The Times of India
Elections 2026Sports / The Times of India
Argentina achieved a remarkable comeback victory against Egypt in their World Cup match. The team overturned a two-goal deficit in the final thirteen minutes of play. Lionel Messi and his teammates celebrated the intense and emotional win extensively. This incredible revival keeps Argentina's World Cup dream alive for now. The team now prepares for their next quarter-final match against Switzerland.
Dinesh Karthik questioned the team management's batting order choice. Harshit Rana was promoted ahead of Shivam Dube during a batting collapse. India suffered their biggest T20I defeat by runs against England. The team's performance was described as atrocious by the captain. India now trails England two-nil in the series.
Four defeats into India's new T20I cycle, Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has once again leaned on the idea of a eset and transition to explain the team's struggles. As results worsen, the head coach's recurring narrative has returned, raising questions about India's direction after their World Cup triumph.
Jofra Archer feels English conditions offer a return to normal cricket. He believes bowlers have a larger margin for error here. England secured a significant 125-run victory over India in the third T20I. Archer dismissed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after their IPL rivalry resurfaced. India seek their first T20I win in the ongoing series.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre met at a NATO summit. The leaders exchanged light-hearted banter while wearing their national football team jerseys. They discussed their countries' upcoming FIFA World Cup quarterfinal match. Norway's Prime Minister recalled a past victory against England in qualification. Both leaders anticipate a great and exciting football match.
Ticket prices for the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals have seen a notable decrease. This decline follows the unexpected eliminations of co-host United States and Portugal from the tournament. Spain's quarterfinal match against Belgium now has significantly lower ticket prices available. France's game against Morocco is currently the least expensive last-eight fixture. Other quarterfinals include Norway versus England and Argentina against Switzerland.
Thierry Henry believes Cristiano Ronaldo has nothing left to prove. His football legacy is considered untouchable and will stand the test of time. Ronaldo's dedication to fitness and professionalism serves as an example. He concluded his World Cup career with 27 appearances and 11 goals. His impact extends beyond trophies and records in the sport.
Lionel Messi achieved a historic World Cup milestone by scoring in six consecutive knockout matches. Argentina secured a dramatic 3-2 victory against Egypt after trailing by two goals. Messi's equaliser in the 83rd minute ignited a remarkable turnaround for his team. Enzo Fernandez then completed the stunning comeback in stoppage time to advance Argentina.
Gautam Gambhir explosive press conference: On dropping Sanju Samson, losing four and more
The FIFA World Cup 2026 enters its crucial quarterfinal stage with eight teams remaining. France faces Morocco, and Spain plays Belgium in the initial high-stakes matches. Norway, after eliminating Brazil, will compete against England in a thrilling encounter. Defending champions Argentina are set to meet Switzerland in their quarterfinal clash. These four games will determine the semifinalists competing for football's ultimate prize.
Few cricketers have witnessed the evolution of modern cricket quite like AB de Villiers. From the rise of T20 leagues to the changing aspirations of young cricketers, the South African legend has lived through the sport's biggest transition.
Argentina secured a dramatic 3-2 victory against Egypt in the World Cup Round of 16. Lionel Messi delivered a match-defining performance, scoring the crucial equalizer for his team. He extended his World Cup scoring streak to nine consecutive matches, a new tournament record. Messi also equaled a long-standing Argentina record for goals in a single World Cup. His influential play kept Argentina's title defense hopes alive after a challenging start.
Lionel Messi and Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan clashed after Argentina's victory. A member of Egypt's staff received a red card for confronting the Argentine captain. This incident overshadowed Argentina's dramatic 3-2 comeback win in the tournament. Egypt's coach expressed strong dissatisfaction with the match officiating. The confrontation sparked debate regarding FIFA's anti-racism protocols.
FIFA is investigating content creator IShowSpeed for alleged racist abuse. This incident occurred during Argentina's World Cup match against Cape Verde. Argentina secured a dramatic extra-time victory over Egypt in another thrilling game. The defending champions came back from two goals down to win. Argentina will now face Switzerland in the quarter-finals of the tournament.
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan sparked controversy during Egypts dramatic 3-2 FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 defeat to Argentina after making an X gesture toward referee Franois Letexier. While the gesture is recognised by FIFA as a signal against racist abuse, its meaning in this context remains unclear. FIFA has not confirmed any investigation, though Hassans actions may face disciplinary review.
Lionel Messi admitted feeling he let his team down after missing a crucial penalty. Argentina faced elimination trailing two goals before a stunning comeback unfolded. Cristian Romero, Messi, and Enzo Fernandez scored within thirteen minutes to secure victory. Messi's late equalizing goal provided immense relief and happiness for the squad. This remarkable fighting spirit propelled Argentina into the World Cup quarter-finals.
Novak Djokovic battled past Felix Auger-Aliassime in a record-breaking Wimbledon quarter-final. The Serbian star secured a thrilling five-set victory after more than five hours of play. Djokovic will now face defending champion Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals. Sinner advanced easily after defeating Jan-Lennard Struff in his quarter-final match. This highly anticipated rematch promises another compelling tennis contest.
Argentina secured a dramatic 3-2 victory against Egypt in the World Cup Round of 16. Egypt's camp expressed strong dissatisfaction with several officiating decisions during the match. A disallowed Egyptian goal and the build-up to Argentina's winner fueled their anger. Coach Hossam Hassan stated his team suffered clear injustice and unfair treatment. Argentina advanced to the quarter-finals after this controversial and exciting encounter.
FIFAs decision to appoint a full Argentine officiating team for Frances FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Morocco has sparked debate among fans. Referee Facundo Tello and four fellow Argentine officials will oversee the Boston clash, making it the first all-Argentine on-field crew at the tournament. The appointment has renewed scrutiny around FIFAs refereeing decisions and World Cup controversies.
India captain Shreyas Iyer called the team's performance atrocious after a record defeat. England secured an unassailable 2-0 series lead with their victory. India was bowled out for 76 runs chasing England's total of 202. The top order collapsed within the powerplay, losing five wickets early. Iyer admitted the team must accept the loss and analyze their mistakes.
Egypt's Mostafa Ziko accused officials of unfair play after their World Cup loss. He claimed the tournament was fixed following a dramatic Argentine comeback. Egypt led two-nil before Argentina scored three late goals. A disallowed Ziko goal early in the second half proved pivotal. The forward apologized to fans, stating players gave their best effort.
Gautam Gambhir clarified Sanju Samson's position within the team's plans. He stated that player discussions remain strictly private between them. Current player form influences selection decisions for the national side. International cricket demands that players consistently earn their places. India suffered a record defeat against England in the third T20I.
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan accused FIFA and match officials of treating his side unfairly after their dramatic 3-2 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 defeat to Argentina. Furious over key refereeing decisions, Hassan suggested external influences helped keep Lionel Messi and the defending champions in the tournament, insisting Egypt had been cheated after surrendering a two-goal lead.
Former India captain MS Dhoni celebrated his 45th birthday at Trent Bridge. He was seen in the hospitality stands during the India versus England T20I match. Broadcasters showed the legendary wicketkeeper-batter on the big screen, drawing a large crowd cheer. Sunil Gavaskar wished Dhoni a happy birthday and commented on his youthful appearance. Dhoni's presence at the match quickly went viral across social media platforms.
Switzerland reached the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals after defeating Colombia 4-3 on penalties following a tense 0-0 draw in Vancouver. Gregor Kobel produced several crucial saves before the Swiss held their nerve in the shootout, with Rubn Vargas converting the winning penalty. Murat Yakin's side now faces defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi in the last eight.
In a thrilling Round of 16 showdown, Argentina emerged victorious, defeating Egypt 3-2. Lionel Messi was visibly overcome with emotion, shedding tears of joy at the end of the match. He played a pivotal part in Argentinas comeback, contributing both a goal and an assist. This win fuels Argentina's aspirations for a consecutive World Cup triumph, underscoring Messi's unwavering dedication to his nation's success.
Lionel Messi has officially surpassed Diego Maradona to become the holder of the World Cup assist record. This landmark achievement occurred during Argentina's thrilling comeback against Egypt, where Messi not only registered a vital assist but also scored a pivotal goal. His continual excellence on the world stage enhances his legend in the football realm, adding yet another accolade to his already impressive World Cup legacy.
England secured a commanding 125-run victory over India in the third T20I. Philip Salt's fluent 70 anchored England's imposing total of 201 runs. India's chase faltered dramatically, collapsing to just 76 runs. Josh Tongue and Jofra Archer were instrumental in dismantling the Indian batting lineup. This defeat continues India's challenging tour after previous series losses.
Argentina staged one of the greatest comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring three goals in the final 11 minutes to beat Egypt 3-2 and reach the quarter-finals. After falling 2-0 behind and seeing Lionel Messi miss a penalty, late strikes from Cristian Romero, Messi and Enzo Fernndez completed a remarkable turnaround to keep the champions' title defence alive.
The Argentina captain failed from the spot during his team's round-of-16 match against Egypt in Atlanta.
Yasser Ibrahim stunned Argentina by heading Egypt into an early lead in their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash, scoring only his second international goal. The 33-year-old Al Ahly centre-back has won multiple domestic and continental titles, earned 23 Egypt caps since 2022, and capped his dependable defensive career with one of the biggest goals in Egypt's World Cup history.
Shreyas Iyer won his fifth consecutive T20I toss, equaling Rohit Sharma's impressive record. This streak places him among elite Indian captains in the shortest format. However, Iyer's captaincy has not yet yielded a victory for the Indian team. India has faced defeats and a washed-out match since the 2026 T20 World Cup. The team seeks its first win under Iyer's leadership in the ongoing series.
Ronaldo's career can be summed up in two pictures: the wink in the 2006 World Cup and the grimace in the 2026 one.
Bangladesh Cricket Board assures top-level security for India's upcoming tour. The board is prepared to further strengthen its arrangements if required. Formal discussions with the BCCI are yet to begin, but confidence remains high. Recent invitations for future fixtures signal growing optimism for the series. Security remains a top priority for the BCB during the planned visit.
Indian Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi missed out on qualification for the Esports World Cup 2026 after losing 2-1 to Dutch Grandmaster Benjamin Bok in the India Rising: Road to EWC final in Mumbai. Vidit, who had hoped to redeem last year's near miss, said before the final that playing the Mumbai LAN and earning an EWC spot meant a lot to him.
Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers says Bengaluru changed my life and will always be closest to his heart. Speaking on The Times of India's Bombay Sports Exchange podcast, the RCB legend recalled fulfilling his childhood dream when fans chanted his name, saying he immediately felt at home. De Villiers added he'll always cherish his unique bond with Bengaluru and Indian cricket fans.
Speaking on TOI Sports' Bombay Sports Exchange Podcast, de Villiers said the growing appeal of T20 cricket could influence young players like Sooryavanshi when deciding the direction of their careers.
Argentina enter their Round of 16 clash against Egypt under greater scrutiny after surviving a dramatic extra-time battle with Cape Verde. While Lionel Messi continues to inspire the defending champions, questions remain about their defensive stability and overreliance on their captain. Egypt arrive with confidence after making history throughout the tournament and will look to Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush and Emam Ashour to exploit Argentina's weaknesses. With a quarterfinal place on the line,
Portugal's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign concluded with a Round of 16 loss to Spain. Cristiano Ronaldo's illustrious World Cup career ended without the coveted trophy. Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj shared an emotional tribute to his idol on social media. Spain secured a quarterfinal spot with a dramatic late goal in the ninety-first minute. This defeat marked the end of Portugal's tournament and Ronaldo's final World Cup chapter.
The South African great retired from international cricket in 2018 after helping his team beat India and Australia at home. He continued playing franchise cricket, including for RCB in the Indian Premier League (IPL), before retiring from all forms of the game in 2021.
Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers says money never motivated his cricket career, with his focus always on improving and winning. Speaking on The Times of India's Bombay Sports Exchange podcast, he said youngsters need excitement, not just financial incentives, to embrace Test cricket. De Villiers called IPL earnings a onus.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana will miss T20Is for The Hundred. She received a No Objection Certificate from the PCB for this opportunity. Sana will lead Pakistan in the ODI series against Sri Lanka. After the ODIs, she will join Birmingham Phoenix in England. This marks a historic achievement for Pakistan women's cricket.
AB de Villiers opens up on Virat Kohli, RCB, his retirement and more | Bombay Sport Exchange
Roger Federer remained in the Royal Box watching Wimbledon matches until late. Arthur Fery expressed surprise at seeing the tennis legend watching his contest. Fery's victory secured his place in the Wimbledon quarter-finals against Flavio Cobolli. Alexander Zverev's match against Jiri Lehecka was also ongoing that evening. Other notable attendees included Billie Jean King and Alessia Russo.
Atlanta stages a blockbuster World Cup clash between Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah, with only one advancing. Messi, 39, already a world champion, has seven goals in four matches, a record eight straight World Cup scoring games, and 124 goals in 203 Argentina appearances. Salah, 34, Egypt's talisman, has 66 goals in 118 caps and has led the Pharaohs to Cup milestones.
Cristiano Ronaldos World Cup dream ended in heartbreak after Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 41-year-old forward played what he had earlier said would be his final match in the tournament, bringing an end to a remarkable 20-year World Cup journey.
Belgium outplayed the hosts to book a place in the quarter-finals, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice and setting up another goal.

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