FIFA President Gianni Infantino has said discussions on expanding the 2030 FIFA World Cup to 64 teams will take place only after the conclusion of the 2026 tournament. The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will already feature 48 teams for the first time. Infantino said FIFA will first assess how the expanded 48-team format performs before considering any further increase. The proposal for a 64-team tournament has sparked debate within world football, with supporters citing greater inclusivity and critics warning about scheduling, player workload and the overall quality of the competition. (PC: India Today)

FIFA's decision to suspend United States striker Folarin Balogun's one-match World Cup ban has sparked fresh controversy after reports claimed only disciplinary committee chairman Mohammad Al-Kamali approved the move without consulting the other 17 members. Balogun, sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, became the only player at the tournament to have his suspension deferred for 12 months following US President Donald Trump's request to FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review the incident. FIFA confirmed Trump's intervention, though it said the decision was made independently. The unusual process has drawn scrutiny, as high-profile disciplinary rulings are typically decided by multi-member panels rather than a single official. (PC: Getty Images)

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed the governing body will examine expanding the FIFA World Cup to 64 teams ahead of the 2030 edition after the 2026 tournament concludes. The current World Cup already features an expanded 48-team format, which Infantino called a complete success, arguing more nations deserve the opportunity to compete and develop. The proposal, backed by several South American football officials, would be discussed by FIFA's relevant committees. However, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and CONCACAF chief Victor Montagliani have opposed further expansion, warning it could weaken the tournament's quality and diminish regional qualification. The 2030 World Cup will be hosted across six nations on three continents. (PC: X)

Erling Haaland described Norway's FIFA World Cup 2026 journey as a life-changing experience after their historic campaign ended with a 2-1 extra-time quarter-final defeat to England. The striker said representing Norway on football's biggest stage filled him with immense pride, adding that the tournament changed him personally while strengthening unity and positivity back home. Norway, playing their first World Cup since 1998, reached the quarter-finals for the first time in history before England sealed victory to set up a semi-final against Argentina. Despite the heartbreaking exit, Haaland enjoyed a remarkable tournament, scoring in every group-stage match and both knockout rounds to finish as Norway's top scorer with seven goals.

Indian cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi enjoyed a memorable first visit to Wimbledon, attending the men's singles final at Centre Court alongside Yuvraj Singh, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. The 15-year-old described the experience of watching one of sport's most iconic events live as special, saying he was eager to observe how players perform under pressure in a Grand Slam final. Fresh from a breakthrough year in cricket, Vaibhav also revealed that Novak Djokovic is his favourite tennis player while backing Jannik Sinner ahead of the title clash. The visit highlighted the youngster's growing profile as he experienced one of tennis' biggest stages for the first time.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has downplayed the historic rivalry with England ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, saying the match should be viewed simply as a game of football. Speaking before the last-four clash, Scaloni said past political and sporting tensions should not influence the players or fans. He urged everyone to enjoy the occasion and focus on the football rather than history. Argentina booked their place in the semi-finals after beating Switzerland, while England defeated Norway. The winners will advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final in the United States. (PC: X)

Former India head coach Rahul Dravid has emerged as one of the leading candidates to succeed Brendon McCullum as England's Test coach, according to reports. The England and Wales Cricket Board is looking for a new red-ball coach after ending McCullum's 4-year stint in the role. Former England coach Andy Flower and ex-spinner Richard Dawson are also reportedly in contention. However, the report said Dravid has no interest in taking up a full-time coaching role, though England's Test job could offer greater flexibility. McCullum is expected to continue as England's white-ball coach. (PC: India Today)

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner successfully defended his Wimbledon crown by defeating Alexander Zverev 6-7(7), 7-6(2), 6-3, 6-4 in the men's singles final. After losing a closely fought opening-set tie-break, the Italian fought back with composed and aggressive tennis to win the next 3 sets and secure his second straight Wimbledon title. The victory also earned Sinner his fifth Grand Slam singles crown, further strengthening his position at the top of men's tennis. Zverev challenged throughout the contest but was unable to stop Sinner's remarkable run on Centre Court.  

England have ended the Brendon McCullum era by removing him as the men's Test head coach after 4 years in charge. McCullum, who introduced the aggressive "Bazball" style alongside former captain Ben Stokes in 2022, oversaw a major change in England's approach to Test cricket. However, recent poor results, including a heavy Ashes defeat and a home series loss to New Zealand, prompted the England and Wales Cricket Board to make a change. McCullum will continue as England's white-ball coach, while the ECB begins its search for a new Test head coach. (PC: X)

Who says India doesn't produce football talent? Chandigarh-based Minerva Academy, owned by Ranjit Bajaj, answered that question in style during the Helsinki Cup 2026 in Finland. The young Indian side stunned a Finnish club with a 19-0 victory, scoring 19 goals without conceding once in a remarkable display of attacking football. That dominant performance set the tone for a dream campaign, as Minerva went on to defeat defending champions HJK 1-0 in the final to lift the prestigious youth tournament. The title marks a historic achievement for Indian football and highlights the growing quality of the country's young talent.