The Economic Times

England's World Cup preparations have been hit by a theft. Training equipment was stolen from a vehicle arriving in Kansas City. Balls and boots are among the missing items. Police have taken two individuals into custody. This incident could impact England's readiness for their opening match against Croatia.

India's top badminton stars PV Sindhu and the men's doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will lead the Indian contingent at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Lakshya Sen, HS Prannoy, and Kidambi Srikanth are also set to compete. The squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talent.

The Women's T20 World Cup is set to be a major sporting event. ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta believes it can thrive alongside the men's football World Cup. Ticket sales have already broken records, indicating strong public interest. Projections suggest attendance could reach 300,000. This tournament is poised to be one of the biggest women's sporting events ever.

The BCCI will not mediate player availability for the IPL, leaving it to franchises and players. Concerns over overseas stars pulling out due to injuries or national duty persist. Meanwhile, the board plans a gradual auction purse increase and eyes an early March start for the IPL post-2027 to accommodate more games, considering global cricket schedules and viewer fatigue.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Brazil vs Morocco India match timing date: Brazil will begin their quest for a record-extending sixth World Cup title when they face Morocco in a crucial Group C clash at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The match is scheduled to kick off at 3:30 AM IST on June 14.

Ski Snowboard India has been disaffiliated by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS). The Bhartiya Ski and Snowboard Association (BSSA) has now been granted full membership as India's recognized national federation. This decision resolves a four-year dispute, paving the way for structured development and greater international opportunities for winter sports in India, according to Olympian Arif Khan.

FIFA World Cup 2026: A model that accurately picked the last three FIFA World Cup champions forecasts a massive upset for Brazil in 2026. The five-time winners are predicted to be eliminated by Japan in the Round of 32. This shocking prediction challenges conventional wisdom about South American teams. The expanded tournament format increases the potential for unexpected results.

Chris Richards, the defender for the United States, etched his name in history with a flawless passing display during the FIFA World Cup 2026's opening match. The U.S. team triumphed with a resounding 4-1 victory against Paraguay, driven by a stellar two-goal contribution from Folarin Balogun and a standout performance from Christian Pulisic, who exited early for safety reasons.

Brazil, aiming for a record sixth World Cup title under Carlo Ancelotti, faces Morocco in their opener. Despite a long title drought since 2002, the Selecao are determined to reclaim their top spot. Morocco, the first African nation to reach the World Cup semis, enters the match with confidence, acknowledging Brazil's enduring passion and quality.

Cristiano Ronaldo stresses Portugal's focus on a strong World Cup start. The team aims for good results in early matches to secure the group's top spot. Ronaldo believes progression will be step by step. He highlights the importance of a solid beginning for their quest for a first World Cup title. The squad is prepared and hopeful for the tournament.

The United States launched their home World Cup in emphatic fashion Friday, defeating Paraguay 4-1 with a perfectly scripted opening performance to delight a star-studded home crowd in Los Angeles. France-based striker Folarin Balogun scored twice while relentless US pressure led to an early Paraguay own goal from Damian Bobadilla before Gio Reyna added a classy fourth with the last kick of the match. rcw/gj

Brazil's star forward Neymar will miss the opening FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Morocco due to a calf injury. Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Neymar is working towards a return for subsequent group games against Haiti and Scotland. Brazil, ranked sixth, faces eighth-ranked Morocco in a highly anticipated fixture.

Co-hosts Canada grabbed a second-half equalizer to draw 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto on Friday, earning their first-ever point at a World Cup. Cyle Larin levelled for the home team in the 78th minute after Jovo Lukic put Bosnia ahead midway through the first half in the first World Cup finals game played on Canadian soil.

Brazil and Morocco will clash in a key FIFA World Cup 2026 match. Brazil, aiming for a record sixth title, faces Morocco, who made history by reaching the 2022 semi-finals. This Group C encounter promises excitement. Fans in India can watch the game on ZEE5. The match is set for June 14.

President Donald Trump will miss the United States' World Cup opening match. His schedule is tight, requiring him to be in Washington D.C. for the UFC Freedom 250 event. This is not unprecedented for a host nation's leader. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead the U.S. delegation. Andrew Giuliani suggested Trump may engage more with the World Cup later.

Canada begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto on Friday, in the first men's World Cup match to be played on Canadian soil. Jesse Marsch's unbeaten side are chasing their first-ever World Cup points, while Bosnia, led by veteran captain Edin Deko, aim to build on their surprise qualification. The Group B clash could prove crucial in the race for the knockout stages.

New Zealand cricketer Kane Williamson has retired from international cricket. The announcement came on Friday, ending a 16-year career. Williamson stated the decision was made after careful consideration. He led New Zealand to two World Cup finals and the World Test Championship title. He was a pivotal player for the team.

Dale Steyn has predicted that 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will surpass Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli in achievements. Steyn highlighted Sooryavanshi's exceptional ball-striking and urged careful management of the young talent to prevent burnout. He also discussed bowlers' challenges and the judicious use of variations in T20 cricket.

The Global Chess League is set for its fourth season in Bengaluru starting September 3. This edition will feature top global players in a team-based format. The league, a collaboration between Tech Mahindra and FIDE, has previously introduced innovations like franchise teams and mixed-gender lineups. India's chess prowess is highlighted as Bengaluru hosts this exciting event.

Indian shooting lost a legend with the passing of Jaspal Rana at 49. He was a trailblazing marksman and a dedicated coach. Rana inspired a generation and helped elevate shooting's profile in India. His influence extended to nurturing young talent and advocating for his athletes. His contributions shaped Indian shooting for years to come.

Mexico secured a 2-0 victory in their World Cup opener against South Africa. The United States and Canada are set to play their first matches today. Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored for Mexico. South Korea also won, with a 2-1 against Czech republic. Fans can watch all games on Fox or Telemundo.

Empty seats at a World Cup match in Guadalajara have sparked debate. Fans blame high ticket prices for the low attendance. FIFA defends its pricing, stating millions of tickets have been sold. However, fan groups argue prices have significantly increased, potentially excluding ordinary supporters from the tournament.

West Indies secured a seven-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in the first Twenty20 match. Rovman Powell hit the winning six in the final over. Shai Hope remained unbeaten with 65 runs. Earlier, Kamindu Mendis scored 51 for Sri Lanka. Jason Holder and Shamar Joseph took three wickets each for the West Indies.

Jaspal Rana Death News: India mourns the loss of Jaspal Rana, a legendary shooter and coach. Rana, a former Asian Games gold medallist, passed away at 49. He was a pioneer in Indian pistol shooting and mentored many elite athletes. His contributions significantly shaped India's success in the sport. Rana received prestigious awards for his achievements.

South Korea secured a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in their World Cup opener, with substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu scoring the late winner. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, the Koreans were initially punished by a Czech goal. Hwang In-beom equalized before assisting Oh's decisive strike.

Mexico began their World Cup campaign with a strong 2-0 victory over South Africa. Julian Quinones scored the tournament's first goal, followed by a header from Raul Jimenez. South Africa faced a tough match, ending with nine players after two red cards. The co-hosts' performance at the iconic Estadio Azteca signals a promising start to their tournament bid.

Mohammed Siraj's withdrawal from T20I squads, despite reduced white-ball appearances, highlights his crucial role in India's Test side. He has emerged as the world's most heavily used fast bowler since January 2023, carrying a significant workload, particularly in Tests, to preserve Jasprit Bumrah. This move acknowledges India's need to manage his extensive bowling load ahead of a packed international schedule.

English cricket faces turmoil as captain Ben Stokes is dropped. He broke a team curfew after a victory. This incident follows a difficult Ashes tour. The team was already under scrutiny for player conduct. Joe Root takes over as interim captain. The situation raises questions about Stokes' future in the game.

Mexico kicks off the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup against South Africa in a rematch of the 2010 opener. El Tri, playing at home, are favored to secure a victory. Key players like Raul Jimenez and Edson Alvarez will lead Mexico's charge, while South Africa relies on Ronwen Williams and Lyle Foster to cause an upset.

Wimbledon has unveiled a record prize money fund of over 64 million pounds for this year's tournament. This represents a significant 20% increase, the largest ever for the event. Singles champions will now receive 3.6 million pounds. This move acknowledges player demands for a larger share of Grand Slam revenue.

Nikhil Chaudhary, an Indian-born all-rounder, has been selected for Australia's T20 squad. He will play against Bangladesh in an upcoming series. Chaudhary holds permanent residency in Australia. His selection marks a significant moment in Australian cricket history. He previously played in the IPL and BBL. The panel noted his impressive BBL form. Chaudhary will gain valuable international experience.

The ICC T20 Women's World Cup kicks off in Birmingham. India, England, and South Africa are poised to challenge Australia's strong record. This tournament is the most open yet, featuring 12 teams. Exciting young talent is emerging across all participating nations. India aims to hold both 50-over and T20 World Cups simultaneously. Underdogs could surprise.

The World Cup kicks off Thursday with record-high ticket prices across stadiums in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the costs, citing the North American market. While many games are sold out, seats remain for most matches, including some in higher-priced categories. Cheaper options are emerging on resale markets as the tournament approaches.

India and Dubai maintain their top spot in the ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings. However, their lead over New Zealand has decreased. India's points have slightly dropped, while New Zealand has gained. Australia remains third. South Africa has moved up to fourth place, surpassing Pakistan. Other teams have also seen shifts in their rankings.

The FIFA World Cup is a global spectacle that transcends borders and even current global challenges. Despite predicted issues and high costs, the tournament promises unforgettable football moments. Fans will wake up early to witness potential magic from emerging stars and established players. This event consistently delivers the unexpected, making it the ultimate sporting celebration.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is poised to be a farewell stage for football legends like Messi and Ronaldo, potentially marking their sixth appearances. Veteran stars such as Modric, Ochoa, Neymar, and Salah also face a final opportunity to cement their legacies on the international scene.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino will address the media before the 2026 World Cup. Concerns linger over high ticket prices and United States immigration policies. Somali referee, Omar Artan was denied entry. Protests are also anticipated in Mexico City with the potential to disrupt the games. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi showed good form in Argentina's warm-up match.

Pakistan Cricket Board officials will meet this weekend to decide the fate of Test captain Shan Masood and head coach Sarfaraz Khan. Following a poor performance in Bangladesh, their positions are under review. Salman Ali Agha is being considered for the captaincy. Younis Khan and Mohammad Hafeez are potential candidates for the head coach role.

Sukhbir Singh Brar, a Punjab Police ASI, supported his son Gurnoor's cricket dreams. Gurnoor, a tall pacer, has been selected for India's Test and ODI squads. His father recounts Gurnoor's late start in cricket and his dedication. Gurnoor's impressive performances led to his national call-up. His father expresses immense pride in his son's achievements and grounded nature.

Harry Brook has reclaimed the top spot in the ICC Men's Test batting rankings. He replaced teammate Joe Root after a strong performance. Travis Head is now second, and Joe Root has slipped to third. Shubman Gill and Ben Duckett also made significant gains. In bowling, Gus Atkinson reached tenth place. Pakistan's Abrar Ahmed is now second in ODI bowlers.

Jemimah Rodrigues revealed Sachin Tendulkar's call helped her refocus for the Women's ODI World Cup final after a career-best knock. Tendulkar reminded her the job wasn't done, urging her to start fresh. Shafali Verma also drew motivation from her father's voice note, which fueled her match-winning performance in the final.

Iraq faced a 2-0 defeat against Venezuela in their last World Cup warm-up match. Venezuela scored twice to secure the win. Iraq will now prepare for their World Cup finals return after 40 years. In another friendly, Saudi Arabia played a goalless draw with 10-man Senegal. Both teams are gearing up for their tournament openers.

As anticipation builds for the Asian Games 2026, cricket fans around the world are eager to see the squads announced by Pakistan and India. Sahibzada Farhan steps up as Pakistans captain, ready to strategize his team's approach, while Shreyas Iyer will lead the Indian side with flair.

Hardik Pandya will miss the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan due to an injury. He was declared fit earlier but experienced issues after his final session. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli also face fitness concerns. Yashasvi Jaiswal has been included in the squad as a replacement for Kohli. The series begins on June 13.

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt wants her team to improve their plans. They lost a warm-up match to New Zealand. Now they face Australia in the Women's T20 World Cup. Wolvaardt believes this loss is a wake-up call. They need strong strategies for the Australia game. Chloe Tryon's strong batting performance is a positive sign for the team.

Security is heightened for the World Cup with a strict no-drone policy over stadiums. Law enforcement has new powers to disable or shoot down drones. The FBI is treating all drones as potential threats. Early detection is key, but some advanced tactics could bypass defenses. The government is investing in technology to counter this evolving threat.

India A narrowly defeated Sri Lanka A by eight runs in their tri-series opener. Ruturaj Gaikwad scored a century for India A. Sri Lanka A faltered in the final overs despite a strong chase. The match saw Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's debut for India A. India A will next face Afghanistan A.