World Cup 2026 is on track to become the biggest betting event in history, with global wagers expected to exceed $50 billion as sportsbooks report record-breaking activity driven by the expanded tournament format and growing legal gambling markets.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will conclude with a spectacular closing ceremony at New Jersey Stadium, featuring performances by global superstars like Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and IShowSpeed. Jennifer Hudson will perform the US national anthem. The ceremony will celebrate the journey of 48 teams across three host countries and 16 cities, marking the end of a record-breaking tournament.
Rohit Sharma faces intense scrutiny over his form and future as India prepares for the series-deciding third ODI against England. Despite BCCI assurances, his recent struggles have fuelled speculation, especially concerning his ability to last until the 2027 ODI World Cup. The match is crucial for both Rohit to regain form and for India to clinch the series.
Following India's disappointing limited-overs tour of the UK, head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management are facing intense scrutiny over selection decisions, particularly the omission of Kuldeep Yadav in the third ODI. Former cricketer Sadagoppan Ramesh criticised the team's logic, while also praising Rohit Sharma's century under pressure. The tour has sparked broader discussions about team selections and optimal talent utilisation.
Brazil take on bogey team Norway in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, aiming for their first-ever victory over the Scandinavians as Erling Haaland leads Norway's bid for another historic upset.
India's Yuki Bhambri and his New Zealand partner Michael Venus finished runners-up at the Geneva Open after suffering a defeat in the ATP 250 doubles final.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty fought back to win the Singapore Open title, defeating Indonesia's Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri in a thrilling final.
Venus Williams expresses her desire to participate in the French Open after competing on clay for the first time in five years at the Madrid Open, where she lost in the first round.
France take on Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final aiming for a third consecutive World Cup final, with Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele leading Les Bleus against Europe's champions.
Swiss Stan Wawrinka made his final French Open appearance in a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 loss to Dutchman Jesper de Jong on Monday before departing Roland Garros to a standing ovation and loud applause that reflected the enduring affection for the 2015 champion.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi attended the Wimbledon men's singles final, sharing the experience with Yuvraj Singh, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, marking his first visit to the iconic tournament.
Former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund boss Juergen Klopp has been appointed as the head coach of the German national football team on a four-year contract, following Julian Nagelsmann's departure and a series of disappointing World Cup performances.
For the expanded 2026 tournament, FIFA has gone a step further and introduced an extra amnesty for yellow cards, effectively wiping the slate clean twice.
Sabri Lamouchi's dismissal as Tunisia coach after a single game at the World Cup places him on an ignominious list that includes one of the most successful coaches in tournament history.
Ministers and political leaders in Kerala are openly expressing their excitement and support for their favourite teams, particularly Argentina, ahead of the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.
Australia will be without Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head and Tanveer Sangha for the ODI series against Bangladesh, with Josh Inglis taking over as captain and Todd Murphy, Ollie Peake and Matt Short called up as replacements.
World number one Jannik Sinner has the opportunity to complete his Grand Slam collection at the French Open, especially with Carlos Alcaraz's withdrawal altering the tournament dynamics. Sinner's improved clay court game and consistent performance make him a strong contender for the title.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty defeated the world number one pair from Korea to reach the final of the Singapore Open Super 750 badminton tournament.
PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen progressed to the quarter-finals of the Singapore Open, while HS Prannoy exited the tournament after a defeat to Loh Kean Yew.
India bowling coach Morne Morkel has expressed confidence in Rohit Sharma's ability to overcome his recent struggles in the ongoing ODI series against England, highlighting the calmness he brings to the team. Morkel also discussed the team's batting concerns, the need for middle-order breakthroughs, and his potential role in the 2027 World Cup.
Switzerland coach Murat Yakin blasted the rule behind Breel Embolo's controversial red card as "unacceptable" after Argentina's 3-1 extra-time victory ended the Swiss team's historic FIFA World Cup 2026 run.
Superstars Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, and Shakira delivered a high-energy musical medley during the first-ever halftime show at a World Cup final, a new American-style addition to the tournament.
Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is facing potential scrutiny from FIFA after appearing to breach tournament equipment regulations during a World Cup match. He reportedly cut the sleeves off his long-sleeved jersey and wore a white undershirt that did not match his outer kit, both actions potentially violating FIFA rules on uniform consistency.
Cristiano Ronaldo had a quiet start to the FIFA World Cup 2026 as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening Group K match.
India A will undertake a shadow tour of New Zealand ahead of the senior team's multi-format series in the country, with the itinerary comprising three List A matches and two first-class games.
Japan showed their battling qualities to eke out a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in their World Cup Group F opener on Sunday, as Hajime Moriyasu's side backed up their desire to make an impact at the tournament with a gritty display.
Taylor Fritz tamed mercurial Kazakh Alexander Bublik to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the fourth time in five years on Monday as the American once again put himself in the mix to win a first Grand Slam title.
Novak Djokovic added another chapter to his Wimbledon legacy on Sunday as the Serb fought past Russian qualifier Roman Safiullin 7-6(6), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to earn a record 106th match victory at the All England Club and reach another quarterfinal.
Bangkok is a fast, 24-hour megapolis, full of joie de vivre and buoyance that you will be instantly smitten, like I was.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty fought hard but lost to Indonesia's Leo Rolly Carnando and Daniel Marthin in the men's doubles final at the Thailand Open Super 500 tournament.
Mexico celebrated a historic 2-0 victory over South Africa in the opening match of the World Cup at the Azteca stadium, breaking a seven-game opening day curse.
For India, the guiding principle should remain clear: Engage Bangladesh as a sovereign nation and society rather than through the prism of any individual leader or political party, suggests Manoj Mohanka.
Iran's soccer team arrived in the United States for the first time at this World Cup on Sunday, landing at Los Angeles International Airport and holding a press conference on the same day that a peace deal between the two nations was announced.
Tennis legend Roger Federer made a special return to Wimbledon, marking the 18th anniversary of his memorable 2008 final against Rafael Nadal. He was warmly welcomed in the Royal Box, watching current generation matches, including Jasmine Paolini's victory over Alexandra Eala.
Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca defeated Casper Ruud to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final at the French Open, continuing his impressive run in the tournament.
Top seeds Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty overcame a tough challenge to defeat their Indonesian opponents in the first round of the Thailand Open Super 500 tournament.
India's Om Semwal defeated Mexico's Sebastian Salazar in a five-set thriller at the JSW Indian Open squash tournament. Other results included wins for players from Egypt, Switzerland, and Hong Kong, and a loss for India's Suraj Kumar Chand.
France captain Kylian Mbappe admitted his side failed both tactically and technically in their 2-0 FIFA World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain, ending their hopes of a third successive final appearance.
Indian cricket captain Shubman Gill shared his approach to handling pressure, focusing on controllable factors and avoiding external influences.
Indian badminton stars Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty discuss their Singapore Open victory, overcoming injuries, and their ambitions for future tournaments, including the World Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
