Four-time champions Germany suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in a FIFA World Cup group stage match, marking a historic upset. This loss highlighted Germany's persistent defensive issues, as they have now failed to keep a clean sheet in their last nine World Cup games. Despite an early lead, Germany succumbed to Ecuador's determined comeback, which secured Ecuador's progression to the round of 32.
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman has warned against underestimating Morocco despite topping Group F, calling the Round of 32 clash the Dutch side's "real test" while admitting there is still room for defensive improvement.
Germany's World Cup misery continued as Paraguay stunned the four-time champions on penalties in the Round of 32, extending a decade-long decline marked by defensive frailties and major tournament disappointments since 2014.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant were held to a goalless draw by Inter Kashi in their Indian Super League clash, despite dominating possession.
India's Under-17 AFC Asian Cup campaign began with a 0-4 defeat to Australia, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities and missed opportunities.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar believes that with modern T20 batters constantly attacking, bowlers must adopt a defensive, tactical mindset even when the ball swings in the powerplay.
Dutch coach Koeman expected to leave in wake of early World Cup elimination
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.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic praises Mexico after Ecuador victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match on Tuesday.
England and Ghana, both coming off opening wins, are set to clash in a crucial Group L World Cup match in Boston.
Harry Kane scored twice, including a 75th-minute equaliser and a late winner against DR Congo, to guide England into the last 16 with their first World Cup comeback victory since 1990.
India secured a hard-fought 3-2 penalty shoot-out victory against England in the return leg of the Hockey Pro League after a goalless draw. Key contributions from goalkeepers Mohith Shashikumar and Sanjay Karkera, along with successful shoot-out conversions by Abhishek, Shilanand Lakra, and Hardik Singh, ensured India avenged their previous defeat and earned a crucial bonus point.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted additional strikes against multiple targets in Iran, on Saturday (local time), at the commander in chief, US President Donald Trump's direction.
The Indian Women's Hockey team secured their second FIH Women's Nations Cup title by defeating hosts New Zealand 2-0 in the final.
India secured a 3-1 victory over Germany in the FIH Hockey Pro League, a match where Manpreet Singh became the most capped player for India. Goals from Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, and Nilakanta Sharma, coupled with a strong defensive performance, ensured the win, with Hardik Singh named Player of the Match.
Hyderabad Heroes defeated Mumbai Dreamers 41-17 to win the Rugby Premier League championship. Bengaluru Bravehearts secured third place, and prize money was distributed among the top teams.
Carlo Ancelotti has spent weeks warning that grit and resilience would decide a long, complicated World Cup. On this evidence, Brazil have been listening -- even if, for much of the match against Japan, they seemed determined to test the theory to destruction.
Brazil is facing significant defensive challenges, particularly at right-back, ahead of their World Cup opener against Morocco.
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.
Football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic heavily criticised Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman following their penalty shootout loss to Morocco, stating that the team lost its traditional identity under his leadership, which made him "angry". Morocco advanced to the Round of 16 after a dramatic 1-1 draw and a 3-2 penalty victory.
While the Andaman and Nicobar islands serve as a vital, stationary asset for projecting power in the Indian Ocean, referring to them as an unsinkable aircraft carrier ignores key military and geopolitical limitations, explains Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).
Kylian Mbappe, after scoring a double against Sweden, is nearing Lionel Messi's World Cup goal record but states his primary focus is on winning the trophy for France. He acknowledges his scoring prowess but emphasises the team's collective goal of reaching and winning the final on July 19, downplaying the individual rivalry with Messi.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp criticised the VAR decision that disallowed Jonathan Tah's goal, leading to Germany's early exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026. He also took a dig at Arsenal regarding their set-piece goals, suggesting many would be ruled out if Tah's goal was illegal.
Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman stood by his tactical decisions and substitutions after Japan struck late to earn a 2-2 draw in their opening Group F match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday.
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.
Brazil's coach Carlo Ancelotti credited patience and a tactical change at halftime for their 2-1 victory over Japan in Houston, securing a spot in the World Cup last 16.
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.
Senegal face a major defensive selection dilemma ahead of their World Cup clash with Norway as coach Pape Bouna Thiaw weighs whether to drop Kalidou Koulibaly in a bid to stop Erling Haaland and keep knockout hopes alive.
Morocco's coach Mohamed Ouahbi expressed immense pride after his team defeated the Netherlands in a penalty shootout to advance to the World Cup last 16.
Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa said the hydration breaks introduced in each half of matches at the World Cup add nothing to football while destroying the sport's cultural essence.
Ivory Coast is set to face Norway in a World Cup Round of 32 match, with much attention on Norway's star striker Erling Haaland. While Ivory Coast's defence, featuring Ousmane Diomande, will focus on containing Haaland, their coach Emerse Fae also plans to unleash their own array of attacking talent, including Yan Diomande and Nicolas Pepe, to challenge Norway.
Ellyes Skhiri's own goal in Tunisia's 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands on Thursday took the total number of own goals at the FIFA World Cup 2026 to 12, equalling the record for most in a single tournament.
A champions' mentality, a new generation of fearless players are some of the qualities that will have Saudi Arabia wary of the former champions in their upcoming Group H match on Sunday.
Cape Verde, a tiny island nation, has made history by advancing to the round of 32 in the FIFA World Cup.
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.
The meeting between Morocco and Netherlands in the last 32 might have come too early at the World Cup, Dutch coach Ronald Koeman suggested on the eve of Monday's clash between the two contenders in Monterrey.
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.
Nikola Vlasic scored a late header from a Luka Modric corner to give Croatia a 2-1 victory over Ghana, securing second place in World Cup Group L and a spot in the last 32. Petar Susic had opened the scoring for Croatia, while Derrick Luckassen equalised for Ghana before Vlasic's decisive goal.
Real Madrid have signed Spain international Marc Cucurella from Chelsea on a six-year deal, making him Jose Mourinho's first signing since returning to the Santiago Bernabeu as manager.
Cape Verde pulled off a stunning 2-2 draw against two-time World Cup winners Uruguay in Miami on Sunday.
