New Delhi: Vice-captain of India Smriti Mandhana Has earned yet another prestigious honor after being named in Time magazine’s list of 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026, emerging as the only Indian to feature in the star-studded global lineup.The annual list recognizes athletes, coaches, investors and advocates who are “shaping sports today”. Basketball legend LeBron James headlines this year’s edition, which also features football icon Lionel Messi and Cristiano RonaldoTennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz, golfer Rory McIlroy, skier Aileen Gu, NBA star Victor Vembanyama and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. captain of south africa Temba Bavuma And New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson are also among the notable names on the list.
Mandhana’s remarkable progress has received global recognition
Time highlighted Mandhana’s remarkable achievements, noting how “records keep falling” for the Mumbai-born opening batsman.The 29-year-old became the first Indian woman to score a double century in a domestic one-day game and the first batsman from the country to score centuries in all three international formats. She is also the joint holder of the record for most centuries in women’s international cricket, with 17 centuries.Mandhana was also the first woman to score more than 1,000 ODI runs in a calendar year.However, TIME noted that the left-hander is most proud of the team successes he has helped achieve.Mandhana captained Royal Challengers Bangalore to Women’s Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026, while also serving as vice-captain during India’s victorious ICC Women’s ODI World Cup campaign last year, and was the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament.Her extraordinary consistency saw her record the most international runs by a woman across all formats in 2024 and surpass her own record in 2025, an achievement that contributed to her being named BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year.
Which aspect of Smriti Mandhana’s career impresses you the most?
The latest honor places Mandhana in elite company and underlines her growing stature as one of the most influential figures in world sport and the leading face of Indian women’s cricket.
Two weeks ago in Ahmedabad, Virat Kohli placed his hand on Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s shoulder and said something that the 15-year-old will have to remember throughout his career.
“Don’t pay attention to who is saying what or how they are saying it.” Suryavanshi later said that the moment seemed like a dream, it did not seem as if it was actually Virat Kohli. That the man used to talk to him like an elder brother. He preserved the words in the same way as you preserve something precious.
He forgot them on Monday.
In Dambulla, Suryavanshi made his comeback in circumstances already surrounded by controversy after India A’s defeat to Sri Lanka A in the Super Over. He was walking with Suryansh Shedge wearing gloves, with his head bowed. Then one of the Sri Lanka A fielders – Vishen Halambage, clapping, talking – said something. And the 15-year-old, who recently faced Jasprit Bumrah in front of 50,000 people, decided that his work was not done yet. He pushed Halmbej with his left hand Before Niroshan Dickwella steps in to separate them.
This lasted for a few seconds. This will be discussed for many days.
What happened in Dambulla?
The match itself had become a powder keg. India A and Sri Lanka A were tied at 265 runs, due to a no-ball dispute players from both teams had to return to the field after their departure, and Tilak Verma spent a lot of time in front of the umpires Finally, before the super over was played. By the time Mathulan’s yorker ended India A’s chase, the nerves had already worn off.
Suryavanshi had scored five runs in two balls in the super over. It wasn’t enough, and not out of willingness to try. As the hosts celebrated, he and Shaz began hiking. What happened next was brief but ugly: Halambase’s words, Suryavanshi’s reaction, a push, and then the cool head, Dickwella, Sri Lanka A captain Sahan Arachige, all taking it apart. What was a very bad ending to an entertaining match.
not the first time
In fact, it’s a familiar script, at least on the field, in the heat of competition. In December 2025, during India’s chase of 348 in the Under-19 Asia Cup final in Dubai, Suryavanshi scored 26 runs in 10 balls before Pakistan fast bowler Ali Raza dismissed him and celebrated with some sharp words. Suryavanshi did not go just like that. He turned, gestured, made his point. It went viral. Even then people talked about it for many days.
Two events months apart don’t define a character. Away from the field, Suryavanshi has consistently been the picture of decency – touching Sunil Gavaskar’s feet during IPL 2026, getting Kohli to autograph his Rajasthan Royals cap and wearing the orange cap in matches whenever he is not wearing it. The boy who pushed Halambaj on Monday is no different from the boy who bowed before Gavaskar. He’s the same person, at 15, still learning which version of himself to be at which moment.
These two incidents indicate something more specific and more understandable: that when Suryavanshi is in the field and the needle goes in, he reacts. In kind, immediately, without much calculation. That’s different from being an angry young man.
Should we evaluate him?
It is worth remembering that Kohli was not always the man to dispense wisdom on the outfield in Ahmedabad. In his early years, he was likely to be at the center of a flashpoint even when he was at the crease. He slurred, he gestured, he felt every dismissal and every lightness on his face. The words of the cricket boards were calm. The coaches intervened. At that time aggression seemed like a liability.
What changed was not the fire. It never left. What changed was the direction of its burning.
Kohli has learned over the years and through tough experience to put every last drop of that intensity into his batting and his fitness rather than into tussles with opposition fielders. Felt hungry. Flammability became an unrelenting refusal to be second-best. By the time he was telling a 15-year-old boy in Ahmedabad to ignore the noise, he knew exactly how difficult it was to follow that instruction – because he himself had failed at it repeatedly before getting it right.
Federer’s arc is almost identical. The Swiss who became synonymous with grace and calmness – the man they called the most beautiful player the game had ever seen, spent his adolescence breaking rackets and yelling at linesmen. His own coach Peter Carter was disappointed with his nature. Federer eventually came to understand that anger is energy, and energy can be redirected. This beautiful champion was built on an angry child who slowly learned what to do with himself.
Even Roger Federer was a temperamental young player (Reuters)
Suryavanshi is not that angry child. But he is an extremely competitive individual, who has let provocation get the better of him on two occasions. This is a narrow accusation, and far more forgivable.
big picture
At the age of 15, while most of his peers are worried about board exams, Suryavanshi is facing Bumrah and Archer and Cummins in packed stadiums. He has already done what most cricketers never do: the fastest IPL century by an Indian, the Orange Cap, 776 runs at a strike rate of 237. He is living impossibly fast.
The incidents in Dubai and Dambulla are not a cause for concern. They are, if anything, evidence that the engine is running hot, which is exactly where you want it for a batsman like him. The task now is the same as it was for Kohli, as it was for Federer: not to cool the engine, but to learn to run it.
He already has the best possible advice. He had heard it two weeks ago, in Ahmedabad, from someone who had once needed it himself.
New Delhi: The India A vs Sri Lanka A match in the Tri-Nation A series in Dambulla had it all – controversy, confusion, heated exchanges, a Super Over and even a tense confrontation with teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi.While Sri Lanka A ultimately emerged victorious in the Super Over on Monday, much of the post-match attention focused on Suryavanshi after videos of the dramatic scenes went viral on social media.
Suryavanshi embroiled in heated argument
After the match was tied, there was confusion as to whether a Super Over would be played or not, as poor light became a concern. captain of india a Tilak Verma He was seen engaged in a lengthy discussion with the umpires, and insisted that the game continue and be decided through a Super Over.In a video going viral on social media, Suryavanshi can be seen first joining Tilak in his interrogation by the authorities. As the discussion heated up, India A coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar intervened and pulled the youngster away from the umpires.Moments later, Suryavanshi urged Tilak to step away from the discussion and was seen pushing his captain away from the boundary line as the argument continued.The drama did not end here.After Sri Lanka A’s victory in the Super Over, Suryavanshi had a heated exchange with the Sri Lankan player. The confrontation escalated briefly before teammates intervened and separated the players.
Exciting match decided by super over
Earlier, Sri Lanka A found a way to win after an emotionally charged encounter.Left-arm fast bowler Arshad Khan bowled a brilliant final over in stipulated time and conceded only four runs when Sri Lanka A needed five runs to win, sending the match into a super over.However, Arshad’s Super Over proved costly as Sri Lanka A scored 16 runs with the help of a wide and a no-ball.Chasing 17 runs to win, India A sent out Suryavanshi and Suryansh Shedge. But Sri Lankan fast bowler Kugathas Mathulan maintained his composure under pressure and restricted both of them to just nine runs, giving the host team a memorable victory.
Suryavanshi’s great start continues
15-year-old Suryavanshi once again showed glimpses of his talent at the top of the order and scored 21 runs against Sri Lanka A.This young player had earlier scored 14 runs in the opening game against Sri Lanka A and then played a brilliant inning of 44 runs against Afghanistan A.
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.
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.
Imam Ashour gave Egypt an early lead with a goal from outside the box. (Image: Reuters)
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.
Romelu Lukaku made an immediate impact from the bench for Belgium. (Image: Reuters)
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.
Belgium looks far from its best at the moment. (Image: Reuters)
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.
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.
Do you support the no-handshake policy between India and Pakistan cricket teams?
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.
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.”
Kim Kardashian posted about Lewis Hamilton on her social media (screen grab from Instagram/@kimkardashian)
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.
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.
According to you, what is the main reason for Suryavanshi’s early dismissal?
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.
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.
Ayari did not celebrate after scoring against Tunisia (Photo Reuters)
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.
