Brazil will attempt to break one of the most remarkable records in international football when they face Norway in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. Despite facing 88 different national teams, the five-time world champions have never beaten Norway, drawing three and losing two of their five previous meetings. Their most famous defeat came at the 1998 World Cup, when Kjetil Rekdal's late penalty sealed a memorable 2-1 victory for Norway. Brazil now head into the knockout clash in strong form after topping Group C, with Carlo Ancelotti confirming that Neymar is fit to play a full 90 minutes. However, Brazil also carry another unwanted statistic, having lost each of their last six World Cup knockout matches against European opposition since defeating Germany in the 2002 final. Norway, returning to the World Cup after a 28-year absence, qualified impressively from the group stage and will look to extend their unbeaten record against the Selecao behind stars Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. (PC: AI Generated)

Cape Verde's national team received a heroes' welcome on Sunday after returning home from a remarkable FIFA World Cup debut that captured global attention despite a heartbreaking Round of 32 exit to Argentina. Thousands of supporters gathered at Praia International Airport waving flags and banners to celebrate the Blue Sharks, whose historic campaign exceeded all expectations by reaching the knockout stage in their first-ever World Cup appearance. The team will be honoured with a victory parade through the capital before meeting the country's president and senior officials. Head coach Bubista said the players had proved their qualification was "no fluke", while Sports Minister Antonio Duarte praised the squad for elevating Cape Verde's standing on the world stage. The celebrations were made even more special as the team's return coincided with the country's Independence Day.

Three sons of Iran's slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attended his funeral prayers in Tehran on Sunday, while his successor, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, remained absent from the public ceremony. State television showed Mostafa, Meysam and Masoud Khamenei standing beside the coffins of their father and four other family members during prayers at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla Grand Mosque. Mojtaba's absence, despite recently assuming Iran's top leadership, drew attention as the country mourned the longtime leader following his death in US-Israeli airstrikes earlier this year. (PC: AP-PTI)

Mumbai will remain shut for schools and colleges on Monday after the Maharashtra government declared a holiday amid relentless monsoon rain and an IMD orange alert. The city has witnessed severe waterlogging, uprooted trees, traffic congestion and disruptions to daily life following over 250 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours. Heavy rain briefly suspended runway operations at Mumbai airport, while local train services continued to operate despite challenging conditions. Authorities also reported casualties and structural damage, including a tree collapse and a partial building collapse in Thane. The IMD has warned that heavy rainfall is likely to continue, urging residents to remain cautious.

Grigor Dimitrov completed a remarkable Wimbledon comeback by defeating former finalist Matteo Berrettini in a five-set thriller, one year after a heartbreaking injury ended his dream run. In 2025, the Bulgarian led eventual champion Jannik Sinner by two sets before tearing his pectoral muscle, forcing an emotional retirement and missing the US Open. His struggles continued this season, leaving him ranked 146 and needing a wildcard for Wimbledon after winning just four ATP matches in 2026. However, Dimitrov has rediscovered his best on grass, beating Dane Sweeny, 15th seed Jakub Mensik and Berrettini. He now faces Britain's Arthur Fery in the Round of 16, eyeing a quarter-final berth. (PC: First Sportz)

France booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay, as captain Kylian Mbappe described the tense knockout win in four words: “A day at work.” Mbappe scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 66th minute after substitute Désiré Doué was fouled inside the box. Paraguay frustrated France throughout with disciplined defending, while tempers flared in the first half following Mbappe’s clash with Andrés Cubas. Goalkeeper Orlando Gill produced several crucial saves, but France held firm to secure a quarter-final clash against Morocco and continue their pursuit of a third World Cup title. (PC: AFP)

Mass protests swept across Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Sunday as thousands demonstrated against the alleged siege, demanding restoration of communication services, uninterrupted food and medicine supplies, release of detained leaders and implementation of a 38-point agreement. Violence erupted in the Anb area, where protesters alleged police and Rangers used tear gas and opened fire, killing one person, identified as Muhammad Yakub, and injuring several others. Demonstrations were reported across Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Mirpur, Dadyal and other towns. Protesters also sought the return of bodies to families and the release of Action Committee leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir. Authorities had not issued an official statement, and the claims remain independently unverified.

Motorists staged the first public protest against India's E20 fuel mandate at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar, alleging the ethanol-blending policy has caused engine problems, reduced mileage and expensive repairs. Participants claimed E20 petrol led to stalled engines, choked fuel systems and declining vehicle performance, echoing concerns previously raised on social media. Entrepreneur Tehseen Poonawalla and his advocacy group, Team Bharat, led the demonstration, arguing that the nationwide rollout was implemented too quickly without adequately addressing consumer concerns. Protesters urged the government to review the policy and investigate the alleged impact on vehicles, saying they possessed evidence linking E20 fuel to mechanical issues experienced by motorists. (PC: India Today)

The race for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot is becoming one of the tournament's biggest stories, with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe leading the battle for the top scorer's award. Both superstars have scored seven goals, setting up a thrilling contest as Argentina and France advance in the knockout stage. Harry Kane and Erling Haaland remain in contention but trail the leading pair. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo has fallen behind after scoring only three goals, leaving him with a difficult task to catch the frontrunners. With the quarter-finals approaching, every goal could decide the prestigious Golden Boot winner.  

Thousands of mourners attending the funeral of Iran's late Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, chanted anti-US slogans, with some participants displaying banners and calling for the killing of U.S. President Donald Trump. A performer at the ceremony also delivered remarks urging revenge, drawing loud cheers from the crowd. The funeral reflected intense anger over Khamenei's death, with chants of "Death to America" and demands for retaliation. Iranian authorities have not officially endorsed the crowd's slogans, but the event underscored heightened tensions between Iran and the United States. (PC: AFP)