The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said an oil tanker caught fire after being struck by an unknown projectile off the coast of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel, sailing southbound, reported damage to its port side following the impact. UKMTO said the fire was brought under control, with no casualties or environmental damage reported. The incident has renewed concerns over security in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. Authorities are investigating the attack as maritime agencies continue to closely monitor the situation. (PC: NDTV)

France star Kylian Mbappe has strongly condemned Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla after she made racist comments on social media following Paraguay's FIFA World Cup Round of 16 defeat to France. Calling her "despicable" and "unworthy" of public office, Mbappe said her remarks tarnished Paraguay's image and promoted hatred. The French Football Federation (FFF) announced it will file a criminal complaint, describing the comments as "utterly abhorrent and unacceptable." The controversy comes after former Paraguay goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert also faced criticism for racist remarks about the French team before the match. (PC: BBC)

Belgium ended the United States' FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory in the Round of 16 in Seattle, booking a quarterfinal clash against Spain. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice to lead Belgium after Malik Tillman had briefly equalised with a superb free-kick for the hosts. Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku added late goals as Belgium punished defensive mistakes and dominated the second half. The defeat ended the USA's dream of a deep run at their home World Cup, while Belgium advanced with confidence to face Spain in a blockbuster quarterfinal.  

Commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz came under fresh threat after suspected Iran-linked missile strikes damaged two vessels and set a tanker on fire off the coast of Oman. According to US officials, missiles hit commercial ships navigating the strategic waterway, while British maritime authorities reported a tanker ablaze after being struck by an unidentified projectile. No casualties were immediately reported, and all crew members were reported safe. The attacks have renewed concerns over the security of one of the world's busiest oil shipping routes, with tensions rising despite recent diplomatic efforts to reduce conflict between the United States and Iran. (PC: India Today)

Cristiano Ronaldo's dream of lifting the FIFA World Cup came to a heartbreaking end as Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16. The 41-year-old captain came close to making history but was denied by goalkeeper Unai Simón, while Nuno Mendes struck the post before leaving injured. Just as extra time looked likely, substitute Mikel Merino scored a dramatic 91st-minute winner to send Spain into the quarter-finals. Ronaldo was left in tears after the final whistle as Portugal's World Cup campaign ended in painful fashion.

US President Donald Trump has said he personally asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review Folarin Balogun's red card, arguing the USA striker's challenge did not deserve a sending-off. FIFA later suspended Balogun's automatic one-match ban, making him available for the United States' FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash against Belgium. Trump insisted he only requested a review and did not pressure FIFA to change the outcome, calling the reversal the "right decision" that "saved the World Cup from a big stain." FIFA maintained its independent judicial bodies made the final ruling, despite criticism from Belgium and UEFA.

The rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas, has triggered mob violence, including the lynching of a local man, and turned into a major political flashpoint. It marks the first serious law-and-order challenge for Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's BJP government. Three people have been arrested so far. Adhikari has promised justice and said the government will push for capital punishment for the guilty. The BJP has accused the Opposition of giving the case a "communal colour," while the TMC, led by former CM Mamata Banerjee, alleges the government is trying to shield the culprits. (PC: The Indian Express)

FIFA has rejected the Belgian Football Association's request to challenge Folarin Balogun's eligibility, confirming the USA striker can play in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against Belgium. Balogun's automatic one-match suspension, imposed after his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, was earlier suspended for one year by FIFA's Disciplinary Committee. FIFA said Belgium had no legal standing to appeal because it was not a party to the original proceedings. The decision has sparked criticism, with Belgium questioning the process and keeping further legal options open. (PC: X)

Champat Rai has stepped down as General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, with the Trust formally accepting his resignation amid the ongoing donation theft controversy. Trustee Anil Mishra also resigned, while Krishna Mohan was appointed interim General Secretary. The Trust maintained that Rai's resignation was not linked to any wrongdoing and described him as "untainted." It also said strict action would be taken against anyone found guilty in the alleged donation theft case. The leadership change comes as investigations into the alleged financial irregularities continue. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump has confirmed he asked FIFA to review Folarin Balogun's one-match suspension after the USA striker was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina at the FIFA World Cup 2026. FIFA later suspended the automatic ban for 12 months, making Balogun eligible for the USA's Round of 16 clash against Belgium. Trump said he believed the red card was unfair but insisted he only requested a review, not the final decision. The ruling has drawn strong criticism from UEFA, Belgium and England coach Thomas Tuchel, who warned it could undermine football's integrity. (PC: BBC)