Find today's news in pics from India and around the world for September 26, 2026
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Zinedine Zidane’s managerial debut for France began with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Turkey at the Yildiz Entegre Kocaeli Stadyumu in Izmit, kicking off their 2026–27 UEFA Nations League group stage campaign. Despite controlling possession early on, Les Bleus were tested by a resilient Turkish side. The breakthrough arrived in the 54th minute when a swift attacking move released Kylian Mbappé on the edge of the box, who slotted home a clinical low finish. However, the goal came at a steep price; Mbappé picked up a knee injury during the sequence and had to be immediately replaced. Trailing by a goal, Turkey mounted intense pressure in the second half, with Arda Güler forcing sharp saves and pushing the French backline deep. The hosts' comeback efforts suffered a severe blow in the 87th minute when goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır received a red card for handling outside his area. Despite late surges and numerical disadvantage, France held firm to secure the clean-sheet win.
Roberto Mancini’s second stint as manager of the Italy began with a frustrating setback as the Azzurri fell 0-2 to Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico in their opening fixture of the 2026–27 UEFA Nations League group stage. Despite missing several key players due to injuries and suspension, Italy started brightly, with Francesco Pio Esposito hitting the woodwork and Moise Kean testing the Belgian defense early on. However, the momentum shifted in the 19th minute when a defensive error allowed Mika Godts to capitalize and calmly slot past Gianluigi Donnarumma. Trailing at the break, Italy came out firing in the second half. Just as the hosts looked poised to find an equalizer, Belgium delivered a fatal blow against the run of play in the 68th minute. Substitute Dodi Lukébakio finished off a swift counterattack to double the advantage. Despite late changes from the bench, Italy failed to break down a disciplined Belgian backline, handing the Red Devils a historic clean-sheet victory.
The Indian football team produced a spirited display at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, holding a higher-ranked Panama side to a hard-fought 1-1 draw in their international friendly. Ranked 138th in the world, the Blue Tigers stunned their 44th-ranked opponents when Ryan Williams broke the deadlock in the 41st minute, latching onto a brilliant long ball from Akash Mishra to slot past the goalkeeper. Panama, who featured in the 2026 FIFA World Cup earlier, increased the pressure after the interval and found an equalizer in the 68th minute through Omar Valencia’s powerful long-range strike. Despite late pressure from the visitors and a few missed chances by India to snatch a winner, Khalid Jamil’s side stood firm defensively to secure an encouraging result ahead of upcoming marquee friendlies against Brazil and Uruguay.
The Indian women’s kabaddi team dug deep to beat Iran 37-34 at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium, winning the Asian Games 2026 gold and claiming their fourth title in five editions. Iran started without captain Zahra Karimi, but despite India racing to a 15-10 lead and a double-digit halftime cushion (22-16), Iran stormed back. Sparked by Saniya Naeimi and Atena Madadi, Iran slashed the deficit to 27-26 with eight minutes left. Under immense pressure, Ritu Negi pulled off a clutch super tackle, and Pooja delivered vital raids to restore a 34-28 lead. India expertly ran down the clock to seal the 37-34 victory. Captain Pushpa Rana noted they fought till the end. Chinese Taipei and Nepal secured bronze in the eight-team event.
One month after devastating floods and landslides battered Nepal, communities are still struggling to recover from the destruction
Heavy rain has caused widespread flooding across Bangkok, disrupting traffic and making several roads difficult or impossible to pass. Authorities have urged residents in affected areas to exercise caution as water levels rise
Portugal began the defense of their UEFA Nations League campaign with a hard-fought and disciplined 1-0 victory over a resilient Wales side at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon. This high-stakes group stage encounter showcased contrasting tactical styles, with the hosts dominating possession while the Dragons posed a constant threat on the counter-attack under the lights. The Seleção controlled the tempo from the opening whistle, breaking the deadlock in the 22nd minute when Nuno Mendes burst forward on a blistering counter-attack down the left flank and delivered a pinpoint cross for João Félix to clinically fire home. Though Cristiano Ronaldo saw a second-half goal chalked off by VAR for a marginal offside and Wales mounted a determined late push searching for an equalizer, Portugal's backline stood resolute to secure all three points and launch their tournament journey in style.
The Netherlands and Germany played out a thrilling 1-1 draw at the Johan Cruyff Arena in an electrifying opening match of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League group stage. This high-profile encounter carried immense historical rivalry while marking the highly anticipated managerial debuts of Xavi Hernández for the Oranje and Jürgen Klopp for Die Mannschaft. Germany controlled large phases of the tactical battle, breaking the deadlock in the 31st minute when Felix Nmecha clinically converted a swift transitional move. However, the Dutch side pushed relentlessly for an equalizer in front of a raucous home crowd. Just as Julian Nagelsmann's former mentor Klopp looked set to claim a famous away win on his debut, Cody Gakpo delivered a dramatic moment of brilliance, firing home a fierce volley deep into stoppage time (90+1') to rescue a hard-fought point.
Devotees carried the idols of Lalbaugcha Raja, Mumbai Cha Raja and Raja Tejukaya in grand processions across Mumbai on Anant Chaturdashi
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