The Times of India

Los Angeles Knight Riders secured their first Major League Cricket final berth. They defeated San Francisco Unicorns by seven runs in Qualifier 1. Colin Munro and Andre Russell built a strong foundation for the team's score. Rovman Powell then provided a rapid late surge with his powerful hitting. Matthew Short's valiant 94 was not enough for the Unicorns to chase the target.

Argentina's World Cup semifinal victory over England has ignited a fresh controversy. Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso displayed a banner claiming the Falkland Islands are Argentine. FIFA rules prohibit political messages during football matches, potentially leading to disciplinary action. The Falkland Islands have been a subject of dispute between Argentina and the United Kingdom for decades. Argentina's Foreign Ministry recently reaffirmed its claim over the islands in an official communiqu.

Jude Bellingham has explained his heated exchange with Lionel Messi during England's dramatic World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, insisting it was nothing personal. The confrontation came during a record-breaking physical first half that saw 19 fouls. Bellingham said the pair were simply debating a challenge, while praising Messi as a privilege to face despite England's heartbreaking 2-1 loss.

Shubman Gill's unbeaten 80 against England in the first ODI at Edgbaston was a lesson in calculated ODI batting rather than outright aggression. On a seamer-friendly surface, he absorbed pressure, rebuilt after India's early setbacks and accelerated at the right moments to steer the chase. Even cramps couldn't derail his composure, reinforcing why Gill, who is still uncertain for the second ODI in Cardiff, is rapidly becoming India's premier chase specialist, much like Virat Kohli.

Argentina's foreign ministry has restated its claim over the Falkland Islands. This follows players displaying a Las Malvinas son Argentinas banner after a football match. The nation also lodged a protest against the United Kingdom's naval movements. FIFA rules prohibit political banners and could lead to sanctions for the team. The long-standing sovereignty dispute continues to create regional tensions.

Lionel Messi and Argentina teammates sparked a viral moment after their World Cup semi-final victory over England, as they inspected Jordan Pickford's penalty notes taped to his water bottle. The England goalkeeper's preparations for a shootout went unused after Lautaro Martnez's stoppage-time winner sealed a 2-1 comeback. Messi's amused reaction quickly became one of the tournament's most talked-about moments.

England's Jude Bellingham clashed with Argentina players after their World Cup semifinal defeat. A video showed Bellingham tapping defender Valentin Barco on the head. The match saw England lose 2-1, ending their World Cup final hopes. Argentina will now face Spain in the final for a second title. England plays France in the third-place playoff match.

Argentina secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against England in the World Cup semi-final. Coach Lionel Scaloni praised his players for their incredible achievement and determination. The team will now face Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. England will compete against France in the third-place playoff match. Argentina aims to give everything to win the title and retain the trophy.

Harry Kane has refused to rule out playing at the 2030 FIFA World Cup after England's heartbreaking semi-final defeat to Argentina. The captain admitted the loss felt like another familiar tournament setback, with England unable to protect their lead. However, Kane insisted he will take his international future year by year, inspired by Lionel Messi's continued excellence at 39.

Lionel Messi is on the brink of history as he prepares for his third World Cup final, an exclusive feat he shares with Brazil's Cafu. After participating in the finals of 2014 and 2022 with Argentina, Messi, now 39, is aiming to mirror Cafu's success, who won two of his three finals. A victory could earn Messi another World Cup winner's medal.

Argentina may face FIFA disciplinary action after displaying a Falklands sovereignty banner. The team celebrated a World Cup semi-final victory over England with the controversial message. This political display follows a similar incident for which Argentina was previously fined. Argentina's vice-president supported the players' actions on social media platforms. The team now prepares for the World Cup final against Spain.

Harry Kane has revealed Thomas Tuchel's final touchline instruction before England's World Cup semi-final collapse against Argentina. Despite taking the lead, Tuchel urged his players to keep attacking rather than defend. England instead conceded twice late on, with Kane admitting the team ultimately tried to hold on as another major tournament ended in heartbreaking fashion.

Lionel Messi moved to the top of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot race after two assists inspired Argentina's dramatic comeback win over England in the semi-final. The 39-year-old now leads Kylian Mbapp on the tournament tiebreakers with eight goals and four assists. While rivals still have the third-place playoff, Messi enters the final in pole position.

Lionel Messi inspired Argentina's dramatic 2-1 comeback over England with two late assists to reach a second consecutive World Cup final. The 39-year-old became the tournament's all-time assist leader with 12 and set another unique Opta-era record. Messi also moved top of the Golden Boot standings, edging Kylian Mbapp on the assists tiebreak.

The culminating match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be a battle between Spain and Argentina, showcasing the reigning champions of Europe and South America, respectively. Argentina earned their spot in the finals after triumphing over England in a thrilling semifinal, while Spain advanced by defeating rivals France. This monumental showdown is poised to crown the ultimate champion of world football.

Argentina clinched a dramatic 2-1 win against England on Wednesday, ensuring their place in the FIFA World Cup Final. The defending champions staged a remarkable comeback after trailing for a significant part of the match, as England's lead crumbled in the final moments. Next up for Argentina is a face-off against Spain in the grand finale this Sunday.

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has explained the controversial X gesture he made towards referee Franois Letexier during his side's World Cup defeat to Argentina, insisting it was a protest against unfair officiating rather than an allegation of racism. Hassan also revealed an emotional exchange with Lionel Messi, while Egypt continue to dispute several key refereeing decisions from the dramatic Round of 16 clash.

Ben Stokes humorously responded to Ian Botham's retirement comments on social media. Botham had playfully inducted Stokes into a club of former players. Stokes referenced a quote often attributed to Botham himself. This exchange followed Botham's earlier criticism of Stokes' curfew breach. Stokes retired after a distinguished 15-year international cricket career.

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.