Cristiano Ronaldo wastes easy opportunities (Screengrab) Portugal wrapped up their FIFA World Cup preparations with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in a friendly match, but it was not a perfect evening for Cristiano Ronaldo.The veteran forward had several good chances to score but failed to find the net. Ronaldo, who holds the men’s record for…
NEW DELHI: Argentina’s preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 were overshadowed by a reported security lapse that exposed the passport details of every player in the squad, including captain Lionel Messi.According to Reuters, the passport numbers appeared on an official team sheet that was distributed ahead of Argentina’s friendly against Iceland in Alabama. The…
The 2026 FIFA World Cup (Getty Images) The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the largest tournament in football history, featuring 48 teams, 104 matches and three host nations. It will also be the most lucrative. FIFA has approved a record financial package worth $871 million for the tournament in the United States, Canada and…
India’s women shone at the Australian Open Super 500 badminton tournament on Wednesday, with PV Sindhu leading the charge and teenager Tanvi Sharma registering a notable win to reach the second round.Sindhu, Tanvi Sharma, Malvika Bansod, Isharani Baruah and Tanya Hemanth all advanced to the women’s singles round of 16. However, it was a disappointing…
NEW DELHI: For years, football fans have tried all sorts of ways to predict World Cup winners. Some trusted expert opinions, others believed in superstitions, and many still remember Paul the Octopus, who became famous for correctly predicting match results during the 2010 World Cup.Now, a group of statisticians has used artificial intelligence to make…
NEW DELHI: Richa Ghosh produced a sensational counterattacking knock but her valiant effort ultimately went in vain as England held their nerve to register a thrilling five-run victory over India in a Women’s T20 World Cup warm-up match on Wednesday.After defeating West Indies by 26 runs in their first warm-up game, India came agonisingly close…
Referee Omar Artan, center, of Somalia, is confronted by players after calling a penalty kick during the CAF Champions League final soccer match between AS FAR Rabat and Mamelodi Sundowns, in Rabat, Morocco, Sunday, May 24, 2026. (AP Photo) Somalian referee Omar Artan, who was set to become the first official from his country to…
Lionel Messi (Screengrab) Lionel Messi put any lingering concerns about his fitness to rest on Tuesday, marking his return from injury with a goal as Argentina defeated Iceland 3-0 in their final warm-up match before the FIFA World Cup 2026.The Argentina captain, who had been sidelined after suffering muscle fatigue and a minor strain in…
Referee Omar Artan, center, of Somalia (AP Photo) Somalian referee Omar Artan received an emotional welcome on Wednesday after returning to Mogadishu, days after being denied entry into the United States despite being selected to officiate at the FIFA World Cup.Artan had been on course to make history as the first referee from Somalia to…
Arjuna Award trophy, being held by a recipient, during the National Sports and Adventure Awards 2023 at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi. (left), and Union sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya (Photo/Agencies) More than six months after the selection committee submitted its recommendations, the National Sports Awards for 2025-26 are yet to be announced, leading to…
