In a thrilling World Cup Round of 32 match, Gabriel Martinelli's late-game heroics led Brazil to a sensational 2-1 victory over Japan. After Kaishu Sano put Japan ahead, Brazil rallied back with a header from Casemiro. Martinelli capped off the comeback, scoring a last-minute winner that solidified Brazil's reputation in the tournament.
Lionel Messi may be leading the Golden Boot race, but Germany's Deniz Undav has emerged as FIFA's highest-rated attacking player after the 2026 World Cup group stage. The substitute striker edged Messi in FIFA's official performance rankings through extraordinary efficiency off the bench, while stars including Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Erling Haaland also featured among the tournament's top-rated performers.
Canada secured a historic 1-0 victory over South Africa with a stunning 92nd-minute volley from Stephen Eustaquio at SoFi Stadium. This marks Canada's first-ever knockout stage win in World Cup history. Despite South Africa's strong defense, Eustaquio's late heroics propelled Canada into the Round of 16, where they will face either the Netherlands or Morocco. The win was a significant moment for the nation's football program.
Tilak Varma's resilient half-century was a lone bright spot for India in their narrow one-run loss to Ireland, despite becoming one of the slowest Indian fifties in T20Is. Walking in during a top-order collapse, Varma battled tough conditions to reach his milestone. Ultimately, Ireland secured a historic series win, ending India's impressive streak.
Portugal face Colombia in a decisive Group K clash at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with Cristiano Ronaldo set to start as Roberto Martínez’s side chase top spot. Colombia, led by James Rodríguez, have already qualified after two wins. Ronaldo arrives in form after a record-breaking goal, while Colombia aim to finish unbeaten and secure first place.
Liverpool and Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo has requested privacy after he and partner Noa van der Bij announced the loss of their unborn son during pregnancy. The couple shared the heartbreaking news while Gakpo remains with the Netherlands squad at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Despite personal grief, he had featured in all group games as Netherlands topped Group F.
On Oct. 6, 2005, roughly 17 Minnesota Vikings players chartered two houseboats on Lake Minnetonka during a bye week. What followed became one of the most notorious scandals in NFL history. Two decades on, the Love Boat scandal is back in conversation, here's exactly what happened, who was charged, and how it ended.
Shreyas Iyer made a historic captaincy debut for India in T20Is after a significant 63-match absence, the longest such gap before leading the nation. At 31, he also became the third-oldest Indian T20I captain and the most experienced before his debut. Opting to field first in Belfast, Iyer confirmed the 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi would have to wait for his international bow, prioritising team balance.
Michael Vaughan questioned India's decision to bench Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after their surprising T20I loss to Ireland. Despite a strong bowling performance initially, Ireland posted 182, with late hitting proving crucial. India's chase faltered, with only Abhishek Sharma showing brief resistance, ultimately falling short by 34 runs. The defeat has sparked debate over team selection, particularly the omission of the young batting prodigy.
FIFA has invited all 211 member associations, including Russia, to the inaugural Under-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan, marking a potential first step toward reintegration after more than four years of suspension from senior competitions following the Ukraine invasion. While senior bans remain in place, the move signals a gradual shift, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino open to revisiting Russia’s exclusion.
Tazmin Brits' career-best 114 powered South Africa to a massive 208/1 against the Netherlands, securing an 88-run victory. This win keeps their Women's T20 World Cup semi-final hopes alive, placing them level with India in Group 1. Brits' century, the second-highest in World Cup history, and stellar bowling from Ayabonga Khaka and Shabnim Ismail were key. A crucial match against Bangladesh now awaits.