Belgium produced a thrilling comeback to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in a dramatic FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash. Senegal took control with two first-half goals and looked set for a famous victory, but Belgium fought back through late goals to level the match and force extra time. The decisive winner came in the additional period, completing a remarkable turnaround and securing Belgium’s place in the Round of 16. The victory showcased Belgium’s resilience under pressure, while Senegal’s spirited performance ended in heartbreak after surrendering a commanding lead in one of the tournament’s most dramatic knockout encounters. (PC: AP)

United States coach Mauricio Pochettino strongly disputed the red card shown to striker Folarin Balogun during the USA’s 2-0 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun, who scored the opening goal, was sent off after a VAR review for a challenge on a Bosnian defender. Pochettino argued the incident was a “normal action” and insisted the dismissal was harsh and undeserved. Despite playing with 10 men, the USA secured victory and advanced to the Round of 16, where Balogun will miss the clash against Belgium due to an automatic one-match suspension. (PC: Reuters)

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has been hit by fresh refereeing controversy after USA striker Folarin Balogun received a straight red card during his team's 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun was sent off following a VAR review for a studs-up challenge, forcing the United States to finish the match with 10 players. After the decision, many fans on social media compared the incident to a similar challenge involving Lionel Messi earlier in the tournament that did not result in a red card. The debate has reignited questions over consistency in FIFA's officiating and VAR decisions. (PC: X)

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has confirmed that teenage star Lamine Yamal is fully fit and available to play a full match against Austria in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32. The 18-year-old Barcelona winger had his minutes managed during the group stage as he recovered from a hamstring injury suffered in April. Yamal scored once in Spain’s three group matches and is now ready for a bigger role. De la Fuente also said Yerémy Pino and Victor Muñoz are available, while Nico Williams is improving but is unlikely to feature against Austria. (PC: NDTV)

The Adani Group and Abu Dhabi-based International Holding Company (IHC) have announced plans to invest $11.5 billion (around ₹1.08 lakh crore) in a new aluminium plant in Odisha. Speaking at the announcement, Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), described Odisha as the heart of eastern India’s economic growth. He said the state’s rich reserves of bauxite, iron ore and coal, along with strong government support, make it an ideal manufacturing hub. The project aims to create jobs, boost local industries and strengthen Odisha’s role in India’s industrial development. (PC: NDTV)

Shah Rukh Khan has inaugurated the $21 million Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Pomona, Los Angeles, marking a major milestone for cricket in the United States. The state-of-the-art venue will serve as the home ground of the Los Angeles Knight Riders in Major League Cricket and is expected to play an important role during cricket’s return at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Calling it a dream come true, Shah Rukh Khan said the venue is designed for sports, entertainment and families. Built to ICC standards, the stadium reflects growing efforts to expand cricket’s reach in the US.

England captain Harry Kane produced a brilliant solo goal to inspire a 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo and book the Three Lions' place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. With England trailing until the 75th minute, Kane scored twice, including a sensational 86th-minute strike after dribbling past several defenders before firing into the top corner. The goal is already being hailed as one of the tournament's best. Kane also reached 13 career FIFA World Cup goals, moving past Brazilian legend Pelé's tally of 12. England will now face co-hosts Mexico in the Round of 16. 

Belgium produced one of the greatest comebacks of the FIFA World Cup 2026, beating Senegal 3-2 after extra time to reach the Round of 16. Trailing 2-0 until the closing minutes of normal time, Belgium fought back through Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans to force extra time. With a penalty shootout moments away, Tielemans converted a dramatic 125th-minute spot-kick after a VAR review awarded Belgium a penalty. The victory completed an extraordinary turnaround and sent the Red Devils into the Round of 16, where they will face the United States in Seattle. (PC: X)

The United States ended a 24-year wait for a FIFA World Cup knockout-stage victory with a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina to reach the Round of 16. Folarin Balogun gave the hosts the lead just before half-time but was sent off after a VAR review in the second half. Despite playing with 10 men, the Americans stayed composed as Malik Tillman scored from a superb free-kick to seal the victory. USA will now face Belgium in the Round of 16, keeping their dream of a deep World Cup run alive on home soil. (PC: NDTV)

Twenty-six years after Patrick Kluivert suffered a painful World Cup exit on June 29, history repeated itself for his son, Justin Kluivert. The Netherlands were eliminated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 after losing to Morocco in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw. Patrick had endured a similarly heartbreaking defeat in the 1998 World Cup semi-final against Brazil on penalties. The striking coincidence of both father and son experiencing major World Cup heartbreak on the same date has become a poignant moment in Dutch football history, highlighting football’s remarkable cycles across generations. (PC: X)