The Times of India

Spain controlled the World Cup final's first half, denying Argentina any scoring opportunities. Argentina failed to register a single shot on goal before halftime, a historical anomaly. The match remained goalless at the interval, reflecting Spain's tactical superiority. This marked the ninth World Cup final to feature a scoreless first half. The tournament concluded with Spain seeking their second title and Argentina defending theirs.

United States President Donald Trump attended the FIFA World Cup 2026 final match. He arrived via Marine One and sat with FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Trump expressed his belief that the tournament solidified America as a football nation. He also publicly urged FIFA to consider another World Cup bid for the United States. The president declined to predict the final match outcome.

Lamine Yamal achieved a historic football milestone before the World Cup final. He became the first teenager to play in both a Euro and a World Cup final. Yamal was instrumental in Spain's journey to the championship match. The young player's performance has been a key factor for his team. Spain faced Argentina in the title clash for the coveted trophy.

Lionel Messi captained Argentina in his third World Cup final. He previously led his team in the 2014 and 2022 finals. Messi aims to win consecutive World Cup titles for Argentina. Argentina reached the final after a comeback win against England. Spain advanced after defeating France in their semifinal match.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will award a record $51 million to the champions. Runners-up will receive $34 million, and the total prize pool reaches $871 million. Every participating nation is guaranteed at least $12.5 million for qualifying and preparation. This expanded prize money reflects FIFA's increased financial commitment to the tournament. Prize money goes to national federations, not directly to the players.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli achieved their twenty-first ODI century partnership. This milestone placed them second in all-time ODI history for century stands. The duo also became the first Indian pair to play 400 international matches together. Rohit Sharma scored a remarkable 138 runs during the chase. England had earlier posted a formidable 387 for three at Lord's.

Rohit Sharma achieved a significant milestone by scoring his eighth ODI century in England. This remarkable century placed him ahead of Sachin Tendulkar on an elite all-time list. England posted a formidable 387/3, setting a challenging target for India. Sharma's innings helped India remain competitive in the series-deciding match. The Indian opener's performance silenced critics after a lean run.

Rohit Sharma achieved a historic ODI century at Lord's on Sunday. He became the oldest Indian to score an ODI hundred in the format. This remarkable innings came amidst scrutiny regarding his ODI future. England posted a massive 387 runs, setting a daunting target for India. Sharma's century marked his eighth ODI hundred in England.

India and England created ODI history at Lord's by becoming the first teams to both register 100-plus opening partnerships in the same match at the venue. Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell added 192 for England before Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill replied with 147. Gill's dismissal for 77 ended the record stand during India's chase of 388.

Joe Root achieved a remarkable feat in the July 2026 ODI series against India. He remained unbeaten throughout the series, scoring 249 runs without being dismissed. This performance made him the first England batter to achieve six consecutive ODI half-centuries. Root surpassed previous records for most runs in a bilateral ODI series without losing his wicket. His consistent batting guided England to strong performances in all three matches.

PV Sindhu thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for congratulating her after becoming the first Indian to win the Japan Open. Recalling their meetings after the Tokyo Olympics, she said his wishes mean the world to her and praised his work ethic and support for Indian sport. Sindhu ended her two-year title drought by defeating Akane Yamaguchi in the final.

Gurnoor Brar recorded the most expensive ODI bowling figures at Lord's. His spell of 0 for 97 entered India's record books for expensive spells. England's top order dominated an inexperienced Indian bowling attack. Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell built a strong opening partnership. England's total of 387 for 3 became the highest ODI score at Lord's.

Thousands of Argentina fans filled New York's Times Square with flags, chants and blue-and-white jerseys ahead of Sunday's FIFA World Cup final against Spain at MetLife Stadium. Defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, face reigning European champions Spain after both teams survived challenging routes to the final in the tournament's biggest-ever edition.

Joe Root achieved a historic milestone with six consecutive fifty-plus scores. He scored an unbeaten 74 off 49 balls at Lord's. England posted a strong 387 for 3 after batting first. Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell provided a solid opening partnership. Jos Buttler finished with a quick 41 not out.

Ravichandran Ashwin questioned India's decision to omit Kuldeep Yadav. The spinner was again left out of the side for the third ODI. This repeated exclusion could negatively impact his confidence and rhythm. India opted for a pace-heavy attack despite bowling absences. Kuldeep has now missed all ODIs and T20Is on the tour.

Young Indian footballers on the Reliance Football Development League's exposure trip to Japan visited the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, gaining a powerful lesson on the horrors of war and resilience. Coaches Israil Gurung and Praveen Kumar said the visit highlighted the importance of peace and showed how Japan rebuilt after devastation, inspiring players to overcome setbacks with determination.

Former England players question Thomas Tuchel's tactical choices in the World Cup semi-final. They believe his decisions denied the team a place in the final match. England secured third place after defeating France in an entertaining playoff game. Bukayo Saka returned to the starting lineup and scored a hat-trick. Despite the bronze medal, the campaign is not considered a success by some.

Dwayne Bravo and Chris Gayle delighted fans with a heartwarming reunion at Major League Cricket, where Bravo touched Gayle's feet and called him the Original GOAT. Later, Bravo's Los Angeles Knight Riders won their maiden MLC title, edging Washington Freedom by one run in a thrilling final after Shadley van Schalkwyk's brilliant last over sealed a dramatic victory.

England openers Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell achieved a record 192-run partnership against India. This stand became the highest opening partnership for England against India in ODI history. The duo also set a new record for the highest opening partnership ever at Lord's. India's Prasidh Krishna eventually dismissed Bethell for a well-played 91 runs. Bethell's impressive innings included eleven fours and two sixes.

Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario predicts Spain will easily defeat Argentina in the World Cup final. He believes Spain's possession-based game will prove too much for Lionel Messi's team. Unbeaten Spain enters the championship match with a strong defensive record. Argentina seeks its fourth world title and aims to defend its crown. Ronaldo's prediction stems from Spain and France being his tournament favorites.

Kylian Mbappe became the FIFA World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 22 goals after scoring twice against England, overtaking Lionel Messi's 21. However, the France captain expects Messi to reclaim the record in Sunday's final against Spain. Despite the milestone and leading the Golden Boot race, Mbappe said he would have preferred playing in the World Cup final.

Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir all smiles during dinner at High Commission of India

Players from India and England wore black armbands to honor Sir Gary Sobers. This tribute occurred before the third and final ODI match at Lord's. England captain Harry Brook won the toss and elected to bat first. India made several changes to their team due to player injuries. The match was significant with the ODI World Cup approaching.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli reached 400 international matches together. This milestone occurred during the third ODI against England at Lord's. Both players aim to win the 2027 Cricket World Cup. England won the toss and chose to bat first in the series decider. Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the match due to injury.

Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is out of the ODI series decider due to a knee injury. Captain Shubman Gill confirmed the significant blow for India at the toss. KL Rahul returns to the playing XI, replacing Rishabh Pant behind the stumps. India opted for a four-man pace attack in the winner-takes-all contest. England made one change, with Josh Tongue replacing Saqib Mahmood.

The Los Angeles Knight Riders secured their first Major League Cricket title. Shah Rukh Khan congratulated the team for their championship victory. Senior players Sunil Narine and Jason Holder delivered crucial bowling performances. The franchise's new stadium also marked a significant step for cricket. This triumph ended the early dominance of other league teams.

Spanish forward Borja Iglesias humorously anticipates meeting US President Donald Trump at the World Cup final. He hopes the handshake will be brief and uneventful after the match. Spain has reached the final after an impressive defensive performance throughout the tournament. Argentina aims to defend their 2022 World Cup title in this championship match. This final marks the first time European and Copa America champions will compete.

After four-and-a-half years of heartbreak, sleepless nights and repeated near-misses, Rathanvel VS finally crossed the 2500 Elo mark to become India's 99th Grandmaster. From discovering chess through a free board to overcoming injuries, financial setbacks and crushing disappointments, the 2001-born Coimbatore player's perseverance, family support and belief transformed a long-awaited dream into reality.

The 31-year-old became the first Indian to win the Japan Open after beating the three-time world champion 21-17, 21-17. The victory ended her title drought of more than two years and marked her biggest title since winning the World Championships in 2019.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 final features Argentina and Spain, the top two ranked teams. Argentina seeks consecutive titles, a feat not achieved since Brazil in 1962. Spain aims for their second World Cup, boasting an impressive thirty-seven-game unbeaten streak. This match marks Lionel Messi's first encounter with Spain since 2010. Spain's defense has been exceptional, conceding only one goal throughout the tournament.

Needing 14 runs off the final over, Washington Freedom looked favourites after Obus Pienaar smashed the first ball for six. But Shadley van Schalkwyk produced three wickets in the last five deliveries, including a run-out off the final ball, to spark wild celebrations as the LA Knight Riders became MLC's newest champions.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has hailed the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain as a blessing from the football gods, describing Lionel Messi versus Lamine Yamal as the perfect ending to what he believes is the greatest World Cup in history. He predicted the final would captivate billions worldwide despite the tournament's controversies and criticism.

Argentina aims for a historic consecutive FIFA World Cup title win. Spain enters the final on an impressive thirty-seven-match unbeaten streak. Lionel Messi faces Spain, a nation significant to his career and life. Both teams are considered outstanding and possess considerable football talent. The final promises a great show between two supernational teams.

Dripping with a thousand sub-plots, heres a game for the past, present and tomorrow.

England secured a 6-4 victory over France in a thrilling World Cup third-place playoff. Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick, inspiring England's dominant performance throughout the match. Kylian Mbappe also netted twice, surpassing Lionel Messi's World Cup scoring record. This high-scoring contest marked the end of Didier Deschamps' tenure as France's head coach. The memorable match captivated a sell-out crowd at Hard Rock Stadium.

India face a big selection headache ahead of 3rd ODI against England

Declan Rice made World Cup history by scoring his first tournament goal just 2 minutes and 14 seconds into England's thrilling 6-4 victory over France in the 2026 third-place playoff. The England captain also provided an assist, matching a David Beckham World Cup record while joining several exclusive historical lists as the Three Lions secured their best finish since 1966.

England secured the bronze medal in the FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament. They achieved this victory by defeating France with a final score of six to four. Kylian Mbappe acknowledged France's poor first-half performance and praised their second-half fightback. This match marked the end of Didier Deschamps' successful fourteen-year tenure as France manager. England's win concluded their World Cup campaign with a significant achievement.

Bukayo Saka delivered a historic World Cup performance, scoring a hat-trick as England defeated France 6-4 in the third-place playoff. The Arsenal star became only the fourth England men's player to score a World Cup treble and the first in the knockout stage since Sir Geoff Hurst. His display also reignited debate over his semifinal omission against Argentina.

Spain have quietly put together one of the most complete tactical campaigns of the World Cup, reaching the final with a new identity that goes beyond the tiki-taka era. Under Luis de la Fuente, La Roja have blended control with verticality, aggression and defensive discipline, shutting down elite attacks while playing with purpose. Now, only Lionel Messi's Argentina stand between Spain and a second World Cup title.

In an impressive World Cup run, Jude Bellingham scored seven goals, featuring a brilliant solo strike that led England to a third-place win. His record-breaking achievement outshined past legends in the sport and silenced doubts about his place in the lineup, paving the way for future generations of English players to aspire to his legacy.

Kylian Mbapp has taken control of the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot race after scoring twice against England in the third-place playoff. Despite Frances 6-4 defeat, the brace lifted him to 10 goals and four assists while breaking Lionel Messis all-time World Cup scoring record with 22 goals. Messi now has one final chance to respond against Spain.

Kylian Mbapp made World Cup history despite France's 6-4 defeat to England in the third-place playoff, scoring twice to become the competition's all-time leading goalscorer with 22 goals. The brace also lifted him to the top of the 2026 Golden Boot standings with 10 goals, leaving Lionel Messi needing a huge performance in the final to catch him.