The Economic Times

Despite being an unheralded qualifier, Poland's Maja Chwalinska has reached the French Open women's final, showcasing a game of variety and touch. She faces overwhelming favorite Mirra Andreeva, a teenage prodigy who has dominated her opponents. Chwalinska's improbable run offers a stark contrast to Andreeva's power-based game.

Analysts said U.S. hotel operators Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt as well as online travel platforms Airbnb, Booking Holdings and Expedia are poised to benefit from the event. Marriott sees the World Cup-driven momentum to continue in the third quarter. Airbnb expects hosts in the New York-New Jersey area, Boston and Los Angeles to earn the most during the tournament.

Germany faces scrutiny over defensive frailties despite offensive talent like Florian Wirtz. Meanwhile, Ecuador, led by Moises Caicedo, aims to advance past the group stage for the first time in two decades. The Netherlands, seeking their first World Cup title, rely on Premier League stars, while Japan aims for a third consecutive knockout stage appearance.

Amidst the excitement leading up to the World Cup, FIFA has encountered a snag: about 60 tickets that were mistakenly given away for free have now been cancelled due to a website malfunction. The fans who were delighted to snag a free pass are being notified to settle the correct fees.

India's U18 Men's Hockey Team secured a thrilling 5-3 victory over Pakistan in the U18 Men's Asia Cup semi-final. Trailing until the final quarter, India mounted a strong comeback with exceptional attacking play. Ashish Tani Purti was instrumental, scoring four goals to lead India to the final. They will now face Japan for the championship title.

Football clubs worldwide will receive substantial payments from FIFA for players selected for the upcoming World Cup. A fund of $355 million is allocated. Clubs also earn for players in qualifying matches. Manchester City leads with the most players. Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and Arsenal are also set for significant payouts. This initiative began in 2010.

India vs Afghanistan Playing 11: India aims to solidify their Test combination against Afghanistan in a one-off Test, seeking to avoid past home series stumbles. Despite Afghanistan's limited Test experience since their 2018 debut against India, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi hopes for a stronger performance against a more seasoned Indian squad.

Soccer fans will be drinking alcohol during the FIFA World Cup games. Experts warn that mixing alcohol with extreme heat carries risks. Excessive drinking combined with heat can lead to dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Staying hydrated and drinking in moderation are advised for fans enjoying the games in hot weather.

The World Cup is coming to the U.S. and fans in the San Francisco Bay Area anticipate increased interest in local soccer. Oakland Roots and San Francisco City are poised to benefit from the global event. The tournament is expected to highlight the diverse soccer culture and community-driven clubs in the region.

The FIFA 2026 World Cup is set to begin soon. However, the tournament is facing significant controversy. Ticket prices have reached unprecedented levels. Host cities are concerned about covering costs. FIFA is expected to earn billions, while cities rely on tourist spending to recoup expenses. This financial model raises questions about potential losses for host locations.

India is set to face Bangladesh in the SAFF Women's Championships final. The Indian team is the favorite, aiming for a record sixth title. They have an unbeaten run and a strong goal record. India previously defeated Bangladesh in the group stage. The team seeks to reclaim the title after missing the finals in the last two editions.

15-year old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is set to join India's T20 squad. Selectors are considering dropping captain Suryakumar Yadav. Sooryavanshi impressed in the IPL. The team faces upcoming T20 matches in Ireland and England. A leadership change is anticipated for the T20 team. Shreyas Iyer is also a contender for captaincy.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir believes Sai Sudharsan deserves a fair chance at number three. He indicated Sudharsan will be preferred over Devdutt Padikkal for the upcoming Test against Afghanistan. Gambhir also revealed plans to select four spinners for the Sri Lanka tour in August. The team aims to improve Test preparations.

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa is in contention for the Norway Chess title. He secured a crucial classical victory over compatriot D Gukesh. This win places him just half a point behind leader Wesley So of the USA. The final round promises an exciting battle for the championship. Alireza Firouzja representing France is also in the running.

Indian-origin golfer Aaron Rai is tied 33rd after a first round of 73 at the Memorial Tournament. Conditions were tough with few players breaking par. Akshay Bhatia and Sahith Theegala also competed. Wyndham Clark, JJ Spaun, Tommy Fleetwood, and Ryan Gerard lead the field. Rory McIlroy is tied 13th.

Shreyas Iyer will lead India in T20s against Ireland and England. He will also captain the squad for the Asian Games in Japan. Suryakumar Yadav is dropped due to poor form. Tilak Varma is expected to be vice-captain. Young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may debut. Bhuvneshwar Kumar's recall is also a possibility for the UK tour.

Formula 1 has secured the Las Vegas Grand Prix for an additional ten years. The popular race will continue on the Las Vegas Strip Circuit until 2037. This extension highlights the event's success since its 2023 debut. It has quickly become a major attraction for racing, entertainment, and global figures.

Former captain Diana Edulji believes openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma must find form quickly for India's T20 World Cup campaign. She stresses that T20 cricket is unpredictable and any team can win on the day. Edulji also anticipates an easy win against Pakistan and calls the Lord's Test a landmark moment for women's cricket.

In a gripping standalone Test in Mullanpur, India faces off against Afghanistan, marking a pivotal moment for the Indian squad as they seek to finalize their team balance. With a focus on selecting a new number three batsman and finding a worthy replacement for Ravindra Jadeja, the stakes are high.

Japan's World Cup team has moved its training base in Monterrey. The original site had an uneven pitch. The team will now train at El Barrial. This change comes ahead of their World Cup matches. Japan plays its first game on June 14. The team's main training camp is in Nashville, Tennessee.

Virat Kohli's place in the 2027 ODI World Cup squad is assured. His fitness and consistent scoring have convinced selectors. Rohit Sharma faces a challenge, though. He must demonstrate improved fitness and batting form to be considered for the future. Rishabh Pant has had opportunities but needs to perform better in white-ball cricket.

Argentina, seeking back-to-back World Cup titles, faces fitness concerns for key players, including Lionel Messi, ahead of the 2026 tournament. Messi, nearing retirement from international soccer, aims to cap his career with another championship, a feat not achieved since Brazil in 1962.

Brazil eyes redemption in Group C, seeking their first World Cup since 2002, while Morocco aims to build on their historic fourth-place finish. Haiti makes a rare appearance after 1974, and Scotland returns after a long absence. Group D features the USA, Turkey, Australia, and Paraguay, all vying for advancement in a competitive bracket.

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.