Iran’s Shahriyar Moghanloo (20) battles for the ball with New Zealand’s Finn Surman (16). (AP Photo) NEW DELHI: The race for the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage is beginning to take shape after the first round of matches for 32 teams across the first eight groups, with Monday producing a historic first in 68…
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei (Image: X) Iran opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with an entertaining 2-2 draw against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, but the team’s attention quickly shifted away from football after the final whistle.Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed frustration after the match, revealing that the squad had been…
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Tilak Varma NEW DELHI: The India A vs Sri Lanka A match in the Tri-Nation A Series in Dambulla had everything – controversy, confusion, heated exchanges, a Super Over and even a tense confrontation involving teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.While Sri Lanka A eventually emerged victorious in the Super Over on Monday,…
Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser) For most footballers, earning the Player of the Match award at a FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of a lifetime’s work. For Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, the moment was bittersweet.Moments after producing a sensational display to help tournament debutants Cape Verde hold Spain to a stunning…
Boos ring around SoFi stadium during Iran’s World Cup opener (Image: X) Iran and New Zealand shared the spoils in an entertaining 2-2 draw in their opening Group G match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Monday. While the action on the pitch delivered plenty of drama, the…
Smriti Mandhana (Pic credit: BCCI) NEW DELHI: India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has earned another prestigious honour after being named in TIME magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026, emerging as the only Indian to feature among a star-studded global lineup.The annual list recognises athletes, coaches, investors and advocates who are “shaping…
India A players (Pic credit: BCCI) NEW DELHI: India A’s thrilling tri-series clash against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla had everything — a tied match, a Super Over, controversy, and an ugly post-match altercation involving teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. But long after Sri Lanka A sealed victory, one question continued to dominate discussions: why was…
One had to rub the eyes when Gurnoor Brar effortlessly clocked 148 kmph with his fourth delivery of his international career in the first ODI against Afghanistan on Saturday. The languid runup, the effortless delivery stride and the pronounced floaty outswingers coming down from six and a half feet can be lethally deceptive for a…
At 39, Squash Star Joshna Chinappa Keeps Going Strong (Image: X) CHENNAI: The faces around Joshna Chinappa have changed with every Asian Games cycle. Teammates have retired and rivals have faded away, yet as the countdown to the 2026 Asian Games begins, the 39year-old is still going strong. Twenty-four years after making her maiden appearance…
Iran’s Mohammad Mohebbi (8) celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal. (AP Photo) Iran showed resilience on and off the pitch as Team Melli twice fought back from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in a politically charged FIFA World Cup opener on Monday night.Mohammad Mohebbi’s 64th-minute equaliser capped a spirited comeback…