Cape Verde Defender Roberto Lopes Nearly Ignored National Team Call-Up After Receiving Invitation on LinkedIn   Cape Verde defender Roberto Lopes has emerged as one of the most remarkable stories of the FIFA World Cup. The 33-year-old, who was born and raised in Ireland and worked as a mortgage advisor while playing part-time football, nearly missed his chance to represent Cape Verde after mistaking the national team's LinkedIn message for a scam. Lopes, who did not speak Portuguese when contacted, eventually accepted the invitation and has since become a key player for the island nation. He recently helped Cape Verde secure a memorable clean sheet against European champions Spain at the World Cup. (PC: AP)

Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal entered the FIFA World Cup record books for an unusual reason after failing to touch the ball during the opening 30 minutes of Spain’s tournament opener. According to BBC Sport, no player since records began in 1966 had gone that long in a World Cup match without registering a single touch. The statistic highlighted Spain’s frustrating first half and the difficulties faced by the European champions in breaking down their opponents. Despite Oyarzabal’s lack of involvement, the remarkable record quickly became a major talking point among football fans on social media. (PC: Instagram)

Iran and New Zealand played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in their FIFA World Cup Group G encounter, with the Asian side showing resilience to avoid defeat. New Zealand twice took the lead, but Iran responded on both occasions to earn a valuable point. The match featured end-to-end action and kept both teams firmly in contention for qualification from a highly competitive group. While New Zealand impressed with their attacking display, Iran’s determination and ability to respond under pressure proved crucial. The result leaves Group G finely balanced ahead of the next round of fixtures. (PC: X)

A Mexican football fan lost his job after a video showing him making a racist gesture toward a South Korean influencer during a FIFA World Cup match went viral. The incident sparked widespread outrage on social media, leading his employer to investigate the matter. The company subsequently terminated the employee, stating that his conduct violated its values and commitment to respect and inclusion. The episode has renewed concerns about racism and discriminatory behaviour at major sporting events, with fans and anti-discrimination groups calling for stronger measures to ensure a welcoming atmosphere for supporters from all backgrounds. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Slovakia’s highest national honour during his visit to the country, recognising his contribution to strengthening bilateral ties and promoting global cooperation. The award was conferred by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, marking a significant moment in India-Slovakia relations. Modi expressed gratitude and dedicated the honour to the people of India and the friendship between the two nations. The visit focused on expanding cooperation in trade, technology, defence and innovation. It also highlighted India's growing diplomatic influence, with the honour becoming another addition to the list of prestigious international awards received by the Prime Minister. (PC: NDTV)

    Belgium narrowly avoided a shock defeat against Egypt after substitute Romelu Lukaku made an immediate impact in their FIFA World Cup Group G clash. Egypt looked set for a famous victory after taking the lead and frustrating the Belgian attack for much of the match. However, Lukaku’s introduction changed the momentum, with Belgium finding a late equaliser to secure a 1-1 draw. The result spared the Red Devils from a major upset but raised concerns over their performance. Egypt earned a valuable point and impressed with a disciplined display against one of Europe’s top sides.

The emerging US-Iran peace agreement is expected to benefit India by easing tensions in West Asia and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for energy supplies. Since India depends heavily on the region for crude oil and LPG imports, smoother shipping could help lower fuel prices, reduce inflation and improve economic stability. Falling oil costs may strengthen the rupee, support stock markets and enhance investor confidence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the deal, expressing hope that it would restore regional peace and ensure freedom of navigation. However, experts caution that unresolved issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme could still pose risks.

A proposed US-Iran peace agreement is facing fresh scrutiny over reports that Tehran wants at least $300 billion in reconstruction-linked economic guarantees, sanctions relief and access to frozen assets. Iranian media have presented the package as compensation for war damage, while US officials have described it as an investment and rebuilding programme. The preliminary memorandum, expected to be signed in Switzerland, has not been made public and key details remain unverified. Analysts warn that disagreements over the economic package and regional tensions could threaten the fragile ceasefire and derail long-term peace efforts. (PC: India Today)

Cape Verde produced the biggest shock of the FIFA World Cup 2026 so far by holding European champions Spain to a 0-0 draw in their first-ever World Cup match. The tiny West African island nation, with a population of around 530,000, frustrated Spain with a disciplined defensive display led by 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha. Spain created chances but failed to score, with Ferran Torres hitting the crossbar and substitute Lamine Yamal unable to break the deadlock. The result has raised questions about Spain's overreliance on Yamal and their lack of cutting edge in attack. (PC: NDTV)

A US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after taking off from Edwards Air Force Base in southern California on Monday, triggering a massive fire and a thick plume of black smoke visible from miles away. The incident occurred around 11:20 a.m. local time, according to the base. Emergency crews rushed to the crash site and rescue operations were ongoing. Officials have not yet confirmed whether there were any injuries or casualties. The B-52, one of the US military's longest-serving bombers, has been in service since the 1950s and remains a key strategic aircraft.