The Times of India

Mexico have achieved a historic feat at the FIFA World Cup 2026, becoming the first team since 1990 to win their opening four matches without conceding a goal. A 2-0 victory over Ecuador secured their first knockout-stage win in 40 years, with Julin Quiones and Ral Jimnez scoring. This remarkable defensive and offensive performance positions them as strong contenders as they advance to the Round of 16.

Cheteshwar Pujara, the former Indian cricketer, offers sage advice to 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, indicating that he may not step onto the field during the upcoming England T20I series. Pujara encourages the young player to remain level-headed amidst the excitement, suggesting that he might find his opportunity only if the seasoned batsmen succeed.

Teen sensation Gilberto Mora, at 17, became the second-youngest player to start a World Cup knockout match, a feat only Pel achieved. Mexico triumphed 2-0 over Ecuador, ending a 40-year wait for a knockout victory. Goals from Quiones and Jimnez secured their Round of 16 spot, marking a historic moment for Mexican football after a dominant performance.

Seven IPL franchises have expressed interest in signing Hardik Pandya after the all-rounder decided to leave Mumbai Indians. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have joined Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals in the race, with talks gathering pace. Player consent, leadership opportunities and trade structures are expected to shape one of the biggest IPL moves in recent years.

Kylian Mbapp's emotional tribute to head coach Didier Deschamps, who returned after his mother's passing, highlighted France's unity as they secured a World Cup 2026 Round of 16 spot. Mbapp dedicated a goal to Deschamps, emphasizing that 'things are more important than a World Cup.' The team's solidarity deeply moved Deschamps, who praised their unwavering support during his difficult time.

Shreyas Iyer's Team India faces England in a five-match T20I series, aiming to rebound from a surprising loss to Ireland. Iyer emphasized a fearless, aggressive approach, stating the team is starting anew despite past successes. He also shared valuable insights gained from conversations with Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, highlighting their support. Iyer also expressed gratitude to doctors for his recovery from a serious injury.

Kylian Mbappe's stellar performance, including two goals against Sweden, propels France into the World Cup Round of 16. He now shares the Golden Boot lead with Lionel Messi, boasting six tournament goals. Mbappe's remarkable World Cup scoring record continues to grow, solidifying his status as a top match-winner. France's dominant form sets them up for a deep tournament run, with the Golden Boot race intensifying.

Mexico have finally broken their four-decade World Cup knockout jinx, defeating Ecuador 2-0 to advance to the Round of 16. Goals from Julin Quiones and Ral Jimnez sealed the historic victory, ending an eight-game streak of eliminations. The win, despite a weather delay, marks Mexico's first knockout success since 1986, with young Gilberto Mora and veteran Jimnez setting personal milestones.

Zimbabwe achieved their most significant Test victory, defeating Bangladesh by an innings and 85 runs. This marks their first back-to-back Test wins in over 25 years, following a triumph against Afghanistan. Captain Richard Ngarava lauded the team's depth and the emergence of young talent like Newman Nyamhuri, expressing pride in the historic achievement and looking forward to the upcoming ODI series.

France has etched their name in FIFA World Cup history, becoming the first team to score three or more goals in five consecutive matches after a dominant 3-0 victory over Sweden. Kylian Mbappe was once again the star, netting a brace and climbing the all-time scoring charts. Coach Didier Deschamps expressed pride in his team's consistent performance as they advance to face Paraguay in the Round of 16.

England has revealed their playing XI for the first T20I against India, notably excluding Jofra Archer. All eyes are now on India's captain to announce their lineup. Former opener Kris Srikkanth has proposed a strong batting order and spin attack, advocating for the inclusion of Varun Chakravarthy. Srikkanth believes teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi missed an opportunity against Ireland but suggests he won't debut in the initial England matches.

Ronald Koeman has resigned as Netherlands head coach after their surprising FIFA World Cup 2026 exit to Morocco. This marks the end of his second tenure, with the Dutch suffering their earliest-ever World Cup elimination. Koeman cited the disappointment and a desire to prioritise family and health as reasons for his departure, expressing gratitude for his time with the squad.

All eyes are on 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as India faces England in the first T20I. The young batting sensation, who had a record-breaking IPL season, could become India's youngest international debutant, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record. England captain Harry Brook acknowledged the team has prepared extensively for the possibility of facing the talented left-hander, with specific tactics devised to counter him.

Defending champion Iga Swiatek survived a stern test in her Wimbledon opener, ultimately triumphing in a tense three-set battle against Taylor Townsend. After a dominant first set, Swiatek faced a significant challenge before regaining control to secure her passage to the next round. The victory marked a crucial moment for the world number one, who expressed relief at overcoming a difficult period and winning a three-set match this year.

FIFA has defended a controversial VAR decision that disallowed Germany's extra-time goal against Paraguay in their World Cup exit. Referees chief Pierluigi Collina stated the call aligned with new guidelines punishing attackers obstructing opponents without playing the ball. Germany legend Thomas Muller vehemently criticised the decision, calling it daylight robbery and expressing frustration with technology's impact on the game.

Tennis legend Serena Williams made a valiant return to Wimbledon after a four-year singles hiatus, captivating Centre Court with her enduring brilliance. Despite a hard-fought battle, the 44-year-old ultimately fell to rising star Maya Joint in a thrilling opening-round match. Williams' spirited performance earned her a standing ovation, celebrating a career that has etched her name in tennis history.

Kylian Mbapp scored twice as France beat Sweden 3-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, breaking multiple records in the process. He became the all-time leader in World Cup knockout goals and overtook Miroslav Klose to move second on the overall scoring list. France now advance to face Paraguay, while Mbapp closes in on Lionel Messis record.

France produced a commanding display to defeat Sweden 3-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, with Kylian Mbapp scoring twice and Bradley Barcola adding another in a one-sided contest. Les Bleus dominated possession, created chances at will, and comfortably booked their place in the Round of 16, where they will face Paraguay after an impressive all-round performance.

Erling Haaland scored a late winner as Norway edged Cte d'Ivoire 2-1 to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. Antonio Nusa's first-half strike was cancelled out by Amad Diallo before Haaland settled the contest in the 85th minute. Norway's clinical finishing and disciplined defending proved decisive, setting up a blockbuster last-16 clash against Brazil.

The Netherlands' World Cup campaign ended in penalty shootout heartbreak after Morocco fought back from 1-0 down to draw 1-1 and advance. Ronald Koeman faced strong criticism from Zlatan Ibrahimovi and Thierry Henry for abandoning the Dutch attacking identity with defensive tactics. Koeman defended his approach, insisting it reduced risks and that he would make the same decisions again.

Australia stormed into the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final, defeating West Indies by eight wickets in a dominant semi-final performance. After restricting the opposition to 125/7, Beth Mooney's unbeaten 61 and Ashleigh Gardner's quickfire 35 guided Australia to victory with ease. This marks their eighth appearance in the final as they chase a seventh title.

A scare rippled through the West Indies camp as star all-rounder Deandra Dottin was carried off before their T20 World Cup semi-final. Despite a medical issue, she bravely returned to score a crucial 26 not out, guiding her team to 125. Australia, however, comfortably chased the target, securing an eight-wicket win and a spot in the final.

England has unveiled their formidable playing XI for the opening T20I against India, captained by Harry Brook. Boasting over 650 T20 international caps, the seasoned squad features a strong batting lineup including Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, and Brook himself. With a balanced attack led by Saqib Mahmood and Adil Rashid, England aims to leverage their home advantage in the highly anticipated five-match series opener.

Bangladesh spinner Taijul Islam achieved a significant personal milestone, securing his 19th Test five-wicket haul against Zimbabwe. This feat places him among the top left-arm bowlers globally, drawing level with Shakib Al Hasan and surpassing Mitchell Starc. Despite Taijul's individual success, Zimbabwe secured their largest-ever Test victory by an innings and 85 runs.

Shreyas Iyer opens up on Ireland loss, captaincy pressure & series vs England

Zimbabwe achieved their largest Test victory ever, crushing Bangladesh by an innings and 85 runs. A dominant bowling performance, spearheaded by Newman Nyamhuri and Richard Ngarava, restricted Bangladesh to low scores. Innocent Kaia's century then powered Zimbabwe to a commanding lead, securing a memorable win and their first back-to-back Test triumphs in over 25 years.

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has made a significant career shift, establishing his permanent training base at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. This move, driven by convenience and access to world-class facilities, marks him as the first high-profile active cricketer to do so. Pandya aims to continue playing international white-ball cricket for several more years, with his rehabilitation from injury ongoing.

Former England captain Andrew Strauss has voiced concerns over Ben Stokes' retirement announcement during the crucial Test against New Zealand, deeming it a significant distraction. Strauss believes such news should be shared either before or after a match to maintain team focus. Stokes, an exceptional all-rounder, retires with numerous records, including the most Test sixes and a rare double of over 7,000 runs and 250 wickets.

Former India captain Ajay Jadeja lauded Ben Stokes' retirement, calling it the ight call and a testament to his refusal to be dictated by external forces. Jadeja admired Stokes' principled stand, suggesting the all-rounder wouldn't tolerate administrators controlling his personal life. Meanwhile, Sanjay Manjrekar expressed sadness, calling Stokes' departure an end of an era and highlighting his match-winning prowess on the big stage.

Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's India debut remains elusive despite strong IPL form, as the team suffered a shock T20I series loss to Ireland. With top-order struggles persisting, the upcoming England series presents a potential opportunity for the young batting star. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed Sooryavanshi's readiness but emphasised the need for patience and backing established players.

England cricketers Kate Cross and Alex Hartley have faced severe backlash, including death threats, after their criticism of the ICC's Women's T20 World Cup semi-final scheduling was misinterpreted. They clarified their comments targeted the tournament's policy, not the Indian team, which was automatically placed in an earlier slot if they qualified. The controversy became moot when India was eliminated, reverting the schedule to the standard format.

Cricket world bids farewell to England's Ben Stokes after his shock international retirement. Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan joined the chorus of tributes, hailing Stokes as a match-winner and one of the finest all-rounders. Despite a series loss to New Zealand, Stokes' illustrious career, marked by unforgettable performances, was celebrated by peers and fans globally.

While the 2026 FIFA World Cup sees minnows like Cape Verde surprising established nations, India remains absent. Captain Sandesh Jhingan and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu highlight the critical need for a stable, structured domestic league and consistent participation in the Asian Cup as crucial steps towards World Cup qualification.

A historic World Cup saw two top-10 nations, Germany and the Netherlands, crash out in the opening knockout round. Germany's campaign ended on penalties against Paraguay after a controversial disallowed goal. The Netherlands also fell to Morocco in a dramatic shootout, with Morocco's goalkeeper proving decisive. This marks a significant upset in the tournament's history.

Madan Lal warns team India ahead of England series : 'It Won't Be Easy'

Cricketer Shashank Singh has responded to an FIR alleging assault and illegal confinement by a domestic cook. Singh claims the cook was hired under false pretenses, was taking private photos, and his mother deleted them due to privacy concerns. He denies any physical altercation or holding the cook hostage, stating they considered calling the police themselves after discovering the alleged unauthorized photography.

Morocco's stunning 3-2 penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands in the FIFA World Cup 2026 has ignited wild celebrations in Casablanca, with fans pouring into the streets. However, the joy was marred by clashes between police and fans in The Hague, where fireworks and stones were thrown. Captain Achraf Hakimi emphasised the win proves Morocco's Qatar success was no fluke, highlighting the team's dedication and hard work.

Mexican football fans attempted to disrupt Ecuador's World Cup preparations by creating a noisy disturbance outside their team hotel in Mexico City. Chanting and using horns throughout the night, supporters aimed to unsettle the visiting squad before their crucial Round of 32 match. This incident precedes a high-stakes game where the winner advances to the Round of 16.

Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has slammed Tilak Varma and other Indian batters following a shocking one-run defeat to Ireland. Srikkanth criticized their slow scoring and lack of attacking intent in the middle overs, stating that such an approach is unacceptable in T20 cricket. He highlighted a period of 45 balls without a boundary as particularly concerning, leading to India's first-ever series loss against Ireland in the format.

Germany's World Cup exit has ignited fierce debate, with Jurgen Klopp leading criticism of a disallowed extra-time winner. Klopp questioned VAR's interpretation of fouls, even referencing Arsenal's set-piece success. Legends Miroslav Klose and Bastian Schweinsteiger echoed these sentiments, lamenting VAR's perceived overreach and its impact on player psychology, particularly after Jonathan Tah missed a crucial penalty.

All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy faces a race against time for the upcoming ODI series against England, with a minor left quadricep pull sidelining him. While the management is optimistic about his return next month, his participation in England appears unlikely. The Zimbabwe T20Is are being considered as a potential comeback opportunity.

Brazil narrowly avoided an upset, securing a 2-1 victory against Japan to advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. Substitute Gabriel Martinelli's dramatic 95th-minute goal sealed the win. Coach Carlo Ancelotti explained Neymar remained on the bench, preserved for potential extra time which ultimately wasn't needed. Brazil now prepares for their next challenge.

Cricketer Shashank Singh and his father, retired police official Shailesh Singh, face charges in Bhopal after a domestic cook accused them of assault, abuse, and confiscating his mobile phone. The cook alleges he was forced out of the bungalow and had money deducted from his phone for food and accommodation. An investigation is underway following the FIR.

Paraguay's stunning World Cup upset over four-time champions Germany, securing a 4-3 penalty shootout victory after a 1-1 draw, has prompted President Santiago Pea to declare a national holiday. The dramatic Round of 32 match saw a controversial VAR decision overturn a late German goal, paving the way for Paraguay's historic win.

Ben Stokes has unequivocally backed Harry Brook as his successor to captain England's Test side. Despite a recent decision to appoint Joe Root in Stokes' absence, the retiring all-rounder emphasized Brook's vice-captaincy as a clear indicator of his readiness. Stokes believes Brook's leadership skills and growing influence make him the natural choice to guide the team's future, offering his full support for the Yorkshire batter.

Germany's World Cup dreams were shattered by a controversial VAR decision that disallowed Jonathan Tah's extra-time goal against Paraguay. Thomas Muller vehemently criticised the technology, expressing deep frustration over the heartbreaking erasure of a moment that Germany believed secured their victory. The match ultimately went to penalties, where Germany suffered a shock exit.

Morocco stunned the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout, securing a 3-2 victory after a 1-1 draw to advance to the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou's crucial save paved the way for Ismael Saibari's winning penalty. The Atlas Lions fought back from Cody Gakpo's late goal, forcing extra time with a stoppage-time header, ending the Dutch's World Cup campaign.