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New Zealand defender Tim Payne has become an unexpected viral sensation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Argentine influencer Valen Scarsini launched a campaign branding him the tournament’s “protagonist.” The push has driven Payne’s social media following into the hundreds of thousands, sparked fan chants based on Argentina’s “Muchachos,” and turned the low-profile defender into a global online talking point.

Cristian Volpato's international career has taken a dramatic turn just weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After previously rejecting Australia to pursue his ambitions with Italy, the Sydney-born midfielder has officially switched allegiance to the Socceroos following Italy's failure to qualify. Now eligible for Tony Popovic's squad, Volpato could yet realise his World Cup dream on football's biggest stage.

France legend Frank Leboeuf has questioned Kylian Mbappe’s leadership ahead of the 2026 World Cup, calling the Real Madrid forward “too selfish” in his approach to football. While acknowledging Mbappe’s elite talent and remarkable scoring numbers, Leboeuf argued that true leadership is built on sacrifice and teamwork. He praised players like William Saliba, N’Golo Kante and Antoine Griezmann for their selfless mentality, while also raising concerns about France’s defensive balance despite its attacking strength.

India faces immense pressure to reclaim the SAFF Women's Championship title on home soil after a seven-year drought. Coach Crispin Chettri emphasizes the need for collective progress towards the next Asian Cup, balancing immediate victory with long-term development. Rivals Bangladesh and Nepal are formidable contenders, adding to the championship's competitive edge.

Cristiano Ronaldo has set a new memorabilia record after a rare 1-of-1 2018 Panini Kaboom trading card sold privately for $1.35 million, making it the most expensive Ronaldo card ever and second only to Lionel Messi in football card history. The sale, completed via Fanatics Collect, highlights surging demand for ultra-rare collectibles from the Portuguese superstar’s career across Juventus, Manchester United and beyond.

Pep Guardiola's transformative impact on Manchester City is examined through "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly." While his tactical genius and trophy-laden reign are lauded, the article critiques the regimentation of his style and the looming shadow of Financial Fair Play breaches, questioning the integrity of his legacy.

PSG carry the weight of champions, refusing to stop as they hope to retain the crown. Arsenal arrive with carpe diem in their hearts and history at their backs as they find themselves in the final of the Champions League for the first time since 2006. And if Arsenal get over the line, they would also become only the 25th club to ever win the European Cup or Champions League, having played 225 games in the competition - more than any other club to have never lifted the trophy.

Zohran Mamdani has launched a subsidised ticket programme offering 1,000 New Yorkers $50 access to select 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium, including free transport. Framed as a response to soaring ticket and travel costs, the initiative follows Mamdani’s long-running criticism of FIFA’s pricing policies and aims to keep working-class football fans connected to the tournament.

Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has admitted that his team is not fully prepared for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after many domestic players spent nearly seven weeks without competitive football. The Iranian league season was suspended earlier this year following military tensions in the region, which disrupted the country’s football calendar and affected preparations for the global tournament.

Tom Brady surprised fans after making a bold runway debut at Gucci’s New York fashion show alongside major celebrities. The viral appearance quickly caught the attention of his ex-wife, Gisele Bundchen, who reportedly found the moment “fun to watch.” While Bundchen has moved on with her private life and marriage to Joaquim Valente, Brady continues drawing headlines through fashion appearances and ongoing dating rumors involving stars like Alix Earle, Irina Shayk, Sofia Vergara, and Kim Kardashian.

The Islamic Republic of Iran are preparing for the FIFA World Cup 2026 amid ongoing concerns over travel and visa arrangements linked to geopolitical tensions. FIFA officials, including secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom, remain confident Iran will participate as scheduled in the United States. Led by captain Mehdi Taremi and coach Amir Ghalenoei, Team Melli are targeting a historic first appearance in the knockout stage. Iran will face New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in Group G while finalizing preparations through a training camp and friendly matches in Turkey.

Whether you call it karma or symmetry or simply the long arc of football's most generous rivalry, the ledger between these two clubs has a strange and beautiful balance to it. Bernabeu spent years rebuilding United out of nothing but goodwill, and the game eventually sent his club the greatest player of his generation in return.

After years of being labeled a 'banter club' for their beautiful yet often ineffective play, Arsenal has finally broken their Premier League drought. Under Mikel Arteta, the team embraced a more pragmatic and resilient style, prioritizing set-piece dominance and an 'us-vs-them' mentality to secure their first title since 2004.

BTS will make history as co-headliners of the first-ever halftime show at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19 in New York New Jersey Stadium. Sharing the stage with Madonna and Shakira, the group said the performance is a chance to spread “hope and harmony” worldwide. BTS also highlighted their desire to support children’s education through the FIFA Global Citizen campaign.

Chelsea has appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager on a four-year contract, beginning July 1, 2026. Alonso, lauded for his unbeaten Bundesliga and German Cup double with Bayer Leverkusen, faces the challenge of revitalizing the club after a disappointing season and a period of significant spending and recruitment under new ownership.

Conor McGregor built his career around the idea that obsession matters more than talent, rising from welfare payments in Dublin to become the UFC’s biggest global star. As he prepares for another comeback against Max Holloway, McGregor’s story remains less about natural gifts than relentless preparation, psychological conviction and the refusal to accept ordinary limitations.

Portugal heads into the FIFA World Cup 2026 as one of the fan favorites in the tournament. The team has a balanced squad. They have experienced icons, and young players who are entering their prime years. The biggest storyline is Cristiano Ronaldo. The legend is expected to play in what will likely be his final FIFA World Cup.

Gisele Bundchen is a former supermodel, and ex-husband Tom Brady is a legendary NFL quarterback. They have both ventured into the fashion world ten years apart. While Gisele retired from the runway in 2015, Tom recently made his debut at Gucci Cruise 2027. This career shift for from football into fashion sparks missing ex-wife speculation.

IPL chairman Arun Dhumal tells TOI that other boards are starting leagues for revenue as bilaterals are not adding enough value, allays fears over depreciating media rights value next year, and maintains that BCCI will maintain good relations with boards after the Mustafizur Rahman fiasco.

The head of Donald Trump’s World Cup taskforce has defended FIFA over the rising ticket prices for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Andrew Giuliani said the huge demand for tickets explains the high prices. The tournament will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It will feature 48 teams and 104 matches, making it the biggest FIFA World Cup ever. However, many fans and political leaders have raised concerns about expensive tickets and confusing pricing systems.

Tom Brady gave fans two very different moments in one weekend. The NFL legend shared an emotional Mother’s Day tribute featuring Gisele Bündchen and Bridget Moynahan before turning heads at Netflix’s The Roast of Kevin Hart with a savage joke aimed at Dallas Cowboys fans. Brady’s rare family photos, heartfelt message and sharp roast comments quickly sparked reactions online as fans saw both the personal and competitive sides of the former Patriots and Buccaneers quarterback in the same weekend.

The India Basketball League (IBL) is launching with a unique approach, focusing on building passionate, engaged communities rather than competing directly with cricket. Drawing lessons from Australia, where Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger has origins, the league emphasises entertainment, inclusivity, and local-player development

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents will reportedly not operate inside or around stadiums during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, easing concerns surrounding immigration enforcement at matches hosted in the United States. The decision follows months of criticism from supporters, lawmakers and international federations, amid fears that immigration raids could overshadow football’s biggest tournament across North America.

Many hit songs conceal profound themes beneath their infectious melodies, often leading listeners to overlook their critical insights. Consider Bruce Springsteen's 'Born in the USA,' which, while an anthem that evokes national pride, delivers a sharp commentary on the mistreatment of war veterans.