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The Times of India

Sports / The Times of India

England vs Argentina: Falklands at the epicentre of footballs bitter rivalry

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.

15 Jul 2026 9:49 am
Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi: Twin legacies, intertwined yet distinct

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.

15 Jul 2026 9:28 am
Watch: Rohit's 'nataraja shot' leaves DK in awe during 1st ODI vs England

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.

15 Jul 2026 9:15 am
I'm ready for India captaincy, says Smriti Mandhana

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.

15 Jul 2026 8:52 am
Minor in CWG squad: Para cyclist Lisha raises concerns over no woman support staff

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.

15 Jul 2026 8:16 am
Did Yamal get away with handball? Why Spain's penalty was allowed against France

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.

15 Jul 2026 8:04 am
Watch: Riots erupt in France after 0-2 FIFA World Cup semifinal loss to Spain

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.

15 Jul 2026 8:03 am
'Dont settle for India A, aim for 100 Tests': Nehras advice to Ashok Sharma

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.

15 Jul 2026 8:00 am
IND vs ENG: India get much-needed win in 1st ODI at Edgbaston

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

15 Jul 2026 8:00 am
Road to South Africa up and running: Washington, Axar deliver with bat and ball 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.

15 Jul 2026 7:27 am
England recall Brydon Carse for final two ODIs against India after defeat at Edgbaston

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.

15 Jul 2026 7:27 am
'You had one job': Bizarre referee mistake leaves France vs Spain semi-final in awkward pause

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.

15 Jul 2026 7:14 am
Kylian Mbappe takes aim at tactics after 'sloppy' France crash out to Spain

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.

15 Jul 2026 6:47 am
'I don't want to be a sore loser... but': France manager questions if referee was good enough for World Cup semi-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.

15 Jul 2026 6:46 am
India end England's 12-year home stronghold at Edgbaston with six-wicket win

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.

15 Jul 2026 6:42 am
Not VAR: Why referee overturned France's free-kick against Spain in World Cup semi-final

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.

15 Jul 2026 6:11 am
Lamine Yamal scripts European football history after France win with record no one has ever matched

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.

15 Jul 2026 5:26 am
One win from football immortality: Spain match Europe's 'untouchable' record after France triumph

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.

15 Jul 2026 4:12 am
Spain vs France FIFA World Cup SF match result: Lamine Yamal shines as Spain outclass Mbappes France to reach their second WC Final

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.

15 Jul 2026 3:07 am
Harry Brook reacts to England's defeat | Bumrah, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer & 2nd ODI

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

15 Jul 2026 1:48 am
'World Cup's most controversial VAR call': Croatia says FIFA still won't answer audio request

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.

15 Jul 2026 12:06 am
Shubman Gill's 80, Axar-Washington stand give India 1-0 lead over England

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.

14 Jul 2026 11:56 pm
FIFA World Cup: Folarin Balogun breaks silence: 'I knew the ban overturn would cause a lot of controversy'

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.

14 Jul 2026 11:13 pm
Injury scare for India: Shubman Gill walks off retired hurt in England ODI

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.

14 Jul 2026 10:11 pm
Messi's 'lucky referee'? FIFA appointment for England vs Argentina sparks fresh debate

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.

14 Jul 2026 9:27 pm
MS Dhoni and Kriti Sanon steal the spotlight at India vs England ODI

MS Dhoni and Kriti Sanon attended the India versus England ODI match. England collapsed from a strong start to a low total. Jasprit Bumrah and Gurnoor Brar took key wickets. Joe Root and Liam Dawson led a spirited recovery for England. Axar Patel's late spell restricted England to 258 runs.

14 Jul 2026 7:53 pm
Axar Patel becomes only the second Indian spinner after Jadeja to...

Axar Patel achieved a rare feat by taking four wickets in the death overs. He became the second Indian spinner to accomplish this milestone in ODI cricket. England recovered through Joe Root and Liam Dawson after a significant collapse. Axar's career-best figures restricted England to 258 runs. India's pace attack dominated the initial phase of the innings.

14 Jul 2026 7:38 pm
'A bit of friction': Dinesh Karthik hints at Gambhir-Ajt Agarkar rift

Dinesh Karthik suggests friction between Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar over selection priorities. India's recent T20I series losses in the UK have intensified scrutiny on the team's management. Karthik believes differing long-term plans and immediate winning desires cause selection confusion. The immense squad depth adds pressure on players struggling to secure their places. The BCCI will review these poor T20I performances and selections soon.

14 Jul 2026 5:50 pm
Jasprit Bumrah scripts history, surpasses Ravindra Jadeja to become ...

Bumrah reached the milestone in the opening ball of the 14th over of England's innings. He forced Brook into a tentative shot with a slower delivery that climbed on the batter, and Rohit Sharma completed a catch at first slip. The wicket was also Bumrah's 150th in ODI cricket.

14 Jul 2026 5:17 pm
Jos Buttler enters elite club, becomes only the second England player to...

Jos Buttler achieved his 200th One-Day International cap for England. He reached this significant milestone during the opening ODI against India. Former captain Eoin Morgan holds the record for most ODIs played. England batted first after winning the toss at Edgbaston. India welcomed back senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

14 Jul 2026 4:21 pm
India tour of Bangladesh gets closer to approval; Afghanistan T20Is could be pushed back

India's white-ball tour of Bangladesh is edging closer to approval, with the BCCI exploring a revised international schedule. To accommodate the six-match series, India's proposed T20Is against Afghanistan are likely to be pushed back by a few days, while the BCB remains optimistic about hosting the Men in Blue after a four-year gap.

14 Jul 2026 3:19 pm
Cabala or FIFA rules? Why Messi's Argentina will wear 'Lucky' navy blue jersey for semis vs England

Argentina will wear their dark blue away kit for the World Cup semifinal match against England. This choice is influenced by historical victories and fan superstition regarding the jersey. FIFA regulations regarding kit contrast and viewer visibility also play a significant role. The team hopes this iconic blue strip will bring them fortune in the crucial game. This decision has generated considerable discussion among football supporters worldwide.

14 Jul 2026 12:40 pm
Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir avoid interaction ahead of India vs England 1st ODI

Head coach Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli were not seen interacting during India's training. Gambhir spent considerable time with other squad members and coaching staff. Kohli engaged in a lengthy batting session and spoke with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. Captain Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma also had discussions with the head coach.

14 Jul 2026 12:26 pm
France, England, Spain or Argentina? How a $5.3 billion betting market is calling ?

With four footballing heavyweights remaining, one of the biggest questions among fans is simple: Who is most likely to lift the trophy? Two of the largest prediction platforms, Polymarket and Kalshi, have attracted enormous interest throughout the tournament, with a combined betting volume of more than $5.3 billion across various FIFA World Cup markets. Around $4.2 billion has been wagered on Polymarket and $1.1 billion on Kalshi across predictions ranging from tournament winner and Golden Boot

14 Jul 2026 12:12 pm
Watch: Haaland arrives home carrying a 'Raccoon', breaks silence on companion

Norwegian striker Erling Haaland returned home with a viral stuffed raccoon. He engaged fans by asking for name suggestions for his new companion. Norway received a massive hero's welcome from over 100,000 fans. The capital city celebrated the team's historic FIFA World Cup campaign. Crown Prince Haakon led a final Viking Row celebration with supporters.

14 Jul 2026 11:33 am
'This moment belongs to my father': Yash Thakur on maiden India call-up

From dedicating his maiden India call-up to his late father to reuniting with bowling coach Morne Morkel, Yash Thakur reflects on the journey behind his biggest career milestone. In an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia. com, the Punjab Kings pacer opens up about Shreyas Iyer's faith in his bowlers, the winning mindset instilled by Ricky Ponting, and why pressure situations bring out the best in him.

14 Jul 2026 11:09 am
Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir are not TALKING | India vs England

Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir are not TALKING | India vs England

14 Jul 2026 11:04 am
Referee dies at 38, weeks after FIFA World Cup removal

Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died at the young age of thirty-eight. He was recently removed from the FIFA World Cup 2026 officials list. Dieperink was arrested in Britain following an investigation which was later closed. The Netherlands football association and FIFA have expressed their deep sadness. Dieperink had a notable career, officiating many professional matches internationally.

14 Jul 2026 10:11 am
'When his time is up...': McCullum's 'legacy' remark on Kohli ahead 1st ODI

Virat Kohli plays his 300th ODI for India against England. England coach Brendon McCullum praised Kohli's global influence and competitive spirit. Kohli returns to the ODI format after missing the T20 series. He is close to surpassing Rahul Dravid's ODI run record in England. India seeks a fresh start in the ODI series after T20 disappointment.

14 Jul 2026 9:48 am
'What wrong did Sooryavanshi do?': World Cup-winner blasts Iyer, Gambhir

Former India captain Kris Srikkanth criticised the team management's handling of young player Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. He questioned the decision to drop the fifteen-year-old after just three T20 international matches. Srikkanth compared this situation to his own captaincy experience with Sachin Tendulkar. He emphasized the importance of backing young talent for confidence building. The former opener expressed strong disappointment with the current leadership's approach.

14 Jul 2026 9:25 am
Lamine Yamal makes bold 'no pressure' claim ahead of World Cup Semifinal

Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal feels no pressure facing France in the World Cup semifinal. He believes Spain is well-equipped to handle the high-stakes match and prove themselves. La Roja enters the semifinal on an impressive 36-match unbeaten streak in regulation time. France also arrives with momentum, having won all their group matches and knockout games. This semifinal marks a national record for France's head coach Didier Deschamps.

14 Jul 2026 9:04 am
Will Mbappe play vs Spain? Coach gives major fitness update

France will take on a confident Spain side that reached the semifinals after beating Belgium 2-1 in the quarterfinals. Spain have not lost in their last 36 matches and will be looking to continue that run by booking a place in the World Cup final. The winner of the blockbuster semifinal will face either Argentina or England in the final on July 20.

14 Jul 2026 8:29 am
Team India look to shake off T20I hangover as road to ODI World Cup begins

After a disastrous T20I tour, India begin their ODI World Cup build-up against England at Edgbaston. With injuries forcing changes, Shubman Gill's side will look to reset, test combinations and lean on the experience of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah as preparations for the 2027 World Cup gather pace.

14 Jul 2026 8:05 am
Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma close in on all-time India ODI record in England

Virat Kohli needs 68 runs to surpass Rahul Dravid's tally of 648 runs. Rohit Sharma requires 239 runs to move ahead of Dravid's total. Dravid currently holds the record with 648 runs from 20 matches. This series presents a big chance for Kohli to claim the top spot.

14 Jul 2026 7:39 am
'Sorry': Why Brendon McCullum apologised to England fans

Brendon McCullum has apologised to England fans after his removal as Test coach. He accepted the decision, stating the team's results were not good enough. McCullum admitted disappointment over failing to win major series against India and Australia. He took full responsibility for the team's culture and tactical performances. The former New Zealand captain will continue as England's white-ball coach.

14 Jul 2026 6:59 am
2nd ODI: Lennox's five-for powers NZ to series-levelling win over WI

New Zealand secured a five-wicket victory against West Indies in the second ODI match. Jayden Lennox took five wickets for nineteen runs, triggering a West Indies collapse. The hosts were bowled out for a mere 138 runs in their innings. New Zealand chased the target with ten wickets in hand, leveling the series. This win marked New Zealand's 400th ODI victory, tying the series at one apiece.

14 Jul 2026 6:39 am