News for '-fifa'

FIFA World Cup: Seattle's LGBTQ community to turn Egypt-Iran tie into pride statement

FIFA World Cup: Seattle's LGBTQ community to turn Egypt-Iran tie into pride statement

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Seattle's LGBTQ community members say they hope that this Friday's World Cup "Pride Match" between Egypt and Iran, two countries where homosexuality is criminalised, can be an opportunity to change minds.

Messi's Mother: 'Father always used to say...'

Messi's Mother: 'Father always used to say...'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Lionel Messi's mother, Celia, shared an emotional statement reflecting on the deep connection her late husband, Jorge Messi, shared with their son's footballing journey, noting the bittersweet timing of Messi's international retirement just weeks after his father's passing.

Infantino Eyes Fourth Term as FIFA President

Infantino Eyes Fourth Term as FIFA President

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Gianni Infantino confirms he will seek a fourth term as FIFA president, with elections set for 2027 amid ongoing expansion reforms and criticism.

FIFA World Cup 2026: France's fearsome attack enters debate over greatest forward line

FIFA World Cup 2026: France's fearsome attack enters debate over greatest forward line

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

France's march into the World Cup last 16 has been built on an attacking force so relentless that comparisons with some of the greatest forward lines in football history are no longer sounding premature.

FIFA World Cup: 'No more business as usual': Germany vow changes

FIFA World Cup: 'No more business as usual': Germany vow changes

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Germany's national football team has been eliminated from the World Cup in the round of 32, marking their third consecutive early exit from the tournament. The German Football Association (DFB) has announced that changes will be made, with DFB President Bernd Neuendorf stating they will examine the reasons for the team's underperformance. The future of coach Julian Nagelsmann, who wishes to stay, is now uncertain.

Indian Super League season delayed, AIFF clarifies financial allegations

Indian Super League season delayed, AIFF clarifies financial allegations

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season has been postponed to after October 6 due to the FIFA international match window, and will proceed with 13 teams after Diamond Harbour FC failed to meet payment deadlines. Concurrently, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has condemned "unverified claims" regarding its finances and the decision to withdraw from the FIFA ASEAN Cup, asserting that the prioritisation of a friendly match against Brazil was a strategic move for Indian football.

Undav double powers Germany into FIFA World Cup knockouts

Undav double powers Germany into FIFA World Cup knockouts

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Germany secured a spot in the World Cup knockout stage after a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against Ivory Coast.

FIFA World Cup: Spain's perfect defence faces France's biggest test

FIFA World Cup: Spain's perfect defence faces France's biggest test

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

France's defender Ibrahima Konate states the team is not afraid of Spain ahead of their World Cup semi-final, despite acknowledging Spain's exceptional quality and formidable defence. Having lost to Spain in previous tournaments, France is preparing thoroughly, focusing on containing individual talents like Lamine Yamal while aiming for their fifth World Cup final appearance.

FIFA Congress overshadowed by protests outside venue

FIFA Congress overshadowed by protests outside venue

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Protests on multiple fronts disrupted the atmosphere outside the FIFA Congress in Vancouver on Thursday, as demonstrators raised sharply different concerns over global politics and local issues.

India Vs Panama Football Friendly Date Changed Due To Marathon

India Vs Panama Football Friendly Date Changed Due To Marathon

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

India's international football friendly against Panama in Bengaluru has been advanced by a day to September 25 due to the Bengaluru Marathon. The match at Sree Kanteerava Stadium will be a significant test for the Blue Tigers against a 2026 World Cup participant, preceding other high-profile friendlies against Brazil and Uruguay.

FIFA World Cup: Mbappe Magic As France Sink Senegal

FIFA World Cup: Mbappe Magic As France Sink Senegal

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Kylian Mbappe became France's all-time leading scorer with a double to power his team to victory against Senegal on Tuesday.

Protesters in US call on FIFA to kick Iran out of World Cup

Protesters in US call on FIFA to kick Iran out of World Cup

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Instead of pride, many Iranian-Americans feel shame about the Iran team's participation in the World Cup and are demanding that FIFA boots the country out of the competition, protesters said in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

FIFA World Cup: Raul Jimenez Writes His Story in Tears

FIFA World Cup: Raul Jimenez Writes His Story in Tears

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

>Mexican star Raul Jimenez delivered a powerful and emotional performance in the 2026 World Cup opener, scoring a crucial goal against South Africa.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ancelotti's grit drives Brazil's comeback win over Japan

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ancelotti's grit drives Brazil's comeback win over Japan

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Carlo Ancelotti has spent weeks warning that grit and resilience would decide a long, complicated World Cup. On this evidence, Brazil have been listening -- even if, for much of the match against Japan, they seemed determined to test the theory to destruction.

FIFA World Cup: Confident DR Congo have a message for Cristiano Ronaldo

FIFA World Cup: Confident DR Congo have a message for Cristiano Ronaldo

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Democratic of Republic Congo's supporters are confident their side can shine at the World Cup and have a message for Cristiano Ronaldo.

FIFA World Cup: Gun Gesture Celebration Sparks Controversy

FIFA World Cup: Gun Gesture Celebration Sparks Controversy

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Iranian footballer Mohammad Mohebi's goal celebration during a World Cup match against New Zealand sparked controversy after some interpreted his hand gesture as a 'gun signal'. Mohebi denied any political intent, stating it was a spontaneous reaction.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Mbappe, Messi lead the charts as race for Golden Boot heats up

FIFA World Cup 2026: Mbappe, Messi lead the charts as race for Golden Boot heats up

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

While Mbappe and Messi currently lead the charts, Haaland, Kane, Dembele, and Vinicius Junior are all within striking distance, setting up an intense battle for the tournament's top scorer award in the matches ahead.

FIFA World Cup: Did Norway fans wake the King? Celebration goes viral

FIFA World Cup: Did Norway fans wake the King? Celebration goes viral

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Norway's men's national football team secured a thrilling 3-2 victory against Senegal, qualifying for the World Cup knockout stages. This achievement sparked wild overnight celebrations across the country, with fans even marching to the Royal Palace in Oslo to share their joy.

FIFA WC FINAL: Singer Post Malone, Robbie Williams headline closing ceremony

FIFA WC FINAL: Singer Post Malone, Robbie Williams headline closing ceremony

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is set to kick off in New Jersey, with fans flocking to the stadium despite high ticket prices and enhanced security measures, as both teams vie for the coveted title.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain's Laporte stays calm ahead of high-stakes Uruguay clash

FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain's Laporte stays calm ahead of high-stakes Uruguay clash

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Spain have gone 33 matches unbeaten and faced opponents of every kind along the way, which is why defender Aymeric Laporte is not losing sleep over what Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay might bring to their World Cup Group H clash.

Can Senegal pull off a miracle FIFA World Cup escape?

Can Senegal pull off a miracle FIFA World Cup escape?

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Senegal's coach Pape Bouna Thiaw insists his team's World Cup hopes are not over despite two consecutive defeats to France and Norway. The team needs to beat Iraq in their final group game to have a chance at qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Debutants Cape Verde celebrate maiden point like champions

FIFA World Cup 2026: Debutants Cape Verde celebrate maiden point like champions

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

When the final whistle blew, players embraced, danced and celebrated on the pitch as if they had won the match. Their joy was understandable. Against one of football's traditional giants and the world's second-ranked team, Cape Verde had achieved something few thought possible.

Germany star ruled out of FIFA World Cup after injury blow

Germany star ruled out of FIFA World Cup after injury blow

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

German central defender Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup and will be sidelined for several months due to an ankle ligament injury sustained during their Group E victory over Ivory Coast. Despite the setback, coach Julian Nagelsmann remains confident in the team's central defence options.

Kylian Mbappe leaves Nike, signs with Swiss sportswear On

Kylian Mbappe leaves Nike, signs with Swiss sportswear On

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

French football superstar Kylian Mbappe has ended his long-standing partnership with Nike to join the rapidly expanding Swiss sportswear brand On, a move that provides On with a high-profile figure for its entry into football and marks another significant defection for the US giant.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Haaland goals vs Iraq send shockwaves through Norwegian city

FIFA World Cup 2026: Haaland goals vs Iraq send shockwaves through Norwegian city

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Erling Haaland's first-half double for Norway in Tuesday's 4-1 World Cup win over Iraq literally shook the Nordic country, with seismology institute NORSAR registering earth tremors in the coastal city of Bergen when he scored on his tournament debut.

FIFA WC 2026, Round of 32: Favourites Belgium not taking Senegal lightly

FIFA WC 2026, Round of 32: Favourites Belgium not taking Senegal lightly

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Belgium have their full squad available for the Round of 32 match against Senegal but are not taking Senegal for granted, said coach Rudy Garcia.

Zee Entertainment in talks to stream 2026 FIFA World Cup in India

Zee Entertainment in talks to stream 2026 FIFA World Cup in India

Rediff.com27 May 2026

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just weeks away, uncertainty over India's broadcast rights continues amid legal intervention and concerns over free-to-air access for football fans.

Afghan women footballers get FIFA boost after exile

Afghan women footballers get FIFA boost after exile

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

FIFA has approved a rule change allowing Afghan women footballers, many exiled since the Taliban's return, to play official international matches in FIFA competitions.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Beccacece completes dramatic redemption as Ecuador reach last 32

FIFA World Cup 2026: Beccacece completes dramatic redemption as Ecuador reach last 32

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Ecuador's World Cup nightmare turned into a dream, as La Tri's once seemingly doomed campaign was resurrected against Germany in a remarkable conclusion to Group E on Thursday.

These FIFA World Cup Conchas Are Taking Over Social Media

These FIFA World Cup Conchas Are Taking Over Social Media

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

With customers queued up and spilling onto the sidewalk at Cookieteria by Lovely, eager to grab fresh World Cup-themed conchas, baker Erika Lopez is worried about letting some down.

FIFA World Cup: 'We were second best': France coach's honest verdict

FIFA World Cup: 'We were second best': France coach's honest verdict

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

France coach Didier Deschamps conceded his side were 'outclassed' by Spain in their 2-0 World Cup semi-final defeat, highlighting technical, tactical, and physical shortcomings that ended their quest for a third title.

Brazil's Defence A Major Worry Ahead Of FIFA World Cup Opener

Brazil's Defence A Major Worry Ahead Of FIFA World Cup Opener

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Brazil is facing significant defensive challenges, particularly at right-back, ahead of their World Cup opener against Morocco.

FIFA World Cup: France's firepower puts Sweden in the firing line

FIFA World Cup: France's firepower puts Sweden in the firing line

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

France's formidable attack has propelled them through the World Cup group stage, but coach Didier Deschamps is focused on resolving issues on the team's left side before their Round of 32 match against Sweden.

Vini Jr, Raphinha among Brazil's stars coming to India

Vini Jr, Raphinha among Brazil's stars coming to India

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Brazil has announced a 26-member squad, featuring stars like Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and Marquinhos, for their historic first-ever football match against India on October 3 in Kolkata. Coach Carlo Ancelotti is overseeing a significant rebuild, integrating young talent with experienced players, with an eye on future tournaments like the 2028 Olympics and 2030 World Cup. The squad includes several debutants and a focus on current form, marking a new strategic direction for the Selecao.

FIFA World Cup: Ronaldo Frustrated As DR Congo Hold Portugal To Draw

FIFA World Cup: Ronaldo Frustrated As DR Congo Hold Portugal To Draw

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Portugal and their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo were left frustrated after being held to a 1-1 draw by Group K rivals Democratic Republic of Congo in their World Cup clash in a sodden Houston.

FIFA Confident Of Iran's World Cup Participation After 'Positive Meeting'

FIFA Confident Of Iran's World Cup Participation After 'Positive Meeting'

Rediff.com17 May 2026

FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom expressed confidence in Iran's participation in the upcoming World Cup after a meeting with Iran's FA President Mehdi Taj, despite concerns over visa issues and political tensions.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil eye payback as Japan stand in knockout path

FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil eye payback as Japan stand in knockout path

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Brazil's World Cup Round of 32 meeting with Japan on Monday comes with the chance for revenge for Carlo Ancelotti's squad and a test of how far he has taken his team since a Tokyo collapse early in his tenure.

FIFA World Cup: US Says Iran Travel Restrictions Stay In Place

FIFA World Cup: US Says Iran Travel Restrictions Stay In Place

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, confirmed that the US will continue to assess Iran's travel arrangements for the tournament despite their complaints about restrictions.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ivory Coast's Pepe rewrites his story with stunning return

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ivory Coast's Pepe rewrites his story with stunning return

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Nicolas Pepe justified his World Cup selection with two goals on Thursday, coming out of the cold to restore his reputation as a key striker for the Ivory Coast.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi gets emotional, credits team for helping him through tough times

FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi gets emotional, credits team for helping him through tough times

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

An emotional Lionel Messi was wiping his tears with his shirt after scoring Argentina's first goal against Algeria in the World Cup, a strike that marked the beginning of a memorable performance where he netted thrice to secure a 3-0 win.