Defending champions Argentina completed a flawless Group J campaign with a 3-1 victory over Jordan in Dallas, securing three wins from three matches to advance confidently to the FIFA World Cup Round of 32. Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martínez gave Argentina an early two-goal lead before Jordan's Mousa Al Tamari pulled one back. Coming off the bench, Lionel Messi sealed the win with a trademark free-kick, becoming the first player ever to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup matches. Argentina will now face Cape Verde in the knockout stage, while Jordan exits after its debut World Cup campaign. (PC: Reuters)

Colombia and Portugal played out a hard-fought 0-0 draw in their final Group K match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Miami. Despite the lack of goals, Colombia dominated proceedings, creating several clear chances, including a goal ruled out after a tight VAR offside review. Goalkeepers Camilo Vargas and Diogo Costa delivered outstanding performances, with Costa making crucial saves to deny Colombia. The result secured Colombia top spot in Group K with seven points, while Portugal finished second. Both teams advanced to the Round of 32, where Colombia will face Ghana and Portugal will meet Croatia. (PC: X)

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has become the highest-attended tournament in the competition's history, with more than 3.6 million fans watching matches in stadiums. The tournament has passed the previous attendance record set during the 1994 World Cup in the United States. FIFA confirmed the milestone during the group stage. The expanded tournament features 48 teams and 104 matches, helping drive record crowds across host venues. More matches are still to be played, so the attendance total is expected to rise further. The new record highlights the strong fan support for football across the United States, Canada and Mexico. (PC: X)

Iran thanked the people of Seattle after their final FIFA World Cup group match and left a heartfelt message in the dressing room. The team wrote, "Thank you, Seattle, for your warm hospitality." The note also said, "Fair play is the soul of football," while expressing pride in the team's effort despite missing out on automatic qualification. Iran were held to a 1-1 draw by Egypt and had a late goal ruled out by VAR. The players also thanked their supporters and said they played "with honour and dignity." The message quickly drew praise for its sportsmanship and respect. (PC: X)

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha said facing Argentina and Lionel Messi in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 is "a dream for any footballer." The 40-year-old spoke after his team became the smallest nation to reach the World Cup knockout stage. Cape Verde qualified with three draws and finished second in their group. "None of us dreamed of this, but we knew we had quality," Vozinha said. "We are from a small country, but we know how to compete," he added. He also said the team's success should inspire young players, adding, "We are here to be an example for the little ones" and represent Cape Verde with pride. (PC: NDTV, X)

Kerala long jumper Ancy Sojan produced a historic performance at the National Inter-State Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar, breaking Anju Bobby George’s 22-year-old national long jump record. The 25-year-old leapt 6.88 metres on her fifth attempt, surpassing the previous mark of 6.83 metres set by Anju at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Ancy also claimed the national title and continued her impressive season after earlier setting a personal best at the Federation Cup. Her record-breaking jump marks a major milestone for Indian athletics and strengthens her hopes for success at upcoming international competitions. (PC: X)

The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage comes to an end on Day 16 with six important matches deciding the remaining places in the Round of 32. England face already-eliminated Panama, while Croatia take on Ghana in Group L. Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal meet Colombia in a top-of-the-table Group K clash, with both teams aiming to finish first. Defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, play Jordan in their final Group J fixture. Algeria also face Austria in another key Group J match. Every result could shape the knockout stage as teams battle for qualification and group supremacy.  

Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku created history by becoming his country's all-time leading scorer at the FIFA World Cup. The veteran forward achieved the milestone after finding the net during Belgium's 5-1 victory over New Zealand in the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage. Lukaku's goal took him past Belgium's previous World Cup scoring record, adding another landmark to his remarkable international career. The 33-year-old has been Belgium's leading goalscorer for years and continues to play a key role in the Red Devils' World Cup campaign. Belgium have now advanced to the Round of 32 with an unbeaten group-stage record. (PC: NDTV)

India produced a dominant display to defeat arch-rivals Pakistan 7-1 in their FIH Pro League match in London on Friday. After conceding an early goal, India responded with seven unanswered strikes from Sukhjeet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Jugraj Singh, Abhishek, Raj Kumar Pal and Dilpreet Singh. Midfielder Hardik Singh was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance. The emphatic victory came just days after India had beaten Pakistan 4-3 in their previous meeting, underlining the team's strong form. India will now face England in their final FIH Pro League fixture.  

Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will have to wait for his India debut despite growing excitement around his selection. Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin backed the decision, saying there is currently no place in the playing XI as established openers deserve continued opportunities. Ashwin stressed that Indian cricket should avoid creating a "superstar culture" around young players and instead reward consistent performances while maintaining team balance. He urged patience, adding that Sooryavanshi's immense talent is unquestionable, but his opportunity will come naturally when the team requires it. (PC: X)