India’s smart television market may have contracted in early 2026, but the FIFA World Cup is driving strong demand for premium, large-screen TVs as consumers upgrade their home entertainment systems. According to Counterpoint Research, smart TV shipments fell 3% year-on-year in the first quarter due to inflation, rupee depreciation and geopolitical uncertainties, with the slowdown concentrated in entry-level models. Meanwhile, 55-inch and larger televisions accounted for nearly one-third of shipments, while QLED and MiniLED models gained market share. Hisense India reported a 40–50% jump in large-screen TV sales during the tournament, expecting growth to reach 60% by the World Cup’s conclusion, supported by easy financing and regional demand. (PC: Haier India)

Lionel Messi praised Cape Verde after Argentina survived a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, saying the African debutants had already proven their quality by avoiding defeat against Spain and Uruguay. Messi, who scored his record-extending 20th World Cup goal and provided the decisive contribution, admitted Argentina struggled after taking the lead, losing possession and allowing Cape Verde to exploit their strengths. He stressed that knockout football offers no easy matches and warned against underestimating teams based on reputation. Argentina eventually advanced after a Diney Borges own goal and will now face Egypt in the Round of 16.

Paraguay goalkeeper Carlos Coronel has explained the heated post-match incident with Kylian Mbappé after France's 1-0 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 victory. Coronel admitted he threw the ball toward Mbappé after feeling ignored when the French captain declined his handshake following the final whistle. He insisted the act was born out of frustration rather than hostility, saying emotions ran high after Paraguay's narrow elimination. The incident briefly sparked tension on the pitch before teammates intervened. France advanced to the quarterfinals, while Paraguay exited the tournament after a spirited defensive performance against the former world champions.

France secured a tense 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, booking a quarterfinal clash with Morocco. Captain Kylian Mbappé scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 70th minute after a VAR review confirmed a foul on Désiré Doué. Paraguay frustrated France with disciplined defending and physical play, while goalkeeper Mike Maignan made crucial late saves to preserve the lead. Despite dominating possession, France struggled to break down Paraguay until Mbappé's intervention, extending Les Bleus' title bid with another resilient knockout-stage performance. (PC: India Today)

Morocco stormed into the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals with a commanding 3-0 victory over Canada in their Round of 16 clash in Houston. After a tense first half, Azzedine Ounahi broke the deadlock before scoring again after the restart to put the Atlas Lions firmly in control. Substitute Soufiane Rahimi sealed the win deep into stoppage time after being introduced following an injury to tournament top-scorer Ismael Saibari. Brahim Díaz provided assists for Ounahi’s second goal and Rahimi’s late strike as Morocco completed a dominant second-half display. The African champions now await the winner of the France-Paraguay Round of 16 match in the quarter-finals.

Defending Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek crashed out in the third round after a stunning 7-6 (11-9), 6-2 defeat to 21-year-old Alexandra Eala on Centre Court. The upset saw Eala become the first Filipina to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam singles event. Reflecting on her title defence ending, Swiatek admitted “s**t happens,” blaming uncharacteristic net errors while acknowledging Eala’s fearless display. The six-time Grand Slam champion said she failed to find the right balance in crucial moments, particularly during the opening-set tiebreak, where Eala played with greater courage. Eala now faces 2024 Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini, while Swiatek’s early exit raises fresh questions over her consistency.

Ghana’s viral FIFA World Cup supporter Kailani Ibrahim Kpa, popularly known as “Powder Man,” has dismissed widespread claims that his famous powder-blowing celebrations involve juju or supernatural powers. Speaking after attracting global attention during Ghana’s World Cup campaign, Kpa clarified that he is an actor and entertainer whose performances are designed solely to energise fans and celebrate Ghanaian football culture. He stressed that his trademark white powder and theatrical gestures are part of a carefully created character rather than any spiritual ritual. While social media speculation linked his antics to traditional beliefs, Kpa insisted the performance is purely symbolic, urging fans to appreciate it as entertainment instead of attributing mystical powers to it.

Lionel Messi joked that Cape Verde players asked for his jersey and photos after the match despite “kicking the crap” out of him throughout Argentina’s hard-fought 3-2 Round of 32 victory at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Closely marked and fouled five times, Messi scored Argentina’s opening goal before praising Cape Verde’s quality and determination. He admitted Argentina lost control after taking the lead and stressed the team must correct several mistakes despite progressing. Calling Cape Verde a difficult opponent, Messi said knockout football offers no easy matches and emphasised the importance of learning from the performance before the Round of 16. (PC: AFP)

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha revealed the heartfelt words Lionel Messi shared after Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory ended Cape Verde’s historic FIFA World Cup debut. Following the match, Messi hugged Vozinha and told him, “You are great. Your people should be proud of you,” praising Cape Verde’s spirited display. Vozinha, who made eight saves, described the exchange as one of the most memorable moments of his career. He thanked Messi, called him “the best,” and requested a jersey swap, which Messi agreed to complete in the tunnel after interviews. Argentina progressed to the Round of 16, while Messi scored his record-extending 20th World Cup goal against determined opponents. (PC: MSN)

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi created history by becoming India's youngest-ever international cricketer after making his T20I debut against England in Manchester at 15 years, 3 months and 7 days. The Bihar batter received his maiden cap from Tilak Varma following an address by head coach Gautam Gambhir. Vaibhav earned promotion after a sensational India A campaign, including a 94 off 29 balls and the fastest List A fifty in 11 deliveries. His debut surpasses Shafali Verma as India's youngest international and overtakes Sachin Tendulkar as the youngest male debutant. He now tops India's youngest T20I debutants list, ahead of Washington Sundar, Rishabh Pant and Ishant Sharma. (PC: News18)