Lamine Yamal eased injury concerns after being substituted at half-time in Spain’s 4-0 World Cup win over Saudi Arabia, revealing the change had been planned before kick-off. The 18-year-old scored his first World Cup goal in a standout display as Spain bounced back from their draw with Cape Verde. Yamal said the decision was made to manage his workload and keep him fresh.from Sports News: Cricket Live Scorecard, Latest Cricket News, Football, NBA, NFL, WWE, NHL, MLB News & More https://ift.tt/D2FPO3m
Belgium were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Iran at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite dominating possession and creating more chances. Mehdi Taremi had a goal ruled out for offside, while Alireza Beiranvand produced a standout goalkeeping display. Nathan Ngoy’s red card further complicated Belgium’s night, as Iran earned a valuable point in a tightly contested Group G.
Yashasvi Jaiswal etched his name in history, becoming the fastest Indian to score two ODI centuries in just six innings with a brilliant unbeaten 110 against Afghanistan. His stellar knock, coupled with Rohit Sharma's 79, guided India to a commanding nine-wicket victory and a 3-0 series whitewash. Prasidh Krishna's five-wicket haul earlier restricted Afghanistan to 218, setting the stage for Jaiswal's record-breaking performance.
Japan and Tunisia will make FIFA World Cup history when they contest the tournament’s 1,000th match at Monterrey Stadium. The landmark Group F encounter marks a milestone nearly a century in the making, prompting special FIFA tributes and global attention. Beyond its historical significance, the match carries crucial implications for both nations’ hopes of reaching the Round of 32.
The Netherlands secured a commanding 5-1 victory over Sweden at FIFA World Cup 2026, bouncing back from their opening draw with Japan to book a place in the Round of 32. Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo scored twice each, while Crysencio Summerville added a fifth. Despite Sweden’s dominance in shots, Dutch clinical finishing proved decisive in Group F.
Morocco midfielder Ismael Saibari scored the fastest goal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 so far, finding the net after just 71 seconds against Scotland in a crucial Group C clash. The PSV star's record-breaking strike gave the Atlas Lions an early advantage and further enhanced his growing reputation as one of the tournament's breakout performers.
The United States booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 with a composed 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle. Goals from a Cameron Burgess own goal and Alex Freeman secured a second consecutive Group D win, marking the Americans' first back-to-back men's World Cup victories since 1930 and underlining their growing tournament credentials.
Henry Nicholls marked his return with a stellar unbeaten century, guiding New Zealand to a commanding 252 for 3 on day three against England at The Oval. His 119, coupled with Rachin Ravindra's 76, forged a record partnership, extending New Zealand's lead to 352. This dominant display, built on Matt Henry's five-wicket haul, puts the hosts in a precarious position for a challenging fourth-innings chase.
In a thrilling showdown, Switzerland triumphed with a decisive 4-1 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, marked by an electrifying finish. The match turned dramatically when substitute Johan Manzambi unleashed a breathtaking volley in the 74th minute, igniting the Swiss side. Following a red card for Bosnia, Rubén Vargas and Manzambi struck again, with Granit Xhaka clinching the victory from the penalty spot.
Shubman Gill achieved a significant milestone by reaching 1,000 ODI runs in just 954 balls, surpassing MS Dhoni. This feat came during his brilliant 154 against Afghanistan, where he partnered with Ishan Kishan for a massive 224-run stand. Gill's century, his ninth in ODIs, was a masterclass in aggressive batting, further solidifying his status as a top modern-day Indian batter.
Gurnoor Brar has made an impressive start to his international career, but the right-arm pacer insists the foundation of his success was laid in domestic cricket and strengthened through the India A setup. The 26-year-old has picked up three wickets in each of the first two ODIs against Afghanistan and is tipped as someone who could be part of India's squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Norway marked their return to the FIFA World Cup after a 28-year absence with an impressive 4-1 victory over Iraq in Group I. Erling Haaland scored twice on his World Cup debut, while Leo Østigård and a late own goal completed the scoring. The win moves Norway level with France on three points and sets up a potentially decisive group-stage showdown between Haaland and Kylian Mbappé later in the tournament.
India's 72nd Grandmaster Mitrabha Guha, who once appeared on Kaun Banega Crorepati and won Rs 4.8 lakh has secured India's final spot for the Esports Nations Cup 2026. The Kolkata player overcame years of financial struggles and family sacrifices to reach the top. Now pursuing an MBA, the Commonwealth classical chess champion is set to compete alongside stars like Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura.
Kylian Mbappé’s 2026 World Cup campaign is already rewriting record books after his brace against Senegal in France’s Group I opener. At just 27, the France captain became his nation’s all-time leading scorer and moved past Just Fontaine as their top World Cup scorer. He now sits among the tournament’s greatest marksmen, closing in on Ronaldo and Miroslav Klose in the all-time list while chasing multiple historic milestones still within reach.
Romelu Lukaku's dramatic 23-second impact off the bench saved Belgium from an opening World Cup upset, securing a 1-1 draw against a spirited Egypt. Despite trailing to Emam Ashour's goal, the Red Devils, heavily reliant on veterans, narrowly avoided a shock defeat. Coach Rudi Garcia stressed the need for improvement ahead of their crucial match against Iran.
A dramatic Tri-Nation A Series match between India A and Sri Lanka A saw confusion over a Super Over due to fading light, with teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi involved in heated exchanges with umpires and a Sri Lankan player. Sri Lanka A ultimately won the Super Over after a thrilling contest.
Japan secured a dramatic 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their World Cup opener, thanks to Daichi Kamada's late header. The Samurai Blue fought back twice after the Dutch took the lead, showcasing their resilience. This result leaves Group F wide open as both teams begin their campaigns with a point.
Mandhana scored 68 off 44 balls and shared a 91-run partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur (36 off 35 balls) after India were reduced to 18 for 2 early in the innings. Richa Ghosh then added 34 off 17 balls to give India a strong finish.
West Indies delivered a stunning upset, defeating defending champions New Zealand by seven wickets in their Women's T20 World Cup opener. A brilliant unbeaten 90 from Shemaine Campbelle and Aaliyah Alleyne's crucial four-wicket haul were instrumental in chasing down 163 with just one ball remaining, avenging their previous semifinal loss.
Nayeem was travelling in an auto-rickshaw near the Lalkhan Bazar area after arriving from Dhaka airport, according to a ESPNCricinfo report. 
Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored a brilliant century against India. He credited India coach Gautam Gambhir for his improved batting approach. Gurbaz had a conversation with Gambhir after a Test match loss. Gambhir offered advice on shot selection. Gurbaz implemented these suggestions during his innings. His century was a highlight despite Afghanistan's team total.
Football fans at the Mexico City stadium were amused by South African players' bewildered expressions during a FIFA World Cup match. A VAR announcement left them confused, reminding Indian fans of a similar viral moment involving cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The incident occurred during the Mexico vs South Africa clash, highlighting a shared moment of bewilderment across sports.
England launched their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a resounding 87-run victory over Sri Lanka at Edgbaston. Danni Wyatt-Hodge's unbeaten century powered England to a record 219/1, the highest team total in tournament history. Their bowlers then restricted Sri Lanka to 132, securing a dominant start.
Japan captain Wataru Endo has withdrawn from the 2026 FIFA World Cup and retired from international football after failing to recover from a persistent foot injury. The Liverpool midfielder ends an 11-year international career with 73 appearances, having captained Japan in recent years. His absence leaves a major leadership void as Japan begin their World Cup campaign without one of their most influential figures.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the organisation cannot influence government decisions after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the US over security concerns, urging people to “just chill, relax” while FIFA works behind the scenes. Infantino also defended soaring World Cup ticket prices, backed Iran’s participation despite tensions with the US, praised Donald Trump’s role in hosting the tournament, and said FIFA prioritised accessibility over potentially higher broadcast revenues.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the richest tournament in football history, with FIFA distributing a record $871 million to participating federations and $355 million to clubs. From prize money and qualification grants to player bonuses and club compensation, here's a complete breakdown of how World Cup payouts work, who gets paid, and where the money ultimately goes. (60 words)
England captain Harry Kane amused fans by posting, “Always ready if needed, @englandcricket & @RCBTweets!” after playing cricket during FIFA World Cup preparations. A friend of Virat Kohli, Kane recently congratulated IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Meanwhile, England boss Thomas Tuchel is expected to manage Kane's workload during the World Cup.
India captain Shubman Gill's heartwarming gesture towards a young ball boy after scoring a century went viral following India's dominant innings and 300-run victory over Afghanistan. Debutant Manav Suthar stole the show with seven wickets, marking a dream start to his Test career.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup’s expanded 48-team format has reopened the possibility of a historic Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo clash, something never seen in tournament play. With Argentina and Portugal drawn into separate groups, any meeting depends entirely on knockout progression. Depending on results, they could meet in the Round of 16, quarter-finals, or even the final.
Manav Suthar's impressive debut performance has positioned him as a key player in India's red-ball spin strategy. His six-wicket haul against Afghanistan showcased his potential, making him a strong contender for the Test XI. The BCCI's long-term development project for spinners like Suthar highlights India's focus on building a potent spin attack for future challenges.
A mass shooting in Kansas City left nine people injured just days before England's arrival for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, drawing renewed attention to tournament security preparations. Police stressed the incident was unrelated to the World Cup and occurred away from official venues. All victims are expected to survive as authorities continue investigating while teams prepare to arrive.
Manav Suthar's impressive Test debut against Afghanistan was marked by his family's early departure from the stadium due to nerves and superstition. Despite his father's absence during the crucial second day, Suthar delivered a stellar 3/21 spell, repaying the team management's faith. His father emphasized Manav's dedication and his childhood coach's guidance.
Alexander Zverev has finally won his first Grand Slam title. He defeated Flavio Cobolli in a thrilling French Open final. This victory marks a significant achievement for the German star. Zverev's win came after several previous near misses in major finals. The tournament saw early exits from top players, opening the path for Zverev.
Ahead of the Afghanistan Test, coach Gautam Gambhir stressed the importance of this match for the World Test Championship roadmap. He highlighted the need to identify a fourth spinner for the Sri Lanka tour and expressed confidence in Sai Sudharsan's potential at number three, emphasizing a long-term approach to player development.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain believes India should fast-track Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's international debut. The young batter's record-breaking IPL 2026 season has impressed many. Hussain feels Sooryavanshi's extraordinary performances make him impossible to ignore for the national team. His talent is undeniable and he is set for further challenges.
Former India batter Mohammad Kaif strongly backs Shreyas Iyer for the T20I captaincy, citing his IPL success with Gautam Gambhir and leading franchises to finals. Kaif believes Iyer's leadership and batting prowess make him the top choice, ahead of others like Jasprit Bumrah. He also suggested the team has moved past Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill for the role.
Kevin Pietersen has backed players prioritizing IPL commitments over early returns for international duty, defending Jofra Archer's absence from England's Test. Pietersen argued that former cricketers who didn't experience the IPL lack perspective on modern players' choices. Captain Ben Stokes also defended Archer, highlighting the evolving cricketing landscape and new opportunities.
Marta Kostyuk again refused to shake hands with Russian player Mirra Andreeva after their French Open semifinal, continuing a stance she has maintained since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Ukrainian views the gesture as a show of solidarity with her country. Kostyuk has also used her platform to highlight the war's humanitarian impact and support for Ukrainians.
In an exclusive conversation with TimesofIndia.com following his retirement announcement, former India allrounder Vijay Shankar reflected on the emotional decision to step away, the injuries that altered his career, handling public criticism, his love for all-round cricket and why he still wants to continue playing overseas leagues.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar urges patience for young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, despite his record-shattering IPL 2026 season. Tendulkar advises the 15-year-old to embrace his natural game and develop organically, emphasizing that challenges are part of any career. He believes selectors should manage his progression, encouraging fans to enjoy his talent without undue pressure.
A pre-World Cup friendly between DR Congo and Chile in Spain was cancelled due to health concerns over the Ebola outbreak. Local authorities intervened after health experts warned of potential risks. DR Congo has already altered its training plans due to the epidemic.
Gujarat Titans' Jos Buttler described a frightening safety scare after their IPL final loss. The team bus caught fire due to a short circuit, forcing players and staff to evacuate. This incident compounded their disappointment after falling short against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, adding a bizarre end to their campaign.
Young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's IPL heroics have ignited a debate on his national team prospects. While some advocate for a fast-track, former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar urges caution, emphasizing the difference between T20 success and red-ball cricket. Manjrekar believes Sooryavanshi should chart his own career path, free from undue pressure and public speculation.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured their second consecutive IPL title, defeating Gujarat Titans in the 2026 final. England captain Harry Kane congratulated Virat Kohli and RCB on their historic back-to-back championship wins. Skipper Rajat Patidar also joined an elite list of captains to achieve this feat, crediting Kohli for his support.
Rasikh Salam Dar's rise from a two-year ban and career-threatening injury to becoming a key figure in RCB's title-winning campaign is a story of resilience and belief. Guided by family, shaped by hardship, and driven by an unwavering dream, the Kashmiri pacer has earned redemption.