It is only the second time a tournament run by world football's governing body FIFA has featured as many as 48 teams.
The complete schedule of FIFA World Cup 2026 in IST.
Cape Verde, making their World Cup debut, have defied expectations by drawing with football giants Spain and Uruguay.
Senegal's coach Pape Bouna Thiaw insists his team's World Cup hopes are not over despite two consecutive defeats to France and Norway. The team needs to beat Iraq in their final group game to have a chance at qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams.
The Indian men's football team, participating in the Unity Cup in the UK, was warmly welcomed at India House in London ahead of their match against Zimbabwe. The team interacted with fans and shared insights during a reception hosted by the High Commission of India.
India's U17 women's football team lost 0-2 to Australia in their opening match of the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup in Suzhou, China. Theodora Mouithys scored for Australia, and an own goal by Abhista Basnett sealed India's defeat.
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.
Erling Haaland scored two goals, leading Norway to a 3-2 victory over Senegal in a World Cup match. This win puts Norway level on points with France at the top of Group I, setting up a decisive final group game.
The Indian men's football team experienced a disappointing debut in the Unity Cup, losing 2-0 to Jamaica in the semi-finals held in London.
Mexico secured a narrow 1-0 victory over South Korea in a Group A football match in Guadalajara. Luis Romo scored the decisive goal following a goalkeeping error, and Mexico's defence, backed by goalkeeper Ral Rangel's late saves, held firm against South Korean pressure.
Morocco outmuscled Scotland for a 1-0 win thanks to the tournament's fastest goal on Friday, taking control of Group C in the World Cup and moving into top spot with one match left to play.
Nyck de Vries of Mahindra Racing achieved a third-place finish at the Sanya E-Prix after a post-race penalty elevated him, securing valuable points for himself and the team. The race was marked by chaotic incidents, including front wing damage and a multi-car traffic jam, while his teammate Edoardo Mortara was forced to retire due to a technical issue. De Vries also set the fastest lap, contributing to Mahindra's standing in the Teams' Championship.
India has retained their top position in the ICC men's ODI team rankings following the latest annual update, with Australia securing the third spot. The update impacts direct qualification for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
The India U-17 women's team achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the quarterfinals of the AFC Under-17 Women's Asian Cup for the first time, following a dominant 4-0 victory over Lebanon. Pritika Barman scored twice, while Alva Devi Senjam and Joya added to the scoreline, securing India's place in the next round.
Japan v Tunisia marks 1,000th FIFA World Cup match
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.
Indian motorcycle racer Kavin Quintal made an impressive start to his 2026 Copa de Espana de Velocidad campaign by securing two podium finishes in the opening round in Jerez, Spain.
The Indian women's U18 hockey team secured the bronze medal at the Asia Cup, defeating Korea 3-0.
Joakim Alexandersson, the head coach of the Indian U20 women's team, has announced the 23-member squad for the AFC U20 Asian Cup Thailand 2026. India will face Japan, Australia, and Chinese Taipei in the group stage, aiming for a quarter-final spot and a chance to qualify for the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026.
Spain arrive into their Group H clash against Saudi Arabia needing a sharper attacking display after being held to a shock 0-0 draw by World Cup debutants Cape Verde in their opening match in Atlanta.
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.
The India women's Under-20 football team has arrived in Bangkok for a pre-tournament acclimatisation camp ahead of the AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup in Thailand.
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.
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.
Kimi Antonelli claimed Monaco Grand Prix pole position with a stunning 'magic lap', narrowly beating Max Verstappen as Ferrari stars Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc settled for the second row.
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 final teams have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Find out which teams have qualified and their group stage assignments.
India's Unity Cup campaign concluded with a 1-0 defeat against Zimbabwe in the third-place play-off, with Prince Dube's first-half penalty proving decisive.
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.
Indian ultra runners achieved remarkable success at the IAU 24H Asia and Oceania Championship in Japan, securing gold in the men's team event and a bronze in the women's team event. Amar Singh Devanda won gold in the men's individual event, setting a new national record.
Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes also emerged as the Premier League's best playmaker this season when he created a league-high 132 chances.
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 U-17 women's team secured a historic 4-0 victory against Lebanon, propelling them into the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup quarter-finals for the first time. Pritika Barman scored twice, fulfilling her promise to open the scoring, while Alva Devi Senjam added another goal in the crucial win.
The Indian women's football team is set to compete in the FIFA Series 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, facing hosts Kenya in their opening match. Coach Crispin Chettri emphasises building for the future, focusing on the 2029 AFC Women's Asian Cup and the 2031 World Cup qualifiers.
Virat Kohli and Travis Head had a heated exchange during the IPL match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad, culminating in Kohli refusing to shake hands with Head after the game.
Crispin Chettri is expected to be reappointed as the head coach of the Indian women's football team, succeeding Amelia Valverde, following a recommendation from the AIFF's Technical Committee.
India U17 Women's team face Lebanon in a must-win game in the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup, with a chance to qualify for the knockout stage for the first time.
George Russell secured pole position at the Canadian Grand Prix, narrowly beating teammate Kimi Antonelli in a thrilling qualifying session. Lando Norris will start third, while Max Verstappen expressed frustration with his car's performance.
India concluded the Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships in 11th place with 11 medals, while the women's team secured third position in the rankings. China dominated the event, leading both the overall medal tally and the women's team rankings.
India's U17 women's team achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup quarter-finals for the first time, following a dominant 4-0 victory against Lebanon. The team's progress was confirmed after other group results went their way. They will now face China in the quarter-finals.
