World Cup Archives - Page 3 of 4

Unexpected scene at World Cup as fan kisses reporter on Live TV

June 12, 2026 by Newsdesk

GUADALAJARA: The FIFA World Cup 2026 has kicked off with high drama on the pitch and unexpected viral moments off it, as colorful scenes from the tournament continue to dominate social media.

Following the opening match marked by three red cards, another unusual incident emerged from Guadalajara, Mexico, where a South Korean journalist was reporting live during pre-match coverage between South Korea and the Czech Republic.

According to footage circulating online, a female fan approached the reporter from behind during the live broadcast, hugged him, and kissed him on the cheek before walking away.

𝑯𝑶𝑾 𝑪𝑨𝑵 𝒀𝑶𝑼 𝑵𝑶𝑻 𝑳𝑶𝑽𝑬 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑾𝑶𝑹𝑳𝑫 𝑪𝑼𝑷 🤣

🎥 @withMBC pic.twitter.com/iM0NXufBtt
— 433 (@433) June 12, 2026

The reporter appeared briefly surprised by the sudden gesture but quickly regained composure, smiling and saying “thank you” in Spanish.

The video has gone viral across social media platforms, with users divided in their reactions. While some have described the moment as a lighthearted reflection of the vibrant and friendly World Cup atmosphere, others have raised questions about consent and suggested that public reaction might have been different if the roles were reversed.

The incident adds another unusual chapter to an already eventful start of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

World Cup trophy’s true worth revealed ahead of 2026 tournament

June 5, 2026 by Newsdesk

With only six days remaining before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, attention is not only focused on the teams competing for football’s biggest prize but also on the iconic trophy that carries a value running into millions of dollars.

The tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will kick off on June 11 and will be the largest World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams and a total of 104 matches.

While the identity of the eventual champion will be decided on the final day of the competition, the FIFA World Cup Trophy itself remains one of the most valuable and recognizable prizes in global sports.

Standing 37 centimeters tall and weighing nearly six kilograms, the trophy is made from 18-carat gold. Based on current global gold prices, experts estimate its material value at around $250,000, equivalent to roughly Rs70 million.

The trophy’s design features two human figures holding up the Earth and was created in 1970 by renowned Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga. Its base also includes two layers of malachite, a distinctive green mineral stone that adds to its unique appearance.

Sports memorabilia experts say that if the trophy were ever offered at auction, its historical significance, rarity and craftsmanship could push its value beyond $20 million.

Despite its immense worth, the original trophy is never permanently awarded to the winning nation.

Under FIFA regulations, the world champions receive a gold-plated bronze replica, while the original trophy remains in FIFA’s possession and is kept under strict security.

As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, the famous golden trophy remains the ultimate symbol of football excellence and the dream prize for every team competing on the world stage.

Neymar set to miss World Cup opener after calf injury

May 28, 2026 by Newsdesk

SAO PAULO: Neymar has been ruled out of Brazil’s upcoming friendly matches and is expected to miss the World Cup opener after scans confirmed a grade-two calf injury, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said on Thursday.

CBF team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said the 34-year-old forward would require two to three weeks of recovery following medical assessments at the national team camp.

“Neymar reported for duty yesterday here at Granja Comary, underwent all the medical tests, which concluded with an MRI scan revealing a grade-two calf injury,” Lasmar said. “He is expected to be cleared in two to three weeks.”

The doctor did not confirm whether Neymar could be dropped from the squad.

Neymar joined the national squad on Tuesday but missed Wednesday’s training session after complaining of swelling in his right calf. He was later sent for imaging tests at a private clinic in Teresópolis.

Medical scans confirmed a Grade 2 calf strain, which involves a partial tear of muscle fibres and requires rest and rehabilitation, differing from earlier assessments by his club Santos, which had described the issue as simple swelling.

As a result, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer will miss Sunday’s friendly against Panama at the Maracanã and the following match against Egypt in Cleveland. He is also unlikely to feature in Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey.

Brazil, coached by Carlo Ancelotti, are placed in Group C alongside Haiti and Scotland.

Ancelotti has already been dealing with several absences, including defenders Gabriel Magalhães and Marquinhos and forward Gabriel Martinelli, who were unavailable due to Champions League commitments.

Neymar’s recall last week had generated excitement after he had been left out of Ancelotti’s plans during his first year in charge. The forward has scored 79 goals in 128 international appearances but has struggled with recurring injuries in recent years.

Brazil will now proceed with their preparations without their star forward.

Iran expects FIFA help on US visas ahead of World Cup

May 28, 2026 by Newsdesk

TEHRAN: Iran Football Federation expects FIFA to facilitate multiple-entry visas for the Iranian national football team ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, federation president Mehdi Taj said on Thursday.

“FIFA is expected to deliver a multiple-entry visa so that the players can enter the United States and return to Mexico,” Taj said in remarks broadcast by Iranian media.

Known as Team Melli, the Iranian squad had initially planned to set up its training base in Tucson, Arizona, during the tournament. However, the team later shifted its camp to Tijuana, Mexico, which will co-host the World Cup alongside the United States and Canada.

Spain reveal surprise-filled squad for upcoming World Cup

May 26, 2026 by Newsdesk

MADRID: European champion Spain national football team has announced its 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with no players from Real Madrid CF included in the selection.

It marks the first time in Spain’s history that the national team will compete in a World Cup without a single Real Madrid player in the squad.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente built much of his squad around players from FC Barcelona.

Eight Barcelona players were selected, including Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres.

Meanwhile, notable Real Madrid players such as Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal failed to make the final squad.

Explaining the decision, De la Fuente said player selection was based on commitment to the national team rather than club affiliation.

“We only want players who feel proud to represent Spain,” the coach said.

The squad also includes seven players currently playing in the Premier League.

De la Fuente also expressed confidence over the fitness of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, saying all players are expected to be fully fit before the tournament begins.

Pakistan street child football team to compete in 2026 World Cup in Mexico

April 30, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: Pakistan’s Street Child Football Team is set to depart for Mexico on Friday to participate in the Street Child World Cup 2026, scheduled to take place from May 5 to 15, featuring teams from 30 countries.

The tournament will include separate events for both boys and girls and serves as a global platform advocating for the rights, protection, and identity of street-connected children through youth-led initiatives.

The Pakistan team, participating under the banner of Muslim Hands an organization dedicated to promoting education and social change through sports will also attend a session of the United Nations General Assembly during their visit.

It is worth noting that Pakistan secured the silver medal at the Street Child Football World Cup 2022 held in Qatar, finishing as runners-up in the international tournament.

Sahibzada Farhan becomes highest run-scorer in a single edition

February 28, 2026 by Newsdesk

Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan has become the highest run-scorer in a single edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Farhan achieved the milestone during a crucial match against the Sri Lanka national cricket team in the 2026 tournament.

The previous record was held by Virat Kohli, who scored 319 runs in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Sahibzada Farhan has now surpassed the 319-run mark in the 2026 edition, setting a new benchmark for the most runs scored by a batter in a single T20 World Cup tournament.

The achievement highlights Farhan’s remarkable consistency and impact throughout the competition, marking a historic moment for Pakistan cricket.

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 5 runs but eliminated from World Cup

February 28, 2026 by Newsdesk

Pakistan secured a thrilling five-run victory over Sri Lanka national cricket team in the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Kandy, but the win was not enough to seal a semi-final berth.

After winning the toss, the Sri Lankan captain invited Pakistan to bat first in the crucial encounter.

For the must-win match, Pakistan dropped Babar Azam, Saim Ayub and Salman Mirza from the playing XI. They were replaced by Naseem Shah, Khawaja Nafay and Abrar Ahmed.

Pakistan posted a formidable 212/8 in 20 overs, powered by outstanding knocks from Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman.

Farhan scored a brilliant 100, while Fakhar contributed 84 runs, with the duo stitching together a record 176-run partnership.

No other batter reached double figures. Khawaja Nafay made 2, Shadab Khan 7, while Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Agha were dismissed for ducks.

This marked Farhan’s second century of the 2026 T20 World Cup, making him the first player in the tournament’s history to score two centuries in a single edition.

Sri Lanka’s Chase

Chasing 213, Sri Lanka fought valiantly and managed 207/6 in 20 overs.

Captain Shanaka led the resistance with 76 runs, while Pawan Ratnayake added 58.

For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed claimed three wickets, while Nawaz, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi picked up one wicket each.

Pakistan Eliminated Despite Victory

To qualify for the semi-finals, Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 runs or fewer to boost their net run rate. However, the bowlers were unable to achieve the required margin, resulting in Pakistan’s elimination.

From Group 2, New Zealand national cricket team advanced to the semi-finals with three points and a superior net run rate, while England cricket team had already secured their place in the final four.

Despite the dramatic win, Pakistan’s World Cup campaign came to an end at the Super 8 stage.

West Indies crush Zimbabwe by 107 runs in Super 8 World Cup clash

February 23, 2026 by Newsdesk

Mumbai: West Indies dominated Zimbabwe by 107 runs in the Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup at Wankhede Stadium.

Chasing a daunting target of 255, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 147 in the 18th over. Brad Evans top-scored with 43, followed by Dine Mayers (28) and captain ** Sikandar Raza** (27). Several batsmen, including Ryan Burl, Tashinga Masakikwa, Graeme Cremer, and Blessing Muzarabani, failed to score. Richard Ngarava remained 7 not out.

For West Indies, Gudakesh Moti took 4 wickets, Akeal Hosein 3, while Jason Holder and Matthew Ford picked up 1 each.

Earlier, after Zimbabwe elected to field first, West Indies posted 254/6 in 20 overs. Shamarh Hetmyer led the charge with a blazing 85, Romario Powell added 59, Sherfane Rutherford scored 31, and captain Shai Hope contributed 14. Jason Holder and Brandon King chipped in with 13 and 9, respectively, while Rutherford and Matthew Ford remained not out.

Zimbabwe’s Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani claimed 2 wickets each, and Graeme Cremer and Brad Evans took 1 wicket apiece.

West Indies’ comprehensive batting and bowling display ensured a comfortable 107-run victory, cementing their dominance in the Super 8 stage.

ICC decides to replace Bangladesh in World Cup if team skips

January 21, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to include an alternative team in the World Cup if Bangladesh opts not to travel to India.

According to cricket news sources, the decision was taken during an ICC Board Members meeting, where the situation regarding Bangladesh’s participation was discussed in detail.

The ICC reportedly informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to communicate with their government and confirm whether the team will participate in India. If they decide not to travel, the ICC will proceed to include a replacement team in the tournament.

During today’s board meeting, a vote was held, and the majority of members favored including a substitute team to ensure the tournament schedule is not disrupted.

Meanwhile, the ICC has granted BCB one more day to finalize its decision regarding playing in India.