Defending Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek crashed out in the third round after a stunning 7-6 (11-9), 6-2 defeat to 21-year-old Alexandra Eala on Centre Court. The upset saw Eala become the first Filipina to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam singles event. Reflecting on her title defence ending, Swiatek admitted “s**t happens,” blaming uncharacteristic net errors while acknowledging Eala’s fearless display. The six-time Grand Slam champion said she failed to find the right balance in crucial moments, particularly during the opening-set tiebreak, where Eala played with greater courage. Eala now faces 2024 Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini, while Swiatek’s early exit raises fresh questions over her consistency.

Ghana’s viral FIFA World Cup supporter Kailani Ibrahim Kpa, popularly known as “Powder Man,” has dismissed widespread claims that his famous powder-blowing celebrations involve juju or supernatural powers. Speaking after attracting global attention during Ghana’s World Cup campaign, Kpa clarified that he is an actor and entertainer whose performances are designed solely to energise fans and celebrate Ghanaian football culture. He stressed that his trademark white powder and theatrical gestures are part of a carefully created character rather than any spiritual ritual. While social media speculation linked his antics to traditional beliefs, Kpa insisted the performance is purely symbolic, urging fans to appreciate it as entertainment instead of attributing mystical powers to it.

Lionel Messi joked that Cape Verde players asked for his jersey and photos after the match despite “kicking the crap” out of him throughout Argentina’s hard-fought 3-2 Round of 32 victory at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Closely marked and fouled five times, Messi scored Argentina’s opening goal before praising Cape Verde’s quality and determination. He admitted Argentina lost control after taking the lead and stressed the team must correct several mistakes despite progressing. Calling Cape Verde a difficult opponent, Messi said knockout football offers no easy matches and emphasised the importance of learning from the performance before the Round of 16. (PC: AFP)

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha revealed the heartfelt words Lionel Messi shared after Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory ended Cape Verde’s historic FIFA World Cup debut. Following the match, Messi hugged Vozinha and told him, “You are great. Your people should be proud of you,” praising Cape Verde’s spirited display. Vozinha, who made eight saves, described the exchange as one of the most memorable moments of his career. He thanked Messi, called him “the best,” and requested a jersey swap, which Messi agreed to complete in the tunnel after interviews. Argentina progressed to the Round of 16, while Messi scored his record-extending 20th World Cup goal against determined opponents. (PC: MSN)

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi created history by becoming India's youngest-ever international cricketer after making his T20I debut against England in Manchester at 15 years, 3 months and 7 days. The Bihar batter received his maiden cap from Tilak Varma following an address by head coach Gautam Gambhir. Vaibhav earned promotion after a sensational India A campaign, including a 94 off 29 balls and the fastest List A fifty in 11 deliveries. His debut surpasses Shafali Verma as India's youngest international and overtakes Sachin Tendulkar as the youngest male debutant. He now tops India's youngest T20I debutants list, ahead of Washington Sundar, Rishabh Pant and Ishant Sharma. (PC: News18)

Colombia secured the final place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ghana. Jhon Arias scored the decisive goal in the 14th minute after an assist from Luis Suárez, who came on early following an injury to Jhon Córdoba. Colombia dominated possession and defended resolutely despite missed chances, including a disallowed goal by Luis Díaz. The victory extended Colombia's unbeaten tournament run and set up a Round of 16 clash with Switzerland. (PC: Reuters)

Tournament debutants Cape Verde bowed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat to defending champions Argentina. Ranked 67th before the tournament, Cape Verde captured global admiration by holding Spain, scoring their first World Cup goals, and twice equalising against Argentina through Sidny Lopes Cabral. A cruel own-goal deflection ended their remarkable campaign. Goalkeeper Vozinha starred with 18 tournament saves, while coach Bubista praised his players for proving the small nation could compete with football’s biggest powers. (PC: BBC)

Croatia captain Luka Modrić strongly criticised VAR after his side's dramatic 2-1 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 defeat to Portugal. Modrić argued that the penalty awarded to Cristiano Ronaldo was unfair and claimed VAR would not have intervened had the situation been reversed. He also questioned the decision to disallow Croatia's stoppage-time equaliser for offside following a lengthy VAR review. Despite praising his team's second-half display, Modrić said Croatia deserved a better outcome. The controversial officiating has sparked widespread debate over VAR's influence on crucial World Cup knockout matches. (PC: X)

Egypt reached the 2026 FIFA World Cup last 16 for the first time after defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties following a tense 1-1 draw. Emam Ashour gave Egypt an early lead before an own goal by Mohamed Hany levelled the match for Australia. Neither side could find a winner in extra time, sending the contest to penalties. Egypt converted all four spot-kicks, while Australia missed twice as Hossam Abdelmaguid scored the decisive penalty. The historic victory secured Egypt's first-ever World Cup knockout win and set up a Round of 16 clash with defending champions Argentina. (PC: Getty Images)

Sidny Lopes Cabral produced one of the standout moments of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by scoring a spectacular extra-time equaliser against Argentina national football team before celebrating by climbing into the crowd to hug his girlfriend. The remarkable strike briefly gave underdogs Cape Verde national football team hope of a famous upset, but Argentina secured a dramatic 3-2 victory after a late own goal. Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Cape Verde earned worldwide admiration for pushing the defending champions to the brink, with Lopes Cabral's unforgettable goal and celebration becoming defining moments of the tournament.