The Times of India

After opening their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco, Brazil have followed it up with two wins and finished top of Group C.

The FIFA World Cup 2026's group stage is nearing its end, with 13 teams already securing spots in the Round of 32. A thrilling race is underway for the eight best third-placed teams to also advance. FIFA's ranking system, prioritising points, goal difference, goals scored, conduct, and FIFA rankings, will determine these crucial qualifiers. Several high-stakes matches remain, promising to finalise the knockout picture by Sunday morning.

The Mexico goalkeeper reached the milestone during his side's final Group A match against the Czech Republic in Mexico City on Wednesday.

India's white-ball tour of Ireland commences Friday, June 26, with Shreyas Iyer set to captain the T20I side for the first time. Excitement builds around 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's potential international debut. The matches begin an hour earlier at 6:00 PM IST to avoid a clash with India's Women's T20 World Cup fixture. Sony Sports Network will broadcast the series live.

Japan. South Korea. China. Australia. Through the first three days of the NBA Rising Stars Invitational, the same basketball nations have continued to separate themselves from the rest. Watching India's lone representatives up close offered perhaps the clearest explanation why.

New Zealand opted to bat first in the series decider against England, but face significant challenges with key players Matt Henry and Glenn Phillips sidelined due to injuries. The hosts, meanwhile, have made several changes, including the return of captain Ben Stokes. This crucial Test will determine the series winner, with valuable World Test Championship points at stake.

Cricket Ireland has shifted the start times for both T20Is against India to 1:30 pm local time, an hour earlier than usual. This adjustment aims to avoid a direct clash with India's crucial Women's T20 World Cup match against Australia on June 28. Broadcasters have agreed to the revised schedule, ensuring fans can catch more of both exciting encounters.

Indian pacer Akash Deep tied the knot with Akshita Raj in Varanasi, sharing joyous moments on social media. When asked about the absence of cricket stars like Dhoni, Kohli, and Sharma, Akash humorously quipped about the potential chaos their presence might cause in Banaras. This personal milestone follows his recovery from a recent injury that sidelined him from international and IPL action.

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 progresses, 12 teams have already booked their tickets to the Round of 32. Football powerhouses including Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina are shining brightly, while others like the Netherlands and Japan are engaged in nail-biting battles, desperately fighting for knockout stage opportunities as the group phase draws to a close.

Neymar made his long-awaited World Cup return in Brazils 3-0 win over Scotland, becoming only the fourth Brazilian to appear at four World Cups and just the second after Pel to wear Brazils iconic No. 10 shirt across four editions. The 34-year-old impressed in a brief cameo as Brazil finished top of Group C and advanced unbeaten to the Round of 32.

Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the youngest ever selected for India's men's team, is poised for a potential international debut against Ireland. His rapid rise, marked by a record-breaking List A fifty and a stellar IPL 2026 season, has generated immense excitement. With his parents present in Belfast, fans eagerly await his first cap, a dream fulfilled for the 15-year-old prodigy.

Vincius Jnior starred as Brazil beat Scotland 3-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026, scoring twice to complete a historic group-stage record of goals in all three matches. The Real Madrid forward moved to four tournament goals, joined Brazils elite World Cup scorers list, and strengthened his Golden Boot challenge as the Seleo topped Group C unbeaten.

As the Cricket vs Football debate resurfaces during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this analysis argues that population figures alone don't determine a sport's global reach. While cricket's tournament nations represent more people, much of that comes from India and Pakistan. Football's strength lies in its wider geographic spread, while cricket enjoys deeper popularity in a smaller number of densely populated countries.

Young cricketer Ashirvad Sooryavanshi, just 10 years old, is making waves with his exceptional batting. He recently smashed a stunning 168 off 119 balls in a practice match, following a debut century. Despite only six months of playing, his aggressive style and big scores are drawing attention, even from his brother Vaibhav, who is currently with the Indian team.

Morocco staged a dramatic comeback, twice trailing Haiti before securing a thrilling 4-2 victory to advance to the FIFA World Cup round of 32. Substitutes Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine netted crucial late goals, sealing Morocco's place in the knockout stages. Despite the loss, Haiti made history with their first World Cup goals, pushing a favored opponent to the brink.

Brazil sealed top spot in Group C with a dominant 3-0 win over Scotland at the 2026 World Cup, led by Vincius Jniors first-half brace and Matheus Cunhas strike. Neymar returned from injury as a substitute. Scotlands spirited effort fell short, leaving them third and dependent on results to reach the knockout stage as a best third-placed team overall campaign.

Jude Bellingham found himself at the centre of World Cup controversy after being filmed covering his mouth while speaking to Ghana captain Jordan Ayew during England's 0-0 draw. However, FIFA's new mouth-covering rule applies only to confrontational exchanges, allowing Bellingham to avoid punishment. The midfielder later addressed a separate heated clash with Ghana's coaching staff following a reckless challenge.

Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma is on the cusp of cricket history, needing just one wicket against Bangladesh to become the leading wicket-taker in women's international cricket, surpassing Jhulan Goswami. Despite a recent loss, Deepti's consistent performance, especially her five-wicket haul, highlights her prowess. However, Team India faces middle-order batting concerns and fielding lapses ahead of this crucial World Cup encounter.

Gurindervir Singh shattered the 100m national record, clocking 10.09 seconds and aiming for a sub-10 finish. Overcoming past health struggles and financial hardships, the Indian Navy sprinter credits his transformation to meticulous training under coach James Hillier. With upcoming major games on the horizon, Singh is focused on pushing boundaries and achieving greater success for India.

Eighteen-year-old Anushka Yadav etched her name in history at the National Inter-State Championships, becoming the youngest Indian athletics national record holder. She shattered the women's hammer throw record with a remarkable 67.02m, surpassing the previous mark twice during the competition. Hailing from a farming family, Yadav's journey from rural Uttar Pradesh to national glory is an inspiring tale of dedication and talent.

India's 2036 Olympic hosting aspirations gained momentum as the IOC approved a new selection process, aiming for a host announcement by mid-2029. This revamped system introduces a Strategic Dialogue phase for greater transparency and clarity. Candidates, including India with Ahmedabad as the proposed city, will undergo rigorous evaluation, including financial guarantees and site visits, before a final decision is made.

India A's multi-day tour of Sri Lanka commences with a two-match unofficial Test series in Galle, offering emerging talents a vital platform. Led by Dhruv Jurel, the squad features promising players like Aquib Nabi, Sai Sudharsan, and Devdutt Padikkal, all vying for higher honours. This series is a crucial assessment of bench strength and potential future national contenders, especially with challenging conditions expected.

England's goalless World Cup draw with Ghana drew attention after Ghanaian witch doctor Nana Kwaku Bonsam claimed he had cursed Harry Kane and later lifted the hex following the striker's missed chance. The bizarre story sparked headlines, while pundits criticised England's flat performance and said they were fortunate to avoid defeat. Despite concerns, most believe Thomas Tuchel's side remains well placed ahead of its final group-stage match against Panama.

England captain Ben Stokes said he apologised to teammates after he and Gus Atkinson missed the second Test for breaching the team's midnight curfew. Stokes admitted the nightclub controversy overshadowed the debuts of several young players and affected the squad. Cleared of serious misconduct but issued warnings, Stokes stressed accountability, denied any rift with coach Brendon McCullum, and said the team is now fully focused on winning the series decider against New Zealand.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, recently called up to Indias national team, could become the countrys youngest international cricketer if he debuts against Ireland. During the England tour, he will use a separate changing room under ICC and ECB safeguarding rules for under-16 players. The ECB and BCCI are coordinating arrangements, while his parents are expected to accompany him throughout the tour.

On Day 13, Carlos Queiroz's Ghana poured cold water on England's optimism, Ronaldo broke his duck against minnows Uzbekistan and Croatia turned back the clock. Read this and more in today's Offside.

As Lionel Messi turns 39, his career remains a testament to extraordinary longevity. From scoring his first senior goal at 17 to surpassing 900 career goals, the Argentine has continued to thrive well beyond his prime years. With 351 goals after turning 30, World Cup glory, countless trophies and ongoing success with Inter Miami, Messi has proved that greatness has no age limit.

Lionel Messi, celebrating his 39th birthday, defied expectations by hitting the gym for an intense workout instead of taking a break. The football icon's dedication was evident in a viral Instagram video showcasing his commitment to peak performance. Messi's continued brilliance is central to Argentina's success in the FIFA World Cup 2026, where he has already broken scoring records.

Indian paddler Manika Batra is threatening legal action against the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) over her exclusion from the Asian Games squad. Batra insists she is not seeking special selection but demands a clear, factual explanation for the decision, citing a lack of transparency. She has appealed to the Prime Minister and Sports Minister for intervention, emphasizing her desire for accountability in the selection process.

Pakistan's Women's T20 World Cup campaign is marred by internal strife, with reports of player-management friction and selection disputes. Following a string of losses, captain Fatima Sana admitted the team played its 'worst cricket.' Allegations include disagreements over player selection and disciplinary issues, casting a shadow over their performance despite positive pre-tournament preparations.

India youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's reaction to younger brother Ashirvad's latest century has gone viral on social media. Vaibhav shared an Instagram story after the 10-year-old smashed 168 off 119 balls, including 19 fours and six sixes. Already making waves in Bihar cricket, Ashirvad recently scored 103 off 87 in a practice match, drawing praise from fans and family alike.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal beat Uzbekistan 5-0 to secure their first win of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 41-year-old became the first player to score in six different World Cups and Portugals all-time leading World Cup scorer with 10 goals. Ronaldo also matched Lionel Messi and Michael Laudrup as both his country's youngest and oldest World Cup scorer.

Excitement is building in Ireland for 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's potential India debut in the upcoming T20I series. His IPL exploits have generated significant buzz, with fans from across Europe eager to witness the event. Former cricketer MV Narasimha Rao believes Sooryavanshi's style resembles Gary Sobers and advises the young talent to stay grounded amidst the growing hype.

Matt Henry has achieved a historic feat, joining Jasprit Bumrah at the pinnacle of the ICC Test bowling rankings. Both pacers now share the World No. 1 spot with 870 rating points. Henry's remarkable 11-wicket haul at The Oval propelled him to this elite status, ending a 36-year wait for a New Zealand seamer to reach the top.

In a remarkable turn of events, Shubman Gill now ranks second in the ICC ODI batting rankings, overtaking fellow Indian star Virat Kohli, who drops to third. Gill showcased his exceptional skills versus Afghanistan, scoring a century and claiming Player of the Series honors. Rohit Sharma follows closely at fourth place. Kohli's injury has created this opportunity for Gill, as they gear up to face England soon.

Joe Root has reclaimed the world's top Test batting ranking, dethroning teammate Harry Brook after a stellar performance in the recent England-New Zealand Test. This marks Root's 12th stint at No. 1. He now aims to solidify his position in the series decider at Trent Bridge, where England also seeks to improve their World Test Championship standing after a slow over-rate penalty.

At the NBA Rising Stars Invitational in Singapore, Chennai's Velammal International School came face to face with the gap separating Indian basketball from Asia's best. Yet, amid defeats and difficult lessons, dreams remained intact. One player dreams of the NBA, another of an Olympic medal, while coach Shamsher Basha believes exposure and opportunity can help bridge the divide. For a team carrying expectations, the experience itself became reason enough to keep going.

Rishabh Pant's return to Delhi Capitals for IPL 2027 has been met with full backing from captain Axar Patel. Patel emphasized Pant will have complete freedom, stressing their long-standing mutual understanding. He assured Pant there's no extra pressure, calling Delhi his home. Patel believes Pant's inherent class will shine through, encouraging him to enjoy his natural game.

Rohit Sharma gets Padma Shri for outstanding contribution to Indian cricket

Daniel Muoz's late goal secured a 1-0 victory for Colombia against DR Congo, propelling them into the FIFA World Cup knockout stage. Despite a strong performance from DR Congo's goalkeeper, Colombia's second consecutive win puts them atop Group K. This marks an impressive return for Colombia, who missed the previous World Cup, with James Rodrguez also reaching a personal milestone.

Brazil faces Scotland with a mixed squad update. Star winger Raphinha is out due to injury, but veteran forward Neymar is fully fit and ready to play the entire match if needed. Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Neymar's availability, highlighting his excellent training and readiness to contribute significantly to the team's performance. Neymar's return boosts Brazil's attacking options for their crucial fixture.

DR Congo's iconic living statue fan, Lumumba Vea, finally graced the FIFA World Cup stage against Colombia after missing the opener due to Ebola quarantine. Known for his motionless, statue-like poses and vibrant attire, Vea's appearance honours Patrice Lumumba, the nation's first Prime Minister. His unique tribute, inspired by Lumumba's legacy, has captivated global football fans, making him a recognisable symbol of DR Congo's passion.

Despite an early exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026, debutants Jordan have won hearts with a remarkable gesture. After their final match, the team meticulously cleaned their dressing room and left a heartfelt thank you note along with traditional sweets for stadium and FIFA staff. This act of gratitude and respect, highlighting their cultural hospitality, has earned widespread praise, making their World Cup journey memorable beyond the field.

Sanjiv Goenka's bold 2025 prediction about Rishabh Pant's future with Lucknow Super Giants has resurfaced after the star wicketkeeper-batter's 15 crore trade back to Delhi Capitals. Goenka had envisioned Pant leading LSG to multiple IPL titles over 12-15 years, placing him alongside legends Dhoni and Rohit. However, Pant's two-season stint saw mixed results, culminating in this surprising player swap ahead of IPL 2027.

Rishabh Pant has sensationally returned to his original IPL home, Delhi Capitals, in a blockbuster trade deal. Captain Axar Patel humorously welcomed him back with a classic Hindi proverb, If someone who loses his way in the morning returns home by evening, he is not considered lost. Pant's move back to DC, where he is the all-time leading run-scorer, marks a significant shift after his stint with Lucknow Super Giants.