A man holds a US-Iran flag (AP Photo/Ted S. He noted, "They are determined to get back in the fight.
A Pentagon spokesperson on Monday said that at least 100 US service members have been injured in July alone as Iran targets Washington's bases in the Middle East region, with tensions flaring up after a ceasefire collapsed nearly two weeks ago.A man holds a US-Iran flag (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)As the United States and Iran continue to trade strikes after the fragile ceasefire deal collapsed earlier this month, roughly 100 American service members have been injured in several Iranian airstrikes on bases in the Middle East this month.In a statement to CBS News on Monday (local time), Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the numbers, stating that roughly 100 people "were deemed to have some degree of injury since July 7, 2026." He added that 96 per cent of them have returned to duty since then.He noted, "They are determined to get back in the fight. The vast majority of injuries experienced were minor concussions."Quick answers to key questions•5 QUESTIONSAround 100 American service members have been reported injured due to Iranian airstrikes on US bases in the Middle East since July 7, 2026, with 96% of them returning to duty, primarily suffering from minor concussions.The hostilities resumed after the collapse of a fragile interim ceasefire agreement signed in June, which failed to provide a lasting resolution to ongoing tensions between the two countries regarding military actions and nuclear issues.The US has conducted multiple airstrikes, marking its tenth consecutive night of operations aimed at degrading Iranian military capabilities and preventing further attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.The rising number of casualties, including 17 US service members killed since the conflict began, raises important questions about the safety and strategic value of continued US military operations in the region.The ongoing conflict has heightened tensions across the Middle East, with increased military strikes and retaliations affecting US allies in the region, and raising fears of a broader regional war.US-Iran hostilities flare upPentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell's remarks come at a time when hostilities between the US and Iran have flared up after a months-long interim ceasefire deal between the two countries collapsed. Earlier in June, Washington and Tehran signed a 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) that aimed to end hostilities in the region on an interim basis. It also paved the way for the two sides to work on a broader framework to end the conflict in the region permanently as negotiators tried to resolve issues regarding the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear programme over a mutually decided period of 60 days.The US military has carried out overnight strikes on Iranian targets for 10 consecutive days, stating that it seeks to stop Tehran from attacking commercial ships, with the Islamic Republic retaliating by attacking US bases in Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, and other allies in the region.Last week, at least two US service members were killed, while several others reportedly suffered injuries after Tehran attacked US bases in Jordan. The Department of Defense (DoD) announced over the weekend that while two American troops were killed, unidentified remains were found at the location where a third service member went missing. On 19 July, another service member was killed in Iraq during a "controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian one-way attack drone."Separately, earlier this month, several other US service members were injured during attacks on Jordanian military bases.413 service members injured since FebruaryWhile the Pentagon has not released the exact number of service members injured or damage assessments from the latest round of attacks by Iran, the military's Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS) lists 413 service members who have been wounded in action since the conflict began in late February.However, the count does not include any injuries that have b
Let's find out what is Marc Cucurella’s song. Its meaning, translation, lyrics, composer, tune and other details associated with Spain star footballer’s viral chant are provided here.EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 19: Marc Cucurella #24 of Spain celebrates with the FIFA World Cup Winner�s Trophy after the team�s victory following the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Carl Recine/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Carl Recine / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)(Getty Images via AFP)Marc Cucurella, one of the most popular Spanish football players is in the limelight after the country's 2026 FIFA World Cup win. His famous chant is doing the rounds online and has become one of soccer's most popular fan anthems since Spain devoured victory. By edging Argentina 1-0 in extra time, Spain ended Lionel Messi's bid for back-to-back titles with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute. Luis de la Fuente's men secured their second World Cup crown after an intense clash with Lionel Scaloni's team.Marc Cucurella's song follows him wherever he goes and now its viral over the Internet. Becoming one of soccer's most popular fan anthems, the striking “Cucurella” chant has become almost as popular as the defender’s unique hair style. Let's explore the origin of the Marc Cucurella song.Marc Cucurella song composer and tuneAccording to Athlon Sports report, the chant was first gained currency after Cucurella’s arrival from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2022. Composed by Blues fans and combined with the rhythm of classic song La Bamba, popularized by Ritchie Valens, the song is captivating.Quick answers to key questions•5 QUESTIONSThe Marc Cucurella song is a fan chant that celebrates the Spanish footballer, known for its upbeat lyrics and catchy tune reminiscent of 'La Bamba.' It gained popularity after Spain's victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The song first gained traction following Cucurella's arrival at Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022, composed by Blues fans who crafted it to the rhythm of 'La Bamba.' It became a favorite among Chelsea supporters during his time at the club.Cucurella's chant became popular due to its playful nature, catchy lyrics that reference Spanish culture, and its energetic atmosphere, especially during Spain's successful matches, making it a beloved anthem among fans.The chant features lines like 'Cucurella, Cucurella, he eats paella,' which humorously highlights Cucurella's Spanish heritage alongside references to his hair and a nod to the Estrella beer, making it a lighthearted fan favorite.Yes, despite the inaccuracies, Cucurella has accepted the song, even joking about it, showing that he appreciates its fun spirit and the admiration from fans, which contributes to its viral success.Marc Cucurella song lyricsPlayfully praising the Spaniard, the song begins with: “Cucurella, Cucurella, he eats paella…”Giving a lighthearted reference to Spanish beer (Estrella) and the long, curly hair of Cucurella, the remaining lyrics are one of the most upbeat chants in English soccer. One of the best left-backs in the world, Marc Cucurella seems to have accepted the song despite its inaccuracies as he once joked that he doesn’t drink beer while referring to the song's lyrics that state he “drinks Estrella."The viral song took off when the Barcelona born soccer legend was on the pitch and Chelsea supporters often chanted it. Notably, Marc Cucurella played as a left-back for Chelsea FC from the summer of 2022 until his permanent transfer to Real Madrid in June 2026. Before joining Chelsea FC in August 2022, Cucurella played for Brighton & Hove Albion.The song particularly gained traction when Spain claimed the UEFA Euro 2024 after Spanish content creator Adri Navarro developed a new version. The most popular line of this song, “Haaland, tiembla, que viene Cucurella" translates to, “Haaland
Live UpdatesUS-Iran war LIVE: US President Donald Trump on Sunday (local time) said that the US military is hitting Iran 'very hard' to honour the service members who were killed in Jordan. Another US service member was killed in Iraq, CENTCOM announced. Tune in to Live Mint to catch all the war-related updatesUS-Iran war LIVE: Donald Trump says US hitting Iran very hard(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)US-Iran war LIVE: US President Donald Trump on Sunday (local time) said that the US military is hitting Iran 'very hard' to honour the service members who were killed in Jordan on 17 July. He made these remarks while addressing reporters and said, "We hit them very hard again tonight, and we did that in honor of the, probably three, it's probably three great patriots." The US President's remarks came as the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that it recovered the remains of a military personnel following the "Iranian attack" in Jordan and separately mentioned that an American service member was killed in Iraq.Air raid sirens sound in Bahrain, says interior ministryBahrain's interior ministry on Monday (local time) said that air raid sirens were sounded in the country, as the United States and Iran traded new strikes. In a statement on X, the interior ministry said, "The siren has been sounded," and added that citizens and residents were advised to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place. The US Embassy in the capital Manama said it "has information to suggest that Iran may seek to target unspecified locations in central Manama". Bahrain, which hosts the US Fifth Fleet, has been targeted by Iran in recent days. Kuwait and Bahrain, which host US military installations, have borne the brunt of attacks by Iran on its Gulf neighbours since hostilities resumed this month despite a ceasefire and memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran.US launches more airstrikes against IranEarly Monday, the US announced more airstrikes targeting Iran after announcing the death of another American service member, while Iran fired missiles toward Jordan that risked widening the conflict into neighboring Israel. The two sides have slowly inched closer to all-out war after the interim deal meant to permanently end the conflict has collapsed, while shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has largely stalled. Both sides have targeted civilian infrastructure relied on by millions of people.Earlier, the US military said its strikes targeted Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to retaliate for the killing of troops in Jordan. One service member was missing after that attack, and the military's new statement said “unidentified remains” were found Sunday and were being examined. Since the war began, 17 US service members have been killed.UKMTO says another ship caught fire in Hormuz near OmanThe British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) on Monday said that a ship caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz near Oman coastline. The agency issued a warning about the fire, but noted that it remains unclear what started the blaze. The development comes as the US military has been encouraging vessels to use a route near Oman to transit the arterial waterway, which is at the center of the negotiations between Washington and Tehran. The Islamic Republic has responded with attacks targeting those vessels, insisting it must have control over the crucial waterway through which a fifth of all oil and natural gas traded once passed in peacetime.Key Events20 Jul 2026, 06:51 AM IST20 Jul 2026, 06:51 AM ISTFollow updates here:20 Jul 2026, 06:51:15 AM ISTUS-Iran war LIVE: US launches more strikes in IranEarly Monday, the US announced more airstrikes targeting Iran after announcing the death of another American service member, while Iran fired missiles toward Jordan that risked widening the conflict into neighboring Israel. The two sides have slowly inched closer to all-out war after the interim deal meant to permanently end the c
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has sparked a surge in activity across prediction markets, helping Kalshi attract millions of new users while generating record trading volumes tied to the tournament's outcome.According to company data cited by CNBC, Kalshi added around 3 million new users during the World Cup, making it one of the platform's biggest growth periods since launch.The excitement surrounding the tournament also drove unprecedented trading activity. More than $1.2 billion has been wagered through Kalshi's prediction contracts on which team would lift the FIFA World Cup trophy, making it the company's largest single prediction market to date. Trading in the contract is scheduled to conclude on Sunday following the final between Spain and Argentina.To capitalize on the global sporting event, Kalshi rolled out an aggressive marketing campaign aimed at expanding brand awareness. Among its biggest initiatives was a partnership with ADI Predictstreet, the tournament's official prediction market sponsor, allowing Kalshi to display co-branded advertisements inside World Cup stadiums.The company also teamed up with OpenAI last week to integrate Kalshi's contract odds into ChatGPT search results related to World Cup matches, giving users real-time prediction market probabilities while following the tournament.Kalshi further strengthened its visibility by collaborating with several high-profile names from the football world. Promotional campaigns featured Croatian midfielder Luka Modric, legendary former Real Madrid manager José Mourinho, and Argentina's national football team. As part of its partnership with Argentina, the company also gained exposure through an Instagram post from football icon Lionel Messi.Speed has been another key component of Kalshi's marketing strategy. CEO Tarek Mansour said one commercial featuring retired football stars playing an exhibition match was conceived, produced and released within just 24 hours before being published on Friday.“Our volumes are where the news is at,” said Mansour. “It’s a lot of the approach for the World Cup. … The most important thing is enable creativity based on what’s happening.”Beyond football personalities, Kalshi also enlisted celebrities from outside the sport. The company released an advertisement featuring actor Timothée Chalamet in June, when he was drawing attention for his appearances at New York Knicks games during the NBA Finals. Another campaign starring Colombian music artist J Balvin debuted earlier this month.Despite the strong momentum, Kalshi's rapid expansion comes as prediction markets face mounting regulatory scrutiny in the United States. Several states argue that sports-event prediction contracts function similarly to sports betting, an area traditionally regulated by state authorities.Kalshi, however, maintains that prediction markets fall under the jurisdiction of the federal Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which oversees derivatives and swap markets. The company supports the federal government's view that the CFTC has exclusive authority to regulate such contracts.Mansour dismissed criticism from state regulators, arguing that opposition largely comes from established gambling operators concerned about increased competition from prediction market platforms.The company's next challenge will be converting the influx of World Cup users into long-term participants. Trading volumes have already been noticeably lower on days without tournament matches compared with game days.Still, Mansour remains optimistic, saying the pattern has repeated itself during previous major events. While activity typically cools once a headline event concludes, new catalysts eventually emerge to drive trading volumes higher again, helping the platform sustain long-term growth.“You have to believe there’s not going to be any news after Sunday,” he said. “Maybe, … but the more probable thing is that there’s going to be like a bunch of things going on in the world, and K
"I have fun like a child in the street. When the day comes when I'm not enjoying it, I will leave football." - Lionel MessiLionel Messi did not say this to be charming. He said it because it is the truest thing he knows about himself. It is the one condition he has always placed on his own continuation.He has not anchored it to trophies, contracts, or records. He has anchored it to joy, the simplest and most uncorruptible measure there is. And today, on the eve of a World Cup final against Spain, that line carries more weight than it ever has before.What It MeansThe quote draws its power from its central image. Messi does not describe himself as a professional or an athlete. He describes himself as a child in the street. He is pointing directly at the original relationship with football. It’s the one that exists before coaches, before tactics, before scouts, before pressure, before the entire apparatus of professional sport arrives and begins to reshape why you play.Most elite athletes lose that original relationship somewhere along the way. The sport becomes a job, then an obligation, then a burden carried by someone too invested to put it down. Messi says that the day his relationship with football becomes a burden is the day he stops. The child in the street plays because the playing itself is the point. There is no audience, no contract, and no reward beyond the joy of what the ball makes possible.The quote is also a statement about what drives genuine excellence at the highest level. Messi has not sustained his level across more than two decades through discipline alone. Discipline gets you to training on time. It does not produce the improvisation, the instinct, or the spontaneous genius that has defined his career.Those qualities come from somewhere else entirely. They come from the place where the child still lives. It’s the place that finds the game genuinely and unreservedly fun. When that place goes dark, Messi says, everything else goes with it.There is something else in the quote that is easy to miss on first reading. It is not a passive observation. It is a commitment. He is not simply saying that he will leave when football stops being fun. He says he will recognise that moment honestly and act on it without delay. That requires a specific kind of self-knowledge and courage that very few athletes at the top of any sport have ever demonstrated with such clarity.Where It Comes FromLionel Andres Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. He was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency at age ten. FC Barcelona agreed to fund his treatment on the condition that his family relocate to Spain. They relocated, and what followed became the most decorated individual career in the history of football.Messi has won eight Ballon d'Or awards, four Champions League titles, and ten La Liga titles. He won the Copa América with Argentina in 2021. And then, on December 18, 2022, in Lusail, Qatar, the one trophy that had always been missing finally arrived.Argentina beat France in a final that most who watched it consider the greatest in the tournament's history. Messi scored twice and was named Player of the Tournament. He was thirty-five years old.He joined Inter Miami in 2023, a decision widely interpreted as the beginning of a graceful exit from the highest stage. And then the 2026 World Cup arrived. Messi showed the world once more that the child in the street had not gone anywhere. Argentina navigated through the tournament with their captain producing moments that defied both logic and age. Tonight, in the final, he faces Spain. He is 39 years old.The speculation is everywhere today. Is this the last time? Is this the final image: Messi on a World Cup final stage, one more time, with everything at stake? Nobody knows for certain, and perhaps Messi himself has not yet decided.But the quote suggests he already knows one thing with complete clarity. He will know when it is time. And when that moment arrives, he wi
Tom Brady interviewed Messi about a viral photo with Lamine Yamal, taken when Yamal was a baby. Messi praised the 19-year-old, highlighting their upcoming World Cup final. ‘Life works in strange ways’: Lionel Messi on viral photo with Lamine Yamal ahead of Spain vs Argentina World Cup final AP/PTI((AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)Sports journalist Tom Brady asked Lionel Messi about a photo that has gone viral during the FIFA World Cup 2026. It shows Messi and Lamine Yamal together when the Spanish footballer was a baby.Both now face each other in the World Cup final. The baby whom Leo faced 19 years ago will be his rival at the New York New Jersey Stadium tomorrow.Messi said he had followed Yamal closely due to Barcelona connections. He always wants the best for his beloved former club.Quick answers to key questions•5 QUESTIONSThe viral photo captures a moment from 2007 when Messi, then 20, helped bathe 5-month-old Yamal during a UNICEF event. It highlights the coincidental reunion as they face each other in the World Cup final 19 years later.Messi was 20 years old when the photo was taken in 2007, and he is currently 39. Yamal, now 19, will be playing against Messi on July 19, making the connection between them notable and coincidental.Messi praised Yamal as one of the world's top players at just 19, expressing that he has a great opportunity to achieve historic success in football.Messi indicated that his well-wishes for Yamal are tied to his love for Barcelona, as Yamal's success would also benefit the club Messi is deeply connected to.Lamine Yamal became UNICEF's newest Goodwill Ambassador this year, advocating for children's rights, following Messi, who has supported UNICEF since 2004 and became a Goodwill Ambassador in 2010.“That photo is just unbelievable because, well, life works in strange ways. I took a picture with him when he was a baby, and now we’re both about to face each other in a World Cup. It’s crazy, really. As I said, it’s unbelievable,” Messi said.Messi praised Yamal as already one of the world's top players. At just 19, Yamal has his entire career ahead. He has a genuine chance to achieve something historic.“He has a great opportunity to achieve something historic. We’ll, however, do everything we can to make sure it doesn’t happen this time,” Messi said.The GOAT called the shared photo simply “unbelievable”. Messi wished Lamine Yamal continued success beyond this specific match.“He has a great opportunity to achieve something historic. We’ll, however, do everything we can to make sure it doesn’t happen this time,” Messi said about Yamal.“Right now, he’s undoubtedly one of the best players in the world. I wish him tremendous success because what’s good for him is also good for Barcelona,” Messi added.Social media reacted to Messi’s comments ahead of the Spain vs Argentina final.“As a Barcelona fan, this is a win-win situation for me,” wrote one fan.Many others acknowledged the “crazy coincidence”.One fan wrote, “That’s the real GOAT talking. Can’t understand, but I’ll just listen.”“He said he wished Lamine the best because his well-being will also be FC Barcelona’s well-being.. this man loves Barca wholeheartedly,” came from another fan.Messi and Yamal: Viral PhotographIn 2007, Lionel Messi was already one of football's brightest young stars. Lamine Yamal, meanwhile, was just a 5-month-old baby. The pair posed together for an FC Barcelona and UNICEF photo shoot.View full Image20-year-old soccer star Lionel Messi helps to bathe Lamine Yamal, who was merely six months old at the time, during a photo session in Sept. 2007 in the dressing room of the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain. (AP/PTI)(AP07_17_2026_000020B)(AP)Messi helped bathe baby Yamal in a small blue tub. A photographer noted that Yamal had stolen Messi's heart through constant smiling. Yamal's family had won a raffle for this photo opportunity. The image appeared on the January 2008 page of the calendar.Messi has supported UNICEF since 2004and b
Balaji Gururajan, a senior engineering leader at Meta, has moved back to Bengaluru after spending nearly two decades in the US. In a LinkedIn post, he said the decision was driven by a desire to be closer to his ageing parents and spend more time with family.Senior Meta executive leaves US after 18 years(LinkedIn/Balaji Gururajan)A senior Meta executive has returned to India after spending nearly two decades in the United States, saying the decision was motivated by family rather than career. In a LinkedIn post shared two days ago, Balaji Gururajan said he and his family relocated to Bengaluru to be closer to his aging parents and to ensure their children grew up around extended family.“A month ago, my family and I packed up 18 years in the US and moved to Bangalore — closer to aging parents, growing kids, and a stretch of family life we didn't want to keep watching from a distance,” he wrote.The post has resonated with many professionals online, especially those navigating careers abroad while balancing family commitments back home.'The Bay Gave Me My Career'A 2003 graduate of the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Balaji Gururajan began his professional journey with Wipro in Bengaluru before moving to the United States in 2007.Over the next 18 years, he built his career at some of the world's biggest technology companies, including Microsoft and LinkedIn, before joining Meta in 2022. He currently serves as an Engineering Leader for Meta Ads Core.Reflecting on his years in the US, Gururajan acknowledged the role Silicon Valley played in shaping both his career and outlook.“It still doesn't feel entirely real. The Bay gave me my career, my closest friendships, and a way of thinking about technology and leadership I will carry for the rest of my working life,” he said.He also thanked the people who supported him throughout his journey.“To everyone who took a chance on me, taught me something I needed to hear, or simply made the hard years easier — Thank You!! I mean that more than a LinkedIn post can really carry.”Starting Over In BengaluruAlongside his post, Gururajan shared a photograph of an airport trolley stacked with suitcases, offering a glimpse into his family's relocation.He described the emotional and practical realities of settling back into Bengaluru after nearly two decades away. The move, he said, has involved enrolling his children in school, setting up a new home and adjusting to life in a city he last knew as a much younger person.“Settling in has been its own kind of project — school, home, the everyday logistics of starting over in a city I last knew as a much younger person. It's been humbling and, more often than not, genuinely good,” he wrote.In the same post, Gururajan revealed that he had used AI tool Claude to build "an app called Bhavitta, for people navigating exactly this kind of cross-border financial life — planning a retirement or a return that spans two countries, two currencies, two tax systems."He concluded the post by expressing gratitude for the experiences, opportunities and relationships that have shaped his journey over the years.About the AuthorAnjali ThakurAnjali Thakur is a Senior Assistant Editor with Mint, reporting on trending news, entertainment and health, with a focus on stories driving digital conversations. Her work involves spotting early signals across news cycles and social media, sharpening stories for SEO and Google Discover, and mentoring young editors in digital-first newsroom practices. She is known for turning fast-moving developments—whether news-driven or culture-led—into clear, tightly edited journalism without compromising editorial rigour. Before joining Mint, she was Deputy News Editor at NDTV.com, where she led the Trending section and covered viral news, breaking developments and human-interest stories. She has also worked as Chief Sub-Editor at India.com (Zee Media) and as Senior Correspondent with Exchange4media and Hindustan Times’ HT City, repo
Violent riots erupted across several French cities after France's shock defeat. Spain beat France 2-0 in the World Cup semi-final last night.Angered and devastated fans clashed with police immediately afterwards. Widespread public disturbances followed, including vehicle damage and property destruction.“Police should be allowed to use lethal force. Otherwise, these idiots will riot over everything,” wrote a social media user.Quick answers to key questions•5 QUESTIONSThe riots were triggered by fan anger and devastation following France's 2-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup semi-final, leading to clashes with police and widespread public disturbances.Social media users mocked the protests and rioting, questioning the sensibility of fans who seem to riot whether France wins or loses, reflecting on the emotional investment in football.Spain's victory was secured through a penalty converted by Mikel Oyarzabal and a second goal by Pedro Porro, demonstrating tactical superiority and effective game management.Given the recurring nature of football-related unrest, as highlighted by the recent riots, many believe that stricter measures and better crowd management are necessary to maintain public order.Underlying factors include high youth unemployment, societal frustration, and heavy-handed policing, which has escalated tensions during large public gatherings.“Looks like the French just discovered a new sport: protest football. Hope they bring the same flair to the streets as they do on the pitch,” came a sarcastic comment.“France lost to Spain, 2-0. So the French riot, naturally. Does it seem that fans riot when they win, and they riot when they lose? Does this make sense to you?” wondered one user. One user quipped, “The France team can still reach the Final if they rename the Paris airport to FIFA Final.”“Any government that continues to witness scenes like this and still holds the opinion that these people actually contribute positively to our societies has absolutely lost the plot,” came from another.This incident forms part of a wider pattern nationwide. Football-related unrest has repeatedly struck France in recent months.LiveMint could not independently verify the authenticity of the viral videos depicting the alleged riots.In May 2026, Paris Saint-Germain won the Champions League final. This victory sparked massive "celebration riots" across 75 French cities.Rioters vandalised property, torched cars and looted stores extensively. Over 890 people were reportedly arrested nationwide during those disturbances.During the PSG riots, 219 people were injured, according to the BBC. Eight remained in serious condition, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said.Thousands of police officers were deployed to control the unrest. Fifty-seven officers were injured amid disrupted transport services in Paris.Nunez confirmed 780 arrests, with over 450 people remaining in custody. One person died in an accident on Paris's ring road."We are a great country for maintaining public order. We allow freedom of assembly, but not excesses," he said.Despite this, PSG's victory parade proceeded peacefully around the Eiffel Tower. Players later met French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace.France's quarterfinal win over Morocco also sparked violence. That match caused damage to bus stops and vehicle fires.Authorities and researchers point to several underlying societal factors. The French Interior Ministry blames volatile groups exploiting large gatherings.Heavy-handed policing, including tear gas, often escalates existing tensions further. Deep socio-economic frustration also fuels these recurring outbreaks of violence. High youth unemployment and social marginalisation remain persistent underlying issues.France vs Spain: What Happened?Spain defeated France 2-0 in the World Cup semi-final. This secured their place in Spain's second-ever World Cup final. The last time they reached the final (2010), they lifted the trophy.Lamine Yamal won a penalty in
Football fans in Bengaluru will be able to catch the FIFA World Cup semifinals and final without worrying about last orders. The Karnataka government has allowed hotels and restaurants in the city to serve food until 3:30 am on July 14, 15 and 19 to facilitate late-night screenings.Bengaluru Extends Restaurant Timings Till 3:30 AM For FIFA World Cup Semis, Final(X)Football fans in Bengaluru will be able to enjoy late-night screenings of the FIFA World Cup semifinals and final with food service available well beyond the usual closing hours. The Karnataka government has permitted hotels and restaurants in the city to extend food service timings until 3:30 am on July 14, 15 and 19, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced on Tuesday.The decision came following a request from the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), allowing establishments to continue serving food beyond the usual 1 am cut-off on the specified dates."Following a request from the National Restaurant Association of India, our government has permitted hotels and restaurants in Bengaluru to extend food service timings from 1.00 am to 3.30 am on July 14, 15 and 19 to facilitate late-night match screenings," Shivakumar wrote in a post on X.CM Urges Fans To Celebrate ResponsiblyThe Chief Minister said the relaxation had been granted while ensuring that public safety, law and order, and the convenience of citizens remain the government's top priorities.He also appealed to football fans to enjoy the matches responsibly and cooperate with authorities during the extended operating hours.The move is expected to benefit restaurants, pubs and sports bars across Bengaluru, where football enjoys a strong following and major international tournaments regularly attract large crowds for live screenings.World Cup Reaches Final StagesThe extended operating hours coincide with the closing stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which began on June 11 and is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.The tournament is the first men's FIFA World Cup to feature an expanded 48-team format, with teams from around the world competing over more than a month.Following the group stage and knockout rounds, the competition has now reached the semifinals, scheduled for July 14 and 15, while the final will be played on July 19.Late-Night Screenings Draw Football FansDespite kick-off times falling late at night or in the early hours because of the time difference with the host nations, the tournament has attracted significant viewership in India.Football fans across major cities have been gathering at restaurants, pubs and sports bars for live screenings, particularly during the knockout stage. The growing demand for such screenings prompted hospitality establishments in Bengaluru to seek extended operating hours for the semifinals and final.The Karnataka government's decision is expected to allow fans to watch the closing matches of the tournament without interruptions while giving the city's hospitality industry an opportunity to cater to larger late-night crowds.Reacting to the news, a user wrote, “Blore is the best place to have a very good social life. Used to have these in Chennai 5 years back.. The match screening culture in Chennai is vastly reduced after some police raids.”Another user wrote, “Best news i came across today, thanks sarrrr.”"Bengaluru is all about Night life and Party animal culture. Letting that bling stay, is good and appreciated.Work Smart during the day, party hard like an animal during the night," the third user wrote.About the AuthorAnjali ThakurAnjali Thakur is a Senior Assistant Editor with Mint, reporting on trending news, entertainment and health, with a focus on stories driving digital conversations. Her work involves spotting early signals across news cycles and social media, sharpening stories for SEO and Google Discover, and mentoring young editors in digital-first newsroom practices. She is known for turning fast-moving developments—wheth
Discussion (0)