Kylian Mbappe etched his name into FIFA World Cup history after scoring twice in France’s 3-0 Round of 32 victory over Sweden. The Real Madrid forward took his overall World Cup tally to 18 goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose, while becoming the tournament’s all-time leading knockout-stage scorer with 10 goals. Mbappe overtook Brazilian legends Ronaldo Nazario and Leonidas, who had eight knockout goals each, with Just Fontaine and Pele on seven. Lionel Messi, despite leading World Cup history with 19 overall goals, has scored five knockout goals, while Cristiano Ronaldo has none. Mbappe’s sixth goal of the tournament also drew him level with Messi in the Golden Boot race ahead. (PC: Sky Sports)

The FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage could mark the final tournament for several football legends, led by Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric. Messi, the 2022 World Cup winner, continues rewriting records at 39, while Ronaldo still pursues the one major trophy missing from his career. Veterans including Manuel Neuer, Neymar, Kevin De Bruyne, Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Son Heung-min and Sadio Mane also feature among stars who may not return for the 2030 edition. Their achievements have defined multiple World Cups, making this tournament a potential farewell for one of football's greatest generations as younger stars prepare to inherit the global stage. (PC: Instagram)

France begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout campaign against Sweden in the Round of 32, with Kylian Mbappe aiming to strengthen his lead in the Golden Boot race. It will be the first-ever World Cup meeting between the two nations. France enter the contest as favourites but recent upsets have highlighted the unpredictability of the expanded knockout stage, with Germany and the Netherlands already eliminated and Brazil pushed into extra time. Les Bleus will rely on Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele to unlock the Swedish defence as they target a place in the Round of 16. Sweden, meanwhile, hope to extend the tournament's growing list of surprises. (PC: Planet Sport)

Global summer travel demand remains resilient in 2026 despite economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and rising airfares, according to a new report. Instead of cancelling holidays, travellers are opting for alternative destinations and adjusting their itineraries. The FIFA World Cup has emerged as a major driver of international travel, boosting demand for flights and accommodation across host cities. Increased passenger traffic, coupled with higher airfare prices, is reshaping travel patterns during the peak summer season. The report noted that while costs have risen, major sporting events and leisure travel continue to encourage strong bookings, reflecting sustained consumer appetite for international trips despite broader financial and global challenges. (PC: Instagram)

The BCCI on Tuesday announced India's women's cricket squad for the 2026 Asian Games, retaining Harmanpreet Kaur as captain despite speculation over her future following India's T20 World Cup semi-final exit. Smriti Mandhana has been named vice-captain, while Shreyanka Patil has been included subject to receiving fitness clearance. The Women's Selection Committee picked the squad for the tournament, scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in September. India will enter the competition as defending champions after winning the women's cricket gold medal at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou. The announcement ends uncertainty over Harmanpreet's leadership ahead of another major international tournament. (PC: ANI & Business Standard)

Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro praised his team after its dramatic penalty shootout victory over Germany in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32. The win sent Paraguay into the Round of 16 for the first time since 2010. "The warriors left the field as legends," Alfaro said after the match. He called it the greatest victory of his coaching career. Thousands of fans celebrated in the streets of Asunción, and President Santiago Peña declared a national holiday. Paraguay will next face either France or Sweden in the Round of 16. (PC: Getty Images)

Brazil forward Matheus Cunha faced criticism after making a gesture toward Japan's Kento Shiogai following Brazil's FIFA World Cup Round of 32 victory. The gesture came after Shiogai had earlier said that "Brazil is no longer a football powerhouse." After the match, Cunha defended his actions on Instagram and said he was standing up for Brazil's football history. Despite the controversy, Cunha was also seen comforting Japan midfielder Ao Tanaka after the final whistle. Brazil won the match with a late goal and advanced to the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup.

Paraguay declared Tuesday a national holiday after its football team shocked Germany in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32. Goalkeeper Orlando Gill starred in the penalty shootout, making two crucial saves to help Paraguay win. "This proves that Paraguay is capable of achieving great things," Gill said after the match. Germany dominated possession and created more chances, but Paraguay held on until penalties. President Santiago Peña announced the holiday to celebrate the historic victory. Paraguay will now face either France or Sweden in the Round of 16 as it continues its World Cup journey. (PC: Reuters, Getty Images)

Germany's Deniz Undav has topped FIFA's latest World Cup 2026 Power Rankings after the group stage. Argentina's Lionel Messi is ranked second, while France's Kylian Mbappe is third. Brazil's Vinicius Junior is fourth, and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo is 79th. "The Power Rankings is considered a measure of match and tournament performance," FIFA said. Messi has scored six goals in three matches and leads the tournament with 19 World Cup goals across all editions. The rankings are based on players' attacking, creativity, and defending performances during the competition. (PC: AFP)

India won its first-ever gold medal at the World Rowing Cup after Army rowers Havildar Ujjwal Kumar Singh and Havildar Lakshay finished first in the Lightweight Men's Double Sculls event in Lucerne, Switzerland. The duo completed the race in 6 minutes and 26.09 seconds, ahead of teams from Hong Kong and the Netherlands. "Historic! India's First Ever Gold," the Indian Army Sports and Adventure wing posted on X while congratulating the rowers. The victory is a major achievement for Indian rowing and puts the country on the World Rowing Cup gold medal list.