Erling Haaland described Norway's FIFA World Cup 2026 journey as a life-changing experience after their historic campaign ended with a 2-1 extra-time quarter-final defeat to England. The striker said representing Norway on football's biggest stage filled him with immense pride, adding that the tournament changed him personally while strengthening unity and positivity back home. Norway, playing their first World Cup since 1998, reached the quarter-finals for the first time in history before England sealed victory to set up a semi-final against Argentina. Despite the heartbreaking exit, Haaland enjoyed a remarkable tournament, scoring in every group-stage match and both knockout rounds to finish as Norway's top scorer with seven goals.

Indian cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi enjoyed a memorable first visit to Wimbledon, attending the men's singles final at Centre Court alongside Yuvraj Singh, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. The 15-year-old described the experience of watching one of sport's most iconic events live as special, saying he was eager to observe how players perform under pressure in a Grand Slam final. Fresh from a breakthrough year in cricket, Vaibhav also revealed that Novak Djokovic is his favourite tennis player while backing Jannik Sinner ahead of the title clash. The visit highlighted the youngster's growing profile as he experienced one of tennis' biggest stages for the first time.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has downplayed the historic rivalry with England ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, saying the match should be viewed simply as a game of football. Speaking before the last-four clash, Scaloni said past political and sporting tensions should not influence the players or fans. He urged everyone to enjoy the occasion and focus on the football rather than history. Argentina booked their place in the semi-finals after beating Switzerland, while England defeated Norway. The winners will advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final in the United States. (PC: X)

Former India head coach Rahul Dravid has emerged as one of the leading candidates to succeed Brendon McCullum as England's Test coach, according to reports. The England and Wales Cricket Board is looking for a new red-ball coach after ending McCullum's 4-year stint in the role. Former England coach Andy Flower and ex-spinner Richard Dawson are also reportedly in contention. However, the report said Dravid has no interest in taking up a full-time coaching role, though England's Test job could offer greater flexibility. McCullum is expected to continue as England's white-ball coach. (PC: India Today)

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner successfully defended his Wimbledon crown by defeating Alexander Zverev 6-7(7), 7-6(2), 6-3, 6-4 in the men's singles final. After losing a closely fought opening-set tie-break, the Italian fought back with composed and aggressive tennis to win the next 3 sets and secure his second straight Wimbledon title. The victory also earned Sinner his fifth Grand Slam singles crown, further strengthening his position at the top of men's tennis. Zverev challenged throughout the contest but was unable to stop Sinner's remarkable run on Centre Court.  

England have ended the Brendon McCullum era by removing him as the men's Test head coach after 4 years in charge. McCullum, who introduced the aggressive "Bazball" style alongside former captain Ben Stokes in 2022, oversaw a major change in England's approach to Test cricket. However, recent poor results, including a heavy Ashes defeat and a home series loss to New Zealand, prompted the England and Wales Cricket Board to make a change. McCullum will continue as England's white-ball coach, while the ECB begins its search for a new Test head coach. (PC: X)

Who says India doesn't produce football talent? Chandigarh-based Minerva Academy, owned by Ranjit Bajaj, answered that question in style during the Helsinki Cup 2026 in Finland. The young Indian side stunned a Finnish club with a 19-0 victory, scoring 19 goals without conceding once in a remarkable display of attacking football. That dominant performance set the tone for a dream campaign, as Minerva went on to defeat defending champions HJK 1-0 in the final to lift the prestigious youth tournament. The title marks a historic achievement for Indian football and highlights the growing quality of the country's young talent.  

Indian shooter Neeru Dhanda created history by winning the women's trap gold medal at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup in Lonato, Italy. The 26-year-old topped the qualification round with 121 out of 125 before shooting 27 out of 30 in the final to clinch her maiden individual ISSF World Cup title. France's Carole Cormenier took silver, while Italy's Erica Sessa won bronze. Neeru became the first Indian woman to win a World Cup gold in the trap event and secured India's first individual shotgun medal of the 2026 ISSF World Cup season. (PC: Olympics)

South Africa international midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, just weeks after representing his country at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Mamelodi Sundowns player featured in all 3 of South Africa's group-stage matches and helped the team reach the knockout stage before they were eliminated by Canada. Adams had recently won the CAF Champions League with Sundowns and was regarded as one of South Africa's brightest young footballers. The South African Football Players Union confirmed his death, while the cause has not been disclosed. Tributes have poured in from FIFA, teammates, clubs and fans. (PC: NDTV)

The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to produce historic milestones, with Lionel Messi setting a new tournament record through another remarkable performance for Argentina. France's Kylian Mbappé and Argentina's Julián Álvarez also climbed the record books, while England's Jude Bellingham became only the second teenager after Pelé to achieve a notable World Cup knockout-stage feat. The tournament has showcased a blend of legendary experience and emerging talent, with several long-standing records being matched or surpassed. As the competition enters its decisive stages, football's biggest stars continue to shape history and strengthen their legacies on the world's grandest stage. (PC: X)