Find today's news in pics from India and around the world for July 16, 2026
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Offices, public parks, bars — watch parties popped up at all the usual spots for Wednesday’s semifinal World Cup match. But one was in something of an unusual location: New York’s sprawling Rikers Island correctional facility, better known for its overcrowding and violence than for hosting social events. More than 100 inmates dressed in tan uniforms took seats at tables facing a projection screen showing the game in a gymnasium at the complex’s main intake center to watch the semifinal match between England and Argentina. Colorful balloon towers topped by soccer ball balloons framed the screen. The jail has been hosting watch parties since the tournament kicked off last month for inmates who have shown good behavior, including being incident free for at least 30 days.
The best offense. The best defense. The World Cup final is set, and fittingly, a clash of styles awaits. Lionel Messi — the most prolific goalscorer in the tournament’s history — and defending champion Argentina will take on Spain’s defensive juggernaut on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, to decide the title. Spain beat France in one semifinal on Tuesday; Argentina, the comeback kings of this tournament, rallied to beat England 2-1 in the other semifinal on Wednesday. Argentina is seeking its fourth title and looking to become the first back-to-back World Cup champions since Brazil pulled off the feat in 1958 and 1962. Spain is looking for its second title, after winning in 2010.
After their dramatic comeback victory over Switzerland, defending champions Argentina are gearing up for a highly anticipated FIFA World Cup semifinal against England at Atlanta Stadium in Georgia on Thursday (12:30 am IST). Lionel Scaloni's side held its final training session in Kansas City on Tuesday before travelling for the blockbuster clash. Following the session, the Argentina coach addressed the media, dismissing suggestions that his team had underperformed and expressing gratitude to his players for guiding the defending champions into the semifinals. Asked about the significance of facing England given the history between the two nations, Scaloni acknowledged that it was a painful chapter in Argentina's past but stressed that the semifinal is simply a football match. He added that history and sport should not be conflated, insisting his team's focus remains solely on the challenge on the pitch.
England completed their final training session ahead of their crucial FIFA World Cup semifinal against defending champions Argentina. Thomas Tuchel's side held two training sessions at Kansas City on Monday and Tuesday following their gruelling extra-time victory over Norway, using the time to fine-tune their tactics and finalise their team selection for the blockbuster clash. Midfielder Declan Rice, who was limited to the first half of the quarter-final after suffering a stomach issue following the Round of 16 match, has been declared fully fit for the semifinal. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Tuchel admitted that nerves and tension naturally accompany a match of such importance but insisted he was not feeling any added burden. When asked about the historical significance of the fixture, the England manager downplayed the occasion, stressing that his side remains fully focused on the task ahead, as the past cannot be changed and only the present is within their control.
Find today's news in pics from India and around the world for July 15, 2026
Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the penalty spot after a heady play by teenager Lamine Yamal, Pedro Porro added another goal and Spain advanced to its first World Cup final since winning in 2010 with a 2-0 victory over France on Tuesday. A day after his 19th birthday, Yamal was denied a goal on a close offside call that came soon after Porro’s give-and-go with Dani Olmo in the 58th minute had put Spain up 2-0. But it was Yamal’s smart play against a veteran defender that put Spain in the lead. Spain, which will play in the final for only the second time, will face either defending champion Argentina or England on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Kylian Mbappé and France, FIFA’s top-ranked team, were trying to become only the third team to reach three consecutive World Cup finals. They instead will play in the third-place game in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday, the day before the final at MetLife Stadium across the river from New York City.
India finally won on its tour of the United Kingdom after handing England its first one-day international defeat at Edgbaston in 12 years on Tuesday. England fought back from 107-6 to be 258 all out but couldn’t defend it. A calm and collected India paced the run chase superbly and reached 262-4 to win by six wickets with 28 balls remaining. The victory revives what has been a dismal tour for India. The T20 world champions were blanked in that format by Ireland in Belfast 2-0 and by England 4-0, surrendering its No. 1 ranking. But ODI reinforcements in the shape of captain Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jaspit Bumrah and Lokesh Rahul — many of whom hadn’t played for weeks — proved too good for England at the start of a three-match series.
Find today's news in pics from India and around the world for July 14, 2026
France players sweated it out in their final training session on Monday ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal against Spain, with head coach Didier Deschamps confirming Kylian Mbappe will be fit for the blockbuster clash despite a minor ankle issue. Mbappe, who picked up the knock during France's quarterfinal win over Morocco, completed only part of the session as a precaution but is expected to start on Tuesday. Speaking after training, Deschamps insisted France would not concede possession to Spain, saying his side was equally capable of controlling the ball and expected a "battle for control." Midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery echoed his coach's confidence, highlighting France's ability to counterattack, dominate possession and defend effectively against the European champions.
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