Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand delivered a heroic performance against Belgium national football team, making seven saves to secure a 0-0 FIFA World Cup 2026 draw and earn Player of the Match honours. Born into extreme poverty in Lorestan, Beiranvand ran away to Tehran as a teenager, surviving through street sleeping and odd jobs while pursuing football. His childhood playing the local game Dalparan helped develop extraordinary throwing power, leading to two Guinness World Records for the longest football throw (61.002 metres) and longest drop kick (78.014 metres). Despite logistical challenges and political pressures, Beiranvand has kept Iran’s knockout hopes alive with two points from two matches. (PC: Getty Images)

Spain delivered a dominant performance to defeat Saudi Arabia 4-0 in their Group H clash at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Spanish side controlled possession throughout and produced an attacking masterclass, with several players contributing to the scoreline. The victory marked Spain’s first win of the tournament after their opening draw against Cape Verde and significantly boosted their chances of reaching the knockout stage. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, struggled to cope with Spain’s pace and creativity and now face a difficult path to qualification. The emphatic result reaffirmed Spain’s status as one of the tournament favorites.

India suffered their first loss of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 after South Africa secured victory thanks to an outstanding all-round performance from Marizanne Kapp. The experienced South African pacer delivered with both bat and ball, helping her side outplay India in a crucial group-stage encounter. India’s batting lineup struggled to build momentum and failed to counter South Africa’s disciplined attack. The defeat ended India’s unbeaten run in the tournament and intensified the race for the semifinals, while South Africa boosted their chances of progressing to the knockout stage.

India’s women’s hockey team clinched the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup title with a commanding 2-0 victory over hosts New Zealand in the final in Auckland. Navneet Kaur opened the scoring in the fourth minute, while Sunelita Toppo doubled the lead in the 15th minute. The Indian side then produced a disciplined defensive display to seal their second Nations Cup crown. The triumph completed an unbeaten campaign and earned India promotion to the next season of the FIH Women’s Pro League. Hockey India also announced cash rewards for players and support staff. (PC: Hockey India)

A video from Canada has gone viral after a woman criticized the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony in Toronto, questioning the inclusion of Indian artists, including actress-singer Nora Fatehi. In the clip, she said, “We don’t speak Punjabi. We are not Indians,” arguing that the event did not reflect Canadian culture. The remarks triggered widespread criticism on social media, with many users describing them as divisive and xenophobic. The controversy has reignited discussions about multiculturalism, diversity, and representation in Canada, one of the co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

India A clinched the tri-series title with a 66-run victory over Sri Lanka A in Dambulla, powered by a sensational innings from 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The youngster smashed 94 off just 29 balls, including 10 fours and eight sixes, registering the fastest fifty in List A cricket in only 11 deliveries. Captain Tilak Varma contributed a composed 67, while Anukul Roy added a quickfire 39 as India A posted 377/9. Sri Lanka A were bowled out for 311 in 47.1 overs, handing India A a memorable triumph and highlighting Sooryavanshi's immense talent. (PC: PTI)

Japan produced a dominant performance to beat Tunisia 4-0 in the 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history. Daichi Kamada opened the scoring early before Ayase Ueda doubled Japan's lead. Junya Ito added a third goal in the second half, and Ueda completed the rout with another strike. The victory made Japan the first Asian nation to score four goals in a single World Cup match. The win moved Japan closer to qualification for the knockout stage. Tunisia, meanwhile, suffered a second straight defeat and became the third team eliminated from the tournament.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached the 100-goal mark in just 33 matches, making it the fastest tournament to achieve the feat in 68 years. Cody Gakpo scored the landmark goal during the Netherlands' 5-1 victory over Sweden. The previous best in the modern era was 36 matches, set in 1982 and matched in 2014. The tournament has also witnessed another milestone, with the Japan-Tunisia match becoming the 1,000th game in World Cup history. The expanded 48-team competition has produced high-scoring matches and several records in its opening weeks. (PC: AFP)

Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei has criticised the treatment of his team at the FIFA World Cup in the United States. He said travel restrictions and visa denials have affected Iran's preparations ahead of Sunday's match against Belgium. Ghalenoei claimed the team was forced to shorten training after being denied permission to travel earlier. He also said several support staff members were refused visas. “We are here for football, not politics,” he said. US officials maintain that restrictions were known in advance. Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand in its opening World Cup match. (PC: AFP)

The BCCI on Sunday announced India's squad for the three-match ODI series against England in July. Virat Kohli returned to the team after missing the Afghanistan series due to injury, though his selection remains subject to fitness. Shubman Gill will continue as captain, with Shreyas Iyer serving as vice-captain. Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Harshit Rana also made comebacks to the squad. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Harsh Dubey and Prince Yadav were left out. Rohit Sharma retained his place, while Hardik Pandya remained unavailable due to fitness concerns. The series begins on July 14. (PC: AP)