Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia believes Lionel Messi needs to win the 2026 World Cup to truly equal Diego Maradona's legendary status, despite Messi's 2022 triumph. Bhutia rates Maradona higher due to his single-handed 1986 World Cup victory, while also tipping Spain as slight favourites over Argentina in the upcoming final.
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.
Swiss football fans expressed pride in their national team despite a 3-1 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup quarter-finals, marking the end of an 'exceptional campaign' that captivated the country.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals are set, featuring a diverse lineup of one South American, one African, and six European teams, including defending champions Argentina and France, alongside surprise packages like Morocco and Norway, all vying for football's ultimate prize.
Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the penalty spot and Pedro Porro added another goal as Spain advanced to its first World Cup final since winning in 2010 with a 2-0 victory over France on Tuesday.
India's newly appointed T20I captain Shreyas Iyer has showed his love for football, backing five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026.
Japan's national football team, the Samurai Blue, faces Brazil in a crucial World Cup last-32 match. This encounter holds deep significance due to Brazil's profound influence on Japanese professional football, particularly through the J-League and the presence of numerous Brazilian players and coaches over the decades. Despite past successes against Brazil, including a recent friendly win, this World Cup clash represents a major test for Japan's ambitions.
The 2026 World Cup has been marred by widespread controversy surrounding the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, with coaches, players, and fans criticising its application, consistency, and impact on match outcomes, leading to a significant increase in interventions and red cards.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has expressed confidence in teenager Lamine Yamal, stating that the forward's most significant World Cup performance is yet to come, potentially in the semi-final against France or the final.
Australia's coach Tony Popovic expresses confidence in his team's ability to challenge favourites Turkey in their World Cup opener in Vancouver, despite being considered underdogs. He also confirmed the squad is fully fit, including Mohamed Toure.
Former England spinner Graeme Swann has questioned ECB's imposition of midnight curfew on players, and termed Ben Stokes a victim of the culture more interested in policing than celebrating an achievement.
Cabo Verde, making their FIFA World Cup debut, delivered a memorable performance, reaching the Round of 32 and pushing defending champions Argentina to extra time. Despite a 3-2 defeat, their campaign was marked by resilience, drawing against European champions Spain and two-time world champions Uruguay, and highlighted by the exceptional goalkeeping of 40-year-old Vozinha.
Luka Modric is expected to lead Croatia at what could be his final World Cup as Zlatko Dalic's side aim to continue their remarkable record of success on football's biggest stage despite fitness concerns over their captain.
The World Cup has seen a shift to a more lenient refereeing style, prioritising game flow and reducing stoppages. This, combined with stronger, faster players, has led to a quicker, more physically demanding tournament with higher scoring. While welcomed, experts warn that this intensity tests players' physical limits, increasing injury risks, especially for those not fully fit.
Cabo Verde's star goalkeeper Vozinha has expressed confidence ahead of their FIFA World Cup round of 32 clash against Argentina, vowing to make history. The debutant nation has impressed with three draws in the group stage, becoming the smallest country to reach the knockout phase. Vozinha also achieved a rare feat, becoming only the third goalkeeper over 40 to register multiple clean sheets in the tournament. Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni has acknowledged Cabo Verde as a tough opponent.
Japan v Tunisia marks 1,000th FIFA World Cup match
Morocco, Norway, Turkey, Colombia, Mexico and Japan are among the leading dark horses for FIFA World Cup 2026, with each side possessing the talent and momentum to challenge football's traditional powers.
As India awaits Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's senior debut, experts urge cricket to remember the 15-year-old is still a child, highlighting the challenges of balancing extraordinary talent, growing fame and emotional well-being.
England aim to seal Super Eights qualification against T20 World Cup debutants Italy at Eden Gardens, as the historic football rivalry adds spice to their Group C clash.
Deniz Undav scored a late goal to secure a 2-1 victory for Germany against Ghana in a friendly match, enhancing his chances of being selected for the World Cup squad.
Kolkata Knight Riders, owned by the Shah Rukh Khan family and Mehta Group, emerged as the most valuable franchise.
Harry Kane scored a second-half hat-trick as Bayern Munich defeated VfB Stuttgart 3-0 in the German Cup final, securing their first domestic double in six years.
England racked up an eighth successive victory against Wales with a 3-0 cruise in an international friendly at Wembley on Thursday.
High costs, visa hurdles, and logistics for the World Cup are deterring fans, leading to a disappointing boost for US hotels, airlines, and the travel industry.
Manchester City came from behind to beat Championship side Southampton 2-1 with a late goal from Nico Gonzalez at Wembley on Saturday to book a place in an unprecedented fourth consecutive FA Cup final and keep alive their hopes of a domestic treble.
The official 26-man squads for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Harry Kane scored a hat-trick as Bayern Munich defeated Cologne 5-1 to win the Bundesliga title. Bayern finished the season with a record-breaking 122 goals.
A summary of the concluding matches of the Premier League season on Sunday.
Croatia and AC Milan's Luka Modric sustained the injury following a clash of heads with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli during their Serie A match on Sunday.
Italy rejects a proposal by Trump envoy Paolo Zampolli to replace Iran at the FIFA World Cup 2026, as officials insist qualification must be earned on merit.
Paris St Germain defeated Bayern Munich 5-4 in a thrilling Champions League semi-final first leg, setting a record for goals scored at this stage of the competition. PSG came from behind to lead 5-2 before Bayern fought back, leaving the tie finely poised for the return leg in Munich.
Idris Elba, Torvill and Dean star in Britain's New Year honours
Australian-born forward Ryan Williams is set to make his debut for India in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier against Hong Kong after FIFA cleared his change of association.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has approved the adoption of the 3x15 scoring system, set to take effect on January 4, 2027, following a vote at its Annual General Meeting in Horsen, Denmark. The decision aims to enhance the sport's appeal, improve match scheduling, and benefit player welfare, despite reservations from some leading Indian players.
From leading a lively reading circle to planting trees with digital IDs and joining a fiery one-touch football drill, David Beckham had a ball with the kids.
Cristiano Ronaldo birthday special coverage: Check Cristiano Ronaldo age, stats, total goals, career records, trophies and net worth details.
Southampton upset Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-finals, while Manchester City and Chelsea secured comfortable victories to advance to the semi-finals.
Non-league Macclesfield produced perhaps the FA Cup's greatest upset on Saturday when they beat holders Crystal Palace 2-1 in a thirdround thriller, knocking Oliver Glasner's team out of the competition and sending the Moss Rose crowd into raptures.
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.
Liverpool's Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah has been voted Player of the Year by the Football Writers' Association (FWA) to complete the double of English soccer's major individual awards.
