Carlos Alcaraz defeated fellow Spaniard Jaume Munar 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 to reach the Japan Open final, marking a significant step in his return from a wrist injury. This achievement follows his career Grand Slam win at the Australian Open and subsequent injury, showcasing his swift return to form.
Lionel Messi's final appearance for Argentina marks the end of a two-decade international career. Initially unknown to Argentine football authorities and facing skepticism, Messi's bond with his home country strengthened over time, culminating in World Cup glory. This retrospective explores his challenging journey from a Barcelona prodigy to an undisputed national icon.
Xavi Hernandez has been appointed as the new head coach of the Netherlands national football team, signing a contract through the 2030 World Cup. The former Barcelona manager replaces Ronald Koeman and marks his first role as a national team coach.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina rallied from a set down to defeat Rafael Jodar in three sets, capture his biggest career title at Shanghai and secure a projected career-high ranking.
France's defender Ibrahima Konate states the team is not afraid of Spain ahead of their World Cup semi-final, despite acknowledging Spain's exceptional quality and formidable defence. Having lost to Spain in previous tournaments, France is preparing thoroughly, focusing on containing individual talents like Lamine Yamal while aiming for their fifth World Cup final appearance.
Kakatiya Knights secured a decisive 6-0 victory over Mighty Marathas in their final round-robin match of the Archery Premier League. This win serves as a strong precursor to their upcoming clash in the first qualifier on Sunday, where both teams will vie for a spot in the final. The Knights' compound archers were particularly impressive, maintaining perfect scores despite challenging conditions.
Spain's national football team, La Roja, has reached their second World Cup final, sparking widespread celebrations across the country. Tennis stars Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, along with the Spanish Royal Family, extended their congratulations, highlighting the national unity and pride surrounding this historic achievement.
Indian football team head coach Khalid Jamil shares his predictions for the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, expressing a personal preference for Lionel Messi's Argentina while acknowledging Spain's strong form and tactical advantages. He anticipates a tough and equal match.
World Cup champions Spain climbed back to the top of the FIFA men's rankings released on Monday, while runners-up Argentina slipped to second following their defeat in the final.
Rodri delivered a midfield masterclass against France, anchoring Spain's 2-0 victory and securing their place in the World Cup final. His performance marked a significant return to his pre-injury form, reminiscent of his dominant displays for Manchester City, as he frustrated France's attacking efforts and dictated play.
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.
Spain defender Aymeric Laporte has questioned some refereeing decisions involving Argentina ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, saying aggressive play should not go unpunished.
Spain's Eugenio Chacarra won the DP World India Championship at the Delhi Golf Club by two shots, finishing 21-under 267. His victory, achieved despite a broken toe, showcased strategic course management and precise play. This win strengthens his bid for the Race to Dubai crown against top players like Patrick Reed and Rory McIlroy, marking another significant achievement in his career resurgence.
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.
The World Cup final offers football's grandest stage a deliciously odd pairing: Argentina, all pulse, fire and Lionel Messi, against Spain, the European champions who appear to treat chaos as an administrative error and have turned control into something close to an art form.
Cristiano Ronaldo's final FIFA World Cup journey concluded with Portugal's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16. Following the match, Spain's teenage star Lamine Yamal offered a comforting hug to a tearful Ronaldo, a gesture of sportsmanship that quickly went viral and resonated with fans globally.
Barcelona continued their formidable LaLiga campaign with a commanding triumph over Real Betis with Lamine Yamal delivering another standout performance.
Thibaut Courtois, Belgium's goalkeeper, expresses confidence in his team's ability to surprise Spain in the upcoming World Cup quarter-final. Despite a shaky group stage, Belgium has shown improved form, and Courtois believes they have the qualities to challenge the European champions. He acknowledges Spain's strengths but highlights Belgium's potential for an upset, drawing on his personal experience playing in Spain.
Spain's final training session before Sunday's World Cup final against Argentina has been cancelled due to thunderstorms, organisers FIFA said on Saturday.
India's teenage tennis sensation Maaya Rajeshwaran has made a significant mark on the professional circuit by winning the W35 Lagos tournament in Portugal, becoming the youngest Indian to achieve a pro singles title since Sania Mirza. The 17-year-old, who also secured the doubles crown, views this as just the beginning of her professional journey, aiming to compete in more senior events and improve her world ranking. She recently moved her training base to France and plans to focus on physical and technical improvements in the coming months.
Teenager Alphadjo Cisse became the youngest Italian to score a hat-trick in European club competition, leading AC Milan to a resounding 4-0 victory over RB Salzburg in the Europa League, marking Milan's first continental treble in 24 years.
Indonesian tennis star Janice Tjen will return as the top seed to defend her title at the Chennai Open International Women's Tennis Championships 2026, a WTA 250 event. The tournament, India's highest international women's ranking event, will feature players from 22 countries, with Tjen being the first Asian top seed.
Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente expressed caution despite a dominant 3-0 victory over Austria, which secured their spot in the World Cup last 16. He emphasised that the team still has significant room for improvement and warned against complacency, stating that "satisfaction can kill." De la Fuente highlighted the importance of continuous progress as the tournament enters its more demanding knockout stages.
France captain Kylian Mbappe sustained a minor ankle injury during the World Cup quarter-final win against Morocco but is expected to play in Tuesday's semi-final against Spain, with coach Didier Deschamps confirming he is 'fine'.
Spain and Portugal are set to clash in the World Cup Round of 16 in Texas, a rematch of last year's Nations League final. The match features a generational battle between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lamine Yamal, with Spain entering unbeaten in 34 matches and Portugal looking to overcome recent struggles.
Indian Asian Games medallists expressed boosted confidence after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who encouraged them to aim for bigger goals at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Athletes like Lovlina Borgohain, Nethra Kumanan, and Vithya Ramraj highlighted Modi's vision for Indian sports, including hosting major events, and the positive impact of improved facilities and support.
The FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina garnered nearly 63 million viewers in the United States, setting new viewership records and highlighting football's increasing popularity in the country.
Substitute Mikel Merino scored in the 88th minute after goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled Pau Cubars's long-range effort, restoring Spain's lead and putting the 2010 champions 2-1 ahead of Belgium.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente attributes his team's commanding 2-0 victory over France and progression to the World Cup final to a revived "spirit of 2010" and strong team unity. He praised the squad's commitment, solidarity, and talent, highlighting their collective goal-oriented approach and humility. Spain has now equalled Italy's unbeaten record and looks forward to the final, with De la Fuente emphasising the team's continuous potential for growth.
Spain have knocked Portugal out of the World Cup after Mikel Merino's late goal sealed a dramatic 1-0 victory, ending Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup campaign.
It's goalless at half-time in the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain in New York on Sunday.
Mahindra Racing has announced the retention of Edoardo Mortara and Nyck de Vries as their drivers for the 2026-27 FIA Formula E World Championship season, marking the start of the Gen4 era. The duo, who joined in 2023, have contributed significantly to the team's success, including two wins and 10 podium finishes. This continuity aims to leverage their experience for future challenges.
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was seen consoling his replacement Senne Lammens, who was blamed for Spain's late winner in the FIFA World Cup quarter-final match on Friday.
Spain secured their spot in the World Cup Round of 16 with a convincing 3-0 win over Austria, featuring two goals from Mikel Oyarzabal. The dominant performance saw Spain maintain their perfect defensive record, setting up a clash with either Portugal or Croatia in the next stage.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will host US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Mumbai on October 20 for talks aimed at strengthening the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Discussions will cover energy, trade, defence, and critical technologies. The visit also includes celebrations for the 250th anniversary of US Independence. This meeting follows earlier confusion regarding Rubio's visit and will also touch upon the India-US bilateral trade agreement, which both sides are close to concluding. The MEA clarified that hosting foreign dignitaries outside Delhi is a common practice.
Sunil Gavaskar has questioned men's T20I records involving Associate nations, proposing separate categories to account for differences in playing standards.
Season 3 of the Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) will feature nearly 150 riders from 21 countries, including 30 Indian participants, competing across four racing categories. Reigning champion Matt Moss is set to defend his title amidst a strong international field.
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.
France defender Ibrahima Konate says Les Bleus fear no one ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final against Spain, while acknowledging the challenge posed by Lamine Yamal and the tournament's best defence.
France take on Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final aiming for a third consecutive World Cup final, with Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele leading Les Bleus against Europe's champions.
