Spain took a 1-0 lead against France in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final after Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the penalty spot. The penalty was awarded when Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal inside the box. Oyarzabal calmly beat goalkeeper Mike Maignan to give Spain the advantage. France created chances through Kylian Mbappe but could not score. Spain also looked dangerous in attack and controlled much of the early play. France suffered another setback when defender William Saliba picked up a back injury and was forced off. The winner of the match will advance to the World Cup final.

France and Spain meet in the first semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Dallas. France hope to reach their third straight World Cup final. Kylian Mbappe is two goals away from passing Lionel Messi in the all-time World Cup scoring list. He could also become the first player this century to score 10 goals in a single World Cup. Spain have left midfielder Pedri out of the starting lineup again. Young star Lamine Yamal could become the youngest player to score in a World Cup knockout match this century. The winners will face England or Argentina in the final.

Real Madrid are set to receive approximately $2.7 million (€2.3 million) through FIFA's Club Benefits Programme for releasing players to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Los Blancos had 15 players representing their national teams, though new signing Denzel Dumfries will not generate compensation as he was not registered when the tournament began. FIFA pays clubs at least $5,000 per player per day, with payouts depending on each player's tournament duration. Real Madrid will also receive around $222,000 (€195,000) for World Cup qualifiers. Despite the expanded tournament, the payout is lower than the $3.8 million earned after Qatar 2022 and remains modest compared to the club's lucrative summer commercial tours and Club World Cup revenues. (PC: Getty Images)

A growing number of UEFA member associations are reportedly exploring candidates to challenge FIFA president Gianni Infantino in November's presidential election, ending expectations of an uncontested third-term bid. According to talkSPORT, the move follows rising tensions between FIFA and UEFA, including controversy over the suspension of USA striker Folarin Balogun's World Cup red card. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin is not expected to run, with Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Legia Warsaw owner Dariusz Mioduski among the names reportedly discussed. However, neither has confirmed interest. Infantino is still considered the favourite, backed by strong support across Africa, Asia and CONCACAF. Nominations close on November 18 in Rabat. (PC: AP)

American referee Ismail Elfath will officiate the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina in Atlanta. The Moroccan-born official will take charge of his fourth match of the tournament. Lionel Messi has won every match played under Elfath, giving the referee an interesting record ahead of the semi-final. Elfath was also the first referee to oversee a match using the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. During the 2026 World Cup, he has shown one red card and eight yellow cards. England and Argentina will compete for a place in the World Cup final on Wednesday. (PC: Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Argentina will wear their navy blue away kit against England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final after receiving FIFA approval. The team chose the kit for a psychological reason. Argentina wore the same colours during their famous 2-1 win over England in the 1986 World Cup, when Diego Maradona scored the "Hand of God" and "Goal of the Century" goals. Officials hope the kit will remind players of that historic victory. England will wear their traditional white kit. Argentina have won all five matches in their home kit and also won their only match in the navy blue strip this tournament. (PC: AFP)

France will face Spain in the first semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday. France hope to reach a third straight World Cup final. Kylian Mbappe leads the French attack with eight goals in the tournament. Spain, the 2010 world champions, have impressed with strong defence and have conceded only one goal so far. Young star Lamine Yamal will play a key role for Spain after his match-winning display against Belgium. France coach Didier Deschamps called Spain the favourites. The winners will reach the final and move one step closer to lifting the World Cup trophy. 

France have brushed aside Spain’s psychological tactics ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final in Dallas, insisting they will let their football do the talking. Spain’s players have highlighted their recent success against France, but Les Bleus remain unfazed. Coach Didier Deschamps even labelled Spain as favourites, while defender Jules Koundé said the team would not be distracted by pre-match mind games. France are aiming for a third straight World Cup final, while Spain hope to continue their impressive run under coach Luis de la Fuente. The blockbuster clash promises a battle between two football giants.  

India on Tuesday strongly condemned the recent attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz after an Indian sailor was killed in one of the strikes. The Ministry of External Affairs said targeting civilian merchant vessels is unacceptable and called for an immediate end to such attacks. Expressing condolences to the sailor’s family, India urged all parties to respect international maritime law and ensure the safety of seafarers and commercial shipping. The statement comes amid rising tensions in the Gulf, where repeated attacks on merchant ships have raised concerns over regional stability and the security of one of the world’s busiest trade routes.  

Norway striker Erling Haaland has gone viral for an unusual souvenir after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Manchester City star shared photos of a taxidermied raccoon holding a whiskey bottle, reportedly worth around ₹72,000, which he bought during the tournament in the United States. Posting the pictures on social media, Haaland joked, “It followed me home,” and asked fans to help name the raccoon. The quirky collectible quickly became an online sensation, drawing thousands of reactions and comments. While Norway missed out on World Cup glory, Haaland’s unique keepsake has captured the internet’s attention. (PC: X)