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.
Didier Deschamps, who led France to their second world title in 2018 and established them as international football's most consistent major-tournament force, will be remembered for his unprecedented legacy despite recent semi-final defeats.
England's manager Thomas Tuchel has faced heavy criticism following their World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, but he attributes the loss to fundamental issues like a lack of 'ball possession DNA' rather than just tactical errors, while acknowledging the unstoppable brilliance of Lionel Messi.
France's World Cup campaign ended in a 'devastating' 2-0 semi-final defeat to Spain, with coach Didier Deschamps admitting his team was 'technically, second best' and star players like Michael Olise failing to perform.
National record holder Praveen Chithravel and Selva Prabhu have successfully qualified for the men's triple jump final at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, finishing second and third respectively in the qualification round.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni lauded his team's ability to perform under pressure, stating they 'play its best football when it's under pressure' after their dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against England secured a spot in the World Cup final.
Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele shared a warm embrace in France training ahead of the FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Morocco, easing rumours of tension as Les Bleus chase another semi-final appearance.
'That's not just a football victory -- that's the heartbeat of an entire nation'
France is preparing for a FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Morocco, a rematch of the 2022 semi-final. Les Bleus, strong favourites with a perfect record and a dangerous attacking unit led by Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise, are anticipating a tactical battle. Morocco, unbeaten in their last 10 matches, aims to make history for African football and secure their first-ever win against France.
France showcased their tactical superiority and attacking prowess to defeat Morocco in the World Cup quarter-final, effectively neutralising Morocco's usually exhilarating offensive style with a dominant midfield and relentless pressure.
France and England, reeling from World Cup semi-final defeats, will compete in the third-place playoff. The match marks Didier Deschamps' final game as France coach and offers Kylian Mbappe a chance to pursue the Golden Boot and the tournament's all-time scoring record. Both teams are expected to rotate their squads.
Wimbledon achieved record attendance and social media engagement, along with strong broadcasting figures, despite competing with the soccer World Cup. The tournament saw over half a million fans, significant retail sales, and a notable audience share for the women's singles final in the Czech Republic.
Novak Djokovic defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime in a five-set thriller lasting over five hours to reach his eighth consecutive Wimbledon semi-final, setting a new record.
Argentina's dark blue away jersey holds significant historical and superstitious value for the team, particularly in World Cup encounters against England. The team will wear this kit in their upcoming semi-final, hoping to replicate past successes from 1986 and 1998, where the blue jersey was worn during famous victories over England. Both coaches acknowledge the role of superstition in high-level sports, though Argentina's coach downplays the specific jersey choice. The jersey also features cultural motifs.
India's judoka Unnati Sharma clinched a bronze medal in the women's -63kg judo event at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, defeating South Africa's Skye Knoester by Ippon in just over a minute.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas made headlines at Wimbledon, not only for her impeccable courtside fashion but also for a heartwarming FaceTime call with husband Nick Jonas.
Indian shuttler Ashmita Chaliha defeated compatriot Rakshitha Sree Santhosh Ramraj to reach her first-ever BWF World Tour final at the Korea Masters Super 300. Chaliha, returning from a knee injury, continued her impressive run, having previously upset the top seed.
Arsenal defender William Saliba has been ruled out for an extended period due to a back injury sustained during the World Cup. The club confirmed that surgery is not required, but he will undergo a managed rehabilitation programme to return to full fitness.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has made three changes to his starting XI for the World Cup semi-final against Argentina, bringing Reece James and Djed Spence into the defence, while Argentina's Lionel Scaloni makes one switch, with Giuliano Simeone replacing Rodrigo De Paul.
Czech Republic's Linda Noskova beat compatriot Karolina Muchova 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 in the Wimbledon final on Saturday to win her maiden Grand Slam title.
Argentina's football players displayed a political banner claiming "The Falklands are Argentine" after their World Cup semi-final win against England, potentially violating FIFA's code of conduct.
Anahat Singh, the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championships, discusses her historic victory and dismisses the notion of Egyptian players having a psychological advantage.
Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu secured her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold, breaking records in the women's 48kg weightlifting. Rishikanta Singh and Raja Muthupandi also added silver medals, contributing to India's growing tally at the Games.
Chris Gaffaney and Allahuddien Paleker will be the two on-field umpires for the T20 World Cup semi-final between India and England in Mumbai on Thursday.
Spain's Lamine Yamal and Pedro Porro trained separately from the main squad in New Jersey as a precautionary measure ahead of Sunday's World Cup final against Argentina, with both players expected to be available.
Aryna Sabalenka is looking to complete the coveted 'Sunshine Double' after her triumph in the Indian Wells final over Elena Rybakina.
World champion Noah Lyles experienced leg cramps during the 200 metres final at the US national championships, causing him to pull up, but he later downplayed the incident, attributing it to a cramp and high workload.
England's World Cup journey ended in heartbreak after their decision to sit back defensively against Argentina in the semi-final allowed Lionel Messi to orchestrate a stunning comeback, exposing the perils of premature defensive play, according to manager Thomas Tuchel.
Nine football superstars, one ultimate honour-vote for the player you believe delivered the most memorable performance at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Lionel Messi's Argentina celebrate after their come-from-behind win over England in the FIFA World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
Lalit advances to the gold medal match at the Asian Wrestling Championships, while Aman and Sunil Kumar will compete for bronze medals.
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.
World champion boxer Jaismine Lamboria clinched a gold medal in the women's 57kg category at the Commonwealth Games, overcoming a severe illness that included high fever, concussion, and hospitalisation just weeks before the event. Her victory marks a remarkable comeback, improving on her previous bronze medal, and highlights her resilience despite disrupted training and mental challenges.
Argentina midfielder Rodrigo de Paul highlights Lionel Messi's contentment and record-breaking performance as a significant morale booster for the team, who are 'one step away' from another World Cup final and preparing to face England.
Heavyweight weightlifter Lovepreet Singh secured a record-breaking silver medal at the Commonwealth Games, while Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra and two other Indian javelin throwers advanced to the final, marking an eventful day for India.
Breel Embolo became the first player in 20 years to be sent off at a World Cup for a second yellow card for simulation, a decision that proved a turning point in Switzerland's 3-1 extra-time defeat to Argentina in the quarter-finals.
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.
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.
Alexis MacAllister has puts Argentina ahead in the10th minute.
Football's law-making body IFAB has confirmed that Switzerland forward Breel Embolo should not have been sent off during the World Cup quarter-final against Argentina, stating that VAR intervention was incorrectly applied.
