The Economic Times

Football fever hits Netflix! FIFA is thrilled to announce the release of FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition, set to drop in tandem with the 2026 World Cup kickoff. This new addition to Netflix Games is available for subscribers at no extra charge, designed to amplify fan interaction.

FIFA has reversed its decision, banning reusable water bottles from World Cup stadiums. Fans will now have to purchase bottled water inside venues. FIFA cites safety concerns for players and attendees. The tournament is scheduled for June 11 to July 19, 2026, across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Heat safety plans are being coordinated with local officials.

India's U-18 men's hockey team faces Pakistan in a crucial semifinal. The team aims to improve its penalty corner attack and defense. Meanwhile, the women's team continues its strong performance against China. They have been dominant throughout the tournament. The girls are fit and coordinate well. They will fight hard to secure a place in the final.

Former selector Saba Karim believes Suryakumar Yadav's recent batting struggles might see him out of India's future T20 World Cup plans. Selectors are now looking towards the 2028 T20 World Cup. Rajat Patidar is highlighted as a potential captaincy candidate. Other contenders for leadership include Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan.

Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa reflects on his Candidates Tournament disappointment. He gave his all but missed out on the title. Now, he is a contender at Norway Chess. Praggnanandhaa aims to enjoy chess more and plans a lighter schedule to avoid burnout. He finds strength in his sister Vaishali's success.

Indian boxers are making waves in the latest World Boxing rankings. Jaismine Lamboria leads the women's 57kg category. Priya Ghanghas and Vishvanath Suresh are now in the top three of their divisions. Indian boxers feature prominently across many weight classes. This shows India's growing strength in global boxing.

India is set to create a National Coach Accreditation Board. This body will standardize coaching quality across the nation. Sports science integration is also planned. The Sports Ministry is preparing a roadmap for its implementation. Additionally, over 700 vacant coaching slots in the Sports Authority of India will be filled. A high-altitude training center is also coming up in Shillong.

Iran's national football team is preparing for the World Cup. The players are training in Turkey while facing unique challenges due to the ongoing conflict in their home country. They aim to represent Iran and bring joy to the people through their performance. The team is set to travel to Mexico for the tournament.

India spin great Ravichandran Ashwin is keen to see Harsh Dubey debut against Afghanistan. Dubey's strong domestic and IPL performances make him a contender. Kuldeep Yadav will lead the spin attack, supported by Washington Sundar. Captain Shubman Gill is expected to perform well at home after technical adjustments. Gill's success is crucial for India's Test team future.

The Supreme Court has deemed the Wrestling Federation of India's plea against a Delhi High Court order infructuous. The High Court had allowed wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in selection trials. The Supreme Court stated it was not reiterating the High Court's findings. All issues remain open. Phogat participated in the trials but did not succeed.

Fans attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup will not be allowed to bring reusable water bottles into stadiums. FIFA cited safety concerns for this last-minute change. This decision aligns with existing rules at some venues. Hydration will be available inside stadiums, with pricing consistent with other events. Host cities are implementing measures to manage heat for spectators.

Kuldeep Yadav is set to guide new spinners Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey. He wants to be a partner, not just a mentor. This approach aims to make them comfortable. The focus is on building confidence for the upcoming Test against Afghanistan. Youngsters are prepared through India A tours and domestic matches. Kuldeep emphasizes patience and tactics for Test cricket.

Indian batting star Virat Kohli will miss the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. He is sidelined due to a hamstring injury. The three-match series starts on June 13. Kohli's absence is a blow to the series. Rohit Sharma's availability is also subject to fitness. He was included in the squad after an IPL injury.

Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, and Bosnia & Herzegovina have participated in the World Cup. Canada and Qatar have reached the group stage. Switzerland has made it to the quarterfinals multiple times. Bosnia & Herzegovina also reached the group stage in their previous appearance. These teams are preparing for future tournaments.

Mexico hosts the World Cup aiming to improve on past performances. South Africa returns after a previous hosting stint. Czechia qualified through playoffs. South Korea, a consistent Asian participant, features star player Son Heung-min. These nations are set to compete in the upcoming tournament.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka exited the French Open in a stunning upset. Diana Shnaider defeated Sabalenka to reach the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Flavio Cobolli won his match, guaranteeing an Italian presence in the men's semi-finals. The women's tournament is set for a first-time Grand Slam winner.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America presents a major opportunity for public transport. Operators aim to attract fans to trains and buses, offering an alternative to costly air travel. While some cities are increasing fares, others maintain standard rates. This event is a crucial test for transit systems to prove their reliability and convenience to a global audience.

The Indian men's hockey team secured a dominant 13-1 victory over Chinese Taipei in their final Pool A match. This win propels India into the semifinals of the U-18 Asia Cup 2026. The team showcased strong attacking play throughout the tournament, with their only defeat coming to Japan. India's semifinal opponent will be determined after the Japan versus Kazakhstan match.

FIFA 2026: Iran's football team is set for its final World Cup warm-up match in Turkey. The squad will then depart for their tournament base in Mexico. Their participation in the World Cup has been a concern due to recent events. The team will play their matches in Mexico and the United States.

India's captain Harmanpreet Kaur plans to use warm-up matches before the Women's T20 World Cup. The team will test new player combinations. Radha Yadav and Bharti Fulmali are among those who may get opportunities. India aims to win their maiden T20 World Cup title. The team is preparing to face rivals Pakistan in their opening match at Birmingham.

Harsh Dubey, a new Indian all-rounder, is thrilled about his first national call-up for the Afghanistan series. He anticipates playing alongside legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Dubey also looks forward to observing Shubman Gill's leadership style. This opportunity marks a dream come true for the young cricketer. He aims to focus on his performance game by game.

India's vice-captain Smriti Mandhana identified a lack of dot balls as the reason for their T20I series loss to England. She expressed hope that the team will not repeat this mistake in the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup. Mandhana also highlighted the positive return to form of skipper Harmanpreet Kaur. India's World Cup campaign begins against Pakistan at Birmingham on June 14.

Javokhir Sindarov is preparing for his World Championship clash against D Gukesh. Sindarov sees no clear weaknesses in Gukesh's game. He acknowledges his own lack of experience in the 14-game format. Sindarov is increasing his training workload to achieve his goals. He believes his talent gives him a strong foundation for the match.

India will embark on a significant tour of New Zealand from October 22 to December 1. The series includes five T20 Internationals and five One Day Internationals, followed by two Test matches. This extensive tour marks a historic occasion as both nations celebrate 100 years of sporting ties. Cricket fans can anticipate thrilling contests between the two top teams.

Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa achieved another significant victory against World No. 1, Magnus Carlsen at Norway Chess. This marks his second consecutive win over the world number one in the tournament. Praggnanandhaa's performance strengthens his bid for a historic title. He expressed excitement playing Carlsen, stating it brings out his best. The win places him third in the standings with two rounds remaining.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America will see sons of football legends follow in their fathers' footsteps. Players like Erling Haaland, Luca Zidane, and Giuliano Simeone will carry family legacies and national hopes. This tournament offers a new generation the chance to create their own World Cup stories.

Young Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa secured his second classical victory against world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen at Norway Chess 2026, boosting his title chances. The win put Praggnanandhaa in third place, while Carlsen's title defense faced a significant setback with only two rounds remaining.

Mirra Andreeva reached the French Open semi-finals. She defeated Sorana Cirstea convincingly. Andreeva is now a leading contender for the title. She will face Marta Kostyuk next. The young Russian displayed aggressive play throughout the match. She felt she was in the zone during her quarter-final victory.

Young footballers are now getting a chance at professional careers thanks to artificial intelligence. Apps allow players to upload videos of their skills. AI analyzes these videos and sends the data to scouts. This technology is helping players like Leo Veiga from Brazil get noticed by Italian clubs. It is also boosting women's football recruitment.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru celebrated their Indian Premier League 2026 victory. Virat Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar shared a dance moment at the party. Kohli also reflected on the team's achievement of winning back-to-back titles. The team secured a five-wicket win against Gujarat Titans in the final. This win places RCB among elite clubs with consecutive IPL championships.

Cricket Canada's membership has been suspended by the ICC. This decision stems from serious breaches in governance and financial obligations. However, Canadian national teams will still be allowed to compete in ICC events. Cricket Canada acknowledges the ruling and is implementing corrective measures. The ICC will set conditions for reinstatement. This follows an ICC investigation into corruption allegations.

England's football team is preparing for the FIFA World Cup in Florida. Coach Thomas Tuchel and captain Harry Kane are aiming to win the tournament and secure a second star on their shirt. The squad is focused on unity and collective ambition. Key players are joining the team after club commitments. Their first match is against Croatia on June 17.

The Indian women's cricket team is ready for the T20 World Cup in England. Former captain Anjum Chopra states the team is no longer unfamiliar with English conditions. India begins its campaign against Pakistan. The return of Yastika Bhatia is a significant boost. Chopra suggests flexibility in the batting order.

India's young chess stars D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa delivered strong performances in Round 7 of Norway Chess. Gukesh won his Armageddon tie-break, while Praggnanandhaa secured a classical victory. Divya Deshmukh also bounced back with a win. These results keep India's challenge alive as the tournament heads into its final rounds.

RCB Tim David Ban: Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL 2026 triumph is overshadowed by Tim David's one-match suspension for next season. He received two demerit points for aggressively throwing an ice bag at umpire Nitin Menon during the final, bringing his season total to five. This violation of the Code of Conduct means David will miss the opening match of IPL 2027.

The spotlight shines brightly on young cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who is rapidly becoming a sought-after name in the sports world. Corporations are eager to collaborate with him, recognizing the potential for lucrative endorsements. His outstanding gameplay has significantly increased his worth, reaching over one crore rupees per agreement.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured their second consecutive Indian Premier League title. Virat Kohli's exceptional batting performance was a key factor in their victory. The tournament saw numerous team and individual records broken, including the highest team total chase and the most sixes hit in a season. Young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also set a new record for individual sixes.

India's U-18 men's hockey team secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Korea in the U-18 Asia Cup. Captain Ketan Kushwaha scored twice, with Varinder Singh and Shahrukh Ali also finding the net. This win places India level on points with Korea and Japan in Pool A. India's next match is against Chinese Taipei.

Germany seeks to overcome past World Cup disappointments. Coach Julian Nagelsmann has recalled veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. The team faces a new challenge with a blend of experience and youth. Germany's focus is on advancing from the group stage and competing against top rivals. The squad's performance will be closely watched.

Zee Entertainment Enterprises has secured media rights for FIFA events in India until 2034. This includes the FIFA World Cup 2026 and 2030, and the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027. Zee will broadcast 39 global football events across its television and digital platforms. This move strengthens Zee's sports broadcasting portfolio and aims to grow subscriber and advertising revenues.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured their second IPL title consecutively. Coach Andy Flower is credited with this success. He transformed the team by focusing on structure and cohesion. Flower's approach has instilled confidence in both seasoned players and new talents. This cultural shift has been key to RCB's recent triumphs.

Gujarat Titans players and staff faced an unexpected evacuation after their team bus experienced a short circuit. This incident occurred on Sunday night following their IPL final loss. No injuries were reported. The team was stranded for about an hour before alternative transport was arranged.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi achieved a historic feat at the IPL 2026 awards. The 15-year-old won MVP, Emerging Player, Super Striker, Orange Cap, and Super Sixes. He scored 776 runs with a strike rate of 237.30. Royal Challengers Bangalore also won the IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans.

Phil Salt and Venkatesh Iyer have achieved an unprecedented feat in the IPL. They have won three consecutive titles. Their journey began with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024. They then moved to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. They secured titles in 2025 and 2026. This remarkable streak highlights their impact on championship-winning teams. They are now considered IPL's lucky charms.

Rajasthan Royals' Vaibhav Sooryavanshi dominated IPL 2026, clinching the Orange Cap with 776 runs and a record-breaking 36-ball century. Gujarat Titans' Kagiso Rabada secured the Purple Cap with 29 wickets. Sai Sudharsan impressed with 8 fifties, while KL Rahul hit the highest individual score of 152. Mohsin Khan delivered a stellar 5/23.

The collapse of GT's top three of skipper Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler led to their fall, and it was a fifty from Washington Sundar which took GT to 155/8 at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became the youngest Orange Cap winner in IPL 2026. The 15-year-old scored 776 runs, including a record 72 sixes. He also became the fastest Indian to reach 1,000 IPL runs. Despite his team not reaching the final, Sooryavanshi was a major talking point. His explosive batting nearly broke another record for the fastest century.

During the trials, the 53 kg division attracted a lot of eyeballs and emerged as the biggest highlight of the day as Meenakshi defeated Vinesh 6-4 in the semifinals in the biggest upset of the day, but later Antim Panghal edged past Meenakshi 3-2 in the final.

Ruturaj Gaikwad joins the India A squad for the upcoming tri-series in Sri Lanka. He steps in for Riyan Parag, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. The series features India A, Sri Lanka A, and Afghanistan A. Parag's rehabilitation will be managed by the BCCI. The tournament commences on June 9.