The Economic Times

The upcoming World Cup promises new stars. While legends like Messi and Ronaldo have had their moments, the focus shifts to emerging talents. Spain's Lamine Yamal is a strong contender. France's Kylian Mbappe also looks set to shine. The tournament may reveal unexpected heroes, challenging established expectations. Players face a demanding schedule, testing their endurance for glory.

Mirra Andreeva has already come a long way from the heart of Siberia, but on Saturday she fulfilled her dream, aged just 19, when she beat Maja Chwalinska in the French Open women's final. Andreeva lived up to the hype, reaching the French Open third round and then the Wimbledon last 16.

Ajit Agarkar, BCCI's Senior Men's Selection Committee Chairman, revealed Suryakumar Yadav's removal as T20I captain and squad exclusion was a tough but necessary decision for the team's future. Shreyas Iyer has been appointed the new T20I captain, with Tilak Varma as his deputy, citing form and future direction as key factors.

Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva has been crowned French Open champion. The 19-year-old defeated Maja Chwalinska in the final. Andreeva is the youngest women's singles champion since Monica Seles. The men's final will see Alexander Zverev face Flavio Cobolli. This tournament has been one of the most unpredictable in recent times.

The BCCI on Saturday named Shreyas Iyer as India's new T20I captain, replacing Suryakumar Yadav despite the latter leading the side to a historic ICC Men's T20 World Cup triumph earlier this year. India became the first team to successfully defend the T20 World Cup title and also became the first team to achieve the feat on home soil.

India is exploring the possibility of playing three T20 Internationals against Sri Lanka during their upcoming tour for a two-Test series. The BCCI has also received a request from Nepal for an A team bilateral series.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has announced the India A squad for upcoming multi-day matches in Sri Lanka. Dhruv Jurel will captain the team, with Devdutt Padikkal as his deputy. These matches are scheduled to take place in Galle. The squad also features promising young talents and experienced players for the red-ball assignments.

Iran has accused the United States of political interference in sport after visa denials for some of its World Cup support staff. The Iranian embassy in Turkey stated that a large number of managerial and executive staff were denied entry, escalating discriminatory treatment. Iran's Football Federation plans to pursue the matter with FIFA, citing violations of its rules.

FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule: The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the largest ever with 48 teams. Hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the tournament runs from June 11 to July 19. A new format includes 12 groups and a Round of 32 knockout stage. Indian fans can expect late-night match timings. India has not qualified for this edition.

Suryakumar Yadav's removal from India's T20I squad has surprised former chief selector MSK Prasad. He believes Yadav, like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, has been rested. Shreyas Iyer will captain the team for upcoming series in Ireland, England, and the Asian Games. Prasad also advocated for Rajat Patidar's inclusion and suggested Shivam Dube needed a break.

India dominated Day 1 of the Test against Afghanistan. Shubman Gill and KL Rahul scored centuries. Sai Sudharsan also contributed significantly. India reached a strong position of 368 for 3 wickets at stumps. Rishabh Pant is batting alongside Gill. The Indian team displayed excellent batting performance.

Indian cricketers Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya will not tour Ireland and England. The selection panel is prioritizing their fitness for Test and ODI formats. Bumrah will play in the Asian Games and focus on longer formats. Pandya will also be managed for one-day cricket. This strategy aims to ensure their availability for upcoming major tournaments.

Rain halted play at Lord's on Saturday, delaying England's pursuit of victory in the first Test against New Zealand. The Black Caps, reeling at 36-3, face a daunting 218-run target. Despite early interruptions, a brighter afternoon offers hope for an extended second session, potentially deciding the match's fate.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America will be the largest ever. It will also feature the widest age range of players, from 17-year-old Gilberto Mora to 43-year-old Craig Gordon. Legends like Cristiano Ronaldo will also participate. This tournament showcases a mix of emerging talent and seasoned veterans, promising an exciting spectacle for football fans worldwide.

World Cup grounds crews are preparing immaculate grass pitches for the upcoming tournament. They are converting artificial turf fields and managing diverse climates across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The effort ensures fair play for 48 teams and 104 matches. Advanced technology, including grow lights and hybrid reinforcement, is used to maintain the grass.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America is set to face extreme heat. Several host cities, especially in the southern United States, will likely experience high temperatures and humidity. Studies warn of serious risks to players and spectators. Some stadiums have cooling measures, but protection levels vary. This expanded tournament will feature a record 1,248 players from 48 nations.

India posted 209 for 2 at tea on day one of the Test against Afghanistan. Sai Sudharsan scored 81 and KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 81. Shubman Gill was batting on 20. The Rahul-Sudharsan partnership added 139 runs. Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a start. The Indian batsmen showed confidence on a flat track.

R Praggnanandhaa has made history by becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious Norway Chess title. The young Grandmaster secured the victory with a strong late surge in Oslo. He defeated world champion Magnus Carlsen twice and achieved four consecutive wins. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay congratulated Praggnanandhaa on his remarkable achievement on X.

Yashasvi Jaiswal has been called up to the Indian squad for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. He replaces Virat Kohli, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Kohli sustained the injury during the IPL finals. His availability for the subsequent England series remains uncertain. The BCCI has not provided a definitive timeline for his recovery.

The BCCI has revealed the India T20 squad for the 2026 England and Ireland tour. Shreyas Iyer will lead the team as captain, with Tilak Varma as his deputy. Young talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has earned a place in the squad. The team features a mix of experienced and new players for the upcoming series.

Shreyas Iyer will captain India's 15-member squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, with Jasprit Bumrah and 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also included. Sooryavanshi, the youngest ever Indian player, earned his spot after a stellar domestic season. The T20 squad blends experienced players with emerging talent.

Shreyas Iyer has been named captain of India's T20I team for upcoming tours of Ireland and England. This appointment marks a significant leadership transition. Iyer's consistent performance and proven leadership in franchise cricket have earned him this opportunity. He is expected to guide a young team and build on his legacy.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has etched his name in cricket history by becoming the youngest player to represent India, surpassing the long-held record of Sachin Tendulkar. This remarkable achievement at such a tender age has thrust the young prodigy into the national spotlight as he prepares for his debut.

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa achieved his career's biggest win at Norway Chess. He defeated world number one Magnus Carlsen twice. The tournament featured an exceptionally strong field. Praggnanandhaa's victory is a landmark for Indian chess. He adjusted his strategy to play faster chess. He plans fewer tournaments but will play next in the World Rapid Team Championship.

India opted to bat first in the one-off Test against Afghanistan, played at Mullanpur stadium, Punjab. KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan are at the crease. They have built a solid partnership. India reached 96 for one at lunch. Yashasvi Jaiswal was the only batsman dismissed. Manav Suthar made his debut for India.

Manav Suthar earned his first India Test cap on Saturday. The Rajasthan all-rounder received his cap from Kuldeep Yadav. Suthar's journey from domestic cricket to the national team is highlighted. He is a left-arm spinner who also contributes with the bat. His performances in domestic cricket and India A tours led to this selection.

Workers at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles have voted to authorize a strike. This action could impact the U.S. men's soccer team's opening World Cup match on June 12. Contract talks with the food service provider have stalled. Workers seek better pay and job security. They also want protection from immigration enforcement.

Iran's national football team has been granted visas to enter the United States for the World Cup, confirmed by US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack. This decision allows Iran to compete despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The team will travel from Turkey to Mexico for their base camp before heading to the US for group stage matches.

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.