Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa made football history by becoming only the third player ever to appear in six FIFA World Cups, joining Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The 40-year-old achieved the milestone after replacing Raul Rangel in the 78th minute of Mexico’s final Group A match against Czechia in Mexico City. The appearance marked Ochoa’s 153rd cap for Mexico and his fourth World Cup tournament appearance, despite being selected in six World Cup squads. The match also saw 17-year-old Gilberto Mora become Mexico’s youngest World Cup starter. Mexico secured a 3-0 victory through goals from Mateo Chavez, Julian Quinones and Alvaro Fidalgo, topping Group A with a perfect record. (PC: X)

Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo has been suspended for five matches by FIFA after a reckless tackle left Canada’s Ismael Kone with a broken tibia and fibula during their FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage match in Vancouver. The incident occurred in the 51st minute of Canada’s 6-0 victory, overshadowing the nation’s landmark World Cup win. Madibo received a straight red card and later personally apologised to Kone. Following a review, FIFA’s disciplinary committee imposed the ban for “serious foul play.” Kone underwent emergency surgery and is expected to be sidelined for several months. Qatar can appeal the decision but had not commented immediately after the ruling.                               

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has said Neymar is ready to return to action ahead of the team's crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match against Scotland. The 34-year-old forward has recovered from injury and is available for selection after missing Brazil's opening two games of the tournament.   "Neymar is training very well and he's ready," Ancelotti said before the match, adding that the forward could play either part of the game or the full 90 minutes.   Neymar has not represented Brazil since suffering a serious knee injury against Uruguay in October 2023. His return would be a major boost as Brazil seek a result that would secure their place in the Round of 32. (PC: X)

Brazil will take on Scotland in a decisive Group C match at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Miami on Thursday, with both teams still fighting for a place in the Round of 32. Brazil currently lead the group with four points from two matches and need at least a draw to secure qualification. Scotland, who have three points, can also advance with a positive result. Meanwhile, Morocco, level on four points with Brazil, face already-eliminated Haiti and are aiming to finish top of the group. The final round of Group C fixtures will determine the knockout-stage qualifiers. (PC: NDTV)

Lionel Messi has hinted that he could continue playing beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After scoring twice in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria, the 39-year-old spoke about his future. “I will continue for some time, as long as I can contribute, feel good physically, and help my teammates,” Messi said. When asked about playing in the 2030 World Cup, he replied, “I’m living one day at a time and focused on the present.” Messi is currently playing in his sixth World Cup. Argentina will host one match during the 2030 tournament as part of its centennial celebrations. (PC: AP)

The world’s oldest known football has travelled from Scotland to Miami ahead of Scotland’s crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage match against Brazil. Dating from between 1540 and 1570, the leather ball was discovered during restoration work at Stirling Castle in the 1970s, lodged in the rafters behind the Queen’s Chamber. Recognised by Guinness World Records as the oldest football in existence, it is made from leather panels filled with a pig’s bladder and is roughly the size of a small melon. Now on display at Coral Gables Museum, the artifact forms part of an exhibition celebrating football’s global history and cultural connections. (PC: Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum)

Lionel Messi has refused to rule out playing in the 2030 FIFA World Cup after helping Argentina secure a 2-0 win over Austria with a brace in the 2026 tournament. The victory ensured Argentina qualified for the knockout stage as Group winners. Speaking about his future, the 39-year-old said he would continue playing as long as he remains physically fit and can contribute to the team. When asked specifically about the 2030 World Cup, Messi said he is focused on the present and not thinking that far ahead. If he participates, Messi would be 43 and could play a World Cup match on Argentine soil during the tournament’s centennial celebrations.

DR Congo supporter Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, popularly known as the “Statue Fan,” has captured global attention during the FIFA World Cup 2026. Famous for standing motionless throughout matches while imitating a statue of Congo’s independence hero, Patrice Lumumba, Michel finally arrived in Mexico after missing his team’s opening game. His unique tribute and unwavering support have made him a social media sensation and a symbol of national pride. Despite DR Congo’s 1-0 defeat to Colombia, Michel’s presence inspired fans worldwide. The devoted supporter has followed the national team for years, becoming one of football’s most recognizable super fans. 

Brazil may have reached the FIFA World Cup knockout stage, but confidence back home remains low ahead of their final group match against Scotland. Despite a draw against Morocco and a 3-0 win over Haiti, critics say Carlo Ancelotti’s side has failed to impress. Questions continue over Neymar’s fitness, Casemiro’s form and the team's overall cohesion. Vinícius Júnior has been Brazil’s standout performer, while fans are calling for young striker Endrick to be given more opportunities. With tougher opponents potentially waiting in the knockout rounds, many believe Brazil must improve significantly to challenge for a sixth world title. (PC: The Guardian)

Indian table tennis star Manika Batra has threatened legal action against the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) after being excluded from India's squad for the 2026 Asian Games. Batra questioned the transparency and consistency of the selection process, claiming she was not given a clear explanation for her omission. She has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, and the Indian Olympic Association, seeking intervention and a review of the selection criteria. The former Commonwealth Games champion stated that fairness and transparency are essential, while TTFI reportedly cited ranking-based selection norms for her exclusion. (PC: AFP)