Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, many football fans across Latin America are backing Spain over regional rivals Argentina. Supporters in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and Chile have accused Argentina of receiving favourable treatment from FIFA and referees, calling Lionel Messi "FIFA's golden boy." The debate has spread widely on social media through memes and jokes, while some fans have also linked their opposition to Argentina's politics and past racism controversies. However, others continue to support Argentina in the spirit of South American unity as Lionel Messi's side prepares to face Spain in the title clash. (PC: X)

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) on Sunday alleged that 30-40 BJP workers and Delhi Police personnel were present at the Jantar Mantar protest site to "create mischief" ahead of its planned demonstrations. The party claimed tear gas launchers had been brought to the area and urged supporters to remain peaceful and not respond to any provocation. The allegations came as security remained tight following the removal of activist Sonam Wangchuk from his indefinite hunger strike due to health concerns. Delhi Police had already intensified surveillance, barricading and deployments ahead of the proposed 'Sansad Chalo' march.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19 has become the most expensive sporting event in history based on ticket prices. Driven by FIFA's dynamic pricing and soaring resale demand, premium pitch-side seats average around $32,970 (₹31.74 lakh). On the official resale platform, Category 3 tickets start at $8,000, while Category 1 tickets begin at $11,700. On secondary marketplaces, some listings have reached extraordinary levels, with one set of Category 3 seats priced at $2.3 million (about ₹22.14 crore), setting a record for a sporting event. (PC: X)

British-Indian actor Himesh Patel is drawing attention for his role as Eurylochus, the trusted second-in-command of Odysseus, in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey. Born on October 13, 1990, in Cambridgeshire, England, Patel comes from a Gujarati-Indian family that migrated from East Africa. He began acting as a teenager with the BBC soap EastEnders. He made his film breakthrough in Danny Boyle's Yesterday and later appeared in Nolan's Tenet. His other notable projects include Don't Look Up, Station Eleven, Enola Holmes, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and The Franchise. The Odyssey marks his second collaboration with Nolan. (PC: X)

The Delhi High Court on Sunday directed the Centre and doctors treating activist Sonam Wangchuk to submit a detailed health status report within 3 days, with the next hearing scheduled for July 24. The court observed that Wangchuk was "not in detention" and noted that his family has been given access to him. During the hearing, doctors said Wangchuk has refused intravenous fluids despite repeated counselling but has accepted some oral fluids. The Centre said he was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital due to his deteriorating health and suggested he could be shifted to AIIMS if required. (PC: India Today)

The Kerala government has declared a holiday on Monday for all schools under the General Education Department, allowing students to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain. The match kicks off at 12:30 am IST, and students had appealed for a day off, saying they would struggle to attend classes after staying up late. General Education Minister N. Samsudheen confirmed the decision, while leaders across political parties supported the move. The final will see defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, face Spain as football fever grips Kerala ahead of the title clash. (PC: X)

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has called his hospitalisation an "illegal detention" in his first message since being removed from his hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Through his wife, he urged supporters to make the planned Parliament march on July 20 a success, describing the campaign as India's "2nd Freedom Movement" against fear and injustice. Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike since June 28, demanding accountability over alleged NEET exam irregularities and education reforms. Safdarjung Hospital said his condition is stable but requires continuous medical supervision due to the effects of prolonged fasting. (PC: India today)

France captain Kylian Mbappe became the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history after scoring twice in France's 6-4 defeat to England in the third-place playoff. The brace took Mbappe's World Cup tally to 22 goals, moving him ahead of Lionel Messi's 21. Mbappe also leads the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot race with 10 goals and 4 assists, while Messi has 8 goals and 4 assists before Argentina's final against Spain. Messi can still reclaim both records with a standout performance in the title match, adding another major storyline to the World Cup final. (PC: NDTV)

India-UK relations are expected to remain strong as Andy Burnham prepares to take office as Britain's new prime minister on July 20. Burnham, 56, was elected unopposed as Labour leader and succeeds Keir Starmer. Experts believe recent progress, including the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), will continue under his leadership. Burnham has long supported stronger ties with India through trade, education, innovation and regional partnerships. Diplomats and analysts expect his focus on economic growth, investment, defence cooperation and regional engagement to deepen bilateral relations. Business leaders also hope for greater stability to boost trade and investment between both countries. (PC: HT)

Leaders of the INDIA bloc briefly walked out of the Centre's all-party meeting ahead of the Monsoon Session, protesting the government's decision to provide separate seating to rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs. The Opposition objected, saying the rebel group has not been officially recognised as a separate parliamentary party by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. TMC MP Mahua Moitra said the walkout was a symbolic protest backed by several INDIA bloc parties, including Congress, DMK and AAP. The Opposition leaders later returned to the meeting, which was held to discuss the government's legislative agenda for the upcoming Parliament session. (PC: India Today)