The Times of India

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup heats up, the Golden Boot race has become nothing short of legendary. Erling Haaland has surged to join football icons Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbapp, each netting seven goals. Haaland's remarkable performance against Brazil marked his breakout moment, sending Norway to the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Mbapp leads in assists, while Messi's brilliance shines through, creating an exhilarating finish to this generational showdown.

Erling Haaland's sensational second-half brace propelled Norway to a historic 2-1 World Cup quarterfinal victory over Brazil. Despite facing immense pressure, Haaland delivered two crucial goals, while goalkeeper Orjan Nyland's heroics, including a penalty save, secured the monumental win. Brazil's exit marks a significant upset, ending their quarterfinal streak and continuing a poor run against European teams.

Belgiums football federation has formally challenged FIFAs decision to suspend a red card ban for USA striker Folarin Balogun ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash in Seattle. FIFAs use of Article 27 to delay the suspension has sparked accusations of rule contradictions, with Belgium arguing it undermines automatic red card regulations and fair play principles.

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the final World Cup of his legendary career, saying he will retire from footballs biggest stage with a clear conscience after giving everything for Portugal. The 41-year-old made the announcement ahead of Portugals Round of 16 clash with Spain, insisting his focus remains on extending his farewell by reaching the quarter-finals.

Chasing 151, the highest target ever set in a Women's T20 World Cup final, Australia reached 153/3 in 17.1 overs, finishing the job with 17 balls to spare.

Novak Djokovic has etched his name further in Wimbledon history, becoming the men's singles player with the most match wins at the prestigious tournament, surpassing Roger Federer's record. Despite a challenging match and some on-court frustrations, Djokovic secured his quarterfinal berth. Meanwhile, the women's singles will see a new champion crowned as defending titleholder Barbora Krejcikova was eliminated.

Balogun, the USA's leading scorer in the tournament with three goals, had received a red card during the Americans' 2-0 round-of-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday after stepping on the foot of Tarik Muharemovi.

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has set a new T20 World Cup record with her ninth 50-plus score in the final against Australia. Her unbeaten 58 anchored England's innings, guiding them to 150/4 after a shaky start. Despite a disciplined Australian bowling attack, Sciver-Brunt's resilience, supported by Freya Kemp's quickfire 44, ensured a competitive total for the hosts at Lord's.

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt captured hearts at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final by walking onto the Lord's pitch with her infant son, Theo. This touching moment, witnessed by his wife Katherine Sciver-Brunt, added profound meaning to the match. Earlier, Sciver-Brunt had celebrated a century by rocking her bat like a baby, a gesture now amplified by this family-centric occasion.

Cape Verde's national football team received a hero's welcome home after their historic FIFA World Cup debut. The Blue Sharks became the smallest nation to reach the knockout stage, captivating fans with spirited performances, including draws against Spain and Uruguay, and a thrilling 3-2 loss to Argentina. Their remarkable journey, coinciding with Independence Day, ignited nationwide celebrations and immense national pride.

Ellyse Perry has equalled Alyssa Healy's record of seven Women's T20 World Cup final appearances, featuring in Australia's title clash against England. Despite a recent quadriceps injury, Perry was fit to play. Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first, aiming to extend their dominant record in finals against England, who also fielded an unchanged side.

BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla has lauded Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's India debut, emphasizing selection based on merit amidst social media speculation. The 15-year-old Bihar batter became the youngest Indian international cricketer, marking a historic moment. Despite his promising start, England secured a four-wicket victory in the second T20I, taking a 1-0 series lead after the first match was abandoned.

Away from the exchange, Henderson admitted that England's players had noticed the effect of playing at high altitude since arriving in Mexico City.

England captain Harry Kane anticipates a formidable challenge against co-hosts Mexico in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 at the Estadio Azteca. Mexico boasts a perfect record, scoring eight without conceding, while England, though unbeaten, faces questions of fatigue. Kane emphasized the need for his team to adapt and find different ways to win in this high-stakes knockout encounter, highlighting the thrill of such epic World Cup moments.

Gurnoor Brar's exceptional 10-wicket haul powered India A to a dominant 10-wicket victory over Sri Lanka A in the second unofficial Test, securing a 1-0 series win. Sai Sudharsan's brilliant 168 also anchored India's first innings. This performance serves as ideal preparation for India's upcoming Test series in Sri Lanka next month, with several players impressing.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made history as India's youngest T20I debutant, impressing England's Jacob Bethell despite a modest 14 runs. Bethell, who starred with an unbeaten 76 to guide England to victory, lauded Sooryavanshi's raw talent. The young Indian's performance, even in defeat, generated significant buzz, highlighting his promising future in cricket.

England national football team endured a sleepless night ahead of their World Cup last-16 clash with Mexico national football team after home fans gathered outside their hotel with drums, trumpets and fireworks. Manager Thomas Tuchel said the squad were also adapting to Mexico City's high altitude and expected a fast start from the hosts.

Jasprit Bumrah is back in training with the red ball, gearing up for a significant return to international cricket. After a challenging IPL, the pace spearhead will feature in the upcoming ODI series against England and the Test matches against Sri Lanka. This marks his return to ODIs after a long break, with his form crucial for India's World Test Championship campaign.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, at 15, became India's youngest male international cricketer in the second T20I against England. Though dismissed for 14 after a brief, aggressive innings featuring two sixes, his fearless approach was evident. Former captain Sunil Gavaskar noted the dismissal shot wasn't Sooryavanshi's natural style, highlighting his potential for brilliant cover drives. The excitement surrounding the young talent was palpable.

Taking to X after the match, Manjrekar welcomed the 15-year-old's debut but wondered why Samson had been left out of the playing XI.

England's World Cup preparations have taken an unusual turn as players are reportedly being offered Viagra to combat the effects of Mexico City's high altitude. The medication's ability to widen blood vessels could aid circulation in the thinner air, a factor explored by the medical team. This move comes as England faces a formidable Mexican side at the Estadio Azteca, a venue where they boast an impressive record.

Babar Azam has been reappointed as Pakistan's Test captain, leading the team against the West Indies and England in crucial ICC World Test Championship matches. The squads feature four new faces, offering them a chance to debut. Pakistan aims to climb the WTC standings from their current ninth position during these upcoming overseas assignments.

Orlando Gill admitted he lost my temper after Kylian Mbappe ignored his post-match handshake following France's 1-0 World Cup win over Paraguay national football team. Gill threw the ball at Mbappe after the final whistle, while the France captain defended his team's response to Paraguay's physical tactics after scoring the decisive penalty.

Ambati Rayudu defended Sanju Samson after his T20I exclusion, reminding fans of Samson's T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament award. While welcoming 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's debut, Rayudu emphasized Samson's recent match-winning contributions. Samson's omission follows a single low score, sparking debate despite Sooryavanshi's promising, albeit brief, innings. England leads the series after a victory.

Didier Deschamps defended Kylian Mbappe against criticism of his leadership following France's 1-0 World Cup win over Paraguay national football team. Deschamps insisted Mbappe's public image doesn't correspond at all to reality and praised France's discipline during a heated encounter, which was decided by Mbappe's second-half penalty.

MI New York pulled off a thrilling six-wicket win over Los Angeles Knight Riders thanks to an unbeaten 88-run partnership between Kieron Pollard (63) and Corey Anderson (37). Chasing 166, MI New York recovered from 80-4 to seal victory with one ball remaining.

England women's cricket team will face six-time champions Australia women's cricket team in the Women's T20 World Cup final at Lord's Cricket Ground. England are aiming for a second title on home soil, while Australia seek a record-extending seventh crown. Key players include Natalie Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Ellyse Perry.

Ravi Bishnoi etched an unwanted record, becoming the first spinner from a Full Member nation to bowl three no-balls in a men's T20I, significantly impacting India's loss to England. Despite a competitive total and a debut for 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Bishnoi's expensive spell, including a 29-run over, proved decisive. England chased down the target with an over to spare, taking a 1-0 series lead.

As England national football team prepare to face Mexico national football team at the iconic Estadio Azteca, memories of Diego Maradona and his infamous 1986 World Cup performance against England loom large. Manager Thomas Tuchel hopes karma will finally favour England as they battle history, expectation and Mexico City's challenging altitude.

Ishan Kishan explains where India lost the game vs England

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan advocates for Rajat Patidar's inclusion in India's T20I squad, citing a surplus of left-handed batsmen. Patidar's stellar IPL 2026 performance, where he captained RCB to a title and scored 501 runs at a strike rate of 192.69, strengthens his case. Despite a strong domestic T20 record, the 33-year-old awaits his T20I debut as India seeks better balance ahead of the next T20 World Cup.

Steve Smith scored his first fifty of the season as Washington Freedom recovered from 19-3 to defeat San Francisco Unicorns by five wickets. Smith's 56 and Mark Chapman's 44 guided the chase after Jack Edwards' superb 4-13 helped bowl out San Francisco for 126, sending Washington to the top of the Major League Cricket table.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made history on Saturday, becoming India's youngest international cricketer and the second-youngest debutant among Full Member nations. He achieved this milestone at 15 years and 99 days during the second T20I against England. Despite a brief but impactful 14 off 10 balls, including two sixes, India ultimately fell short in the match.

France reached the quarter-finals with a tense 1-0 win over France national football team, but the match was overshadowed by the behaviour of Paraguay national football team. Joe Hart called Paraguay's players an absolute disgrace, while Micah Richards described their conduct as embarrassing. Kylian Mbappe scored the winning penalty to set up a quarter-final clash with Morocco.

Silverstone witnessed a thrilling start to the British Grand Prix weekend, with Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli securing pole position for Sunday's race. Despite Lewis Hamilton's strong performance, topping practice and taking Sprint pole, Antonelli fought back to win the Sprint race and then claimed his fifth pole of the season. Ferrari's Leclerc and Hamilton will start second and third, setting up an exciting Mercedes-Ferrari battle.

Sanju Samson's omission from India's T20I against England, despite his World Cup heroics, has sparked debate. Head coach Gautam Gambhir, who previously lauded Samson as 'world-class,' was seen in a quiet conversation with the player before the match. Samson's recent low scores on the UK tour led to his replacement by debutant Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, highlighting the swift shifts in international cricket fortunes.

In a tense World Cup 2026 match, Kylian Mbapp's penalty sealed a narrow 1-0 victory for France against Paraguay, ensuring their spot in the quarter-finals. Facing extreme temperatures and a resolute Paraguayan defense, Mbapp found the back of the net with a crucial 70th-minute penalty. This win leads to an exciting matchup with Morocco, as France continues to chase glory with an impeccable performance so far.

France lead Paraguay in a FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash played in extreme heat at Philadelphias Lincoln Financial Field, with temperatures near 100F (37.8C) and heat index reaching 105110F (40.643.3C). The extreme conditions, under an official heat warning, have turned the match into a severe physical test, with Kylian Mbapps penalty separating the sides.

Canadas FIFA World Cup 2026 run ended with a 3-0 Round of 16 defeat to Morocco in Houston. Despite strong early pressure, more corners and chances, Canada failed to convert. Morocco weathered the storm, then struck clinically after halftime through Azzedine Ounahis brace and Soufiane Rahimis stoppage-time goal, securing a quarter-final place with efficient counterattacking and solid game management progress

India's captain Shreyas Iyer backed spinner Ravi Bishnoi after a costly 17th over, which proved pivotal in England's four-wicket victory. Despite Bishnoi conceding 29 runs, Iyer refused to single him out, emphasizing the team's collective learning. He lauded England's Jacob Bethell for his unbeaten 76 and acknowledged the challenging pitch, believing India had posted a strong total. The team is now focused on the next match.

Bethell's unbeaten 76 off 46 balls helped England chase down 191 with an over to spare, giving the hosts a four-wicket win in the second match of the five-game series on Saturday.

Chasing 191, England were rocked in the very first over by left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, who removed both Phil Salt and Jos Buttler without allowing either batter to score.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made history as India's youngest international cricketer during his T20I debut against England. While he showcased a fearless 14-run cameo with two sixes, he also became the first Indian to be stumped on debut. Despite the early dismissal, Sooryavanshi's entry into the record books at 15 years and 99 days marks a significant milestone, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's long-held record.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi etched his name in history, becoming India's youngest T20I player at just 15. Opening the innings, the young sensation showcased his aggressive style with two impressive sixes against England. Despite a brief stay, his fearless 14 off 10 deliveries offered a tantalizing glimpse of his immense potential, leaving fans eager for more.