Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has called on the Indian men's hockey team to set aside the saffron jersey controversy and concentrate on ending the country's 50-year wait for a World Cup medal. He questioned the official reason for the color change but emphasized player consent and keeping politics out of sports.
Akbar Majeed's documentary "Can We Kick It?" examines US soccer's historical failure to engage Black communities, highlighting socioeconomic barriers like the "pay-to-play" system and the sport's cultural disconnect despite the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
George Russell's Mercedes team has identified and solved an electrical energy deployment issue that hampered his performance in recent races, including the Belgian GP where he crashed. Russell, who expressed frustration, is now focused on the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix.
Belgium's Jasper Philipsen of Alpecin-Premier Tech won stage 17 of the Tour de France in a bunch sprint, marking his first victory in a previously frustrating race. He overcame earlier setbacks, including a mis-timed lead-out, and now sits seven points behind green jersey wearer Mads Pedersen, setting up a tense finale.
Jasper Philipsen secured his first Tour de France stage victory in Stage 17, capping a strong team effort, while Tadej Pogačar maintained his overall lead. The stage, favorable for sprinters, saw Philipsen overcome earlier personal disappointment, as the race heads towards the Alps.
Formula One drivers, including George Russell, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri, voiced strong frustration at the Belgian Grand Prix over new computer-controlled energy deployment regulations, arguing they neuter the driving experience and impact race outcomes.
Over 10,650 excess deaths were recorded in Europe during the late June heatwave, with more than 9,000 among those aged 65 and above. Scientists link the extreme heat to human-caused climate change, which exacerbates heatwaves' frequency and intensity.
Mikel Merino scored a late winner for Spain against Belgium, securing a 2-1 victory and advancing them to the World Cup semifinals. Spain will face France next.
Belgium's national football team is experiencing a new era, transitioning from the 'golden generation' to a paternal leadership model. Despite an initial poor performance, the team has reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup, showcasing strong performances from both veteran players and emerging talent.
Reigning champions Italy secured their second consecutive Women's Volleyball Nations League victory by defeating Belgium 3-0 in Hong Kong. Italy's Ekaterina Antropova led all scorers with 23 points.
Belgium's Red Devils have reached the World Cup quarter-finals with a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, overcoming a slow start and a depleted squad. Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku, and Kevin De Bruyne are adapting to new roles, mentoring younger players like Charles De Ketelaere and Leandro Trossard, as the team navigates a generational transition.
Kylian Mbappe became the first player since 1966 to achieve 10+ goal contributions in two separate World Cups, reaching 11 in France's 2-0 quarterfinal win over Morocco. He also set records for youngest player with 20 appearances and fastest to 20 goals.
Luis de la Fuente's Spain is on a 35-game unbeaten streak, aiming to hold both World Cup and Euros titles. De la Fuente blends tactical control with a strong team culture, emphasizing generosity, selflessness, and discipline, built over decades within the federation.
Spain's national football team, under manager Luis de la Fuente, is on a remarkable 35-game unbeaten streak and is aiming to hold both the World Cup and European Championship titles simultaneously. De la Fuente emphasizes building a team through strong personal values and collective sacrifice, alongside tactical control of possession. His success is rooted in decades of work within the Spanish federation and his ability to instill a clear, consistent identity in the players.
Spain and Belgium face off in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal in Los Angeles. Spain, unbeaten in 35 matches and seeking their second World Cup title, face a Belgium side looking to upset the reigning European champions.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia believes his team has gained millions of new supporters after Donald Trump's intervention to overturn Folarin Balogun's red card. Despite facing Spain in the quarter-finals, Garcia is confident, highlighting Romelu Lukaku as a key weapon.
Kylian Mbappe scored and assisted as France beat Morocco 2-0 to reach the World Cup semifinals. Mbappe later left the match with an ankle injury but reassured fans it was not serious. He leads the Golden Boot race with 8 goals.
Thibaut Courtois has called on Belgium to embrace their underdog status and channel the spirit of their 2018 World Cup run to cause an upset against Spain in the quarter-finals.
Kylian Mbappe overcame a penalty miss to score and assist in France's 2-0 win over Morocco, securing a spot in the FIFA World Cup semifinals. Despite an ankle injury scare late in the game, Mbappe reassured fans he is fine. He leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals.
France defeated Morocco 2-0 to reach the World Cup semifinals for the third straight tournament. Goals from Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé secured the win, placing France alongside historical giants like Germany and Brazil.
Kylian Mbappé has become the first player in World Cup history to score eight or more goals in two different tournaments. With his goal against Morocco, he reached eight goals in the 2026 edition, adding to his eight from the 2022 World Cup. He now has 20 career World Cup goals in 20 appearances.
France secured a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals with a 2-0 victory over Morocco in Boston. Kylian Mbappé scored a spectacular opening goal, and Ousmane Dembélé added a second, overcoming a penalty save by Yassine Bounou.
Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele scored as France beat Morocco 2-0 to advance to the World Cup semifinals. France will face Spain or Belgium next.
France secured a 2-0 victory over Morocco in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals, with goals from Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. Despite a penalty save by Yassine Bounou, France's second-half surge proved decisive. France advances to the semifinals to face Spain or Belgium.
