The FIFA World Cup knockout stage continues to gather momentum with France, Morocco and Argentina progressing, while India's teenage sensation Vaibhav
Sooryavanshi finally made his much-anticipated international debut. Elsewhere, Formula One delivered another thrilling Sprint at Silverstone, England struck first in the T20I series against India, and Australia prepare for yet another Women's T20 World Cup final.
1. Mbappe sends France into World Cup quarter-finals
France booked their place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after edging Paraguay 1-0 in Philadelphia. Kylian Mbappe converted a second-half penalty after Desire Doue was fouled, taking his tally to seven goals for the tournament and drawing level with Lionel Messi as the competition's leading scorer. The Real Madrid forward also moved to 19 career World Cup goals, just one behind Messi's all-time record. Didier Deschamps' side were frustrated for long periods by Paraguay's disciplined defensive display but eventually found the breakthrough to set up a blockbuster quarter-final against Morocco.
2. Morocco cruise past Canada to continue historic World Cup run
Morocco reached a second consecutive World Cup quarter-final with a convincing 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada. Azzedine Ounahi starred with two second-half goals before Soufiane Rahimi added a late third as the Atlas Lions overwhelmed the Canadians after the break. Canada impressed in the opening half and created several opportunities, but Morocco's experience and quality ultimately proved decisive as they booked a last-eight showdown with France.
3. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi makes history on India debut
Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became India's youngest-ever international cricketer after making his T20I debut against England at Old Trafford. The teenage batting sensation announced himself in style by smashing two sixes during an entertaining knock of 14 from 10 balls before being stumped by Jos Buttler. Sooryavanshi surpassed Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record as India's youngest international and showed glimpses of the fearless batting that made him an IPL sensation.
4. England beat India despite Sooryavanshi milestone
England took a 1-0 lead in the T20I series after defeating India by four wickets at Old Trafford. Jacob Bethell produced a match-winning unbeaten 76, turning the game with a brutal assault on Ravi Bishnoi in the closing overs after India had posted 190 for 7. Despite Arshdeep Singh reducing England to 1 for 2 early in the chase and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi making a memorable debut, England recovered through Harry Brook and Bethell before completing the chase with an over to spare.
5. Antonelli claims maiden Sprint victory at Silverstone
Formula One championship leader Kimi Antonelli claimed his first Sprint victory after overtaking Lewis Hamilton to win the British Grand Prix Sprint race. The Mercedes driver passed Hamilton on lap eight before controlling the race to finish comfortably ahead of the Ferrari veteran, while Lando Norris completed the podium in third. The result further strengthens Antonelli's championship campaign heading into the remainder of the Silverstone weekend.
6. Ibrahimovic questions Ronaldo's role for Portugal
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has sparked debate by suggesting Portugal cannot realistically challenge for World Cup glory while continuing to rely on 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo as their starting striker. Although Ronaldo recently scored his first-ever World Cup knockout goal during Portugal's dramatic victory over Croatia, Ibrahimovic believes Goncalo Ramos should now lead the attack, arguing that Ronaldo's reputation is outweighing his current physical abilities. Portugal will next face Spain in the Round of 16.
7. Australia eye seventh Women's T20 World Cup title
Australia head into the Women's T20 World Cup final against England as overwhelming favourites after winning all six of their matches in dominant fashion. Led by captain Sophie Molineux, the six-time champions have showcased remarkable squad depth, with contributions coming throughout both the batting and bowling units. England, however, believe they can finally end Australia's dominance under their new leadership as they prepare for the Lord's final.
