Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that star player Lionel Messi will start on the bench for their final World Cup Group F match against Jordan.
Indian high jumper Sarvesh Kushare achieved a historic third-place finish in his Diamond League debut in Monaco, clearing 2.26m. This remarkable performance places him among an exclusive group of four Indians to have secured a top-three spot in the prestigious athletics event, alongside Neeraj Chopra, Murali Sreeshankar, and Vikas Gowda. He also outperformed several world champions in the process.
The United States' World Cup campaign took an extraordinary turn on Sunday when FIFA made the unprecedented decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's automatic red-card ban, clearing the striker to face Belgium in Monday's last-16 clash after US President Donald Trump personally urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the case.
Cape Verde, despite being a significant underdog, is confident of challenging Argentina and Lionel Messi in their World Cup knockout match.
India's men's volleyball team achieved an unbeaten run to the AVC Men's Volleyball Cup semi-finals, propelling them to World No. 42. Head coach Dragan Mihailovic attributes this success to discipline and a structured system but stresses the need for consistent international exposure, longer national camps, and a robust development pathway to sustain and build upon this momentum, especially amidst administrative uncertainty in Indian volleyball.
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.
'Kylian's gesture touched me deeply'
FIFA's Technical Study Group believes set-pieces are unlikely to dominate the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Gilberto Silva predicting tighter, transition-based football due to limited preparation time for national teams.
Austria and Algeria played out a dramatic 3-3 draw in their final World Cup Group J match, with two stoppage-time goals ensuring both teams progressed to the Round of 32, while eliminating Iran. Argentina topped the group, with Austria finishing second and Algeria advancing as a best third-placed side.
Iran's national soccer team attended visa appointments in Ankara, Turkey, applying for Canadian visas and some players also submitting applications for US entry ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has partnered with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to launch a "Clean Sports Campaign" aimed at combating doping in India. This initiative comes as India faces a serious doping problem, topping WADA's list of offenders, and seeks to educate athletes on anti-doping regulations and promote fair play. Chopra emphasised the importance of patience over quick gains through doping, highlighting the long-term damage it causes to athletes and the nation's sporting image.
Former Indian boxing coach Mohammed Ali Qamar believes the country's women's boxing squad for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games is one of its best ever, with each of the seven members capable of securing a medal, though he cautioned that draws would be crucial.
Erling Haaland scored two goals, leading Norway to a 3-2 victory over Senegal in a World Cup match. This win puts Norway level on points with France at the top of Group I, setting up a decisive final group game.
Former Italy under-20 international Cristian Volpato has decided to represent Australia and will join the Socceroos' training camp in Los Angeles ahead of the World Cup, Football Australia said on Friday.
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.
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.
FIFA has strongly defended Brazilian referee Raphael Claus after US President Donald Trump questioned his integrity following a controversial red card shown to US striker Folarin Balogun at the World Cup.
Portugal and Colombia played to a 0-0 draw in their final World Cup Group K match, with Colombia securing the top spot and Portugal finishing second. Both teams advanced to the last 32, setting up future clashes against Ghana and Croatia respectively.
Millions of soccer fans in the world's two most populous nations may not be able to watch the World Cup that starts next month, due to a deadlock over broadcast rights in India and no official decision in China.
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.
Neymar admitted he shed tears after making his first Brazil appearance in 981 days during the World Cup 2026. The Brazil star returned from injury as the Selecao secured a knockout-stage spot with a 3-0 win over Scotland.'
England played out a 0-0 draw against Ghana in their second World Cup Group L match, a result that leaves both teams well-positioned for the next phase. Despite England dominating possession, Ghana's strong defensive strategy frustrated their attacking efforts, leading to a goalless stalemate.
Ousmane Dembele delivered a sensational first-half hat-trick for France against Norway in their final Group I match, overshadowing the anticipated clash between Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
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.
Neymar missed Brazil's first two games of the FIFA 2026 World Cup and his likely to play against Scotland on Thursday.
Lionel Messi experienced an emotional rollercoaster in Argentina's World Cup last-16 tie against Egypt, missing a penalty but ultimately scoring a vital late equaliser to save his team's World Cup dream after being two goals down.
Neymar has suffered a minor calf injury but is expected to recover in time to join Brazil's camp next week ahead of the World Cup starting on June 11 in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Cape Verde coach Bubista expressed immense pride in his team's performance at their first World Cup, despite their 3-2 extra-time loss to three-time champions Argentina in the last-32. He highlighted their draws against Spain and Uruguay, and the character shown by his players, many of whom are not from elite leagues, in taking Argentina to the wire. Bubista emphasised that their World Cup campaign was about showcasing the island-nation's spirit and identity.
Harry Maguire was left shocked after being omitted from England's World Cup squad by Thomas Tuchel, while Phil Foden and Cole Palmer were also reportedly dropped ahead of Friday's announcement.
If Wednesday's World Cup match marked the last time Guillermo Ochoa appears in Mexico colours, the 40-year-old goalkeeper could not have wished for a better send-off.
FIFA officials are visiting India this week to try and resolve a deadlock over broadcast rights for next month's World Cup, with millions of Indian soccer fans potentially missing out on the tournament.
Debutants Cape Verde have made history by qualifying for the World Cup round of 32 after a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia. This unexpected achievement sets up a clash with defending champions Argentina. Despite a low-quality match, Cape Verde secured second place in their group, sparking celebrations among players and fans, while Uruguay and Saudi Arabia were eliminated.
Hussain stuck his neck out and suggested six-time champions Australia, tournament hosts England, reigning ICC Women's Cricket World Cup winners India and reigning title holders New Zealand would be the four teams most likely to reach the knockout stages.
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic hit out at the team's doubters and said they were back to the Croatia of old after they snatched a 2-1 win over Ghana to reach the last 32 of the World Cup on Saturday.
Cristiano Ronaldo became the oldest scorer in a FIFA World Cup knockout match, but Portugal coach Roberto Martinez's bold decision to substitute his captain paid off as Goncalo Ramos scored a dramatic late winner against Croatia.
FIFA has dismissed Belgium's challenge regarding the eligibility of US striker Folarin Balogun, upholding the controversial decision to suspend his one-match ban ahead of the World Cup Round of 16 clash, despite the US ultimately losing 4-1 to Belgium and being eliminated.
India's Under-17 men's team faces Uzbekistan in their final AFC U-17 Asian Cup group match, with a win potentially securing qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The Democratic Republic of Congo's national team has been forced to cancel World Cup buildup events in Kinshasa due to the Ebola virus outbreak and will instead continue preparations in Belgium.
Belgium, who missed a slew of scoring chances against Iran on Sunday, have taken only two points from their opening two matches despite entering the tournament as favourites to progress from the group.
Colombian singer Shakira has released 'Dai Dai', the official song for the 2026 World Cup, featuring Nigerian singer Burna Boy.
