India stayed in contention for a Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final berth with a crucial five-wicket victory over Bangladesh at Old Trafford. Despite a poor fielding display that saw multiple dropped catches, India restricted Bangladesh to 136/8 before chasing down the target in 16.5 overs. Shafali Verma starred with an aggressive half-century, while India’s bowlers, led by Shree Charani and Radha Yadav, played key roles in containing Bangladesh. The win keeps India’s knockout hopes alive after their earlier defeat to South Africa. However, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side now faces a must-win clash against Australia to strengthen their chances of reaching the semi-finals. (PC: AFP)

South Korea’s hopes of reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stage were left hanging by a thread after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to South Africa. Head coach Hong Myung-bo came under intense scrutiny from Korean media, with one journalist sarcastically asking whether food poisoning had affected the team due to their lifeless display. Hong rejected any excuses, admitting it was South Korea’s worst performance of the tournament. The coach also defended his decision to bench star forward Son Heung-min for the first half, saying it was a tactical move. The defeat has sparked widespread criticism and increased pressure on Hong as South Korea’s World Cup future remains uncertain. (PC: Reuters)

Indian football fans faced a difficult path to securing Canadian visas for the FIFA World Cup, with only 355 of 1,225 applications approved, resulting in a 29% success rate. Data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada covering applications processed between November 15 and March 31 showed India was the fourth-largest source of World Cup-related visa requests. Canada processed nearly 17,000 tournament-linked visitor visa applications overall, approving just 41%. Pakistan recorded an approval rate below 9%, while Colombia saw nearly 70% approvals. Canadian authorities stressed there is no special FIFA visa category and warned applicants against fraudulent agents promising guaranteed approvals, immigration benefits, work opportunities, or permanent residency through World Cup travel. (PC: Sports Travel)

Young Indian batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has already made a strong impression on Ireland’s cricketers before his anticipated international debut. Several Irish players admitted they are eager to watch and compete against the teenage sensation, whose performances in domestic and age-group cricket have generated significant attention. One player said he would like to see what Sooryavanshi can do at the highest level after hearing so much about his talent. The excitement surrounding the youngster highlights his growing reputation in world cricket. Fans and experts alike are closely following his journey as he prepares to take another major step in his promising career. (PC: X)

Argentina players celebrated captain Lionel Messi's birthday with a heartfelt surprise at the team's FIFA World Cup camp, marking the football legend's special day with cake, songs and warm wishes. The celebration took place as Argentina prepared for the knockout stage of the tournament. Teammates and support staff gathered to honour Messi, who thanked them with a smile during the intimate event. The birthday celebration reflected the strong bond within the Argentine squad as they remain focused on defending their World Cup title while chasing another successful campaign under their captain's leadership.  

Brazil star Neymar praised Argentina captain Lionel Messi as a "great friend" after Brazil sealed a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage with a 3-0 win over Scotland. Speaking after the match, Neymar said his friendship with Messi goes beyond football and described the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner as a special person on and off the field. Brazil topped Group C with seven points, thanks to a Vinicius Junior brace and a goal from Matheus Cunha. The victory also saw Vinicius equal a 24-year-old Brazilian World Cup scoring record set by Ronaldo Nazario and Rivaldo. (PC: NDTV)

Nike has unveiled a special-edition Gold Mercurial Superfly RGN football boot to honour Cristiano Ronaldo after he became the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments. The limited-edition boots celebrate the Portuguese star's remarkable 20-year career and were released shortly after his two-goal performance in Portugal's 5-0 win over Uzbekistan. Ronaldo is expected to wear the boots in Portugal's final Group Stage match against Colombia. After the victory, the 41-year-old said personal records are special but stressed that helping Portugal achieve success at the World Cup remains his biggest priority. (PC: NDTV)

French TV host France Pierron has apologised after facing backlash for criticising Belgium forward Jérémy Doku for leaving the FIFA World Cup to attend the birth of his first child. Speaking on L'Equipe de Choc, Pierron described childbirth as a “disgusting moment” and claimed “the dad is useless,” sparking widespread criticism. She later expressed regret on X, while L'Équipe distanced itself from the remarks and apologised to Doku. The Belgian winger successfully travelled to London for the birth of his son, Praise. Belgium captain Youri Tielemans publicly backed Doku, calling fatherhood an irreplaceable life moment. (PC: Reuters)

Spain’s teenage star Lamine Yamal continued his rapid rise by matching a historic FIFA World Cup record in Spain’s Group Stage match against Saudi Arabia at Atlanta Stadium. In his first World Cup start, the 18-year-old scored in the 10th minute to give La Roja the lead and make history. At 18 years and 343 days, Yamal became only the second player aged 18 or younger to score the opening goal in a World Cup match, joining Pelé, who did so for Brazil in 1958. It was also Yamal’s first World Cup goal and made him Spain’s second-youngest scorer in tournament history, behind Gavi. Mikel Oyarzabal assisted Yamal’s opener before scoring twice himself, helping Spain take control. His performance made him only the second player since 1966 to be involved in three goals within the first 25 minutes of a World Cup match. (PC: X)

Brazilian superstar Neymar made an emotional return to international football after a 981-day absence, breaking down in tears following Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Scotland in their final FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match in Miami. The 34-year-old forward, sidelined since October 2023 due to multiple knee surgeries and a recent calf injury, entered as a substitute in the 76th minute. Ahead of the game, coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Neymar was fit and available. Brazil secured qualification for the Round of 32 with goals from Vinícius Júnior (two) and Matheus Cunha. The five-time champions topped Group C on goal difference, ahead of Morocco, with seven points. (PC: X)