The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the biggest edition in history, featuring 48 teams, 104 matches, three host nations and 16 stadiums across the United States, Canada and Mexico. A record 1,248 players from 449 clubs and 71 countries will compete, with Manchester City providing the highest number of players. Football legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will chase historic milestones, including Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup appearance and Messi’s pursuit of more records. Four nations including Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan will make their World Cup debuts. With expanded participation, new records and unprecedented scale, the 2026 tournament is set to redefine global football history.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino faced criticism after telling journalists to “chill” and “relax” over controversies surrounding the 2026 World Cup. BBC Sports Editor Dan Roan questioned Infantino over visa restrictions, ticketing disputes and travel issues affecting teams, officials and fans. Concerns include Somali referee Omar Artan being denied entry to the United States, Iraq striker Aymen Hussein facing airport questioning, and Iran relocating its team base to Mexico. Infantino defended the tournament’s arrangements, supported US President Donald Trump’s role in making the event possible, and said FIFA could not control government decisions. He also rejected criticism over ticket prices, stating demand for the tournament was unprecedented.

FIFA has reportedly advised players participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States to consider wearing bulletproof vests beneath their jerseys as part of updated safety measures. The reported recommendation comes as officials review player protection protocols ahead of the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The move highlights heightened attention toward security arrangements surrounding one of the world’s largest sporting events. FIFA’s reported guidance reflects efforts to address potential safety concerns for players and teams during the competition. Authorities and organisers are expected to continue evaluating security measures to ensure a safe environment for athletes, officials and millions of fans attending the tournament. (PC: Khel Now)

Rahul Dravid’s younger son, Anvay Dravid, has earned a place in India’s Under-19 squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka beginning July 4. The BCCI Junior Cricket Committee selected the squads for a series featuring three one-day matches and two multi-day games. Anvay has been included in the India U-19 one-day squad as one of the wicketkeeping options alongside Rajat Baghel. Yashbardhan Singh Chauhan will lead both the one-day and multi-day teams, with Lakshya Raichandani serving as vice-captain. The selection marks another milestone in the cricketing journey of the Dravid family, following the celebrated career of former India captain and coach Rahul Dravid. (PC: Instagram)

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.