Romelu Lukaku saved Belgium from an embarrassing start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign after the striker made immediate impact to earn a 1-1 draw against impressive Egypt in Group G at the Seattle Stadium on Monday.

The Napoli forward needed just 28 seconds to turn the contest after being introduced in the 66th minute, allowing Mohammed Hani to score an own goal to cancel out Imam Ashour’s first-half opener.

While Belgium will be relieved to exit with a point, the result represents a missed opportunity for Egypt, who defeated one of the tournament favorites for long periods and came within minutes of securing one of the biggest results in the country’s World Cup history.

FIFA World Cup 2026: highlight

Egypt affected

Most of the focus ahead of the match was focused on Belgium’s star-studded team, but Egypt emerged as the more cohesive and dangerous side for large parts of the contest.

Hossam Hassan’s decision to deploy Mohamed Salah in the middle proved effective belgium Egypt struggled to stop the movements of the attacking players. Salah played a key role in the opening goal and laid a pass into the path of Ashour, who fired a low effort beyond Thibaut Courtois for his first international goal in the 19th minute.

The benefits were totally worth it.

The Egyptian combined defensive discipline with offensive intent, frustrating Belgium’s wide players while limiting Kevin De Bruyne’s influence in advanced areas. Despite enjoying more possession, Belgium failed to register a shot on target in the opening half and looked short of ideas against a well-trained opponent.

Lukaku turned the tide

Belgium improved after the interval but continued to struggle to convert pressure into clear chances.

Courtois kept his side alive by making vital saves from Mustafa Zico and Salah as Egypt threatened to extend their lead on the counter-attack.

With Belgium lacking a focal point in attack, the introduction of Lukaku immediately changed the dynamics.

Thomas Meunier’s delivery into the box caused panic inside the Egyptian penalty area and under pressure from Lukaku, Heaney headed the ball into his own net less than half a minute after the striker entered the pitch.

The equalizing goal ultimately gave Belgium the momentum and highlighted the importance of Lukaku’s physical presence, who was absent for most of the match.

questions remain

Although Belgium pushed for a winner during the closing stages, Egypt held on to secure a point that could prove valuable in the race for qualification.

Despite avoiding defeat, Belgium will have to work hard due to the draw. There will be concerns for more than an hour over a performance from a team that is widely expected to challenge deep into the tournament, one that lacked creativity and urgency.

Meanwhile, Egypt will take a lot of confidence from their performance which showed they are capable of competing with the strongest teams in the group. The Pharaohs may have been denied a famous victory, but they left Seattle with a much stronger statement than their opponents.

Egypt will next face New Zealand, while Belgium will face Iran in their second Group G match on June 21.

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Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes (Image Credit: X)

New Delhi: England’s head coach Brendon McCullum has admitted that he is concerned ben stokes The England captain has been dropped from the team and placed under investigation following the nightclub incident, which has raised doubts over his Test future.Stokes and teammate Gus Atkinson were dropped from the squad for the second Test against New Zealand after allegedly breaching team protocol during a night out following England’s victory in the opening Test at Lord’s.According to reports, the night ended with a member of the England security team being assaulted by a rugby player from the English club Saracens at a nightclub where Stokes was present. The incident has intensified scrutiny over the culture and professionalism within England’s Test set-up.Speaking publicly on the issue for the first time on Monday, McCullum said his initial reaction of anger and disappointment had now been replaced by concern for his captain.“It’s about how we support these guys while not ignoring the fact that they haven’t lived up to the standards we’ve set,” McCullum said.“You can’t see beyond that.”“But at the same time, we’ll deal with it in time and through a process. But for me, it’s very much about how we support these guys in the next step, and in particular, Ben. And that’s where my mind is at – I’m concerned for him.”McCullum, who has forged a close relationship with Stokes since taking charge of the England Test team in 2022, refused to publicly support his captain to remain captain, insisting that the leadership group must complete its own investigation first.McCullum said, “Whatever will happen, will happen later. Those decisions are not made now.”“The concern at the moment is to make sure Ben is OK, and we need to take care of him, rally around him and make those kinds of decisions in a timely manner.”This controversy has once again raised questions on the off-field culture of England. Last week, England managing director Rob Key revealed that the England and Wales Cricket Board is considering banning alcohol following concerns about player behaviour.However, McCullum said he would prefer to educate players rather than completely remove their freedom to celebrate wins.“I’m in charge of the environment and I take responsibility for things that don’t work – what you can’t do is you can’t even make every single decision for people,” he said.“My job is to try to shape this environment, to try to shape these youngsters who are dealing with the high pressure and high scrutiny of playing international cricket on the big stage, and being away from home 12 months of the year, and the challenges that have come with that.”Despite the controversy, McCullum insisted that celebrations should still have a place in professional sport, provided they do not cross the line.“I believe there is a place where you never want happiness to end. I think it’s extremely important that you celebrate your successes,” she said.

England handed debut to Cox and Baker

With Stokes and Atkinson unavailable and Ollie Robinson ruled out with injury, England have been forced to make a number of changes for the second Test at the Oval.Middle-order batsman Jordan Cox and fast bowler Sonny Baker have been given a chance to make their Test debut, while Joffra Archer and Matthew Fisher have returned to the team.Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir has been left out of the playing eleven, while former captain Joe Root will lead England in the absence of Stokes as England look to clinch the series against New Zealand.

Cape Verde or Cabo Verde is one of four making their World Cup debut this year. When they made it to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history, there was celebration throughout the Atlantic archipelago. For a nation of over 500,000 people, qualification was more than a sporting achievement, it was a historic moment that united the entire nation.

The decisive moment came on the final day of African qualifying when the Blue Sharks defeated Eswatini 3–0 in Praia. The significance of the occasion was felt far beyond the confines of the national stadium, which can only seat about 8,000 spectators. Business slowed, workplaces emptied and much of the country stopped to watch the match that would become part of Cabo Verdean sporting folklore.

Although an attendance of 8,000 may seem modest by World Cup standards, it held enormous significance for one of the world’s smallest nations. Cabo Verde’s qualification places them among the least populous nations to reach football’s biggest stage, highlighting the scale of their achievement.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that it comes after a period of disappointment. The island nation failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, finishing bottom of their qualifying group and raising questions about the team’s direction.

Rather than derailing progress, that setback became a turning point.

Since taking over in 2020, head coach Pedro “Bubista” Brito has steadily transformed Cabo Verde into one of Africa’s most organized and resilient sides. Under his guidance, the Blue Sharks have become regular participants at the Africa Cup of Nations, qualifying for four of the last six editions and reaching the quarter-finals on two occasions.

Their path to the World Cup was not built on free-flowing attacking football or heavy scorelines. Rather, it was a campaign defined by discipline, efficiency and the ability to achieve results. Cabo Verde scored only 16 goals in 10 qualifying matches, fewer than any other African team to book a ticket to the tournament, but they consistently found ways to turn small advantages into victories.

Many of their wins have come by razor-thin margins, showing that the team is comfortable working under pressure and is determined to make the most of every opportunity.

That consistency proved decisive in a challenging Group D, where Cabo Verde finished with 23 points, ahead of regional heavyweights Cameroon and rival Angola sides. Finishing ahead of Cameroon, Africa’s most-capped World Cup winners, was perhaps the clearest indication yet of how far the Blue Sharks have come.

Dasta tells a unique story in itself. Like many small countries, Cabo Verde relies heavily on global diaspora. The players are spread across clubs from many countries, bringing together different influences and experiences of football. In the crucial qualifier against Eswatini, every member of the starting eleven was abroad, underscoring the international character of the team.

One of the standout performers during the campaign was forward Daylin Rocha Livramiento. The 24-year-old emerged as Cabo Verde’s leading scorer in qualifying, scoring four goals and playing a key role in the country’s historic run.

Now, the Blue Sharks are preparing for the biggest challenge in their football history. Whatever happens on the World Cup stage, his ability has already secured a place in the country’s sporting heritage.

For a nation spread across a chain of islands in the Atlantic Ocean, the trip to the World Cup is proof that size is no barrier to ambition. Cabo Verde may be one of the tournament’s smallest participants, but their story is one of the biggest.

New Delhi: The Indian women’s cricket team continued its ‘no handshake’ policy during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup clash against arch-rivals Pakistan at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Sunday.At the time of the toss, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Pakistan captain Fatima Sana did not shake hands, continuing a trend adopted in recent India-Pakistan cricket matches.After India registered a resounding 64-run win over Pakistan, Pakistan head coach Wahab Riaz was asked about the absence of handshake during the post-match press conference.“I’m sorry to ask, but we noticed no handshakes again today. What is the relationship like between the players and staff of the two different teams? Are you friendly backstage, or is it just cold?” a reporter asked Riaz.The former Pakistan fast bowler, who represented his country in 27 Tests, 91 ODIs and 36 T20Is, replied:“Look, I don’t know. I left cricket a long time ago, so I don’t know the reason for not shaking hands. But I think if things want to go that way, then let’s go that way. It won’t make a big difference.”

India vs Pakistan ‘no-handshake’ policy

There has been a ‘no handshake’ stance between the Indian and Pakistani teams since the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor conducted by the Indian Armed Forces last year.This practice was first seen prominently when former India T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav avoided shaking hands during the Asia Cup in Dubai.Since then, Indian teams have largely maintained their toss timing and post-match policy against Pakistan.A similar scene was seen during the Women’s ODI World Cup match in Colombo earlier this year, where Harmanpreet and Fatima also did not shake hands.Speaking on the eve of India’s inaugural T20 World Cup, Harmanpreet kept her focus solely on cricket.Harmanpreet had said, “I think we are here for cricket, and we only talk about cricket, except that we don’t talk about anything else. Cricket has been our dream since day one, and we only discuss cricket and tomorrow’s game.”India have been placed in Group A along with Pakistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Netherlands and South Africa. Harmanpreet Kaur’s team will next face the Netherlands on June 17 at Headingley, Leeds.

Lewis Hamilton’s historic first Formula 1 win for Ferrari has attracted attention both on and off the track, with Kim Kardashian publicly celebrating the achievement on social media. The reality television star shared a photo of Hamilton crossing the finish line after his win, including a trophy and heart emoji, quickly fueling ongoing speculation about their relationship.

After some time the social media post came Hamilton takes his first Grand Prix win for FerrariAn emotional milestone in his first season with the Italian team.

The win represents a major breakthrough for Hamilton following his high-profile move to Ferrari. After years of success with Mercedes, the seven-time world champion finally scored a Grand Prix victory for the Scuderia, sparking celebrations throughout the team and among Ferrari supporters around the world.

Speaking after the race, Hamilton acknowledged the support system around him and highlighted the importance of having trusted people at his side.

According to GP Blog, when asked about Kardashian’s appearance, Hamilton said, “It’s amazing to have her come and have the support this weekend.” “With my friends, the incredible presence, overall, the people. I don’t really know what else to say. It’s amazing to have good people around you and good people supporting you. She does that for me every day.”

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff also appeared to reference Kardashian while discussing Hamilton’s resurgence at Ferrari.

“Maybe his girlfriend helps,” Wolff joked, before pointing to several factors behind Hamilton’s improved performance, including his growing comfort within Ferrari and his strengthening relationship with his race engineer.

Hamilton and Kardashian have been linked for several months, though neither have publicly confirmed a romantic relationship. The pair have often been spotted together at high-profile events, including the Super Bowl, where speculation about their relationship ran rampant after photos surfaced of them spending time together.

Kardashian was also present throughout the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, taking part in both qualifying and race day activities. They were spotted inside the Ferrari garage and later cheering on Hamilton during the podium ceremony, further fueling discussion about the nature of their relationship.

Hamilton’s Ferrari breakthrough celebrated

Hamilton’s victory was one of the defining moments of Ferrari’s season. The British driver appeared emotional after crossing the finish line, while the entire Ferrari garage celebrated.

According to reports, Kardashian was among the first people to congratulate Hamilton after his win. When he arrived for media duties after the race, the Ferrari driver was reportedly speaking with Kardashian on speakerphone as she congratulated him on the historic result.

This achievement was also warmly welcomed at Ferrari. Chairman John Elkann described the victory as an emotional occasion for both the team and the tifosi, who had been eagerly awaiting success since Hamilton’s arrival.

Apart from ending speculation as to when Hamilton would claim his first victory in Ferrari colours, the result also reinforced the belief that the partnership between driver and team is beginning to blossom. With growing confidence on the track and a strong support network away from racing, Hamilton is enjoying one of the most settled periods of his Ferrari career so far.

Whether Kardashian and Hamilton choose to publicly address the relationship rumors is unclear. However, it’s certain that Kardashian’s celebratory post and Hamilton’s warm comments about his support have increased interest in one of the sport’s most talked-about pairings.

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Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Ex-Cricbuzz)

Another disappointing performance for Vaibhav Suryavanshi, as the teenage batting sensation once again failed to convert a promising start into a big score in the ongoing tri-series.Representing India A against Sri Lanka A in the fourth match of the tournament, the 15-year-old looked in good form early on after Sri Lanka A won the toss and elected to bowl first. Suryavanshi scored 21 runs in just 14 balls with the help of three fours and a six, before he gave up his wicket while attempting another aggressive shot. The dismissal came courtesy of Sahan Arachige, who tempted the youngster to drive outside the off stump. The ball turned slightly away, taking the outside edge and looping towards point, where Wanuza Sahan completed a good catch. She made her India A debut in Match 1 vs Sri Lanka A on 9 June 2026 and got off to an aggressive start, hitting three fours against Mohammed Shiraz and Chamika Karunaratne. However, his stay lasted only 12 deliveries. Attempting to loft the ball high up the infield, he failed to gain the required height, leading to a spectacular diving catch by Sri Lanka A captain Sahan Arachige.In Match 2 vs Afghanistan A on 11 June 2026, after a modest score in the opening match, Suryavanshi bounced back with an entertaining inning of 44 runs off 22 balls. Batting at a strike rate of 200, he hit nine fours and looked to be on his way to a half-century before becoming the victim of Abdullah Ahmadzai. The young opener was caught behind the wicket by wicketkeeper Ishaq Rahimi. A familiar pattern is emergingThroughout the tournament, Suryavanshi has displayed fearless strokeplay. However, scores of 14, 44 and 21 outline a rising pattern, with a sharp start filled with boundaries but no significant conversions.

Playing XI for Match 4 between India A vs Sri Lanka A

India A (Playing XI): Prabhsimran Singh (w), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Verma (c), Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Nishant Sindhu, Anukul Roy, Arshad Khan, Vipraj Nigam, Yash Thakur.

Sri Lanka A (Playing XI): Niroshan Dickwella(w), Avishka Fernando, Vishen Halambage, Sadira Samarawickrama, Ahan Wickremesinghe, Sahan Arachige(c), Wanyuja Sahan, Vijayakanth Wiyaskanth, Kugthas Mathulan, Chamika Gunasekara, Mohammed Shiraz.

Sweden got off to a great start in their FIFA World Cup Group F tie against Tunisia at the Monterrey Stadium in Mexico on 15 June, with midfielder Yassin Ayari producing a brilliant effort to break the deadlock in the seventh minute.

FIFA World CupSweden vs Tunisia: Update

The 22-year-old scored the second fastest goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a brilliant strike from outside the penalty area. The chance came from a long ball from Victor Lindelof, which Tunisian goalkeeper Chamakh advanced from his line to stop. However, the goalkeeper could only divert the ball into the path of Victor Giocares.

Gyökeres’ effort was blocked by Tunisia defender Montaser Talbi, but the loose ball fell to Ayari just outside the box. The midfielder took one touch before unleashing a powerful drive that rocketed into the top corner, giving Chamakh no chance and giving Sweden an early lead.

Despite scoring one goal so far in the tournament, Ayari chose to celebrate. Instead, he raised his arms in the air and remained calm while teammates rushed to congratulate him.

Why didn’t Ayari celebrate against Tunisia?

Ayari’s restrained response immediately attracted attention, especially given his family ties to Tunisia.

Born in Solna, Sweden, the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder is of Moroccan and Tunisian heritage. His father is Tunisian, meaning Ayari was eligible to represent the North African nation before committing his international future to Sweden.

The midfielder progressed through Sweden’s youth ranks before making his senior international debut in 2023. Although he ultimately chose to represent Sweden, his connection to Tunisia remains an important part of his background.

His reaction is reminiscent of players who refuse to celebrate after scoring against former clubs, instead choosing to show respect for a team or community that holds personal importance.

Sweden ahead in Monterrey

Sweden continued to threaten after taking the lead and eventually doubled their lead through Alexander Isak.

The move began inside Sweden’s own half when Benjamin Nygren won possession near his own penalty area and launched a long clearance upfield. Gyöckeres expertly controlled the ball on his chest before curling it around the corner into the path of Isak.

As he approached the Tunisia penalty area, the striker broke down the left flank, cut inside and fired a low shot that went past Chamakh to make the score 2–0.

However, Tunisia refused to fold and found a way back into the contest before half time. After a long throw into the box, the ball was headed wide, before Hannibal Mejbri delivered a lovely cross into the six-yard area. Defender Rakic ​​responded with a superb header that beat Robin Olsen’s replacement Christopher Nordfelt and reduced the deficit to 2–1.

This goal breathed new life into the Group F match and ensured that Tunisia remained firmly in the contest until the second half.

While Sweden held the lead at the break, the opening 45 minutes belonged to Ayari, whose spectacular strike and emotional reaction provided one of the most memorable moments of the World Cup so far.

FIFA World Cup | fifa world cup schedule | fifa world cup points table | football news

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India’s Smriti Mandhana hits a half-century (AP/PTI)

The blockbuster encounter between India and Pakistan at Edgbaston on Sunday not only gave India a resounding win but also set a new attendance record in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup.A crowd of 18,814 packed the stadium for the Group 1 encounter, making it the most attended group-stage match ever in the Women’s T20 World Cup. The figure surpassed the previous record of 15,935, which was also set during the India-Pakistan clash in Dubai on October 6, 2024.The record turnout highlighted the growing popularity of women’s cricket and the immense appeal of the India-Pakistan rivalry, which continues to attract unprecedented interest from fans around the world.The attendees were treated to an impressive all-round performance from India. After recovering from an early setback of 18/2, India scored a mammoth 170/6 thanks to a brilliant innings of 68 runs in 44 balls. Smriti Mandhana And an inning of 34 runs in just 17 balls by Richa Ghosh.Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur Made an important partnership of 91 runs for the third wicket and laid the foundation of India’s competitive score. The left-handed batsman hit nine fours and two sixes in his innings full of beauty and timing, while Harmanpreet contributed 36 runs.Pakistan never seriously threatened the target. Apart from Muniba Ali’s 35-ball 41, the batting unit struggled against India’s spin attack and was bundled out for just 106 runs in 17 overs.Deepti Sharma Was a star with the ball, taking a career-best 5/10 from four overs. The all-rounder also achieved a historic feat and became the highest wicket-taker in Women’s T20 International history. Left-arm spinner Sri Charani provided excellent support with figures of 3/21.India eventually won by a comprehensive 64 runs, giving the record-breaking Edgbaston crowd plenty of opportunity to celebrate. As the Women’s T20 World Cup continues to grow in stature, the attendance milestone is another reminder of the game’s rapidly growing global reach and the unmatched drawing power of the India-Pakistan competition.

“I am grateful and Hanuman ji is great.”

Deepti Sharma was on cloud nine after heroics during India vs Pakistan match His love affair with ICC events continues. And there is a good reason behind this. The all-rounder was not in the best form in the Women’s T20 World Cup.

India vs Pak: highlighted | Achievement:

Deepti took only 14 wickets and 115 runs in 12 matches, putting her place in the team under question. But when it comes to ICC events, the all-rounder is quickly becoming one of India’s key players.

In 20 matches in the Women’s T20 World Cup, Deepti Sharma has taken 24 wickets at an economy rate of 6.68 and an average of 21.12, with her best bowling performance being 5/10, including taking five wickets once.

In 23 matches in the Women’s ODI World Cup, the Indian all-rounder has taken 36 wickets at an economy rate of 5.05 and an average of 27.22, with best bowling figures of 5/39, including taking 1 five-wicket haul.

On Sunday, she once again stepped up to help India clinch victory. Coming into the bowling in the powerplay, he broke the opening stand for India and then gave the crucial breakthrough to Ayesha Zafar.

He finished the game for his team by taking three wickets in his last over. And that was exactly how she finished her last ICC event, where she scored a half-century and took five wickets in the Women’s ODI World Cup final.

“I like ICC tournaments, I started from where I finished in the previous competition,” Deepti said.

No worries about form

Deepti said that despite going through a bad phase, she was never worried about her form and always believed in performing well at the right time for the team.

Deepti said, “Actually, I was not worried when I did not get wickets. I always believed in myself that whenever the right time comes, I will always step up for the team and that is how I play and bowl.”

With that performance, Deepti moved to the top of the bowling charts in Women’s T20I and came close to breaking Jhulan Goswami’s record of most wickets in women’s cricket.

t20 world cup | t20 world cup schedule | t20 world cup points table | t20 world cup video | cricket news | live score

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Deepti Sharma attempts to run out Pakistan’s Natalia Pervez during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Group 1 cricket match between India and Pakistan in Birmingham, England.

Smriti Mandhana scored 68 runs and Deepti Sharma She claimed a career-best five-wicket haul as India began their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign with a 64-run win over Pakistan at Edgbaston on Sunday.With the help of Mandhana’s 68 runs in 44 balls and Richa Ghosh’s 34 runs in 17 balls, India scored 170 runs for 6 wickets when invited to bat. In reply, Pakistan were all out for 106 in 17 overs, with Muniba Ali’s 41 from 35 balls being her highest score.Deepti did wonders with the ball and took 5 wickets for 10 runs in her four overs. During the match, the off-spinner also became the highest wicket-taker in the history of Women’s T20 International. Left-arm spinner Shri Charani provided good support by taking 3 wickets for 21 runs, while Shafali Verma took one wicket.Pakistan was never able to build momentum in chasing the target. Muniba looked comfortable at the crease before her innings was ended by Deepti’s direct-hit run out.The match was being played on the old surface of Edgbaston, so India’s spinners took full advantage of the conditions. The pitch provided some turn and grip, making strokeplay difficult for Pakistan’s batsmen.Earlier, India were under pressure at 18 for 2 after losing Shafali Verma for 6 runs and Jemimah Rodrigues for 1 run. After this, Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur took the innings forward by making a partnership of 91 runs for the third wicket.India’s score was 30 for 2 at the end of the powerplay before the pair picked up pace. Mandhana completed her half-century in 34 balls with nine fours and two sixes.He was given two chances during his innings. First, he was dropped at mid-off off the bowling of Tasmiya Rubab. Later, another chance went to the wide long-on boundary off Sadia Iqbal when the ball slipped through the fielder’s hands for six runs.Mandhana’s innings ended when she missed a shot off Ramin Shamim and Pakistan captain Fatima Sana completed the catch.Harmanpreet contributed 36 runs in 35 balls before becoming Sana’s victim, while Bharti Phulmali was stumped on zero soon after Mandhana’s dismissal.After this Richa Ghosh played a quick inning of 34 runs. India scored 23 runs in the final over bowled by Rubab, which helped them reach 170 for 6.For Pakistan, Sadia Iqbal took 2 wickets for 41 runs and captain Fatima Sana took 2 wickets for 33 runs.India’s bowlers then took control, with Deepti leading the way and bowling out Pakistan for 106, giving India a comfortable win in the opening match of the tournament.