The Economic Times

Spain defeated Uruguay 1-0 to finish top of Group H and qualify for the FIFA World Cup knockout stage, with Alex Baena scoring the decisive goal. The 24-year-old Atletico Madrid winger netted his first World Cup goal, continuing his rise after spells with Villarreal and Girona. The defeat knocked Uruguay out of the tournament.

Cape Verde's incredible World Cup debut continues as they secured a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia, propelling them into the knockout stages. This historic achievement, fueled by three group stage draws, sets them up for a monumental clash against Lionel Messi's Argentina. The island nation is one of the smallest ever to compete.

Spain secured a 1-0 victory over Uruguay, thanks to another goalkeeping error from Fernando Muslera, to advance to the World Cup knockout stage. This loss sends the two-time champions home without a win.

Senegal kept their World Cup dreams alive with a commanding 5-0 victory over 10-man Iraq, who are now eliminated. The dominant performance saw goals from Abdoulaye Seck, Ismaila Sarr, Pape Gueye (two), and Iliman Ndiaye. Despite Iraq's early red card, Senegal secured a crucial win, now awaiting Saturday's results to determine their progression to the knockout stage.

Ousmane Dembele dazzled with a stunning first-half hat-trick, leading France to a decisive 4-1 victory over a reserve Norway team in World Cup Group I. This triumph, dedicated to manager Didier Deschamps, elevates France into the Round of 32 with great momentum. Meanwhile, Norway, already qualified, opted for a lighter lineup, resting key stars like Haaland and Odegaard ahead of the knockout rounds.

Ireland etched their name in history by securing their maiden victory against India in any format, triumphing by 34 runs in the first T20I. Lorcan Tucker's half-century and Gareth Delany's brisk 49 propelled Ireland to 182. India's chase faltered under a disciplined bowling effort, succumbing to 148 all out, despite Abhishek Sharma's 49.

Brazil has formally protested to FIFA after a Vinicius Jr. goal was disallowed in their World Cup win against Scotland. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is also seeking the removal of referee Cesar Ramos from their future matches, citing a history of perceived unfair decisions. The CBF argues the VAR intervention was inconsistent and not a 'clear and obvious' error, questioning the tournament's officiating standards.

Ecuador stunned Germany 2-1 in a dramatic World Cup clash, securing a spot in the round of 32. Despite conceding an early goal, Nilson Angulo equalized before Gonzalo Plata netted the winner in the 77th minute. This historic victory marks Ecuador's second-ever progression from a World Cup group stage, showcasing their resilience and impressive form.

Shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor has overcome food poisoning and injury setbacks to qualify for the 2026 Commonwealth Games with a 20. 72m throw. The Asian Games champion, who has shed 15kg, is now targeting the elusive 22-metre barrier and reclaiming the Asian record. Toor aims to inspire younger athletes and elevate Indian shot put's benchmark.

The FIFA World Cup knockout stage is shaping up, with co-hosts USA facing Bosnia-Herzegovina and Canada meeting South Africa. Other key clashes include Morocco vs. Netherlands and Japan vs. Brazil. Many teams have advanced but await their opponents, with the full Round of 32 to be confirmed after final group matches. This win-or-go-home phase promises intense competition.

Over 100 women cricketers are now protected from online abuse through the ICC Player Protection Programme, powered by AI. During the T20 World Cup, nearly 60,000 harmful comments were removed, with repeat offenders facing restrictions. Players like Radha Yadav and Amy Jones highlight the program's importance in combating social media toxicity and safeguarding athlete well-being, allowing them to engage with fans more confidently.

Tennis legend Serena Williams is set to make a sensational return to Wimbledon after a four-year hiatus, instantly becoming the focal point of the women's singles draw. Despite a decade since her last Wimbledon title, her comeback, fueled by rigorous training and a reported weight loss, promises to captivate audiences.

Young Indian shuttler Rounak Chouhan stunned world number six Chou Tien Chen at the US Open, winning in straight games. The 18-year-old's impressive performance secured his quarterfinal spot. Meanwhile, Tanvi Sharma, Rakshitha Sree, and Devika Sihag also advanced in the women's singles, with Kidambi Srikanth completing a successful day for India by defeating Lee Zii Jia.

Japan secured a spot in the World Cup knockout stage with a 1-1 draw against Sweden, thanks to Daizen Maeda's early goal. This marks Japan's third consecutive advancement from the group stage, setting them up for a clash with Brazil. Sweden also progressed, continuing their strong knockout round streak in World Cup appearances.

Australia secured a spot in the World Cup's round of 32 with a goalless draw against Paraguay. The Socceroos, finishing second in Group D, advanced to the knockout stage for the third time. Despite a physical match, Paraguay pushed late but ultimately faced a nervous wait to see if they would progress as a third-placed team. Australia's attacking intent showed promise but lacked a decisive finish.

Football fans are in for a treat as Norway's Erling Haaland faces France's Kylian Mbappe in a highly anticipated World Cup clash. Meanwhile, Cape Verde is on the cusp of a historic knockout stage berth. The Egypt-Iran match carries significant weight for Group G, while Uruguay faces a must-win against Spain. France's coach Didier Deschamps will miss the Norway game due to personal tragedy.

Turkey secured a 3-2 victory over the United States in their final World Cup match, with Kaan Ayhan scoring the winning goal in stoppage time. Despite the Americans already topping Group D, Turkey showed resilience with first-half goals from Arda Guler and Orkun Kokcu. Auston Trusty and Sebastian Berhalter found the net for the US. Christian Pulisic made his return from injury.

Sweden secured a crucial 1-1 draw against Japan, with Anthony Elanga's late equalizer ensuring both teams advanced to the World Cup knockout stages. Japan, finishing second in Group F, will face Brazil, while Sweden's point was enough to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.

Ecuador staged a dramatic comeback to stun pre-tournament favourites Germany 2-1, securing their passage to the knockout stages of the World Cup. Despite an early German goal, Ecuador's Nilson Angulo equalized before Gonzalo Plata netted the winner, sending their fans into a frenzy. Germany, already qualified, topped the group, while Ecuador advanced as a best third-placed team.

With this win, India is in second place in Group A with three wins and a loss, giving them six points, below Australia, who have won all four matches. India still has one game to play against Australia and is not officially in the semifinals yet, South Africa, who have won two of their three matches, are also strong contenders to make it to the semifinals.

India's T20 preparations in Ireland faced initial hurdles with sub-standard practice facilities, but the focus quickly shifted to teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. His impressive net session with the senior team generated significant excitement among the Indian diaspora in Belfast. Despite the spotlight, Sooryavanshi appeared at ease, showcasing his attacking prowess. The young batter's arrival has created a buzz, with fans eager to catch a glimpse of the emerging star.

Morocco triumphed 4-2 over Haiti in a thrilling World Cup encounter, with Ismael Saibari etching his name in history by scoring in his third consecutive tournament match. The Atlas Lions twice came from behind, ultimately securing their spot in the Round of 32 thanks to a late surge powered by Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine. Haiti exited with pride after a spirited display.

India's fielding woes continued as Bangladesh posted 136/8 in the Women's T20 World Cup. Multiple dropped catches, including four in the powerplay, proved costly. Despite some bowling successes, including Renuka Thakur's early wicket and Radha Yadav's three wickets, India faces a must-win situation in upcoming matches. The team's performance across all departments has been a concern.

South Africa, also known as Bafana Bafana in the football world, created history by advancing to the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage for the first time after a 1-0 victory over South Korea in their final group-stage match.

West Indies vs Sri Lanka Playing 11: Following a successful white-ball campaign, West Indies and Sri Lanka are set to clash in the opening Test of a two-match series in Antigua, commencing June 25. This series holds significant weight for the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, with Sri Lanka currently third. Fans in India can catch the action live on FanCode.

Paralympic medalists Ajeet Singh and Pranav Soorma are set for extensive overseas training, funded by the Sports Ministry's Mission Olympic Cell, to boost their Asian Para-Games preparations. Javelin thrower Ajeet is in Germany, while club thrower Pranav, the world number one in his category, is training in Czechia and will compete in several championships. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to supporting elite para-athletes.

Wimbledon's men's singles title race is heating up with Jannik Sinner, the world's top player, leading the charge. Despite a French Open stumble, Sinner is the favorite, especially with Carlos Alcaraz sidelined. Novak Djokovic eyes a record-equalling eighth crown, while Alexander Zverev, fresh off a Grand Slam win, seeks grasscourt mastery. Emerging threats Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz, both strong on grass, are also poised to make a significant impact.

Australia's T20 World Cup campaign receives a potential boost with star batter Phoebe Litchfield nearing a return from injury. Her availability for the crucial clash against India could see a reshuffle in the batting order, possibly moving Ellyse Perry down. Coach Shelley Nitschke confirmed Litchfield is racking really well, and her inclusion might necessitate tough selection decisions, with young pacer Lucy Hamilton a potential omission.

The International Tennis Federation has officially rebranded itself as World Tennis, a move ratified by member associations. This name change aims to better reflect the organization's global reach and its role in overseeing major team competitions like the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup, alongside Olympic and Paralympic tennis. President David Haggerty emphasized a commitment to a strong, sustainable future for the sport.

India's young basketball talents recently showcased their skills at the ISF Basketball Championship 2026 in Serbia. The ISSO Indian team, comprising 21 student-athletes from leading international schools, gained invaluable global experience competing against 28 nations. This international exposure not only honed their athletic abilities but also fostered cultural exchange and sportsmanship, marking a significant step in nurturing future Indian sporting stars.

Indian shuttlers made a strong start at the US Open. Tanvi Sharma and Devika Sihag secured comfortable wins in the women's singles. Kidambi Srikanth also advanced smoothly, defeating compatriot D Saneeth. Rakshitha Sree and the mixed doubles pair of Dhruv Rawat and K Maneesha also progressed. Meanwhile, a strong Indian contingent, including Tanvi Patri and Abhinav Garg, is set for the Badminton Asia Junior Championships in Japan.

At just 18, Uttar Pradesh athlete Anushka Yadav has shattered the women's hammer throw national record with a remarkable 67. 02m throw. Her ambition is to elevate the sport's popularity, drawing parallels with javelin's widespread recognition. With an eye on the Asian Games, Anushka aims to surpass the 70m mark, showcasing her immense potential despite a recent knee injury.

India faces a selection dilemma as teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi eyes a debut against Ireland. The team management must decide whether to disrupt a winning top-order featuring Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, who have strong T20 credentials. Captain Shreyas Iyer aims for a series win to kickstart his captaincy, while the bowling attack seeks to prove its mettle with a second-string lineup.

Morocco star Achraf Hakimi expressed confidence and determination after his side secured qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 with a hard-fought 4-2 victory over Haiti in a Group C clash.

Mexico concluded their flawless World Cup group stage with a dominant 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic, securing a third consecutive win. Goals from Mateo Chavez, Julian Quinones, and Alvaro Fidalgo sealed the triumph, ending the Czechs' knockout stage aspirations. The co-hosts, already qualified as Group A winners, showcased their strength ahead of a Round of 32 clash in Mexico City.

FIFA has suspended the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) with immediate effect, a significant setback for Nepalese football. This suspension bars national teams and clubs from international competitions and cuts off access to FIFA and AFC development programs. ANFA has lost all membership rights, and its teams cannot participate in global events until the suspension is lifted.

FIFA World Cup match: Morocco staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Haiti 4-2 in a thrilling World Cup encounter, securing their spot in the Round of 32. Despite falling behind twice, Morocco equalized before halftime and then sealed the victory with two second-half goals. Haiti, playing their first World Cup in 52 years, exited with a spirited performance.

South Africa achieved a historic World Cup knockout stage berth, stunning South Korea 1-0. Despite an initial setback, the Bafana Bafana secured their advancement with Thapelo Maseko's decisive second-half goal. This remarkable turnaround, fueled by grit and determination, sets them up for a clash with co-hosts Canada in the next round. Mexico topped the group undefeated.

Brazil dominated Scotland 3-0 to secure their World Cup knockout stage spot, topping Group C. Switzerland also advanced, winning Group B, while Canada made history by reaching the last 32 for the first time. Bosnia-Herzegovina also qualified as a best third-placed team. The expanded 48-team tournament continues with crucial final group matches.

Where Ghanas phalanx wouldnt admit Englands hyped attackers the pleasure of even a single breach. Where Cape Verdes unyielding wall withstood a Spanish hurricane, and matched Uruguay in footballing nous. Where Congo held Portugal, Belgium was run aground by Iran, Curacao gave no joy to Ecuador, and there was nothing to choose between dark horses Japan and one of the tournaments favourites, the Netherlands.

Wimbledon debentures, offering prime Centre Court seats for five years, have surged in price, reaching 380,000 this year. These exclusive, tradeable tickets are a significant funding source for the tournament, supporting maintenance and expansion plans. While most fans enter via a ballot, the wealthy can secure seats at premium prices, with debentures representing a lucrative asset for owners who can resell individual days.

Belgium's Jeremy Doku has returned to the World Cup squad in Washington after a brief absence for the birth of his son, Praise. Teammates welcomed him warmly, with the Belgian FA celebrating the most important assist of his life. Doku's return is a significant boost for Belgium, who face a crucial match against New Zealand.

James Rodriguez's vintage performance powered Colombia to a 1-0 win over DR Congo, securing their spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32. Daniel Munoz netted the decisive goal, marking his place in Colombian World Cup history. This victory ensures Colombia's progression with a game to spare, continuing their strong tournament run.

Croatia's coach Zlatko Dalic expressed dissatisfaction with his team's performance despite a crucial 1-0 World Cup win over Panama. He admitted the match was tougher than anticipated, particularly citing a shaky first half where the opponent dominated possession. While acknowledging the vital three points, Dalic stressed the need for significant improvement, especially in defense, ahead of their decisive clash against Ghana.

Morocco's coach Mohamed Ouahbi views their draw against Brazil as a significant benchmark, highlighting the team's potential in world football. Ahead of their crucial clash with Haiti, the team aims to secure a spot in the round of 32. Ouahbi emphasized readiness and the capability of his squad, hinting at potential lineup changes to ensure a victory and potentially top the group.