Iran launched their World Cup campaign in Los Angeles amid protests by Iranian-Americans, highlighting deep divisions over Tehran's government even as Team Melli drew passionate support from fans in the stands.
Miguel Almiron became the first player sent off at the World Cup for violating a new rule against covering mouths during confrontations. His dismissal left Paraguay with 10 men, but they still secured a 1-0 victory over Turkey, keeping their World Cup hopes alive while eliminating Turkey. The incident has sparked debate among coaches about the impact of new rules on the game's essence.
Simranjeet Kaur and Sahil Jadhav emerged as India's standout performers at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai, both advancing to the semifinals in their respective recurve and compound sections.
Ten-man Belgium dominated possession but could not break down a disciplined Iranian defence, with goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand producing a string of saves to preserve the result in the Group G encounter.
Tottenham Hotspur on Monday confirmed that midfielder Xavi Simons will require surgery on his right knee after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.
India have announced their 15-player squad for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup, which will be held in England and Wales, beginning June 12. Uncapped Nandini Sharma and wicketkeeper batter Yastika Bhatia have been drafted into the squad, while Pratika Rawal has been excluded. Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the squad, with Smriti Mandhana as her deputy.
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to participate in his sixth World Cup at the age of 41, as announced by Portugal coach Roberto Martinez.
South African pacer Shabnim Ismail reverses her international retirement to join the squad for the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in the UK, bringing valuable experience to the team.
Yan Diomande, a 19-year-old winger from the Ivory Coast, has experienced a meteoric rise in the world of football, going from playing in a Florida high school to representing his country at the World Cup. His journey involved overcoming cultural challenges and excelling in both the United States and Europe, ultimately leading to his selection for the Ivory Coast national team.
Real Madrid forward Rodrygo will miss the rest of the season and the World Cup after tearing his ACL and outer meniscus in a LaLiga defeat against Getafe, the club confirmed.
Young Parth Rakesh Mane finished seventh in the men's 10m air rifle competition at the ISSF World Cup in Munich. The 18-year-old shooter from Maharashtra also broke the junior national record in qualification. Other Indian shooters participated in the event, with mixed results.
Young Indian speedster Harshit Rana is likely to miss the T20 World Cup due to a knee injury sustained in a warm-up game. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav has indicated that Rana's condition "does not look good," casting doubt on his participation in the tournament.
The official 26-man squads for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Zimbabwe suffer a major setback as Brendan Taylor is ruled out of the T20 World Cup with a hamstring injury; Ben Curran approved as replacement by ICC.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has suffered a hamstring injury, the LaLiga club said on Monday, weeks before the start of the World Cup.
A look at some of the major controversies in past World Cups.
Shiva Narwal secured gold in the men's 10m air pistol event at the ISSF Junior World Cup, with Chirag Sharma winning bronze.
Sri Lanka suffered a big blow as their star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga was ruled out of the T20 World Cup with a hamstring injury suffered in the opening match against Ireland.
Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20 World Cup due to a muscle strain, further impacting Sri Lanka's campaign after Wanindu Hasaranga's earlier injury.
Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the T20 World Cup after "running out of time" to recover from a hamstring injury.
Pakistan won't boycott the upcoming T20 World Cup as a show of support for Bangladesh even if the International Cricket Council rejects the Bangladesh Cricket Board's request to move their matches out of India.
Former champions Australia are set to conduct a thorough review of their disappointing T20 World Cup campaign after failing to progress beyond the group stage.
Defending champions India have unveiled a well-rounded 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup
In both 2007 (the inaugural T20 World Cup) and 1983 (Zimbabwe beat Australia by 13 runs on June 9, 1983), India went on to lift the trophy after Zimbabwe defeated Australia in these major tournaments.
Former captain Ricky Ponting says the current Australian side lacked the aura that defined its past teams at ICC World Cups.
Josh Hazlewood will not travel for Australia's early T20 World Cup matches in Sri Lanka as he continues injury rehabilitation in Sydney.
Sanju Samson believes India is poised to dominate global cricket for years to come following their T20 World Cup victory. He also reflected on his pivotal role in the team's success.
Uma Chetry replaces injured Yastika Bhatia for Australia ODIs, Women's World Cup
After veiled boycott threat, Pakistan name 15-member squad for T20 World Cup.
Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup with a back injury, with left-armer Ben Dwarshuis named as his replacement.
Iran's football federation is in discussions with FIFA about moving their World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico due to concerns about the safety of their players, Iranian football president Mehdi Taj said.
Australia pace spearhead Pat Cummins says his injury-forced withdrawal from the T20 World Cup was also driven by a desire to be completely fit for the upcoming Test season.
South Africa pace spearhead Anrich Nortje played down the Proteas' injury concerns ahead of the T20 World Cup, saying the team has the depth and quality to absorb the setbacks.
Jasprit Bumrah missed India's opening T20 World Cup match against USA because of illness.
India all-rounder Hardik Pandya was on Wednesday ruled out of the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan after picking up a fresh quadriceps strain.
Suryakumar Yadav's strategic emphasis on skill over sledging propelled Team India to a decisive victory against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, showcasing the power of focus and execution.
Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj is likely to replace Harshit Rana in the T20 World Cup squad after Rana sustained an injury during a warm-up match against South Africa.
The International Cricket Council has confirmed pacer Pramod Madushan as the replacement for Sri Lanka quick Eshan Malinga, who was ruled out of the Twenty20 World Cup on home soil after dislocating his shoulder against England last week.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed various issues ahead of the World Cup, defending the body's handling of visa challenges, stressing its inability to override government decisions, and highlighting efforts to ensure participation from all nations, including Iran. He also defended ticket pricing and expressed optimism for a competitive tournament focused on unity.
India's recent T20 World Cup victory signals a new era of dominance in the format, driven by strategic gameplay, exceptional talent, and the financial power of the BCCI, while other teams struggle to compete.
