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EXPLAINED: Why Spain players cut the goal nets after winning FIFA World Cup 2026 | Football News
NEW DELHI: Spain’s celebrations after winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 caught the attention of football fans around the world. Apart from the usual scenes of joy, hugs, cheers and trophy celebrations, one moment stood out at the New York New Jersey Stadium, officially known as MetLife Stadium. After beating Argentina 1-0 in extra time to lift their second World Cup title, several Spain players were seen cutting pieces of the goal net and taking them home as souvenirs.
Spain borrow a famous basketball tradition
The unusual celebration came after substitute Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the final in the 106th minute to seal a historic victory over defending champions Argentina.Once the celebrations began, Spain’s players borrowed one of basketball’s most famous traditions by cutting down the goal nets.

The pieces of the net became personal keepsakes, marking one of the biggest achievements of their careers.
Where did the tradition begin?
Cutting down the nets is a long-standing basketball tradition that began in the US state of Indiana.In the early 20th century, winning teams started taking the nets home as souvenirs to remember championship victories. The tradition became famous in 1947 when North Carolina State coach Everett Case celebrated his team’s Southern Conference Tournament title by climbing onto his players’ shoulders and cutting down part of the basket net.

Case spent 23 years coaching high school basketball in his home state of Indiana, winning four state championships before joining North Carolina State in 1946.After leading NC State to the Southern Conference Tournament title in 1947, Case cut down the net as a souvenir of the victory. The gesture quickly became one of basketball’s most iconic championship traditions and is now seen regularly during NCAA tournaments and other major competitions.

Spain’s players brought the tradition to football’s biggest stage, turning the goal net into a lasting reminder of their World Cup triumph at MetLife Stadium after defeating Argentina in the 2026 final.
Spain dominate FIFA World Cup 2026 final
Spain were crowned world champions for only the second time in their history after a dominant performance against Argentina.Although the scoreline was only 1-0, Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled the game from start to finish. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made a string of outstanding saves to keep his side in the contest before Ferran Torres finally broke the deadlock in the 106th minute after Nico Williams headed Pedro Porro’s cross into his path.
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Mammoth D John Marino signs 8-year, $54M extension
Nov 18, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; Utah Mammoth defenseman John Marino (6) warms up before the game against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images The Utah Mammoth signed defenseman John Marino to an eight-year, $54 million contract extension on Tuesday.
The deal carries an average annual value of $6.75 million and begins with the 2027-28 season.
Marino, 29, had a career-high 36 points (four goals, 32 assists) and finished tied for fifth in the NHL in plus/minus (plus-42) in 80 games with Utah last season.
“We value John’s long-term commitment to Utah and what he brings to our group every day,” president of hockey operations Chris Armstrong said. “His professionalism and competitiveness as well as the stability and puck-moving ability that he provides on our blue line, makes him an invaluable cornerstone for our franchise.” Marino has 157 points (23 goals, 134 assists) in 443 career games with the Pittsburgh Penguins (2019-22), New Jersey Devils (2022-24) and Mammoth.
“We view John as a foundational piece of our future,” general manager Bill Armstrong said. “His ability to control the game from the back end, his play in transition and our trust in him to make the right decisions in critical situations allows him to be a difference maker on most nights. Beyond his skill, John brings a level of calmness under pressure that our group feeds off of and that’s exactly what you need from your veteran players.”
The Edmonton Oilers drafted Marino in the sixth round in 2015 and he played at Harvard from 2016-19.
–Field Level Media
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The Hundred MI London vs SunRisers Leeds: Abrar spoils Gleeson’s hat-trick attempt
MI London bowler Richard Gleeson is on for his hat-trick after dismissing SunRisers Leeds’ Zak Crawley and Benny Howell in two balls, only for number 11 batter Abrar Ahmed to spoil his moment by hitting a six.
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World Cup 2026: Spain return to Madrid in triumph – Sports
Spain reunited with their supporters in Madrid less than 24 hours after winning the World Cup final against Argentina (1-0, after extra time). The players of La Roja, alongside head coach Luis de la Fuente, displayed the trophy upon their arrival at the airport before taking part in celebrations across the capital. More than 1 million people attended the parade, which ended with a major concert at Cibeles Square.
Lionel Messi has spoken after Argentina’s defeat in the final, describing his feelings as immense pain and admitting the loss would leave a deep mark.
In the FIFA rankings, Spain have returned to first place ahead of Argentina. France remain third despite their defeat against England in the third-place match (6-4).
Rudi Garcia will leave his position as Belgium manager despite guiding the team to the World Cup quarter-finals.
The football world has also paid tribute to Kevin Keegan, who has died at the age of 75.
In cycling, Jonas Vingegaard will undergo collarbone surgery after his crash on the Tour de France. Stage 16 features a 26.1-kilometre individual time trial this Tuesday.
In tennis, Océane Dodin claimed her first victory on the WTA Tour in two years at the Prague tournament, while Mayar Sherif won the Iași tournament after Paula Badosa retired in the final.
Sports
Lalit Modi Cleared In Key 2009 IPL South Africa Case After Tribunal Verdict
New Delhi:
Former chairman Lalit Modi was cleared in the principal proceedings arising from the 2009 Indian Premier League’s staging in South Africa after the Appellate Tribunal under SAFEMA set aside the penalties imposed on him, rejecting the Enforcement Directorate’s core case that the foreign remittances were capital account transactions.Announcing the verdict after more than 16 years of investigations, proceedings, and litigation, Modi said the tribunal found that the main remittances related to IPL 2009 were current account transactions. It also determined that he was not responsible for the BCCI’s statutory FEMA compliance or given the financial authority as alleged by the Enforcement Directorate.
Calling it the end of the largest legal dispute stemming from the 2009 South Africa edition of the IPL, Modi said, “This marks the end of what has been the single most significant legal matter arising from the 2009 South Africa IPL.”
He added, “For over sixteen years, I have consistently maintained one simple position: I acted in good faith, in the best interests of Indian cricket and the IPL, and committed no personal wrongdoing.”
Modi explained that the decision to move the tournament to South Africa came under extraordinary circumstances when India’s general elections made it impossible to host the event at home.
“The successful staging of that season ensured that the IPL survived and ultimately became one of the world’s most valuable sporting properties,” he said.
Emphasising his full cooperation with the legal process throughout the proceedings, Modi stated, “Throughout these proceedings, I have cooperated with the legal process and remained confident that the facts and the law would ultimately prevail.”
He expressed gratitude to “my legal team, my family, my friends and the many people who continued to believe in me during what has been an extraordinarily long journey.”
Describing the ruling as more than a personal win, Modi said, “This judgment is not simply personal vindication. It reaffirms the importance of due process, objective legal analysis, and the principle that allegations must ultimately be tested against evidence and law.” He added, “I have always believed that time is the greatest judge. Today, after more than sixteen years, that process has spoken.”
Looking ahead, Modi mentioned that his focus had shifted beyond the case. “My focus remains firmly on the future. I will continue pursuing opportunities in global sport, business, and philanthropy while leaving this chapter behind with dignity and gratitude.”
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Jon Rahm on verge of LIV title, takes cryptic tone on future
May 10, 2026; Sterling, Virginia, USA; Jon Rahm hits a drive in the rain during the final round of LIV Golf Virginia golf tournament at Trump National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Jack Power-Imagn Images Jon Rahm has an outside shot at clinching another individual championship at LIV Golf United Kingdom this week, but the Spaniard doesn’t expect a lot of clarity on or off the course at this point in the season.
Rahm, who won consecutive LIV Golf titles and leads Bryson DeChambeau in a bid for his third in a row this season, stuck around after playing the Open Championship for LIV’s UK event at JCB Golf and Country Club. He holds a 928.58 to 644.40 lead over DeChambeau and is well clear of Joaquin Niemann in third place (344.66).
Rahm beat Niemann and DeChambeau was third in the individual race in 2025.
“It means a lot more than the simple fact that you’re winning. It means that you’re playing good golf consistently, and it means that the process has been working. I’ve always taken a lot of pride in being consistent and having a lot of top 10s, and I think that reflects on those wins,” Rahm said Tuesday in Rocester, England.
“But to wrap it up this early, I still need to win, and I still need to expect a bad week from Bryson, which based on how he’s been playing last week most likely won’t happen. I would expect a fight from him and other players, and I still need to perform at my best to finish it off.”
LIV Golf has been on scheduled hiatus with only tournaments in New Jersey at Trump National in Bedminster (Aug. 6-9) and LIV Indianapolis (Aug. 20-23) before the team championship is staged in Michigan the final weekend in August.
What the future holds for Rahm and all of LIV Golf appears to be up in the air as early as September.
Rahm confirmed he was “in contact” with the decision-makers steering the purported PGA Tour competitor as LIV seeks to find a funding stream or two following the exit of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. “We know a lot of what’s going on, yeah,” Rahm said, but as for those details, there are none “I can share with you guys right now,” he said.
“I’m always optimistic. I play a game for a living. I can’t really be too upset about how things are going in life. Even though I’m very frustrated on the course very often, off the course I’m very different to what a lot of people think.”
Rahm finished tied for 46th at Royal Birkdale last week to walk away with $51,707, a disappointment considering he entered the weekend in a tie with several players in eighth place. The wheels came off with a bogey barrage on Sunday.
“If there was an overall (theme) for the week, it was just I simply couldn’t hole enough putts,” Rahm said of his performance at the Open Championship. “I think I did a lot of good things, and just not seeing the ball go in did get a little frustrating, as it would for anybody, and then on Sunday starting with a double and finishing with a double — it’s just killer. Having three doubles on the weekend is going to kill you.” –Field Level Media
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Remco Evenepoel shows time trial chops in Stage 16 at Tour de France
Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe’s Remco Evenepoel won Stage 16 individual time-trial at the 2026 Tour de France. Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel dominated the Stage 16 time trial Tuesday, finishing the technical 26.1-kilometer course at Thonon-les-Bains, France, in 32 minutes, 19 seconds to strengthen his grip on second place in the overall standings at the Tour de France.
The time trial opened the third and final week of the Tour de France after an off day Monday, with the concluding Stage 21 set for a Sunday finish at Paris.
A three-time world champion in the time trial who also won both cycling events at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Evenepoel was a full minute faster than the closest competitor until Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar finished right behind him in second at 32:47.
Evenepoel was somewhat subdued after the victory at the news that Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe teammate Florian Lipowitz of Germany had to abandon the Tour de France following a crash on the time trial course.
Pogacar, who nearly crashed at the same corner where Lipowitz went down, remained in the overall leader’s yellow jersey, with Evenepoel 4:32 behind after winning his second consecutive stage. Evenepoel won Sunday’s Stage 15 by edging Pogacar on a closing climb in the mountains.
Mexico’s Isaac del Toro remained third in the overall standings after finishing fifth on Tuesday, while 19-year-old Paul Seixas of France was fourth overall after finishing fourth in the time trial.
Juan Ayuso of Spain is fifth overall, just ahead of Denmark’s Mattias Skjelmose, who finished in third place on Tuesday.
Lipowitz entered the time trial fifth in the overall standings, after finishing third overall last year, but is now out with an apparent right shoulder injury after crashing and sliding into a curb alongside the road.
Wednesday’s Stage 17 is a relatively flat 174.7-kilometer route with an early climb from Chambery to Voiron.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Lionel Messi Tried To Divert Referee’s Attention Using ‘Fake Injury’ As Enzo Fernandez Got Red Card. Video
The Argentina vs Spain FIFA World Cup final was a heated affair. There were yellow cards, a red card, and even a full-blown fight. Enzo Fernandez‘s dismissal in second-half stoppage time left Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina with 10 men for the closing stages before the European champions clinched the title. In a new video that has emerged, Lionel Messi can be seen telling the referee to look at Nicolas Tagliafico, who was lying on the ground just as Fernandez received the red card. However, in the video, it can be clearly seen that Tagliafico was faking his injury.
Este es, quizás, el vídeo más descarado de la Final de la Copa del Mundo. Todos vimos cómo Enzo Fernández casi mata a Pau Cubarsí, pero si te fijas, más abajo, un jugador de Argentina, Nicolás Tagliafico, ve la tremenda patada de su compañero y, sabiendo que la ha cagado, se le… pic.twitter.com/5Ae5itK0LB
— Javier Rubio Donzé (@Sr_Donze) July 21, 2026
Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez has vowed to keep giving everything for his country after breaking his silence following the FIFA World Cup final defeat to Spain, a match that saw him sent off late before the team’s title defence ended in heartbreak. Spain edged Argentina 1-0 after extra time at New York New Jersey Stadium on Monday, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal.
The Chelsea midfielder had already been booked for dissent before receiving a second yellow card for a late challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi. A day after the defeat, Fernandez took to Instagram to thank the fans and reflect on Argentina’s campaign, insisting the team’s commitment extended beyond the final result.
“As time goes by, you understand that there’s something much bigger than a result. For years, this group has represented us in the best way. They teach us that competing isn’t just about winning, but about giving everything for the shirt and never giving up. Being part of this group that always showed its mettle, that competed at the highest level, and that defended these colours with pride, humility, and commitment is an honour.”
The 25-year-old also expressed his gratitude to the Argentina faithful, who backed the team throughout the tournament.
“I want to thank all the Argentine fans. Thank you for always being there, for supporting us in every match, for your affection, your unconditional support, and for making us feel like we’re at home anywhere in the world.”
Fernandez signed off with a promise to continue serving the national team with the same commitment despite the painful end to Argentina’s World Cup campaign.
“Wearing my country’s shirt is the greatest honour of my career, and I will continue to give my all every time I have the opportunity to defend it.”
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Evenepoel beats Pogacar by seconds in stage 16 of Tour de France
Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel stormed to victory in Tuesday’s 26.1km individual time-trial at the Tour de France to shave valuable seconds off Tadej Pogacar‘s overall lead.
Belgian Evenepoel, 26, blasted over the stage 16 course along the shores of Lake Geneva 28 seconds quicker than reigning champion Pogacar in second.
Everyone else finished more than a minute back, with Dane Mattias Skjelmose taking third at 1min 04sec.
That performance by the world and Olympic time-trial champion – on Belgium‘s national holiday – cut four-time Tour winner Pogacar’s overall lead to 4min 32sec.
“It’s amazing, it was a very nice TT (time-trial), a lot of people on the side of the road,” said Evenepoel.
“My whole family from both sides being here, my parents came just today. My wife is here with her parents and the siblings as well.
“And also on the Belgian national day is pretty special – I read this morning it’s been a while since Belgium won on National Day, so I’m proud to be the one.”
It was Evenepoel’s second successive stage victory after he triumphed on Sunday’s mountainous 15th stage.
Read moreOlympic champ Evenepoel wins Tour de France 15th stage
It was his fourth Tour stage victory overall, and his third in time-trials.
He also extended the gap to third-placed Isaac del Toro to more than two minutes.
But it was a miserable day for Evenepoel’s Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe team-mate Florian Lipowitz.
Two days after two-time former winner Jonas Vingegaard crashed out of the Tour while sitting second overall, German Lipowitz went down hard on a bend and was forced out of the race.
Read moreDenmark’s Jonas Vingegaard, in second place in Tour de France, withdraws after fall
He had been fifth overall until that point and had set the fourth fastest time in the three intermediate time-checks.
But several minutes after he crashed, Lipowitz was escorted to a medical vehicle holding his left arm.
“That’s very unfortunate, it’s like a bittersweet pill to swallow with this victory, so I wish him all the best and I hope it’s not too bad,” Evenepoel said of his teammate.
Both Pogacar and Del Toro had a scare going through the same bend where Lipowitz fell but managed to stay upright.
‘Mixed emotions’
From the moment Evenepoel began his time-trial, it was clear he was on course to do something special.
Once the top 10 contenders began their races against the clock, Skjelmose set the fastest time, well ahead of the best of the rest.
Lipowitz, Del Toro and French teenage prodigy Paul Seixas were only a handful of seconds behind at the three time-checks.
But when Evenepoel went through the first, it was clear that he was riding at a different pace.
Only Pogacar could stay within potential touching distance but he was seven seconds down at the first time-check, with Skjelmose 22sec back.
Those gaps ballooned to 14sec and 56sec by the second time-check.
That was the uphill part of the course and was where Evenepoel gained most of his time.
On the following descent and then a flat run to the finish, he gained only eight seconds on Skjelmose, 10 on Seixas and 13 on Pogacar.
“I think it was a really good execution from start to finish, he had good control,” said Red Bull sporting director Klaas Lodewyck.
“It’s mixed emotions, let’s say. We’re over the moon with the win from Remco, but the loss of Lipo was a big blow for the team.”
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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ASICS joins 2026 NMDC Hyderabad Marathon as official sports goods partner | Business
Japanese sportswear brand ASICS has renewed its association with the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon, signing on as the official sports goods partner for the event’s 15th edition in 2026.
The partnership marks the second consecutive year that ASICS has collaborated with the Hyderabad Runners Society (HRS), the organiser of one of India’s leading distance-running events.
Alongside the announcement, the company also introduced the Novablast running shoe in India, positioning the launch around the marathon as it looks to strengthen its presence in the country’s expanding running market. The announcement underlines ASICS’ continued focus on supporting road-running events while expanding access to its latest performance footwear.
Second straight year of partnership
The renewed agreement extends ASICS’ relationship with the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon following its association with the event last year. Organised by the Hyderabad Runners Society, the marathon has grown into one of India’s prominent road races, attracting runners from across the country.
As the official sports goods partner, ASICS will support the 2026 edition and use the platform to engage with the country’s growing community of recreational and competitive runners. The partnership also coincides with the marathon’s 15th edition.
Novablast makes its India debut
ASICS used the partnership announcement to unveil the Novablast in India. The latest version of the running shoe features FF TURBO™ SQUARED foam in the forefoot trampoline pod for the first time, paired with FF BLAST™ MAX cushioning aimed at delivering softer landings and a more responsive ride.
The shoe also includes an updated engineered mesh upper for improved breathability and fit, while the redesigned outsole is intended to provide better grip and running efficiency. Alongside the footwear, ASICS introduced its Race Day Look, combining the Novablast with the ‘Road’ apparel collection, featuring Actibreeze technology, and performance-running accessories.
Focus on India’s running ecosystem
Rajat Khurana, managing director, ASICS India, said the company had seen India’s running community expand significantly in recent years, with marathons evolving beyond competitive events into platforms that bring together people of different ages and abilities. He said the continued partnership with the Hyderabad Runners Society reflected the brand’s commitment to supporting that growth while making advanced running technology more accessible. He added that the India launch of the Novablast was part of ASICS’ efforts to provide runners with products designed to improve their overall running experience.
Rajesh Vetcha, race director, NMDC Hyderabad Marathon, said the marathon had established itself as a key event on India’s running calendar. He noted that continuing the partnership with ASICS aligned with the organisers’ objective of promoting the sport through innovation and a better understanding of runners’ needs.
He added that both organisations were looking forward to delivering another successful edition of the marathon while contributing to the growth of India’s running community.
With the renewed partnership and the launch of its latest running shoe, ASICS is continuing its strategy of expanding its presence in India’s road-running segment through event partnerships and performance-focused product launches.
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