A video from Canada has gone viral after a woman criticized the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony in Toronto, questioning the inclusion of Indian artists, including actress-singer Nora Fatehi. In the clip, she said, “We don’t speak Punjabi. We are not Indians,” arguing that the event did not reflect Canadian culture. The remarks triggered widespread criticism on social media, with many users describing them as divisive and xenophobic. The controversy has reignited discussions about multiculturalism, diversity, and representation in Canada, one of the co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

India A clinched the tri-series title with a 66-run victory over Sri Lanka A in Dambulla, powered by a sensational innings from 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The youngster smashed 94 off just 29 balls, including 10 fours and eight sixes, registering the fastest fifty in List A cricket in only 11 deliveries. Captain Tilak Varma contributed a composed 67, while Anukul Roy added a quickfire 39 as India A posted 377/9. Sri Lanka A were bowled out for 311 in 47.1 overs, handing India A a memorable triumph and highlighting Sooryavanshi's immense talent. (PC: PTI)

Japan produced a dominant performance to beat Tunisia 4-0 in the 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history. Daichi Kamada opened the scoring early before Ayase Ueda doubled Japan's lead. Junya Ito added a third goal in the second half, and Ueda completed the rout with another strike. The victory made Japan the first Asian nation to score four goals in a single World Cup match. The win moved Japan closer to qualification for the knockout stage. Tunisia, meanwhile, suffered a second straight defeat and became the third team eliminated from the tournament.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached the 100-goal mark in just 33 matches, making it the fastest tournament to achieve the feat in 68 years. Cody Gakpo scored the landmark goal during the Netherlands' 5-1 victory over Sweden. The previous best in the modern era was 36 matches, set in 1982 and matched in 2014. The tournament has also witnessed another milestone, with the Japan-Tunisia match becoming the 1,000th game in World Cup history. The expanded 48-team competition has produced high-scoring matches and several records in its opening weeks. (PC: AFP)

Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei has criticised the treatment of his team at the FIFA World Cup in the United States. He said travel restrictions and visa denials have affected Iran's preparations ahead of Sunday's match against Belgium. Ghalenoei claimed the team was forced to shorten training after being denied permission to travel earlier. He also said several support staff members were refused visas. “We are here for football, not politics,” he said. US officials maintain that restrictions were known in advance. Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand in its opening World Cup match. (PC: AFP)

The BCCI on Sunday announced India's squad for the three-match ODI series against England in July. Virat Kohli returned to the team after missing the Afghanistan series due to injury, though his selection remains subject to fitness. Shubman Gill will continue as captain, with Shreyas Iyer serving as vice-captain. Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Harshit Rana also made comebacks to the squad. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Harsh Dubey and Prince Yadav were left out. Rohit Sharma retained his place, while Hardik Pandya remained unavailable due to fitness concerns. The series begins on July 14. (PC: AP)

The Netherlands produced a dominant display to defeat Sweden 5-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F match in Houston. Brian Brobbey starred with two first-half goals, while Cody Gakpo added a second-half brace to seal an emphatic victory. Crysencio Summerville completed the scoring with a stunning long-range effort.   Sweden created several chances through Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak but were repeatedly denied by Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. The victory gives Ronald Koeman’s side four points from two matches and strengthens their chances of reaching the knockout stage of the tournament. (PC: X)

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar will be available for the team's final Group C match against Scotland at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The 34-year-old forward has missed Brazil's first two matches after suffering a calf injury while playing for Santos in May.   Ancelotti said Neymar will resume full training with the squad and is ready for the crucial fixture. His return comes as Brazil face uncertainty over Raphinha's fitness following a hamstring injury. Neymar's comeback provides a major boost for the five-time world champions as they aim to secure a place in the knockout stage.

Cristiano Ronaldo has come under renewed scrutiny after Portugal's disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 match. The 41-year-old captain was seen gesturing toward journalists to leave during a training session, drawing further attention amid growing debate over his role in the team.   Ronaldo played the full match but failed to register a shot on target, extending his World Cup goal drought to five games. Several media outlets and former players have questioned whether he should remain a regular starter. Portugal, currently third in Group K, next face Uzbekistan in a crucial fixture. (PC: X)

The Netherlands face Sweden in a key FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F match in Houston, with both teams chasing important qualification goals. The Dutch are looking for their first win after a 2-2 draw against Japan, where they surrendered the lead twice. Sweden, meanwhile, are aiming to secure a place in the knockout stage following an impressive 5-1 victory over Tunisia. Led by forwards Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres, Sweden have started strongly under coach Graham Potter. The match could prove decisive in shaping the Group F standings and knockout qualification race. (PC: NDTV)