Argentina captain Lionel Messi and his teammates have become victims of a major security breach ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after their passport details were accidentally leaked. According to reports, the official team sheet for Argentina's warm-up match against Iceland was released without hiding sensitive personal information, exposing the players' passport numbers. The incident has raised serious concerns over data security and privacy just days before the tournament. Despite the controversy, Argentina defeated Iceland 3-0, with Messi scoring after returning from injury as the defending champions prepare for their title defence. (PC: NDTV)

Football fans in India will be able to watch selected FIFA World Cup 2026 matches for free on DD Sports, according to the latest broadcast plan. Digital platform ZEE5 will also stream the tournament, expanding access for viewers across the country. The move is expected to bring the biggest football event closer to millions of Indian fans without requiring a paid television subscription. The FIFA World Cup 2026, to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will feature an expanded format with 48 teams competing for the title.  

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off, Kerala—especially Thiruvananthapuram—has transformed into a football carnival. Giant cutouts, colorful flags, murals, and fan rallies celebrating football icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominate streets and neighborhoods. Localities such as Rajaji Nagar are witnessing intense yet festive fan rivalries among supporters of Argentina, Brazil, Portugal, and France. Many fans view this tournament as a possible final World Cup for Messi, Ronaldo, and Neymar, adding emotional significance. While celebrations showcase Kerala’s deep football culture, residents also highlight the need for better sports infrastructure to nurture local talent. (PC: The Hindu)

Thirteen-year-old Srishti Kiran from Bengaluru has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the world's No. 1-ranked player in the Under-13 category. The young tennis prodigy has impressed the international circuit with consistent performances, discipline, and rapid progress against top junior competitors. Her rise reflects years of dedicated training and strong support from coaches and family. Srishti's achievement is being celebrated as a significant moment for Indian tennis, highlighting the country's growing presence in global junior sports. Experts believe she has the potential to follow in the footsteps of India's leading tennis stars and make a major impact on the professional circuit in the future. (PC: X)

India captain Shubman Gill is on the verge of a major career milestone ahead of the first ODI against Afghanistan. Gill needs just 47 runs to complete 3,000 ODI runs and could become the second-fastest batter in history to reach the landmark. The 26-year-old has been one of India’s most consistent performers in the format, boasting an impressive average and multiple centuries. If he achieves the feat in the opening match, Gill will join an elite list of batting greats and further strengthen his reputation as one of the leading ODI batters of his generation. (PC: X)

Indian cricket stars Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur have been selected for the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to cricket. Rohit, one of India's most successful captains and batters, has played a key role in numerous international triumphs, while Harmanpreet has transformed women's cricket through her leadership and match-winning performances. The honour reflects their impact on the sport and their inspiration to future generations. Both players were among several sportspersons named in the 2026 Padma Awards list announced by the Government of India.

Arunachal Pradesh’s rising MMA star, Sonam Zomba, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming South Asia’s top-ranked female mixed martial arts fighter. Hailing from Jang village in Tawang district, Zomba overcame a career-threatening four-year injury layoff before making a stunning return to competition in 2022. She went on to win and successfully defend the Matrix Fight Night (MFN) Women’s Strawweight Championship, establishing herself as one of India’s leading combat sports athletes. Her latest victory, an armbar submission against Brazil’s Maristela Alves at MFN 18, further cemented her dominance and inspired aspiring fighters across Northeast India. 

Football fans could witness one last FIFA World Cup showdown between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, depending on how Argentina and Portugal progress in the expanded 48-team tournament. According to the possible draw scenarios, the two legends could meet in the Round of 16, quarter-finals or even the final based on their group-stage finishes and knockout results.   The 2026 World Cup is expected to be the last for both stars. While Messi enters the tournament as a World Cup winner with Argentina, Ronaldo will be chasing the only major trophy missing from his remarkable career. (PC: HT)

Around 180,000 tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026 have been listed on the tournament's official resale platform, according to a Financial Times report, raising concerns about attendance at some matches. The growing number of resale listings has also pushed ticket prices lower, with the median resale price falling in recent weeks.   The report suggests that demand has been weaker than expected for certain games despite the global popularity of the tournament. FIFA has promoted its official resale system to give fans a secure way to buy and sell tickets, but the large volume of available seats has sparked questions about stadium occupancy during the competition. (PC: X)

India dominated the inaugural World Yogasana Championships 2026 in Ahmedabad, securing an extraordinary 114 medals, including 102 gold, nine silver and three bronze, reinforcing its status as the global powerhouse in competitive yogasana. The championships featured more than 400 athletes from 78 countries and highlighted India's growing preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, where yogasana is expected to be a medal sport. Supported by intensive training camps organised by the Sports Authority of India, Indian athletes showcased exceptional strength, endurance and technical skill. Officials now plan to establish five Centres of Excellence as India eyes long-term international success and potential Olympic inclusion.