Sports News Today: Spain reach World Cup semi-finals, BCCI reviews India, Sinner storms into Wimbledon final

The FIFA World Cup once again dominates today’s sporting headlines as Spain booked a blockbuster semi-final against France, Cristiano Ronaldo’s international future took another twist, and England’s World Cup opponents continued to make news. Cricket’s spotlight remained on India’s ongoing struggles in England, while Wimbledon finals are now firmly set after two dominant semi-final performances.

1. Spain edge Belgium to set up blockbuster World Cup semi-final against France

Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals after Mikel Merino struck a dramatic 88th-minute winner to beat Belgium 2-1. Introduced only moments earlier, the Arsenal midfielder pounced on a rebound after substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled Pau Cubarsi’s long-range effort. Fabian Ruiz had earlier given Spain the lead before Charles De Ketelaere ended Spain’s remarkable 649-minute World Cup streak without conceding. Luis de la Fuente’s side will now meet France in one of the tournament’s most anticipated semi-finals.

2. Ronaldo’s Portugal future remains open under new coach Jorge Jesus

Portugal’s newly-appointed head coach Jorge Jesus has made it clear that Cristiano Ronaldo still has a future with the national team despite the veteran suggesting the 2026 World Cup would be his last. Jesus, who coached Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, said he would continue selecting the five-time Ballon d’Or winner as long as he remains fit and motivated, describing Ronaldo as “a symbol of Portuguese football” and insisting he would “never be a problem” for the national team. The pair are expected to hold talks over Ronaldo’s international future in the coming weeks.

The BCCI has confirmed it will conduct a formal review into India’s disastrous white-ball tour after successive T20I series defeats to Ireland and England. Secretary Devajit Saikia described the results as a “bad phase” but admitted the board would analyse what went wrong once the ODI series concludes. India have lost five of six T20Is under new captain Shreyas Iyer, including their first-ever bilateral T20I series defeat to England, prompting concerns despite being reigning world champions.

4. England chase history as India fight to avoid 4-0 humiliation

England head into the fifth and final T20I in Southampton looking to complete a historic 4-0 series victory and replace India as the No.1-ranked T20I side. Harry Brook’s men have won 19 of their last 22 matches and have dominated the series, while India are attempting to avoid a string of unwanted records, including their first whitewash in a bilateral T20I series. Shreyas Iyer’s side have now lost five consecutive T20Is and could make changes, with Suryansh Shedge in contention for a debut.

5. Sinner crushes Djokovic to reach second straight Wimbledon final

Defending champion Jannik Sinner produced another dominant display to dismantle Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 and reach the Wimbledon final without dropping a set since the opening round. The world No.1 struck 40 winners and barely allowed the 39-year-old Serbian into the contest, ending Djokovic’s hopes of a record 25th Grand Slam title. Sinner will now face French Open champion Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s final as he chases a fifth Grand Slam crown.

6. India women recover through Mandhana on opening day at Lord’s

Smriti Mandhana’s unbeaten half-century steadied India after an early collapse on the opening morning of the one-off Women’s Test against England at Lord’s. Reduced to 37 for two after England elected to bowl, India recovered through a fluent 64-run partnership between Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues before reaching 122 for three at lunch. Mandhana remained unbeaten on 56 alongside captain Harmanpreet Kaur as India seized back momentum after the difficult start.

7. Shubman Gill joins Indian cricket royalty with Wimbledon Royal Box invitation

India captain Shubman Gill has joined an exclusive club after receiving an invitation to watch Wimbledon from the prestigious Royal Box. Gill becomes only the fourth Indian captain after Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to receive the honour. Currently touring England with the Indian team, Gill has also attended the British Grand Prix at Silverstone as a VIP guest, reflecting his growing stature beyond cricket.

8. Noskova sets up historic all-Czech Wimbledon final

Linda Noskova reached her maiden Grand Slam final after defeating Marta Kostyuk in straight sets to set up the first all-Czech women’s Wimbledon final. The 21-year-old beat the Ukrainian 6-4, 6-4 with a composed display and will now face compatriot Karolina Muchova for the title. The result guarantees a Czech women’s champion at Wimbledon for the third time in four years and marks the first all-Czech women’s Grand Slam final in history.

9. England tighten alcohol rules following Ben Stokes retirement

The England and Wales Cricket Board has introduced stricter guidance on alcohol consumption after a series of off-field incidents culminating in Ben Stokes’ retirement. Players have now been advised not to drink on the day before or after matches, while the existing midnight curfew remains in place. The move follows several high-profile controversies involving England players, with Stokes admitting a recent bar incident contributed to his decision to retire from international cricket.