The Times of India

Argentina vice president Victoria Villarruel sparked controversy before the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final against England by calling the Three Lions pirate usurpers and invoking the Falklands (Malvinas), Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. Her remarks came ahead of Messi's first-ever international meeting with England, as the defending champions chase a place in the final against Spain.

The International Cricket Council's new format for the 2027 ODI World Cup has drawn criticism. This revised structure increases the chances of India and Pakistan meeting multiple times. Emerging nations face limited meaningful participation in the expanded tournament. The format aims to make every match more significant from the start. This change also allows for potential repeat encounters between top rivals.

FIDE has approved a revamped qualification system for the 2028 Open and Womens Candidates Tournaments, introducing the Total Chess World Championship Tour as a new pathway while removing rating-based qualification. World Cup spots have been reduced to two finalists, and FIDE Circuit places will be decided over a two-year cycle, rewarding consistent performances across major events.

More than 10 million people have signed a petition calling for Argentina's expulsion from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alleging referee bias in favour of Lionel Messi's side after their comeback win over Egypt. Egypt accused FIFA of unfair officiating, while Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni rejected the claims, insisting VAR and modern technology make favouritism ext to impossible.

Mohammad Kaif defended Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli amid recent scrutiny. He stated that successful teams require a blend of youth and experience. Kaif questioned the focus on young players solely for their six-hitting ability. He cited football stars Ronaldo and Messi as examples of older players excelling. Selectors should value experience alongside emerging young talent for team balance.

Spain's Rodri made FIFA World Cup history by completing 655 passes at the 2026 tournament the most by any player in a single edition since 1966. The Ballon d'Or winner starred in Spain's 2-0 semi-final victory over France, producing a dominant midfield display as La Roja reached their first World Cup final since 2010.

Spain star Lamine Yamal was reportedly the target of an attempted burglary just hours after helping his country secure a place in the FIFA World Cup final. The 19-year-old winger played a key role in Spains impressive 2-0 victory over France, winning a crucial penalty as his side booked their spot in Sundays title clash.

India has around 600 million gamers and one of the world's fastest-growing gaming markets. But industry leaders believe the next challenge is no longer attracting players - it is building leagues, careers, intellectual property and businesses that can sustain long-term growth. As investment, regulation and e-cricket gather momentum, Indian esports finds itself at a defining moment in its evolution.

Argentina and England's football rivalry is deeply rooted in history and politics. This intense competition has produced many memorable and controversial matches over decades. Lionel Messi will finally face England in a World Cup semi-final match. The Falklands War remains a significant point of nationalistic sentiment for Argentina. This upcoming game carries substantial historical and emotional weight for both nations.

The International Cricket Council has approved significant format changes for its major men's tournaments. The ODI World Cup will now feature a three-stage format before the knockout rounds begin. The T20 World Cup will expand to twenty teams with a new Super 10 stage. A new qualification pathway for the 2028 T20 World Cup has also been approved by the council.

India endured a disappointing day at the Japan Open Super 750 as Ayush Shetty, Unnati Hooda and Lakshya Sen all suffered first-round exits. Ayush came closest to an upset, pushing second seed Kunlavut Vitidsarn to three games. India's campaign now rests on PV Sindhu and mixed doubles pair Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto, who play their second-round matches on Thursday.

India began the ODI series with a six-wicket victory against England. Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna led the bowling attack effectively. Joe Root and Liam Dawson provided a strong recovery for the hosts. Shubman Gill and Axar Patel guided India to a successful chase. The team took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

England coach Thomas Tuchel understands Argentina's choice of dark blue jersey for the World Cup semifinal. He acknowledges the role of superstition and lucky charms in elite sports. Argentina's dark blue kit holds historical significance for past victories against England. Coach Lionel Scaloni dismissed superstition, suggesting tradition influenced the decision.

Spain reached the World Cup final after defeating France in their semifinal match. Thousands of jubilant fans in Madrid celebrated Spain's victory by recreating Norway's famous 'Viking Row'. This iconic celebration became popular during the tournament with Erling Haaland's Norwegian team. Norway's journey ended in the quarterfinals, but their celebration gained global recognition. Spanish supporters embraced the 'Viking Row' to mark their team's progression to the final.

Jannik Sinner charmed guests at the Champions' Ball with candid remarks. He admitted to being slightly tipsy while discussing his mother's stress. Sinner also humorously shared his repeated motorcycle license test failures. The world number one successfully defended his Wimbledon crown recently. This victory marked his fifth Grand Slam title and hundredth match win.

Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal expressed confidence after reaching the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. He posted a message indicating their intention to win the championship. Spain secured their place by defeating France 2-0 in the semifinal match. The team celebrated their victory while shifting focus to the upcoming championship game. They now await their opponent in the final match to be held in New York.

The intense Argentina and England football rivalry spans several World Cup matches. Key moments include the 1966 Rattin expulsion and Maradona's 1986 goals. David Beckham faced controversy after a 1998 red card against Argentina. England secured a narrow victory in the 2002 group stage. These encounters highlight enduring historical grievances and national pride.

Washington Sundar press conference: On Gautam Gambhir's support, India win and more

Axar Patel admitted to overhitting the ball during the T20 series. He focused on timing over power for his match-winning ODI performance. His all-round display guided India to a six-wicket victory in the first ODI. Captain Shubman Gill and Washington Sundar also contributed valuable runs. India now lead the three-match series one-nil against England.

England and Argentina's World Cup semifinal is the tournament's highest-risk match. Extraordinary security measures are in place for this intense football rivalry. Decades of political tensions and historic flashpoints fuel concerns about fan behaviour. Officials are implementing separate entry gates to minimise potential confrontations. Authorities are ensuring this sensitive fixture remains confined to the pitch.

Lamine Yamal continued his flawless knockout streak, overcoming Kylian Mbapp as Spain triumphed over France 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal. This impressive win guarantees Spain a spot in the finals. Remarkably, Yamal has now achieved six consecutive victories against Mbapp in knockout rounds, showcasing the young talent's resilience in high-stakes matches.

England's cricket board seeks a new Test coach with IPL experience. Several accomplished franchise coaches are now leading contenders for the role. Andy Flower and Stephen Fleming are among the prominent names considered. The board aims for a long-term appointment before next year's Ashes. An interim coach might lead the team for the Pakistan series.

Mumbai Indians' top brass will meet in England next week for a season review that could shape the franchise's future. Captaincy, Mahela Jayawardene's coaching role and Hardik Pandya's trade situation will dominate discussions. The five-time champions finished fourth in 2025 and a disappointing ninth in the 2026 edition.

The FBI has identified the England versus Argentina match as high risk due to their enduring rivalry. This intense competition stems from historical events like the 1986 World Cup match and the Falklands War. Argentinian players and officials have invoked the war and Diego Maradona's legacy to fuel the rivalry. The UK government maintains the Falkland Islanders' right to self-determination and their British identity.

Lionel Messi overcame significant national team lows to achieve ultimate glory. He finally secured major titles with Argentina after years of personal frustration. His journey mirrors Diego Maradona's iconic status in Argentine football history. Manager Lionel Scaloni fostered a team that plays for Messi. This collective effort has redefined Messi's legacy for a new generation.

In a thrilling start to the ODI series, India outperformed England to clinch a remarkable win. The visitors showcased their batting prowess by chasing down the target with plenty of balls to spare. Rohit Sharma's stunning pull shot became a highlight of the match, drawing admiration and reminding fans of his signature play. This victory also ended England's impressive unbeaten run at Edgbaston.

Smriti Mandhana reflected on India's historic Lord's Test victory and her significant contributions. She also discussed lessons learned from past T20 World Cup disappointments. The impact of the Women's Premier League on Indian talent was also a key topic. Mandhana expressed her readiness to lead India if the captaincy opportunity arises. She highlighted the importance of a positive team culture in her leadership philosophy.

Youngest CWG para cyclist Lisha Das expressed disappointment over the absence of female support staff. She highlighted safety and security concerns for a minor athlete traveling overseas. Despite parental and coach representations, the issue remains unresolved between sports federations. This omission contradicts a Sports Authority of India circular mandating female coaches. The cycling and para cycling contingents are the only ones lacking female personnel.

Spain's 2-0 World Cup semi-final win over France was sparked by a controversial penalty awarded after Lamine Yamal was fouled by Lucas Digne. Claims of a possible handball in the build-up dominated debate, but rules experts explained the contact was not punishable under IFAB laws. Despite Didier Deschamps questioning the officiating, the decision was ultimately deemed correct.

France's 2026 FIFA World Cup journey concluded with a semifinal loss to Spain. Viral social media claims of widespread riots across France following the defeat . Thousands of disappointed fans gathered in public squares and fan zones after the match. Spain secured a 2-0 victory, ending France's hopes of a third World Cup title. The team's attacking cohesion and Kylian Mbapp's performance were key discussion points.

Ashok Sharma earned his India call-up after a challenging journey and brother's encouragement. He will now buy a gold chain after his international debut. Sharma focuses on his bowling strengths and drawing from IPL experiences. Gujarat Titans coach Ashish Nehra urged him to aim for 100 Test matches. His elder brother sacrificed his own cricket dreams to support Ashok's ambition.

IND vs ENG: India get much-needed win in 1st ODI at Edgbaston

Axar Patel and Washington Sundar rescued India from 160/4 with an unbeaten 102-run stand to seal a six-wicket win over England in the first ODI at Edgbaston. The partnership not only ended India's winless run in the UK but also highlighted Gautam Gambhir's evolving batting blueprint ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Brydon Carse has rejoined England's ODI squad after recovering from his injuries. India ended England's long winning streak at Edgbaston with a six-wicket victory. Joe Root scored seventy-six runs, and Liam Dawson added sixty-eight for England. Shubman Gill made eighty runs, retiring hurt, while Axar Patel took four wickets. Axar Patel and Washington Sundar secured the win with an unbeaten partnership.

Spain's 2-0 World Cup semi-final victory over France featured an unexpected early refereeing moment when Ivn Barton briefly stopped play after forgetting his vanishing spray. The bizarre incident went viral on social media, but it was later overshadowed by controversial decisions, including a penalty and an overturned free-kick. Barton's officiating became a major talking point after France's elimination.

Kylian Mbappe openly admitted France's World Cup semifinal defeat was a comprehensive failure. He pointed to tactical issues and a lack of effective pressing against Spain's midfield. Mbappe also criticized the team's technical execution and poor first touches after regaining possession. Youngster Rayan Cherki echoed these sentiments, stating France lacked everything on the field. As captain, Mbappe accepted full responsibility for the team's inability to reach the final.

France manager Didier Deschamps questioned referee Ivn Barton's suitability for a World Cup semi-final after Les Bleus' 2-0 defeat to Spain. While criticising the officiating, including the controversial penalty awarded to Lamine Yamal, Deschamps admitted Spain deserved victory and were technically superior. The loss ended his 14-year reign as France coach and their World Cup hopes.

India defeated England by six wickets at Edgbaston on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. England's strong start faltered after reaching sixty-one without loss. Axar Patel's four wickets helped restrict England to two hundred fifty-eight runs. Shubman Gill scored eighty runs, and Axar Patel added fifty-seven not out. India achieved the target with twenty-eight deliveries remaining in the match.

Spain's 2-0 World Cup semi-final win over France sparked confusion after referee Ivan Barton overturned a free-kick initially awarded to France. Many believed VAR had intervened, but the decision was actually changed following advice from the assistant referee, who had a clearer view of the incident. The rare correction, made before play restarted, complied fully with the Laws of the Game.

Lamine Yamal extended his perfect record at major international tournaments as Spain's 2-0 World Cup semi-final victory over France made it 12 wins from 12 starts across the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship. No European player has ever maintained a flawless record over as many starts, highlighting the teenager's remarkable impact as Spain prepare for the World Cup final.

Spain's 2-0 World Cup semi-final win over France extended their unbeaten run to 37 matches, equalling Italy's European record and surpassing Argentina's modern streak. Luis de la Fuente's side also became the first European nation to win eight consecutive knockout matches across the World Cup and Euros. Victory in the final would secure another World Cup and a new standalone unbeaten record.

Spain stormed into their first World Cup final since 2010 with a clinical 2-0 victory over top-ranked France. A first-half penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal, sparked by a smart play from teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal, and a second-half strike by Pedro Porro sealed the win. La Roja will face either Argentina or England in Sundays grand finale.

Harry Brook reacts to England's defeat | Bumrah, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer & 2nd ODI

Croatia says FIFA has not responded to its formal request for the VAR audio behind Joko Gvardiol's disallowed extra-time goal against Portugal at the 2026 World Cup. While FIFA defended the offside decision using Connected Ball Technology, Croatian officials argue greater transparency is needed. Technical director Stipe Pletikosa also criticised FIFA's broader tournament management and refereeing standards.

Chasing 259, India lost Rohit Sharma (11) and Virat Kohli (5) early, slipping to 48/2. Gill then rebuilt the innings with vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, adding 101 runs for the third wicket.

USMNT striker Folarin Balogun has admitted that Donald Trump's intervention to overturn his World Cup red card suspension caused a lot of controversy and created visible nerves among his teammates. While insisting the original red card was wrong, Balogun acknowledged the outside noise was difficult to avoid. FIFA has still offered no explanation for suspending the ban, as the controversy continues to grow.

The injury came just after Gill and Shreyas Iyer had added a 100-run partnership to put India in control of the chase. Washington Sundar came in as the replacement batter.

Moroccan-American referee Ismail Elfath will officiate the World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina. Elfath has previously overseen several significant matches involving Lionel Messi. Online speculation has arisen due to these past coincidences and Messi's success in those games. FIFA has defended its referees against claims of favoritism towards Argentina. Elfath's disciplinary record suggests a tightly controlled contest for both teams.