The Indian women’s hockey team has secured its best finish at the World Cup in more than half a century, ending its campaign with an impressive victory over Germany.

India defeated world number five Germany 3-1 to finish fifth at the showpiece tournament. The result caps an encouraging campaign in which India narrowly missed out on a place in the semi-finals after suffering just one defeat in five games.

India produced arguably its best performance of the tournament against Germany. Namit Kore scored twice, while Shika Chri added a field goal to give world number nine India a commanding three-goal advantage. Germany scored a late consolation goal in the final quarter, but India held on for a memorable victory.

The fifth-place finish marks India’s best World Cup result since the inaugural 1974 edition, when the team finished fourth.

India Women Beat Germany 3-1 To Secure Fifth Place At Hockey World Cup

The 2030 Commonwealth Games baton has officially been handed over to India, marking the beginning of preparations for the next edition of the Games in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

India is planning a larger, multi-sport event featuring 15 to 17 disciplines, significantly expanding on Glasgow's scaled-down edition. Two sports being strongly considered for inclusion are Yoga and Kabaddi, both deeply rooted in Indian heritage. Officials believe the 2030 Commonwealth Games could become a major milestone in India's sporting ambitions while also strengthening Ahmedabad's bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games. The inclusion of Yoga and Kabaddi could provide both disciplines with unprecedented global exposure.

India Eyes Yoga & Kabaddi for 2030 Commonwealth Games | Ahmedabad Set to Host Mega Event

FIFA is reportedly evaluating a major expansion of the Men's FIFA World Cup, increasing the tournament from 48 teams to 64 teams for the 2030 edition. The proposal has already sparked widespread debate across the global football community.

According to reports, FIFA has launched a fast-track consultation and commissioned an impact assessment covering tournament revenue, sponsorship, broadcasting rights, ticket sales, player welfare, scheduling, and the international football calendar.

The 2030 FIFA World Cup will be primarily hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, with centenary opening matches scheduled in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Expanding to 64 teams could allow South American host nations to stage full group-stage matches instead of only ceremonial opening fixtures.

FIFA Plans 64-Team World Cup By 2030? |Expansion Proposal Sparks Global Backlash & Governance Debate

India's 'golden boy' Neeraj Chopra has qualified for the final of the javelin throw at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow. All three Indian made it to the final, which will take place on Friday.

Three Indians qualify for CWG Javelin Final | Wion Sports 

The European Football governing body UEFA has called an emergency meeting to discuss the recent proposal by FIFA President Gianni Infantino to launch a new subsidiary that will have a stake in the World Cup. UEFA has strongly opposed the proposal and has put a possible world cup boycott on the cards.

UEFA Holds Emergency Meeting After Infantino Defends Privatisation Plan | Wion Sports 


The FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot race will be decided in the final as Kylian Mbappé leads the scoring charts after his brace against England in the third-place playoff. Lionel Messi now faces a daunting challenge, needing at least two goals against Spain to draw level and potentially win the Golden Boot on assists. The final could also reshape the all-time World Cup scoring record.

Mbappé one step away from historic Golden Boot record | Messi faces must-win scoring challenge

England and France face off in the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff in Miami, with pride and the Golden Boot still on the line. While both teams missed out on the final, stars like Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, and Jude Bellingham remain in contention for the tournament's top scorer award. Thomas Tuchel admitted that both squads would rather be playing in the final, but one last World Cup victory is still up for grabs.

England vs France | FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff | Mbappé vs Kane golden boot race

A remarkable chapter in FIFA World Cup history has come to an end as Bayern Munich will have no player in the World Cup final for the first time since 1982. The club's extraordinary 44-year streak, spanning 11 consecutive World Cups, ended after England and Bayern striker Harry Kane were eliminated from the tournament. Meanwhile, Inter Milan continues its impressive record, extending its run of having at least one player feature in the World Cup final for a 12th straight tournament. The historic milestone highlights the lasting influence of Europe's biggest clubs on football's greatest stage.

Bayern Munich's 44-year FIFA World Cup final streak ends | Inter Milan extends historic record

Spain have booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final after a dominant 2-0 victory over France in the semifinal. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro sealed a memorable win as Spain produced another outstanding defensive display. The European champions will now face England or Argentina in the World Cup Final, while France will play in the third-place playoff. Watch the full match highlights, key moments, goals, and post-match analysis from this thrilling semifinal.

Spain beat France 2-0 to reach FIFA World Cup 2026 final | Oyarzabal & Porro seal historic win