Spain's historic FIFA World Cup 2026 triumph was overshadowed by ugly scenes after the final whistle as celebrations gave way to a heated post-match brawl following the 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina in New York. Tensions spilled over while Spain celebrated lifting the trophy, with Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes shown a red card after clashing with Spain's Gavi and Eric Garcia. Earlier, Argentina had already been reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez received a red card during the match. The chaotic finish compounded Argentina's heartbreak, as Lionel Messi's hopes of ending his World Cup career with another title were dashed following Ferran Torres' extra-time winner for Spain. 

Kylian Mbappe became the first player to win the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot twice after finishing as the 2026 tournament's top scorer with 10 goals in eight matches, edging Lionel Messi's tally of eight. The France forward, who also won the award at Qatar 2022, is now the men's all-time World Cup leading scorer with 22 goals, surpassing Messi. Despite France finishing fourth after a 6-4 bronze-match defeat to England, Mbappe called the achievement secondary to missing the final. Meanwhile, Spain dominated the tournament's individual honours as captain Rodri received the Golden Ball after leading La Roja to their second FIFA World Cup title. (PC: NY Times & Getty Images)

Iran struck Kuwait's Al-Subiya power generation and water desalination plant on Sunday, triggering a massive fire, as the US launched its ninth consecutive night of airstrikes on Iranian targets. Videos showed thick black smoke rising from the facility while Kuwait's armed forces said they intercepted hostile missiles and drones across the country's airspace. Defence spokesperson Major General Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi accused Iran of targeting civilian and vital infrastructure, causing extensive damage. US CENTCOM said the strikes aim to degrade Iranian military capabilities threatening commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump said the latest operation honoured recently killed US service members. Regional tensions continue escalating despite June's provisional ceasefire framework.

Ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) proposed 'Chalo Sansad' march on the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon Session, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke alleged that trucks loaded with stones had been parked near Jantar Mantar and claimed the outfit received inputs that "goons" could be allowed to disrupt the protest. These allegations have not been independently verified. Dipke urged supporters to remain peaceful and avoid provocation. Meanwhile, Delhi Police said no permission had been granted for the march and deployed a three-tier security cover across central Delhi. CJP also appealed to protesters to maintain discipline, while traffic restrictions, metro changes and heavy security remained in force.

A US service member was killed and another injured while handling unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian one-way attack drone in northern Iraq, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said. The incident occurred on July 18 during a controlled detonation operation. CENTCOM withheld the identities of both personnel pending family notification. The death raises the number of US service members killed in the nearly five-month conflict to 17. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump ordered another round of air strikes, with CENTCOM launching attacks against Iran for the ninth consecutive night. The US said the operation is aimed at degrading assets linked to attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has said he will end his hunger strike only if three conditions are met. In a handwritten letter from what he described as his "illegal detention" at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital, Wangchuk demanded government accountability for alleged failures in the education system, particularly the NEET paper leak controversy. He also sought assurances from political leaders that the issue would be raised in Parliament and requested senior leaders visit him if his health prevents him from joining the Sansad Chalo March. Wangchuk was shifted to hospital on July 18 after doctors warned of possible organ failure. The Delhi High Court declined interim relief seeking his transfer to a private hospital. (PC: X/@Wangchuk66)

Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal shared an emotional embrace after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win the FIFA World Cup, creating a memorable moment symbolising football's changing generations. Substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 97th minute, securing Spain's second World Cup title. Argentina's challenge intensified after Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second bookable offence in stoppage time of normal time, with Lionel Scaloni's side failing to register a shot on or off target until the 115th minute. Following the final whistle, Messi and Yamal shared a brief conversation, recalling their iconic connection dating back to the 2007 UNICEF photoshoot.

India has advised its citizens to postpone all travel to Iran and urged those already there to consider leaving temporarily as instability and military activity intensify, particularly along the country's southern coast. In a revised advisory, the Indian Embassy in Tehran asked travellers to avoid non-essential visits until the security situation improves. Indians remaining in Iran were urged to exercise the highest level of caution, avoid areas with heavy military activity, monitor local developments, follow authorities' instructions and stay in contact with the embassy. The advisory follows escalating regional tensions after recent US strikes inside Iran and Tehran's retaliatory actions across West Asia. Emergency helplines remain available.

Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win their second FIFA World Cup, denying Lionel Messi a fairytale farewell. Ferran Torres scored the decisive winner in the 106th minute after Pedro Porro's delivery and Nico Williams' flick-on. Spain completed the tournament with just one goal conceded and six clean sheets, underlining their defensive dominance. Argentina's hopes faded after Enzo Fernandez was sent off before extra time, although goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez produced several crucial saves. VAR disallowed a Nico Williams goal and another Torres strike for offside. Messi created one final chance for Marcos Senesi, whose close-range effort was brilliantly blocked before the final whistle.

Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 at New York New Jersey Stadium. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, sealing Spain's 2nd World Cup title and completing a remarkable Euros-World Cup double under coach Luis de la Fuente. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez made a record 11 saves in a World Cup final to keep his side in the contest, but Spain finally broke through. Argentina also played extra time with 10 men after Enzo Fernández was sent off. The defeat ended Lionel Messi's hopes of retaining the World Cup crown. (PC: NDTV)