and motivation after Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised his contribution to the sport during a visit to the Netherlands, highlighting the team's World Cup aspirations.
Tata Steel plans to invest approximately Rs 20,000 crore in capital expenditure during the current financial year (FY27), a significant increase from the previous year, with 60 per cent of this allocation directed towards its India business for expansion, new technologies, and sustainability.
Australia eased to a nine-wicket victory over Bangladesh for their second win of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026.
Indian women's team opener Shafali Verma credited vice-captain and opening partner Smriti Mandhana for helping her stay calm at the crease in the ongoing T20 World Cup.
Belgium have their full squad available for the Round of 32 match against Senegal but are not taking Senegal for granted, said coach Rudy Garcia.
Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw expressed confidence in his team's ability to overcome their group-stage struggles as they prepare to face Belgium in the World Cup round of 32. Despite a shaky start with two losses, Senegal qualified as a best third-placed team after a decisive win against Iraq. Thiaw emphasised that the knockout phase is a fresh start, dismissing past results and individual errors, while also confirming goalkeeper Edouard Mendy's injury and temporary absence from play.
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.
Japan's coach Hajime Moriyasu expressed confidence ahead of their World Cup last-32 clash against Brazil in Houston, stating his team will not be pushovers. He cited their previous 3-2 victory over Brazil as proof of their progress and readiness to challenge the five-time champions. Japan secured their spot by finishing second in Group F after a 1-1 draw with Sweden, a result Moriyasu strategically preserved. He also highlighted the significance of Japan's advancement for Asian football and the growth of the sport in his country.
Stephen Eustaquio's stoppage-time winner sent Canada into the FIFA World Cup Round of 32, with coach Jesse Marsch paying an emotional tribute to the midfielder's late parents after the dramatic 1-0 win over South Africa.
Cape Verde, despite being a significant underdog, is confident of challenging Argentina and Lionel Messi in their World Cup knockout match.
Slovenia will face hosts India on Saturday, and a win will earn the former a ticket to next year's Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet secretaries of key Union ministries and departments to review their performance, focusing on ease of living, ease of doing business, and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives, amidst strong speculation of an impending Cabinet reshuffle.
India are not lacking in self-belief after their historic women's ODI World Cup triumph last year and they are the "favourites" to win the upcoming T20 World Cup in England, says star batter Jemimah Rodrigues.
Former Pakistan captain Sana Mir has criticised fans and critics for applying a 'sexist' tone to the national women's team's performance in the T20 World Cup. Mir highlighted the double standards in how men's and women's teams are judged, urging a change in mindset and more respect for female athletes.
India's young left-arm spinner Sree Charani has risen to the top of the ICC Women's T20I Bowling Rankings after an impressive start to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup.
Pakistan's men's hockey team, led by Captain Ammad Shakeel Butt, is preparing to face India in the upcoming FIH Pro League and the 2026 Hockey World Cup. Butt acknowledges India's strength but asserts Pakistan's readiness for a tough competition, focusing on rectifying past mistakes and enhancing key areas like attack and fitness.
France's formidable attack has propelled them through the World Cup group stage, but coach Didier Deschamps is focused on resolving issues on the team's left side before their Round of 32 match against Sweden.
Harmanpreet Singh returns to captain a 24-member Indian men's hockey squad for the European leg of the FIH Pro League, a crucial preparatory competition ahead of the World Cup in August.
Experienced doubles player N Sriram Balaji has been left out of the squad, with the selection committee opting to look ahead as part of a longer-term plan.
Former Argentina coach Jose Pekerman reflects on Lionel Messi's 2006 World Cup debut, stating he always believed the then 18-year-old would become one of the game's defining figures and that every minute on the pitch was crucial for his development.
Manpreet Singh on Wednesday became India's most-capped hockey player with his 413th appearance for the country during the FIH Pro League match against Germany in Rotterdam.
Former cricketer Reema Malhotra believes the Indian women's cricket team is a strong contender to win the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup, largely because of its strong spin bowling resources.
Pakistan's national hockey team is facing significant challenges ahead of the final leg of the FIH Pro League in England, with captain Ammad Shakeel Butt's visa rejected and head coach Manzur-ul-Hasan also struggling to secure his travel documents. This comes amidst a dismal performance in the league and growing criticism over team management.
Tunisia have sacked coach Sabri Lamouchi and replaced him with fellow Frenchman Herve Renard in the wake of the 5-1 defeat by Sweden in their World Cup opener in Monterrey on Sunday, the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) said.
Curacao and Cape Verde, two of the smallest nations globally, have achieved an unprecedented feat by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup.
Brazil's World Cup Round of 32 meeting with Japan on Monday comes with the chance for revenge for Carlo Ancelotti's squad and a test of how far he has taken his team since a Tokyo collapse early in his tenure.
Former India captain Diana Edulji believes the Indian women's cricket team faces a significant challenge to qualify for the Women's T20 World Cup semifinals after their recent loss to South Africa. She highlighted the team's need to win their remaining matches against Bangladesh and Australia and discussed the team's T20 playing style.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's week-long ongoing tour of France and Slovakia is his 100th foreign trip since he assumed the high office 12 years ago.
Indian golfer Diksha Dagar delivered a superb six-under 66 in the opening round of the Czech Ladies Open, placing her tied ninth. Fellow Indians Pranavi Urs and Vani Kapoor also had strong starts, with Urs tied 14th and Kapoor tied 26th, ensuring a significant Indian presence in the top 30. Diksha's round featured eight birdies, continuing her excellent form on the Ladies European Tour.
India's head coach Amol Muzumdar has acknowledged the need for a complete strategic overhaul in the T20 format following the women's team's disappointing group-stage exit from the T20 World Cup.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun a six-day tour of the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy to strengthen bilateral relations amid geopolitical challenges. The trip will focus on energy security, trade, and technological cooperation.
Former India captain Mithali Raj has expressed concerns over the Indian women's cricket team's bowling department, citing a lack of "role clarity" ahead of crucial ICC Women's T20 World Cup matches. She believes bowling is India's weakest link, especially with Shreyanka Patil's injury and an out-of-form seam attack, while praising the batting strength led by Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh.
