As FIFA World Cup 2026 captures global attention, India’s absence from football’s biggest stage remains a longstanding story of missed opportunities and structural challenges. India qualified for the 1950 World Cup in Brazil after other Asian teams withdrew but ultimately did not participate due to financial constraints, logistical difficulties, inadequate preparation and the AIFF’s preference for prioritising the Olympics. Contrary to popular belief, playing barefoot was not the primary reason for withdrawal. Since then, India has repeatedly fallen short in qualification campaigns. Experts cite weak grassroots development, cricket’s dominance, infrastructure shortcomings, governance issues and a persistent competitive gap with Asia’s top football nations as key obstacles to World Cup qualification. (PC: X/@FIFAcom)

Assam-based photojournalist Gitika Talukdar has been officially accredited by FIFA to cover the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the only Indian and Assamese woman photojournalist selected for the tournament. The accreditation marks her third consecutive assignment at a men’s FIFA World Cup, following coverage of the 2018 and 2022 editions. Talukdar has also reported from the 2019 and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cups, the Tokyo Olympics 2020 and the Paris Olympics 2024. Describing the recognition as a career milestone, she thanked FIFA, the All India Football Federation and the Asian Football Confederation for their support. The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. (PC: X)

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed strong confidence in young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, predicting a successful future for him in One-Day Internationals. Manjrekar stated that Sooryavanshi should not be viewed merely as a T20 power-hitter, highlighting his solid technique, temperament, and ability to build innings. The veteran commentator believes the youngster possesses the skills required to adapt across formats and excel in ODI cricket. His remarks come amid growing attention on Sooryavanshi’s performances, with many experts considering him one of India's most promising batting talents for the future. (PC: X)

Iran’s national football team arrived in Mexico ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 wearing gold lapel pins marked “168” to honour victims of the deadly Minab school attack in February. The pins represented those killed, mostly children, in the missile strike on an elementary school in southern Iran. Iran’s delegation recently shifted its training base from the United States to Mexico following visa complications and entry concerns affecting team members. The squad will still play all group-stage matches in the US but faces uncertainty over travel arrangements. Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, with a possible Round of 32 clash against the US. (PC: X)  

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.