The Kerala government has declared a holiday for all educational institutions on July 20 ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. The match between Argentina and Spain will be played in the early hours of Monday. Chief Minister VD Satheesan directed that schools, colleges and professional institutions remain closed. However, exams already scheduled will be held as planned. The decision came after demands from opposition leaders and others, who said students would find it difficult to attend classes after staying up late to watch the final. The official government order is expected to be issued soon. (PC: Reuters)

Ticket prices for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain have reached record levels. The match will be played at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19. FIFA's dynamic pricing has pushed premium pitch-side tickets to an average of $32,970 (around ₹31.7 lakh). On resale websites, some Category 1 tickets are listed for over ₹5 crore. The highest-priced ticket is listed at $2.3 million (around ₹22 crore). It is for seats in Block 124 behind the goal. The prices make the 2026 World Cup final the most expensive sporting event for ticket buyers.

A decade after announcing his international retirement in tears at MetLife Stadium following Argentina's 2016 Copa América final defeat, Lionel Messi returns to the same venue with a chance to complete one of football's greatest redemption stories. Now leading Argentina into the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain, the 39-year-old aims to defend the title won in 2022 and further cement his legendary legacy. The final symbolizes Messi's remarkable journey from heartbreak to glory, with his leadership and resilience inspiring Argentina as they chase another historic World Cup triumph against a formidable Spanish side. (PC: X)

PV Sindhu won the Japan Open title for the first time after defeating Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 in the women’s singles final. The Indian shuttler claimed her first Super 750 title and ended a 21-month wait for a World Tour trophy. Sindhu played with confidence and held her nerve in both games to seal the victory. She had also beaten China’s Chen Yufei in the semi-final. “It feels special to win this title,” Sindhu said after the match. The victory is another major achievement in her successful badminton career. (PC: Badminton photo)

PV Sindhu defeated Japan's Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 to win her maiden Japan Open title in Tokyo on Sunday. The straight-games victory made Sindhu the first Indian to win the prestigious Super 750 tournament. It is also her biggest title since winning the BWF World Championships in 2019 and ends a prolonged wait for a major trophy after battling injuries and inconsistent form. Sindhu controlled the match with powerful smashes, sharp drop shots and solid defence, denying the home favourite any comeback. The victory marks a significant return to form for India's two-time Olympic medallist. (PC: NDTV)

Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, many football fans across Latin America are backing Spain over regional rivals Argentina. Supporters in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and Chile have accused Argentina of receiving favourable treatment from FIFA and referees, calling Lionel Messi "FIFA's golden boy." The debate has spread widely on social media through memes and jokes, while some fans have also linked their opposition to Argentina's politics and past racism controversies. However, others continue to support Argentina in the spirit of South American unity as Lionel Messi's side prepares to face Spain in the title clash. (PC: X)

The FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19 has become the most expensive sporting event in history based on ticket prices. Driven by FIFA's dynamic pricing and soaring resale demand, premium pitch-side seats average around $32,970 (₹31.74 lakh). On the official resale platform, Category 3 tickets start at $8,000, while Category 1 tickets begin at $11,700. On secondary marketplaces, some listings have reached extraordinary levels, with one set of Category 3 seats priced at $2.3 million (about ₹22.14 crore), setting a record for a sporting event. (PC: X)

The Kerala government has declared a holiday on Monday for all schools under the General Education Department, allowing students to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain. The match kicks off at 12:30 am IST, and students had appealed for a day off, saying they would struggle to attend classes after staying up late. General Education Minister N. Samsudheen confirmed the decision, while leaders across political parties supported the move. The final will see defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, face Spain as football fever grips Kerala ahead of the title clash. (PC: X)

France captain Kylian Mbappe became the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history after scoring twice in France's 6-4 defeat to England in the third-place playoff. The brace took Mbappe's World Cup tally to 22 goals, moving him ahead of Lionel Messi's 21. Mbappe also leads the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot race with 10 goals and 4 assists, while Messi has 8 goals and 4 assists before Argentina's final against Spain. Messi can still reclaim both records with a standout performance in the title match, adding another major storyline to the World Cup final. (PC: NDTV)

Jude Bellingham created history by becoming the first England player to score 7 goals in a single FIFA World Cup. The midfielder reached the milestone with a stoppage-time goal in England's thrilling 6-4 victory over France in the 2026 World Cup third-place playoff in Miami. While Bukayo Saka grabbed headlines with a hat-trick, Bellingham's record-breaking strike sealed England's sixth goal and his place in the history books. The win secured England's first-ever World Cup bronze medal and their best tournament finish since lifting the World Cup title in 1966. (PC: The Indian Express)