From Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to Cape Verde's fairytale run, VAR controversies and unforgettable fan moments, relive the memories that made the 2026 FIFA World Cup the biggest and most dramatic tournament in history.
Hina Bano sand Kanika Siwach scored a hat-trick each as India began their Junior Women's Hockey World Cup campaign with a comprehensive 13-0 win against Namibi in Santiago, Chile, on Monday.
FIH Men's World Cup: India beat Switzerland 5-0 to qualify for quarterfinals
Stephen Eustaquio scored a dramatic 92nd-minute goal to secure a 1-0 victory for Canada over South Africa, propelling the co-hosts into the World Cup last 16 for the first time. The tense match in Los Angeles saw few clear chances until Eustaquio's late strike, ending Canada's frustration and sending them to face either the Netherlands or Morocco in the quarter-finals. South Africa, despite a strong defensive effort, exited the tournament.
Ketan Kushwaha has been appointed as the captain of the Indian U18 team for the upcoming Asia Cup in Kakamigahara, Japan. The squad was selected after a national coaching camp in Bhopal, which included exposure matches against Australia U-18.
South Africa has made history by securing their first-ever World Cup knockout stage berth after a 1-0 victory over South Korea. Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive goal in the 63rd minute, leading to jubilant celebrations and setting up a clash with co-hosts Canada. This marks a significant achievement for the team, overcoming previous group stage exits.
Tamil Nadu Dragons go top of men's HIL with 3-2 win over JSW Soorma
Morocco defeated Canada 3-0 in the World Cup last 16, with Azzedine Ounahi scoring two goals, to advance to the quarter-finals for the second consecutive time. The victory ended Canada's tournament run.
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.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni lauded his team's ability to 'suffer without losing belief' after their dramatic 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland in the World Cup quarter-finals, highlighting their growth in navigating challenging situations.
Junior Women's World Cup Hockey: India blank Ireland 4-0
Balogun scored his third goal of the tournament but was later sent off, becoming only the fourth player to score and receive a red card in a FIFA World Cup knockout match.
Rosan, Dilraj fashion India's thumping win over Chile in FIH Junior WC
India's hopes for a comeback in the FIH Men's Pro League were thwarted by a 2-0 defeat to Spain, marking a continuation of their struggling form. Goals from Ignacio Abajo and Ignacio Cobos secured the victory for Spain, who displayed both clinical finishing and strong defense.
Daniel Munoz fired Colombia into the World Cup Round of 32 on Tuesday, sealing a 1-0 win over DR Congo in Group K.
Jed Snowden came off the bench in the shootout to secure a 3-1 win for the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers against HIL GC after the two teams were locked 1-1 at the end of regulation time in the men's Hockey India League (HIL) in Ranchi on Sunday.
India ended a disappointing 10th in the FIH Junior Women's Hockey World Cup after suffering a 2-1 defeat against Spain.
Portugal and Croatia face off in a high-stakes Round of 32 clash in Toronto on Thursday, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric both eyeing a deep World Cup run in what could be the final chapter of their legendary international careers.
Tamil Nadu Dragons claim shootout win against Ranchi Royals
Mexico ended a 40-year wait for a FIFA World Cup knockout victory as Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored in a 2-0 win over Ecuador, sending the co-hosts into the last 16 amid emotional scenes at the Azteca Stadium.
Argentina and England are set to clash in a World Cup semi-final, marking their first such encounter, a match deeply rooted in decades of historical and footballing rivalry, including infamous incidents involving Antonio Rattin, Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal, and the Falklands War.
Becomes youngest England player to score a goal and assist in a World Cup match
Selvam Karthi (7'), Sukhjeet Singh (21'), Amit Rohidas (39') and Sanjay (53') scored for India, while Faizal Saari (13'), Fitri Saari (36'), and Marhan Jalil (45') got on the scoresheet for Malaysia.
Belgium secured top spot in Group G and a place in the World Cup round of 32 after a dominant 5-1 victory over New Zealand.
Fighting India beat Belgium in shoot-out to enter FIH Jr WC semifinals
Switzerland found the keys to break down a resolute Bosnia and Herzegovina defence with four late goals in a 4-1 win thanks to a brace from Johan Manzambi and further strikes from fellow substitute Ruben Vargas and captain Granit Xhaka with a penalty.
Harry Kane struck twice while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford delivered the knockout blows as England survived a back-and-forth battle to beat Croatia 4-2 on Wednesday and launch their World Cup campaign in a heavyweight clash that lived up to its billing.
HIL: Kalinga Lancers jump to top of table after fourth consecutive win
Skipper Harmanpreet fired a hat-trick but India were far from impressive in their narrow 4-3 win over lower-ranked China in their Asia Cup opener, in Rajgir, Bihar, on Friday.
India slumped to a crushing 0-8 defeat against Argentina in the FIH Men's Pro League in Rourkela, with Tomas Domene scoring four goals at the Birsa Munda Stadium.
India defeated Bangladesh 3-0 to top Group B and secure a semifinal spot in the SAFF Women's Championship. Goals from Pyari Xaxa, Lynda Kom Serto, and Malavika P sealed the victory, marking India's first win against Bangladesh in seven years.
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.
Kalinga Lancers beat SG Pipers 6-1 to continue to lead HIL men's league
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Al Nassr defeated Damac 4-1 to clinch the Saudi Pro League title, securing the club's first league crown since 2019 and Ronaldo's maiden Saudi triumph.
They got as many as nine penalty corners in the first two quarters but converted just one.
Senegal stormed off the field in protest at a penalty awarded against them before returning to beat hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time and win the Africa Cup of Nations.
Indian junior women's hockey coach Tim White emphasises the need for physical improvement to match international standards, while senior team coach Sjoerd Marijne highlights the importance of mental resilience and finishing skills.
India's Unity Cup campaign concluded with a 1-0 defeat against Zimbabwe in the third-place play-off, with Prince Dube's first-half penalty proving decisive.
Ousmane Dembele scored a first-half hat-trick as France made sure of top spot in World Cup Group I with a ruthless 4-1 win on Friday over a second-string Norway who like the French had already qualified for the next round of the tournament.
Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi scored second-half goals as Switzerland beat Canada 2-1 on Wednesday to qualify for the knock-out stage of the World Cup as Group B winners, with the tournament co-hosts also progressing as runners-up.
