La Liga president Javier Tebas has strongly criticised FIFA over discussions to expand the 2030 FIFA World Cup to 64 teams, accusing the governing body of damaging football. In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Tebas said FIFA was making “irresponsible” decisions that threaten domestic leagues, which he described as the foundation of the sport. He also said FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s time was “over” and criticised the organisation’s leadership structure. FIFA has not responded to the remarks. The proposed expansion is being discussed as part of the tournament’s centenary celebrations in 2030. (PC: X)

Argentina's Ambassador to India, Mariano Caucino, thanked Indian fans for their unwavering support throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026 despite Argentina finishing runners-up to Spain. In a post on X, Caucino expressed gratitude for the "endless displays of support" from Indian football fans, highlighting the strong bond between Argentina and its passionate following in India. The message came after months of widespread fan engagement, including viewing parties and celebrations across Indian cities. Supporters flooded social media with emotional reactions, praising Argentina's campaign and Lionel Messi despite the final defeat. Spain secured the title with a 1-0 extra-time victory after Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute.

Argentina’s Premier League stars Lisandro Martinez, Christian Romero and Enzo Fernandez could face UK visa action after displaying a Falklands banner following Argentina’s World Cup semi-final victory over England. The incident triggered outrage in Britain, with several MPs urging FIFA to punish Argentina for mixing politics with sport. FIFA has confirmed it is investigating the controversy but has not announced any sanctions. According to an Express UK report, legal experts have examined whether the players’ UK work visas could be revoked, potentially preventing them from returning for the 2026-27 Premier League season. Former Margaret Thatcher aide Nile Gardiner demanded the visas be cancelled, calling for “zero tolerance” toward the anti-British display shown after the match. (PC: Getty Images)

World champion D Gukesh suffered his second straight defeat at the Chennai Grand Masters on Tuesday. He lost to 19-year-old M Pranesh after failing to convert a winning position. Gukesh has now lost three games and drawn three, with no wins in six rounds. He is last in the standings with one round left. His Elo rating has dropped to 2702 and could fall below 2700 if he loses his final match against Hans Niemann. Pranesh said he was happy with the win and wanted to prove he belonged among the top players. (PC: Michal Walusza / FIDE)

FIFA has launched a disciplinary investigation into Argentina's conduct after the heated scenes that followed their 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Several Argentina players and staff were involved in clashes with Spain's players during the post-match celebrations. FIFA has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to examine the incident, with possible sanctions including player suspensions and fines for the Argentine Football Association. The investigation comes as Argentina also faces scrutiny over a political banner displayed after the semi-final against England, adding to the team's disciplinary concerns during the tournament. (PC: BBC)

Cristiano Ronaldo has sparked fresh controversy after his verified Instagram account appeared to like a post alleging FIFA favoured Argentina during its run to the 2026 World Cup final. Screenshots of the interaction quickly spread across social media, fuelling debate over refereeing decisions and Argentina’s campaign. The post claimed FIFA helped Lionel Messi’s side reach the final, where Argentina eventually lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time. Neither Ronaldo nor FIFA has commented on the viral incident. The social media activity has reignited discussion surrounding the tournament and the long-running rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi. (PC: X)

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin skipped the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain in New Jersey, protesting several decisions by FIFA. His boycott followed FIFA’s controversial decision to let United States striker Folarin Balogun avoid suspension after intervention from US President Donald Trump. UEFA had called the move “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.” Ceferin also opposes FIFA’s expanded halftime entertainment, proposals for a 64-team World Cup, and several new disciplinary rules introduced during the tournament. The absence highlighted growing tensions between UEFA and FIFA over governance, competition rules, and the future direction of international football. (PC: BBC)

3 Argentina footballers could face questions over their UK visas after displaying a Falklands banner during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, and Enzo Fernandez held a banner saying the Falkland Islands belong to Argentina after beating England in the semi-final. The display sparked criticism in the UK. Some British politicians demanded action and called for the players' work visas to be cancelled. However, an immigration expert said showing the banner alone is unlikely to be enough to cancel their visas. FIFA is also investigating the incident and another clash involving Argentina players after the World Cup final. (PC: AP)

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin skipped the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain in protest over FIFA's handling of disciplinary and tournament issues. According to Telegraph Sport, Ceferin was angered after Folarin Balogun's automatic one-match suspension following a red card was reportedly lifted during the tournament. UEFA said the move undermined football's rules, fairness and credibility, calling it an unprecedented and unjustifiable decision. Ceferin also reportedly objected to referee Omar Artan being denied US entry, Iran's treatment during the tournament, costly ticket prices and new disciplinary rules. His absence highlighted escalating tensions between UEFA and FIFA over the tournament's governance. (PC: Turkiye Today)

Spain’s FIFA World Cup final hero Ferran Torres shares a unique connection with India, where the forward first showcased his talent at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017. Then a 17-year-old Valencia academy prospect, Torres scored two goals and provided two assists as Spain finished runners-up, playing in Kochi and Kolkata. Nearly nine years later, the Barcelona forward struck the decisive 106th-minute winner against Argentina to secure Spain’s second World Cup title and was named Player of the Match. Torres also became only the second Spaniard after Andres Iniesta to score a World Cup-winning goal, while teammate Eric Garcia also featured in India’s 2017 U-17 tournament. (PC: India.com)