Yoane Wissa authored one of the most inspiring stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by scoring DR Congo’s historic equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, ending his nation’s 52-year World Cup goal drought. The moment carried extra significance because Wissa survived a life-threatening acid attack in 2021, when a woman posing as a fan allegedly threw a corrosive liquid at his face in an attempted kidnapping plot targeting his daughter. He underwent emergency eye surgery and battled severe trauma before rebuilding his career. After successful spells with Lorient, Brentford and Newcastle United, Wissa completed a remarkable comeback on football’s biggest stage.

An 18-year-old Indian tourist, Romanch Mahajan, died after a horse-drawn carriage accident in Central Park during his family’s first trip to New York City. The incident occurred when the carriage horse reportedly bolted while the driver had stepped away to take a family photograph. As the carriage sped uncontrollably through the park, passengers were thrown from the vehicle. According to his father, Romanch jumped from the moving carriage to help his mother after she fell, suffering fatal head injuries. The tragedy has reignited debate over horse-drawn carriages in New York, with local officials and activists calling for stricter safety measures and renewed consideration of Ryder’s Law.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised concerns over the deaths of three Indian sailors during talks with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit. Modi stressed that the safety and security of seafarers must be ensured in any agreement involving Iran, highlighting the risks faced by Indian maritime workers. The sailors were killed earlier this month when a US Navy strike hit the Palau-flagged tanker Settebello in the Gulf of Oman. Trump acknowledged the tragedy, calling maritime work a “rough profession” and expressing sympathy. The incident occurred amid escalating regional tensions and disruptions to commercial shipping routes.

The opening matchday of the 2026 FIFA World Cup was dominated by football’s biggest stars as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland delivered standout performances. Messi scored the first World Cup hat-trick of his career in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria, drawing level with Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals. Mbappé netted twice in France’s 3-1 win over Senegal, becoming France’s all-time leading scorer with 58 goals, surpassing Olivier Giroud. Haaland struck twice as Norway defeated Iraq 4-1. Their performances silenced doubts over recent form and reinforced their status among football’s elite. (PC: Khelnow, teamtalk & talksport)

Despite a population of 1.4 billion and passionate football cultures in states like West Bengal, Kerala and Goa, India has never qualified for a FIFA World Cup. Former captain Baichung Bhutia believes qualification is possible but requires a strong grassroots system, long-term planning and better football infrastructure. Veteran footballer Shyam Thapa blames the lack of youth development and cricket’s financial dominance for limiting football participation. India has fallen to 136th in FIFA rankings and recently failed to qualify for both advanced World Cup qualifiers and the AFC Asian Cup. Proposed eligibility reforms for Overseas Citizen of India players could strengthen the national team. (PC: Getty Images)

Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić made FIFA World Cup history by becoming the first outfield players to start matches after turning 40. Ronaldo, aged 41 years and 4 months, set a new record while captaining Portugal against DR Congo, and Modrić, aged 40 years and 9 months, became second on the all-time list after starting for Croatia against England. Both former Real Madrid teammates and Ballon d'Or winners captained their nations but endured disappointing results, with Portugal drawing 1-1 and Croatia losing 4-2. They surpassed the previous record held by Atiba Hutchinson, who started at age 39 during the 2022 World Cup. (PC: ManagingMadrid & 4Kwallpapers)

US President Donald Trump assured India of American support in the event of an attack, saying the US would stand by India as long as Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains its leader. Speaking alongside Modi, Trump described US-India ties as strong and praised Modi as a tough negotiator who deeply cares for both India and the United States. He also said India plays a significant role in West Asia under Modi’s leadership. Addressing the deaths of three Indian sailors in a US strike, Trump expressed sympathy. Modi highlighted maritime security, stressing the importance of protecting Indian seafarers and ensuring freedom of navigation worldwide.

US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian digitally signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to end nearly four months of conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The agreement, initially signed electronically by US Vice President JD Vance and Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, took immediate effect, replacing a planned Switzerland ceremony. The MoU includes sanctions relief, resumed Iranian oil exports, access to frozen funds, and a 60-day framework preventing escalatory actions while broader negotiations continue. Iran ruled out discussions on missiles and defense capabilities, while enriched uranium remains inside the country. The accord also outlines approximately $300 billion in investment and reconstruction support.

Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match in Houston. Joao Neves gave Portugal an early lead with a sixth-minute header from Pedro Neto’s cross. However, Yoanne Wissa equalised for DR Congo in first-half stoppage time with a header of his own. Portugal dominated possession but struggled to create clear chances. Cristiano Ronaldo, who became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match, failed to make an impact and had two shots off target. The result earned DR Congo their first-ever point in FIFA World Cup history.  

India and the United Kingdom will implement their Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) on July 15. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the deal a "historic milestone" in India-UK relations. The agreement is expected to boost trade, investment and business opportunities between the two countries. It will improve market access and reduce tariffs on several products. Modi said the deal would benefit farmers, workers, MSMEs, startups and innovators. The UK described it as one of its most important post-Brexit trade agreements. Officials from both countries believe the pact will strengthen economic cooperation and create new opportunities across many sectors. (PC: Getty Images)