Argentina’s World Cup final preparations have been overshadowed by a FIFA disciplinary review after players displayed a Falklands-related banner during celebrations after beating England. FIFA is assessing the incident under regulations banning political messages, with possible sanctions ranging from fines to suspensions. However, no decision has been announced, and reports suggest final-related player bans remain unlikely.from Sports News: Cricket Live Scorecard, Latest Cricket News, Football, NBA, NFL, WWE, NHL, MLB News & More https://ift.tt/0pTZELc
FIFA's plan for a Super Bowl-style halftime show at the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is expected to extend the interval beyond the usual 15 minutes, reportedly requiring an IFAB exemption. The break will include stage setup, a star-studded performance and pitch restoration, prompting debate over player welfare, match rhythm and football's growing focus on entertainment.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has dismissed all retirement rumours surrounding Rohit Sharma. He firmly asserted that the Lord's ODI will not be Rohit's final match. Rohit remains an important part of India's ODI plans and will continue playing. The BCCI leadership was reportedly displeased with how the matter was handled. Rohit is currently 13 matches away from reaching 300 ODI appearances.
India suffered a four-wicket defeat against England in the second ODI. The team squandered a strong position after reaching 180 for three wickets. Joe Root's unbeaten 99 guided England to a comfortable chase and series level. Captain Shubman Gill expressed disappointment over the middle-order batting collapse. Washington Sundar's injury also disrupted India's bowling plans during the match.
Ben Duckett became the first England batter dismissed on the opening ball against India. Jasprit Bumrah provided India with an ideal start in the chase of 234. India posted a below-par 233 after a middle-order collapse in their innings. Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer scored 65 and 66 respectively. England's pace attack triggered India's collapse, losing four wickets quickly.
In a thrilling second ODI, England clinched a four-wicket win over India, bringing the series to a tie at 1-1. Joe Root's stellar innings of 99 not out was pivotal as India's batters faltered, crumbling to just 233 runs. England's bowling duo, Archer and Atkinson, each claimed three wickets, showcasing their prowess. Despite half-centuries from Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, India's collapse set the stage for a nail-biting final match.
The culminating match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be a battle between Spain and Argentina, showcasing the reigning champions of Europe and South America, respectively. Argentina earned their spot in the finals after triumphing over England in a thrilling semifinal, while Spain advanced by defeating rivals France. This monumental showdown is poised to crown the ultimate champion of world football.
Argentina clinched a dramatic 2-1 win against England on Wednesday, ensuring their place in the FIFA World Cup Final. The defending champions staged a remarkable comeback after trailing for a significant part of the match, as England's lead crumbled in the final moments. Next up for Argentina is a face-off against Spain in the grand finale this Sunday.
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has explained the controversial "X" gesture he made towards referee François Letexier during his side's World Cup defeat to Argentina, insisting it was a protest against unfair officiating rather than an allegation of racism. Hassan also revealed an emotional exchange with Lionel Messi, while Egypt continue to dispute several key refereeing decisions from the dramatic Round of 16 clash.
USMNT striker Folarin Balogun has admitted that Donald Trump's intervention to overturn his World Cup red card suspension "caused a lot of controversy" and created visible nerves among his teammates. While insisting the original red card was wrong, Balogun acknowledged the outside noise was difficult to avoid. FIFA has still offered no explanation for suspending the ban, as the controversy continues to grow.
Bumrah achieved the feat by dismissing England captain Harry Brook with the first ball of the 14th over. 
Virat Kohli needs 68 runs to surpass Rahul Dravid's tally of 648 runs. Rohit Sharma requires 239 runs to move ahead of Dravid's total. Dravid currently holds the record with 648 runs from 20 matches. This series presents a big chance for Kohli to claim the top spot.
New Zealand secured a five-wicket victory against West Indies in the second ODI match. Jayden Lennox took five wickets for nineteen runs, triggering a West Indies collapse. The hosts were bowled out for a mere 138 runs in their innings. New Zealand chased the target with ten wickets in hand, leveling the series. This win marked New Zealand's 400th ODI victory, tying the series at one apiece.