Colombia secured the final place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ghana. Jhon Arias scored the decisive goal in the 14th minute after an assist from Luis Suárez, who came on early following an injury to Jhon Córdoba. Colombia dominated possession and defended resolutely despite missed chances, including a disallowed goal by Luis Díaz. The victory extended Colombia's unbeaten tournament run and set up a Round of 16 clash with Switzerland. (PC: Reuters)

Tournament debutants Cape Verde bowed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat to defending champions Argentina. Ranked 67th before the tournament, Cape Verde captured global admiration by holding Spain, scoring their first World Cup goals, and twice equalising against Argentina through Sidny Lopes Cabral. A cruel own-goal deflection ended their remarkable campaign. Goalkeeper Vozinha starred with 18 tournament saves, while coach Bubista praised his players for proving the small nation could compete with football’s biggest powers. (PC: BBC)

    U.S. President Donald Trump said American strikes had “knocked the hell out of Iran” as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attended a public funeral for senior military commanders and nuclear scientists killed during the recent conflict. Trump claimed the attacks severely damaged Iran’s nuclear programme but added that negotiations with Tehran could resume if Iran agreed to strict conditions. The remarks came amid renewed diplomatic efforts to ease tensions following weeks of military escalation between the two countries. Iran has not accepted Trump's claims, while regional and global powers continue urging restraint and a return to diplomacy. (PC: X)

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has designated 23 Pakistan-based individuals as terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), intensifying India's crackdown on cross-border terrorism. The newly listed individuals are accused of involvement in terrorist activities, recruitment, financing, planning attacks, and supporting militant organisations targeting India. The notification aims to strengthen legal action against operatives based outside the country and disrupt networks linked to terrorism. The move also enables authorities to freeze assets, pursue investigations, and enhance international cooperation against terror financing. The government said the designations reflect its continued commitment to safeguarding national security and combating cross-border extremist threats. (PC: The Hindu)

Croatia captain Luka Modrić strongly criticised VAR after his side's dramatic 2-1 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 defeat to Portugal. Modrić argued that the penalty awarded to Cristiano Ronaldo was unfair and claimed VAR would not have intervened had the situation been reversed. He also questioned the decision to disallow Croatia's stoppage-time equaliser for offside following a lengthy VAR review. Despite praising his team's second-half display, Modrić said Croatia deserved a better outcome. The controversial officiating has sparked widespread debate over VAR's influence on crucial World Cup knockout matches. (PC: X)

The Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has launched an inquiry into allegations of misappropriation of donations and offerings at Badrinath Dham following claims circulating on social media. BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi said show-cause notices have been issued to employees involved in donation counting, and an inquiry committee has been formed to examine CCTV footage, records, and staff statements. Dwivedi also clarified that a person described online as his “personal secretary” is a regular committee employee. Authorities have assured that strict legal and departmental action will be taken if any financial irregularities are confirmed, while urging the public not to spread unverified information. (PC: India Today)

Egypt reached the 2026 FIFA World Cup last 16 for the first time after defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties following a tense 1-1 draw. Emam Ashour gave Egypt an early lead before an own goal by Mohamed Hany levelled the match for Australia. Neither side could find a winner in extra time, sending the contest to penalties. Egypt converted all four spot-kicks, while Australia missed twice as Hossam Abdelmaguid scored the decisive penalty. The historic victory secured Egypt's first-ever World Cup knockout win and set up a Round of 16 clash with defending champions Argentina. (PC: Getty Images)

Sidny Lopes Cabral produced one of the standout moments of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by scoring a spectacular extra-time equaliser against Argentina national football team before celebrating by climbing into the crowd to hug his girlfriend. The remarkable strike briefly gave underdogs Cape Verde national football team hope of a famous upset, but Argentina secured a dramatic 3-2 victory after a late own goal. Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Cape Verde earned worldwide admiration for pushing the defending champions to the brink, with Lopes Cabral's unforgettable goal and celebration becoming defining moments of the tournament. 

Pop superstar Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce married in a lavish ceremony at Madison Square Garden, officiated by Adam Sandler. The couple wore Christian Dior outfits and skipped traditional bridesmaids and groomsmen, with Austin Swift serving as Man of Honour and Jason Kelce as Best Man. Celebrity guests included Hugh Grant, Jason Sudeikis, Benson Boone and Gigi Hadid. Thousands of fans gathered outside as major Midtown Manhattan streets were closed for the high-profile celebration, following an intimate pre-party held the previous day. (PC: BBC)

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for a suicide attack targeting a Pakistani military convoy in Gwadar, alleging that more than 30 security personnel were killed. According to the group, a vehicle-borne suicide bomber struck the convoy before additional fighters launched a coordinated assault. Pakistani authorities have acknowledged the attack but have not confirmed the casualty figures claimed by the BLA. Security forces have launched operations in the area as investigations continue. The incident highlights the persistent insurgency in Balochistan, where separatist groups frequently target security personnel and government infrastructure.