Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has confirmed that teenage star Lamine Yamal is fully fit and available to play a full match against Austria in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32. The 18-year-old Barcelona winger had his minutes managed during the group stage as he recovered from a hamstring injury suffered in April. Yamal scored once in Spain’s three group matches and is now ready for a bigger role. De la Fuente also said Yerémy Pino and Victor Muñoz are available, while Nico Williams is improving but is unlikely to feature against Austria. (PC: NDTV)

The Adani Group and Abu Dhabi-based International Holding Company (IHC) have announced plans to invest $11.5 billion (around ₹1.08 lakh crore) in a new aluminium plant in Odisha. Speaking at the announcement, Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), described Odisha as the heart of eastern India’s economic growth. He said the state’s rich reserves of bauxite, iron ore and coal, along with strong government support, make it an ideal manufacturing hub. The project aims to create jobs, boost local industries and strengthen Odisha’s role in India’s industrial development. (PC: NDTV)

Shah Rukh Khan has inaugurated the $21 million Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Pomona, Los Angeles, marking a major milestone for cricket in the United States. The state-of-the-art venue will serve as the home ground of the Los Angeles Knight Riders in Major League Cricket and is expected to play an important role during cricket’s return at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Calling it a dream come true, Shah Rukh Khan said the venue is designed for sports, entertainment and families. Built to ICC standards, the stadium reflects growing efforts to expand cricket’s reach in the US.

England captain Harry Kane produced a brilliant solo goal to inspire a 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo and book the Three Lions' place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. With England trailing until the 75th minute, Kane scored twice, including a sensational 86th-minute strike after dribbling past several defenders before firing into the top corner. The goal is already being hailed as one of the tournament's best. Kane also reached 13 career FIFA World Cup goals, moving past Brazilian legend Pelé's tally of 12. England will now face co-hosts Mexico in the Round of 16. 

Belgium produced one of the greatest comebacks of the FIFA World Cup 2026, beating Senegal 3-2 after extra time to reach the Round of 16. Trailing 2-0 until the closing minutes of normal time, Belgium fought back through Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans to force extra time. With a penalty shootout moments away, Tielemans converted a dramatic 125th-minute spot-kick after a VAR review awarded Belgium a penalty. The victory completed an extraordinary turnaround and sent the Red Devils into the Round of 16, where they will face the United States in Seattle. (PC: X)

The United States ended a 24-year wait for a FIFA World Cup knockout-stage victory with a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina to reach the Round of 16. Folarin Balogun gave the hosts the lead just before half-time but was sent off after a VAR review in the second half. Despite playing with 10 men, the Americans stayed composed as Malik Tillman scored from a superb free-kick to seal the victory. USA will now face Belgium in the Round of 16, keeping their dream of a deep World Cup run alive on home soil. (PC: NDTV)

Twenty-six years after Patrick Kluivert suffered a painful World Cup exit on June 29, history repeated itself for his son, Justin Kluivert. The Netherlands were eliminated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 after losing to Morocco in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw. Patrick had endured a similarly heartbreaking defeat in the 1998 World Cup semi-final against Brazil on penalties. The striking coincidence of both father and son experiencing major World Cup heartbreak on the same date has become a poignant moment in Dutch football history, highlighting football’s remarkable cycles across generations. (PC: X)

England secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over DR Congo to book their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, with captain Harry Kane scoring both goals. DR Congo briefly equalised after Kane’s opener, but the England skipper restored the lead with another clinical finish to seal the win. The Three Lions showed resilience under pressure to overcome a determined Congolese side in a tense knockout encounter. England will now face Mexico in the next round as they continue their quest for World Cup glory, with Kane once again proving decisive on football’s biggest stage.

England kept their FIFA World Cup campaign alive with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the Round of 32, thanks to a brilliant brace from captain Harry Kane. Kane opened the scoring before doubling England’s advantage after DR Congo briefly levelled the match. His match-winning performance ensured England progressed to the Round of 16, where they will face Mexico in another crucial knockout clash. The victory highlighted England’s resilience under pressure, with Kane once again proving decisive as the Three Lions continue their pursuit of World Cup glory. (PC: Reuters)

FIFA sparked fresh controversy during the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash between Mexico and Ecuador after initially announcing that the mandatory hydration breaks would be removed because the match, delayed by 60 minutes due to thunderstorms in Mexico City, kicked off under cool 14°C conditions. However, referee Slavko Vinčić halted play around the 23rd minute for a hydration break despite FIFA's earlier statement, which was later removed from its website. The stoppage came moments after Mexico scored and launched another attack, prompting fans to accuse the referee of disrupting Mexico's momentum. Supporters also criticised several officiating decisions, including an incident where the referee obstructed Ecuador's attempt to regain possession. (PC: Juancho Torres/Anadolu via Getty Images)