A record eight players aged 40 or older have been selected to play at the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States - one more than at all the past 22 tournaments combined.
A World Cup bus was set alight and a teenager suffered a gunshot wound during chaotic scenes in Midtown Manhattan as thousands of basketball fans poured into the streets late on Saturday to celebrate the New York Knicks' historic win in the NBA Finals.
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.
Mexico have failed to progress beyond the Round of 16 for the last 32 years. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil, they hope to finally end the 'quinto partido' curse.
The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 begins in England with Australia chasing a seventh title and India targeting a historic double. England, South Africa and New Zealand add to what promises to be the most competitive edition yet.
World Cup fever in Argentina, home of the defending champions, has boosted sales of counterfeit jerseys and soccer trading cards, sparking protests from retailers who are already under pressure from President Javier Milei's market-opening policies.
Luka Modric scored to put Croatia ahead before they edged Slovenia 2-1 in the international friendly before the World Cup.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation has paid its players daily allowances and bonuses in advance for the upcoming FIH Pro League matches and the Hockey World Cup, aiming to boost morale and focus. This move includes clearing PKR 4.5 million in dues and increasing daily allowances to USD 110, following their qualification for the World Cup after an eight-year absence.
Brazilian football star Neymar remains optimistic about his participation in the FIFA World Cup despite a recent calf injury. He dismisses concerns about his fitness, even though he has been benched for his club Santos' last three matches. Brazil's medical staff is taking precautions, and it is unlikely that Neymar will be fit to play in the warm-up games against Panama and Egypt.
Extreme heat and humidity could emerge as a major challenge at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with several host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico expected to experience soaring temperatures during the tournament.
India's Under-18 boys and girls hockey teams, mentored by Sardar Singh and Rani Rampal, are set to compete in the Asia Cup in Kakamigahara, Japan, after intensive training and exposure matches.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Monday her government agreed to allow the Iranian national football team to stay in Mexico during the World Cup, adding that the United States did not want to host the team.
Lionel Messi will lead defending champions Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after coach Lionel Scaloni named a 26-man squad featuring 17 players from the 2022 title-winning team.
The Indian women's hockey team aims to take the lead in their four-match series against Australia in Perth. After a loss and a shootout win, India looks to improve their penalty corner conversion rate and secure a victory ahead of major upcoming tournaments.
Iran will play their final World Cup warm-up behind closed doors in Turkey on Thursday before departing for their tournament base in Mexico on Saturday.
Hockey India will conduct a short camp in Bengaluru for the national women's team ahead of its tour of Australia, as part of preparations for the FIH Nations Cup and other major tournaments.
Iraq striker Aymen Hussein was questioned for nearly seven hours at Chicago's O'Hare Airport before being allowed into the United States, while the team's photographer was denied entry ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
Pope Leo may have traded his life in Chicago for the ornate apartments at the Vatican's apostolic palace, but he still plans to root for his old national team at the World Cup this month.
Ronald Koeman says the Netherlands have the quality to beat any team at the World Cup despite not being favourites, while injury concerns linger over Jurrien Timber and Memphis Depay.
When Atlanta hosted the 1996 Olympics, police were accused of arresting homeless people by the thousands. The crackdown resulted in a welter of lawsuits and news stories that caused long-term damage to the city's reputation. Now the Georgia state capital is looking to show the world that it has moved on, as it hosts World Cup games this summer.
The Indian women's hockey team will tour Australia for a four-match series from May 21 to June 3 as part of its preparations for next month's Nation's Cup in New Zealand, which is a pathway to the elite FIH Pro League.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant has withdrawn its players from the Indian football team's Unity Cup squad, citing concerns over injury compensation outside the FIFA international window, impacting India's preparations for the tournament.
Former cricketer and selector Saba Karim discusses the prospects of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for the 2027 ODI World Cup, highlighting Kohli's assured spot due to fitness and performance, while Rohit needs to prove himself. Karim also praises Kohli's multi-format adaptability and addresses Rishabh Pant's struggles in white-ball cricket.
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.
European champions Spain will travel to next month's World Cup with plenty of Barcelona swagger but no-one from Real Madrid after manager Luis de la Fuente named a 26-man squad on Monday built around eight players from the Catalan club.
Iran has banned national and club sports teams from travelling to countries it considers hostile, citing concerns over the safety of its athletes.
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.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant has withdrawn its players from the Indian national team camp for the Unity Cup in London, citing concerns over injuries and lack of compensation from the AIFF outside the FIFA international window.
Salima Tete will lead the Indian women's hockey team in their upcoming tour of Australia, with Lalthantluangi and Shilpi Dabas receiving their first senior team call-ups.
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.'
'Yes, this is an away game against a good team, but we have to prepare accordingly and think only of one thing -- a positive result.'
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.
Sweety Kujur has been named captain of the 18-member Indian women's U-18 squad for the Asia Cup hockey tournament in Kakamigahara, Japan, from May 29-June 6.
The Durand Cup, Asia's oldest football tournament, will commence on July 25 and conclude on August 23. This edition will feature 24 teams, including two foreign sides, with matches spread across five cities, including debutant host Ranchi. The tournament continues to be a vital platform for Indian football talent.
Former Pakistan captain Sana Mir has criticised fans and critics for applying a 'sexist' tone to the national women's team's performance in the T20 World Cup. Mir highlighted the double standards in how men's and women's teams are judged, urging a change in mindset and more respect for female athletes.
Mexico defeated Ghana 2-0 in a World Cup warm-up match in Puebla, showcasing their form ahead of the tournament.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just weeks away, uncertainty over India's broadcast rights continues amid legal intervention and concerns over free-to-air access for football fans.
Ketan Kushwaha has been appointed as the captain of the Indian U18 team for the upcoming Asia Cup in Kakamigahara, Japan. The squad was selected after a national coaching camp in Bhopal, which included exposure matches against Australia U-18.
The Indian men's national football team was defeated by Jamaica in the semifinal of the Unity Cup 2026, held in London. Jamaica will now proceed to the final, while India will compete for third place against Zimbabwe.
India will field a 22-member shooting squad at the ISSF Rifle/Pistol World Cup in Munich from May 24 to 31, with double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker set to compete in two individual pistol events besides the mixed team competition.
