Although India will not feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, four players with Indian roots are set to represent other nations on football’s biggest stage. New Zealand midfielder Sarpreet Singh, whose family hails from Punjab, returns as an experienced international after spells including Bayern Munich. Qatar winger Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid, born to Keralite parents, arrives as one of the Gulf nation’s emerging talents. DR Congo midfielder Samuel Moutoussamy traces his Indian ancestry to the Indo-Guadeloupean Tamil community and brings significant international experience. Australia winger Nishan Velupillay, of Sri Lankan Tamil and Anglo-Indian heritage, enters the tournament after a rapid rise through the Socceroos setup and qualification campaign. (PC: India Today)

Several national teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup are reportedly considering keeping substitute players inside dressing rooms during matches due to concerns over extreme heat in the United States. Instead of remaining on the bench, substitutes would stay indoors and be notified by an assistant coach when a change is imminent, allowing them to begin warm-ups before entering the field. The proposed measure is designed to reduce prolonged exposure to high temperatures and safeguard player welfare. The issue could affect teams such as Ghana, whose group-stage matches in Boston and Philadelphia are expected to be played amid rising temperatures. FIFA and participating nations are closely monitoring weather conditions throughout the tournament. (PC: X)

The Adidas Trionda, the official match ball of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is redefining football technology with a built-in motion sensor that must be charged before every match. Equipped with a 14-gram inertial measurement unit operating at 500Hz, the ball tracks speed, spin, trajectory and contact points 500 times per second, transmitting data directly to VAR systems in real time. The technology supports Semi-Automated Offside Technology and helps officials determine precise ball touches during contentious incidents. A 90-minute charge powers the sensor for up to six hours. Named after the three host nations, the Trionda also features a design inspired by the United States, Mexico and Canada. (PC: Adidas)

FIFA has responded to questions over visible empty seats during South Korea's Group A match against Czechia at the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, saying that more than 55,000 spectators attended the game. The governing body said the official attendance reflected tickets sold and scanned, adding that empty sections seen on television could be due to hospitality areas, late arrivals and fans moving around the stadium. As the attendance debate continues, Day 3 of the tournament will feature Qatar against Switzerland, Brazil taking on Morocco, Haiti facing Scotland and Australia opening its campaign against Turkiye. (PC: NDTV)

England's preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 have suffered an unexpected setback after training equipment, including players' boots and official footballs, was stolen ahead of their opening Group L match against Croatia. The theft reportedly took place while the team's gear was being transported to their training base in Kansas City. Local police have arrested two suspects and launched an investigation into the incident. Despite the disruption, England's coaching staff is working to replace the missing items, and the squad is expected to continue preparations as planned before the June 17 clash against Croatia. (PC: X)

India may not have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, but the country will still have a connection to football's biggest stage through four players of Indian origin.   New Zealand's Sarpreet Singh, Qatar's Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid, DR Congo's Samuel Moutoussamy and Australia's Nishan Velupillay are all part of their respective national squads for the tournament. Their presence highlights the growing influence of the Indian diaspora in global football.   While Indian fans continue to wait for the national team's World Cup debut, the quartet offers a reason to celebrate and follow the competition with added interest.  

Five Indian Air Force personnel were killed after an AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while attempting to land at the Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam on Saturday.   The aircraft went down during landing and caught fire, prompting an emergency response at the airbase. The IAF confirmed the deaths and expressed condolences to the families of the personnel killed in the accident.   Officials said a court of inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the crash. Reports said the co-pilot survived and is undergoing treatment. The AN-32 is a key transport aircraft used by the IAF for logistics and operational missions. (PC: X)

FIFA has come under criticism after a cooling break during the World Cup opener between Mexico and South Africa was reportedly extended to accommodate a television commercial break.   According to multiple reports, the referee delayed the restart as the broadcaster was still showing advertisements. Even then, some viewers missed the first few seconds of play after the match resumed. FIFA had introduced mandatory three-minute cooling breaks for player welfare, with broadcasters instructed to return before the restart. The incident has sparked backlash from fans, who argue that commercial interests should not interfere with the flow of the game or the viewing experience. (PC: X)  

Brazil have suffered a major setback ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, with star forward Neymar ruled out of the opening Group C match against Morocco because of a calf injury.   Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said Neymar could even miss the entire group stage as the 34-year-old continues his recovery. The veteran forward has not trained with the squad since being called up and also missed the team's warm-up matches.   Ancelotti said Brazil included Neymar not only for his footballing ability but also for his experience and leadership. However, the team will now have to begin its World Cup journey without its biggest star, with Vinicius Jr and other attacking players expected to carry the load.  

The United States kicked off its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a star-studded opening ceremony in Los Angeles, where global music icons Katy Perry, Blackpink's Lisa and rapper Future headlined the celebrations. Brazilian singer Anitta, Nigerian star Rema and South African artist Tyla also performed, turning the event into a grand musical spectacle ahead of the USA's Group D match against Paraguay. Thousands of fans packed the stadium as football and entertainment came together to mark the beginning of the tournament, highlighting the global appeal of the World Cup. (PC: HT)