Iran has said a deal with the United States to end months of conflict is close to being finalised. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the agreement includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting the US blockade on Iranian shipping. US officials confirmed parts of the proposed deal and said economic benefits for Iran would depend on meeting its commitments. The agreement would also begin talks on Iran’s nuclear programme. The Strait of Hormuz is a key global oil route. Both sides expressed optimism, but final approval is still pending before the deal can be signed. (PC: Reuters)

Bollywood star Nora Fatehi’s FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem Siir Siir has crossed 20 million views on YouTube within 24 hours of its release. The song was created with music producer Sanjoy and French singer Vegedream. Reports say it surpassed the first-day viewership of Shakira’s FIFA track Dai Dai, which received 8.2 million views. Fatehi said the song reflects her Moroccan, Canadian and South Asian roots. She also highlighted the strong Indian contribution behind the project. The track has become one of FIFA’s biggest music launches and is gaining popularity across the world.

Iran has accused the United States of attacking Indian-linked commercial vessels in the Gulf region after three Indian sailors were killed. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the strikes evidence of “state piracy” and offered condolences to India. The remarks came after US President Donald Trump claimed Iran had attempted a drone attack on Indian ships near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran rejected the allegation and called it baseless. Meanwhile, India lodged a strong protest with the US over a Navy strike on the tanker MT Settebello. Twenty-one Indian sailors were rescued after the attack. (PC: Reuters)

The United States kicked off its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a star-studded opening ceremony in Los Angeles, where global music icons Katy Perry, Blackpink's Lisa and rapper Future headlined the celebrations. Brazilian singer Anitta, Nigerian star Rema and South African artist Tyla also performed, turning the event into a grand musical spectacle ahead of the USA's Group D match against Paraguay. Thousands of fans packed the stadium as football and entertainment came together to mark the beginning of the tournament, highlighting the global appeal of the World Cup. (PC: HT)

India has achieved a major defence milestone after the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out three flight tests of advanced missile systems. The trials validated key ballistic missile defence and anti-ship warfare technologies, strengthening India's multi-layered air defence capabilities.   Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the successful tests place India among a select group of nations with proven ballistic missile interception technology. The achievement is expected to boost the country's strategic deterrence and indigenous defence programme under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The successful trials mark another significant step in enhancing India's ability to counter advanced aerial and missile threats. (PC: Economic Times)

Co-hosts USA began their FIFA World Cup 2026 journey in dominant fashion with a convincing 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their Group D opener at Los Angeles Stadium. Folarin Balogun starred with two goals, while an own goal from Damian Bobadilla and a late strike by Gio Reyna completed the scoring for the hosts. Paraguay pulled one back through Mauricio in the second half, but it was not enough to trouble the Americans. Backed by a home crowd, Mauricio Pochettino's side produced an impressive display to move to the top of Group D and strengthen hopes of a deep run in the tournament. (PC: NDTV)

England's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered an unexpected setback after training equipment was stolen from a team van while being transported to the squad's base in Kansas City.   According to reports, the shipment was travelling from England's pre-tournament camp in Florida when the theft took place. The missing items are believed to include football boots, training balls and other essential gear. Local police have arrested two suspects and launched an investigation into the incident.   Despite the disruption, England's coaching staff are working to replace the equipment quickly and keep the squad focused ahead of their opening Group L match against Croatia. The Football Association is cooperating with authorities as the investigation continues. (PC: X)

Canadian-born Bollywood star Nora Fatehi performed at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Toronto on Friday. She debuted her official FIFA anthem, Siir Siir, at BMO Field before the football action began.   The song was created with Vegedream and Sanjoy. It combines Arabic, French, English, and Moroccan influences. The title comes from a popular Moroccan football chant meaning “go, go”.   Born in Canada to a Moroccan family, Fatehi called the performance a special homecoming. She previously performed at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.   The ceremony marked the start of Canada's World Cup celebrations.

Bosnia and Herzegovina moved into a 1–0 lead over co-hosts Canada in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opening match after Jovo Lukic scored his first-ever goal for the national team. The strike handed Bosnia a surprise advantage in front of a packed crowd in Toronto, where Canada was playing its first World Cup match on home soil. Despite enjoying strong support and entering the tournament with high expectations, Canada struggled to break down Bosnia's organized defense. Lukic's historic goal not only marked a personal milestone but also put Bosnia in a strong position to claim a memorable result in their tournament opener.

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his country's opening FIFA World Cup match against Panama after the Canadian government denied his visa application. FIFA confirmed that Partey cannot travel from Ghana’s training base in Boston to Toronto for the June 17 fixture but stressed that visa decisions are solely the responsibility of host nations. Partey, who currently plays for Villarreal CF, remains eligible for Ghana’s remaining group-stage matches in the United States against England and Croatia. The 32-year-old is facing legal charges in the United Kingdom, which he denies. Canadian authorities have not publicly explained the visa refusal. (PC: India Today)