On a lighter but no less globally gripping note, the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s knockout stage opened in Toronto with Portugal facing Croatia in the Round of 32. Cristiano Ronaldo led the Portuguese attack alongside Rafael Leão and Pedro Neto against an unchanged Croatian side. The match was tightly contested, with Croatia withstanding Portuguese pressure to hold 0-0 at half-time. Coverage from outlets spanning The Guardian, The Hindu, and Stuff reflected the truly worldwide audience watching from every time zone.
Elsewhere in the World Cup orbit, Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher drew a spirited response from Maná vocalist Fher after predicting England would thrash Mexico 5-0 — a reminder that the tournament’s drama extends well beyond the pitch.
