Lionel Messi's Argentina take on Jude Bellingham's England in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, reviving one of football's greatest rivalries with a place in the final on the line.
Argentina secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in their World Cup last-32 encounter, which extended into extra time. An own goal in the 111th minute ultimately decided the match, sending the reigning champions into the last 16 where they will face Egypt.
Mohamed Salah heads to the World Cup with the reputation of being one of the most lethal finishers in the game, and his country's hopes of making it to the knockout stages rest overwhelmingly on his shoulders.
Iran's football coach, Amir Ghalenoei, has strongly criticised the United States for imposing travel restrictions on his team during the World Cup, claiming it unfairly hampered their preparation and performance.
Argentina staged a dramatic comeback, scoring two late goals to defeat England 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final, with Lionel Messi orchestrating the turnaround after England had taken the lead.
Spain cannot meet Argentina and France will not face England before the World Cup final - provided they win their groups - after FIFA on Tuesday announced the draw procedure.
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 following is a list of teams that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
Iran twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening World Cup match on Monday after an end-to-end contest played against the backdrop of Iranian fan protests against the government in Tehran.
'Thank you Los Angeles for your hospitality'
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.
Eight Indian shooters, including double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker, have secured their places in the season-ending ISSF World Cup Final scheduled to be held in Doha, Qatar, from December 4 to 9.
New Zealand defender Tim Payne's social media profile has exploded over the last few days after an Argentine influencer decided he was the least known player at the World Cup.
Former India coach Stephen Constantine shares his views on Lionel Messi, ranking him below Pele, Maradona, and Ronaldinho due to his reliance on teammates for defensive work. He also predicts Spain will win the upcoming final against Argentina, despite acknowledging Argentina's experience and Messi's match-winning ability. Constantine further discusses England's semi-final exit and criticises hydration breaks and refereeing controversies.
Spanish police investigate Islamophobic chants during Spain vs Egypt friendly, drawing condemnation from government and football authorities over racism in stadiums.
Cape Verde rarely played international football some 25 years ago but now head to next year's finals in North America as one of the nine African representatives.
The teams that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
At the Iran-Belgium FIFA World Cup match, least one attendee wearing a pre-revolutionary flag shirt was detained for trying to run onto the pitch and Iranian player Alireza Jahanbakhsh said after the match that he doesn't want to keep focusing on the challenging situations faced by his team.
FIH Men's World Cup: India beat Switzerland 5-0 to qualify for quarterfinals
Rosan, Dilraj fashion India's thumping win over Chile in FIH Junior WC
India are clubbed alongside Pakistan in Pool B in Junior Men's Hockey World Cup to be held in Chennai and Madurai.
Abhay Singh of India secured a significant victory against Egyptian world No. 13 Aly Abou Eleinen at the Grasshopper Cup squash tournament in Zurich, advancing to his first PSA Gold-level event quarterfinal.
Captain Mohamed Salah scored for Egypt as they eased to a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia in their 2026 World Cup qualifier on Friday, but 2022 semi-finalists Morocco needed a late winner from Bilal El Khannouss to defeat unfancied Niger.
Pakistani hockey players are facing financial difficulties as they await pending dues from the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF). Their daily training camp allowance has also been reduced ahead of the FIH World Cup.
Al-Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy was handed a four-match ban after striking a referee on the head following a 1-1 draw with Ceramica Cleopatra, the Egyptian Pro League said on Thursday.
France return to No.1 in FIFA rankings after wins over Brazil and Colombia, while Spain drop to second and Argentina slip to third in the latest standings.
"I can almost assure you 100 percent that he will play, save unforeseen circumstances at the very last minute," Cuper told a news conference ahead of Friday's Group A match.
Lionel Messi, arguably the most recognizable player in the Club World Cup, is steering viewership to his underdog team.
Coach Branko Ivankovic insisted China's World Cup qualifying campaign was still alive despite back-to-back losses to Saudi Arabia and Australia over the last five days leaving them bottom of Asian qualifying Group C.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation has replaced head coach Colin Batch with Manzoor ul Hasan, a move that has surprised players ahead of the FIH Pro Nations League and the World Cup.
India's Abhay Singh lost a thrilling quarterfinal match to Egypt's Karim Gawad at the Grasshopper Cup squash tournament in Zurich.
The speedy forward expects to play some part in Egypt's first Group A fixture in Russia.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has confirmed that the government has released funds for the national team's participation in the FIH Nations League and the FIH World Cup. However, player Abdul Hannan Shahid has raised concerns about low daily allowances and lack of financial support for players.
Abhay Singh and Anahat Singh have been recognised as the Asian Squash Federation's outstanding players of the year, while the Indian boys team received the men's team award.
Indian javelin throw superstar Neeraj Chopra would hope that his lengthy injury-forced absence from competition does not affect his rhythm when he returns to action against an in-form line-up of heavyweight rivals in the familiar environs of the Doha Diamond League on Friday.
Finland have never qualified for the finals of a major tournament, but that did not stop Said from joining Kuopion Palloseura, known as KuPS, on loan when he was in need of playing time ahead of the finals.
Mohamed Salah has announced he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, bringing an end to his successful seven-year spell at the club.
Egyptian talisman Mohamed Salah scored with a lob in the 22nd minute before Saudi Arabia's Salman Al-Faraj levelled the score at 1-1 by half-time from the penalty spot in Monday's Group A game, the last match of the tournament for the two already-eliminated teams.
The escalating conflict involving the U.S. and Israel with Iran has led to widespread disruption in the world of sports, with events postponed, travel plans thrown into chaos, and athletes seeking asylum.
Egypt have gambled on Mohamed Salah returning to fitness in the coming weeks by naming him in their 23-man squad for this month's World Cup in Russia.
