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.
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.
Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the current World Cup will be his last, expressing no regrets about his illustrious career.
Brazil's World Cup Round of 32 meeting with Japan on Monday comes with the chance for revenge for Carlo Ancelotti's squad and a test of how far he has taken his team since a Tokyo collapse early in his tenure.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni discussed his team's hard-fought 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde in the World Cup last-32, emphasising the unexpected difficulty of the match despite being heavy favourites. He praised his players' resilience and character, acknowledging the physical toll and the need for improvement, while also highlighting the unique "suffering" inherent in being Argentine in football.
Veteran Indian hockey midfielder Manpreet Singh, despite numerous accolades including Olympic medals, is determined to win a World Cup medal before concluding his illustrious career after the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Namdhari FC secured a 3-0 victory against Real Kashmir FC in the Indian Football League, boosting their survival hopes. Goals from Manvir Singh, Manish Chaudhary, and Najib Fuseini Ibrahim sealed the win, while Real Kashmir were reduced to 10 men after a red card.
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.
Norway pose a formidable threat through Erling Haaland, whose pace and power have made him one of the World Cup's most feared forwards.
Concerns over Canadian wildfire smoke impacting air quality and player health for the World Cup final in New York are easing, with forecasts predicting significant rain and a cold front to clear the haze before Sunday's match, though hot and hazy conditions could still pose risks.
Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia says FIFA's expanded 48-team World Cup format significantly improves India's chances of qualification while creating new opportunities for emerging football nations across Asia and beyond.
Germany's 2014 World Cup winner Sami Khedira sees no identity crisis in his brother Rani playing for Tunisia at FIFA World Cup 2026.
Brazil have lodged a formal complaint with FIFA over the disallowing of a Vinicius Jr goal during their 3-0 FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage victory over Scotland, with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) also requesting that Mexican referee Cesar Ramos no longer officiate the team's matches.
DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre expressed pride in his team's performance at the World Cup, despite their exit after a close match against England.
Chanmari FC defeated Real Kashmir FC 2-1 in an Indian Football League match, with goals from Marlon Rangel and Lalruatsanga. Marius Bedzigui scored for Real Kashmir, but it wasn't enough to overcome Chanmari's lead.
Germany launched their FIFA World Cup campaign with a commanding 7-1 victory over Curacao with Klopp, Muller watching from stands.
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.
Canada's national football team is preparing for their World Cup Group B match against Qatar in Vancouver, aiming to improve on their opening draw with Bosnia & Herzegovina. Coach Jesse Marsch emphasizes setting the tone early and confirms Alphonso Davies' fitness for the crucial game.
With hot weather due and memories fresh of the scorching 2025 Club World Cup, FIFA has for the first time mandated three-minute hydration breaks in each half for all 104 matches of the World Cup starting this week in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
New Zealand's cricket team incorporates a unique training drill called 'Donny Ball,' combining elements of rugby and football, to enhance concentration and reflexes ahead of their T20 World Cup final against India.
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre downplayed his team's achievement of topping their World Cup group, stating that true success would be measured later in the tournament. He highlighted the importance of playing at home and the team's improved maturity, while also reflecting on his own calmer coaching style. Aguirre expressed his ambition to guide Mexico into the world's top 10.
England and Ghana, both coming off opening wins, are set to clash in a crucial Group L World Cup match in Boston.
Goa's Venkata Chigurupati has earned his maiden India Under-19 call-up for the Sri Lanka tour after a standout season of 49 wickets and 380 runs, as the fast-bowling all-rounder sets his sights on the U-19 World Cup and a future in India's Test team.
Mohamed Salah scored and assisted as Egypt came from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver, securing the country's first-ever FIFA World Cup victory and moving top of Group G.
The United States football team secured its place in the World Cup knockout stage with a convincing 2-0 victory over Australia. An early own goal and an Alex Freeman header sealed the win, despite the absence of key player Christian Pulisic. The team's depth was highlighted as they dominated the match, moving to six points in Group D.
When the final whistle blew, players embraced, danced and celebrated on the pitch as if they had won the match. Their joy was understandable. Against one of football's traditional giants and the world's second-ranked team, Cape Verde had achieved something few thought possible.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti says Neymar's 2026 FIFA World Cup selection will depend on fitness and form rather than sentiment as he weighs a crucial squad decision ahead of Brazil's campaign.
Sreenidi Deccan FC defeated Chanmari FC 2-1 in a closely contested Indian Football League match, maintaining their chances of winning the title.
Defending champions India U20 will face Bhutan in the semi-finals of the SAFF U20 Championship, while Nepal will play Bangladesh in the other semi-final. India topped Group B after a win against Pakistan and a draw against Bangladesh. Coach Mahesh Gawli has praised his players' performance but stressed the need for more clinical finishing and defensive focus.
From Mexico to Canada, across 16 stadiums in wildly different climates, the continental tournament is putting turf science to its ultimate test. The goal: creating living surfaces that can withstand kicks, studs, tackles and scorching summer heat.
Real Madrid are football's biggest earners, Liverpool best in Premier League
The All India Football Federation met with Genius Sports and Indian Super League club owners to discuss a major proposal regarding the league's commercial rights, focusing on a long-term vision for India's top-tier competition.
Cristiano Ronaldo is 41, but Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said age is only a number and that his captain is judged on current form and by the same standards as everyone else.
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.
India's U17 women's team faces a tough challenge against Japan in the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup after an initial defeat to Australia. Coach Pamela Conti emphasises the need for a focused and perfect match to compete against the formidable Japanese side.
Two British Sikh runners, Baldev Singh Bains and Manny Singh Kang, participated in the 2026 London Marathon, raising thousands of pounds for charity. Bains ran in memory of Fauja Singh, aiming to fund a community sports club, while Kang raised money for Dementia UK.
Enzo Fernandez's free kick secured Chelsea a 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday, ending the visitors' six-game losing run in the Premier League and earning caretaker manager Calum MacFarlane a first point in charge.
India's Under-17 Women's team secured a 4-0 victory against Lebanon in the AFC Under-17 Women's Asian Cup, boosting their chances of reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in 21 years.
The Indian women's football team lost 0-2 to Kenya in the semifinal of the FIFA Series 2026. Martha Emedot and Tereza Obunya scored for Kenya.
India's AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup campaign began with a 0-2 defeat against Australia, marking their return to the competition after 21 years. Theodora Mouithys and an own goal secured the win for Australia.
