Find today's news in pics from India and around the world for July 19, 2026
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It took two of Kimi Antonelli’s rivals working together to put the Formula 1 standings leader to the test. It still wasn’t enough. The 19-year-old Italian beat a display of Red Bull formation flying to take pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix in qualifying on Saturday and boost his push to be the youngest-ever champion. Max Verstappen had set the fastest time after smart coordination with Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar to give him the strongest possible slipstream on his lap. Hadjar stayed in front through the high-speed Blanchimont corners, only moving across at the very last moment to avoid being hit by his own teammate. Mercedes driver Antonelli found a new level of pace on his lap to beat Verstappen by 0.317 of a second and dedicated the pole position as a birthday present to his father Marco, a sportscar racer who turned 62 on Saturday.
Tadej Pogacar launched a trademark attack on the last climb of the day to win the 14th stage of the Tour de France on Saturday and extend his commanding lead as he chases a fifth title. The Slovenian star raised his arms in the air after clinching his fourth stage of this year’s race and 25th overall. Barring injury or mishap, a fifth Tour crown is looking increasingly inevitable. Only Belgian Eddy Merckx, Spaniard Miguel Indurain and Frenchmen Jacques Anquetil and Bernard Hinault have five Tour victories. Pogcar’s UAE Emirates XRG teammate Isaac Del toro has been impressive so far. The 22-year-old Mexican finished Saturday’s stage in second place and French hope Paul Seixas was third ahead of two-time Tour champion Jonas Vingegaard, who is again being dominated by Pogacar in the big climbs.
Lionel Messi rarely loses. Spain never loses. That’s been how things have worked in recent years, anyway. Soccer’s best player and soccer’s dominant team are set to collide Sunday in a World Cup final worthy of the sport’s grandest stage. Messi and Argentina will face a Spain squad that is unbeaten in 37 consecutive matches going back to early 2024. For Spain, it’s a chance at a second World Cup title to go along with the one from 2010 and to cement itself as the unquestioned dominant force in the game right now. For Argentina, it’s a chance to become the first back-to-back men’s World Cup champion since Pele and Brazil did it in 1958 and 1962. And for Messi, it’s a chance to write the perfect ending to what he has indicated will be his final run with his national team.
From Ladakh to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and beyond, citizens, students, activists and civil society groups have taken to the streets to back Sonam Wangchuk's demand for constitutional safeguards, environmental protection and greater accountability for Ladakh.
Protest against Ken-Betwa Project in MP's Chhatarpur
Find today's news in pics from India and around the world for July 18, 2026
US President Donald Trump and FIFA head Gianni Infantino held an exclusive reception at Trump Tower in Manhattan on July 17, 2026, ahead of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. Standing by the iconic trophy, both leaders traded high praise of the tournament. Infantino lauded the event's success, calling it "the American dream" that "united the world". He thanked Trump, noting the event wouldn't have reached such heights without his backing. Trump called the tourney "one of the greatest sporting events in history". The gathering highlighted deep ties between football's governing body and Trump, and the pair have stood steadfastly by one another amid controversies before and during the tournament, also co-hosted by Canada and Mexico. It's also worth noting that FIFA recently leased permanent office space inside Trump Tower. The event concluded with Trump wishing both teams the best of luck ahead of his historic role presenting the trophy to the winning captain this Sunday.
The media room at New York's Fanatics Fest was electric ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina. Instead of traditional media, sports legends like Tom Brady, Novak Djokovic, and Kevin Durant took the stage to interview the teams. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and Spain's Luis de la Fuente discussed handling the immense pressure of the looming title showdown. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez expressed his desire to bring back-to-back titles to his country. The spotlight inevitably turned to the viral photo of Lionel Messi with a baby Lamine Yamal. Messi smiled, calling it a crazy picture, while promising that his team will give their all. Spain captain Rodri wrapped things up with a fighter's mindset. While labelling Messi the greatest player of all time, Rodri insisted his team must stay focused to lift the trophy. See the best photos from the ESP vs ARG final news conference.
The iconic Rockefeller Center transformed into a star-studded pitch for the FIFA Legends Cup, held ahead of the World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain. This photo feature highlights the tournament's most memorable moments, featuring crossover tennis icon Novak Djokovic alongside Brazilian maestro Kaka and Italian goalscorer Alessandro del Piero, among many others. Goalkeeping greats Iker Casillas and Cabo Verde's Vozinha guarded the action at both ends of the field. Closing out the celebration, FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the champion's trophy to Argentine icon Javier Zanetti. See the best photos from the FIFA Legends Cup 2026.
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