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New Delhi: Switzerland secured top spot in Group B with a composed 2-1 victory over Canada, while Bosnia and Herzegovina kept their knockout hopes alive by defeating Qatar 3-1 on a dramatic final matchday. Entering the afternoon level on four points with Canada, Switzerland knew victory would guarantee first place and Murat Yakin's side approached the contest with characteristic discipline. Rather than engaging in an open contest, the Swiss focused on controlling the central spaces, using their midfield pair to disrupt Canada's transition game and deny service to the front line. Canada initially enjoyed periods of possession but struggled to…

Miami: Brazil secured first place in Group C with a convincing 3-0 victory over Scotland, while Morocco joined them in the knockout rounds after a resounding 4-2 win over Haiti. Scotland finished the group stage with three points and will now have to wait to know their fate as the top eight third-ranked teams will progress to the Round of 32.  For Brazil, a brace from Vinicius Junior and a second-half goal from Matheus Cunha ensured Carlo Ancelotti's side completed the group stage unbeaten. With that, Brazil now finish as league leaders of their group for 12 consecutive editions.  Notably,…

Miami: All the final-round matches of each group in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 are being played simultaneously. The reason for its origin emerged after a controversial episode in the 1982 World Cup. In that edition, West Germany, Austria, Algeria and Chile were part of Group 2 and only two places were available to qualify for the second round. Notably, Algeria had completed their campaign on June 24 after defeating Chile 3-2. The result gave the African nation four points from three matches, adding to an earlier victory over West Germany and a defeat to Austria. Their fate, however,…

Miami: Brazil are without their star winger Raphinha for their final Group C match against Scotland in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026. The Barcelona forward suffered a hamstring injury in the previous fixture against Haiti, which ruled him out of action for some time.  Notably, the injury occurred during Brazil’s 3-0 win, when Raphinha went down in the first half after appearing to feel discomfort in his right thigh. He was immediately withdrawn and replaced, with medical staff later confirming a muscle injury. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) stated that scans revealed a hamstring issue requiring treatment and close…

Miami: Brazil meet Scotland in Miami with Group C qualification still hanging in the balance. While the names on paper suggest a mismatch, both teams arrive knowing the stakes sharpen the margins. Brazil have shown patches of control in the tournament but have yet to produce a complete performance across 90 minutes. Carlo Ancelotti’s side remain heavily reliant on moments of quality from Vinicius Junior and the forward line, with their attacking structure often stretching opponents but occasionally leaving gaps in transition. The midfield balance has been a talking point, particularly when full-backs advance high and possession is lost in…

London: Even though Wimbledon has already announced a record rise in prize money ahead of the 2026 event, several leading Tennis figures agreed to widen their protest during this year’s Championships. As part of their protest, players from both the ATP and WTA tours are preparing to reduce their media commitments throughout the opening week of the event, which begins on Monday in London.  Meanwhile, the move follows similar action taken during the French Open, where several top-ranked stars shortened their press appearances before the tournament. Under the latest plan, competitors will limit interviews during Wimbledon’s media weekend and restrict…

Galle: India A's red-ball campaign in Sri Lanka gets underway on Thursday, June 25. The opening match of a two-game unofficial Test series against Sri Lanka A will be played in Galle. Notably, the visitors arrive for the longer-format leg of the tour under the leadership of keeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, with selectors closely monitoring performances as India continues to evaluate options beyond the senior squad.  Among the players attracting interest is pace bowler Aquib Nabi, whose domestic performances placed him firmly in the spotlight. The Jammu & Kashmir seamer clinched 60 wickets during his side's Ranji Trophy-winning campaign but did…

New Delhi: England captain Harry Kane has found himself at the centre of an unusual post-match storyline following his team's scoreless FIFA World Cup 2026 draw against Ghana on Tuesday. After the game, Ghanaian spiritualist Nana Kwaku Bonsam publicly declared that he had ended a spell he previously claimed to have placed on the striker to remain quiet during the match.  Notably, Kane was unable to influence the contest in the manner he had during the opening fixture of the tournament. Ahead of the meeting between Ghana and England, Bonsam had stated that he intended to prevent the England forward…