England captain Harry Kane admitted he was "gutted" after the Three Lions suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semifinal, ending their hopes of reaching the final. Kane praised his teammates' commitment, saying they gave "everything, sweat, blood and whatever it is," but acknowledged England struggled to cope after taking the lead as Argentina piled on relentless pressure. He said repeated waves of attacks eventually proved decisive despite England's defensive efforts. The defeat has reignited speculation over Kane's international future ahead of the 2030 World Cup. Meanwhile, criticism has mounted over Thomas Tuchel's tactics, although the England manager defended his approach after the semifinal loss. (PC: FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

A satirical art group, The Secret Handshake, installed a 10-foot “participation trophy” on Washington’s National Mall mocking US President Donald Trump’s handling of the Iran conflict. The gold trophy labelled Trump the “#1 participant” praised him for “participating regardless of the final score,” while a nearby plaque invited visitors to add their own trophies. The installation drew public attention as US-Iran tensions over the Strait of Hormuz continued to escalate. Responding to the artwork, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly dismissed the creators as “untalented” and defended Operation Epic Fury, insisting the US military had achieved all its objectives despite criticism surrounding the president’s foreign policy.

Metropolitan Police escorted a lone Argentina supporter to safety after he was surrounded by England fans in central London following England’s 2-1 FIFA World Cup semi-final defeat. Footage circulating on social media showed officers guiding the fan, who was wearing an Argentina shirt, into a police van on Regent Street near Piccadilly Circus as onlookers jeered. Police later cleared a path for the vehicle to leave safely. Authorities routinely separate rival football supporters as a precaution, and there was no suggestion of wrongdoing by either the Argentina fan or the surrounding England supporters. Argentina advanced to Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain after their dramatic comeback victory.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing a complaint alleging breaches of political neutrality, with advocacy group FairSquare urging the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to investigate his ties to US President Donald Trump, Reuters reported. The complaint claims Infantino violated IOC rules on multiple occasions, including his alleged role in overturning a one-match suspension for US striker Folarin Balogun, enabling him to play against Belgium in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on July 6. Trump has publicly admitted intervening to help Balogun become eligible and said he contacted Infantino. While Infantino acknowledged receiving Trump's call, he denied influencing FIFA's disciplinary process or the decision regarding Balogun's suspension. (PC: AP)

Argentina could face FIFA disciplinary action after players displayed a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” following their FIFA World Cup semi-final victory over England. Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso held the banner before defender Nicolas Otamendi laid it on the pitch. The slogan refers to the Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory claimed by Argentina as the Malvinas, making it a politically sensitive issue. FIFA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) prohibit political messages, slogans and symbols during matches and official celebrations. If the banner is deemed a political statement under competition rules, Argentina and/or the players involved could face sanctions from FIFA.

Iran rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that Tehran is seeking negotiations with Washington, insisting it currently has “no plans for negotiations” and remains focused on defence. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran no longer considers itself bound by the June 17 memorandum of understanding, accusing the US of violating the agreement through continued strikes on Iranian military facilities near the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran warned it would respond proportionately to any further violations. The remarks came as US Central Command confirmed a fresh wave of strikes targeting Iranian military assets allegedly threatening commercial shipping. Despite renewed hostilities, mediated talks between Washington and Tehran have not been formally cancelled.

Lionel Messi dismissed allegations that FIFA has favoured Argentina during the 2026 World Cup, insisting the reigning champions have earned their success through consistent performances. Responding to criticism over controversial refereeing and VAR decisions, Messi said Argentina’s second successive World Cup final proves their achievements are “not by chance” and that “nobody gave us anything.” The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner argued his side has been “the best for the last four years” regardless of outside opinions. Messi added that critics would have questioned Argentina regardless of the result against England. He also dedicated the semi-final victory to Diego Maradona, calling it a special tribute to the Argentine legend. (PC: Getty)

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk entered the 19th day of his indefinite hunger strike, saying, “I’m not in good shape but not so bad either,” while continuing his protest demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over alleged NEET irregularities. According to the latest medical bulletin issued by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), the 59-year-old remains “very weak” and under round-the-clock medical supervision. His weight has fallen to 57.15 kg, dropping 400 grams in the last 24 hours and nearly 8.9 kg since the fast began. Doctors said Wangchuk remains conscious and mentally alert but requires continuous monitoring as concerns over his deteriorating health continue. (PC: X/@CJP)

Argentina scored 2 dramatic late goals to beat England 2-1 and book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in the 55th minute after a pass from Morgan Rogers. England looked set for victory before Enzo Fernández equalised in the 85th minute from a Lionel Messi assist. Deep into stoppage time, Messi created another chance and Lautaro Martínez scored the winner in the 90+2 minute. Argentina will now face Spain in Sunday's World Cup final, while England's wait for a first men's World Cup final since 1966 continues with another heartbreaking semi-final exit.

England and Argentina face off in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final in Atlanta, with the winner set to meet Spain in Sunday's final. Lionel Messi leads the defending champions against an England side captained by Harry Kane in one of football's biggest rivalries. England manager Thomas Tuchel has made 3 changes, bringing in Reece James, Djed Spence and Morgan Rogers. Argentina have made 1 change, with Giuliano Simeone replacing Rodrigo De Paul in the starting XI. Both former world champions are chasing a place in the final and another shot at football's biggest prize. (PC: X)