The Times of India

FIFA World Cup final prediction: Spain or Argentina? Greenstone Lobo picks the winner

Laporta is in New York ahead of Sunday's final at New York/New Jersey Stadium, where current and former Barcelona players will feature on both sides. Spain's squad includes eight Barcelona players, while Messi will captain Argentina.

England and France will compete for third place in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Both teams suffered semi-final losses, ending their championship aspirations. Historically, England holds an advantage in their rivalry with France. However, recent matches show France performing better against the Three Lions. This game offers a chance for a podium finish and pride restoration.

Widely regarded as cricket's greatest all-rounder, Sobers died at his home in Barbados, 11 days before his 90th birthday. During a career spanning two decades, he set new standards with his batting, bowling and fielding.

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbapp are level on eight goals in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot race, with assists currently separating them. As France prepare for the third-place playoff and Argentina the final, FIFAs tiebreaker rules could again decide the award, just as they famously did at the 2010 World Cup after a four-way tie on goals.

PV Sindhu has reached the Japan Open 2026 final, a historic achievement for Indian badminton. She advanced after her opponent Chen Yufei retired due to injury during their match. Sindhu secured her first win against Chen since 2019, ending a significant losing streak. This marks her return to a BWF Tour title match after over two years. She will now face Akane Yamaguchi for the championship title.

Kohli took to X to express his condolences and praised Sobers' impact on the game. Cricket has lost one of its greatest. Rest in peace, Sir Garfield Sobers. Your legacy will inspire generations, Kohli wrote.

Donald Trump has questioned Thomas Tuchels tactical decision to use Harry Kane in a deeper defensive role during Englands World Cup semi-final collapse against Argentina. Tuchel defended his approach, insisting Kanes positioning was part of the teams collective defensive structure. Englands manager admitted his side became too passive after taking the lead as Argentina completed a dramatic comeback to reach the final.

Trump made the remarks during a reception at Trump Tower before a FIFA Council meeting on Friday, two days ahead of Sunday's World Cup final.

Ravichandran Ashwin questions the timing of speculation about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's ODI futures. He believes selectors should have communicated any transition plans much earlier. Ashwin stated that the experienced duo's presence is still needed for upcoming tours. Honest communication is essential when managing senior players' careers. Such discussions are surfacing late, with the next World Cup approaching.

Slovenian referee Slavko Vini has been appointed to officiate the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, marking the biggest match of his career. The experienced official has overseen major European finals and multiple World Cup fixtures. While Argentina have lost their only previous match under him, Spain remain unbeaten across four games with Vini in charge.

Argentinas World Cup final preparations have been overshadowed by a FIFA disciplinary review after players displayed a Falklands-related banner during celebrations after beating England. FIFA is assessing the incident under regulations banning political messages, with possible sanctions ranging from fines to suspensions. However, no decision has been announced, and reports suggest final-related player bans remain unlikely.

FIFA's plan for a Super Bowl-style halftime show at the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is expected to extend the interval beyond the usual 15 minutes, reportedly requiring an IFAB exemption. The break will include stage setup, a star-studded performance and pitch restoration, prompting debate over player welfare, match rhythm and football's growing focus on entertainment.

FIFA's plan for a Super Bowl-style halftime show at the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is expected to extend the interval beyond the usual 15 minutes, reportedly requiring an IFAB exemption. The break will include stage setup, a star-studded performance and pitch restoration, prompting debate over player welfare, match rhythm and football's growing focus on entertainment.

Spain have eased concerns over Lamine Yamal's fitness after the teenager trained separately ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina. The RFEF and coach Luis de la Fuente insist the session was precautionary, with Pedro Porro also on an individual programme. Both players are expected to be fit as Spain chase a fourth World Cup title on Sunday.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has dismissed speculation about Rohit Sharma's ODI retirement. He confirmed that Rohit remains a regular member of India's ODI team. Rohit will continue to represent the country as long as he is in the scheme of things. The selectors are assessing all players for the 2027 World Cup preparations. Therefore, the Lord's ODI will not be Rohit's final match.

Bangladesh secured a commanding victory over Zimbabwe by 34 runs. This win leveled the three-match series at one game apiece. Bangladesh displayed an improved performance in all aspects of the game. Zimbabwe players dropped multiple catches, allowing Bangladesh to post 186 runs. Rishad Hossain and Mahedi Hasan took seven wickets combined to seal the win.

Hockey India's Ethics Committee has started an inquiry into complaints against Asunta Lakra. This follows a Ministry directive for a neutral probe into her allegations. Lakra has been asked to submit her defense by July 30, 2026. She claims the notice is an attempt to intimidate her during the process. Hockey India's vice-president supports Lakra and will monitor the federation's actions.

Sri Lanka Cricket reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on corruption following an arrest. Former India U-19 star Manjot Kalra faces allegations of corrupt practice during the LPL. The ongoing investigation will not impact the tournament's scheduled continuation. Sri Lanka Cricket pledged full cooperation with the police special investigation unit. Robust anti-corruption measures remain in place to protect the league's integrity.

The BCCI honoured Sir Garfield Sobers, a true cricket icon, after his passing. He was remembered as one of the game's greatest all-rounders ever. Sobers left an enduring legacy which will continue to inspire many. Cricket West Indies also posted a heartfelt farewell to the legend. His remarkable career redefined greatness in the sport.

Cricket icon Garfield Sobers has passed away at the age of 89. He represented the West Indies in 93 Test matches during his career. Sobers scored 8,032 runs and took 235 wickets in Tests. He famously scored 365 runs in a single Test innings. Sobers also achieved six sixes in one over in first-class cricket.

Wildfire smoke has created unhealthy air quality across New York and New Jersey. The FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain is scheduled for Sunday. Organisers are monitoring conditions closely for potential weather disruptions. Spain trained outdoors despite hazardous air quality levels on Thursday. Forecasts suggest improving conditions and rainfall may clear the smoke before the match.

Spain's Prime Minister and King will attend the World Cup final match. US President Donald Trump also confirmed his attendance at the New York stadium. Argentina's President Javier Milei will watch from home due to superstition. He believes his presence at home brings Argentina luck in matches. This decision follows a tradition of avoiding presidential attendance at crucial games.

Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal will face each other in the World Cup final. Nineteen years ago, Messi bathed baby Yamal during a charity photoshoot event. Yamal has since become Spain's biggest football star at Barcelona. Messi left Barcelona in 2021, while Yamal emerged as a global superstar. This remarkable full-circle moment culminates in Sunday's biggest football match.

Indian chess stars Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Divya Deshmukh are nominated for FIDE Excellence Awards. They will compete against global talent in multiple prestigious player categories. The All India Chess Federation also received a nomination for Best Federation. Indian national teams and ChessBase India Foundation earned recognition for their achievements. Winners will be announced at the Chess Olympiad.

Former India U-19 star Manjot Kalra was arrested in Sri Lanka on Friday. He faces allegations of attempting to bribe a player during the Lanka Premier League. Kalra, a co-owner of the Jaffna Kings, was taken into custody by investigators. The alleged bribery attempt was reported by several Jaffna Kings players. Sri Lanka Cricket stated it will cooperate with the ongoing investigation.

Slavko Vincic will referee the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain. This prestigious assignment follows a past controversy involving a police raid. Vincic was questioned as a witness and cleared of any wrongdoing. He has previously officiated a match involving Argentina in 2022. His career has continued to flourish after the incident.

Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz received a three-month ban for a doping violation. His suspension will reduce to one month upon completing a treatment program. Nawaz tested positive for a cannabis metabolite during the T20 World Cup. He admitted the offense, stating it was unrelated to sporting performance. His match records from February 7 to May 1 have been disqualified.

Argentine President Javier Milei will not attend the World Cup final in New Jersey. He believes his superstition, known as cbalas, ensures Argentinas victory. Milei will watch the match from his residence in Buenos Aires. Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino are expected to attend the final. This decision follows a long-standing presidential tradition of avoiding crucial matches.

Kamaru Usman believes victory over former middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis could move him one step closer to another UFC title. In an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia. com, the former welterweight champion reflects on his lengthy layoff, his pursuit of a second world title, the challenge posed by Du Plessis, why every fight now has to be meaningful, and what he wants people to remember about his career.

Joe Root anchored England's chase with an unbeaten 99 runs. He compiled a composed knock studded with nine boundaries. Anil Kumble praised Root's importance to the England team. Kumble compared Root's role to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for India. Root's old-school ODI mindset brought calmness to the chase.

Patel said the India opener has repeatedly shown during his career that he responds strongly after a lean run and expects him to do so again if Sunday's match turns out to be his last.

PV Sindhu reached her first Japan Open semi-final after an opponent's withdrawal. This marks her third semi-final appearance of the current season. She previously defeated Han Yue in the round of sixteen. Sindhu now faces Chen Yufei in a challenging upcoming match. The Indian star is the sole remaining contender for India.

The squad, currently training at the national camp in Bengaluru, combines experienced players with youngsters who have impressed in recent international competitions.

Defending 238, Freedom looked under pressure when San Francisco captain Matthew Short produced an unbeaten 121 off 56 balls, but Saurabh Netravalkar and Mitchell Owen closed out the game with disciplined final overs to deny the Unicorns a place in the title clash.

The FIFA World Cup champions will receive exclusive championship rings for the first time. These rings will debut after the 2026 final between Spain and Argentina. One side features the trophy, and the other reflects the winning nation's identity. A limited collection of 2,026 rings will be available, with 30 for winners. The final match features Lionel Messi facing Lamine Yamal in a captivating generational clash.

Ahead of the first ODI at Edgbaston, Kohli was seen batting in the nets while Gambhir watched from close range without speaking to him. Kotak, meanwhile, was spotted having a conversation with the former India captain.

Jude Bellingham addressed England's World Cup semifinal defeat to Argentina. He thanked supporters for their unwavering backing throughout the tournament. Bellingham encouraged fans to maintain national unity shown during the competition. He stated that collective strength allows for significant achievements together. The midfielder expressed his love for the supporters and the nation.

Rohit's struggles were visible in the second ODI in Cardiff on Thursday, where England won by four wickets to level the three-match series 1-1. The opener never looked settled, scoring just 10 runs off 18 balls by the end of the Powerplay even as India raced to 61/1. He eventually made 26 off 47 balls before being dismissed while attempting a sweep against Will Jacks.

Argentina came from 1-0 down after the 85th minute to beat England 2-1 in Wednesday's semifinal and book a place in the final, where they will face Spain on Sunday.

IND vs ENG: Rohit Sharma misfires again; India lose in Cardiff

Joe Root's unbeaten 99 guided England to a four-wicket victory over India. This win leveled the three-match series at one game apiece. Root absorbed early pressure and anchored the innings with a composed knock. He overtook Virat Kohli in successful ODI run chase averages. England's bowlers restricted India after a threatening partnership.

Rohit Sharma's struggles with timing, tempo and confidence have continued in the first two ODIs against England. With just 37 runs, prolonged dot-ball phases and visible discomfort against pace, the veteran opener's place in India's long-term ODI plans is beginning to invite serious scrutiny ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

India suffered a four-wicket defeat against England in the second ODI. The team squandered a strong position after reaching 180 for three wickets. Joe Root's unbeaten 99 guided England to a comfortable chase and series level. Captain Shubman Gill expressed disappointment over the middle-order batting collapse. Washington Sundar's injury also disrupted India's bowling plans during the match.

The Indian team management and selectors had initially considered giving Yashasvi Jaiswal a full series in England but opted to persist with Rohit Sharma, hoping he would rediscover his form. Sources indicate that both the selection committee and team management have conveyed their views on Rohit's future to the BCCI. It remains to be seen whether the board's leadership or the selectors will now initiate discussions with him.

Ben Duckett became the first England batter dismissed on the opening ball against India. Jasprit Bumrah provided India with an ideal start in the chase of 234. India posted a below-par 233 after a middle-order collapse in their innings. Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer scored 65 and 66 respectively. England's pace attack triggered India's collapse, losing four wickets quickly.

Sitanshu Kotak backs Rohit Sharma, explains India's batting collapse

Joe Root's huge praise for Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma

In a thrilling second ODI, England clinched a four-wicket win over India, bringing the series to a tie at 1-1. Joe Root's stellar innings of 99 not out was pivotal as India's batters faltered, crumbling to just 233 runs. England's bowling duo, Archer and Atkinson, each claimed three wickets, showcasing their prowess. Despite half-centuries from Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, India's collapse set the stage for a nail-biting final match.

Virat Kohli achieved a significant career milestone during the second ODI against England. He surpassed Ricky Ponting to become the fifth-most capped player in international cricket. Kohli scored 65 runs, contributing to India's strong position in the match. This half-century also drew him level with Viv Richards for fifty-plus scores against England. His remarkable longevity continues to be a defining aspect of his career.