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.
Spain take a 36-match unbeaten run into their FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final against France, with Lamine Yamal calling it the biggest match of his career as La Roja chase Italy's all-time record.
He further criticised South Africa's use of the G20 platform to promote "solidarity, equality, and sustainability" to promote "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and climate change."
The 2026 World Cup will kick off-on June 11 with joint-hosts Mexico playing South Africa at the Azteca Stadium - iconic venue of the 1970 and 1986 finals - followed by South Korea against a play-off winner after the complex draw was made on Friday.
The complete schedule and all the results of FIFA World Cup 2026 in IST.
India is set to host the FISU World University Squash Championship in Mumbai from August 3, aiming for its first-ever gold medal. With home advantage and a bronze medallist from the previous edition, Suraj Chand, the team carries high expectations.
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.
Spain's national football team celebrated wildly in their dressing room after defeating France 2-0 to secure a spot in the World Cup final. The team's official social media shared a video of the joyous moments, highlighting their unity and confidence as they aim for another World Cup title.
Spain, led by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, defeated France 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals, securing their place in the final. Yamal, who played a crucial role in the victory, has already expressed his team's readiness for the title clash in New York. This marks Spain's first World Cup final appearance since their 2010 triumph.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) concluded its Annual Meetings, establishing a new Governance Review Committee headed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.
Since the FIFA World Cup's inaugural tournament in 1930, 23 competitions have occurred up to 2026. Interestingly, only 8 countries have succeeded in claiming the famous trophy and on Sunday, Spain added their second title.
South Africa became the first host country in the FIFA World Cup history to crash out in the opening round despite a 2-1 victory over France, who also ended their miserable campaign with 10 men after Yoann Gourcuff was sent off in a Group A match in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
Sabri Lamouchi's dismissal as Tunisia coach after a single game at the World Cup places him on an ignominious list that includes one of the most successful coaches in tournament history.
It happened in 2017, two years after Scaloni ended his playing career. De la Fuente, then in charge of Spain's youth teams, was among the figures who helped guide a recently retired player taking his first steps towards management.
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.
Sanju Samson became the first Indian to hit two consecutive hundreds in T20 Internationals to power the visitors to a thumping 60-run victory against South Africa.
South Africa took advantage of a dispirited France team, who were reduced to 10 men for more than a hour, to win 2-1 in their last World Cup Group A match and restore some pride on Tuesday.
The Indian women's hockey team will participate in the FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, from June 15 to 21, following their relegation from the Hockey Pro League.
The Indian men's and women's hockey teams discover their opponents for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup, co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium.
The World Cup has seen a shift to a more lenient refereeing style, prioritising game flow and reducing stoppages. This, combined with stronger, faster players, has led to a quicker, more physically demanding tournament with higher scoring. While welcomed, experts warn that this intensity tests players' physical limits, increasing injury risks, especially for those not fully fit.
Following a dominant group stage performance, Argentina is now preparing to face Cape Verde in the Round of 32.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation has paid its players daily allowances and bonuses in advance for the upcoming FIH Pro League matches and the Hockey World Cup, aiming to boost morale and focus. This move includes clearing PKR 4.5 million in dues and increasing daily allowances to USD 110, following their qualification for the World Cup after an eight-year absence.
Japan v Tunisia marks 1,000th FIFA World Cup match
Cristiano Ronaldo, playing his 6th FIFA World Cup, headlines the Portugal squad that has a glittering supporting cast that includes Vitinha, Joao Neves, Bruno Fernandes and Nuno Mendes.
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.
China has emerged as India's largest trading partner in 2025-26, with bilateral trade reaching USD 151.1 billion, while India's trade deficit with Beijing widened to an all-time high of USD 112.6 billion.
Marizanne Kapp was again South Africa's star player as they edged a thrilling tussle with New Zealand, getting home with two wickets and three balls to spare.
Yuvraj Sandhu made the cut at the Soudal Open, while Shubhankar Sharma missed out. South Africa's Zander Lombard and France's Tom Vaillant share the lead.
Sonia Gandhi criticised PM Modi's Israel visit, calling it a "bewildering strategic decision" amid the regional conflict.
A dominant India scored twice in the first and fourth quarters to beat South Africa 5-2 in a classification match and finish joint ninth in the FIH Men's World Cup.
The Sprinkboks beat the defending champions 36-0 in their pivotal World Cup Pool A match.
Pranavi Urs, the only Indian golfer to make the cut, improved her position at the Joburg Ladies Open, while several French golfers lead the competition.
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.
French captain Patrice Evra, leader of a revolt that has brought his side close to disintegration and caused an outcry at home, was not included in the team to face hosts South Africa on Tuesday, in which both nations need a miracle result to salvage some honour.
Diksha Dagar, Tvesa Malik, and Hitaashee Bakshi of India experienced a difficult final round at the MCB Ladies Classic in Mauritius, causing them to fall in the leaderboard. Denmark's Smilla Tarning Soenderby won the tournament.
Five of the Australian goals were field efforts while three were from the penalty corners. Australia earned eight PCs as against five of the South Africans.
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.
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.
Pranavi Urs was the only Indian golfer to make the cut at the Joburg Ladies Open, while Tvesa Malik and Diksha Dagar narrowly missed out. Celine Herbin and Brianna Navarrosa share the lead.
