A leaked letter from FIFA president Gianni Infantino congratulating Argentina on their 2026 World Cup runners-up finish has sparked controversy after praising the team's professionalism despite an ongoing FIFA disciplinary investigation into post-final clashes with Spain. The correspondence has drawn scrutiny over FIFA's handling of the incidents, with critics questioning the timing and tone of the private message.from Sports News: Cricket Live Scorecard, Latest Cricket News, Football, NBA, NFL, WWE, NHL, MLB News & More https://ift.tt/TixEwUJ
Mirabai Chanu aims for a third Commonwealth Games title in Glasgow. Five weightlifters from Manipur represent India, showcasing the state's sporting prowess. Veteran coach S Brojendro Singh nurtured these athletes from their beginnings. Nirupama Devi and Martina Devi are also strong medal contenders for India. The team completed its final preparations for the upcoming competition.
Jhandu Kumar opened India's medal account by winning bronze in the men's heavyweight para powerlifting event.
Ferran Torres delivered Spain's World Cup-winning goal, but his funniest post-tournament moment came during a royal reception when Princess Leonor reminded him of a pre-tournament promise to shave his head if Spain lifted the trophy. The Barcelona forward laughed off the question, while several other Spain stars still face unusual challenges after their historic triumph.
A petition demanding a replay of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina has surpassed 88,000 signatures, with some Argentina supporters alleging controversial refereeing decisions influenced the result. FIFA has received no evidence requiring action, while Spain's extra-time victory remains unchanged after a dominant performance and Ferran Torres' decisive winner.
FIFA has unveiled the official 2026 World Cup Dream XI following a global fan vote, recognising the tournament's standout performers. World champions Spain lead the selection with three players, while France and Argentina also feature prominently. Jude Bellingham represents England after a record-breaking campaign, while Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha earns a surprise spot after becoming one of the tournament's biggest breakout stars.
Tapan Mohanty and Tapeshwarnath Das both took up gymnastics at a young age after joining the State Sports Hostel in the coastal town. Pursuing a sport that still lacks widespread popularity in India was never easy, but they kept their heads down, trusted the process and are now among the four Indian men's gymnasts set to compete at the Commonwealth Games.
Ben Stokes scored an unbeaten 108 for Durham in his first match after retiring from international cricket. He guided his team to a five-wicket victory over Derbyshire in the One-Day Cup. Stokes battled cramp throughout his match-winning innings, staying until the end. Earlier, Derbyshire posted 256/9, with Martin Andersson scoring 112 runs. Stokes recently announced his retirement from all international formats of the game.
Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned Kuldeep Yadav's continued absence from India's team. The spinner was overlooked for the entire ODI series against England. Ashwin believes the team management has lost faith in the left-arm wrist spinner. He suggested Kuldeep should stop waiting for opportunities that may not come. Kuldeep's lack of game time has sparked significant debate among cricket followers.
Fresh footage shows Lionel Messi urging Argentina to forget everything before the World Cup final. The team delivered a subdued performance and ultimately lost the match to Spain. Messi's repeated message has fueled speculation among fans and observers. Coach Lionel Scaloni also hinted at pre-match issues without elaboration. The viral videos continue to deepen the mystery surrounding the team's mindset.
Marc Cucurella’s unusual act of burying a coin in the pitch before Spain’s World Cup final has been explained as a lucky ritual dating back to the nation’s 2010 triumph. Former defender Joan Capdevila revealed he asked Cucurella to continue the superstition, with Spain again lifting the trophy after a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina.
Donald Trump reportedly repeated the same congratulatory message to every Spain and Argentina player during the FIFA World Cup 2026 medal ceremony, according to a professional lip reader. The US President allegedly told each player, “You are a champ” and “Amazing player” while presenting medals following Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the final.
United States President Donald Trump attended the FIFA World Cup 2026 final match. He arrived via Marine One and sat with FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Trump expressed his belief that the tournament solidified America as a football nation. He also publicly urged FIFA to consider another World Cup bid for the United States. The president declined to predict the final match outcome.
Lamine Yamal achieved a historic football milestone before the World Cup final. He became the first teenager to play in both a Euro and a World Cup final. Yamal was instrumental in Spain's journey to the championship match. The young player's performance has been a key factor for his team. Spain faced Argentina in the title clash for the coveted trophy.
Stephen Constantine believes Lionel Messi is not football's greatest player ever. He ranks Pelé, Maradona, and Ronaldinho above the Argentine star. Constantine suggests Argentina's tactics help Messi conserve energy during matches. He predicts Spain will defeat Argentina in the World Cup final. The former India coach highlights Spain's collective work ethic as key.
Spain legend Joan Capdevila says he has been denied permission to enter the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final and has appealed directly to Donald Trump for help. The 2010 World Cup winner had hoped to watch Spain face Argentina alongside his former teammates, but claims his ESTA application was rejected, leaving his travel plans in doubt.
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.
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.
Indian captain Shubman Gill advocates for the 50-over format's preservation. He suggests reviving triangular or quadrangular series to enhance engagement. Gill also congratulated the women's team on their historic Test victory. He is planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup with Virat Kohli. Jasprit Bumrah's return to the ODI squad is welcomed by Gill.
Jannik Sinner secured his second consecutive Wimbledon title after defeating Alexander Zverev in the final. Zverev humorously acknowledged his losing streak against Sinner during the trophy ceremony. Sinner's victory marked his fifth Grand Slam title and a strong comeback performance. Despite his loss, Zverev will ascend to world number two in the rankings. Carlos Alcaraz dropped in rankings due to injury absence from tournaments.
Teenage Indian cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi attended the Wimbledon men's singles final. He watched Jannik Sinner win his second Wimbledon title against Alexander Zverev. Sooryavanshi, who recently debuted for India, was dressed formally for the occasion. He admitted his outfit was arranged quickly in the last minute. Several other Indian cricketers were also present at the prestigious event.
India secured a significant first-innings lead after bowling England out for 170. Kranti Gaud delivered a career-defining spell, taking six wickets for the visitors. Smriti Mandhana then anchored India's second innings with an unbeaten 69. Shafali Verma provided solid support, adding 88 runs for the opening wicket. India holds a commanding 269-run advantage heading into the final day.
England’s FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Norway will make history with Ellie Goulding performing at half-time, marking the tournament’s first official Super Bowl-style musical show during a knockout match. The performance reflects FIFA’s push toward American-style sports entertainment, adding a new spectacle to one of the World Cup’s biggest fixtures before attention returns to the football.
India posted 285 runs on the opening day of the historic women's Test match. Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Deepti Sharma scored half-centuries for the visitors. England's spinners took wickets, causing a late Indian collapse before stumps. The hosts then lost an early wicket, finishing the day at 21/1. The match remains finely balanced heading into the second day.
France booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals with a commanding 2-0 win over Morocco, powered by second-half goals from Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. Despite Yassine Bounou’s penalty save and several crucial stops, Morocco could not withstand France’s relentless pressure. Les Bleus now head to Dallas, where they will face either Spain or Belgium in the semifinals.
Kylian Mbappe became the youngest player to reach twenty World Cup appearances. He achieved this milestone at twenty-seven years and two hundred one days old. Mbappe made his World Cup debut in 2018, helping France win the trophy. He also won the Golden Boot in Qatar 2022 with eight goals. Mbappe continues to break records and chase Messi's appearance total.
England secured a dominant nine-wicket victory over India in the fourth T20I match. This emphatic win sealed the five-match series for England with an unassailable 3-0 lead. Captain Harry Brook and opener Phil Salt led the successful chase with a strong partnership. Shreyas Iyer's unbeaten 80 was the lone highlight for the Indian batting lineup. The hosts achieved the target with 37 balls remaining in the contest.
Young Indian tennis player Arnav Paparkar reached the Wimbledon boys' singles quarterfinals. He became the first Indian in 36 years to achieve this prestigious feat. Paparkar defeated Japan's Ryo Tabata in a dominant performance on Wednesday. This historic achievement places him among elite Indian tennis players. He will now face American qualifier Jordan Lee in the next round.
India's Pratika Rawal is out of the Lord's Test with a knee injury. Priya Punia has been named as her replacement for the upcoming match. Rawal sustained the injury during a recent India A one-day match. Punia earned her call-up after scoring 171 runs against England A. The one-off Test against England begins on Friday at Lord's.
Lionel Messi has officially surpassed Diego Maradona to become the holder of the World Cup assist record. This landmark achievement occurred during Argentina's thrilling comeback against Egypt, where Messi not only registered a vital assist but also scored a pivotal goal. His continual excellence on the world stage enhances his legend in the football realm, adding yet another accolade to his already impressive World Cup legacy.
Argentina staged one of the greatest comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring three goals in the final 11 minutes to beat Egypt 3-2 and reach the quarter-finals. After falling 2-0 behind and seeing Lionel Messi miss a penalty, late strikes from Cristian Romero, Messi and Enzo Fernández completed a remarkable turnaround to keep the champions' title defence alive.
Zlatan Ibrahimović has sparked backlash after backing FIFA’s controversial decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s World Cup ban, allowing the USA striker to face Belgium. While Thierry Henry agreed the red card was harsh, he questioned the timing of FIFA’s ruling. Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Ian Wright condemned the decision, with Belgium also considering legal action.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has reportedly emerged as an Inter Miami target after starring at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 40-year-old free agent impressed with a series of standout performances, including against Lionel Messi's Argentina, attracting interest from David Beckham's MLS club as well as Brazilian sides. A move would see him become Messi's teammate just weeks after facing him.
Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the final World Cup of his legendary career, saying he will retire from football’s biggest stage “with a clear conscience” after giving everything for Portugal. The 41-year-old made the announcement ahead of Portugal’s Round of 16 clash with Spain, insisting his focus remains on extending his farewell by reaching the quarter-finals.