News for '-fifa'

Neymar suffers minor calf injury but expected to join Brazil camp ahead of World Cup

Neymar suffers minor calf injury but expected to join Brazil camp ahead of World Cup

Rediff.com4 days ago

Neymar has suffered a minor calf injury but is expected to recover in time to join Brazil's camp next week ahead of the World Cup starting on June 11 in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Iran cannot participate in FIFA World Cup, minister says

Iran cannot participate in FIFA World Cup, minister says

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Iran cannot participate in the 2026 World Cup after co-host the US launched airstrikes alongside Israel, Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said on Wednesday.

Iran's football team trains in Turkey ahead of FIFA World Cup warm-ups

Iran's football team trains in Turkey ahead of FIFA World Cup warm-ups

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Iran's national football team is training in Turkey for upcoming friendlies as they prepare for the FIFA World Cup, facing heightened attention due to geopolitical tensions.

Why DR Congo Changed World Cup Plans Due To Ebola Outbreak

Why DR Congo Changed World Cup Plans Due To Ebola Outbreak

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Democratic Republic of Congo's national team has been forced to cancel World Cup buildup events in Kinshasa due to the Ebola virus outbreak and will instead continue preparations in Belgium.

Kosovo Dreams Of FIFA World Cup Spot After Overcoming Sporting Ban

Kosovo Dreams Of FIFA World Cup Spot After Overcoming Sporting Ban

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Kosovo is on the brink of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time, a significant achievement after overcoming a sporting ban during Serbian rule in the 1990s.

Australian-Born Ryan Williams Poised For India Debut After FIFA Clearance

Australian-Born Ryan Williams Poised For India Debut After FIFA Clearance

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Australian-born forward Ryan Williams is set to make his debut for India in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier against Hong Kong after FIFA cleared his change of association.

Middle East travel chaos threatens Iraq's FIFA World Cup hopes

Middle East travel chaos threatens Iraq's FIFA World Cup hopes

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Iraq's participation in the inter-confederation play-offs in Mexico that will decide two berths at this year's FIFA World Cup is in doubt because of the travel chaos triggered by the conflict in neighbouring Iran.

Iran bans teams from hostile nations, FIFA World Cup at risk

Iran bans teams from hostile nations, FIFA World Cup at risk

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Iran has banned national and club sports teams from travelling to countries it considers hostile, citing concerns over the safety of its athletes.

Turkey END 24-year wait to reach FIFA World Cup again

Turkey END 24-year wait to reach FIFA World Cup again

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Turkey has qualified for the 2026 World Cup after a 24-year absence, defeating Kosovo in their playoff final. Kerem Akturkoglu's goal secured the victory, sparking celebrations across Turkey.

Cristiano Ronaldo To Play Sixth World Cup At 41

Cristiano Ronaldo To Play Sixth World Cup At 41

Rediff.com5 days ago

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to participate in his sixth World Cup at the age of 41, as announced by Portugal coach Roberto Martinez.

Iranian football team is welcome to play in FIFA World Cup in US: Donald Trump

Iranian football team is welcome to play in FIFA World Cup in US: Donald Trump

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Wednesday that he met with United States President Donald Trump, who told him he welcomed Iran's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Indian U17 Women One Win Away From World Cup Spot

Indian U17 Women One Win Away From World Cup Spot

Rediff.com10 May 2026

The Indian U17 women's team is set to play China in the quarter-finals of the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup, with a spot in the 2026 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup at stake.

Iran refuses to play FIFA World Cup in US; wants games moved to Mexico

Iran refuses to play FIFA World Cup in US; wants games moved to Mexico

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Iran's football federation is in discussions with FIFA about moving their World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico due to concerns about the safety of their players, Iranian football president Mehdi Taj said.

Espionage scandals: Southampton joins sport's Hall of Shame

Espionage scandals: Southampton joins sport's Hall of Shame

Rediff.com5 days ago

Several sports teams around the world have paid a hefty price for spying on their opponents over the years but the potential financial cost to English soccer club Southampton for their infraction could be the heaviest.

Neymar earns Brazil World Cup recall under Ancelotti

Neymar earns Brazil World Cup recall under Ancelotti

Rediff.com6 days ago

Carlo Ancelotti has recalled Neymar to Brazil's squad for next month's FIFA World Cup, backing the veteran forward's fitness and experience despite his injury-disrupted recent years.

India U-17 Football Team Eye World Cup Spot

India U-17 Football Team Eye World Cup Spot

Rediff.com9 May 2026

India's Under-17 men's team faces Uzbekistan in their final AFC U-17 Asian Cup group match, with a win potentially securing qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

India Finalises Squad For SAFF Women's Championship 2026

India Finalises Squad For SAFF Women's Championship 2026

Rediff.com1 days ago

India has announced its 23-member squad for the SAFF Women's Championship 2026, set to take place in Goa. The team will compete against Maldives and Bangladesh in Group B, with the top two teams advancing to the semi-finals.

'Iran has told us that they are going to FIFA World Cup': Asian Football Confederation

'Iran has told us that they are going to FIFA World Cup': Asian Football Confederation

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The Asian Football Confederation said on Monday it has not received any notification from Iran that it will withdraw its national football team from the FIFA World Cup.

FIFA to lead $75m project to build football ecosystem in Gaza

FIFA to lead $75m project to build football ecosystem in Gaza

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

FIFA and Board of Peace to support Gaza reconstruction through football

Koeman Backs Netherlands To Beat Any Team At World Cup

Koeman Backs Netherlands To Beat Any Team At World Cup

Rediff.com6 days ago

Ronald Koeman says the Netherlands have the quality to beat any team at the World Cup despite not being favourites, while injury concerns linger over Jurrien Timber and Memphis Depay.

War fears cloud Iran's FIFA World Cup trip to the USA

War fears cloud Iran's FIFA World Cup trip to the USA

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Eighteen months of preparation hang in the balance at a Tucson-based multi-use sports facility, where organisers say they remain in daily contact with FIFA about hosting Iran's national soccer team, even as geopolitical turmoil threatens to upend their World Cup plans.

Donald Trump says it is not appropriate for Iran to be in FIFA World Cup

Donald Trump says it is not appropriate for Iran to be in FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday the Iranian men's national soccer team was welcome to participate in the 2026 World Cup but that he believed it was not appropriate that they be there "for their own life and safety."

India U-17 Squad Named For AFC Asian Cup

India U-17 Squad Named For AFC Asian Cup

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Bibiano Fernandes has announced the 23-member Indian squad for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup, set to begin in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on May 5. The team is currently in Doha for friendly matches before heading to Jeddah.

Khalid Jamil announces 28-member preliminary Indian squad for Unity Cup in London

Khalid Jamil announces 28-member preliminary Indian squad for Unity Cup in London

Rediff.com14 May 2026

India's senior men's team head coach, Khalid Jamil, has announced a 28-member preliminary squad for the Unity Cup in London, featuring four goalkeepers and eight forwards.

Shock omission! Maguire dropped from England's World Cup squad

Shock omission! Maguire dropped from England's World Cup squad

Rediff.com3 days ago

Harry Maguire was left shocked after being omitted from England's World Cup squad by Thomas Tuchel, while Phil Foden and Cole Palmer were also reportedly dropped ahead of Friday's announcement.

Young Tigresses' World Cup Dream Ends After China Defeat

Young Tigresses' World Cup Dream Ends After China Defeat

Rediff.com11 May 2026

India's impressive run in the AFC Women's U17 Asian Cup concluded with a 3-0 defeat against China in the quarter-finals, ending their hopes for a historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup.

Mexico legend Ochoa closes in on historic sixth World Cup appearance

Mexico legend Ochoa closes in on historic sixth World Cup appearance

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Guillermo Ochoa said he has entered his final Mexico training camp as the veteran goalkeeper closes in on a historic sixth FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026.

'Visca El Barca!' Messi congratulates La Liga champions FC Barcelona

'Visca El Barca!' Messi congratulates La Liga champions FC Barcelona

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Lionel Messi congratulated FC Barcelona after their 29th La Liga title win over Real Madrid, recalling his legendary trophy-laden legacy with the Catalan giants.

Spain go to World Cup without Real Madrid for first time since 1950

Spain go to World Cup without Real Madrid for first time since 1950

Rediff.com2 hours ago

European champions Spain will travel to next month's World Cup with plenty of Barcelona swagger but no-one from Real Madrid after manager Luis de la Fuente named a 26-man squad on Monday built around eight players from the Catalan club.

SKASports To Develop Regional Sports Ecosystem With Singapore Club

SKASports To Develop Regional Sports Ecosystem With Singapore Club

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Chennai-based SKASports Investments Private Ltd has signed an agreement with a Singapore club to develop a regional sports ecosystem that would tap the large pool of footballers and coaches from India.

'Stop the Game': Irish footballers, celebrities demand Israel boycott

'Stop the Game': Irish footballers, celebrities demand Israel boycott

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Irish footballers, celebrities and campaigners have urged the FAI to boycott UEFA Nations League matches against Israel, citing the Gaza conflict and alleged breaches of FIFA and UEFA statutes.

Will Iran pull out of FIFA World Cup 2026 in US, Canada, Mexico?

Will Iran pull out of FIFA World Cup 2026 in US, Canada, Mexico?

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Iran's participation in this year's World Cup has been called into question after co-hosts the United States launched joint air strikes at the country along with Israel at the weekend.

Drug lord El Mencho's murder: FIFA monitoring World Cup host city

Drug lord El Mencho's murder: FIFA monitoring World Cup host city

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

Guadalajara violence postpones matches, FIFA monitoring World Cup host city

No Foden, Palmer as Tuchel unveils bold England World Cup squad

No Foden, Palmer as Tuchel unveils bold England World Cup squad

Rediff.com3 days ago

England manager Thomas Tuchel made several bold selection calls for the World Cup, leaving out Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Harry Maguire while recalling Ivan Toney and backing a new-look squad built on chemistry and trust.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Receives Signed Lionel Messi Jersey

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Receives Signed Lionel Messi Jersey

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma received a signed Lionel Messi jersey and expressed his excitement on social media.

India's U-17 Women's Team Makes History At Asian Cup

India's U-17 Women's Team Makes History At Asian Cup

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The India U-17 women's team achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the quarterfinals of the AFC Under-17 Women's Asian Cup for the first time, following a dominant 4-0 victory over Lebanon. Pritika Barman scored twice, while Alva Devi Senjam and Joya added to the scoreline, securing India's place in the next round.

Ronaldo judged on form not age, says head coach Martinez as Portugal weigh World Cup role

Ronaldo judged on form not age, says head coach Martinez as Portugal weigh World Cup role

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo is 41, but Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said age is only a number and that his captain is judged on current form and by the same standards as everyone else.

Italy rejects Trump envoy's suggestion to replace Iran at World Cup

Italy rejects Trump envoy's suggestion to replace Iran at World Cup

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Italy rejects a proposal by Trump envoy Paolo Zampolli to replace Iran at the FIFA World Cup 2026, as officials insist qualification must be earned on merit.

AIFF Approves Governance Act, Postpones ISL Commercial Partner Decision

AIFF Approves Governance Act, Postpones ISL Commercial Partner Decision

Rediff.com2 days ago

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has approved the adoption of the National Sports Governance Act but deferred a decision on picking a new commercial partner for the Indian Super League (ISL) during its Special General Body Meeting.

India U17 Women Secure Historic Asian Cup Qualification

India U17 Women Secure Historic Asian Cup Qualification

Rediff.com8 May 2026

India's U17 women's team achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup quarter-finals for the first time, following a dominant 4-0 victory against Lebanon. The team's progress was confirmed after other group results went their way. They will now face China in the quarter-finals.