19072026-LSTL-01.qxd 7/18/2026 7:49 PM Page 1 c m y b EMBRACING LOOSE SKIN & ALL Mandy Moore has shared a candid glimpse of her postpartum body, embracing the physical changes that followed the birth of her three children. “After three kids in 3 1/2 years, this is what my body is.... Loose skin and all,” Moore wrote in a post. TRIBUNE ‘Ink’ goes to Venice Life Danny Boyle’s upcoming drama Ink, based on media mogul Rupert Murdoch’s rise to power, will open the 2026 Venice Film Festival with its world premiere on September 2. LUDHIANA | SUNDAY | 19 JULY 2026 Viral moments, fan frenzies and lasting memories — here’s a look back at the unforgettable moments that defined FIFA World Cup 2026 Beyond fouls & free kicks # 3 Football’s Viking sage Mona F LIONEL MESSI & LAMINE YAMAL A STAR-STUDDED SELFIE IFA World Cup 2026… the world’s biggest sporting spectacle began as a tournament of dreams—of underdogs daring to dream big, of legends chasing one last moment of glory and of nations hoping to etch their names into football history. But as the weeks unfolded, those dreams transformed into a rollercoaster of emotions: stunning upsets, surprise winners and breathtaking comebacks. What followed was a World Cup that lived far beyond the 90 minutes—fan frenzies that swept across continents, viral moments that took over social media, celebrations that became cultural phenomena and heartbreaks that brought tears to millions. As footballing giants Spain and Argentina prepare to battle for football’s ultimate crown, here’s a look back at the unforgettable moments that defined this tournament. # 1 GOAT & the mini GOAT: Photo that started a million theories A photograph from a 2007 charity calendar suddenly became one of football’s most talked-about images nearly two decades later. A 20-year-old Lionel Messi, then a rising Barcelona star, was photographed bathing a baby as part of a charity project organised by FC Barcelona, Diario Sport and UNICEF That baby? None other than . Lamine Yamal, Spain’s teenage sensation and Messi’s successor as one of football’s brightest stars. Now as the two eventually find themselves on opposite sides of the World Cup final, the Internet went into overdrive. Fans joked that football’s script had been written years ago, while conspiracy theories exploded online—some even questioning whether FIFA had been orchestrating storylines for decades. If one player showed up in everyone’s feed, it’s Erling Haaland, even Diljit Dosanjh’s... The gentle giant ignited interest not just for his prowess on the field but every single thing – what he eats to how he sleeps. Our takeaway, “You also need to enjoy the moment... As we play in the World Cup we just have to enjoy it because nothing lasts forever, and we have to just enjoy while we’re here,” spoke the Viking sage, and we pay heed! Did you know, he’s making a Hollywood debut coming Christmas, voicing a Viking in Harald Zwart’s (The Karate Kid) Viking ViQueens! TEAM CAPE VERDE LIONEL MESSI & HARRY KANE # 4 The red card storm FIFA referees have always been under the scrutiny but at the 2026 World Cup, the controversy wasn’t just about a decision being made—it was about one being reversed. The biggest storm came when the US, one of the host nations, had a red card rescinded just before their quarter-final clash against Belgium. The decision triggered a wave of reactions, especially after US President Donald Trump claimed he had spoken with FIFA president Gianni Infantino about the matter. Belgium’s players responded with their own statement. Their post-match celebration, seen by many as a playful dig at Donald Trump’s unique dance moves, quickly became one of the tournament’s most talked-about moments. #5 England’s singing army No World Cup is complete without its soundtrack, and England fans ensured FIFA 2026 had one of its loudest. From the stands to the streets, the travelling supporters turned every venue into a sea of songs, with familiar favourites like Three Lions (It’s Coming Home), Wonderwall and Hey Jude. #6 FIFA of farewells #2 The Ro heard around the world DAI DAI, IKO As anticipation builds for the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Shakira and Burna Boy have offered fans a behind-the-scenes look at their final rehearsal sessions for what will be FIFA’s first-ever Super Bowl-style halftime show. The international artistes reunited on the pitch this week to fine-tune their performance before Sunday’s showpiece event. If there is one takeaway from FIFA 2026, it’s got to be Norway fans’ infectious “Ro”. The unique Viking-inspired rowing chant spilled out of stadiums into the Norwegian Parliament, city streets and even the luggage belt at airport, with everyone wanting to be part of the phenomenon. The bittersweet moment came when the team returned home to a heroes’ welcome hosted by King Harald V while , Crown Prince Haakon joined thousands of fans outside the Royal Palace in leading the iconic “Ro” chant. FIFA of farewells… This World Cup wasn’t just about goals and glory—it marked the end of an unforgettable generation. Fans bid emotional goodbyes to legends including Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr., Luka Modric, Manuel Neuer, Guillermo Ochoa and more. Ronaldo and Neymar’s tearful exits broke hearts. # 7 Celeb spotting so far The FIFA World Cup attracted a host of famous faces. Spanish actor Javier Bardem drew attention for his support for Palestine. Football legend David Beckham attended several matches joined by wife Victoria, while Hollywood actor Timothée Chalamet was seen supporting France. The presence of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, filmmaker Spike Lee and actor Jason Sudeikis highlighted the World Cup’s global appeal beyond football. CRISTIANO RONALDO & ERLING HAALAND JAVIER BARDEM THE “RO” FEVER CATCHES UP c m y b ENTERTAINER ISHOWSPEED ACTOR JASON SUDEIKIS