Defending champions Argentina survived a major FIFA World Cup scare, edging World Cup debutants Cabo Verde 3-2 after extra time in a thrilling Round of 32 clash. Lionel Messi opened the scoring, but Cabo Verde twice fought back through Deroy Duarte and Sidny Lopes Cabral, showcasing remarkable resilience and fearless football. The decisive moment came in the 111th minute when a Cristian Romero header deflected off Diney Borges for an unfortunate own goal. Despite elimination, the tiny African nation won global admiration for pushing one of football's biggest powers to the brink in one of the tournament's most memorable matches. (PC: India Today)

Colombia booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ghana in a tightly contested knockout match. A disciplined defensive display and a decisive goal proved enough to eliminate the African side, who created several chances but failed to find an equaliser. Colombia controlled key moments of the game and held firm under late pressure to secure progression. The win sets up an intriguing Round of 16 showdown against Switzerland, with both teams aiming to continue their impressive World Cup campaigns and move one step closer to the quarterfinals. (PC: Reuters)

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were overcome with emotion during the farewell ceremony for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, breaking down in tears as thousands gathered to pay their final respects. The funeral drew massive crowds from across Iran, reflecting the late leader's influence over the country's political and religious landscape. Senior officials, military commanders and mourners attended the solemn event amid heightened regional tensions following recent conflict with the United States. The ceremony marked a significant moment in Iran's history as the nation mourned one of its most powerful and influential leaders.

Argentina advanced to the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde, but the match exposed their heavy dependence on Lionel Messi. Despite Messi's goal and decisive influence, Cape Verde repeatedly exploited Argentina's defensive weaknesses and pushed the defending champions to the brink of elimination. The underdogs' fearless performance provided a blueprint for future opponents, showing that disciplined pressing and quick counterattacks can trouble Argentina. While Messi once again delivered in a crucial moment, questions remain over whether Argentina can successfully defend their World Cup title without stronger collective performances. (PC: X)

U.S. President Donald Trump sparked controversy during America's Fourth of July celebrations by saying the United States had "given Iran a week off" during the funeral ceremonies of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Trump used the occasion to underscore U.S. military strength while criticizing Tehran, as Iran held large-scale mourning events attended by millions. The remarks came amid heightened tensions following the recent U.S.-Iran conflict, with Iranian leaders warning against further provocations. The contrasting events—America's Independence Day celebrations and Iran's state funeral—symbolized the deep geopolitical divide between the two nations and their continuing war of words. (PC: Reuters)

India's food safety regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has issued notices to Red Bull, PepsiCo and several other beverage companies over alleged violations in the labelling and marketing of energy drinks. The regulator is scrutinising claims, ingredient disclosures and compliance with food safety regulations to ensure consumers are not misled. Companies have been asked to clarify their labelling practices and respond to the notices. The move is part of FSSAI's broader crackdown on misleading food and beverage claims, reinforcing stricter regulatory oversight and consumer protection in India's rapidly expanding energy drink market. (PC: PTI)

Egypt's dramatic penalty-shootout victory over Australia in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 sparked celebrations across the Arab world after head coach Hossam Hassan dedicated the historic triumph to the people of Palestine. The emotional gesture resonated widely, with fans in several Arab countries praising Egypt's performance and expressing solidarity with Palestinians. Egypt advanced to the Round of 16 for the first time in the tournament's modern era and will now face defending champions Argentina. The victory was hailed as a landmark moment for Egyptian football, combining sporting success with a message that drew significant regional attention and debate. (PC: Reuters)

India has reiterated that the Indus Waters Treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan takes credible and irreversible steps to end support for cross-border terrorism. Responding to Pakistan's criticism, the Ministry of External Affairs said New Delhi's position remains unchanged and stressed that the treaty was signed in good faith but has been undermined by decades of terrorism and hostile actions. The statement comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions and follows recent international discussions on combating terrorism. Pakistan has opposed India's stance, while the decades-old water-sharing agreement continues to be a major point of contention between the two neighbours. 

Defending champions Argentina survived a dramatic FIFA World Cup Round of 32 scare, defeating Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in one of the tournament's biggest upsets that never happened. Lionel Messi opened the scoring and later delivered the decisive corner that led to the winning goal, keeping Argentina's title defence alive. Cape Verde stunned the football world by twice equalising and pushing the favourites to their limits with a fearless display. Argentina eventually advanced to the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt, while Cape Verde exited with widespread praise for their historic and courageous performance. (PC: Getty Images)

Defending champions Argentina will take on World Cup debutants Cape Verde in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026, in a clash widely seen as the tournament's biggest knockout mismatch. Lionel Messi's side, three-time world champions, enter the match as overwhelming favourites against a Cape Verde team ranked 64th in the world. Despite their underdog status, Cape Verde have impressed by reaching the knockout stage unbeaten, earning draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. The African nation now hopes to produce another historic upset, while Argentina aim to continue their title defence with a convincing victory. (PC: X)