Former India selectors have urged head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management to consider resting senior players during the white-ball series against England and hand promising youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi an opportunity. They believe the 15-year-old has earned a chance after his outstanding performances in the IPL and age-group cricket. The suggestion also aims to manage the workload of experienced players while preparing India's next generation for international cricket. Former selectors stressed that exposing young talents in less pressured matches would strengthen India's bench strength ahead of future ICC tournaments. (PC: News 18)

Norway created history by reaching the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast, sealed by Erling Haaland's late winner. Antonio Nusa gave Norway the lead before Amad Diallo equalised for Ivory Coast in the second half. Haaland struck in the 86th minute, scoring his fifth goal of the tournament and his 60th international goal, securing Norway's first-ever World Cup knockout victory. The result sets up a blockbuster Round of 16 clash against Brazil, with Haaland aiming to lead Norway on another historic run. (PC: Reuters)

France playmaker Michael Olise produced a masterclass by assisting all three goals in Les Bleus' 3-0 FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 victory over Sweden. The Bayern Munich midfielder now has five assists in the tournament, equalling Diego Maradona and four others for the second-most assists in a single World Cup edition. Only Brazilian legend Pelé, with six assists in 1970, remains ahead of him. Olise's creativity has been central to France's unbeaten campaign, while captain Kylian Mbappe has led the scoring. France will now face Paraguay in the Round of 16 as Olise chases more World Cup history.

The Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) has strongly condemned the racist and hateful online abuse directed at Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville after the team's FIFA World Cup 2026 exit. The three players missed penalties as Morocco won the Round of 32 clash 3-2 in a shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time. KNVB said it will report the abuse to the Dutch online discrimination watchdog, a move that could lead to a criminal investigation. Calling the incidents "appalling", the association said football unites people, while discrimination has no place in the game. Morocco will face Canada in the Round of 16. (PC: NDTV)

2 people died from suffocation during celebrations after Mexico's victory over Ecuador in the FIFA World Cup 2026. The victims were a 19-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man, city health officials said. The incident happened near the Angel of Independence monument in Mexico City, where thousands of fans had gathered. More than one million people celebrated across the city after Mexico reached the Round of 16 with its first FIFA World Cup knockout-stage win since 1986. Authorities are also checking reports of a possible third death. An investigation into the incident is underway.

Germany's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended in disappointment after a 3-2 penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in the Round of 32, following a 1-1 draw after extra time. A report by German newspaper *Bild* claimed four players—Leon Goretzka, Waldemar Anton, Nathaniel Brown and Malick Thiaw—declined to take Germany's sixth penalty during sudden death. Defender Jonathan Tah stepped up instead, taking the first penalty of his professional career, but missed the target. The defeat eliminated the four-time world champions before the Round of 16 for the third consecutive World Cup, deepening concerns over Germany's recent struggles.  

FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised Iran’s resilient FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign after the team exited in the group stage despite remaining unbeaten. Iran drew all three Group G matches, finishing behind Belgium and Egypt while missing qualification as one of the best third-placed teams. In an Instagram post, Infantino lauded Iran’s “exceptional quality, teamwork, passion and desire,” saying the players gave supporters plenty to be proud of despite falling short of the knockout rounds. Fans welcomed his recognition, especially after concerns surrounding Iran’s participation following US and Israeli airstrikes earlier this year. Iran’s final match ended 1-1 against Egypt, with a stoppage-time winner disallowed after a VAR offside review. (PC: Fox7 Austin)

Kylian Mbappe etched his name into FIFA World Cup history after scoring twice in France’s 3-0 Round of 32 victory over Sweden. The Real Madrid forward took his overall World Cup tally to 18 goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose, while becoming the tournament’s all-time leading knockout-stage scorer with 10 goals. Mbappe overtook Brazilian legends Ronaldo Nazario and Leonidas, who had eight knockout goals each, with Just Fontaine and Pele on seven. Lionel Messi, despite leading World Cup history with 19 overall goals, has scored five knockout goals, while Cristiano Ronaldo has none. Mbappe’s sixth goal of the tournament also drew him level with Messi in the Golden Boot race ahead. (PC: Sky Sports)

The FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage could mark the final tournament for several football legends, led by Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric. Messi, the 2022 World Cup winner, continues rewriting records at 39, while Ronaldo still pursues the one major trophy missing from his career. Veterans including Manuel Neuer, Neymar, Kevin De Bruyne, Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Son Heung-min and Sadio Mane also feature among stars who may not return for the 2030 edition. Their achievements have defined multiple World Cups, making this tournament a potential farewell for one of football's greatest generations as younger stars prepare to inherit the global stage. (PC: Instagram)

France begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout campaign against Sweden in the Round of 32, with Kylian Mbappe aiming to strengthen his lead in the Golden Boot race. It will be the first-ever World Cup meeting between the two nations. France enter the contest as favourites but recent upsets have highlighted the unpredictability of the expanded knockout stage, with Germany and the Netherlands already eliminated and Brazil pushed into extra time. Les Bleus will rely on Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele to unlock the Swedish defence as they target a place in the Round of 16. Sweden, meanwhile, hope to extend the tournament's growing list of surprises. (PC: Planet Sport)