Sports News Today: Argentina Beat England, Reach FIFA World Cup Final; FIFA Banner Controversy, ICC World Cup Changes

Argentina’s dramatic late comeback against England dominates today’s bulletin, with the reigning champions booking another FIFA World Cup final against Spain. Elsewhere, the fallout from the politically charged semi-final continues, the ICC has overhauled the formats of both the ODI and T20 World Cups, and Indian sport sees fresh developments in cricket and badminton.

1. Argentina stun England with late comeback to reach World Cup final

Argentina produced another trademark late turnaround to beat England 2-1 and book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. Anthony Gordon had given England the lead, but Enzo Fernandez equalised with a stunning long-range strike before substitute Lautaro Martinez headed home Lionel Messi’s cross in stoppage time. Lionel Scaloni’s side became only the sixth defending champion to reach the following World Cup final, where they will face Spain. Messi also became the oldest outfield player to appear in a World Cup semi-final at 39 years and 21 days.

2. Argentina face possible FIFA action after Falklands banner celebration

Argentina’s celebrations after defeating England could land them in trouble with FIFA after several players displayed a “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Falklands are Argentine”) banner on the pitch. FIFA previously fined the Argentine Football Association for displaying a similar banner before a 2014 friendly, with regulations prohibiting political messaging during matches. The latest incident came despite Lionel Scaloni urging before the game that football and politics should remain separate.

3. Jude Bellingham embroiled in post-match altercation after England exit

England midfielder Jude Bellingham lost his composure after the final whistle, appearing to slap Argentina defender Valentin Barco during heated post-match scenes following England’s semi-final defeat. The confrontation came shortly after Bellingham had exchanged words with Lionel Messi during the game, although the Real Madrid star later insisted the disagreement with the Argentine captain was “nothing really” and simply stemmed from a disputed foul.

4. ICC unveils major revamp of ODI and T20 World Cup formats

The ICC has confirmed sweeping changes to its flagship white-ball tournaments. The 2027 ODI World Cup will feature 14 teams and introduce a new Super 7 stage after an opening qualifying round, creating the possibility of India and Pakistan meeting twice before the knockout rounds. The 2028 T20 World Cup will expand its second phase from a Super 8 to a Super 10, with an IPL-style Eliminator system deciding two of the semi-finalists. The governing body said the changes were designed to create more meaningful matches throughout both tournaments.

5. Gill injury could hand Shreyas Iyer major leadership test

Shubman Gill is doubtful for the second ODI against England after suffering cramps in the series opener, potentially handing vice-captain Shreyas Iyer another opportunity to lead India. The absence of India’s ODI captain would test the team’s carefully planned leadership transition ahead of the 2027 World Cup, with Iyer expected to take charge while balancing responsibilities alongside senior figures Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

6. Argentina vice-president labels England ‘pirates’ before semi-final

Political tensions surrounding the World Cup semi-final intensified before kick-off after Argentina vice-president Victoria Villarruel described England as “usurping pirates” in reference to the Falkland Islands dispute. Villarruel, whose father fought in the 1982 Falklands War, urged Argentina to “stop the invaders in their tracks”, although coach Lionel Scaloni insisted the match should remain separate from politics and history.

7. India endure disappointing day at Japan Open

India suffered a difficult day at the Japan Open Super 750 as Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty and Unnati Hooda all exited in the opening round. Ayush pushed former world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn to three games before losing, while Lakshya was comfortably beaten by Japan’s Koki Watanabe. PV Sindhu and the mixed doubles pairing of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto remain India’s only hopes in the tournament ahead of next month’s World Championships in New Delhi.