Find today's news in pics from India and around the world for June 23, 2026
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When nature wants to play, even the all-powerful FIFA must oblige. On Monday, June 22, 2026, the World Cup witnessed its first severe-weather suspension during the France vs Iraq, Group I clash at Philadelphia Stadium (Lincoln Financial Field). Triggered by nearby lightning under NOAA guidelines, standard safety protocols halted the game at halftime for 130 minutes, long enough to complete a full game. Local travel advisories had warned fans hours earlier, but a crowd of 68,344 still arrived. Eventually, they were forced into crowded concourses once torrential rain hit the venue. For the sequestered players and waiting fans, it became a draining battle against time and fading adrenaline. Yet, when play resumed, France showed focus through the chaos. Kylian Mbappe hit a brace on his 100th international outing before an Ousmane Dembele strike as Les Bleus, the 2022 finalists, won 3-0 and advanced to the round of 32. Here are glimpses from an unforgettable Philadelphia night.
Algeria produced a spirited second-half comeback to defeat Jordan 2-1 in a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J encounter and keep its knockout hopes alive. Jordan stunned the Desert Warriors against the run of play when Nizar Al-Rashdan fired them ahead in the 36th minute after Algeria had squandered several chances, including two gilt-edged opportunities for Riyad Mahrez. Algeria dominated possession throughout and finally found the breakthrough in the 68th minute when Nadhir Benbouali powered home a header from Mahrez's corner. The winner arrived eight minutes from time as substitute Amine Gouiri made an instant impact, heading in Amin Hadj Moussa's corner to complete the turnaround. The result eliminates Jordan from the tournament while Algeria remains firmly in the race for a Round of 32 berth.
Find today's news in pics from India and around the world for June 22, 2026
New Zealand crushed England by 253 runs in the third Test at Kennington Oval to level the series at 1-1, with the decider to be played at Trent Bridge from June 25. Matt Henry scalped a six-wicket haul to break the back of England's massive chase of 463 runs and was well-supported by Kyle Jamieson, who bagged a three-for. Jamieson started the unraveling of the hosts' chase by sending two of the top three batters back, leaving them reeling at 40/3. Joe Root (77) and Harry Brook (58) forged a 97-run stand for the fourth wicket to bring some hope back, but once the vice-captain fell, the Three Lions could never recover and were soon bundled for 209 in 58.1 overs. The induction of Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson in the 3rd Test could inject some confidence in this England team as they head for the decider on Thursday.
The Dragon Boat Festival is one of China's most enduring and visually spectacular cultural events, blending millennium-old folklore with sports. Held annually on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month (19th June in 2026), this UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event transforms rivers and harbours into arenas of colour and community pride. Teams of rowers, thrilled by the hypnotic rhythm of onboard drummers, race in ornately carved vessels adorned with awe-inspiring wooden dragon heads. Beyond the competitive spirit, the celebration is deeply anchored in spiritual rituals meant to ward off evil and welcome good health. Even in these modern times, talk about the aroma of steaming bamboo-wrapped zongzi (rice dumplings) and the hanging of medicinal plants, including wildly famous mugwort, is common. For the uninitiated, the festival originated over 2,000 years ago, according to legend, to commemorate the death of the poet and minister Qu Yuan. And it continues to enrapture the Sinosphere.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is well and truly live now, and it has turned host cities from Vancouver to Mexico City into giant parties. Millions of fans fill stadiums with an explosion of colour to witness this carnival, in both joy and heartbreak. For every fan dancing in the streets, others are weeping in quiet corners, clutching their flags in grief as their Cup dream dies. Yet, this beautiful game has no barrier; it connects everyone. These striking photos capture the pure magic, the passion, and the artistic creativity of the fans. Old and young, supporters from every corner of the globe show pride in what they represent, rooting for their teams and beloved players. Wearing wild costumes and in body paint, they wave banners and flags. Rivals become friends amid wins and defeats. Football is much more than just a game -- it's a universal language that brings the whole world together, and this expanded 48-team tournament is already an unforgettable carnival of hope and love for many.
Marizanne Kapp struck a scintillating 45-ball 81 as South Africa overwhelmed India by six wickets in their ICC Women's T20 World Cup clash on Sunday. Batting first, India posted 158 for seven and South Africa rode on Kapp's brilliant unbeaten knock and Tazmin Brits' 36-ball 40 to complete the chase of 159 in 19.1 overs. Shree Charani (3/24) picked up three wickets for India. Earlier, India were off to a flying start and scored 59 runs in the powerplay due to Shafali Verma (3 off 15 balls) and Smriti Mandhana's (17 off 12 balls) aggressive approach. However, South Africa's bowlers fought back well by applying the brakes on India's scoring in the middle overs while picking up important wickets, including that of India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who made her 200th T20I appearance, a feat no other cricketer -- male and female -- has achieved in the history of the game. Harmanpreet made 24 in her landmark game while Deepti Sharma chipped in with an useful 29 in 21 balls.
Australia crushed Bangladesh by 7 wickets and 54 balls to spare to clean sweep the three-match T20I series at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, Chattogram, on Sunday, June 21. Bangladesh's decision to win the toss and bat first backfired as Aussie bowlers rattled them with early wickets. The Bangla Tigers could not recover from the early onslaught by the visitors and were restricted to a paltry 109/8 in 20 overs. Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis picked up two wickets each to derail Bangla Tigers' innings. Skipper Towhid Hridoy was the only batter who valiantly faced the Aussies and slammed an unbeaten 61 to take his team to a score. In reply, Mitchell Marsh broke the back of the target with a blasting 60-run knock off just 28 balls. He never let the Bangladesh bowlers settle and made light work of the chase with his blistering knock.
Find today's news in pics from India and around the world for June 21, 2026
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