Global summer travel demand remains resilient in 2026 despite economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and rising airfares, according to a new report. Instead of cancelling holidays, travellers are opting for alternative destinations and adjusting their itineraries. The FIFA World Cup has emerged as a major driver of international travel, boosting demand for flights and accommodation across host cities. Increased passenger traffic, coupled with higher airfare prices, is reshaping travel patterns during the peak summer season. The report noted that while costs have risen, major sporting events and leisure travel continue to encourage strong bookings, reflecting sustained consumer appetite for international trips despite broader financial and global challenges. (PC: Instagram)

The BCCI on Tuesday announced India's women's cricket squad for the 2026 Asian Games, retaining Harmanpreet Kaur as captain despite speculation over her future following India's T20 World Cup semi-final exit. Smriti Mandhana has been named vice-captain, while Shreyanka Patil has been included subject to receiving fitness clearance. The Women's Selection Committee picked the squad for the tournament, scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in September. India will enter the competition as defending champions after winning the women's cricket gold medal at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou. The announcement ends uncertainty over Harmanpreet's leadership ahead of another major international tournament. (PC: ANI & Business Standard)

Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro praised his team after its dramatic penalty shootout victory over Germany in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32. The win sent Paraguay into the Round of 16 for the first time since 2010. "The warriors left the field as legends," Alfaro said after the match. He called it the greatest victory of his coaching career. Thousands of fans celebrated in the streets of Asunción, and President Santiago Peña declared a national holiday. Paraguay will next face either France or Sweden in the Round of 16. (PC: Getty Images)

Brazil forward Matheus Cunha faced criticism after making a gesture toward Japan's Kento Shiogai following Brazil's FIFA World Cup Round of 32 victory. The gesture came after Shiogai had earlier said that "Brazil is no longer a football powerhouse." After the match, Cunha defended his actions on Instagram and said he was standing up for Brazil's football history. Despite the controversy, Cunha was also seen comforting Japan midfielder Ao Tanaka after the final whistle. Brazil won the match with a late goal and advanced to the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup.

Paraguay declared Tuesday a national holiday after its football team shocked Germany in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32. Goalkeeper Orlando Gill starred in the penalty shootout, making two crucial saves to help Paraguay win. "This proves that Paraguay is capable of achieving great things," Gill said after the match. Germany dominated possession and created more chances, but Paraguay held on until penalties. President Santiago Peña announced the holiday to celebrate the historic victory. Paraguay will now face either France or Sweden in the Round of 16 as it continues its World Cup journey. (PC: Reuters, Getty Images)

Germany's Deniz Undav has topped FIFA's latest World Cup 2026 Power Rankings after the group stage. Argentina's Lionel Messi is ranked second, while France's Kylian Mbappe is third. Brazil's Vinicius Junior is fourth, and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo is 79th. "The Power Rankings is considered a measure of match and tournament performance," FIFA said. Messi has scored six goals in three matches and leads the tournament with 19 World Cup goals across all editions. The rankings are based on players' attacking, creativity, and defending performances during the competition. (PC: AFP)

India won its first-ever gold medal at the World Rowing Cup after Army rowers Havildar Ujjwal Kumar Singh and Havildar Lakshay finished first in the Lightweight Men's Double Sculls event in Lucerne, Switzerland. The duo completed the race in 6 minutes and 26.09 seconds, ahead of teams from Hong Kong and the Netherlands. "Historic! India's First Ever Gold," the Indian Army Sports and Adventure wing posted on X while congratulating the rowers. The victory is a major achievement for Indian rowing and puts the country on the World Rowing Cup gold medal list.

Brazil secured their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 after a dramatic comeback victory over Japan, ending the Asian side's inspiring campaign. With Neymar watching from the sidelines and not featuring in the match, Brazil looked in trouble after Sano gave Japan a first-half lead. The five-time champions responded with relentless pressure in the second half, and Casemiro headed home the equaliser. Just when penalties seemed certain, Gabriel Martinelli struck deep into stoppage time to seal Brazil's place in the next round. Japan exited the tournament with pride after pushing one of football's biggest teams to the limit. (PC: X)

Brazil booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan, thanks to Gabriel Martinelli's stoppage-time winner in Houston. Japan took the lead through Kaishu Sano in the first half before Casemiro headed Brazil level after the break. With extra time looming, Martinelli struck in the 96th minute, finishing calmly after a move involving Danilo, Endrick and Bruno Guimaraes. The late goal sealed Brazil's comeback and ended Japan's spirited campaign. Brazil will now face either Norway or Ivory Coast in the Round of 16.

Brazil and Japan began their Round of 32 match at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Houston on Monday. Brazil made a strong start and won an early corner after a quick attack. Brazil entered the match as Group C winners with two wins and one draw. Japan finished second in Group F after beating Tunisia and drawing with the Netherlands and Sweden. Neymar started on the bench, while Ritsu Doan and Daichi Kamada were included in Japan's lineup. Both teams are aiming to reach the Round of 16 with a win.