Day: July 16, 2026

New Delhi: Spain booked their place in the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium, thanks to a late strike from substitute Mikel Merino at Los Angeles Stadium. Fabián Ruiz gave Spain the lead in the first half after capitalising on a rebound following a save by Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Belgium responded just before the break when Charles De Ketelaere headed home from a Timothy Castagne cross, ending Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón’s remarkable run without conceding in the tournament. The match appeared…

New Delhi: Defending champions Argentina booked their place in the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after overcoming a spirited Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in a dramatic quarter-final at Kansas City Stadium. Extra-time goals from Julián Álvarez and substitute Lautaro Martínez sealed the victory after the teams were locked 1-1 at the end of regulation. The win was particularly significant for Argentina as it marked the first match of the tournament in which captain Lionel Messi did not score, yet the team still found a way to progress…

New Delhi: France will look to star forward Kylian Mbappé to inspire them into a third consecutive FIFA World Cup final when they face reigning European champions Spain in the first semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Dallas. The clash pits one of the tournament’s most potent attacks against Spain’s disciplined defence, led by goalkeeper Unai Simón. Mbappé has been in sensational form, scoring eight goals in six matches to share the tournament’s scoring lead with Argentina captain Lionel Messi. The French captain has already established himself as…

New Delhi: Defending champions Argentina will rely heavily on captain Lionel Messi as they prepare to face England in the second semi-final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Atlanta. While stopping the tournament’s leading scorer will be England’s biggest challenge, Argentina will also have to contain England’s in-form duo of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham in what promises to be one of the tournament’s most anticipated clashes. Messi has enjoyed a sensational campaign, scoring eight goals in six matches to guide Argentina into the last four. Playing in his…

New Delhi: Spain produced another commanding defensive display to defeat France 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final at Dallas Stadium, securing a place in the tournament’s final. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro, coupled with an outstanding defensive performance, helped Spain overcome one of Europe’s strongest sides and move within one win of lifting the World Cup for only the second time. Spain’s disciplined backline successfully neutralised France’s star attacking duo of Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, limiting their influence throughout the contest. The victory also extended…